Escape To...

Escape to Belize

Tue, 30 May 2023 15:13:45 GMT

The Laid-Back Little Caribbean
Country of Belize Has It All……

A stable, democratic government, easy residence options,
inexpensive beach properties, very few taxes… It's easy to

work online or start a business…and English is the official
language.

And Belize Wants U.S. Retirees…

Dear Reader,

Leave your watch behind because you won't need it. And toss away your shoes while you're at it–a bathing suit is the only wardrobe requirement, and even that's only a suggestion. Spend your afternoon chasing a fish or two or nursing an ice-cold beer, and call that a good day's work…

There's a little country in the Caribbean… a new country, in fact, having just gained its independence in 1981. Less than 380,000 people live here… in the entire country! And the vast majority...more than 74% of them...are under 30 years of age. They can use the kind of experience you have to offer and they're throwing open arms to North American retirees.

This is a place where palm trees sway in rhythm with the gentle waves of clear warm waters caressing soft white sands.

People greet you with a smile and a cheerful "Good Day." They're genuinely happy. And why wouldn't they be? They live in paradise.

They enjoy fresh fruit for breakfast, fresh fish for lunch, and celebrate the end of every blissful day watching the sun set over the Maya Mountains or (if they're on one of the many islands that dot the coast) the Caribbean.

Worries are few. The cost of living is low…half what you'd spend in the rest of the Caribbean or the U.S. Property prices, too, are extraordinarily low. In parts of this paradise…virtually unknown to foreigners…you can buy a 6,000-sq-ft. oceanfront lot for as little as $45,000. Even on its most popular ‘upscale' island, where bargains are hard to come by, a beachfront condo can be had for little less than $90,000.

What's more, there is 0% capital gains tax, and property tax is so low that in many cases—it will cost less than $100 a year!

All this, plus it's ridiculously easy to get residence.

Best of all, in addition to being one of the world's last true tax havens, English is the official language.

Yet amazingly, this country and its benefits remain relatively unknown except to a savvy few.

If You're Dreaming of Retiring to the Caribbean but
Think You Can't Afford it… Think Belize

The Last Affordable Caribbean Haven

It's Cheaper and Easier Than Ever to Get to Belize
Tourism to Belize is growing by leaps and bounds, with more and more inexpensive flight options being added. All the primary U.S. carriers fly to Belize, as does Southwest Airlines. West Jet offers flights from Toronto. And American now offer a new flight from London… And a new cruise terminal in southern Belize will bring more tourists, too—offering early-in opportunities for those who get to Belize now.

Over the years, the world has started to take notice of little Belize. Celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, movie director Francis Ford Coppola, singer-songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker and more have quietly purchased homes there. Many others…like Tiger Woods, Reese Witherspoon, Harrison Ford, Nicolas Cage, and Robert DeNiro…regularly vacation on its private islands and in exclusive resort hotels.

Madonna fell so in love with the Belizean island of Ambergris Caye and its little town of San Pedro that she wrote a song about it, which she still sings in concert: "Last night I dreamt of San Pedro, tropical island breeze, all of nature wild and free. This is where I long to be, la Isla Bonita… "

But even though celebrities have found Belize, it remains off the typical tourist radar. In fact, celebrities enjoy it for just that reason: there aren't hordes of tourists around and they can vacation in peace. And that tranquility (and relative obscurity) is exactly what's kept the country's charm rating high and its prices low.

We've Had Our Eyes On Belize for Decades

My name is Jackie Flynn and I'm Publisher of International Living.

At International Living, we've had our eye on Belize from the beginning… from even before it earned its independence from Great Britain in 1981. In the early years, divers and fishermen were just about the only tourists who visited this little country, which hugs the Caribbean Sea just south of Mexico.

You may remember it from grammar school as British Honduras—and luckily, Belize has retained its English influence. The stable government is based on the British parliamentary system with a legal system modeled on the common law of England. Everyone speaks English and all contracts are written in that language.

Over the years more than a few International Living readers have been living the good life in Belize. As one expat couple living on the popular island of Ambergris Caye, says, "Our overall cost of living is about 33% of what it was in California. It is hard to let go of all the 'things' we had. But we can get by on a lot less here."

Not only that, they say, "We love the balmy weather, with temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees most days. The aquamarine water and nearby reef are stunning. The breeze coming off the Caribbean Sea has a cooling effect, so we hardly ever use our air-conditioning. It is comfortable to swim all year round, and nature is ever present.

"Every day we see and talk to our neighbors. It's a small town and everyone is friendly. I walk to the beach, where I run into friends. Our normal attire is shorts, shirts, and flip-flops."

Belize Fast Facts
Despite what you may think, Belize remains a little-visited country. Outside of cruise passengers on day trips, only about 320,000 tourists visit Belize each year… far less than most other Caribbean tourist destinations. (By contrast, each year nearly 4 million tourists visit the Dominican Republic, and nearly 5 million travel to Cancun, just a few hours north of Belize.) About half of the tourists who visit Belize go to Ambergris Caye. And that's exactly why real estate prices are a bit higher there but remain lower in the rest of Belize…

And there's Bill and Jenny, who bought a parcel of beachfront on the Bay of Corozal, near the town of Copper Bank. They worked together to build Cerros Beach Resort, now up and running with four cabanas for guests, and a full-service restaurant and bar.

"There are no time clocks or wristwatches, no commutes, stress or worries," Bill says. "We have the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitats, to sit and listen to the birds and the wind blowing, to watch a beautiful sunset…we take full advantage of it all."

Jan B. first visited Belize seven years ago after her husband passed away. Comforted by the turquoise waters…the gentle ocean breezes…the laidback island living…she felt like she belonged there. She went back to Texas and told her family and friends she was moving there. She has owned two businesses on the island (including a famous beachfront bar) and is now "retired"… but working on the preservation and development of a 2,000-year-old Marco Gonzalez Maya site, the first Archaeological Reserve on an island in Belize.

"I'm on Social Security now," Jan says, and that's what I live on. Living on the island costs more than living on the mainland. But the extra costs of living here are worth it. I'm on an island…in the Caribbean…I live here because I love it!"

There's Much More to Belize Than Ambergris Caye…
The Country's Most Popular Tourist Destination

There are many little islands off the coast (at least 200, say tourism officials) and miles of Caribbean coastline that remain undiscovered by most travelers.

There's so much information to share with you about Belize. As you may know, for the last number of years, International Living's writers and editors have scoured the country to learn everything about the benefits, cost-savings, opportunities, advantages (and yes, challenges) this country has to offer.

I've asked them to share that information with you in an up-to-date comprehensive resource…a step-by-step guide, really, that covers—in detail—everything you need to know to get you on the ground and living the good life in Belize as quickly as possible.

It's called Escape to Belize: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less. And I guarantee it will help you decide if Belize is right for you and provide a blueprint to quickly get you on your feet there.

Let me explain why Belize should be on your radar in the first place.

Why Is Belize Our #1 Pick for Carefree Caribbean
Living?

Not only is little Belize one of the most beautiful places in the world…and not only is it likely the most affordable destination in the Caribbean…but life is easy. So easy…

That's part of what makes Belize such a paradise, of course. Here's why:

It's close to home—just a two-hour flight from Miami.
You needn't learn a new language (English is the official language).
The government is stable.
The currency is pegged 2 to 1 to the U.S. dollar (and U.S. dollars are freely accepted everywhere).
It's tiny—about the size of Massachusetts—so it's easy to get around.
Less than 380,000 people live in the entire country…no crowds to contend with.
Belizeans may be the friendliest, most helpful people on the planet.
It's easy to establish residence and easy to start a business in Belize.

And, Belize Offers One of the World's Best Retirement Programs, Too!
Maybe you've heard of Belize's Qualified Retired Person Program (QRP).

Despite the name, you needn't be retired. If you're at least 45 years old and have a monthly income of at least $2,000 from a pension or annuity (including Social Security) generated outside of Belize, you can qualify. This allows you to bring all your personal goods to Belize tax-free, and pay no Belizean taxes on any foreign-earned income.

Belize is one of those countries that packs a big punch in a small package. It's part of Central America, but unlike most of "Latin" America, Belize was originally part of the British Empire. (That's why English is spoken there.) Belize just became an independent nation in 1981, and British influence remains strong in everything from its parliamentary government to its common law legal system.

It's a legal system that works and makes sense…you won't have any trouble doing business in Belize!

And even though Belize is one of the smallest countries in Central America (making it easy to explore in a short amount of time) it's remarkably diverse…from pine forests in the west and rainforests in the south to rolling farmland in the center and 240 miles of gorgeous Caribbean coastline dotted with more than 200 offshore idyllic islands.

By the way, there are lots of exciting infrastructure projects in the works in Belize today, from the new international airport planned for Ambergris Caye to the new cruise ship terminal in southern Belize. Roadwork progresses apace on Ambergris Cay and there are plans to upgrade the malecon beachfront promenades in both Corozal and Punta Gorda. And the municipal airport in Belize City has already been upgraded and enhanced.

All this, and Belize makes it easy to gain residence there…and with tremendous tax benefits, too.

So How Do You Get Started?
How Can You Quickly Get Up-to-Speed and Easily
Determine if Belize is Right For You?
It's All Included in Escape to Belize

As you know, the only way to find out if Belize is right for you is to plan a visit and see for yourself. But before you spend that kind of money, I've a proposition for you.

We've spent nearly four decades researching Belize…and make no mistake, our editors and correspondents either live in Belize full-time or spend extensive amounts of time there. They've experienced all the benefits this country has to offer and interviewed hundreds of expats who've done the same. They've dug deep and spent time with attorneys, immigration specialists, real estate professionals, and more. They have firsthand experience with getting visas, moving household goods and pets…with the healthcare system, insurance options, and on and on…

And believe me, our editors, correspondents, and your fellow expats in Belize have been through the challenges, too.

In Escape to Belize, you'll get all the benefits of our many years of on-the-ground experience in Belize.

I guarantee Escape to Belize, will help you:

SAVE TIME! Whether you're a beach, island, farm or mountain person, there's a perfect place in Belize for you. We provide the pros and cons to help you narrow down the choices and save hours of painstaking research and expensive travel time. We'll help you pick the best locales in the country that best fit your lifestyle.
SAVE MONEY! We've done the scouting work for you and provide you with the names, phone numbers, and email addresses for our most trusted and helpful contacts. This information is worth its weight in gold (and can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars).
MAKE MONEY! You'll discover current business opportunities for the entrepreneur, outlining the sectors where you'll find the most promise. And we provide complete references and resources to help you launch your new business.

Belize expert Ann Kuffner is the chief architect of this hefty and all-encompassing Escape to Belize manual.

Ann lived in Belize for almost 10 years and discovered some of the places in the country where you can still live the Caribbean dream without spending a fortune…where you can have a champagne lifestyle on a Belikin budget.

(Belikin is Belize's mighty tasty beer…a cold one will set you back just a buck or two, depending on the hoity-toity-ness, or lack thereof, of the establishment.)

She has compiled all her research and findings about Belize in the very comprehensive Escape to Belize: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

Not one to just scratch the surface, Ann gives you every little detail…all the nuances, tips, insider secrets, and every little tidbit that normally slips between the cracks…everything you need to know if you're considering relocating to Belize.

She explains exactly what you need to do to qualify for the Belize Qualified Retired Person Program. This is the latest information straight from Ann's contacts in the Belize government. It's verified and up to date. (That's important, as much of what you'll find in an internet search can be dangerously outdated.)

What's more, she explains you how you can become a permanent resident of Belize, which offers you even more advantages, including the ability to work and earn an income there.

If you're interested in finding your place in the Caribbean sun…but you'd rather not pay typical Caribbean prices…you need to read this manual.

Here's Some of What You'll Discover in Your
Escape to Belize

Location, location, location. You'll learn about the top spots in Belize for expats… some of which you may have never heard of, including a quiet, tidy town on the ocean (but with all the amenities you need) where you can live… more than comfortably… on less than $2,000 per month, including your rent. (Chapter 2)

Contacts, contact, contacts. From expat organizations in Belize to those people who can help you streamline your move… Ann names names and gives contact info, so you'll have both business and social circles in Belize before you ever leave home. (Appendix A—Your complete Belize Resource Rolodex)

How much you can expect to pay for things like telephone, Internet, cable TV, and household help… including a gardener. Remember, in the tropics, one plant can quickly turn into a jungle… you'll be happy to have affordable help in your garden! (Chapter 5)

The nitty gritty details about healthcare in Belize: the country's best public and private hospital options, where to get medical insurance, the ins and outs of evacuation policies, how to get your prescription medications, and more. (Chapter 6)

What about moving your household goods to Belize… does it make sense? What are the best shipping companies? What about your pets? All the information you need about these important issues is found in Chapter 7.

What about taxes? Income taxes, sale tax, capital gains tax… business taxes for you entrepreneurs. All your obligations, exemptions, and benefits are fully explained in Chapter 8.

When you travel to Belize, you'll want to make the most of your time and money. We've outlined, where to go, how to get there, how much it will cost… from hotels to restaurants to shopping… and we explain how to save big time on all your travel expenses. Chapters 11 and 12.

And of course, in Chapter 3, we provide detailed information about real estate in Belize. What the buying process is like…where to go and who to talk to in order to find the best bargains… Like a two-bedroom, two-bath condo, located right in San Pedro town on popular Ambergris Caye for just $249,000 or a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a wraparound balcony and a garage near Punta Gorda for just $145,000.

Try Before You Buy
We always recommend that you rent before you buy. But how do you find a rental in Belize? And how much will you pay? Even on the popular island of Ambergris Caye, you can find a fully furnished rental (A/C, washing machine, and internet included) for just $600 a month. Chapter 2 offers the ins and outs of the Belize rental market in Escape to Belize: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less. And of course, contact information is provided…

Reserve Your Escape to Belize Now…

Escape to Belize: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less is the best resource available to help you get to know the Caribbean paradise that is Belize. From finding a property…to obtaining residence. You'll learn how to invest, travel, live, retire, and start a new business in Belize. With Escape to Belize as your guide, you'll save time, money, and hours of frustration…

Keep in mind…this special guide to "all that is Belize" is the result of years of living in and traveling around the country by many of our top International Living editors and writers. For this edition, there have been months of follow-up research and consultations with expats in Belize, immigration attorneys, real estate agents, and developers. If you were to try to get this information yourself, it would take years and thousands of dollars to compile. I can guarantee you won't find anything like it on the Internet or in a bookshop.

In fact, I will guarantee it…more about that in a minute.

Try it out, explore everything Belize has to offer…and certainly, make use of the information when you're in Belize in search of your dream home or investment. With all the pointed information and contact details in this report, you'll be glad you did.

…And Two Special Bonuses
Reserve Your Escape to Belize Manual Today...
and Also We'll Toss in 2 Special Extras...FREE

Reserve your Escape to Belize Manual today and we'll immediately send you two FREE Special Bonuses:

Special Bonus #1: A very special video called “Belize: The English-Speaking Caribbean Jewel” (value $29) it’s yours FREE when you reserve your Escape to Belize Manual today

To give you the very best introduction to Belize and a preview of what you’ll actually see and experience firsthand in this special country, we videotaped a special presentation given recently at an International Living Fast-Track Your Retirement Overseas Conference by Ann Kuffner.

In this special video, Ann provides an excellent snapshot to real life in Belize. She explains what you’ll love about living there and what you may find to be somewhat challenging.

This video is full of spectacular visuals, too—so you can see exactly what she’s talking about. From Ambergris Caye to Placencia, Punta Gorda, the Cayo District, and beyond...

Ann knows Belize well and she wants to share it all...up close and personal...with you.

This Special Bonus Video has a value of $29.97...but it’s yours FREE when you act now to reserve your Escape to Belize Manual.

If you’re considering a move to Belize… a place where you’ll feel welcome and wanted... a country that’s teeming with opportunity (not to mention it’s drop-dead gorgeous), you’ll want to watch this video as soon as possible.

This special video, Belize: The English-Speaking Caribbean Jewel (value $29) is yours FREE with your copy of Escape to Belize.

…If you've ever wanted see for yourself what Belize has to offer...in order to make an informed decision about moving or investing there… act now.

But that's not all...

Order your copy of Escape to Belize now and I'll also give you...

Special Bonus #2: A second special video, "Starting Your Dream Business in Belize", (value $29).

Belize is one of the best places on the planet right now to start a business. Even if starting a business is not at all your intention, chances are that you’ll see a niche in Belize that needs to be filled. In a country with such a small population... but with ever-increasing numbers of tourists visiting each year... countless opportunities await you.

In this special video, International Living Roving Latin America Editor Jason Holland showcases dozens of these opportunities...

He shares a lengthy list of businesses needed in each area of the country. He explains how to get a work permit, what to do, what not to do, who’s doing what, who’s not doing what...

If you’ve dreamed of living in Belize but you’re not sure how to make it happen financially watch Jason’s video and you’ll be well on your way to figuring it out.

This special video, Starting Your Dream Business in Belize, has a value of $29 but it’s yours free, and will be rushed to you immediately, when you order Escape to Belize right now.

Not Available Anywhere Else

Escape to Belize created by Belize correspondent Ann Kuffner and the editors of International Living (and the two special bonuses, Belize: The English-Speaking Caribbean Jewel and Starting Your Dream Business in Belize are not available in bookstores, resource libraries, or anywhere else on the Internet.

All are available online with the manual provided in downloadable PDF format for $103. That's how we can keep the information as up-to-date and reliable as possible. It also allows us to get this information in your hands as quickly as possible. However, if you would like to purchase a printed version, go here (You'll still be able to access the videos instantly online).

Travel to Belize to obtain all this information yourself and you'd expect to pay $2,000 or more. (The time and efforts of attorneys and other experts who worked to compile this information is worth that much alone.) But when you act now and reserve your copy of Escape to Belize you'll pay just $103. And you'll also receive our special free bonus videos Belize: The English-Speaking Caribbean Jewel and Starting Your Dream Business in Belize.

Discover Belize Risk-Free

In Belize, there's a mantra that everyone lives by. It's an attitude, really, and a direct result of living a no-stress lifestyle. The sun comes up, you play in the water all day… or just sit next to it with your feet up and a cold drink in your hand. And then the sun goes down. The next day you do it all again.

"No shirt, no shoes, no problem."

I'm so confident that Escape to Belize will help you realize your dream life in Belize that I'll offer you this guarantee: If, for any reason, you're not completely happy with this report, just let us know. You have our 30-day, no-hassle, money back guarantee…

We'll refund your $103 no questions asked…and you can keep your special videos Belize: The English-Speaking Caribbean Jewel and Starting Your Dream Business in Belize.

If you've been considering a move to Belize…full-time or part-time, you owe it to yourself to learn as much as possible about this small, friendly English-speaking Caribbean country—and now, thanks to our money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose…but so much to gain!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Stevens,
Executive Editor, International Living

P.S. The comprehensive and all-inclusive Escape to Belize: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less and your two FREE special videos Belize: The English Speaking Caribbean Jewel and Starting Your Dream Business in Belize are not available anywhere else… at any price. If you're interested in living the laidback Caribbean lifestyle (full or part-time) but not interested in paying typical Caribbean prices, Belize should definitely be front and center on your radar.

Escape to Costa Rica

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 09:37:45 GMT

In Costa Rica, there is no Retirement Crisis. In Fact, North American Retirees Say They Now Live Better Than Ever…

Rick and Peggy Stewart found warm weather, great friends, a relaxed lifestyle, their dream home with a view, and a low cost of living in Costa Rica. And the transition—with so many welcoming locals and expats—was easy…

Dear Reader,

"We felt at home here from the first time we visited," says Peggy. "Everybody is so accepting. It's so social. We've made more friends here in 16 months—Costa Rican and expat—than we did in 10 years in Alberta."

Rick and Peggy Stewart were looking for an escape from cold weather…and Costa Rica fit the bill.

But it wasn't just the tropical climate that convinced them to move—this nation ticked a lot of other boxes too. It’s safe, affordable, First World comforts are available—as are nice homes at good prices—and they could have an active social life.

Perhaps most importantly, though—thanks to its 30+ years as a popular retirement destination—Costa Rica is already "set up" for expats. The Stewarts say they enjoyed a quick-and-easy adjustment period. And that meant they were enjoying retirement very soon after they made their move.

Today they are living better than they ever did in Canada. And after renting for two years, they bought a home with incredible views just outside the village of Atenas in the Central Valley region for well under $200,000.

Now they've put down permanent roots in a community that welcomed them with open arms.

"The ‘networking’ here is amazing," says Peggy. "The national motto should be ‘I know a guy’ because you can find all sorts of help by just asking neighbors, friends, or people you’ve just met in town. You need a fence put up? Somebody is sure to say, ‘I know a guy.’"

Not only is Costa Rica "easy," but it’s remarkably affordable, too. Rick and Peggy report that their retirement fund goes further than it would've back home.

Says Peggy, "Thanks to the climate, we have no AC or heating bill. And groceries are cheaper here because there's an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables instead of processed products."

Many of their fellow expats report they live well for around $1,950 a month per couple, including housing costs.

Of course, for a lot of folks, Costa Rica’s warm weather is the big draw. And for good reason.

Rick was a forest ranger back in Canada—30 years working outside, year-round. Suffice it to say: He and Peggy had had enough of the cold.

They found their ideal climate in Costa Rica’s Central Valley. Perfect weather—hovering around 80 degrees 365 days a year—means they live outdoors, enjoying meals, talking, reading, and taking in their view of the surrounding farm land and forest.

Time has slowed down for the couple and the hassles of daily life they used to face have melted away.

"We can do as little or as much as we want. We choose our own pace. It’s very much a return to an old-fashioned way of life," says Peggy.

The Easiest and Most Proven Overseas
Retirement Destination

The Stewarts are just two of an estimated 70,000 North Americans living in Costa Rica—more if you count part-timers. The safety, climate, the friendly people (both locals and expats), and the good-value cost of living are just some of the factors that have attracted foreign residents for more than three decades.

Costa Rica has a lot going for it, no question…

There’s bargain real estate. Even desirable ocean-view or mountain-view homes can be had for under $100,000. Rents start at $400—and that's fully furnished, by the way. Sacrifice a view outside your back porch and you can buy for $85,000.

A long record of safety and stability. Costa Rica has had no army since 1948, and a strong democratic government since then.

Top-quality affordable healthcare. In the just-released 2019 Bloomberg Global Health study of the world's healthiest countries, Costa Rica ranks as the healthiest country in Central America...ranking ahead of the U.S. And when it comes to overall healthcare efficiency, says Bloomberg, Costa Rica ranks well ahead of the U.S. And the really good news: You can qualify for the CAJA national health system that provides comprehensive coverage, no matter your age.

Slightly smaller than West Virginia, this tiny country hosts a huge variety of climates and landscapes: palm-tree lined deserted beaches, steamy rain forests, high mountain forests, hillside farms, and more. There’s something for everybody.

A community for every lifestyle—from bustling market towns to isolated beachside outposts to big city suburbs to quiet farming villages—and everything in between. You can find an escape here that suits you perfectly.

Natural beauty that won’t ever disappear. Development in Costa Rica is sustainable thanks to a commitment to conservation made by the government and private landowners. A full quarter of this nation’s land is set aside as national park or private reserve.

Hi, my name is Jason Holland, the Roving Latin America editor for International Living. I had the privilege of living and working in Costa Rica full-time with my family for nearly five years. In my time there, I crisscrossed the country, checking out regions and towns, interviewing expats of all walks of life, and keeping abreast of all the issues affecting foreign residents.

And let me tell you, the list of reasons why Costa Rica is a great place to retire, start a business, work, start a new chapter of your life—whatever your goal—just keeps getting longer.

One of the biggest benefits is that the "trail" has been blazed for you in Costa Rica by decades’ worth of expats, and all you have to do is follow in their footsteps.

That makes Costa Rica something I like to call:

Latin America for Beginners

A Costa Rica Snapshot
1. The army was abolished by constitutional amendment in 1948, with the money going to education and healthcare instead. And the country has been a peaceful and stable democracy ever since.

2.Officially citizens of Costa Rica are costarricenses. But most just call themselves tico, for a man, or tica, for a woman.

3. Costa Rica is a small country, about the size of West Virginia, but it has an amazing 5% of the world’s animal species—more than 500,000 in all. That makes it one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

4. Costa Rica generates more than 90% of its energy through renewable sources like wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric.

There’s no need for you to be a "pioneer" when it comes to moving to Costa Rica.

English is widely spoken…by plumbers…mechanics…doctors…real estate agents…shopkeepers…and more. You’ll have all the modern conveniences you’re used to like cable and satellite TV (with many channels in English), high-speed internet, smartphones, and American foods and other products in stores and restaurants.

And you’ll also find plenty of communities full of fellow expats where friendships come fast thanks to the common bond of moving overseas. That means you’ll have a very active social life—and don’t forget all your new local friends too. Costa Ricans are very friendly people—in fact, a new study from the World Economic Forum found Costa Rica to be one of the most welcoming countries in the world to foreigners.

The bottom line is that Costa Rica and its people are used to "gringos" and you will be a welcome addition to any community. And your transition will be much easier here than if you moved to many other countries. In Costa Rica, you’ll quickly discover—and appreciate:

The Pura Vida attitude (in a nutshell: life is good) and laidback lifestyle that Costa Rica is known for. It permeates daily life—in stark contrast to the high stress and focus on money we have in North America.

