10 Reasons Why LIVING ABROAD is BETTER (than staying in the United States)
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- čas přidán 26. 07. 2023
- The United States frustrates us. In fact, it frustrated us SO MUCH back in 2017 that we LEFT! Now, after living abroad for 6 years, our only regret is not leaving sooner!
The idea for this video was sparked by some criticism we received about us "bashing the U.S. all the time." The argument was that we only moved abroad because it was cheaper and "cheaper is never better."
So in this video, we share 10 reasons why living abroad IS JUST BETTER than staying in the United States, and only one of the reasons is the dramatically lower cost of living.
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What place you recomend to check out beside cuanca,please?
It's all about the money just like everything else.
In the USA the health care is not about care - it’s about profits
Ain't that the truth.
Medi does not care
I dropped Medi do not care decades ago.
Healthcare is rotten in the USA for many reasons.
So very true. Scannings and X-rays seems to be done whether needed or not just to run up billable items.
You are not “bashing” the U.S., you are telling the truth and accepting the reality about the many negative changes in the U.S. As we know, the truth can be offensive to those who do not recognize it or accept it.
Yes, the truth can be very offensive to the US mainstram media. To avoid the truth, they don't report it!
Well said, and totally agree.
@@MalibuMerle I live in Mexico. Yes, it is an adventure and I embrace that adventure everyday. Many well wishes on your journey back to California.
You’re telling it like it is, you guys are very fair and honest.
1. An Ecuadorean mayor has been shot dead and a bystander killed in an attack while he toured his city. Weeks earlier, the mayoral candidate in Salinas, another coastal town, had also been shot dead.
2. Ecuador police find dozens of bodies during jail sweep
Recent headlines from Ecuador.
I moved to Portugal from Northern California, and am astounded at what a difference it has made for me. I have dual citizenship with Denmark and have spent a lot of time in Europe over the years, but moving back full time, it has really hit home how stressful the U.S. has become. When I talk to friends in the U.S. on the phone they are talking so fast and you can hear that they are not even breathing normally. It has been quite shocking. And, everyone is talking about how long they have to work to retire, which for many is so long that I wonder if they will be so sick and worn down that they won't have time to enjoy it. I am 56 and am so glad I made the change now. I encourage anyone who is at the end of their rope to look into options abroad.
Thanks for sharing your perspective! 😊👍
We moved to Portugal from N. California too. We love it here and have few if any complaints.
Yes is very bad country to live. The American dream is the American nightmare
How could anyone live in the US when you could live in Denmark?
One reason is to stay and try to fix these problems. As Americans we have an obligation to make things better in our own country. @@thomasbarchen
Healthcare in this country is a joke. The healthcare exchange is a joke. Most people can't afford any insurance. Before I retired, my son and I were on a policy and it was over $700 a month. That's insane. You pay exorbitant prices for the insurance, but because you pay such high prices for ins., you can never afford to go to a doctor! What if they find something wrong with you? You cannot afford to ever be sick in the U.S. Only wealthy people can get sick.
I could not wait to turn 65 and get on Medicare. How pathetic is that?
Even Congress members don't brag about the United States having the best healthcare system in the world anymore like they used to do. Bernie exposed that lie. He ripped that bandaid right off.
I can't wait to get out of here.
Medicare is Not all that! I do not like being on it from my personal experiences!
I agree with every word you said.
@@charhall7702 You also have to pay monthly premiums for Medicare or you will get kicked off. People also need supplemental insurance in addition to the basic Medicare.
@@charhall7702 I've never used my Medicare (I'm 68), but my significant other did and we never received bills for any doctor visits or hospital visits. Only small copays for medicines.. $2.00. And he was in home hospice care with bone cancer. I wasn't charged a penny for any of that cancer care. Having cancer on private insurance would have bankrupted us.
My supplemental insurance is only $75.00. My drug plan is only $28.00 (I take no medications). Part B and the Part D drug plan is deducted from my SS, so I'm not missing what I don't see. $269 a month is a lot less than what we were paying on private insurance... And you go to any doctor and any hospital. I'm on Traditional Medicare, NOT Medicare Advantage which has nothing to do with Medicare - it's private insurance stealing Medicare money to pay for their billing overcharges (private insurance crooks. They're all the same) It's true. Medicare Advantage has nothing to do with Traditional Medicare. MA is Private Insurance and will bankrupt you if you get cancer. Read the fine print. Most MA plans have a $7,200 yearly out of pocket if you get cancer. Cancer treatment usually lasts many years. Anyone on Medicare Advantage should get off of it and immediately get on Traditional Medicare... you will have to answer medical questions for underwriting.
