www.CostaRicaTicas.com

So they say Equador is #1. Don't know much about the place, haven't heard anyone here talk about it so I can't dis it or say it's better or worse than CR, supposedly less expensive, but in my short review it doesn't look like there's that much to do and it's not known for chica activity plus it's a longer and more expensive flight from USA. Not for me.

Panama made # 2, it's hot like Florida for the most part so I'm disinclined. I know people who love it, but I'm not sure what the attraction is.

Malaysia made #3, you're kidding me, right ? It's half way around the world, a Muslim country, chock full o terrorists, and more coming, nuff said. I'd rather retire in Antarctica.

Mexico made #4, violent, dangerous and getting more so by the day, been there multiple times, no thanks.

Costa Rica made #5 on the list, still #1 for me, anyone care to opine ???

_________________
Don't try to understand 'em, just rope 'em down and brand 'em...

Medellin is #1 on my list: Clean, modern, great public transportation, beautiful country, ideal climate, booming economy. Not too many gringos there. Its cheaper to live there than San Jose. And, arguably, the most beautiful and sexiest women on the planet

I'm with Estebanh so far, but I haven't checked out Panama and Ecuador yet.

kr

Philippines or Thailand when I fully retire . I have lived in both. I will spend time in both places and
CR.

I'm with Krico and Esteban... Ecuador is a place I would consider if I hadn't planted my stakes in Colombia. I don't think I would consider the other 4... well maybe Panama.

Retire implies a guy who is no spring chicken, still spry, but access to great and maybe pronto medical care very important.

If I am living in another country and I get diagnosed w/ something that needs non-urgent treatment/surgery and I have time, I can choose to go home if I want.

If I have a problem (other then the "big one"--you're dead anyway most of the time) requiring emergent care and transportation to a real hospital where they can stabilize me and where there are "specialists?" on call/staff, I don't have the choice to get home.

Add that to the equation.

Yes, indeed... and Colombia comes out close to the top of the heap... Ecuador not so much... and CR holds it own when it come to medicine. I can't speak for the other countries, though...

I've traveled to 40+ countries and lived in several places overseas. Here are my top 5 for retirees:

1. Philippines (except for Mindanao). PROS: very low cost of living (MUCH cheaper than CR), English is an official language and widely spoken, HUGE expat community, strong cultural and political ties to the USA, Angeles and Subic are a GFE-loving monger's paradise, nice beaches, laid-back lifestyle and decent infrastructure in the major cities. Relatively easy to qualify for permanent residency. Also, the women love Western men, particularly white guys, but Americans of all races have a better chance of scoring with a hot young thing (non-p4p) in the PI than in the States. Easy to travel from here to Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia, other fun places in Oceana. CONS: widespread government corruption, smog and shitty traffic in Manila, theft is prevalent (don't ride a Jeepney wearing a gold Rolex).

2. Medellin, Colombia. PROS: beautiful passionate women, perfect climate year-round, gorgeous mountain views, relatively low cost of living, excellent metro system, overall good infrastructure, exciting nightlife, warm hospitable people, good (though somewhat underground) p4p scene. CONS: corrupt government at all levels, muggings do occur even in nice neighborhoods (DO NOT display conspicuous wealth), brutal gang violence in the poor barrios

3. Thailand. PROS: safe, good infrastructure, low cost of living, more hot Asian pu*sy than you could screw in a hundred lifetimes, excellent cuisine, beaches, nightlife and low crime. Easy to travel elsewhere in SEA. CONS: Thais are not particularly warm or friendly. Asshole tourists swarm from all over. Thai language is difficult to learn and the locals don't trust foreigners who speak too much Thai.


Honorable mentions: Japan, Germany, Chile


Vince

Excellent summary Vince. I agree that the Phillipine people are much more friendlier than the Thai folks. Also, good warning about staying away from the Southern Phillipines. The head of Abu Sayaf was recently wounded but got away so there may be reprucussions in the future even in Manila.

I have been to ecuador 2 times in the past for a total 4 months. Most of that time was spent in Quito. I would have to think now it must be half the price of CR. Eating out was extremely low cost. Like a dollar and a half for breakfast, 2 bucks for lunch and maybe 3 for dinner. These are are not casado local meals either but eggs and ham for breakfast, an excellant indian curry for lunch and maybe some great mexican food for dinner. The variety and quality of all the worlds cuisine in Quito was outstanding. What is it will Costa Rica with all the ethnic foods costing a fortune and being lousy to boot.

Did not like Quito much. The altitude is 9000 ft, did not really bother me but it would for some people. Chilly at night. There are some beautiful women but not nearly as many as CR. Plus Ecuador has always been one of the more conservative latin countries. Not many of the women have tats or dress so suggestively as in CR. Lots of chongos, massage parlors they cost 7 bucks for 20 minutes when I was there. Lots of colombianas and women from the jungle. Easier to meet regular women on the street than in CR. Americans are fairly rare as there are more europeans.

I have always read that medical care is not of high quality so I am surprised that it is rated high as a place to retire. Cuenca seems like a nice place with a climate I would like. I think it is about 7000 ft high.

Most countries will not let you be a perpetual tourist coming and going every 3 months. Ecuador has always been strict about over staying your visa. But on the other hand they are very welcoming of retirees, unlike CR, and offer many incentives. Only takes a few months to get it also.

The beach areas are relatively undeveloped but some are cursed by a thick fog for half of the year.

With so many other countries actively courting retirees unlike CR which seems to be discouraging them there are many many better choices than CR to retire. The only benefit to CR that I can think of is that so many people speak english. But if you are going to live in another country at least try to speak some of the language.

Thanks for the info, Zman,

I did some reading on Ecuador and it didn't excite me. Even with all it's faults, I still like CR for my retirement in 3 years, I lived in CR for 2 years 2007-2009 and had a blast, getting tang 2to 3x a week inexpensively and keeping a nice pad on $1800 per month. It can be done if you're frugal like I was, cooking my own food and hitting Tico sodas. I chose not to get a car, enjoyed walking, buses and taxis. I'm from S Florida and I like being able to go home in less than 3 hours flight time as well.

I did the perpetual tourist deal and had no confrontation over it, followed the letter of the law perfectly. I know guys who've been doing that for years rather than deal with the hassle of their system and I enjoyed returning and visiting the states, seeing relatives and friends and knowing I'll be getting a blowing upon returning in 3 days was enjoyable.

I'm hoping by the time I'm ready to retire in 3 years a new government will come to it's senses, but if not, I'll deal with it, I doubt if I'll buy property and might not get a car either. I've known some expats leave CR and move to Colombia but I'm not sure why they think it's better, if anyone can elaborate, please do.

Many rave about the beauty of the Colombian women but I've had Cuban, Puerto Rican, Bolivian, Nica, Dominica, Panamanian, Colombian, Ticas, etc., etc., and they all seem pretty close to me, the worst of the bunch trumps gringas, that's for sure.

_________________
Don't try to understand 'em, just rope 'em down and brand 'em...

I read a lot of posts here from guys who have never been to Colombia who don't "get" why so many people who go to Medellin hold it in such high regard.

Medellin is not San Jose. And the Colombianas you see in Costa Rica are NOT representative of the women available in Medellin. The hags in the Del Rey couldn't get laid for free if they went to the Mansion or Energy Massage to ply their trade.


Vince

you are so right vince mde is awesome the chicas start at 15 so hot nice girls i love mde the most