Cost of living remains very reasonable. A couple can live comfortably on $1,950 a month, including housing costs. And trips for weekly groceries won’t break the bank.

And residence is easy to secure. Retirees need just $1,000 a month per couple from Social Security or a pension to qualify. If you're not yet at retirement age, you can seek rentista residence, which requires $2,500 a month in interest income from an investment like a certificate of deposit or a one-time deposit of $60,000 in a Costa Rican bank.

That’s the short list.

But let’s dig in a little more…

The Central Valley Offers Convenience and Comfort

Though Costa Rica is a small country, there is tremendous variety of landscapes, lifestyles, and climates in each of its regions. Whether you want to live in a bustling market town, in a rural village, on your own farm, in the jungle, on the beach, in a cliff-side ocean-view condo, or on top of a mountain with 100-mile views—you can find your dream location in Costa Rica.

Expat Profile: Sharon Harris, Heredia, Central Valley
"After living in Las Vegas for almost 40 years it wasn’t easy to leave. But we knew if we waited much longer we would never do it. We wanted our dollars to stretch, and we wanted affordable medical care. And Heredia suits our needs perfectly.

"The weather is very mild year-round. No need for heat or air conditioning in our home. There are two beautiful shopping centers: PriceSmart (Costco) and Walmart. We pay approximately $100 per month for electricity, water, cable, internet, a neighborhood guard, and maid service."

By far the most popular place with expats is the Central Valley. And with all the advantages I’m about to share, it’s not hard to understand why. No wonder AARP once named the Central Valley one of the top 10 places to retire in the whole world.

In a word, the Central Valley is convenient.

The main international airport in the country, Juan Santamaria, is there, which makes trips to and from home—and picking up visitors from the airport—a breeze. Then because the Valley is, well, centrally-located, you can be anywhere else in the country in about six hours or less by car—less than an hour by plane. The closest tropical beach, Punta Leona, is an hour away and you can be deep in rain forest covered mountains in half the time.

Then there’s the medical care. The best hospitals in both the public and private systems, including the Joint Commission International-accredited CIMA Hospital, as well as the top doctors, including specialists in every discipline, are found in and around San José, the country's capital. If you have a chronic medical condition or just want the peace of mind of living a short ride from top medical care—this is your place.

The best part is that while the big city conveniences are just around the corner, you don’t have to live in an urban area. Much of the Valley is still very rural, dotted with small towns and villages. You get the best of both worlds. Atenas, where Rick and Peggy live, is a perfect example. It's a small village surrounded by forest and farm land with a charming town center of shops, restaurants, and a tree-filled central park where much of the town's social activity takes place.

The fact that the Central Valley has a mild, temperate climate year-round is just icing on the cake. It never gets too hot, never too cold. The temperatures never get above 85 during the day and it cools down into the 60s at night, so you don't have to use heat or AC, which keeps your electric bill way down.

Lakeside Living, Beaches, and Jungle…

The weather is good in the Arenal region, too. Like the Central Valley (which is about three hours southeast), it has a very mild, spring-like climate year-round. But this area is dominated by two very striking geographic features: a cone volcano that looms on the horizon (active but not dangerous) and a 33-square-mile lake around which most expats here have settled.

A lake like this in the U.S. would be overrun by shoreline development, busy marinas, buzzing Jet-skis, and chugging powerboats. But here there is rarely any boat traffic. And the shore is virtually untouched. Instead homes dot the pasture and tree-covered green hills that slope gently to the water. Life on the lake is peaceful, a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors and your view. If you like the idea of a quiet retreat, this secret hideaway might fit the bill.

Retirees and other expats here have clustered in gated communities and individual homes around the very small town of Nuevo Arenal on the lakeshore. A gas station, pharmacy, bank, grocery store, hardware store, a few restaurants…it has everything you need for daily living.

It's a close-knit community where everybody seems to know everybody.

"I’ve never been happier," says Bob Lux, a retiree who lives in Arenal with his wife Stacy. "I meet so many people from the U.S., Europe, and all over the world."

Bob sometimes jokes that he always bumps into people he knows when he's running errands. So even if he was just running out to the grocery store, it might take him a couple of hours to make it back home because of all the people he’ll stop to chat with on the way.

Then again, maybe what you have in mind is the "classic" Costa Rica you see on postcards and tourist-board posters. In that case, head south to the Southern Zone region. Lush, jungle-clad mountains cascade dramatically down to the beach and the wild blue Pacific. The steamy rain forest is home to thousands of species like howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, chestnut-mandibled toucans, blue morpho butterflies, and more.

And expats live surrounded by it all, in homes scattered in the jungle on the hills above the sea—cooled by sea breezes. The 180-degree ocean-view is the most desirable—and it is surprisingly affordable, as you’ll see in just a moment.

One of the most popular spots for expats in the Southern Zone is Ojochal. It's a very small village, a cluster of shops, restaurants, and homes in the jungle just off the coast road.

Ocean Views and Landscaped Gardens

Anna Fishel lives in the heart of Ojochal.

"My home is on just under an acre of land in the jungle. There is a small view of the ocean, but the real attraction for me was that the house is set among beautifully landscaped gardens," says Anna. "I like to say that I bought a lovely tropical garden that happened to have a house tucked in amongst the beauty."

And she's enjoying her retirement to the full.

"I’m finally reading books that have been on my to-read list for 20 years," says Anna. "I have no idea how long I spend having coffee, watching the birds have their breakfast, looking up birds in my guide, pulling those ever present weeds, or hanging laundry on the line. I am really enjoying ending a day and feeling like it was full in a simplistic way and that no one, in particular not me, needs a detailed account of the day's activities."

In Ojochal, you can do your grocery shopping, buy fresh-caught fish (about $4 a pound for snapper), and, surprisingly to most visitors, enjoy some of the best gourmet food in Costa Rica. You see, many expats here were cooks or chefs back home—or just had an interest in food—and they've opened restaurants showcasing a variety of world cuisines, including Indonesian, French, Italian, and Mexican.

With so many ocean-view homes—not to mention bars and restaurants—in the hills of this region, it's no wonder that watching the sunset has become a daily ritual for many expats here. And it's often celebrated with friends over a glass of wine.

We’ve really just touched the surface of the many places where you can make a home in Costa Rica. You’ll find expats in just about every corner of the country.

There's the Gold Coast on the north Pacific, which is home to many expat enclaves like Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, and Playas del Coco, as well as sleepy fishing villages, surfing hotspots, resort towns, and more. It also has the country's second international airport in the inland city of Liberia, the provincial capital where you can access a lot of government services.

If you're a beach lover and have a bohemian streak, you might check out the Nicoya Peninsula, which juts out into the Pacific. The funky beach towns of Nosara, Samara, Malpais, and Montezuma are centers for yoga, surfing, and just plain relaxing on the beach. The peninsula is also one of the world’s Blue Zones where residents live longer on average thanks to diet, climate, and lifestyle.

Switching coasts, we come to the laidback Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Thanks to the many Jamaican immigrants in the area and lack of any large-scale development, it has a genuine island vibe. And many locals speak English. Homes can be found in the jungle, a short walk from warm water and white sandy beaches.

Finally, we come to the Central Pacific, a region that offers quick access to the shopping and medical care in the Central Valley, with some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica in your backyard. Jacó is a major resort town and expat hotspot, a walkable community with a plethora of bars, restaurants, and nightspots. More sedate Manuel Antonio to the south is a community that sits on either side of a two-lane road that hugs the hills above the water. It ends in one of Costa Rica's best-loved national parks.

In just a moment, you’ll learn how you can get a comprehensive look at all of these regions—and more—to find which matches your lifestyle. But first, I want to pass on something I know is very important to anybody considering an overseas move.

U.S.-Level Medical Care—at Developing-World Prices

In these days of high-cost insurance, government squabbling over medical care, and doctors who don’t have more than five minutes to spend with a patient, the medical care in Costa Rica is a breath of fresh air.

Expat Profile: Paul and Gloria Yeatman and Their Adventures in the Public Healthcare System
Since moving to San Ramon, in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, five years ago Paul and Gloria Yeatman have become wholehearted proponents of the country’s universal healthcare system, known as Caja. They visit the local clinic, staffed by a doctor, nurses, and a pharmacist, when they’re ill or need a prescription. They get flu shots from the nurse who travels around on his motorcycle giving vaccinations to rural patients.

And when Gloria needed a surgery to remove an infected lymph node, she didn’t hesitate to use the public hospital in San Ramon. The surgery went great and Gloria was given a clean bill of health.

It’s common for you to have your doctor’s cell phone number, doctors make house calls, and it all costs a fraction of what it would in the U.S.

As an expat in Costa Rica, you have the choice of two medical systems: the government-run universal healthcare and a private system.

Both have been consistently rated among the best in Latin America. The doctors—most of whom speak English—have been trained in all the newest techniques. They have all the latest diagnostic equipment and surgical tools. And compared to the U.S., the care you’ll receive in Costa Rica is superior in several ways.

First, the cost.

In the private system, doctor’s visits are $50, even for house calls, and major surgeries like knee replacements or heart bypasses are a third or less of what they would cost back home. And that's if you're paying cash. Private hospitals and doctors also take insurance from many U.S., Canadian, and European insurance companies.

In the public system, the savings are even higher. As a legal resident you join the Caja system, paying a low monthly fee based on income (most expats arriving today pay under $200 per couple). After that ALL your care is free, from doctor’s visits, diagnostic testing, prescriptions, and major surgeries.

But more than the cost of medical care, you’ll notice a huge difference in your personal experience with the doctors.

In Costa Rica, you don’t wait an hour reading old issues of People magazine before being called in to see the doctor for five minutes, leaving with a prescription you’re not sure you need, and still confused over the diagnosis.

Instead, your doctors spend time with you: a half-hour, an hour—whatever it takes to answer all your questions and plan your treatment.

It’s what healthcare used to be back in the U.S. But you can get it in Costa Rica today.

It’s just one reason that Costa Ricans have a very positive outlook on life. That attitude has given the entire country a kind of nickname…

The Land of Pura Vida

What makes a place special? You really have to start with the people.

Costa Ricans live by the country’s motto: Pura Vida. Literally it translates to "pure life." But it means so much more than that. The closest approximation might be "life is good."

It means that Costa Ricans work to live, they don’t live to work. And they truly value time with family and friends.

Costa Ricans have been named the happiest people in the world. In a survey that considered quality of life, not economic measures like GDP or per capita income, Costa Rica has come out on top in the latest Happy Planet Index. They’re actually three-time winners, having garnered the top spot in 2012 and 2009 as well.

When you move to Costa Rica, that Pura Vida attitude is sure to rub off on you too. The stress of "keeping up with the Joneses" by buying the latest car or electronic gadget will disappear.

You’ll also be in good company in the many established expat communities you’ll find throughout the country where fellowship and friendships are the top priorities.

Here you’ll make easy friends because you have a common bond. You’ve all moved out of your home country for a new life in Costa Rica.

That’s a recipe for fast friendships at the many restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and community centers that have sprung up around the country to play host to expat groups. They play cards, craft, plan trips, or just talk over coffee. At Kay’s Gringo Postres in the Central Valley town of Atenas, for example, they do all that and have an annual chili cook-off as well, with the money raised going to the local community.

And don't forget all the local friends you'll make as well. Costa Ricans are friendly and curious about where you come from and proud you chose their country for your new home. You'll soon be part of local festivals and celebrations—places where a smile can overcome any language barrier.

On a practical level, thanks to your new friends—both local and expat—you'll have a built-in network to get the best plumbers and car mechanics, the inside track on real estate deals, and contacts to get locals-only deals in shops and restaurants.

And that makes it easier to embrace another advantage of living in Costa Rica…

Live Well on $1,950 a Month

This is probably one of the biggest benefits of moving to Costa Rica for retirees on fixed incomes—or anyone else just looking to get back to a reasonable monthly budget.

A couple can enjoy a great lifestyle with plenty of comforts, without scrimping, for around $1,950 a month—including housing and transportation costs. Spend a bit more and you can enjoy luxuries like an ocean-view home, weekly gourmet meals, and visits to the spa.

Take a couple we know on the northern Pacific coast. By moving to Costa Rica they cut their living expenses by 65%—and they live just a five minute walk from a beautiful beach. Paul and Gloria Yeatman live on less than $2,000 a month—sometimes much less. And that includes housing and transportation, and all other costs.

The key to saving money in Costa Rica is to live—and shop—like a local. The average annual income for locals is, after all, less than $15,000 a year. And they manage to dress well and feed large families.

When it comes to food shopping you can save 50% or more on your grocery bill by forgoing specialty imported food at the grocery store in favor of the weekly feria, or farmers’ market. You buy what’s in season and local, fresh from the farm produce often sold to you by the very farmer who grew the crop.

Expat Profile: Denice K., Atenas
"We chose Atenas because it has some of the best weather in the world, and we love being outdoors. It's a pretty liberating feeling knowing you can live a retired kind of lifestyle—in the tropics—at ages 41 and 45...and afford to live your dream."

Try pineapples for a dollar—compared to $4 to $5 in the U.S. Or huge bunches of herbs like cilantro and basil for 50 cents. My family of four usually spendt about $40 at the feria and had enough to last the week—and then some.

Meals out can be a bargain too. Filling meals of local staples like rice, beans, salad, and your choice of beef, chicken, or fish will set you back $4 -$5. And if you want to treat yourself, why not try a grass-fed steak that’ll rival anything in a U.S. high-end steakhouse for just $12.

Then there are the little luxuries you can afford in Costa Rica that you maybe couldn’t back home. Maid service comes out to $4 an hour. A gardener to tend the tropical paradise in your backyard—again, around $4 an hour.

In short, you can live the good life in Costa Rica, for much, much less. And that extends to real estate—

Your Dream Home for $150,000 or Less

When the real estate Bubble burst several years back, and prices dropped dramatically in places like California, Florida, and elsewhere—the same thing happened in Costa Rica. And you still have the upper hand—it’s very much a buyer’s market.

In the Southern Zone, for example, that Pacific coast area known for the dramatic, mountainous coastline and virtually empty beaches, you can have an ocean-view home for just $200,000—compare that coastal southern California or Florida, where similar properties go into the millions.

That includes floor to ceiling tempered glass, exposed concrete walls, wooden veneers and spacious open areas. And you're surrounded by jungle, with monkeys, toucans, sloths, and other wildlife that make your backyard their home.

Picture yourself relaxing on a lounger on your back porch, watching the sun set over the Pacific, glass of wine in hand.

If life by the beach isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options:

Heading up into the hills and mountains of the Central Valley, we have the bustling market town of Grecia…

In the tranquil countryside, but close to the town center, is a three-bed, 2-bath home with a large closed patio. The interior is bright and cozy with beautiful porcelain floors at the entrance, dining room and kitchen. It's just $129,000.

On the shores of pristine Lake Arenal, you have another dream home—if a quiet rural existence is what you're looking for…

A newly remodelled home with two-bedrooms, that overlooks the lake, is listed at $89,000. You're surrounded by green space but also within walking distance to all amenities and two of the best restaurants in the area.

Easy to Buy and Low Taxes, Too
Buying and owning property in Costa Rica is a breeze. Foreigners, even those without residence, have the same rights as citizens when it comes to property. And you’ll appreciate this: property taxes are a miniscule 0.25% a year—that’s just $500 a year for a $200,000 home.

And, by the way, the homes I’ve mentioned so far are all North American style and standard. For cozier and comfortable but simple "Tico-style" homes in nice neighborhoods, often with a great view, prices canstart at $38,000. You might not have granite countertops or a dishwasher, but you’ll have a very affordable place to call home.

And if you don’t want to buy right away—no problem. There are plenty of affordable rentals for long- or short-term leases. You can sample the different regions without obligation until you find your place. With rents starting at $500 a month for furnished condos and small homes—with great views, you can try life by the beach, in the mountains, by the lake, in town, or in the jungle.

And while you’re finding your spot, be sure to take advantage of all the benefits extended to retirees in Costa Rica…

Foreign Residents—Especially Retirees
—Welcomed with Open Arms

As a country, Costa Rica is just as welcoming to foreign residents as ever. No-hassle residence policies make moving here a snap. Retirees need just $1,000 a month per couple from retirement benefits, disability, and/or a pension to qualify under the pensionado program. As I mentioned earlier, it's very easy to qualify. And there are programs for those not yet ready to retire or without a pension.

Saving money is great. But you’ll also find that seniors are respected in Costa Rica—it’s ingrained in the culture.

You’ll immediately be offered a seat on a bus or in a waiting room if it’s packed. You get head of the line privileges at banks and government offices—by law. And the same courtesy will be extended at shops, restaurants, cultural events, or wherever you happen to be.

Some expats I’ve spoken with tell me that Costa Rica is a lot like the small town America they used to know when they grew up. As far as culture, they might be right. But that doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past—

It’s a Lot like Home—in Many Ways

There will be a learning curve when you arrive in Costa Rica. This is a country with its own unique culture, customs, and ways of doing things. But in many ways it’s a lot like home, and your transition to life in your new home will likely be easier than you might think.

This is a modern country with many comforts and amenities you’ll recognize. Grocery stores offer many imported items—if you miss your Ben and Jerry’s ice cream or bagels—you’re covered. Your favorite brand-name cosmetics, clothing, and electronics are here too.

You can get high-speed internet and cable or satellite TV (cheaper than in the U.S., by the way) anywhere in the country—even in the middle of the jungle. Many shows and channels are in English and you can add on premium channels like HBO and packages for the sports like NFL football or NBA basketball.

A widespread cell phone network—with 4G and LTE—means you can bring your smartphone to Costa Rica. More basic phones start at $30 for a handset, with $20 worth of minutes getting you through the month and then some.

Keeping in touch with loved ones back home is easy too. Online tools like Skype allow for free video conferencing. And with services like MagicJack you can have a U.S. phone number in Costa Rica—and your regular home phone will ring just like it would back home.

Of course, with two international airports—one in San José and the other near the northwest Pacific coast in Liberia, getting to and from North America is no problem at all. Miami is just two-and-half hours away. And Houston, another major hub is just under four hours.

As you can see, just because you are moving to a new country doesn’t mean you have to leave all the comforts behind. In Costa Rica, you can stay very connected with those who matter to you. And whenever you want to go for a visit—or have someone visit you—it’s not as if you’re halfway around the world.

Your Guide to a New Life in Costa Rica

Still, no matter how perfect a fit for you Costa Rica may seem—I’m sure you have lots of questions. And the good news is: I’d like to answer them for you.

You don’t have to "go it alone" as you get from where you are now to your ideal life overseas.

We can help. We'll make sure you have the confidence and insider intelligence you need to pinpoint the spot that’s right for you and get there quickly, easily, seamlessly…

You see, for generations of expats, International Living has been the place to turn for accurate and timely advice. We’ve been in-country for decades. We talk to the lawyers, the government officials, the business community, and, of course, the long-time expats who know the score. Plus, like me, we live there ourselves.

That’s why we’re proud to offer you a one-of-a-kind resource called Escape to Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

It’s the essential guide to moving to and living in Costa Rica, designed specifically to make relocating here as stress-free as possible for prospective expats like you.

Save Time, Money, and Trouble and Settle in Smoothly

Inside, you’ll learn…

What life is like in each region—so you can match your lifestyle to your new home

How to secure your residence step by step—and the documents you must bring from home to avoid delays

The essential Spanish phrases so you can ask directions—order dinner—and make new friends

Little-known areas where land is cheap—but the path of progress is coming and values are rising

Nuts and bolts insider tips—direct from expats themselves—for daily life in Costa Rica

The stress-free way to get your pets to Costa Rica—it’s easier than you think—if you know the rules

The four things you must have to open a bank account

A complete rundown of the taxes you still have to pay and those you can throw out the window—in Costa Rica and at home

How to start a business—and the best spots for starting up your dream beach bar, restaurant, sport fishing charter, or whatever you want

The inside scoop on the best beachfront communities—local favorites—expat enclaves—cool weather mountain towns—and where to buy your own finca, or farm

The best way to scout property for sale—and what you should never do when looking at a lot or a home

What household goods to bring from home—and what to leave behind

How to negotiate a fair price for building your own home, how to find reliable contractors, and how to manage the building process if you’re still in North America

And that’s just a small taste…

Plus, you’ll get a Rolodex of contacts throughout Costa Rica—all of whom speak English—in fact, many are from the U.S. or Canada. You’ll have these resources on speed-dial:

Lawyers experienced in immigration

Trusted real estate agents

Shipping brokers who know how to deal with Customs

Expat groups from coast to coast, from the American Legion to community theater

Insurance companies who will cover you in Costa Rica

Phone numbers for the major public and private hospitals—including the emergency lines

And more…

Real-World, Insider Advice and Guidance

You may be used to a more "do it yourself" approach to matters like buying a house or car, signing up for insurance, or dealing with the government back home. But in Costa Rica you’ll need a representative who knows the rules and regulations—basically how things work.

These are the on-the-ground contacts well-versed in helping expats get settled in Costa Rica. They know the right people. They know the little-used but perfectly legal exceptions to the rules. In short, they make your move easy.

That’s what Escape to Costa Rica is all about. All the information you need to make informed decisions. No need to search high and low for information.

Of course, there’s no substitute for an in-person visit. And that’s why we’ve ensured that Escape to Costa Rica is the ideal resource for planning those trips. You’ll get a good idea of which regions you want to visit. And you’ll know where to stay, who to talk to, and everything else as you explore.

The bottom line is that Costa Rica has been an expat destination for decades for good reason. It offers a combination of low cost of living, bargain real estate, perfect climate, and high quality—and cheap—medical care—all in a beautiful setting.

And because generations of expats have blazed the trail, moving there has never been easier, especially when you have the inside track given to you by Escape to Costa Rica.

There’s never been a better time to make the leap, and this resource can help you get there.

Special Extra when You Take a Look Today

Even better, when you order your copy of Escape to Costa Rica today, we’ll toss in a special report, Costa Rica Connections: Expat Case Studies on Retirement, Quality of Life, and Living Overseas, on the house.

In this exclusive bonus, you’ll meet many expats who’ve moved to Costa Rica for many different reasons, whether they were seeking cheap medical care, a lower cost of living, relief from a stressful day-to-day life in North America, or many other motivations. And from their experiences, the problems they solved, and how they navigated the "system" in Costa Rica, you’ll shorten your learning curve to do the same things. It’s kind of like hearing a friend describe the shortcut he takes to bypass rush hour traffic...or being introduced to your neighbor’s reliable handyman—you benefit from their experience.

A $29 value, you get this exclusive collection of case studies when you order Escape to Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less right now for just $103.

Your Insider’s Guide—Information
You’ll Find Nowhere Else

To gather all the information, advice, tips, and insider secrets we’ve packed into Escape to Costa Rica would take months (if not years) of research and a dozen (if not more) hard-working scouting trips, plus thousands of dollars in travel expenses.

We could easily offer Escape to Costa Rica for $1,000 or more—it’s that valuable and a reflection of the time and money it’ll save you as you plan your move. But at International Living we’re passionate about helping you achieve your overseas dream. And on a personal level, I’m enthusiastic about telling people all about the country I’ve come to know and love.

So we’re making Escape to Costa Rica available today for just $103.

And remember, you get Costa Rica Connections: Expat Case Studies on Retirement, Quality of Life, and Living Overseas (a $29 value) when you order today. Armed with these resources you’ll be "in the know" well before you get "in country."

Discover Costa Rica for Yourself—Risk-Free

At International Living we stand by our publications. We know that they’re the best resources for those seeking a new life overseas. And that’s certainly the case with Escape to Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

Heck, I went line by line through this book just a few months ago and know every single detail. And I can vouch for the usefulness of this book personally—I’ve used many of the resources it lists myself.

The plain truth is there’s no other resource for moving to and living in Costa Rica as comprehensive as Escape to Costa Rica.

But I want you to see it for yourself and make your own decision.

That’s why after you order your copy, you have a full 30 days to read through it, investigate each chapter—you could even email or call some of the real estate agents, hospitals, lawyers, or moving companies we have listed in the book and ask them questions.

If, once you’ve taken a look, you decide Escape to Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less wasn’t what you were expecting or you’ve had a change of heart about Costa Rica—no worries. Just let us know within 30 days of ordering and we’ll give you a full refund. No questions asked.

And you get to keep your special bonus report—that's on us.

The Time to Act Is Now

This time next year you could be enjoying life by the beach, tropical drink in hand, toes in the sand and another beautiful sunset on the horizon…or perhaps you’ll be walking the narrow streets of a bustling market town, saying a hearty "Buenos Dias" to shopkeepers as you do your weekly shopping—or you’ll wake up early, enjoying coffee on the terrace of your hilltop home as you overlook acres of pasture, coffee plantation, and forest.

It’s all possible—and so much more—in Costa Rica.

No matter where you are in the process of moving—or your retirement planning—you owe it to yourself to pick up Escape to Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less today.

It’s going to help you with your planning process. It’ll help you make decisions. And when it comes time to plan your visit to Costa Rica to check things out—you’ll be well-informed and already have contacts on the ground.

For just $103 that level of expertise—and peace of mind—can’t be beat.

Order now and you'll also receive our complimentary International Living Postcards, sent everyday via email. You can unsubscribe from this service at any time, with no hassle.