Even the Medicare yearly deductible isn't that outrageous. $226.00 a year. I know people on private insurance with thousands of dollars for their yearly deductible, so $226.00 seems more than fair to me.
I recommend everyone of retirement age or approaching retirement age, go to the best Medicare broker channel on CZcams and watch every video he has on his channel. He's fantastic. He's honest and a good man. Channel - *Christopher Westfall* That's where I get all of my Medicare information. That's where I bought my supplement too. He's a broker and dislikes Medicare Advantage as much as I do - because it's nothing but private insurance.... Parading as Traditional Medicare.
Let’s not forget that if you have disabilities or you need to take regular medication, it’s getting harder and harder to find health insurance. That’s willing to cover you. Try to get off Medicare. I can’t find an insurance company. That’s not charging me 1000 a month.
I retired to Thailand in 2017. I agree with all your points. Along the same line as meeting friendly expats i would add that living abroad separates you from the daily news and controversies and anxiety of living in the States. Sure, I read the US news but when I walk out the door I easily leave all that behind and very quickly I just didn't care about what you in the US worry about. Actually, living in a foreign country, that is largely non-English speaking, isolates you from any local gossip as well. Life is just so much less stressful and more relaxing to be able to get away from it all. And thankfully, you discover that when you meet up with other expats they don't want to talk about that stuff either. We have so much more in common and other things to talk about.
Thank you for sharing your new jorney.
How to communicate with you about some details of life in a new country?
Kathleen and I left the U.S. and settled in Ecuador two and a half years ago. I can't really add much to what Amelia and JP said, except to say that we have had the same experience - better health, less stress, far lower cost of living, and living in Cuenca, we have so many cultural opportunities and social engagements that we could run ourselves ragged if we wanted to.
If you're living in the U.S. on a fixed income, especially if that income is less that $4000 a month, you'd be better off here, by far. It takes some work and planning to pull it off, but you could be living a better life in months here in Ecuador.
Thanks for sharing Kit! 🥳
we moved to Cuenca, Ecuador in 2012. best move ( of the many! ) we ever made! 11 years in Cuenca and life improves here every day
We live most of the year in Playa Guiones, Costa Rica 🇨🇷 and we love it. It is expensive here compared to other Central and South American countries but, still more affordable than US. Going on 7 years and couldn’t be happier.
This video is SPOT ON! It's not bashing, it's the TRUTH! People in the U.S. just don't want to accept it. I was in the military and saw that there's so much more out there, and I'v been all over. I officially left in 2012 and it was the best decision ever! Now, I still go back to visit my family, but I'm ready to get back on the plane after about 2 days.
Life is just so much better overseas.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Amelia and JP, I really enjoy your program. My wife and I moved from California to the Welsh countryside seven years ago and we love it here. Life is much slower here and relaxing. We are both in our later 60's. My wife was originally born in Wales. I was a, second generation, native California and I haven't missed it. Keep up the good work. Americans can have an alternative way of life!
Thanks for sharing! My moms side of the family came from Wales! Hope to visit someday!
how is it getting visas in Wales? we have traced part of my family history to ancestors from Wales ( all the way back to 1492! ) we're in ecuador now, but I'm fascinated by Wales.
I am an immigrant from eastern europe living in the US. A close friend of mine is asking me almost everytime I see him how is my career going ? I find it very nosy and intimidating to be honest. I tell him that I am happy where I am because it should not be his concern. I thought it was just him but looks like it's an american thing.
When I meet my friends from my home country, I don't ask them about it cause I know where they work and if they changed their career they would tell me. Some of them work in factories and I don't really care, they are my friends and I like them for who they are.
I love your videos BTW. Everytime I learn something new about the US.
We left the US, and we wish we had done it 5 years earlier.
We feel the same way!
To many people who have decided to stay in the US, telling the truth IS "bashing". I'm glad to see the accusations don't hinder you. Those folks are welcome to make videos about why the US is the best place to live if that's how they feel about it. Many of us who have moved away know better. Keeping the truth out there for those ho only get the US propaganda might literally save lives. Best wishes from Cambodia.
Congrats on your escape! 🥳
@@AmeliaAndJP Thanks! You too!
Yeah, they just think that the US is the best in everything but the truth is that it isn't!
It’s the great financial wall of America. That’s keeping a lot of citizens here.
Let th haters hate & keep their head in th sand. You’re only being honest & telling it like it is. 💞
U not bashing u sayin truth ❤
Exactly what I was thinking. It’s not bashing when it’s the truth.
My wife and I left America 4 years ago for Asia and it was the best decisions we ever made 😊
I am a big fan of this channel and this video was right on the money. What I realized recently is that the US healthcare system as currently operated will not change soon enough for me. So, I agree with the decisions Amelia and JP have made for their lives. Bravo.
