www.CostaRicaTicas.com

i know it was discussed numerous times .....
i travel all over the world and my favored country so far // dont ask why // is Japan.
now, 200 sq.f apartment in Tokyo cost 1000$ a month which makes it difficult to swallow as I have house in Florida. other consideration is health care which cost money everywhere. i visited Costa Rica couple times and posted here my negative opinion here which nobody like. and chicks in San Jose are not really cheap as i hate to pay by hour. I liked Singapore much better as its more like USA but without nonsense but its not really cheap either. and as i remember decent apartment in San Jose cost like 800$ a month which is not cheap. yes its all about money i guess.
any advice?

As many have said, I think it really depends on the life style you want to have. For instance, I know for a fact that you can get a one bedroom apartment for $400 in Japan. You may not be in the "city", but still in Tokyo prefecture. If you go outside of Tokyo, your rent will be significantly lower. With that said, one very important factor to consider though is if a country of desire even offers a "retirement visa" like in CR. I don't think Japan does. US doesn't. I think Philippines does.

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Yo-Eleven!!
Pura Vida!

Yes, CR Panama and Phillipines have good retirement visa's. PI you can get a great apartment in Cebu for 400.00 but there is not the health care as in CR. Travel to PI is 24hrs and 1300.00 to 2000.00 depending on season. Travel to the caribe from Florida. Is all the time and easy. You should visit them all. Stay and rent and figure out what you like the most. PI is english and cheap. But has lots of draw backs. CR has a history and good services. Good luck.

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Take a walk on the wild side.

What is a "retirement visa"?

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Knowledge speaks...Wisdom listens

pensioners visa?

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The difference between a Sea Story and a Fairy Tale is that a Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time..' and a Sea Story starts out 'This is no Shit...'

(export version only, some restrictions may apply, some assembly required, not valid where the sun don't shine...

if you live in the states of Poverty, Darkness or anywhere outside of The Blessings of Civilization Trust, Inc...other rules may apply)

I would guess he actually is referring to a retirement residency program.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Yes that is what I am referring to. Pensionado in CR's case.
Basically, any program you can get a permanent residency by paying (or deposit in a bank) some amount of money. It is possible to obtain permanent residency from other route (like getting marry to a citizen), but I would think it is the easiest option for retirees.

_________________
Yo-Eleven!!
Pura Vida!

There are 3 programs in CR, which http://www.arcr.net would be pleased to explain to you. Come down for their monthly 2-day seminar--it's a real education and not at all expensive.

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

The PI would be my choice if it weren't such a giant sh!thole... I've decided that I can never live there, simply due to the crushing poverty throughout the country and the sub-par health care... First hand experience, I almost lost a leg in the PI last year due to a mis-diagnosis & treatment for a septic wound... And this treatment took place in a private hospital...

Having said that, I am planning on traveling through Mindinao later this year...

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"Mongo only pawn in game of life"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3K6UmgJIOw

Quality and cost of health care is a huge consideration for those of retirement age. It is important when you first retire and becomes more of a consideration every year there after. You can maintain your Medicare coverage parts A & B and return to the U.S. for treatment in case of serious illness. However then distance from the U.S. and cost become an importnat factor. Just one of the many factors you have to take into consideration when choosing a retiremnent haven outside the U.S.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

You didn’t discuss the possibility of Thailand. It may have been a little dangerous lately but generally it has been very stable.

edited during a moment of brief lucidity....

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"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

Thailand does in fact offer a retirement visa.

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"If you dont think women are explosive,....drop one."

Many people move to CR and gain residency so they can qualify for the CAJA public health care. It covers pre existing conditions and currently costs $45/mo through ARCR for a single person over 55 yo. Costs a bit more for a couple or family and if you are under 55 yo you have to pay more because you are contributing to the CR pension scheme. It's not "world class" care and there are often long waits for special tests or care but it is inexpensive.

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Women are like beers. I've never had one that I didn't like. Just some that I like more than others! --Western

Thailand has been at the top of my retirement list for some time... I lived on Phuket for a while and the Thai concept of hospitality is to fokk over the farang at every opportunity... The national pass time is how to fokk the foreigners... Plus, it ain't as cheap as it once was... The Royal Thai Police are listed as a criminal organization by Interpol, etc, etc, etc...

The pu*sy is not as cheap as it once was, the attitude of the BG's is nothing like it was 10 short years ago and the famous Thai smile is merely a cover for what the locals really think of us... Don't believe me, learn a bit of Thai and act as if you don't... You'd be surprised to learn what the Thais are saying when they think you can't understand them...

Despite the above, I still enjoy Thailand... I just stay away from foreigners (especially pommies) and all Thai men... It's a matter of knowing the ground-rules, avoiding the scams and not letting the little things piss you off...

The health care thing is very important as you age... This is why Central America is looking a bit more attractive than SEA for me right now... 3.5 hours to the US and decent medical care, or in case I get the hankering for a decent Philly Cheese Steak sandwich...

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"Mongo only pawn in game of life"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3K6UmgJIOw