Click "Add to Cart" to secure Escape to Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less. When you do, we'll also send you the special digital report, Costa Rica Connections.

Best Regards,

Jason Holland
Roving Latin America Editor, International Living

P.S. Rick and Peggy Stewart—Anna Fishel…Bob and Stacy Lux…Paul and Gloria Yeatman—all are living out their dreams in Costa Rica—joined by 70,000 other North American expats. You could join them and live better in retirement—or start a new chapter in your life.

The advice in Escape to Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less is not available anywhere else—at any price.

Get started now.

Escape To Ecuador

Tue, 30 May 2023 15:14:46 GMT

“I went from pill-popping stressed-out zombie—to healthy, happy and 20lbs lighter. This place showed me I could rebuild myself and be the person I’ve always wanted to be.”

What Would You Do with a Second Shot at Life?

Continue working…or enjoy morning walks and lunch with friends?

Watch housing payments go up…or own a villa outright for less
than $180,000?

Travel more? Write that novel? Go fishing?

In Ecuador it’s All Possible…

Dear Stressed Out, Overworked Fellow American,

“I went to work at 8 a.m., worked through lunch, leaving at 7 p.m., drove through Taco Bell, devouring tacos while driving home.

“On arrival, I’d pop open a bottle of wine, watch The Bachelor, take an Ambien to help me pass out, then wake up and do it over again.”

That was Donna back in 2014…

If your day looks anything like this, you’ll want to know about the havens we recommend in Ecuador…

Here Americans are rediscovering the freedom of their college days—and finding that life really can offer second chances.

Stressed-out Donna back in 2014

“I was overweight, stressed out, a bad eater, addicted to the news, overworked, mentally exhausted, and a physical blob.”

Despite having a high-paying job, Donna’s lifestyle wasn’t worth the price.

Work ruled her life. She was missing precious occasions with family and friends…had abandoned her former hobbies…and was constantly exhausted.

“I had no joy in life, and I was on the express lane to death.”

It was time for a change, as she tells it. Time to rediscover the person she was before she got lost in her career, material things, and dealing with a stressful life.

So Donna put together a list of criteria, if she could just start over, this is what she’d want…

A year-round spring climate was at the top of the list. After 40 years in Florida, she was fed up with the heat (and $300-a-month AC bills.)

“In Florida, summer days were so hot I needed oven mitts for my steering wheel!”.
#2 on Donna’s list was friendly people. “I come from a large family and know the importance of community.”
Third on the list… A low cost of living. Donna was tired of the daily grind… the 50-hour weeks… the never-ending bills… If she could just go somewhere less expensive, she could afford to retire.

Through International Living, she discovered the warm, welcoming, life-changing havens of Ecuador…where—as she discovered in person—a couple can live well for $1,800 a month (or even less.)

“I found a kind and tranquillo culture where religion and family come first, everyone knows each other, and where time slows down.

“I could rebuild myself. Find contentment. Restore my balance. Be healthier and happier. And I’m convinced that if it could do that for me, it can do it for you too.”

12 months after reading about Ecuador, Donna, her husband and their three dogs had settled in to their new hilltop hacienda. They would wake to the sound of the river running behind their home, and views of the European-style colonial city spread out below.

She was happier and healthier than she had ever been…and 20 pounds lighter thanks to the local, farm-fresh food, and naturally more active lifestyle.

Donna and her German Shepherd Greta at the riverbank near her hilltop hacienda

It’s true… in the West you’re told this life is only possible with a gym membership, a diet, prescription drugs and a $100 per hour shrink.

But what if that’s all baloney?

What if the answer to living healthier and happier is to live in a place where many of America’s problems simply don’t exist?

Forget ugly politics…media-fuelled division…the ‘never-enough’ accumulation of ‘stuff’… There’s a different, better way to live—in a place that’s gentle on the soul. And it’s where Donna found her second shot—at happiness, youth and retirement.

“I didn’t know how profoundly living in this more natural, spiritual, kinder place would rebuild me.” Donna says now.

Ecuador gave her a second chance to do the things she always wanted to do, without having to worry about watching every penny.

And it can do the same for you…

The Best of the U.S., Without the Ugliness

In Ecuador you’ll find a fun, cultured, warm-weather haven where folks like you are re-writing their futures. They’re discovering new passions, priorities and opportunities. And they’re doing it for less than half what it would cost them to stay home.

Donna’s average day looks a lot different now.

She spends her time walking her dogs along the river trails close to her home… playing pickleball with friends… wandering around town admiring the Spanish-colonial architecture… and meeting up regularly with her gal pals for long, leisurely lunches, followed by some shopping.

“The mornings of waking with a tight stomach started to give way” she says. “In short, I started to relax.”

Donna’s in good company…

Jim and Diane in Ecuador

Jim and Diane had all the trappings of success in New York. They had good jobs and could afford to live comfortably.

But working so hard meant they never had the time to enjoy the things that matter. Life wasn’t much fun.

So they began to look abroad...for a more tranquil, less stressful place to live that was affordable enough to allow them to stop working.

They wanted someplace with warm weather, and plenty to keep them entertained. They wanted to inject some fun into their lives again.

They found all that and more in Ecuador.

While most New Yorkers are busy trying to make a living, Diane and Jim found a better way to live. Here they could enjoy the simple things… linger over a cappuccino at a sidewalk café... listen to a Symphony Orchestra (for free!)… or catch a movie at the international film festival in town.

Bob Doyle left Oregon for Ecuador in 2019 and hasn’t looked back…

“I can pursue my interests, enjoy music, go to funky restaurants, eat healthy food, and meet interesting people. I feel alive here” he says.

What Does Your Second Shot at Life Look Like?

If you could quit work…escape the rat race… go back in time to the freedom of your college days… and not worry about money… What would your typical day look like?

Perhaps you’d spend your mornings walking your dogs along river banks like Donna… or enjoy a free afternoon symphony performance in a UNESCO World Heritage site like Jim and Diane…

…Enjoy a $2.95 craft beer at one of the local micro-breweries… Attend a gallery opening…

…Join friends for a game of pickleball…bowling…or writing class…

…Explore the fish market where you’d find fresh sea bass, swordfish, grouper, and more for $1.50-$3.50 per pound…

…Or maybe you’d volunteer in the local community teaching English—like Bob.

In Ecuador you can design your day however you like. In fact, it’s exactly what I did…

My name is Dan Prescher, Senior Editor at International Living.

I have dozens, if not hundreds, of stories from expats living in this tranquil Eden that I could share.

My wife and I spent 8 years in this warm-weather haven when we were in our forties. And during that time we hit the reset button on our lives.

We expanded our personal frontiers and found that we could design a life that fit our personalities better than the work-obsessed treadmill of North America.

My wife Suzan enjoying the view from our condo in Cotacachi…Ecuador beach sunset…Suzan and I in Baños

That was thanks to this stunningly beautiful country, where time slows down, community comes first…and you have the freedom to be yourself.

Suddenly we found ourselves caught up in a whirlwind of parties, day trips, and dinners like we had never experienced before.

After years of work, chores, and errands, focusing on simply having fun was delightful!
— Ed. S

Ecuador is so much more than just an incredibly cheap place for older retirees... Since the pandemic, it’s been attracting younger folks—early retirees…remote workers…retired military…even couples in their forties with school-aged kids in tow.

A small little country—about the size of Nevada—Ecuador punches way above its weight.

It’s won the top spot on our Global Retirement Index three times in the last decade. And with good reason…

From the snow-clad slopes of the Andes mountains down to the vast Pacific coast beaches…the Amazon jungle to the famous Galapagos islands… Ecuador packs in a range of landscapes and lifestyles.

Picturesque mountain towns…vibrant beach communities…European-style colonial gems packed with historic architecture…to bustling and sophisticated big cities.

(I’ll take you through the most popular ones in just a minute…)

From European-style colonial cities to vast Pacific beaches, Ecuador has
something for everyone

There really is something for everybody…and at a low, low price.

I call it “New Mayberry”, because for many expats, Ecuador’s calm, civilized culture now feels like….

The Perfect Balm for Today’s Fractured World

It’s like the best of the U.S., without the ugliness. No more crazy politics, division or work-obsessed rat race.

In many ways, it’s like stepping back a few decades in the U.S. But that’s too simplistic.

Really, it’s as if the last few decades in the U.S. never happened here…

People greet you with a respectful ‘Good morning’ or ‘Good evening’ while you enjoy a daily stroll. Neighbors drop in on each other with home-cooked food. Folks of all stripes can have dinner together and get along…

It’s easy to describe Ecuadorians as “old-fashioned,” but that’s patronizing.

Ecuadorians are no less modern than people anywhere else. You’ll find malls, KFC franchises, iPhones, and Netflix in all the main towns.

It’s just that they’ve managed to absorb the influences of the post-internet world, without losing courtesy or human grace.

For both Jim & Diane, and for Donna, the physical and mental price of American “success” was in danger of breaking them. In Ecuador, they were able to rest, recover, and rediscover their true selves again. Here they found that yes, indeed, life does come with second chances.

Ecuador is still a safe, cheap place to retreat from the world. But if you’re an energetic, active type who wants to revitalize your life…the new Ecuador is perfect for you, too…

In Ecuador, You Can Have It All

As one of the world’s top retirement destinations, Ecuador has a lot going for it…

Year-round spring weather. In the many mountain towns of the Andes, temperatures hover around 75F during the day, and 55F at night—year-round. You’ll have no need for AC nor heating—which means low, low utility bills.

Linger at outdoor cafes any time during the day, all year long. Or for the more active, enjoy hiking and exploring.

If you like things a little hotter, you’ll find your sweet spot at one of Ecuador’s tropical Pacific coast beach towns, where the warmest sunny days sometimes hit the high-80s.
Warm and welcoming community of both locals and expats. You’ll quickly establish friendships with like-minded people.

“Do you enjoy playing bridge? Friends meet for games in each other's homes weekly.

Bowling? See you at the lanes in Mall del Rio.

How about yoga or Crossfit? Knitting? Writing? Acting? Book clubs? Fishing? There are folks getting together to do all these and many more.” – Ed S., Cuenca expat.
Bargain real estate. Modern city-centre condos can be had for under $125,000. A mountain-view duplex close to downtown Cuenca recently listed for $124,900.

Steps from the Pacific ocean, you’ll find homes for $100,000—or even less!

Rentals are amazingly cheap. Even in the bigger cities, you’ll find rentals from as little as $250 a month. But figure around $490 for something really special…like restored colonial homes in the heart of historic Cuenca.
Accessible, affordable healthcare. Public health coverage is available to everyone for around $75 a month. With it, you’re covered for all medical, dental and eye care. Many expats choose private healthcare for a wider choice of hospitals and doctors. At just $120 a month on average, you’ll be saving a small fortune compared to healthcare back home.
The currency is the U.S. dollar, so no need to change your currency or do any math.

Ecuador is not like the U.S., where inflation is at a 40-year high. In Ecuador, prices have increased somewhat in the past 10 years. But expats report being able to live on half, or even 1/3 what they did back home—for a similar lifestyle.
Delicious, healthy food. Pretty much anything grows here—and it’s not messed with. You’ll be eating fresh, organic, locally-grown fruit and vegetables. No GMO…no high-fructose corn syrup…nada.

Ecuador is relatively self-sustained. If planes stop flying and gas stops flowing, farmers still come in from the countryside to the mercados with their produce.
Close to home—just 4 hours from Miami… 5 from Atlanta or Houston.
More personal freedom. There’s less government interference here than in the U.S. Let your dogs run free on the beach…paint your home whatever color you want… it’s about personal responsibility, rather than government regulation.

Here you can live life like it's meant to be lived…fresh air and a perfect climate, deliciously healthy food, and the warmest, kindest, most generous people as neighbors.

And no matter where you choose to visit, you’ll be in good company. You’ll find plenty of established expat communities where friendship comes fast.

By far the most popular area with expats is the mountainous spine of Ecuador. And with all the advantages I'm about to share (including an international airport,) it's not hard to understand why.

Colonial Cuenca: The World’s Top
Retirement Destination?

European-style architecture along one of Cuenca’s four rivers

For city-lovers who are looking for a large expat community and cultural events, Cuenca is where it's at.

Browse the galleries… drop in on the international film festival… or find a shady spot in one of the plazas to enjoy a free concert or symphony performance.

Ecuador's third-largest city feels more like a charming old-world town. The colonial-era buildings have been converted into swanky hotels… rooftop restaurants where you can indulge in fine dining (enjoy a dinner of grilled salmon, followed by dessert and a cocktail for just $35)… and boutiques crammed with artisan craft items, artworks and unique homewares.

And the downtown area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.

It’s the closest you’ll get to an Old-World European city in the Americas. Expat Connie P. says it…

“reminds me of Italy. We spent time in Europe as a young couple and planned to retire to Italy...until we discovered Ecuador. We fell in love with the cobblestone streets, terracotta-roofed brick buildings, colonial churches, plazas, outdoor cafés, and wrought-iron balconies draped in bougainvillea.”

You won’t need a car. Taxis rarely cost more than $3.50 across town. But the city is easily walkable. And the year-round Spring weather makes doing so enjoyable.

Cuenca’s slow pace of life and welcoming community is where Donna found her second shot at life. The low cost of living is the cherry on top…

“I live like a queen. I live off my social security, on $1,800 a month. That budget includes having a maid and gardener and going out to lunch or dinner once a week. I don’t need A/C or heat. When it’s hot, I open a window. When it’s cool, I shut the window.”

Looking for a more pastoral life? That's where wonderful little towns like Cotacachi or Vilcabamba come into play.

Cotacachi: “Indigenous Central”

Just 90 minutes from Quito airport, you’ll find the little artisan
town of Cotacachi

Ecuador’s indigenous peoples make up 40% of the population in or around this magical town—known for its leather shops. Cotacachi is a place where you walk down the street, see someone you know, and catch up at leisure in one of the family-owned cafés.

Thanks to its stunning location between two great volcanoes, some say it resembles Hawaii—without the high prices.

And it’s the perfect antidote to the hectic treadmill of U.S. living…

Joel K. moved here more than 10 years ago with his wife, daughter, granddaughter and 5 pets…

“We were in a rut. We were doing the American dream…big house, 2-3 cars, boat, house in Las Vegas.

We were working to pay for our 3-week vacation every year. And we were just pretty tired and thought there had to be something else.”

They found a better life in Cotacachi, where they live in a large hacienda with views of both mountains.

Joel’s 1.25 acre property in Ecuador’s Hawaii

Joel has a gardener take care of his 1.25 acre property, and a maid keep his home and two casitas in perfect order. He prefers to spend his time jamming with his musician friends. You can catch their band playing regularly in town.

His monthly budget? Just $1,857 a month…

That even includes private heathcare, dining out, and internet that he says is faster than his brother’s internet in Arizona.

Other mountain towns offer their own unique charm…

Vilcabamba earned its nickname “The Valley of Longevity”—thanks to rumors of locals living to over 100. It’s hippie-ish vibe attracts expats in search of a holistic way of life, where you can turn on, tune in and drop out.

But you won’t sacrifice on luxury here…

You’ll find high-end stores, a French bakery, Italian pizzeria, Belgian chocolatier, and more.

In the little town of Baños, practically every home has seedlings, houseplants, and garden greens in neat rows out front. And every slope is terraced with well-tended crops.

It's a hub for outdoor activities. You can mountain-bike, trek to magnificent waterfalls, or bungee-jump off a bridge above a river. If that sounds too hectic, simply relax in the thermal springs that the town is famous for.

Choose Your Spring-like Climate

In the mountain towns of Ecuador’s Andes, you really can choose your spring-like climate. Average temperatures fall with every increase in elevation.

For example, three hours south of Cuenca, the university town of Loja sits at a lower elevation and is noticeably warmer.

Whereas farther south again, in Vilcabamba, it’s warmer still. You’ll see lime trees growing next to coffee bushes and huge date palms in full fruit.

If you don’t like the climate in one town, just change your altitude!

Beach lovers won’t be disappointed in Ecuador either. The Pacific Coast offers sleepy fishing villages, surfing hotspots, resort towns, and more, including…

Salinas: the Miami Beach of Ecuador—with three wide, sandy beaches connected by a pleasant walkway. Expats report enjoying the resort vibe, without resort prices.

According to expat Denver G., “Many local spots have lunches for less than $5 per person, and you can usually have dinner for two, with drinks, for less than $20.”

Three beaches not enough?

Farther north, Manta has a dozen beaches within the city limits.

The mountains extend right down to the ocean, making for spectacular scenery. No matter your vantage point, the Pacific remains in view.

Just one of Manta’s 12 beaches

Plus you’ll find all the big-city services you could ever want—including two excellent private hospitals, and a brand-new public hospital operated by Ecuador’s national healthcare system, IESS.

It’s also where you’ll find Ecuador’s best golf.

If you're a beach lover and have a bohemian streak, you might check out Montañita. It’s a big-wave surf and party town that sways to a reggae beat.

Or take a $1.50 taxi to nearby Olón for a more mature, family-friendly vibe. Expats lounge around private pools at their villa or condo building, and eat at cheery outdoor terrace restaurants or one of the beachside cabañas.

And just like everywhere else here, it’s seriously affordable…

“We’re living in a really nice house, right on the ocean. It’s a three-bedroom house, new build, with a huge living room. It costs $750 a month.”
— Expat Pat P. in Olón

In just a moment, you'll learn how you can get a comprehensive look at all of these regions—and many more that I don’t have the space to cover here—to find the lifestyle that appeals most to you.

But first, I want to mention a remarkable phenomenon that pretty much every visitor experiences soon after arriving in Ecuador…

“Magically” Lose 20lbs—Without Even Trying

During his first five weeks in Ecuador, Jim S. lost 20 pounds weight “with no conscious attempt to exercise or diet.”

Kelly D. says both she and her husband lost 20 pounds. “Our health has improved substantially,” she adds.

Mark G. says he “lost 25 pounds in a year, without even trying.”

On average, expats in Ecuador report losing 20 pounds—without following a diet or exercise regimen.

The reason? Well first off, if you live here you tend to walk more.

Most people walk from store to store instead of hopping in a car to drive a few blocks. No snowy winters or sweltering summers means you can enjoy outdoor activities 12 months of the year.

You’ll likely eat better, thanks to the fresh, organic, non-GMO produce. And the stress-free lifestyle works wonders. Take it from Dave, another expat...

“My health’s really improved since I got here. That’s partly because I don’t have work stress anymore, but a lot of it’s down to the lifestyle here. I’ve lost lots of weight, even though I’m eating more than ever!”

But if you do need medical care, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the quality of care, and the low cost…

For a general idea of costs, a reasonably healthy person between 50 and 70 years old can expect to pay a monthly premium in the range of $50 to $150. This gives you good private coverage, with a modest annual deductible (often less than $500) and covers at least 75% of out-of-pocket costs.

“La Yapa” Culture

As she filled my glass from a jug, the waitress encouraged me to take a sip.

I thought she was asking me to taste it. In fact, she was explaining that if I made a space in the glass, she’d top it up. There was, after all, still some juice left in the jug, and I might as well have it.

I learned later that this concept is called la yapa in Ecuador and is an integral part of the culture.

It’s the little bit extra—whether it’s an additional mango added to your bag after you’ve paid at the market, or a spare set of laces thrown in with a new pair of shoes.

— Sean K

Public healthcare costs even less… Figure on around $75 a month. And that includes dental!

An MRI will set you back just $180—and you can expect your results that same day. One expat I know used to spend a $25 copay in the U.S. for her monthly prescription. In Ecuador, it’s just $3.50.

In another case, a month's supply of a general blood pressure medication, for example, costs about $45 in the U.S. and less than $10 in Ecuador.

Donna thankfully hasn’t had much cause to use the medical system. But she does take advantage of cosmetic treatments—for a fraction of the cost of back home.

She pays $200 for Botox, and $400 for fillers that cost double that in the U.S. Donna’s friend opted for a lower facelift for $750. The same procedure costs up to $10,000 in the U.S. But most importantly, she’s thrilled with the results!

In cities like Quito, Cuenca and Manta, you'll find hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment. You’ll have your choice of specialists in all fields and physicians with private clinics.

But more than the cost of medical care, you'll notice a huge difference in your personal experience with the doctors.

Forget dealing with receptionists. It's common for you to have your doctor's cell phone number. And figure on $35 for an appointment.

You won’t wait an hour reading old issues of People magazine before being called in to see the doctor for five minutes. Instead, your doctors spend time with you: a half-hour, more—whatever it takes to answer all your questions and plan your treatment.

It's what healthcare used to be back in the U.S. But you can get it in Ecuador today.

There’s Just One Setting Here…
Tranquilo Mode. No Stress…

I keep mentioning the slow pace of life here. Things just tick along at a calmer pace. The stress of "keeping up with the Joneses" by buying the latest car or electronic gadget disappears.

You start lingering over lunches with friends because there’s no reason to rush. You realign your priorities, putting friends and family first and making time to make memories rather than deadlines.

Here you'll make easy friends thanks to a common bond. You've all come to Ecuador to free yourselves from the life that left you searching and unfulfilled.

It’s a recipe for fast friendships at the many restaurants, coffee shops, and expat gatherings.

Donna has experienced this firsthand… “that renewed interest in living is a hallmark of the expat movement. It’s a touchstone we all share. Finding ourselves again.”

Friendships—both local and expat—come fast and you’ll find a ready-made support network

And don't forget all the local friends you'll make as well. People in Ecuador are friendly and eager for you to feel at home. You'll soon be introduced to neighbors, friends and extended family members—and you’ll find yourself part of local festivals and celebrations.

On a practical level, you'll have a built-in network to get the best plumbers and car mechanics, the inside track on real estate deals, and tips on where to get the best coffee, leather crafts, you name it...

Of course, a big advantage to Ecuador is that it’s one of the most affordable places in the world where you can enjoy a lifestyle you’re accustomed to.

Live Well on $1,800 a Month or Less

In Ecuador, nearly every cliché you’ve heard about living large on little money is true.

A couple can enjoy a great lifestyle with plenty of comforts, without scrimping, for around $1,800 a month. That covers housing and food—as well as luxuries like a maid and gardener, and visits to the spa.

You can live like royalty for $4,000 a month. But we know people who get by nicely on around $1,000 a month too.

Most expats, though, report they live happily and without sacrifices on a monthly budget of $1,500 to $2,000.

For example, we’ve heard from John W., in the Pacific coast town of Santa Marianita. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of typical costs for him and his adult daughter:

“We rent a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home with 650 square feet of deck off the main living and master bedroom areas, all under thatched roofs and accessed by walls of huge sliding doors facing an unobstructed view of the beach and the Pacific Ocean. The price is $800 a month, furnished.

“Vine-ripened fruits and vegetables cost about 20% of U.S. prices. Artichokes are 30 cents a pound, tomatoes are 24 cents for the same amount, a whole pineapple costs $1. Including four meals a week at restaurants, our total monthly food costs average $500.

“Our cellphone plans cost $10 a month each for plenty of 4G data, Our laundry is done by a service for $50 a month, and our maid service costs $120.

“And unlimited golf at my club is $136 per month. I play two or three times a week.”

Here's a sample monthly budget, based on John’s expenses...

Housing:	$500 - 800
Electricity:	$70
Water:	$10
Gas:	$6
Garbage (Typically included in rent):	$0
Maid Service:	$120
High-speed Internet:	$50
Cell phones (2):	$20
Laundry Service:	$50
Healthcare (four $35 visits to a doctor per year + monthly IESS payment):	$162
Transportation (taxis, buses):	$50
Groceries:	$400
Entertainment (two people dining out twice a week or other entertainment, such as movies):	$150
Taxes (included in rental rate):	$0
TOTAL:	$1,588 - 1,888

Even in the leafy, upscale districts of the capital, Quito, rents are affordable.

Dorothy, who moved from Naples, Florida in 2017, shares a three-bedroom home with her adult daughter in the Metropolitano sector of the city. They pay just $575 a month.

But it's not just the cost savings you should consider…it's the overall improvement in your quality of life.

Dorothy fills her retirement with horseback riding, volunteering, and teaching informal English lessons to her students as they walk through the city’s parks. Melissa, her daughter, teaches music at an international school and fills her free time with alpine climbing and mountain biking excursions.

More time and more money to spend as you like…low (even no) taxes, no inflated prices, no more worries about outliving your retirement nest egg…

You could also use your monthly savings to travel.

Steve—a tax consultant in his old life—and his wife Kelly rent a two-bedroom condo in Cuenca for $500 a month. Living on $1,500 a month frees up money for bucket-list adventures.

They’ve been to the Galápagos islands twice, where they snorkeled with barracudas, white-tipped sharks, and 500-pound greenback turtles.

They’ve cruised down to Patagonia, where Steve walked on the Perito Moreno Glacier. They’ve hiked to the edge of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, known for its huge granite mountains and clear lakes.

Bucket-list adventures await in Ecuador’s Galapagos islands

You've seen many examples of people like you… people who were working long hours to pay for SUVs and McMansions, with no time to enjoy life.

Donna, Jim & Diane, Joel, John, Dorothy and her daughter Melissa…

They’ve all come to Ecuador to recapture the adventurous spirit they had as kids, the journey of self-discovery they felt in college, and to find the person they were before they got lost in stress, bills, and the day-to-day minutia.