That was our conclusion as well. We’ll be long dead before anything changes so it’s better to live a free life abroad. 🥳
Living abroad and not needing a car is a wonderful thing.
I figure I save $3000 every month not having a car & my much lower rent here in Thailand.
Viva expat life.
Interesting list and indeed, it is somewhat strange here in the U.S. with the "What do you do for a living?" comments. Work is just too ingrained in this society.
I hate it.
When living abroad during the military and as a contractor we were always told to trust your gut. By walking about you feel more what's going on around you , you can read the people by their everyday habits, if something is not right you pick up on it . I have always felt more at ease away from the states, its as if a huge load is lifted off my shoulders when leaving .
What countries did you get stationed at?
We’re shocked by how many ex-military folks have left the US. That’s very telling.
Liking one place should not be considered an attack on another place. I tell people all the time that there is no one right place for everyone. There are significant differences in the cultures and you just have to find a place that fits what you need and want.
America has a lot of great things, for sure. Lots of people from Latin America are desparate to get here. I represented a Mexican-American family who had a substantial claim for a wrong done to them. After more than five and a half years of fighting that company to treat them fairly, the couple received a life-changing settlement for that wrong that was done to them. I happily told them that they could now return to Mexico and live like kings as they had a significant settlement amount. They balked and said absolutely not! America was now their home! 🙂
There are a lot of great things in Latin America too. They get a lot of things right that America does not. The focus on the family there and the depth of relationships is amazing and humbling. I am considering moving with my Colombian wife to Medellin. She's given me 22 years of her life here; I suppose I could give a few years of mine there.
I'm glad to hear that Ecuador is working for you. Stay safe. I saw on the news yesterday that there was a riot in Guayaquil. But, yes, like you said, we have mass shootings here everyday here - and that's not an exaggeration. It averages more than one a day. It has become so common that it rarely even makes the news any more. We have (unfortunately, in my opinion) become numb to it.
Listening to a border town Sheriff in AZ yesterday and caught an interesting factoid relating to this discussion.. illegal immigrant data there indicates huge numbers of Ecuadorian and Columbians are coming to the USA via Biden’s open border. Per this CZcams channel it’s interesting to see that folks from here 🇺🇸 want to live there 🇪🇨 - even more interesting is.. they dare not do it illegally.
What a wonderful husband your wife has in you! Not many will do that kind of give and take.
Is homelessness any kind of a problem in Ecuador? It’s a full crisis in Denver and the surrounding areas. I too don’t view your comments as bashing the USA. We have our problems, to be sure. Our family situation prevents us from leaving our country. Kids and grandkids……sheesh! Love you guys!!
It’s a bigger problem now than it used to be. Mostly Venezuelans who fled the disaster there. However, it’s nothing like homelessness in Denver and other places in the US.
Hey guys! Hola from Lima, Peru once again. We retired here (early) 9 years ago and have never regretted it for a minute. We too enjoy the lower cost of living, the extended family (my wife’s), the opportunity to travel, we’ve been to Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador & Colombia just recently and love to see both the similarities and differences of each South American Country. . .I have taught some while here & served in a non-profit for a number of years here, but we’re now both officially retired (again). Medical Support is great & at a reasonable price. We’re both in our “Tercer Edad” (above 60) so that is very important to us. We go back to the USA to see friends and family usually once a year. Life is good here & while there are some things we miss, like the ubiquity of great Herbal remedies, we sometimes have friends who can transport them for us from the US to Peru. Saludos, & Happy Trails to y’all. Don’t hesitate to wrap up your obligations & migrate South. . .vale la pena!!! (It’s worth it)!!
We are in our 50's my situation is a bit different, I'm American born but have Peruvian dual citizenship through my father and we were thinking of retiring but my husband had an aneurysm rupture and we are moving back so I can pay the help I need that I can't here and better quality of life.
My wife and I have visited Ecuador twice, but we are now concerned about the political and criminal situation that is recently erupted. As a second choice, we are considering Peru. Could you tell me what your opinion of arequipa is? My wife and I are both retired and on a fixed income. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated thank you.
@@rexjamerson9316 Arequipa is a majestic place in many ways. However, a bit too cold for my liking. Also, Peru has just as many petty thefts as Ecuador. My wife has taught me to walk our neighborhood with nothing but my I.D. & the equivalent if a few $. Arequipa is generally safer than Lima, but so much really depends on what neighborhood and what time of day you are there. Also, we never travel at night by car in Peru as there are so many robberies on the road at night & that has been true for the entire time we’ve been here. We just returned from Medellin where we heard stories of robberies but we felt quite as safe there as we do in Peru. I think many countries in South America are all in the same or at least similar boats. Just be careful not to wear lots of jewelry or flash money or your cell phone in crowded places. Keep your ear to the ground and you’ll be fine. After traveling extensively in Ecuador even this past year, I would not hesitate to live there if you want to, it has a lot to offer & I think most of the violence is regional (depending on neighborhood) & gang related from what we gather. Go for an extended exploratory trip, you may find it to be fine.