They’ve all found a second shot at life in Ecuador. They’re having a lot of fun…discovering more of the world—and themselves—without breaking the bank.

Still, no matter how perfect a fit for you Ecuador may seem—I'm sure you have lots of questions. And the good news is: I and my colleagues at International Living can answer them for you.

You don't have to "go it alone" as you plan your escape. We can help.

We'll make sure you have the confidence and insider intelligence you need to pinpoint the spot that's right for you and get there quickly, easily, seamlessly…

Your Guide to a New Life in Ecuador

We've been in-country for decades. We talk to the lawyers, the business community, and, of course, the long-time expats who know the score. Plus, like me, we have lived there ourselves.

In the brand-new 2022 edition of Escape to Ecuador: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less, you'll get all the benefits of our many years of on-the-ground experience in Ecuador.

It's the essential guide to visiting, moving to and living in Ecuador, designed specifically to make your scouting trip or relocation as stress-free as possible.

You'll discover the top expat communities, whether you prefer the laid-back beach lifestyle…the culture of the colonial cities…the tranquil mountain towns of the Andes…and more. Anywhere you go you're sure to have a high quality of life.

It's the result of decades of boots-on-the-ground scouting and exploration by me and the rest of International Living's team of editors and correspondents.

We've gotten the low-down from expats all over the country…researched the medical system and residence programs…quizzed experts in real estate, financial matters, shipping household goods…

Just about any question you might have about expat life in Ecuador is covered in this detailed guide. And we've also been on the lookout for real estate deals…

You get all of this, and much more, in the brand-new 2022 edition of Escape to Ecuador—a complete resource that shows you how to take advantage of these opportunities while they last.

There's nothing else out there like Escape to Ecuador: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

It’s designed to get the real story on how you can enjoy your ideal lifestyle…find the location that's perfect for you…and take advantage of all the world-class opportunities available to you—when you know where to find them.

It's truly a one-of-a-kind manual with timely, sound advice designed to save you time, trouble, money, and headaches... so you can get yourself to the spot in Ecuador that’s best for you—fast and easily

Your Dream Home for $100,000 or Less

It’s hard to believe how much bang you get for your buck with Ecuador real estate.

In the “Valley of Longevity” near Vilcabamba, for example, you can have a charming two-bed, two-bath house for just $65,000. It features a unique octagonal design, with a huge wrap-around terrace, and is surrounded by lush gardens with a small pond.

Picture yourself relaxing on a lounger…a cool beverage in hand…watching the evening sky change from blue, through flaming red, to purple over the mountains.

For a mountain home, head to the wonderful craft town of Cotacachi, sandwiched between two volcanoes…

Within easy walking distance of the center, is a two-bed, two-bath bungalow with an outdoor seating and BBQ area. It’s brand new and comes fully-furnished—in turnkey condition!

Finishes include granite worktops, marble floors, his’n hers bathroom sinks… as well as a walk-in closet. The icing on the cake…mountain views. And it's just $95,000.

Beach lovers, meanwhile, are spoiled for choice in Ecuador. A three-bed home on the beach in Salinas will set you back in the region of $110,000. And that comes with yard space—front and back!

Or farther north, in Manabi, a three-bed home with a pool recently sold for $165,000. It’s true beachfront—with a large balcony area and parking for up to 4 cars.

Compare that to coastal southern California or Florida, where frontline beach properties go into the millions.

And if you don't want to buy right away—no problem. You’ll find affordable rentals everywhere.

From the cities…(a modern 3-bedroom condo with outdoor space in Cuenca for just $675 a month)…

To the beach (where you’ll find an airy 2-bedroom townhouse a block from the beach for just $600.)

If you really want to get away from it all, but still want to have every convenience close-by… you’ll find countryside villas outside Cuenca where you can enjoy a vast amount of garden space. Rent is a mere $380 a month.

Ecuador Wants to Welcome You

The government of Ecuador is rolling out the welcome mat for you.

When the flow of retirees to the country began to weaken in the middle of 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, the government took steps to encourage people to come and stay.

They cut the minimum monthly guaranteed income required for a retirement visa to just $425 a month. And they made the qualifying age just 40.

Enjoy your morning latte at an outdoor café in Quito

Put simply, that makes Ecuador one of the most affordable destinations to retire to in the world. And you don’t have to be of “retirement age” to do it.

It’s a land of opportunity, with a growing middle class of consumers who have money to spend—so an ideal market for business start-ups. According to Donna, there’s been a rise in younger expats in the past couple of years—with many starting new business ventures.

But retirees aren’t being left behind. As a senior, you’re respected in Ecuador—it's ingrained in the culture.

You'll immediately be offered a seat on a bus or in a waiting room if it's packed. You get head-of-the-line privileges at banks and government offices. And the same courtesy will be extended at shops, restaurants, cultural events, or wherever you happen to be.

Some expats I've spoken with tell me that Ecuador is a lot like the small-town America they used to know when they grew up. As far as culture, they might be right. But that doesn't mean it's stuck in the past.

It's a Lot like Home—in Many Ways

There will be a learning curve when you arrive in Ecuador. This is a country with its own unique culture, customs, and ways of doing things. But in many ways it's also a lot like home, and your transition will likely be easier than you might think.

This is a modern country with many comforts and amenities you'll recognize. Grocery stores offer imported items—if you miss your Ben and Jerry's ice cream or bagels—you're covered. Your favorite brand-name cosmetics, clothing, and electronics are here too.

You can get high-speed internet and cable or satellite TV (cheaper than in the U.S., by the way).

A widespread cell phone network—with 4G and LTE—means you can bring your smartphone. And $10 a month will cover all the minutes and data you need.

Keeping in touch with loved ones back home is easy too. Online tools like Skype allow for free video conferencing. And with services like MagicJack you can have a U.S. phone number in Ecuador—and your regular home phone will ring just like it would back home.

As you can see, just because you are moving to a new country doesn't mean you have to leave all the comforts behind. In Ecuador, you can stay very connected with those who matter to you.

And whenever you want to go for a visit—or have someone visit you—it's not as if you're halfway around the world. Donna visits family in the U.S. at least a couple of times a year. With a flight time of just 4 hours, it’s no hardship.

Discover All that Makes Ecuador One of the World's Top Retirement Destinations…and Live the Dream Yourself Sooner than You Thought Possible

You've seen so many ways this remarkable country offers a second shot at life: no rat race, no stress, year-round spring climate, low cost of living, top-notch medical care, safety and stability, modern conveniences and comforts…

And, of course, the welcoming locals and friendly expats that make it easy to fit in and make genuine connections.

But so far you're just scratching the surface.

You can get all the details in the brand-new 2022 edition of the 212-page manual, Escape to Ecuador: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

This is International Living's premier resource about Ecuador—frankly the best retire-in-Ecuador guide there is anywhere—and it’s a bestseller beloved by our members.

Inside, you'll learn…

How to secure your residence step by step. Learn which of the most popular visas is right for you…and how to get it.
What you should bring. Whether you're traveling for a week or six months, we've included our list of things you don't want to be without.
What it costs to hire a maid, employ a gardener, visit a doctor or dentist, hire a driver for the day…and much more.
Where to find the best medical and dental care and how much you can expect to pay to have tendon surgery or your teeth cleaned.
The essential Spanish phrases so you can ask directions …order dinner…and make new friends
The stress-free way to get your pets to Ecuador—it's easier than you think—when you know the rules
How to import your household goods to Ecuador and pay no duties…including on brand-new appliances.
How much it really costs to live here. We'll share with you monthly budgets for the most popular expat havens.
What you need to open a bank account
A complete rundown on taxes—those to pay and those you can throw out the window.
How to start a business—and the best spots for starting up your microbrewery, restaurant, sport fishing charter, or whatever you want
The best way to scout property for sale—and what you should never do when looking at a lot or a home

Plus, you'll also get our editors' insider travel tips: Luxury hotels at boarding house prices… a smart shopper's handbook… and more, including—

Leather handbags, shoes and jackets, ponchos, hats, mittens, blankets, silver jewelry with lapis and turquoise, painted balsa wood birds, handmade flutes, and more. You'll learn where the best markets are, the best days to go…and the smartest way to negotiate.
The best sights in Quito that cost less than $10. Plus, our editors share their favorite restaurants around Ecuador (including one Michelin-starred place where your appetizer is delivered in a music box).
The village where you should buy an original Panama hat. (That's right… authentic Panama hats actually come from Ecuador.) You can get them straight from the families who weave them in their homes.
Visit Ecuador's "poor man's Galapagos." This is an island that is physically and biologically similar to the Galapagos Islands but for one-tenth the price. Albatrosses, boobies, and other rare birds, and 11 species of whales come to court in the waters off these islands each year.
A review of social and business etiquette in Ecuador, including tipping, taxis, meeting protocols, business dress, personal titles, greetings, gifts, and much more.

And that's just a small taste…

We’ll also give you a Rolodex of contacts throughout Ecuador—all of whom speak English. In fact, many are from the U.S. or Canada. You'll have these resources on speed-dial:

Lawyers experienced in immigration
Trusted real estate agents
Shipping brokers who know how to deal with Customs
Expat groups from mountains to coast, from the American Legion to community theater
Insurance companies who will cover you in Ecuador
Phone numbers for the major public and private hospitals—including the emergency lines
And more...

Real-World, Expert Advice and Guidance

You may be used to a more "do it yourself" approach to matters like buying a house or car, signing up for insurance, or dealing with the government back home. But in Ecuador you'll benefit from someone who knows the rules and regulations—basically how things work.

These are the on-the-ground contacts well-versed in helping expats get settled in Ecuador. They know the right people. They know the little-used but perfectly legal exceptions to the rules.

In short, they make your move easy.

That's what Escape to Ecuador is all about. All the information you need to make informed decisions. No need to search high and low for information.

Of course, there's no substitute for an in-person visit. And that's why we've ensured that Escape to Ecuador is the ideal resource for planning those trips. You'll get a good idea of which regions you want to visit. And you'll know where to stay, who to talk to, and everything else as you explore.

Not Available Anywhere Else

Escape to Ecuador: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less is not available in other bookstores, resource libraries, or anywhere else on the internet.

And it's available in an online downloadable form only. That's how we can keep the information as up-to-date and reliable as possible. It also allows us to get this information in your hands as quickly as possible.

Travel to Ecuador to obtain all this information yourself and you'd expect to pay $2,000 or more. (The time and efforts of attorneys and other experts who worked to compile this information is worth that much alone.)

But you can get your hands on Escape to Ecuador for just $103 today.

Order Escape to Ecuador Today

It would take a lifetime to see and experience all Ecuador has to offer.

But I assure you—whatever attracts you to Ecuador—the culture, the scenery, the affordable real estate or the laidback, low-stress lifestyle—you'll find all the information you need inside Escape to Ecuador.

We've removed the guesswork and hassle of finding the lifestyle you dream of…and we take you as close to living in Ecuador as you can get without our buying a ticket, flying you there, and hiring a private guide for you. Plus you'll get…

Our Good-Will, No-Hassles, Money-Back Guarantee

I’m so confident you'll realize your dreams in Ecuador that I’ll guarantee your money back if you’re not satisfied.

Try it today. Explore all Ecuador has to offer. And if after exploring her delights you decide that Ecuador is not the place for you, you have our 30-day money back guarantee. We’ll refund your $103—no hassles, no fuss.

Six Months from Now, You Could Be Living Your New Life in Ecuador on a Whole Lot Less than You Spend Now

The truth of the matter is: A second shot at life doesn’t have to be the stuff of fairytales. It's for anybody willing to take advantage of the best-value opportunities in welcoming communities—places where people like you have already found a better way to live.

Take it from Donna, who recently told me…

“The other night, the skies were clear so I sat outside. All of a sudden, a comet flew across the sky, its lighted tail streaming behind it. In my former life, I probably would have been inside watching television. But that night, I was honored by a shooting star.

I’m happy that this time in my life isn’t wasted. I find myself growing in ways I never expected. That alone was worth the move to Ecuador.”

And it's our mission at International Living to help you do the same!

Click Add to Cart now to order your brand-new 2022 edition of the 212-page manual, Escape to Ecuador: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

Like I said, you have our no-hassle, money-back guarantee if, for any reason, you are not satisfied.

Sincerely,

Dan Prescher
Senior Editor, International Living
October 2022

P.S. If you've ever wanted to turn your back on skyrocketing prices for everything from healthcare to real estate to public transportation and restaurant meals, now's your chance.

And if you've ever wanted to walk away from long, bitterly cold winters and brutally hot summers… then I've got a deal for you.

Order Escape to Ecuador now.

P.P.S. Here's what other expats say about life in Ecuador...

“Just driving around on the Pan American Highway, you see beautiful Andean Mountain scenery. Breath-taking. There are many close by scenic venues from waterfalls to hot springs to the beautiful Cotacachi crater lake.”—Michael W.

“As it happens, my home is just a short drive away from a wonderful golf club, and I’m now an enthusiastic member.”—John W.

“We got off the plane and almost immediately fell in love with the people here. Three months later we made the move, and 14 years on, we’re still here!”—Val K.

“What really attracted us to Vilcabamba, was the purity of the air and the temperate, year-round climate (temperatures are in the 70s and 80s year round). The natural beauty is also spectacular.”—Dek T.

Escape to France

Tue, 30 May 2023 15:12:49 GMT

You're about to discover what could be the world's most surprising lifestyle and retirement secret…

Jaw-Dropping Beauty, Vibrant Culture, Spectacular Cuisine, Diverse Landscapes… France Offers One of the Most Enticing Lifestyles In The World… Without Breaking the Bank.

More and More People Like You are Taking the Plunge…and You Can Too!

You can live your dream life in romantic France…for less than you've likely ever imagined…

Dear Reader,

Here at home we talk about the great retirement squeeze…but what if your life and comforts could expand in retirement? No question that they have for IL reader Maria Trenzado, who says life in France is not only better, but affordable, too…

"There is no greater delight than walking up the steps to my own petit château (little castle) welcomed by the fragrance of the lavender and rose bushes surrounding the garden. Birdsong fills the air. My neighbors greet me by name. And each day brings a new adventure."

"And to think I made my wildest, most far-fetched lifelong dream come true—to own my own dream home in France—for just $90,000!"

That's right.

For just $90,000, Maria Trenzado became the proud owner of a newly-built, two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom, semi-detached villa in the south of France…in Provence.

Her home includes all the amenities you'd ever want for comfortable living.

Everything from high-speed internet access to a shared swimming pool and more.

It's in a great location, too, at the foot of Mount Ventoux—the biggest mountain in Provence.

"I'm near some of the most picturesque, historic, and vibrant perched villages in Provence," Maria says. "There's Gordes. Roussillon. Bonnieux. Avignon. And so, so many more close by.

"I'm also just a few minute's walk from town, which has several cafés, bakeries, wine shops, and cheese shops. And there's a Sunday market in the main square, too. It offers locally grown produce, meat, seafood, dairy products, and many more gourmet treats. I don't think my taste buds have ever been more satisfied!

"And… I can also walk to several flower shops, grocers, a hair stylist, a post office, beautifully-manicured gardens (a great place to enjoy a picnic on a sunny day), and just about everything else I could ever need to enjoy life and live well."

By the way, in case you're wondering…

You Don't Have To Be "Ultra-Rich" to Live Well
In Today's France

Explore the picturesque mountain villages of Provence…

You see, Maria is no millionaire. Far from it.

In fact, she's a Cuban-born civil litigator from Tampa, Florida.

She works hard. She does well for herself.

But she's far from being "ultra-rich."

Yet France was a dream she kept close to her heart…ever since she first saw images of Provence in a viewfinder as an eight-year-old child.

She eventually saved up enough money to visit. And once she got there, made her way down to Provence…where she fell in love with it all over again.

She adored Provence's rolling rural landscapes…its centuries-old villages perched on towering cliffsides…its pristine meadows teeming with blooming wildflowers and colorful songbirds…and its back-to-basics, "salt-of-the-earth" culture.

And after seeing all this in person, she knew she wanted to live there more than ever. But—like most folks—she figured it was a dream well beyond her pay grade.

Until she stumbled upon that $90,000 dream home…

This was 2004…and she bought it. And just like that, after all those years, her dream of living in France finally became a reality.

Turns out: In the right places… France isn't nearly as expensive as you probably think.

What It's Like For "Non-Millionaires" To Live Well In France

Today, Maria enjoys all the fruits of La Vie Française, despite her modest budget.

"Day-to-day cost of living in France is approximately €40 a day which includes dining in restaurants. It is much less expensive than living in the U.S. as the utilities—electric, water, association fee, etc., are cheaper," Maria says.

"Property taxes are less, too. Homeowner's and auto-insurance rates are significantly less. Healthcare costs are a mere fraction of similar services in the U.S. too. Only gas is higher."

"Better yet, I not only cover my expenses by renting my home when I'm not there…but I actually make a profit!"

And When It Comes To Culturally-Rich Activities, You'll Be Spoiled For Choice

"The mild weather means a multitude of activities year round," Maria says. "And the world-renowned film, theater, opera, and music festivals of Aix-en-Provence, Orange, and Avignon attract thousands of visitors, and I enjoy the antique markets of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

"If I ever tire of village life, I can take the car to Nice, Monte Carlo, Genoa, Marseilles, and the Mediterranean beaches of St. Tropez and Cassis. And Paris, the Alps, and Barcelona are only a few hours away by train."

You can enjoy a similar lifestyle.

Here's how.

Make Your Dreams Of Living In France Come True. Affordably

While it is true that many (if not most) of France's well-known destinations are quite expensive when compared to other parts of the world IL regularly covers…like Ecuador, Mexico, Belize, or Colombia…

…living in France's most popular destinations doesn't have to be a total bank-breaker.

Even in hotspots like Paris, Biarritz, the Cote d-Azur, and other parts of France with expensive reputations, it's entirely possible for YOU to live very, very well AND enjoy all the fruits of La Vie Française on a modest budget.

For example, furnished studios and one-bedroom apartments range from $788 to $1,969 per month, offered on long-term contracts.

And that's right in the heart of Paris.

And as far as total cost of living is concerned, a couple can live comfortably even in Paris—on as little as $2,500 a month.

Here's a sample budget for two people to run an apartment in Paris:

Rent (1 bedroom, furnished):	€800	$940
Water:	€20	$24
Transportation (Public - monthly pass):	€70	$82
Electricity:	€80	$95
Monthly Telephone/ Cell phone plan (Includes internet):	€50	$59
Broadband Internet Fee and Cable TV:	€50	$59
Food:	€530	$625
Entertainment:	€300	$354
Miscellaneous Expenses:	€200	$236
TOTAL:	€2,100	$2,474

Granted, on this budget, you won't be able to dine at world-famous Maxim's restaurant every night (where "a la carte" prices average €200)…

…but you wouldn't want to do that on a regular basis, anyway.

Because as a "real" French resident, you'd know about better-value authentic bistros, that the casual visitor to Paris never discovers.

For example, you'd know about where you can enjoy a simple lunch of salad, moules (mussels), and a slice of upside-down apple flan called tarte tatin at a tiny bistro for under $23.

You'll know the grocery store where you can buy a great bottle of red wine for as little as $5.50.

And if you were a "real" French resident, you'd know how to look as chic as any French person…without spending thousands on a suit or pair of shoes.

My point is this…

If you want to live comfortably in "the City of Light" on as little as $2,500 a month (and still enjoy ALL of its world-class museums, art galleries, architecture, cuisine, fashion, ambience, and all its other inspiring intangibles)…

QUICK FACT: The average monthly budget for a family of four in Minnesota (i.e. Anytown, USA) in 2018 was $6,563…and that's to maintain a simple living that meets basic needs for health and safety!

…or in any of France's other high-profile destinations…

…you can absolutely do it.

And hey…most Americans spend at least $3,000 a month to just get by anyway!

So as you can see…

You CAN Live Affordably In France!

So what do you do…

…if YOU want to find out how YOU can start enjoying La Vie Française without increasing your day-to-day spending?

Here's the good news.

We've already figured all of this out for you.

And that's exactly why I'm writing you today.

My name is Jackie Flynn. I'm the Publisher of International Living. And if you've ever dreamed of living in France…

…whether it's in the heart of Paris—the most romantic city in the world…

…on the Cote d'Azur—with its world-famous beaches and ultra-chic lifestyle…

…in your own Mediterranean villa in Provence—complete with your own garden, pool, fishpond, and views of the mountains…

…or anywhere in between…

… I'd like to help YOU take that all-important first step towards making your dreams of living in France come true. And I know of no better way than to get your hands on the latest edition of the one of a kind resource, Escape to France: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

Quite simply, for anyone who's ever dreamed of living in France, either part-time or full-time, it's a one-of-a-kind resource that can help you:

Find your dream home anywhere in France. (And save thousands and thousands of dollars in the process.)
Explore all of France's hidden gems all over the country. (It's one of the only countries on earth in which you can explore world-class museums and art collections, go wine tasting, go skiing, and swim in the sea all in the same week, without leaving the country.)
Become a legal resident of France—the hassle-free way. (Without trying to navigate all the bureaucratic hurdles on your own.)
Take advantage of France's world-renowned healthcare system. (France boasts one of the highest-quality healthcare systems in the world, according to the World Health Organization.)
…and much, much more.

I assure you…there's no other resource quite like Escape to France.

In just a moment, I'll give you an idea of the one-of-a-kind secrets you'll discover in its pages.

But before I get to that, I'd like to quickly show you how a few more friends of IL are already enjoying La Vie Française…

…on a modest budget.

(Remember… THIS COULD BE YOU!)

From The Pacific Northwest To Paris, "The City Of Light"

Pamela Griner Leavey and her husband Jim wake up every morning to a view of the Paris skyline around the Boulevard Saint-Germain.

Take evening strolls through enchanting Paris: "The City Of Light."

She and her husband live in the romantic French capital…and love every minute of it.

Here's just a bit of what Pam recently told us about living in Paris…

"Despite the troubled world economy, we currently have little trouble enjoying everyday life. There are so many things here that are free or reasonably priced. Life is good.

"For example, we live in a city with one of the best public-transportation systems in the world. And my husband is thrilled with not owning a car."

Pam and Jim can get around Paris as often as they want for less than $3 a day.

What's more, their total monthly budget averages just under $3,200!

And that's just the start of their money-saving experiences in France.

Back in 2009, they saved a whopping $53,550 on healthcare. (Pam has type-two diabetes… and had to spend 20 days in a round-the-clock critical care unit. The price tag was a whopping $54,000… which included physicians, all exams, an MRI, a thorough eyesight analysis, and medications. But of that, they only had to pay $450 from their own pockets!) Thank you French healthcare system.

But Hey… When It Comes To France, Paris Is Just The Beginning!

There's WAY more to France than just Paris and Provence.

In fact, France as a whole could be one of the most geographically and culturally diverse nations on the planet.

It's got beaches. Mountains. Wine country. Forests. Lakes. Rivers. Sea cliffs.

And just about everything in between.

And don't forget… France is just a few hours away by air or train from at least a dozen other European countries…all with their own diverse cultures and history.

For those who LOVE to travel, it's a dream come true.

You could have a freshly-baked pain-au-chocolat and a triple-espresso at the "Les Deux Magots" in Paris (where Ernest Hemingway, Albert Camus, and Pablo Picasso once frequented)…

…then take the metro to the Gare du Nord, grab a seat on the ultra-luxurious TGV train…

…and make it to Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, Munich, Venice, or many other world-class cities in just a few hours.

You can even get a strong WiFi signal while on board.

Though you may be too busy gazing outside your window and watching the spectacular European countryside whizz by at 186 miles an hour to bother turning a computer on.

The Verdict Is In: For Discerning Expats, France Is Hotter than Ever

Clearly, as an expat destination, France has a lot going for it. Among the many reasons it makes sense are…

1. France offers one of the best healthcare systems in the world: According to a World Health Organization (WHO) study, France provides the best overall healthcare system in the world. (The U.S. ranked 37th.)

And once you move to France, you may be able to transfer your healthcare to a French provider…or even to one of the many British companies that specialize in providing extra coverage for expats.

Prescription drugs in France are also much, much cheaper than back in the U.S. and Canada. (Prescription drugs in the U.S. are the highest-priced in the world.) And doctors still make house calls in France.

2. France could be the best place in the world to start a tourism-based business: Last year, France attracted approximately 80 million visitors…making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Paris is one of the world's most visited cities in the world. And tourism is accountable for 6% of the country's income. (4% from French tourists traveling within France…and 2% from foreign tourists.)

With this in mind, the number of opportunities for starting your own tourism-based business…are virtually endless.

You could start your own B&B in Normandy…open a café along the Mediterranean Sea…conduct wine tasting tours in Bordeaux…open an art gallery in Paris…and on and on and on…

If you've got the entrepreneurial bug and would like to make a buck or two (or a whole lot more), it's worth considering France…

3. For diehard "foodies," France is like Heaven on Earth: If you're mad for open-air food markets, you'll be in paradise in France.

The come-hither aroma of fresh-baked baguettes and other tasty treats wafting from boulangeries will make your mouth water.

For example, the Dordogne region alone has dozens...and it's renowned for its gastronomic specialties, such as glistening strawberries, fresh walnuts, delicately flavored walnut oil, pâte de foie gras, chestnuts, crêpes, confit de canard (duck preserved in its own fat), truffles and other wild mushrooms, and a wonderful array of full-bodied, deep ruby wines.

In wildly-romantic Aix-en-Provence, you can shop the open-air food markets for slivers of cheese, a couple of olives, spicy bread buttered with orange, aniseed, and fennel, and pâte de foie gras potted in jars.

You can find other similar open-air food markets all over France.

And if you're a restaurant aficionado, France remains unsurpassed. It boasts more three-star Michelin restaurants (27), two-star Michelin restaurants (94) and one-star Michelin restaurants (616) than any other country in the world by far.

What's more, France is also the world-leader in Michelin "Bib Gourmand" offerings…with 642. (The "Bib Gourmand" is a specific menu item at any Michelin-rated restaurant that's priced below a maximum determined by local economic standards.) The average "Bib Gourmand" menu item at Michelin-rated restaurants in France is just €32 ($36). But remember…that's for an unforgettable meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant in France!

4. France is STILL a haven for aspiring artists and writers of ALL abilities. Ever dreamed of penning the novel that's always been lurking inside you? Or to try your hand at oil painting? Or perhaps become a part-time or full-time photographer?

Well…the good news is…today's France remains just as creatively-inspiring today as the days of Hemingway, Cezanne, Van Gogh, and Picasso.

You can write the first draft of that novel on your laptop while sipping espresso at a café on Paris' famed Left Bank…paint Mont Saint-Victoire in Provence from the balcony of your own villa (Cezanne is known to have painted Mont Saint-Victoire over 60 times)…take photos of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris at sunrise…and so much more.

France seems to bring out the inner artist and writer in everyone who visits almost immediately. Some say it's the history. Some say it's the culture. Some say it's the light.

Whatever the reason, why not try nurturing your inner artist or writer in France sometime soon. I reckon everyone should do it at least once. And hey…it might completely change your life…for the better!

5. France boasts a sizeable expat population. One of the best parts about living overseas is meeting like-minded people with similar lifestyles and interests. And you definitely won't find a shortage of like-minded people in France.

In Paris alone, there are an estimated 50,000 American expats. What's more, it is easy to find American associations, institutions, churches, and schools in Paris and other parts of France. So it's easy to meet others with similar interests. The "infrastructure" is already in place.

What's more, you'll also find many expats in France from other English-speaking countries like England, Ireland, and Australia.

Spend a few weeks or months in France and get out there and meet people at the many various events for expats, and you'll quickly have many new friends from all over the world.

6. France is one of the most technologically-advanced countries on earth. The elegant "Haussmannian" apartments may date back to 1850 to 1920…and many other statues and monuments date back much earlier than that (the Egyptian "Obelisk" at the center of the Place de La Concorde in Paris is 3,300 years old)…but don't let all that fool you. When it comes to modern technology, France is right on the cutting edge.

For example, 99% of the country has 3G access…and over 60% of the country has 4G access. So if you've got a smartphone and a French SIM card on you, you can check your email and go online from even the most remote locales in France.

What's more, broadband internet access in France is…for the most part…lightning fast. For example, with one internet service provider (ISP) that specializes with helping expats connect to the internet, you can connect at speeds of over 43 Mbps.

NOTE: The U.S. average connection speed was 23.05 Mbps as of mid-2017.

And on top of all that, many (if not most) of the cafés, bars, and restaurants in France offer free WiFi…which is great if you've got a laptop and want to get some work done while dining on a three-course meal and doing a little "people-watching" at the same time.

7. If you're a fan of history, art, and architecture, France is virtually unsurpassed worldwide. This pretty much goes without saying.

The Mona Lisa. The Venus de Milo. The Winged Victory of Samothrace. And nearly 35,000 more of the most important and awe-inspiring works of art in history. It's no wonder the Louvre is the most-visited museum in the world.

You've got the Louvre…the Musée d'Orsay…the Pantheon…the Pompidou Centre…the Maison de Balzac Museum…the Maison de Victor Hugo Museum…the Musée Picasso…

… The Père Lachaise Cemetery (where Oscar Wilde, Molière, Marcel Proust, Gertrude Stein, Jim Morrison of The Doors, and many other famous artists and writers are buried—often in wildly-elaborate tombs)…

… The Catacombs de Paris (with its thousands upon thousands of human skulls and bones piled one on top of the other—buried hundreds of feet below the busy streets of Paris)…

… The Arc de Triomphe (a great place to go to the top and take photos of the famed Avenue des Champs-Élysées)…

… Paul Cezanne's former residence in Aix-en-Provence (where you can see first-hand where this famous impressionist painter grew up and drew his creative inspiration from)…

… The hospital in Arles where Van Gogh stayed in December 1888 and again in January 1890 (you can go there and stand in the exact same spot where he painted one of his most famed paintings, Courtyard of the Hospital at Arles.

…and so much more.

And who could forget La Tour Eiffel… perhaps the world's most famous, iconic landmark? No trip to France is complete without getting a close look at the Eiffel Tower… or even going up to the top!

BY THE WAY…one great thing to do the next time you're in Paris is to stop by a bakery, butcher shop, cheese shop, and wine shop near the Eiffel Tower, pick up a few tasty items at each, and have a sunset picnic on the grass of the Champs de Mars with the Eiffel Tower towering right in front of you.

It's an almost surreal experience…especially when it lights up every hour on the hour for a few minutes each evening. Everyone applauds and cheers when it happens.

It's sublime!

Please Keep in Mind, I'm Barely Scratching The Surface Here

There's so much more that France has to offer.

It's the kind of place that just keeps growing and growing and growing on you…year after year.

"In the years we've lived here, we've also come to love the French way of life, the cafés and culture, the language, and—yes—also the French themselves. We have our favorite baker, the waiter who always asks after the kids, and the friends who coach us on everything from wine to grammar."—J.F., Paris, France

So how can you take advantage of ALL that France has to offer…without breaking your own back doing all the research and legwork on your own?

It's simple.

Get All the Secrets of Living Well for Less in Today's France in the latest Edition of, Escape to France: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less

With the latest edition of Escape to France at your side, you'll never have to wonder how to figure all of this out on your own.

You'll have—right at your disposal—EVERYTHING you need to know to start enjoying La Vie Française on a budget.

The quick, easy, affordable, and hassle-free way.

So…what kind of secrets will you discover in Escape to France?

Here's just a taste…

How To Make Paris Your New Part-Time Or Full-Time Home Without Spending A Fortune

How to find a 258-square-foot studio with lots of charm, sun, and a view of the Eiffel Tower for $296,310…
Where to find (and how to buy) the most rentable apartments in Paris…
How to understand the factors that influence French property prices (so you can get the best deal on the next Paris property you invest in)…
A list of IL's favorite, most affordable property picks in Paris right now…
How to make money renting out your Paris apartment…
Our highly-valuable list of trusted, English-speaking real estate agents in Paris…
How to understand the Paris arrondissements—or neighborhoods (with details on all 20 arrondissements) to help you choose the very best location for YOU)…

Find Your New Private Paradise In The French Countryside

How to find a dream village home for about $230,000 in the Dordogne region—the golden heartland of the southwest. This is quintessential rural France with its river running through quaint, little villages and world-renowned, open-air food markets.
Where you can find newly-built, one-bedroom apartments in glitzy Saint-Tropez on the world-famous Cote d'Azur (French Riviera) for as little as $224,900.
How to rent a one-bedroom apartment in wildly-romantic Aix-en-Provence (The city of fountains…birthplace of famed impressionist painter Paul Cézanne…and home to over 40,000 students) for as little as $950 a month.
A two-bedroom townhouse you could own in Rouen's historic center (Rouen is famous for its cider apples and cheeses—including ripe, creamy Camembert) for just $138,040. (Keep an eye out for the water lilies in the area. They're not just any old water lilies…but those captured on canvas by the impressionist painter Claude Monet.)
A 1,184-square-foot stone house with over 10,000 square feet of land in Brittany for the astoundingly low-price of just $27,370.
How to make the Languedoc—a hypnotically-beautiful alternative to the mountains to the river Rhône—your new home. The golden landscape of the Languedoc is dotted with imposing hilltop castles and fortified castles that date back to the 13th century. And here, you can still find properties like a two-bedroom townhouse with panoramic views of the town for as little as $116,620.
Where you can buy a studio in the Alsace region-famous for its "gingerbread-cottage" architecture, balconies festooned with geraniums (most villagers spend $1,000 a year on flowers), German look and feel, belt-loosening Alsatian cuisine (you've got to try the ripe and pungent Munster cheese), and revered giant storks that nest on top of almost every building in town…all that culture, and for as little as $118,000.
One of the most affordable places to live in The Charentes—known for its steep streets, honey-colored stone houses, pretty rural villages, and lazy rivers—many of which remain undiscovered. In one area our top France on-the-ground scout discovered here (you'll meet her in a minute), you can own a stone village house with two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a private courtyard for just $95,200.

How to Live Well For Less In France

How to find French properties for under $100,000…
A "buyer's checklist" that will help you avoid overpaying for your real estate investment in France…
A sample list of grocery costs in France to help you manage your monthly budget…
Should you or shouldn't you buy a car in France? We'll give you the lowdown…
How to save money on utility bills…
What you can expect to pay for apartment maintenance charges and household insurance (and avoid overpaying)…
How much you should pay for appliances and electronic products in France (it's not nearly as much as you might think)…

And Many Other Hard-Won Secrets You Won't Find In Any Other Publication About Living In France

How to import your belongings into France…
How to bring your pets into France…
The best schooling options for your children…
How to get a French driver's license…
A quick French "primer" (It'll get you up to speed speaking "Français" even if you don't speak a word of French yet)…
How to get a French visa and residence (we'll help you eliminate all the bureaucratic hassles right off the bat)…
How to set up your own business in France…
Our six favorite Paris restaurants…
The secret to paying less for your French vacation…
The cheapest way to get to Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris…
How to choose an investment advisor in France…
How to buy your new French home…

…and literally hundreds and hundreds more hard-won, insider-only tips.

There's Nothing Else in the World Like Escape to France: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less

(And You Can Thank Author And Diehard France-Lover Steenie Harvey For That!)

When you start reading the pages of Escape to France…

…you will discover something right away.

Author Steenie Harvey absolutely ADORES France.

In fact, when I read the latest version just recently, it really made me want to visit some of the "hidden" destinations Steenie has discovered.

Here an excerpt straight from Steenie in Escape to France…about the Dordogne area of France:

Flower-filled gardens, world-class cuisine, a pleasant Mediterranean climate, and surprisingly affordable real estate prices. It's no wonder Provence has emerged as one of the world's finest retirement hotspots.

"Call it the Périgord, call it the Dordogne, call it heaven. For many prospective home buyers, this is the quintessential rural France, the dream place to go shopping for a little maison de village or a honey-colored stone farmhouse with a steeply sloping roof of russet-brown tiles. Everywhere here seems just so pastorally perfect, right down to the clouds of bright blue butterflies and the lines of fluffy ducklings paddling down river."

"The Périgord summers are gloriously warm and sunny. Under resplendent blue skies, the countryside is a feast for the eyes, a harvest festival of vineyards, fields full of sunflowers, tobacco plants, and corn, shady walnut groves, and stands of oak trees that often hide an underground treasure-trove of black truffles."

"Casting reflections in crystalline rivers, a fairy-tale château perched on top of wooded cliffs. There are dozens of picture-perfect villages, each one seemingly more enchanting than the last."

Then Steenie goes into exquisite detail about the best places to shop, eat, and find bargain properties in the Dordogne.

AND PLEASE KEEP IN MIND…

Steenie does this not just for the Dordogne region…

…but for every corner of France.

I'm telling you…she really did her homework on this one…

…and it's evident on every single page of Escape to France.

It's worth its weight in truffle oil!

How Much Would It Cost To Figure All This Out On Your Own?

Let me put it to you this way…

It took Steenie SEVERAL MONTHS and SEVERAL TRIPS to uncover all the secrets you'll discover in Escape to France. And she brings to bear on this project her many years of experience traveling to this country she loves.

And thank goodness… Steenie's loaded with energy. And also a "black-belt" expert on saving money while traveling.

Especially in France.

Otherwise, we would've had to spend a fortune just to help her cover France's 212,935 square miles and 1,951 miles of coastline.

But she pulled it off. And you know what?

That's GREAT news for you.

You see, YOU don't have to do ANY of the on-the-ground leg-pounding that Steenie did.

You can simply click around on your computer screen and discover all of her hard-won secrets…from the comfort of your own home.

So how much…then…does it cost to get your hands on a copy of this recently updated Escape to France?

Well…considering how much we invested in this project, we could easily justify charging several hundred dollars. Probably a lot more.

But we're not going to ask you for that much.

That's because we want to make it as affordable as possible for you to discover all of Steenie's secrets for living well for less in France yourself.

So instead of asking for $300…or even $200 (which would be a MASSIVE bargain for this kind of info)…

…we're only asking for $103

For just $103 you can get your hands on the most complete, the most comprehensive, and the most cutting-edge resource on living, working, traveling, retiring, and starting a new business in today's France in the entire world.

And you know what?

I'll even throw in a little something extra for you once you order Escape to France today.

Order Escape to France Today and You'll Also Get This Special Digital Bonus

Special Bonus: Special Report, The Top French Retirement Havens (Value: $37—Yours FREE)

If you're contemplating a new life in Europe, you'll find that few other European countries can match what France has to offer. The trickiest thing will be deciding which bit of France holds the most allure for you.

Maybe Paris is most appealing? It has bragging rights that other cities can only dream of. In this report you'll find out why, for centuries, people have traveled to Paris from all corners of the world. Or, just two hours from Paris – a beautiful, historical town could be your perfect retirement haven? Or imagine living in France- near the Spanish border. There's another charming countryside town situated in the deep south that’s known for its sun, song, and troubadours. This is a land of vineyards and craggy mountains, often breached by rocky river gorges.

France is one of the most spell-binding countries in the world…and in this report you'll not only read about some of the top places to live in the country but you’ll also find out about the cost of living, real estate, visa requirements, and more.

The Time to Consider France Is NOW!!!

If you've ever dreamed of living in France in first-class style without breaking the bank, then I strongly urge you to give Escape to France a try today.

There's truly nothing else in the world like it…

…and it could help make your dreams of living affordably in France faster than you could ever pull off on your own.

To order, simply click on the link below and follow the instructions.

It could be one of the smartest decisions you make this year…if not your entire life.

Once you read about all that France has to offer…and read the stories of those who are living the good life there, I expect I'll meet you in France someday very soon. I look forward to it!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Stevens
Executive Editor, International Living

P.S. France has never been hotter as a potential place to live for discerning, budget-minded, future expats—either part-time or full-time. And you won't find a faster, easier, more affordable way for YOU to make it happen as soon as THIS YEAR than you will with the help of Escape to France.

Escape to Italy

Tue, 30 May 2023 14:23:31 GMT

"La Dolce Vita" means the sweet life…and life gets no sweeter than in sunny Italy

Fabulous food and wines…dreamy landscapes…history, culture…passionate people…lavish hospitality…time-honored traditions

A land where pleasures can be as profound as the works of Dante…or as frothy as a cappuccino

Dear Reader,

A number of years ago, a reader sent me an email. He and his wife were thinking of relocating to Italy…and wondered if I would please send details about some of my favorite places in that country. Where should they start exploring?

To be frank, I didn't know how to respond. I've been visiting Italy for more than 25 years…and after every trip, I realize I've found more places to fall in love with. Italy is one of Europe's most magical and vibrant countries. The watery beauty of Venice. The bedazzlement of Florence. The Eternal City itself, Rome. Most travelers have a favorite Italian city, but not me. I adore them all.

And big city life is only one option. Italy has many small art towns which offer great attractions…medieval gems set amongst the lost-in-time landscapes of the Marches, Umbria, and Tuscany. These regions make up central Italy…and they're places I could easily imagine myself living. Towns like Urbino, Orvieto, and horse-mad Siena. Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis… San Gimignano of the starry nights and medieval stone skyscrapers…

Let me give you a flavor of just one of these enchanted towns. A while back, I spent some idyllic days in a little rented cottage on a wine-growing estate near San Gimignano. The countryside hereabouts is completely unspoiled—a golden land of vineyards, olive groves, and sunflowers…gentle wooded hills crowned with castles and medieval villages. Walking back from the town one night, the road home was lit up by the twinkly lights of what must have been thousands of glow worms.

A place where the clocks seem to have stopped a couple of centuries ago, San Gimignano is incredibly lovely…a background image from a faded Renaissance masterpiece. Even if you're not on the property trail, it's worth crossing the ocean just to absorb the atmosphere. My visit coincided with its main summer festival…and Italy's calendar is studded with all kinds of colorful festivities and saint's days. Everybody—even kiddies—seemed to be gadding about in medieval costumes.

If you enjoy the good things in life, I think you should take a look at what Italy has to offer. And that applies whether you're considering buying a home in the sunshine for retirement…or as a bolt-hole for vacations. Italy is the perfect place for enjoying extended adventures. Stay a month, stay a year, stay forever…

If you've ever dreamed of a home in idyllic Italy for less than $150,000…of waking up to a view straight from a Renaissance painting…

…then I can tell you exactly where you can pick up the keys to some incredible deals.

Italy has mesmeric locations that are practically unknown to foreign visitors—but where inexpensive properties such as this are on the market:

A pretty semi-detached stone house for sale. The property is on two levels, with two-bedrooms, 646 square feet of living space, and great views. Price: €55,000 ($59,000).

"A place where the clocks seem to have stopped a couple of centuries ago, San Gimignano is incredibly lovely…a background image from a faded Renaissance masterpiece."

Italy isn't only a lifestyle choice, of course. According to the World Travel Association, with nearly 40 million annual visitors, it's the world's fourth most visited country. For investors or entrepreneurs, that means a steady demand for accommodation and services.

These are uncertain financial times, admittedly. But if you're thinking of the tourist market, buying the right property or starting a business in a country so steeped in culture, history and sensuous pleasures comes with few risks. Not in my view.

Honestly, can you imagine that the tourist stream is likely to dry up any time soon?

Of course it's not. Italy has been right near the top of the world's vacation wish list ever since the aristocratic Grand Tour got underway in the 18th century.

As a property market, Italy is mature and proven…and so are its charms

Unlike in parts of 'the New Europe', Italian ski and seaside resorts aren't two-season-wonder locations. In Italy they have a long-standing property track record. Yes, rentals are seasonal, and outside the cities and ski resorts, few tourists are around in winter. However, many seaside resort and countryside properties attract the same families back summer after summer.

What's more, the country has excellent infrastructure. (Accessibility is always an important factor when buying a property as a tourist rental.)

Although property values in Italy have cooled—and it's a buyers' market—they're certainly not heading toward permafrost territory. Obviously even Italy wasn't immune from the downturn that swept the world. To give you the full picture, some cities have experienced quite large falls. Naples fell around 19%, but it was way over-priced to start with.

But looking at the figures from a nationwide perspective, the dip in overall housing values is a mere fraction compared to the plunge in some other major European countries.

In part, this is because Italian banks had more conservative lending practices than banks in the U.S. or UK. Unlike their counterparts, they only offered mortgages of up to 70%. There is no huge cache of repossessed homes flooding the market.

Also, the Italian housing boom of the previous decade didn't trigger the same massive increase in new builds that happened in countries such as Spain. Even during the boom, price rises were relatively sensible across most parts of the country.

But to be candid, it's hard to see how many countryside and village properties can get much cheaper than they already are. My suspicions are that if they're not snapped up soon, some owners will pull them off the market and wait for the economic tide to turn.

Your personal guide to the good life

Steenie Harvey here and I've been roving around Italy for over two and a half decades. I've been on the beat covering all parts of Europe for many, many years, but Italy holds a special place in my heart.

During one scouting trip to an overlooked part of Central Italy, I enjoyed the crisp blue skies, dreamy hill towns, the diamond-bright peaks of the Apennines…

…and sleeping beauty properties at exceptionally alluring prices.

"I took a scouting trip to an overlooked part of Central Italy, crisp blue skies, dreamy hill towns, the diamond-bright peaks of the Apennines… and sleeping beauty properties at exceptionally alluring prices."

In one medieval hill village, I viewed a two-bedroom apartment in the historic center of the village. Fully renovated it has 1,076 square feet of living space, a nice terrace, and a shared garden.

The price? €105,000.

That equates to around $117,700 in dollar terms.

A steal of a deal—if it's still available. But my contact in this region had a number of enticing examples for under $120,000. Properties like:

A house located in a nice village with stunning views, a 30-minute drive from the sea. The house consists of a kitchen, a living room with fireplace and balcony, two bedrooms, and a bathroom with a shower. The house is situated near the center of the village and is in good condition and well restored. Price: €38,000 ($42,500).
A 667-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment. It has a kitchen, living room, and a nice view over the countryside. It's located less than a mile from the sea. Price: €58,000 ($65,000).
A nicely-finished, detached house with two-bedrooms over 807 square feet of living space. It has a nice-sized garden at the rear. It's described as being in excellent condition. Price: €89,800 ($99,800).

Get to know 'the real Italy'

Maybe you're wondering why homes in this corner of one of the world's most beautiful countries—homes that are less than a couple of hours drive from Rome—are so affordable?

Simple. Because it's one of those unsung parts of Italy that few foreigners have heard of. Guidebooks devote only a couple of pages to this region—if they mention it at all.

But that's good news for you.

You see, this lovely region of olive-dappled countryside is seriously undervalued. Although it's as scenically gorgeous as Tuscany and Umbria, comparable real estate is often up to 70% cheaper.

Come visit and you'll be baffled as to why it has been ignored for so long. Its palazzos might be faded, its watchtowers crumbling—but its unsung hill towns are as photogenically stunning as those in high-priced Tuscany.

Dotted with vineyards and small farms, this is the old Italy where rustic charm has survived the centuries intact.

But word is getting out.

You've probably heard of what's known as
'the Ryanair effect'

The budget airline comes in… European holiday-makers fall in love with astoundingly cheap properties…prices rise.

Ryanair, Europe's biggest budget airline, is now serving this central Italian region. And the airport is only a 30-minute drive away from some really choice hill villages—including the one where I viewed a $75,000 property. The beaches are even closer—20 minutes.

If you didn't want to live here full-time, these village homes would make for a great vacation rental. Pulling in $500 a week in summer should be easy.

Most towns and villages are within an hour's drive of the Adriatic. So in late spring, the sea and mountain combination means you could be skiing in the morning and beach-bumming in the afternoon.

The sands here are smooth and golden—and even in winter, the waves sing of summer's promise. It's a whispered lullaby of sizzling sunshine and balmy evenings, of fishing trips and harbors jostling with white-sailed yachts. Piazzas erupt with parties. Lengthy meals are enjoyed al fresco.

And did I say that from almost every little settlement, views are sensational? You can always see another collection of spires, towers, and rooftops lying like buried treasure in the folds of the mountain foothills.

Bella Italia—and George Clooney too

La Tavola

Whether it's fresh fish, hearty bean soups, rosemary-scented lamb, home-made maccheroni alla chitarra (pasta rolled through a stringed board and cut thin as guitar strings), or pizza sprinkled with black truffle shavings, the food is to die for.

It certainly doesn't cost a lot to enjoy the pleasures of the table here. You can have a 2-course lunch with what one friend calls 'an adult beverage' for $12. Or choose from a fabulous range of wood-oven pizzas for under $7.40. Large carafes of wine for $5.40 are the norm, not the exception.

For many people, where to find the world's most passionately indulgent lifestyle is no secret. At the last official count, 5,047,028 foreigners were living in Italy.

Living there and enjoying la dolce vita. That's local lingo for 'the sweet life'. And I can promise you life in Italy is sweeter than honey.

Whether you choose to live near the Mediterranean, the Adriatic or the Alps, Italy offers the kind of life that can't be duplicated anywhere else on the planet. No argument.

Even some of its better-known beauty spots might not necessarily be beyond your budget. Take Lake Como where snow-capped peaks are mirrored in serene, sapphire waters.

This is where Hollywood actor George Clooney comes to seek peace and privacy for three or four months each year. He has bought Villa Oleandra, in Laglio village on Lake Como's shores.

Crowned with ancient churches, all the villages girdling the lake are storybook affairs. Cobbled streets clamber up towards the forested hills; sparkling waterfalls descend into little rivers spanned by arched stone bridges.

"This is where George Clooney comes to seek peace and privacy for three or four months each year."

Draped in wisteria, lakeside village houses are often painted in warm summer shades of daffodil yellow, peach, pink, cream and butterscotch. Perfumed gardens brim with statuary and all kinds of tropical flowers. $171,500 for a property in this corner of heaven sounds pretty reasonable to me.

Yes, just $171,500 for a lake view apartment on Lake Como's shores. It has one bedroom, one bathroom and has been fully restored.

It's through one of the recommended real estate contacts you'll find in Escape to Italy: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less (more about this in a moment).

No guarantees you'll run into Gorgeous George, but the UK Times reported that on his arrival he wrote to his neighbors apologizing for any "inconvenience" his presence caused them. He said "My greatest desire is just to live in this wonderful village and walk along its lovely streets."

How a broker saved himself thousands of dollars

I want to share a letter from Bill V, an International Living subscriber from San Diego.

"Steenie, I just closed on a fabulous condo in Agropoli, a 1,000 square foot condo for US $175,000. It's right on the coast near Paestum, 15 minutes drive south of the Amalfi coast.