@@CAMcCoy thank you for your information. It is very helpful to get a wide range of thoughts and opinions on living abroad.
I am peruvian. In case we love big city lifestyle Lima is somehow better than Arequipa -. I live in Lima and everything here is pretty similar living in USA cities. I mean , similar amenities, Theaters, Movies, Ocean View, big shows. The Climate not too hot not to cold. In the outskirts of the city semi-rural lifestyle Pachacamac or Cieneguilla. I prefer living in the middle class areas , but also could live in the beachtowns in the outskirt as Ancon or SanBartolo
It's easy to stay in touch with friends and family, too! I don't miss anything about the U.S. Weather, lower cost of living and your other points are all important factors. The lifestyle is just better.
I'm investigating retiring abroad but I'm looking at Portugal, Spain and Italy. More expensive for sure than Central or South America but that's what interests us, at this point.
Lima is like living in Madrid or Lisboa, but cheaper and nicer climate. Video in youtube -> Early, Cheap Retirement in Lima Peru
As an expat living in Medellin for 5 years you are just being honest. I’m so happy I moved to Medellin. People in the US have tunnel vision. I’m applying for Colombian citizenship.
Do you have to pay income tax in Colombia and USA?
Having investigated a total of about 15 months in 14 countries I saw flashes of what you're saying. I felt safe. Enjoyed trying different foods. My experience though was that in areas that were popular with overseas expats not only from the U.S. because the quality of life is better in those places you end up with higher costs than videos about $1000 a month would suggest. For example you show very nice homes in nice areas of Cuenca, Quito, etc. I'm skeptical that a lifestyle in those areas can be had for low cost. Cheaper than the U.S. for sure. But folks on Social Security dreaming of a lifestyle that would take much more in the States should be aware that they can get by fine on their SS as opposed to always being strapped in the States. But their quality of life otherwise may not be incrementally better and may be offset by the lack of language fluency, the bureaucracy encountered, the quality of things they take for granted in the states like power outages, internet fluctuations, etc. There are tradeoffs to be considered.
And unless they do have SS or a pension they aren't likely to have an income working there. Not everyone has the wherewithal to get a job online or create an income stream. And if tens of thousands start trying that'll be your competition. Just another kind of work stress. Get your income in the States before coming. You won't be able to get a local job unless you have expertise the locals don't have and even then you won't be able to make anything close to what you made in the States. The exception is working overseas for an American ckmpany.
I agree the U.S. has a lot of problems. I'm living rent free on a small pension while living with my 84 yr old father who needs assistance. When I'm eventually on my own I'm camping fulltime in the U.S. West. With a car. There are lifestyles you can have with a lot of freedom in the U.S. if that appeals to them. I can camp in Argentina on next to nothing. But in the States the freedom of having a car, being able to have internet with my phone's hotspot, outweighs for me the savings down there. Not to mention access to food I like. Argentina has great beef but beyond that the food, while goid, is kind of bland. Yes you can use a hotspot there but the cell service is very hit or miss in many places. Whatever its flaws the U.S. because of the competitive nature of its marketplace has services that work.
Life overseas? If you have enough income it can be good. Without the income you may find you've traded one set of problems for another.
Very good 👍 you are telling it like it is.
Well said. In a healthy dialogue it's important to have contrarian opinions. You comment may not get the heart, but it added value to the conversation. Many thanks.
I worry about not being able to drink the water.
@redstickham6394 I had that issue in some countries, especially Mexico. There's a lot to like about Mexico, and water issues affect some more than others. I never got over it.
my wife and I live in Cuenca. for 11 years. we are both on SS income. in Cuenca, we're actually SAVING money every month from our SS checks! in the usa? we'd have had to sell our house to survive. and, the beauty of life oversaes? don't need a car! there is actually excellent public transportation! we let our drivers licenses lapse becaue we don't need them any more! most of the civilzed world and third world countries have better public transportations systems than the USA where public transportation is a very, very bad joke ( and very expensive to boot!
US healthcare concerns, very true. Very happy for the two of you.
Right on every point (though I am not American). I have lived in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. I have met the best friends I have ever had in my life. An example from living in Bangkok now: There are three of us -- Canadian (me), Dane and Englander -- who have each exchanged copies of our apartment keys in case something urgent or mysterious happens to one of us. Everyone takes care of each other, including our Thai hosts. Learned so much about other cultures from around the world. Best education ever! Last, the health care system is pretty awesome, way easier to get an appointment than in Canada right now.
Thanks for sharing! 😊👍
The US needs to be rebooted and a fresh install.
US is ranked #30 in healthcare and it is exorbitantly expensive, far outstripping any other country. In the US, you are lucky to even get to see an MD (usually just an NP or PA) for more than 5 minutes. It's a racket.
At this point, it's practically geared towards "thinning the herd" more than profiting from it. It's the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and arguably higher since the first two, heart disease and cancer, both get serious and extensive "treatment."
I have to go back to the Matrix USA 🇺🇸 for two months starting on Sunday to see family & take care of personal business & once that is done I am back here overseas.
Yeah, man. Do what you gotta do and bounce!
Safe travels!
Hope your both safe and okay with the most recent news....thinking about you and keeping you in my prayers 🙏
I moved to Thailand a month ago and couldn’t be happier with my decision.
Congrats on your escape! 🥳
Mind my asking? What part of Thailand did you move to?
@@hump1953 I'm currently in a one year long discovery trip. I tried Bangkok for a month, now I'm in Jomtien/Pattaya for the next month. After this month, I'm considering Koh Samui.
@@EasternDreamer615 I’m going to thailand for three weeks in November to explore more if I want to make the move…
@@AmeliaAndJPYeah escape is what it is!
I'm giving very serious consideration to moving abroad. Ecuador seems to be an ideal place, but there are some others to consider as well. I know a couple of older folks moving to Portugal in the fall. They're at their exploratory visit as we speak.
SOME ADVICE: if you're considering Costa Rica, I would advise "NO". We lived there for 5 years in the early 2000's, bought a home for $36,000 and enlarged /equipped it for another $20,000. We were able to live comfortably on a single SS check of $1,000/month. NONE OF THAT is true now in 2023 ! Home prices are "thru the roof", cost of living is high, and securing legal residency is a grinding year-long process. Crime has spiked in the larger cities. Not really "Pura Vida" anymore !
@@marytica123my husband is Costa Rican and he wants to go back to Costa Rica.. but I want him to give Ecuador a chance. Both are beautiful, though Ecuador is cheaper, our dollars will stretch longer 😂😂. I loved Canada, I lived most of my life here, but it has changed so much in the last couple of years, I’m so feed up with politics and this new culture that I can’t wait to leave.
@@marytica123 I have been to Costa Rica several times over the years and what you say is true... there are better options out there for retirement ..
I love listening to your stories, and I agree with you, It is incredibly expensive living here in the US these days and the weather is intense - I’m in Florida, so the heat is unbelievable - the political turmoil, the division among people, challenging healthcare options and the upcoming election in the United States is shaping up to be another nightmare… it’s just so stressful, listening to you all talk about a simpler life is extremely appealing… I am about 3 1/2 years from being able to retire from the public education system, I’ll have a lifelong pension… It sure is tempting to think about taking that and going somewhere else to live…
Thanks for your service attempting to educate our youth. You deserve a Medal of Honor for sticking with it these days!
From someone who lived in Cuenca for a year and had to come back to the states, Go Go Go!
Been living in Ecuador for 20 years still a great place to live.
Yes it is. Nice to hear that from someone who’s experienced a lot of changes.
@@AmeliaAndJP I live In Cuenca
Always love to see you guys and hear of your experiences which are well thought out and researched. I lived in Chile for 2 years and can echo what you have said about living abroad and the loving kindness of the people and the rich cultural experience. I had to have an appendectomy there and even before laparoscopic surgery became a thing, I had a minimal incision and scar. I think that ethnocentrism is build into the American way of life but now after living in 8 states and 2 foreign countries and traveling to 42 countries, I feel that you are right.
Thanks for sharing! 🥳
I’ve been following for some time and I’m super happy you guys are doing well. Keep it up.
Isn’t the internet fantastic? Everyone has a voice and you can’t make everyone happy , don’t worry about the bashers. We love your videos and advice.
Always great to see y'all, and always so inspiring!
We’ve been here in Cuenca for 5 months and we agree with everything. Especially the weather! And healthcare. We are only going back to the US to visit-and not during the summer! 😊
You guys are living the dream, good for you!!
Thanks for this! Planning my exit from the US in 2024. I lived abroad before for over 5 years but had to return to the US unexpectedly in 2021. I was immediately reminded of why I didn' t like living in the States to begin with. My bias is east Asia 😊, but I'm glad you boh have found where you thrive!
I love Asia, do you mind my asking where you are living?