It sits about 1,000 feet above the city with spectacular views of the coast, harbor, beaches, and mountains. The airport near Salerno now has direct flights to and from Milan, Mykynos, Ibiza, and other Mediterranean destinations. Plus an 18 hole golf course is being built near town. It's great to be near the Amalfi coast and Capri…venturing over whenever I want to."

I know the area Bill has chosen—I was there one summer.

By taking my advice and shopping for a property in 'hidden Italy' instead of the really well-known tourist hotspots, Bill has saved himself thousands of dollars.

That's no exaggeration. A similar-sized property along the Amalfi coast itself will easily run you over $500,000—and cost over $1 million on the Isle of Capri. Yet Bill is enjoying exactly the same coastal splendor for a lot, lot less.

In Escape to Italy: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less, you'll be introduced to this sun-drenched southern province—an area that has inspired generations of writers, painters and musicians.

Imagine living in a place where history bursts from every corner…where umbrella pines bow down under skies as exuberantly blue as the sea…where cliff-perched villages come with ever more mesmerizing views…where balustrades spill over with honeysuckle, bougainvillea and morning glory…

Thing is, unless you want to be right beside the Mediterranean like Bill, you don't have to spend anything like $170,000 to buy a property in this southern province.

I can point you toward some of its lively little towns where homes cost far less than that.

Don't Buy—or Rent—Until You've Read Escape to Italy

The composer Giuseppe Verdi was spot on when said: "You may have the universe if I may have Italy."

Even in these credit-crunched times, there's no good reason why you can't have it too.

If you've been a regular reader of International Living, you'll know we rate Italy as arguably the best sunshine buy in western Europe.

Which is why we put together the special 2019 edition of Escape to Italy: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less.

What we found is this: Outside the big cities, Italy is far less costly than you probably imagine.

You see, if you've visited Italy as a tourist, chances are you've spent your time in and around the cities of the north. And that you've hung around tourist bars and restaurants charging tourist prices. Relatively few foreigners ever venture south of Rome or the Amalfi Coast.

"Italy's deep south is still a land of lemon groves, vineyards and ancient chestnut woods; fishing villages, wine festivals, religious parades; and a wealth of traditions that are deep-rooted rather than something dreamt up by the heritage industry."

If you've never explored the country's lesser-known regions, you won't have a clue how astonishingly inexpensive property (and everything else) can be.

Of course, it's understandable why relatively few Americans ever travel as far south as Calabria. Or to the neighboring regions of Basilicata or Apulia. Or to Molise where the mountains meet the silvery-blue Adriatic.

It's the time factor.

You see, the problem with Italy is this: there's far too much to see and savor. It's different if you live here—the potential for short breaks is incredible. But experiencing all its splendors on a few vacation trips isn't possible.

Agreed, it's a sin for any visitor not to explore the watery glories of Venice…or to take in the opulence of Rome and Florence. Or to visit Umbria, the green heart of Italy, with its medieval walled towns perched like tiaras on hilltops and pilgrimages to Assisi, birthplace of St Francis.

Then there's Liguria's Cinque Terre where fishing villages are slotted into the niches of towering cliffs. And it's hard to resist the charms of rural Tuscany with its classic old farmhouses, vineyards, and fields of nodding sunflowers.

How can you possibly pack all this and more into a vacation?

Probably the only real solution of how to fit all of Italy's magic into one lifetime is to live here full or part-time—and this is where International Living can help.

Your roadmap to a dream life in Italy

Italy's 20 regions all have great things to offer both home-buyers—and renters too.

But where, specifically, should you look?

Well, in Escape to Italy: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less, you'll discover exactly what each region offers—and gain in-depth insights into the ones that make the most sense to us. You'll learn how much it costs to own or rent a home in all our favorite locations—old and new.

Say you're looking for a village house in good condition…but you don't want to pay more than $180,000. You won't find one overlooking the Amalfi coast at that price, but explore regions such as Apulia, Basilicata and Calabria and you'll be spoilt for choice.

Italy's slower-paced south offers just as much magic as the north. Although incomes aren't as high down here, you're certainly not compromising on beauty, good food and all those things that go to make up the sweet life.

High above a clear-as-crystal sea, medieval villages rush helter-skelter down hillsides. New or old, houses are strung with bright scarlet peppers drying in the sunshine; tiny jewel-green lizards scurry about everywhere.

Underlying the salty tang of ozone, the air is perfumed with basil, oregano and other sweet-smelling herbs. Even the smallest towns usually bear evidence of a Byzantine, Norman, or even an ancient Greek past.

No, the landscapes aren't classical Tuscan—but that doesn't make them any less Italian.

Art treasures aren't as numerous, but Italy's deep south is still a land of lemon groves, vineyards and ancient chestnut woods; fishing villages, wine festivals, religious parades, and a wealth of traditions that are deep-rooted rather than something dreamt up by the heritage industry.

You'll see men playing centuries-old card games and women doing embroidery…donkeys carrying firewood and shepherds tending flocks.

But come to think of it, even an address in Tuscany may not be out of the question—if you steer clear of the tourist hotspots around Siena and Florence. In a village on Tuscany's wilder outer fringes, one of our contacts has a charming little stone house for $66,000. It's restored—there's no work to be done.

The point is that it's usually necessary to venture beyond the fashionable destinations to find sensible prices.

If you're prepared to explore…to come with me to places that have so far slipped through the foreign property-buyers' net…there are many delightful (and surprisingly affordable) homes within easy reach of the Mediterranean, the Adriatic, and unspoiled countryside.

Of course, purchasing a home in Italy is not the same as purchasing in the United States. It's not complicated once you understand how things work—but if you don't know the system, mistakes can happen.

Costly mistakes. It's a sad truth, but some buyers seem to leave their wits behind at Rome airport.

That said, the majority of transactions go through smoothly—and yours is likely to as well. But there's no substitute for checking all the boxes and doing the right legwork to give yourself peace of mind.

Armed with Escape to Italy: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less, you'll have that peace of mind.

Romance and Reality

Why contemplate living in any overseas country without knowing exactly what makes that country tick? Or how its way of doing things may affect you?

So one of my main aims is to ensure that you arrive in Italy with all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.

Sure, you'll discover where to find dream views among the rolling hills and deep green valleys, or a beautiful apartment in the centro storico of a classic hilltop town.

But I won't let you lose sight of reality—or of any potential pitfalls. Your magnificent view may be devalued by a tractor starting up next door at 5 a.m. every morning. The unique setting of a country home may be irrelevant if you can't get electricity to it.

So naturally, all the practicalities of relocating are addressed in full in Escape to Italy. And along with a guide to Italy's regions and their real estate opportunities, you'll get plenty of expert advice:

A step-by-step guide to the legalities, costs and procedures associated with purchasing Italian property. Contact details for competent, trustworthy professionals to assist you in your purchase or rental.
Restoration, building costs and the role of a geometra—before you even set foot on Italian soil, you'll have a good idea of how much that old farmhouse will cost to restore. (Hint: building costs are much lower in southern Italy than the north.)
The rental market. Outside northern Italy's major cities, you'll find lots of affordable options. Take the chic resort town of Matera in Basilicata, whose old town provided the setting for Mel Gibson's movie The Passion of the Christ. You can rent a two-bedroom, 1,187-square-foot apartment for just $665 a month.
How to obtain the correct visa, a residence permit, a driving license and all the other vital bits and bobs of bureaucratic paper you'll need.
Day to day living costs and utility bills—and how to get quickly connected to the electricity, water and telephone services. Obviously utility bills will depend on property size and also the climate.
Taking care of your health. Opt for local healthcare insurance and you'll find premiums are a lot less costly than back home. As a resident you can even join Italy's National Health Service Plan and get free treatment—we explain how.
Your various options for putting your kids through school. And much more…the investment climate, negotiating the tax system, business opportunities, resources for learning the language, etc.

Although most professionals speak English, this edition includes a special language primer. It will familiarize you with terms you may see and hear in the bank…on the highway…in the doctor's office…at the real estate agent's.

Eternally Rome

My colleagues and I didn't spend weeks eating ourselves silly and translating menus. (Though I must say that task was no hardship.)

Spare the Donkey

Most phrase books neglect to cover architectural terms and real estate. But with our useful primer, you won't waste time scouring local newspaper ads for bilocali (two-room apartments) when what you really want is a casa rustica—a rural house.

Lots more too. We'll even take you into the trattoria and sit you down with a host of regional menus. Others might be baffled when faced with a dish called i radiatori, but you won't. You'll already know it's ruffled and ridged pasta.

You may want to avoid asinello, though. There's nothing like trying local specialties—but I've yet to meet any expat with an appetite for Sicilian donkey steak!

Although Escape to Italy primarily focuses on the practicalities of relocating and real estate, Italy offers some fabulous vacation experiences. Whether you choose to spend your time absorbing the atmosphere of one of the great art cities, exploring rural medieval towns, or basking on a beach, you're in for a wonderful treat.

So you'll also find a section devoted to Traveler's Italy. In this, there are lots of recommendations for hotels, agriturismos and workshop experiences. Oh, and a festival sampler too.

If I say the word 'palio' you'll probably think horses. Well, yes—the Palio in Siena is a madcap horserace.

But there's also the Palio del Papero at San Miniato, Tuscany. This is a duck festival—but a festival to do with the racing of ducks, not the eating of them. Sounds crazy, but the ducks represent the four neighborhoods of the town and the festival (which includes a historical pageant and plenty of opportunity for gorging on non duck-related food specialties) apparently goes back to medieval times.

Siena has its horses… San Miniato has its ducks.

And we've explored numerous locations beside Italy's famous—and not-so-famous—rural regions and seaside hideaways.

In Escape to Italy: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less, you'll find comprehensive details about city life too…about what it's like to live in Venice, Florence, and the country's fashion and business hub, Milan.

Plus there's an entire in-depth section on Rome, the Eternal City. Doesn't it send shivers down your spine simply to imagine being in Italy's capital? To visit the Coliseum where baying mobs urged on gladiators? Or the Forum whose very stones are the same that Caesar walked among?

The Vatican…the Trevi Fountain…the Arch of Titus…the Castle of St. Angelo…the Aurelian walls. With more than 2,600 years of history and culture, the whole of the city has been likened to a museum—albeit a museum with elegant shopping areas, green parks, and arguably Italy's most vibrant lifestyle.

Not surprisingly, Rome has long been a magnet to North Americans. With several thousand expats living in and around the city, you won't find it difficult to meet fellow residents—and a number of American contact groups are based here.

Rome is irresistible, but it's a world-class city—and quality homes are expensive. I don't pretend otherwise.

But how about a Roman rental? We've identified local sources where you can find reasonably affordable properties. If you know who to contact—and we'll tell you in Escape to Italy—you can rent a furnished apartment in the historic center for less than $1,000 per month. (Rentals in provincial towns and cities are far cheaper.)

Or consider buying a home near Rome rather than in the capital itself. For example, there's a small medieval town in Lazio region that's only 25 miles north of Italy's capital.

It boasts a 12th-century hospital, a castle, and several churches dating from the Medieval and Baroque eras. The picturesque center, complete with cobbled square and grand stone town gates, is often used in movies.

A totally restored apartment in its historic center, with a living room, kitchen, bathroom and one bedroom is €60,000 ($67,200).

It's not one-off. Our Lazio contacts have other appealing options too.

Don't leave it too late

Another piece of news for those with an eye for potential easy profits. As with low-cost airlines, train links—particularly high speed trains—have a dynamic effect on property prices. Trenitalia is currently investing around €2.5 billion on cleaning up and renovating stations in three major cities—and a number of high speed train routes are being introduced.

When better transport comes into play, higher house prices tend to follow, often by as much as 40% in two or three years.

But I don't have enough space to tell you everything that I'd like to. If you share my own passion for Italy, I urge you to get hold of Escape to Italy.

We'll even throw in a little something extra for you once you order Escape to Italy today, as part of this special Your Blueprint to the Insider's Italy—Live the Sweet Life for Less offer.

Order Escape to Italy: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less Today and You'll Also Get A Special Bonus

It would take a lifetime to see and experience all Italy has to offer.

But I assure you—whatever attracts you to Italy—the food, the scenery, the affordable real estate or the sensuous, self-indulgent lifestyle—you'll find all the information you need inside Escape to Italy: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

We've removed the guesswork and hassle of buying (or renting) the home you dream of…and we take you as close to living and investing in Italy as you can get without our buying a ticket, flying you there, and hiring a private guide for you. Plus you'll get…

Special Bonus: The Top Italian Retirement Havens (Value: $19—Yours FREE)

Who wouldn't want to live in Italy, Europe's most intriguing and seductive country? Just think of its warmth, style, and wonderful food…its excitable people and their zest for life…its art treasures and the architectural glories of its magnificent past… Even if you've never been there, Italy is one of those places. Italy is undeniably romantic. From the days of the Grand Tour when the first tourists stood in the shadow of the Coliseum, Italy has attracted expats. As many of them have found out it's not all about the big draws like Venice, Rome, and Florence.

The Italian Lake district is admittedly well-trodden, but what do you know about the islands of Sardinia and Sicily? Or of Abruzzo, a hilly region on the eastern coast that shares the same attractive sandy beaches as Le Marche, but where properties are sensibly priced? Or of Apulia in the Deep South: a languid land of olive trees fringed by the Adriatic Sea?

Although Italy is not generally perceived as being a bargain location for property buyers, there truly is something for everybody. And this digital report will share with you our top retirement locations in beautiful, historic Italy.

How to Get Escape to Italy at a Discount…

When you reserve your copy today, Escape to Italy is yours for just $103…and the special bonus I just told you about is included—FREE.

And the best part is that we publish this electronically…so it's much more useful, colorful, and interactive than ever before. Plus, you'll have access to it as soon as your order has processed.

Try it out…even take it to Italy in search of your dream home or investment. We're so confident you'll realize your dreams in Italy that we'd like to offer you International Living's 30-Day money back guarantee.

Try it today. Explore all Italy has to offer. And if after exploring her delights you decide that Italy is not the place for you, you have our 30-day money back guarantee—no questions asked.

Yours sincerely,

Steenie Harvey
For International Living

P.S. Although I'm not your Fairy Godmother, I know I can help make your wishes come true. Italy doesn't have to remain a fairytale notion—but please don't leave it too long.

Even in fairytales, the clock eventually strikes midnight…

Order Escape to Italy for just $103 and remember that this offer is good for a limited time only.

I hope this is an offer you can't refuse. Because I know once you browse this information, you'll be genuinely impressed. Just click below now, and we'll have your guide on its way to you immediately…

* With your purchase today you'll also receive our daily e-letter International Living Postcards—with our compliments—if you're not already subscribed. Please note you can unsubscribe at any time.

Escape to Mexico

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 13:02:38 GMT

Close to Friends and Family… Lots of Social Activities… Perfect Weather… Extraordinarily Beautiful, With Charming Colonial Towns, World-Class Cities, 5,800 Miles of Sun-kissed Beaches… and Oh So Affordable…

Especially With Today's Dollar-to-Peso Exchange Rate!

Here's Why Now is the Best Time to Discover Mexico… One of the World's Top Retirement Destinations

Dear Reader,

Something extraordinary is happening in Mexico, and it's something you may not be aware of. As The New York Times has reported, Mexico is the "new land of opportunity."

And the strong dollar just made retiring to Mexico more affordable than at any time in recent history.

As the Los Angeles Times recently reported, "The battered Mexican peso has tumbled to historic new lows." Today it's trading at approximately 19 to the U.S. dollar.

And if you've traveled to Mexico any time in the last decade, you know what that means: Your dollar buys you twice as much in Mexico today than at any time in recent history.

The extreme affordability is just one reason Mexico constantly earns high marks on International Living's Annual Global Retirement Index.

Not only is Mexico more affordable than ever, but it ticks every box on a retiree's wish list. Gorgeous tropical beaches (more than 5,800 miles of them) charming, fair-weather colonial towns, sophisticated, world-class cities, excellent and affordable healthcare, fabulous infrastructure, you name it… Mexico has it.

Here at International Living, we don't take our responsibility lightly when it comes to naming safe and accommodating overseas retirement destinations. And I'd like to show you exactly why.

There has never been a better time to look at retiring, buying a vacation home or starting a business in Mexico than today, while the Mexican peso is trading so low against the dollar.

As mentioned, your dollar goes further than ever in Mexico…twice as far than any time in recent memory. A couple can enjoy a plentiful sit-down lunch for just $3 to $6. Just $25 can buy two entrees, a bottle of wine and dessert at an upscale restaurant.

Today's Mexico is not only amazingly affordable; it's also far more modern and developed than it was 20 or even 15 years ago. It's easier than ever to get your official residence visa. Healthcare is exceptional and affordable. And Mexico is far safer than news media would have you believe.

For all these reasons and more, more retirees than ever are choosing Mexico.

"Tourists are flooding in from the US because once they have paid for their accommodation and travel, the cost of living in Mexico is cheap. A beer that cost $3 now costs $1.50."

—The Financial Times

But this isn't a new phenomenon, of course. American and Canadian retirees have been flocking to Mexico for generations now. The Lake Chapala area is home to the largest community of U.S. retirees outside the U.S. And U.S. citizens who live lakeside are likely matched person for person by Canadians. It's estimated that nearly 15,000 native English speakers live in this area of Mexico, depending on the season.

As a retired police officer and attorney from Dallas says about the Lake Chapala area (the most popular expat retirement enclave in Mexico) where he lives, if you spend wisely, you can have a "caviar lifestyle on a tuna fish pension."

Today, Your Dollar Goes Further Than Ever in Mexico

"We rent a very nice multi-level condo right on the beach in Cancún. Our lease is locked in at 20,000 pesos monthly. A few years ago, that was about $1,300—a great deal. Now that same 20,000 pesos is worth $980. I'm putting an extra $320 in the bank every month," says expat Don Murray.

"For a couple," he says, "I think if your home is paid for here you can live a very nice lifestyle on $1,500 a month. The more you have above this, the more luxury you will have. Remember, your property taxes will be a small fraction of North American taxes (mine have always been under $99), and you will likely save on utilities given the temperate climate, and the lack of crazy weather…no hurricanes, typhoons, floods or major earthquakes means you don't need to insure against weather disasters.

"Very few people carry fire insurance given the near fireproof construction; and the homes are built with security in mind so many folks don't carry break-in insurance either. I carry NONE of the above and pocket the savings."

Best of all, Mexico offers a retirement discount program that offers all foreign residents some very nice discounts.

As our friend from Chapala adds, "With free discount cards for folks 60 and over you save on a variety of goods and services. Half price fares on the luxury buses allows you to have affordable vacations all over Mexico, and more…"

But I know what you're thinking? Isn't Mexico dangerous? The truth may surprise you.

My name is Suzan Haskins. I'm a senior editor at International Living, which has been researching and reporting on retirement in Mexico for over 40 years now. We would never suggest that you retire in any place that wasn't safe.

From a personal standpoint, I've been writing about, and living in, Latin America for over 15 years now…much of that time in Mexico, where I now live with my husband Dan. I've lived in three different communities in Mexico, in fact, and visited many, many more. (My husband, Dan, and I once spent nearly two months driving the width and length of the country.)

Tourists Know How Safe—And Affordable Mexico Is

Last year, tourism increased yet again in Mexico…to the fourth-largest industry in the country. (The majority of international tourists are from the U.S.) With today's exchange rate at approximately 19:1, you can expect Mexico's tourism records to be broken once again this year.

I know how wonderfully safe and affordable Mexico can be. I wouldn't live any place that wasn't safe…nor would I recommend it to you. Having said that, there are some places in Mexico that are best avoided…specifically, near some border areas and in a few other pinpointed "hot spots."

But Mexico is a huge country—roughly about three times larger than the state of Texas. A record-breaking 39 million international tourists visited Mexico in 2017—almost half of them U.S. citizens, followed by Canadian citizens. They know what you should know: Mexico is, overall, a safe place to visit. And it remains a very safe place to retire…rejuvenate…reinvent yourself…to live the kind of life you want to live.

But don't just take my word for it… I'd like to introduce you to the best of Mexico…

Here's More of What Mexico Offers…

It's close—There are direct flights to the U.S. from many of Mexico's major airports, and most of them take less than two hours and cost about the same as a flight anywhere in the U.S.
Excellent weather—The Tropic of Cancer splits the country in two, so northern regions experience cooler temperatures during the winter months while southern areas remain fairly constant year round. Because of the country's topography, Mexico has one of the world's most diverse climate systems. Forget about snowfall, but from temperate year-round to warm and sultry…you'll find it in Mexico.
Top-quality healthcare—You'll find health care in Mexico's major metropolitan areas similar to what you are used to in the U.S., but at a significantly lower price tag. And thanks to its proximity to the U.S., Mexico is emerging not only as a medical tourism destination, but as a long-term and elder care destination, too.
A great economy—Mexico has one of the strongest economies in the Western Hemisphere, and it's surprisingly diversified. Oil, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture all contribute to Mexico's economic strength, which translates into many First-World amenities lacking in some other smaller, less prosperous destinations.
All the comforts of home—Speaking of those First-World amenities…you'll find supermarkets (with all your familiar brands from home), shopping malls, theaters, museums, great cell phone coverage, and high-speed internet almost everywhere.
Low, low taxes—If you own real estate in Mexico, you'll find property taxes are a fraction of those paid in the U.S. and Canada.
Affordability—Even with all the modern amenities of a global economic powerhouse, it's still possible to live well in many places in Mexico on much less than comparable places in the U.S., thanks to significant savings on healthcare, taxes, and utilities, especially in the temperate highlands.

AARP calls Mexico "the undisputed number one destination for American retirees."

Expats in Mexico—especially in temperate climates like San Miguel de Allende and Lake Chapala, where I live, and where you won't need air conditioning or heat for your home—report they're living quite happily on as little as $1,200 a month. If your income is a bit more…say $2,000 a month for a couple…you can live well, indeed.

Mexico is one of the most value-packed destinations on the planet for budget-minded expats:

For $3 a ticket, you and a friend can take in a just-released movie (in English).
For less than $3, you can enjoy a more-than-you-can-eat breakfast or lunch at an open-air restaurant.
For less than $4, get a haircut and a shave.
Doctors still make house calls—in Ajijic, on the shores of Lake Chapala, one expat tells me her doctor charges just 300 pesos (about $14) for a house call.
Healthcare (as well as private health insurance) typically costs one-third less than what you'll pay on the States.
For $500 a month or less, you can rent a nicely furnished one- or two-bedroom apartment in many locations.

Add to all this some advantages unique to Mexico:

You'll find lots of English-speaking company—With major U.S. and Canadian expat communities throughout Mexico, you're never far away from English conversation and like-minded people. And thanks to Mexico's huge foreign tourism industry and global trading capacity, you'll find that many Mexicans speak English as their second language.
Familiarity—Even if you've never been to Mexico, you're probably familiar with Mexico's colorful culture—especially its food, music, and arts and crafts. Visiting or residing in any of Mexico's most popular destinations will not result in major culture shock. And that makes Mexico a relatively easy place to settle.

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Mexico?

Of course, you can spend as much or as little as you want to live almost anywhere in the world. That's certainly true of Mexico, which is home to one of the largest cities on the planet as well as some of the tiniest and most picturesque fishing villages. Your cost of living will depend completely on where and how you want to live.

That said, my husband and I find that our cost of living in Mexico is significantly less than in the U.S. The following chart gives you an idea of the monthly expenses you might incur living comfortably in Mexico. I've rounded up the numbers and provided this imaginary couple with a weekly maid and gardener (try THAT in the U.S.!).

I've included rent—though keep in mind that if you buy your home, you won't have this expense (though you would want to include property taxes—rarely more than $200 per year—and regular maintenance). I haven't included a few other expenses that you may well want to consider—more about those in a minute.

Prices will differ depending on where in Mexico you live. All prices are in U.S. dollars:

Rent (furnished, two-bedroom home):	$750
Utilities (electricity, gas, water, phone, cable TV, Internet)	$130
Groceries	$350
Entertainment (dining out and other activities)	$250
Maid: Once a week	$135
Cellphone	$10
Healthcare (IMSS or Seguro Popular for two people)	$85
Transportation (car maintenance/public transport)	$30

This adds up to $22,880 per year.

Additionally, you might consider:

Maintenance, fuel, insurance for one car: $100 or…public transportation: $15.

Mexico's Retiree Discount Program Helps You Save Even More

If you have legal residence in Mexico and are over 60, you qualify for an INAPAM Card, which offers discounts of 10-50% on discounts on almost everything: healthcare, public transportation, groceries, restaurants, hotels, and even some airlines.

But, as we said, everyone's lifestyle requirements are different. You could live on less. It's possible to rent a home or apartment for $300 a month or less. If you don't need cable TV or internet, you can save on those expenses. As I've said, if you live in the highlands, you probably won't need heat or air conditioning, a big savings on utility bills.

If, though, you like to eat out frequently, travel, play golf, scuba dive, and the likes, you will obviously spend more money. But still, all these costs are much less than you probably would spend for a similar lifestyle in the U.S. (And with much better weather!)