The health care system in the US is absolute insanity! For one person it may be affordable, to the next it's unbelievably expensive!
Great posting,sometimes the truth hurts and people don’t want to here it nor acknowledge it. You two are happy and that is all that matters. ❤
Well said!
We left in 2015 and agree completely. Love you guys. 💜
Congrats! 🥳
You guys have been an inspiration to us... thanks!!
Glad to hear it!
You guys are great!! You both are so inspirational. My wife and I are so looking forward to exploring post-retirement. We'd leave now but love our jobs (major airline pilot and flight attendant) too much and still have a good 10 years before we want to hang it up. I've lived in four countries and 8 states...and been to 48 total. There exist so many positives outside the US. And those positives are becoming more and more attractive as we age...cost of living, cost/quality of healthcare, lower crime rates, culture, etc. Plus we're inherently world travelers, so it's in our genes. Our plan is to explore several countries (Ecuador, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, etc.) by spending 1-2 months in each and living as close to how locals live as possible. My wife is fluent in spanish and I plan on being fluent:) Please keep up the awesome work and you may just have some new friends join you down there in the future:) Thank you
Excellent, truthful video ♥
Everyone has their preferences and it's always refreshing to hear when someone makes a choice and is happy with it. I am very much an urban person and love my life in NYC. A very good friend of mine is from Ecuador and he has zero interest in returning there to live....his brother, however, wants to return there upon retirement...
You only tell the truth about the US!!! Don't worry about those who say you are bashing the US. You are not !!! I visited Ecuador in 2019 and again in 2022 and loved every minute of my visit and felt so safe everywhere I went. The people were so welcoming and warm. I'm now retired and considering moving to Ecuador. I worked for a very large bank and retired at 62 because I was so stressed all the time. When I was in Ecuador my stress level dropped so much ! I really liked Quito but fell in love with Cuenca and the altitude did not bother me at all. Thanks so much for all your videos since they are so helpful and informative.
We’ve never posted a video about “not making it in the US.” We couldn’t afford health insurance or healthcare so we had to leave. And it’s amazing being so far away from people like you! 🥳
Great! Happy to help those who are not blinded by the American nightmare like.. MERLE? Seriously? Didn’t they kill him off of Walking Dead?
Much better, balanced presentation. Good on talking up your view without talking down here in the US (too much.). Looking forward to buying you a cup of coffee when we get down there. Mark
Great video, very informative. My dad is elderly (92) inevitably, when he passes, I’m definitely considering living abroad for all the reasons you listed. - Thanks for doing these videos.
I've watched most of your videos, and this was one of your best!!! Keep up the great vlogs!
You had me at healthcare.
😂
The last 30 years? Try the last 10. I am praying for my abroad moment, and I hope it is as positive as yours. I'm certainly preparing for it to be. I've already been testing different countries. I travel fairly extensively. I've begun downsizing. No debt. Retiring next year. I'm very nervous about it though. I plan to maintain what I have in America and the logistics of it are still daunting. Until you really find a place to call new home. I'm sure many of the answers will come once I'm in the thick of it. But until then, I'm excited about the journey. Thanks for the reassuring videos you do as well as the videos that help keep things real. All of what you said is very true, but I would be the first to admit there are flip sides to most things. You really have to spend considerable time in these locations to really understand the different lifestyles. I fell in love with Colombia and the orderliness of it (it seemed). I loved how vibrant it is. But when I stayed there for a month, I realized the noise I loved, couldn't be turned off. Colombia is LOUD. A lot of Latin countries are. That laid back lifestyle can be frustrating, when you are waiting in line for what seems like no reason. Or stores closing mid-day. But all in all, yes, I'm excited about the journey and you two have really helped illuminate the way.
Kudos to you both. Great video, I wish my wife would get on board with the moving abroad journey.
That ocean view is stunning . All I see is the i70 purina factory and commerce city refineries in Denver .
I think you should discuss the current political situation in Ecuador. Thanks for the video information. You know, no stone unturned...
Yes, the beloved Mayor (has young children), in Manta was assassinated a few days ago by the Narcos. Heartbreaking for so many. Things are changing in Ecuador..
@@susannemarie937 Thank you for your response. I appreciate the effort.
Then they'd be targets, free speech is something Americans take for granted they know to zip it.
Did you move back to Cuenca? Did JP overcome his altitude issues? Heard about the assasination of Manta's mayor. Very frightening. No mass shootings but complete takeover by drug gangs.
It’s not a complete takeover by the gangs. The media makes it seem worse than it is.
Great content again guys. My business associates down there keep asking me when I'm showing up, telling me my office space is waiting for me.
Awesome!
Great reminder Amelia and JP!