The Most Affordable…the Safest…and the Best Places in Mexico to Retire or Start A new

Mexico is a large and varied country, and there are literally hundreds of wonderful cities and towns where foreign retirees have settled. Here are some of the most popular options:

Just an hour's drive from San Diego you'll find two beachside towns where home prices are 40% to 50% less than similar homes just across the border to the north. (And we're sure you can't even touch the price of an ocean view home in San Diego for less than $750,000. In this part of Mexico, water sports dominate the scene, including beachcombing, swimming, surfing, fishing, and boating. There's also horseback riding, dune biking, bicycling, tennis, and, of course, golf. There are at least five 18-hole courses in the area. Or maybe you're interested in taking in a rock concert or going to an amusement park, or digging into a gourmet meal in a truly world-class restaurant. All of these can be found here. And just a 40-minute drive and you're in the heart of Mexico's wine- and olive-growing region.
On the Sea of Cortez you'll find a small town that boasts one of the world's most prolific salt-water habitats with sport fishing tours available for avid anglers. If you're a fisherman, you'll be in your element here. It's close enough to the U.S. border to make it a great weekend destination and just far enough to feel like you have really gotten away from it all. Here, thanks to high technology and low labor costs, quality homes are being constructed for less than half the cost in the U.S.
A secret island paradise—Millions of tourists make it to Cancún every year…but what few know is that a secret little island straight out of a children's fairytale book is just a 15-minute boat ride away. (No, I'm not talking about Cozumel.) On this island the most popular form of transport is by golf-cart. And you can buy a condominium here for as little as $150,000.
The Riviera Maya's next big thing—If you're looking for casual beach living in a picture-perfect setting, put this little town, on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, on your radar. With pure white sand and turquoise waters, these beaches are the stuff of dreams. But infrastructure is being put in place that's making this Mexico's new hot spot. Get there now and you'll be in on the ground floor of something very special (and with commitment to a small eco-footprint).
The Pacific Coast's most romantic destination—It's a place where misty tropical mountains wrap around a crescent moon-shaped bay. (Liz Taylor and Richard Burton fell in love here.) Today, it's one of the world's top tourist destinations, with an international airport, pro-tournament golf courses, designer shopping, world-class restaurants, and spectacular sunset views over the seventh largest bay in the world. And you can buy an apartment in the city's Old Town neighborhood just a block or two from the beach for just $149,000. Or rent a furnished one-bedroom apartment with an ocean view for just $500 a month.
"The Carmel of Mexico"—Where have all the flower children gone? Some have ended up in a chic little bohemian oasis smack dab on the Tropic of Cancer. In the past 25 years, artists, painters, and writers have come here to escape the stress of their former lives. Perched on a hill overlooking the glorious Pacific Ocean to the west and a lush green valley to the north, this sleepy little desert town is a retiree's dream.
One of the loveliest small cities in Mexico—A fabled storybook colonial town set against the spectacular Sierra Madre Mountains, and where the weather is spring-like all year round, is one of the most popular places in Mexico for U.S. expats. About 10,000 of them live full time in this city of 140,000. And for good reason. With its rich culture, bustling energy, friendly population, and delightful climate, it's quite simply one of the loveliest small cities in all of Mexico. Several major motion pictures have been filmed here. It's also a haven for writers and artists. And just recently, you could buy a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment here with a large, open-plan living room in a development with a pool, club, and garden areas for less than $200,000.
"One of the World's Top 5 Dive Spots" (named by Jacques Cousteau)—Off the coast of this magical island the waters are so clear you can see 200 feet down on a sunny day. And you can find properties like a one-bedroom, beach-view condo for just $135,000.
"One of the 10 Best Places to Retire"—Baja California is the largely unexplored thousand-mile tail that hangs down from the bottom of Southern California. You can explore wild mountain trails on a dune buggy…hike over endless desert canyons and hills…watch the whales swim by in February and the dolphins in summer…sail across the Sea of Cortez…or settle in the sophisticated seaside town that Money Magazine named "One of the 10 Best Places to Retire."

So…let's say YOU are interested in finding a place with better weather, a lower cost of living, a slower pace…but where there are plenty of activities to keep you healthy and happy…a place like Mexico…You want to learn more about the villages, towns, islands, and peninsulas (and more like them) I've mentioned here. Or you want to earn an income or buy a home in Mexico, where it's easy to start a business and opportunities abound.

I honestly can't think of a better way to take that all-important first step than by getting your hands on the latest edition of International Living's Escape to Mexico: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

No other publication today gives you more COMPREHENSIVE, RELIABLE, and UP-TO-DATE information about becoming an expat in Mexico as quickly and easily as possible.

I'll tell you more about Escape to Mexico in just a moment. But first, here's how some folks just like you are enjoying life in Mexico RIGHT NOW…

TV Reporter from Mount Pleasant, Michigan, Discovers Amazingly Affordable Beach Town near the Pacific Coast

International Living reader Laura Michels, a television news anchor and reporter, sent us a note. And if one thing's for sure, Laura LOVES the U.S. dollar to Mexican peso exchange rate right now.

She said:

"I can stock up on groceries for $20 a week. Oranges are less than 20 cents apiece, an entire package of tostadas is mine for the equivalent of $1, and fresh avocados cost me only pocket change. My friends and I have a favorite taco place where we are frequent customers. We feast on huge plates of mouthwatering meat and tortillas for less than $3 each. I can also get lunch at the restaurant right next to my house for about $1.50. This homemade meal includes meat, beans, rice, and freshly prepared tortillas. I stay in a new house with tile floors and brand new kitchen appliances. I have my own bedroom and my own bathroom. I pay $175 a month for this, and the cost includes all utilities along with wireless Internet. Some of my friends pay even less than this.

My husband, Dan Prescher, and I love Mexico, too. As I mentioned, we've lived in three different communities in Mexico, and we've just settled down there again—in order to be closer to our young granddaughter. Mexico is just too close…too convenient…too wonderful…to ignore.

In Mexico, you can…

Enjoy all the adventure, warm weather and south-of-the-border charm you want—without giving up a single modern amenity…high-speed internet, all the U.S. television channels…you really can have it all.
Walk to daily street markets for fruits, vegetables and handicrafts, or visit a Sam's Club, Costco, Home Depot or Office Max…
Enjoy top-quality (and unbelievably low-cost) healthcare from physicians and dentists who really care, and treat you like family members…
Fly, or even drive, from just about anywhere in Mexico back to the U.S. in just a couple of hours…
Enjoy sun-kissed year-round weather, and easy-going laid-back lifestyle, and a cost of living that doubles your spending power.

And here's the best part of all this…

In Mexico—You Can Have the Retirement You've Always Wanted, But Never Thought You'd Find…

That's right. You can REJUVENATE YOUR LIFE, enjoy better weather, a lower cost of living and excellent health care at a fraction of the cost in the U.S. by making Mexico your new part-time or full-time home.

There's so much information to share with you about Mexico and the special opportunities it offers. As you may know, for the last several years, International Living's editors, correspondents, and scouts have scoured the country to learn everything about the benefits, cost-savings, advantages (and yes, challenges) of Mexico.

We've compiled all this information and so much more into a comprehensive step-by-step manual that covers—in detail—everything you need to know to get on the ground and earing in Mexico as quickly as possible.

It's called Escape to Mexico: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

I'll explain in a moment everything else that's included. If you're interested in finding your perfect place in Mexico—this manual will definitely put you on the right path.

In your Escape to Mexico manual for instance, you'll learn all about the country's prettiest and most welcoming places for full-time living or just for a short-term escape…far from winter cold or summer heat where you live now. These are places where International Living contributors and readers live happily, comfortably, affordably, and safely.

As I said before, I know about Mexico from experience, of course. I know what a wonderful lifestyle you can have in this country…and how safe it is. During our many years in Mexico, my husband and I have never once felt threatened or fearful. Not a single one of the homes we've lived in (six now, by my count) were ever broken into.

Mexico Welcomes Expat Retirees and Getting Your Resident Visa is Easier Than Ever

Mexico recently made changes…for the better…to its resident visa program. It's easier than ever to qualify for either temporary or permanent residency…and even to work in Mexico. You'll find the details in Escape to Mexico: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

Mexico is safe, welcoming and its people are polite, kind and generous to a fault. Enough said.

And on top of all Mexico has going for it…the world's most beautiful beaches, temperate and tranquil mountain villages, sophisticated cities, trendy culture centers, and extraordinarily wonderful people…

As I've mentioned, there hasn't been a better time in decades to go to Mexico. The value of the Mexican peso has slipped greatly against the power of the U.S. dollar. In other words, your dollar goes far in Mexico today—almost twice as far as it did 15…10…even three…years ago.

Point is: there hasn't been a more affordable time to be in Mexico in many years—to vacation or to live.

Check out what the USA Today, Condé Nast Traveler, and the AARP have to say about Mexico's amazing affordability:

Mexico: A Best-Value Destination for Travel and Retirement

From John Cagney Nash, for USA TODAY: Mexico can be a bargain hunter's dream, a perennially warm "paradise for peanuts" that attracts retirees from all over the U.S.

From Wendy Perrin of Condé Nast Traveler: Thanks to lingering misperceptions that Mexico is unsafe—its vacation spots are no more dangerous than popular tourist destinations in the U.S.—values abound.

From AARP: With its profoundly rich Indian and Spanish culture, its spectacular beaches and charming colonial hill towns, its real estate bargains and its proximity to the United States, Mexico is the undisputed number one destination for American retirees. It boasts thriving expat communities in Lake Chapala, near Guadalajara; San Miguel de Allende, in Guanajuato; Baja California; and Cancún, in the Yucatan. They all have their attractions, including a low-cost, laid-back lifestyle…

Indeed, today's prices in Mexico allow you to travel or live luxuriously without spending more. As one travel advisor reports, "At this moment in time—and given the very favorable exchange rate—there are perhaps the best bargains to be found at the high end that we have seen for years, especially when it comes to food and wine, insider access and expert private guiding experiences."

Another adds, "I'm encouraging clients to look beyond the lowest price and upgrade to a 'reasonable' price in order to enjoy the best of the best. They can splurge on fine dining, shopping, or a hot air balloon excursion over the pyramids and still have money left in the budget."

Thanks to the country's extreme affordability right now, Mexico's tourism and foreign retirement sectors are flourishing. And why not? My husband and I regularly go out to the nicest restaurants and enjoy an entree, a couple of beers or glasses of wine…and dessert…for just $25 total… A taco in the mercado, with a beer, can be had for just $3 total…

So…if you've EVER thought about Mexico as a retirement or escape destination, there has never been a better time in years to check it out than RIGHT NOW.

And getting your hands on the kind of information you'll find in your Escape to Mexico Manual is…without question…the BEST FIRST STEP YOU CAN TAKE toward making Mexico your new full-time or part-time home. No other resource will help you make it happen quicker, faster, easier, or more affordably.

What Makes Our Escape to Mexico Manual Different From Other "Resources" You'll Find About Mexico?

The ultra-specific, expert information you'll find in Escape to Mexico isn't "guidebook" type…like Frommer's or Lonely Planet.

Of course, we'll introduce you to some of our favorite places to vacation and favorite places to stay. But if you plan to relocate to Mexico…full or part-time…Escape to Mexico is designed to save you an almost otherworldly amount of time, money, and frustration.

We've done all the legwork. All the scouting. We've broken many a sweat in our perpetual search for Mexico's best places to live, retire, and do business.

We've traveled by plane, car, bus, boat, and on foot…to Mexico's biggest and best cities like Guadalajara (city of flowers and mariachis), Morelia (charming and energetic) and Mexico City (a true cultural and culinary treat). We've logged more than a few hours beachside in happening places like Puerto Vallarta and small surfer towns like Sayulita, San Blas, and Puerto Escondido. We've explored from top to bottom, over and across the mountains, up one coast and down the other…

We've met fellow expats in all these places. And we've made all the real estate contacts…the legal contacts…the tax contacts…the business contacts.

We've done all this—and continue to do it every day—to ensure that all of this information is UP-TO-DATE…so that your transition to living a first-class lifestyle in Mexico is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

I can't even begin to tell you what a massive advantage it is to have this kind of information at your side.

Here's Just a Taste of What's Included in the latest edition of the Escape to Mexico Manual:

The complete low-down on the colorful history, culture and traditions of Mexico…
A quick Spanish pronunciation primer…
The delicious food of Mexico…and how to order it in restaurants (even if your Spanish is next-to-non-existent)…
Our favorite Spanish language programs…
Why investing in Mexico makes sense right now and where to look for the best possible real estate deals…
A step-by-step guide to purchasing property in Mexico…
How to easily qualify for a Mexican resident visa…
How to move your family, pets, and household to Mexico…
How to take advantage of Mexico's first-rate (and extremely affordable) healthcare and health insurance…
A sample monthly budget…and how much you can expect to spend…which is less than ever before today, with the weak peso.
"Insider Tips" for living like a local in Mexico…
The best places to live…the best beaches, colonial towns, cities, and tropical islands…
Where to shop for the kinds of goods and services you're used to back home (washing machines…furniture…auto dealers…auto repair shops…and more)…
Who you need to meet when you arrive in Mexico: bankers…attorneys…real estate agents…everyone you need to know…
…and much, much more.

But you know what? That's not all you'll get, today, when you take advantage of the new research about Mexico we've compiled.

Here's More of What You'll Discover in Escape to Mexico: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less

When you order Escape to Mexico, today, we'll give you everything you need to find and act on the best opportunities in Mexico right now.

Besides the Escape to Mexico Manual, you'll receive a Special Report, called The Top 5 Places to Live in Mexico: One of The World's Top Retirement Havens.

Mexico's colorful, vibrant culture ranks high with expats who live there…but it is just the cherry—and the icing—on a very rich cake. For expats, Mexico is an easy, convenient choice…a largely First-World country, at bargain prices, right on their doorstep.

For those who dream of beautiful lakeside villages with cobblestone streets…colonial architecture at an affordable price…stunning beaches…an active expat community…we have identified not just one…but five perfect places for you.

Best of all, a couple can live in one of these delightful communities…all in…for as little as $1,500 a month. This report will reveal our top five Mexico destinations where you can live your own ideal personal good life for less.

Order Escape to Mexico Now…

With Escape to Mexico, as your guide, you'll get to know the real Mexico, the most popular retirement destination for North Americans. From choosing the perfect community…to finding a great investment, retirement, or vacation property…to obtaining your residence visa…navigating your healthcare options, and more.

You'll learn how to invest, travel, live and retire in Mexico. And you'll save time, money, and hours of frustration…

Keep in mind: This special guide to "all that is Mexico" is the result of years of research by International Living editors and correspondents and months of follow-up research and consultations with expats in Mexico, immigration attorneys, healthcare professionals, real estate agents and developers, and more. If you were to try to get this information yourself, it would take years and thousands of dollars to compile. I can guarantee you won't find anything like it on the Internet or in a bookshop.

In fact, I will guarantee it…more about that in a minute.

Try it out, explore everything Mexico has to offer…and certainly, make use of the information when you're in Mexico pursuing your dreams of a more comfortable, more affordable life. With all the pointed information and contact details we've included, you'll be glad you did.

Escape to Mexico: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less Will Save You Thousands of Dollars and Thousands of Hours…

It's really hard to put a value on the kind of information you get with Escape to Mexico.

After all…we've invested literally hundreds of thousands of dollars in travel costs…research…personnel…to uncover the kind of information you'll be getting right away.

What would it cost YOU to visit ALL of Mexico…not knowing exactly where to go…not knowing who to meet…what to ask…what to do…

Think about how just a little "insider information" will benefit you and save you time, money, and stress.

Let me re-cap everything you'll receive today...

Here's what's included:

The Latest Edition of the 240-page Manual Escape to Mexico: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less (Value: $129)
The Special Report, Top 5 Places to Live in Mexico: One Of The World's Top Retirement Havens (Value: $29, Yours Free)

All told, if we were to sell all these valuable pieces separately, you'd pay $128 for all of this valuable information. But when you order now, you'll get it now for much, much less.

As soon as you place your order we'll send you an email that explains how to access all of it…

And all this will be available to you online…digitally…so you'll have access to it as soon as your order has processed.

As I've said, I'm very certain that Escape to Mexico will save you tens of thousands of dollars right off the bat. And even that's a conservative figure. If you're looking to fund your life in Mexico or start the business of your dreams, the information you'll get in the manual, and the special report will keep you on track with helpful tips on the opportunities available there today.

But don't worry, we won't ask you for thousands of dollars in exchange for this information…even though that's how much it costs us to put this all together.

Order Escape to Mexico today, and you'll get it ALL for just $103.

As soon as you place your order we'll send you an email that explains how to access all of it… And all this will be available to you online…digitally…so you'll have access to it as soon as your order has processed.

And here's something you'll really appreciate…

Test Drive Escape to Mexico Without Risking a Dime

Here's what I recommend…if you've EVER dreamed of living, retiring, or starting a new business in Mexico…

Go ahead and order Escape to Mexico now. Browse through the manual and read the Special Report. Really let all the information sink in.

We'll even give you 30 days to do so.

Then, if you're not 100% convinced that the information in Escape to Mexico will help you streamline your research and your move to Mexico where you'll start living life to the fullest as quickly and easily as possible…then simply let us know within 30 days and we'll cheerfully refund your money immediately.

It's our way of saying "Muchas Gracias" for considering Mexico. At the very least, you'll learn a great deal…and you won't risk one penny of your own money in the process.

Why You Really Need to ACT NOW… Even if You're Only Just Remotely Interested in Living in Mexico Someday

There's never, ever been a better time to check out Mexico—especially now that your dollar buys you more than ever there…

I personally believe Mexico is the very best place on the planet for forward-thinking Americans and Canadians looking for an exciting, affordable, and more carefree lifestyle "overseas"…yet who want to remain close to home.

If you've EVER considered exploring, living or retiring in Mexico…or ANY other overseas expat haven…then ordering Escape to Mexico could be one of the smartest decisions you make in your entire life.

At just $103 for the 240-page manual, and the comprehensive Special Report makes this an incredible offer.

And remember, there is absolutely no risk to you. This offer comes with a no-question money-back guarantee if you're not 100% satisfied.

If you've been considering a move overseas…full-time or part-time, you owe it to yourself to learn the real story about Mexico…a truly opportunity-rich country that's close to home and close to perfect.

Sincerely,

Suzan Haskins,
International Living

P.S. There's never been a better time to check out Mexico than RIGHT NOW, while the dollar is strong and the peso is weak. You won't believe your increased spending power in Mexico today.

At the very least, Escape to Mexico will show you exactly why there's no better place to be right now than Mexico.

And because of all the on-the-ground legwork we've done on your behalf, there's no better way to take the first step toward living, retiring—either part-time or full-time—than ordering Escape to Mexico. It could literally save you thousands…even tens of thousands of dollars…and countless amounts of time and energy in the process.

Be sure to place your order now and take advantage of this special offer. With International Living's rock-solid money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose. And much to gain.

Escape to Panama

Tue, 30 May 2023 14:26:06 GMT

"I knew if I was ever going to enjoy retirement on my terms, with my budget, I would have to look for a place
to live that had a lower cost of living. And I wanted to
live somewhere warm… a place where I could
have my windows open all day…"

"With its excellent infrastructure and healthcare system, no hail storms, tornadoes or hurricanes, and the low
cost of living, Panama ticked all the right boxes."

In Panama, she says, she easily lives on "around $1,100 a month"

Dear Reader,

If living comfortably well in retirement is important to you, you'll want to know about Panama's world-class retirement program.

Thanks to the hefty discounts it offers, expat Nanette Witmer—who retired to Panama's second-largest city of David—says:

"My budget for living in Panama is about $1,100 a month"

Nanette lives simply—you might even argue frugally. If you have a bit more to spend, you'll have even more options in Panama, where many expat couples say they live well on just $2,199 a month.

Here, in her own words, is exactly how Nanette does it:

"When I decided to get away from the cold winters of Colorado, Panama attracted me with its warmer climate, low cost of living, and first-rate infrastructure. That alone was worth moving for…but as a retiree here, it gets even better.

"One of the national laws of Panama can make the already low cost of living even lower. Law #9 entitles any resident of the country who qualifies to receive a discount on specific services. Called the 'jubilado descuento.' it's mandated by law for all Panama residents. And expats with a temporary or permanent visa qualify for this program too.

You Can Easily Qualify for Panama's Pensionado Program—And it Comes With an Abundance of World-Class Benefits

Panama offers the World's Best Retirement Program.

It's easy to qualify as a pensionado in Panama and be eligible for HUGE discounts on everything from restaurants meals and medical services to travel, entertainment events, and much more, even including your utility bills!

Keep reading for all the details…

"To give you an idea of how the discount can help with everyday costs, I get hotel discounts of 50% off Monday through Thursday and 30% off for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. These discounts apply to the rack rate, so ask for them at the time of booking and make your reservations directly with the hotel instead of online.

"Last month I went for mid-week outing to the beach. I didn't even make a reservation beforehand but asked for my jubilado discount when I arrived at the hotel. I was told the rack rate was $95 so I was charged $47.50 plus tax for an overnight stay. Not bad for an ocean view room.

"I also get discounts on public transport. The cost of a ticket for local bus services or long-distance buses within Panama get a 30% discount. Panama trains and boats give 30% off...

"You can even get discounts on flights out of the country… there is a 25% discount on Panama airlines. Again, you can't get these by making online reservations. You must reserve tickets and get your discount at local travel agencies or the local airline offices.

"Medical expenses are another area where I get to take advantage of these discounts. Doctor's visits, ongoing prescription medications, as well as over the counter medicines are all cheaper when you're part of this program. It is great to get discounts on cold medications, cough syrup and even aspirin. All doctor's prescriptions and over the counter medicines get a 10% discount.

"You can receive 15% off services in hospitals and private clinics. Medical doctor's fees are reduced by 20%. Dentists give a 15% discount.

"The entertainment discounts are great too. I get 50% off tickets to movies, theaters and all sporting events like baseball games and soccer… so first-run movies that normally cost $3.50 set me back just $1.75.

"Eating out is also cheaper when you're a jubilado. Sit-down restaurants offer a 25% discount when you purchase a full meal. Be aware that the restaurant does not have to give a discount if it has less than five tables to serve people. Fast food restaurants are required to give a 15% discount. A recent visit to a new upscale restaurant for a buffet lunch cost me $10.50 with the discount instead of the usual $14. With a savings of $3.50, every fourth lunch is basically free.

"Another great advantage is that I get my own lines at banks, utility companies and anywhere else where you have to queue. If there are three tellers and 20 people in the regular line, everyone must wait until the jubilados are served first. And everyone complies with kindness towards the jubilados, knowing someday they will get their turn.

"Adding up all the savings in a month… in addition to the already affordable cost of living… it's not hard to see how inexpensive living in Panama can be.

"My budget for living here is about a quarter of what I spent in Denver."

The Perks and Prestige of
Being a Retiree in Panama…

It's true. Panama's Pensionado Program is the most generous and appealing program of special benefits you'll find anywhere in the world today.

It's easy to qualify for Panama's Pensionado Program—widely recognized as the best retirement program in the world. Just provide documentation of a guaranteed pension income of $1,000 a month from a government agency (e.g. social security, disability, armed forces) or corporation. If you buy a home in Panama valued at $100,000 or more, that amount is reduced to just $750 per month.

As a qualified pensionado (or jubilado) in Panama, you're entitled to:

50% off entertainment—such as movies, theaters, concerts, and sporting events—anywhere in the country
50% off closing costs for home loans and more…
50% off hotel stays from Monday through Thursday
30% off hotel stays from Friday through Sunday
30% off bus, boat, and train fares
25% off airline tickets
25% off at restaurants
20% off medical consultations
20% off professional and technical services
15% off hospital bills (if no insurance applies)
15% off dental and eye exams
10% off prescription medicines
And more…

You're also entitled to a one-time exemption from duties on the importation of your household goods (up to $10,000) and tax exemptions on the importation or local purchase of a car.

Is Panama Safe?

Panama's economy—one of the fastest growing in Latin America—is based primarily on a well-developed services sector, accounting for about 75% of GDP. These services include banking, insurance, activities in the Colón Free Trade Zone, and of course, the Panama Canal, container ports, and flagship registry.

The literacy rate in Panama is 90 percent and there's just 3.5 percent unemployment.

You can imagine how a strong economy and low unemployment affects crime stats. According to several media sources, Panama is safer than ever, having steadily climbed up the ranks to become one of the safest countries in Latin America.

Put Panama in the Top Spot on Your
Retirement Destination List Now

I'm Jackie Flynn, International Living publisher. For years International Living has been sharing information about all that Panama has to offer. As quality of life (worsened by crumbling economies and heavy-handed governments) deteriorates elsewhere in the world, Panama looks better and better.

Nowhere else can you enjoy such a comfortable life… with a year-round mild tropical climate, excellent medical care, fresh, healthy food straight from the farmer's truck… and a retirement incentive program that's truly welcoming of expats…

Why has Panama topped our Global Retirement Index more times than any other country?

First published in 1992, International Living's Global Retirement Index measures everything from climate and healthcare to cost of living and ease of fitting in. Panama scores high in all these and more, including "buying and renting," "entertainment and amenities," "healthy lifestyle," and "infrastructure" categories. Its benefit-rich Retirement Program puts it over the top. Plus, as recent survey indicates, Panamanians are the most "positive people on the planet." For all these reasons and more, Panama has earned the #1 spot on the index more times than any other country.

But don't just take it from me…

The AARP says that Panama is a "smart choice for retirees who want it all."

Business Week dubbed it "the New Florida."