I’d love to rent that house!! Oh well, I hope I can find something that nice next year when I finally move there. Nice video, thanks 🙏
😊And I, when I move there in just over 2 years...can't wait 🌹
Love your videos. It makes it so tempting to jump ship and move abroad. A suggestion on the videos (not sure if it's hard while you edit): You should add a one-line to know where that picture or video is from. For instance, you showed a produce market (2 or 3 stories high). I imagine it is in Quito, but perhaps not. It would be nice to know the name of the market and/or location.
If my immediate family , as well as aunts, uncles etc... aren't already in the USA, I would have left long ago. The fear that the US system instills in people, also shrouded my decision making.
They can go visit you, and you can visit them. Most family members are super happy to have a house to crash to in a dream vacation country.
People use family and stuff as an excuse to hide their fear.
After seeing & hearing this informative / educational / inspirational video no doubt the temptation to act will override a lot of people's procrastination. ( mine included ) Thanks again.
Hope so!
@2:39 I love that dog!!! I'm glad you guys are happy and things are working great.
I live in Kentucky and nothing is inexpensive here either.
Plus it's KY.
Thank you so much for your videos about the benefits of moving out of the US. I have been watching your channel and others for years and I waffle over the decision of when/where to go. I will be 62 in about 2 years and I would be ABLE to retire, but have no insurance. Like you mentioned, I would have to keep working for 3 more years just to have it and I am really sick of working! I am selling my house and doing it. I am so tired of it all. See ya somewhere on the globe. I have learned a few Spanish words, and lack a LOT but I think I will be able to get by.
Google translate is your friend while you are learning Spanish.
Life is short! If you can avoid working another 3 years (just to have health insurance) by moving abroad, it’s a no-brainer! Life outside the hamster wheel is so much better!
Hey Amelia and JP ... I really like your podcast .. well done! I've seriously been thinking latel
I think you guys are spot on. Excellent info
Gracias!
Great episode! 👍
Thanks!
Omg I'm envious! So wonderful!
You are correct about areas of the USA where cost of living is low but there is sketchy healthcare. I enjoy your channel ,btw
I am so jealous. I wish i left US before. I agree with your video 100 porcent. I use to live in Denver and is getting worse. I live now in Newton Kansas and electric bill in winter 300 dollars. Weather is crazy, unfriendly people.
I retired to Portugal. The doctors and teachers have gone on strike several times over the past few months here. 😮
This is such a good video! ☺️ Thank you so much!
Glad you liked it!!
So sick of the healthcare system in the US. If my wife wanted to move, I would go. I would really miss the grandchildren though, and church....too. Love your channel and I have been a long time subscriber.
Thank you!
There is a reason that wealthy foreigners come to the US for medical care.
And poor Americans have to leave to get affordable healthcare and dental work sometimes it is cheaper to fly on the other side of the world to get your teeth fixed.
@@randymillhouse791 If there's no explaining it, perhaps you should attend and see what you experience. If possible, invest in a good study Bible, ESV or NLT are both easy to read. The gospel ofJohn is a great book to start with. All the best and it seems that something is "tugging" at your heart. Peace!
@@randymillhouse791 I too left The Catholic Church though in my 20s. I visited churches of many denominations but, it never felt the same as praying on my knees in The Catholic Church! I am back.
Thx you 2!
You have opened so many older people minds.
Great! 😊
I have my home for sale now, so the move to Spain is rapidly approaching. I was doing exchange program in Spain for 9 months and loved it. Needed a break from high stress job, but upon coming back, just couldn't go back to my job. My health insurance quote is $120 monthly for private Spanish insurance with no deductibles. 2nd choice would be US Virgin Islands, but it's excluded from Affordable Care Act, so Spain it is!
Very exciting! Congrats! 🥳🇪🇸
Quite literally all of my friends are fed up with life in the US. It's not "bashing", it's that things have gone so far downhill. Unless you are super rich, you are living paycheck to paycheck. Then, there are social and cultural reasons and crime. It's just not the same place I grew up in as a kid. I have really enjoyed your videos. Thanks for that. I speak Spanish (some Catalan and Thai too) and have lived in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, so I have never had a problem assimilating to new cultures. When I am in Ecuador, maybe we can have coffee sometime. All the best.
Our family has Italian passports and wife is Argentinian, we are planning on exiting the SS Titanic er America asap. Ps Amelia you look like my mom !
People say that if you don't like it, get out... so you did. I don't know why they are complaining now, lol!
I have been watching your channel for a couple of years, as I was researching Ecuador for retirement, but I have ended up in Brazil. What I have wondered from your comments since you both are still employed, if your Ecuador income is comparable to your previous Denver income was?
I chose to leave the USA for South America at age 62 taking "early" retirement with about 75% Social Security, primarily because I was a bad financial planner most of my life, struggling paycheck to paycheck so In my 50s, I realized I wanted to relocate to another country as I would not be able to survive easily on only a social security benefit income in the USA. When COVID19 hit me in 2020 at age 62, and I was home on approved medical leave for months, I decided that now was the time to leave employment and the USA as soon as possible! I am glad I did. Brazil is great, but I am still researching other countries, including Ecuador!
Thank you for this valuable information. I now know I will be able to have an enjoyable retirement thanks to channels like yours. My dream is to slow-travel through Mexico, Central, South America, and through the far east🩷
Wonderful! Enjoy! 🥳
You guys are fantastic! I am now in Peru the next two weeks looking for an apartment and getting to know my way around. Mira Flores. Wonderful city! Hoping to make it up to Ecuador to see you soon!
Gracias! Have fun in Peru! 🇵🇪
Try Magdalena del Mar in Lima. The ocean view for the cliff promenade - malecon - is very nice . I found a video of Magdalena at youtube, showing the nicest areas . It is in the channel -> Turista Tu Vista
Here a cuencano from Ecuador moving to Lima. Good place for rasing a family , peruvians love Ecuador , we are friends each other . I can enter Peru with my ID , no inflation, solid money and economy
Im usa born n i hate it here all u saying is true ❤
I'm living in the Philippines for all of the same reasons. Picking up my probationary to permanent spouse visa tomorrow. Getting a lot of deferred dental work done next month due to the huge cost savings. I dropped all of the extra weight I had without dieting, food is healthier, life style is far less stressful. My SS is plenty to live on. My home is paid for with almost zero taxes. I have a 150cc motorcycle and I bought a $800 e-trike for the family to run errands in. Plentiful public transportation for everything else.
My wife works in marketing, so I've been fortunate to travel all over the PI islands with her. The only thing I miss in the US are family and friends..
Congrats!
It's all about trade-offs. No place is perfect. Glad you found a place in the mountains that suits you after trying and not liking the other places you lived.
@@randymillhouse791 you forgot Dollar General 😂
This is great, and Thank you so much in the previous episode about the Blaxit (Black American expat movment), which is the fastest growing group of all ages, leaving the US. I have family members with retirement visas. I personally know five of my friends ( we are all Black Americans), including myself. we are planning our exit strategy for all the same reasons. Thank you for a great series.
Worked overseas for 20 years. In a few months I’m becoming a permanent expat. The U.S. has become expensive and divisive.
You two are amazing! We are still here in the US planning our move to Ecuador and believe me, every one of the 10 points you made are right on the money. In fact, certain aspects of life here are spiraling out of control and it is challenging to equate where this country is now with where it was growing up decades ago... Keep up the good work, it is greatly appreciated!
Ecuador is a good option and a second one could be Peru
We really love uour videos keep up the good work
Now to get my health under control and I will be right there with you
Denver is cheap living if one has a tent and can find a safe parking lot.
Gret video. I am currently working on leaving the U.S. Amelia, you look great In a bathing suit. Having healthier food options and less stress Is life changing.
Southern Arizona here….it’s been 110+ over 28 days…it’s stifling🔥I’m basically inside, AC going 24/7……….I hate having a car, insurance, maintenance and idiot drivers that don’t pay attention….on the freeways in Phoenix area, I feel like I’m on the Indianapolis 500!!Great informative video !
Omg! I live in Phoenix as well. The 117-degree weather has been no joke. Don't let me get started with the drivers 🤬🤦🏾♂️
That heat is brutal! Hang in there!!
Frances, that is because as the ARCTIC is losing its ice and the ARCTIC is warming 3-5 time FASTER than the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, the Air circulations between the Arctic and the Equator is slowing down. IT is slowing the Jet Stream and the trade winds. It is causing high pressure fronts and low-pressure fronts to move slower, and this is making the total duration of the leading and trailing edges of the high-pressure fronts to last longer. ALSO!!! if the air is not moving, co2 builds up, and that SLOW DOWN the release of heat into space that means the nights with have higher temperatures "difference between the high temperatures and the Low temperature gradient at night. Earth is heading into its third greenhouse gas mass extinction thanks to humans!
@@climeaware4814Lol. Summer is hot. Winter is cold. Just nature.
I like unfiltered vlogs. So people can make informed decisions.
Private equity is destroying life in the US as institutional investors have bought up real estate, hospitals, doctor's practices, public companies, and raised prices to enrich shareholders. Will Ecuador escape this awful trend?
I hope.
Hi guys. What's up with the state of emergency and curfew in Manta?
Hope all is well with you guys. Really enjoy your videos.