Forbes says, "It truly can be paradise."

CNN reports: "How do you retire on $25,600 a year? Move to Panama."

And the Washington Post says:

"With all of its benefits and active expatriate community, Panama is among the most affordable and appealing options for retirees."

Panama frequently earns the top spot in International Living's Global Retirement Index. Once our editors and researchers crunch the numbers and analyze the data, there's no denying: Panama is one of the best overseas retirement destination there is.

In Panama you really can have it all: a cosmopolitan capital city with one of the world's largest financial districts…hundreds of miles of spectacular beaches…highland retreats with green valleys where the weather is spring-like, even in January and August…and did you know that there are never any hurricanes?

So please, don't put off your dreams of a better, less-stressful (and lower cost) life any longer…

If you're considering retiring overseas, but you're not yet sure where that might be, put Panama at the top of your list right now.

More than any other destination that International Living covers, Panama is—hands down—the most popular. And there are so many reasons why…

Panama meets all the criteria on most anyone's "perfect overseas lifestyle" checklist:

Close to the U.S. (less than a three-hour flight from Miami)
Politically stable and business friendly
Mild weather, with a climate for everyone, from tropical beaches to temperate mountains
Top-quality healthcare—the gleaming Punta Pacifica Hospital is affiliated with Baltimore's renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital
No income taxes on foreign-earned income

Now, it's true that many of the things I've just mentioned can be found in other Latin American countries, too. Some are even closer to the U.S. (but not by much). And many have democratically elected governments. (Although few are as stable and safe as Panama.)

Plus, there are many things that are unique to Panama that you may not be aware of:

You can drink the tap water almost anywhere
Property tax exemptions on a wide variety of homes and condos constructed in the last 3 years
The U.S. dollar is the official currency—your retirement income won't fluctuate with currency exchange rates
A built-in community of English-speaking locals and expats
No hurricanes
No income taxes on foreign-earned income
The world's best retirement, most lucrative incentive program, and…
It's very affordable—live well on $2,199 a month or on even less!

I'll explain more in a moment about how comfortable and inexpensive it is to live in Panama and I'll give you a look at exactly what kind of monthly expenses you might expect in Panama…

Claim Your Complimentary REPORT and Quickly Get Up
to Speed on All the Benefits Panama Offers

First, I'd like to tell you how to get your hands on a Special Report called Discover the World's Best Retirement Program: Your 3-Step Guide to a Pampered Life in Panama.

In this comprehensive reference guide, we'll share three steps to take to you on the road to living the life you've always dreamed of in Panama. We'll share some of the best (yet little-known and still affordable) places to look for your dream home. If you're looking for beach living, an island lifestyle, or to be in a sweet, little mountain hideaway, this report has you covered.

You'll also get pointers on how to start your real estate hunt in Panama. You'll be happy to know Panamanian law grants equal property rights to both local and foreign buyers, and that construction adheres to international standards. While real estate processes are similar to those of the U.S., it's also important to know what you can't buy in Panama… the locations and types of real estate to avoid at all costs.

In Discover the World's Best Retirement Program: Your 3-Step Guide to a Pampered Life in Panama, you'll learn about all this and more.

Very importantly, you'll discover details about the best residence visa options available to you in Panama, including the famed Pensionado Program. Created as Law No. 9, this is the most appealing program of special benefits for foreign residents and retirees you'll find anywhere in the world today.

It's a government-backed program that will actually pay for part of your retirement. And in this Special Report, you'll discover how to qualify and more about the benefits you'll receive. You'll also get the details of a new visa option designed for professionals and entrepreneurs.

Getting a residence visa in Panama has never been easier, more affordable, or quicker to obtain. Everything you need to know is in this Special Report, and we'll send it to you immediately, when you agree to take a look at our best-selling manual Escape to Panama: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

We've been publishing this hefty manual for more than a decade now. There's nothing else like it on the market.

It's not a travel guide (although you'll find our insider recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and more) it's a complete encyclopedia of everything you need to know about life in Panama for the expat.

And of course, along with all the details, we've included names and contact information, websites, and much more.

I guarantee our Escape to Panama manual will help you decide if Panama is for you.

Keep reading to learn about our ironclad, no-risk International Living guarantee.

But again, you needn't just take my word for it. Panama is the place to be, according to the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington-based think tank that studies the movement of people around the world. The number of Panama visas issued to U.S. and Canadian citizens alone began to rise dramatically after 2003, and an estimated 25,000 U.S. expatriates live in Panama today.

I'll tell you more about Escape to Panama in just a minute. But first… I know one of the biggest questions on your mind right now:

Are There Still Deals to Be Had
on Panama Real Estate? YES!

International real estate expert Ronan McMahon—director of Pangea and publisher of Real Estate Trend Alert—says that while there wasn’t a spectacular crash in Panama City in the last decade, prices had risen too high, in his opinion.

That’s now changed, he says. Prices have leveled off and are particularly attractive in certain pockets of the country. If you’ve been on the fence about buying in Panama, Ronan says now’s the time to take a look.

Pangea’s managing director, Margaret Summerfield—who lives in Panama City herself—has this to say: "Panama is one of the best locations in Latin America for re-location, retirement or a vacation home. It’s safe, stable, business-friendly and welcoming to foreigners…who have basically the same property rights as locals.

“There are properties to suit most tastes and budgets, whether you want a home or a condo, a beach pad or a mountain hideaway. And, if you know where to look…you can find a killer deal that will throw off fat capital gains and decent rental returns.”

Point is: There are bargain opportunities out there if you know where to look. (Your Escape to Panama manual will introduce you to the resources you need to locate the best real estate deals.)

Check out these bargains in exciting, cosmopolitan Panama City:

How much does it cost
to rent in Panama

Average rental prices in Panama City's nicer areas tend to range from $800 to $1,800, but a little legwork can yield some bargain results. And outside the city… in popular Boquete or up-and-coming coastal Pedasí, you can find rentals for half as much or even less. In the countryside you might pay $350 a month for a three-bedroom home on a quiet acreage.

You can buy a brand-new two-bedroom two-bath condo—in a building with a pool and gym and in a great neighborhood of Panama City—for just $139,500.
Along Via España, one of the city’s main thoroughfares—and close to pharmacies, hospitals, and easy access to public transport—a three-bedroom/three-bath condo in a secure high-rise building with a balcony offering city views and covered parking is selling for just $165,000.
In the popular upscale Coco del Mar neighborhood—with expansive jaw-dropping views of the ocean and city skyline and with quick access to downtown and the rest of the city, you’ll find a brand-new luxury high-rise building with a rooftop pool, bar, sports facilities and much more. Two bedroom/two-and-a-half bath condos start at just $195,000.

In Escape to Panama: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less, you'll learn exactly where to look to find the best bargains.

Prefer to live outside bustling Panama City? That's where the real bargains are found:

A spacious 2,530-sq.-ft. four-bedroom, four-bath wood-sided A-frame home on a pretty landscaped lot surrounded by trees is selling in the cool mountain Cerro Azul, just 40 minutes from Panama City. With two stories and a huge covered terrace for entertaining, it’s selling for just $150,000.
In Boquete, the boutique mountain town in the Chiriquí province that’s Panama’s most popular expat enclave (although it certainly retains its Panamanian flavor) you can buy a spacious new three-bedroom/two-bath home just 10 minutes from the center of town —with beautiful volcano and mountain views, and all for just $225,000!

In Panama, It's Easy to Start a Business, and Property Rights are Guaranteed By the Country's Constitution

As The New York Times reports, Panama's "laissez-faire stance on private property rights and entrepreneurship" makes it an easy place to invest and to start a business.

Property rights are guaranteed by the country's constitution and foreigners can legally buy property in Panama and generally enjoy the same rights as Panamanian citizens.

A word about Boquete… it's been named one of the top destinations to retire outside the U.S. by Forbes, Fortune, and AARP's Modern Maturity magazine.

That's thanks to its stunning vistas (and oh so healthy) temperate mountain climate, its modern amenities, delicious fresh food, and more. (Boquete is known for its fresh strawberries and cream and for having the best coffee in the world! Need I say more?)

You'll learn all about the bounteous beauty and benefits of Boquete when you order Escape to Panama.

Maybe beach living is more your style? You, too, will be happy in Panama:

In the upscale beach town of Coronado, a gorgeous three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home on a flower-filled lot with a large covered terrace and a swimming pool comes with all appliances for just $197,000.
And in nearby Gorgona, a luxury condo with gorgeous ocean views has three bedrooms and two baths in a high-rise building with an infinity pool, gym, restaurant, and more is selling for just $325,000.

Panama Is Politically and Economically Stable—Exactly What You Want in a Retirement Destination

Yes, Panama is thriving. It boasts the most vibrant economy in Latin America… with almost 6% compound annual growth year on year for over a decade.

For you, this means that Panama is a land of opportunity. Many foreign retirees who have settled in Panama have started B&Bs, opened restaurants or bars, run import-export businesses, and more…

As one successful expat entrepreneur put it:

"This country invites and welcomes businesses with tax incentives, streamlined paperwork, quick turnaround, and a big smile. Starting a business in Panama is easy, empowering, and exciting. There are endless possibilities for adventure."

I'm sure you've heard of Panama's biggest stimulus project of late: a massive expansion of that Modern Wonder of the World called the Panama Canal. It's just one of several mega-projects expected to fuel Panama's economy in the years to come.

Not bad for a "Third World" country, huh? Well, believe me, Panama is hardly Third World these days. For instance:

Panama is more modern than any other Central American country. You can stay at a rainforest resort or an island hostel and still enjoy the same high-speed Internet that you would in Panama City.
From the expanding international airport at Tocumen, also known as the Hub of the Americas, you can travel anywhere in the world, and often on a direct flight.
New cars of every make and model safely travel modern roads and highways. The country is small, so you can easily drive from the city to the rural, interior areas, including those gorgeous cool mountains, in just a few hours. See the sun come up over the Caribbean and go down over the Pacific all in one day!
With historically low inflation, one of the world's biggest banking sectors, and the government's business-friendly posture, Panama offers a combination of benefits that no other Central American country can match.

So let's talk affordability… and how, in Panama, you might retire earlier than expected.

I've already touched on the low costs of buying real estate in Panama. But what about the low cost of living overall? Many expats report they're living well on budgets of less than $2,000 per month. That doesn't include rent, but even if it did, you can see that in Panama, you can live very comfortably.

Terry and Clyde Coles spent many years living in the beach community of Chame—close to the popular Coronado area and not far from Panama City. By moving to Panama, they were able to retire at the young ages of 51 and 57—far earlier than they would if they had stayed in the States.

Terry and Clyde have generously agreed to share their average monthly budget. They owned their own home so they didn't include rent, but as you can see, living in Panama can be very affordable:

Electricity:	$35
Propane (cooking and hot water):	$5
Water and trash collection:	$5
Maintenance/ insurance/ fuel for one car:	$200
Internet:	$50
Cellphone (prepaid cards):	$10
DirecTV (US channels):	$20
Groceries/ prescriptions/ dining out:	$900
Health insurance:	$270
Home maintenance, etc.	$200
Spanish classes	$25
Clothing/misc.	$50
TOTAL:	$1,770

As Terry says, their food budget was high because "we're spoiled Americans and we buy chips, cookies, alcohol, soda and all the U.S. imports that we like. If we ate a typical Panamanian diet, our food expenses would be far, far less."

A good rule of thumb for your grocery bill in Panama is to budget about 40 percent less than what you spend at home. All of your expenses, of course, will depend on your habits and consumption.

And while city living may cost a bit more—thanks to all those entertainment and shopping temptations—when you choose to live outside the city… in a pretty little out-of-the-way beach town or even in a mountain town like Boquete, your monthly expenses may be considerably less.

Pamper Yourself—
You Deserve It

In Panama, a manicure and pedicure at any number of salons is just $10, and a relaxing hour-long massage is just $30. You can hire a maid to clean your house for $15 a day. A hearty, three-course executive lunch can be had just about anywhere for under $7.

Terry and Clyde, for example, lived near Panama's most popular and most upscale beach community, on less than $2,000 a month.

That allowed them to save money each month for travel, one of their favorite activities.

Yes, in Panama even a low budget affords a very good lifestyle. You'll enjoy guilt-free conspicuous consumption at laughably low prices. For instance, splurge on a day of beauty at any number of salons ($20 for a blow-out and mani-pedi); pay a maid to clean your house (just $20 a day).

A complete blood workup at that gleaming Hospital Punta Pacifica I mentioned earlier (the most technologically advanced hospital in Latin America) is $170. A consult with a physician at this state-of-the-art hospital is $50.

At smaller-but-modern clinics, like Hospital America or Clinica Omega, you'll pay 50-75% less, and outside the city a doctor's visit can be far less.

As Terry Coles explains, it costs $15 to see an English-speaking doctor at the local clinic in Coronado. If you have an emergency and you go to the local Social Security hospital, the doctor charges just $1. An ambulance ride the 90 minutes from Coronado to Panama City is just $25.

And remember, retirees on the Pensionado Program are entitled to sizeable discounts!

What about health insurance? Retirees like Terry and Clyde who would be paying $1,250 a month or more—$15,00 a year—in the U.S. for health insurance with a high deductible say that in Panama, they paid, on average, $3,240 a year for coverage—and that's with a deductible of just $250 a year. That's a substantial savings of nearly $12,000!

It's easy to see how living in Panama can contribute to your quality of life. You'll save, too, on the little things that matter the most, but can add up.

Imagine… sitting at a sidewalk café and enjoying a cup of premium Panamanian coffee, aromatic and hot, for just $1. (True, at $3 per pound, you can make delicious coffee at home for just pennies. But this way, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery as you soak up the sunshine and enjoy the tropical breeze.)

A taxi anywhere in town is only a few dollars. In any of Panama's cities or towns you can buy juicy tropical fruits and fresh vegetables for "locally grown" prices… little more than a buck a bag. At any of the many ocean-side restaurants, you can enjoy a cold beer for $2 or less. A satisfying executive lunch can be had just about anywhere for under $7.

More time and more money to spend as you like… no taxes on your foreign income, no inflated healthcare costs, no more worries about outliving your retirement nest egg.

Are you ready to learn more about all that Panama has to offer?

Your Quickest Route to Enjoying
the Good Life in Panama

Nothing compares to Panama and its Pensionado Program.

With all the economic problems, social unrest, and political upheaval going on elsewhere in the world, Panama shines as a tranquil, safe haven… where you can live affordably, securely, and happily. And that's all we really want, isn't it?

In Panama you can have it all—great weather, gorgeous beaches, fresh mountain air, a safe, sparkling city, warm, friendly people and all the luxuries you deserve… but at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at home.

You'll learn all about it… and then, no doubt, you'll be on the first plane to Panama… once you reserve your copy of Escape to Panama: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

As I mentioned, Escape to Panama: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less is one of the best-selling publications in the International Living library. And for good reason.

It's a comprehensive 298 page guide that contains the latest inside information and research gathered by our on-the-ground experts and sources in Panama.

Dig into Escape to Panama and get the inside scoop. You'll be introduced to expats living full-time in Panama as well as to the country's best resources: attorneys, bankers, real estate and insurance professionals, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, and more.

There's even a comprehensive section on moving your pets to Panama and the specific documentation you'll need.

Plus, we'll introduce you to the country's best cities, towns, beaches and islands where you can start your new life:

Affordable, cosmopolitan Panama City. It's a city of skyscrapers, modern office buildings, state-of-the-art new hospitals and hotels of shining glass. You can dine in five-star restaurants. Attend plays, symphonies, and the ballet and shop at the many unique boutiques. High-speed Internet is everywhere. And in Panama City, you can enjoy these First-World luxuries at about half the price you'd pay in any U.S. city. You'll learn all about this future-forward city in Escape to Panama. One complete chapter is devoted to helping you find the home of your dreams here. Read all about the best neighborhoods to buy in, and at bargain prices.

A lush, hidden valley just an hour from the city. Closer than you'd imagine to Panama City, an idyllic valley awaits. With lush green mountain vistas, tinkling waterfalls, bright flowers that offer explosions of colors, markets filled with fragrant tropical fruit, near-perfect, spring-like weather year-round… and surprisingly inexpensive homes and land. Cradled in one of the world's largest volcanic craters, this town is also less than an hour from Panama's best white-sand beaches. More and more expats are moving to this secret garden valley… and you'll understand why after you read Chapter 5 of Escape to Panama.

Glorious coastlines, pretty beach towns and unspoiled tropical islands.Where are the best and most affordable places to buy beachfront property right now in Panama? Remember, we have both a Caribbean Coast and a Pacific Coast… and hundreds of tropical islands plucked straight out of a travel guide poster. There are a couple of beach areas, in particular, that are poised to boom. Read all about them…

Boquete and its up-and-coming (and affordable) alternative. For all the reasons I've already explained, Boquete is, hands down, one of the most popular destinations for foreign retirees. But there's another nearby village with many of the same traits. With the same spring-like climate year-round, the same fresh mountain air, and the same beautiful scenery as Boquete—but with prices that are 40% to 70% less! You'll want to know about this secret spot. And you will, when you get your hands on Escape to Panama.

No one has better insider intelligence, better resources, or better advice about Panama than International Living does… and in Escape to Panama, you'll be privy to it all, including:

How to choose and easily qualify for the right visa. The residence process is simple. And unlike some other countries we know, Panama has never revoked residence rights. So once you have your residence it's yours… for life. Your visa typically takes no more than 90 days to process. You just need to know which visa is right for you and where to start.
Where to find affordable, first-rate healthcare. You'll find all the health care services that you want and need, but at a fraction of the price in the U.S. or elsewhere. Insurance, too, is highly affordable, as are prescription medications. Many that require a prescription in North America are available over the counter in Panama. Get the complete rundown as well as contact info for doctors, hospitals, insurance agents, and more in your newly updated Escape to Panama.
Financial privacy and tax benefits. Long before Panama became known as a top retirement destination, it was known as a business and banking haven. Open a bank account, set up a corporation, trust, or private foundation… and take advantage of major tax and asset protection benefits. And remember, when you move to Panama, you're poised to take advantage of exemptions on import taxes, exemptions on real estate taxes, and zero income tax on your foreign-earned income.

Of course, this is only the tip of the iceberg… just a small glimpse at what you'll learn in Escape to Panama: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

If you think about it, you can see that it would take years to gather all this information on your own. But you don't have to do it on your own. You can leverage our expertise, experience, and resources when you reserve the latest edition of Escape to Panama.

This is the most affordable way to discover everything you need to know to decide if Panama is for you. Far less expensive than hopping on a plane… although that will likely be your next step after you have Escape to Panama in your hands. (And believe me, this will be the perfect guide once you're in Panama, too. Remember, all the contact info for our best Panama resources is included.)

The best part is that we publish all this electronically… so it's much more useful, colorful, and interactive than ever before. And you'll have access to it as soon as your order has processed.

Plus, we'll send you that valuable free Special Bonus Report—Discover the World's Best Retirement Program: Your 3-Step Guide to a Pampered Life in Panama when you order Escape to Panama today. In this Special Report, you'll discover how to qualify and more about the benefits you'll receive. You'll also get the details of a new visa option designed for professionals and entrepreneurs.

Getting a residence visa in Panama has never been easier, more affordable, or quicker to obtain. Everything you need to know is in this Special Report, and we'll send it to you immediately, when you agree to take a look at our best-selling manual Escape to Panama: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

Just Like the Country Itself, This In-Depth Look at Panama is Remarkably Affordable

Escape to Panama is your best guide to the best retirement haven around, and right now we're offering it for just $103.

Just like Panama itself, this is a huge bargain—especially for the amount of current, usable information included. And especially considering that it could launch you on your way to the most enjoyable—and affordable—life you've ever imagined.

As Always, Your Satisfaction
is GUARANTEED

I'm so confident that the Escape to Panama manual will help you realize your dream life in Panama that I'll offer you this guarantee:

If, for any reason, you're not completely happy with your Escape to Panama manual, just let us know. You have our 30-day no-hassle money back guarantee…

We'll refund your $103, no questions asked… and you can keep your copy of The World's Best Retirement Program: Your 3-Step Guide to a Pampered Life.

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Once you read about everything Panama has to offer… and read the stories about those who are living the good life here I expect I'll meet you in Panama someday very soon. I look forward to it!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Stevens
Executive Editor, International Living

P.S. Last year Escape to Panama was one of the best sellers in the International Living bookstore. No other country offers the benefits of Panama's Pensionado Program—the best retirement program in the world, offering a host of benefits and hefty discounts. If you're looking for the most welcoming place in the world to retire, start a new business, or where you can just enjoy life the way it's meant to be… then you need to know more about Panama. Act now and put yourself on the path to a fantastic future!

Escape to Portugal

Tue, 30 May 2023 14:28:34 GMT

Discover The Lowest-Cost Place to Live and Retire in Western Europe— Sophisticated, Historic, Sun-Drenched Portugal

In Portugal, summers are long and costs are low. Café-lined cobblestone streets, ancient Moorish castles and pristine golden-sand beaches beckon. In this sophisticated, low-cost paradise you can enjoy a first-world quality of life…on a budget as low as $2,034 a month

Dear Reader,

Imagine living in the most relaxed, affordable country in Western Europe…a diverse landscape where local markets thrive next to ultra-modern shopping complexes…where ancient palace fortresses cast shadows across bustling cosmopolitan art centers…and where you can sample some of the best surf in the Atlantic one day and sip cool, pure water from a trickling mountain stream the next.

Here you'll find the best of ALL worlds…

…where terms like 'world-class' and 'ultra-affordable' apply to just about everything: ski resorts, golf courses, wineries, fine dining and infrastructure…

…and where some of the world's most sophisticated cities are just a stone's throw from long, empty stretches of beach, quiet country retreats and spectacular national parks—so it's always easy to find your own private slice of peace…

Just ask Jamie Lung, who left her home in Santa Monica to make a new life in Europe. She hadn't planned on settling in Portugal when she first arrived, but was soon seduced by the mouth-watering food and wine, palatial architecture and meandering streets of Porto, Portugal's second-largest city…

"There is just something about this place that hooks you and makes it almost impossible not to stay.

Living here, I can afford to enjoy a coffee and a long talk with a friend in the afternoon sunlight at one of Porto's many outdoor cafes. I can walk through old streets without a destination, knowing I will discover a new set of favorite little corners. Life in Porto is full of these kinds of moments."

Jamie was also amazed at how little she was spending to live here:

"If you want a quick breakfast, you can buy a tosta mista (ham-and-cheese melt) and a galao (latte) for less than $3.25. Or, if you want to enjoy a drink with a friend, a glass of Super Bock—the most popular beer—costs a little over a dollar.

For about $5.50, I can walk away from a family-owned produce shop with a bag full of bananas, grapes, pears, apples, kiwis, plums, garlic, spinach, onions, carrots and cabbage. No matter how many times I buy fresh produce from this place, I am still pleasantly shocked every time I get the bill."

Portugal's cost of housing is another bonus that's hard to resist: Jamie lives in a charming Portuguese house with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large foyer, living room, kitchen, dining room, studio and balcony. The rent, including expenses, comes to around $780 a month. And if you only need a single room, Jamie says it's common to be able to find a place for less than $350 a month.

"For someone who was paying $1,500 per month for a room in a 2-bedroom apartment in Santa Monica, California, this dramatic decrease in living expenses has allowed me to spend less time working just to pay the rent…and more time actually living and experiencing life."

And in Portugal, You're Ideally Placed to Explore The Rest of Europe, Including Your Near Neighbors: Spain, France and The UK

But here's the thing…you may want to stay just where you are, since as soon as you step outside Portugal's borders, you'll be spending more money…because this under-the-radar retirement destination is definitely the lowest-cost spot in Western Europe.

Kevin Casey, a globe-trotting writer who regularly travels to Europe for lengthy stays, was pleasantly surprised at the low costs when he first visited Portugal:

"As a digital nomad, I spend months at a time in different parts of Europe and all around the world, but when I made my first trip to Portugal, I was blown away. I'd been to Spain, and found Portugal cheaper—especially in day-to-day things like groceries, getting around, entertainment, meals out and places to stay.

I'd heard that Spain was the most economical place to go in Western Europe, but Portugal beats it hands down, especially when compared to cities like Madrid. There may be parts of Spain that are cheaper than Portugal, but overall, it's no contest: Portugal was definitely more affordable for me—and the Wi-Fi was totally reliable everywhere I went, which is important for a writer. On the Continent, you'd have to travel across to Slovakia, Romania, Poland or other parts of Eastern Europe to find a cost of living that rivals Portugal."

According to long-term Portugal resident and IL correspondent, Tricia Pimental, Portugal's cost of living—as of April 2018—was calculated at more than a third lower (and up to 50% cheaper to rent in certain areas) than the US.

Stacked up against the rest of Western Europe, this expat haven also comes out on top for affordability with a first-world lifestyle…

In France, for instance, you'll expect to pay nearly 50% more for groceries and restaurant meals than in Portugal…

A meal for two in a mid-range restaurant in Portugal will set you back only €30 compared to €50 in France. Or, if you want to enjoy a local beer in Portugal, you'll pay only €1.50.

Even Spain—long considered the ultimate bargain destination by European travelers and expats—has a cost of living index and rental prices around 12% higher than those in Portugal. In January 2018, Numbeo figures showed the following rental property price differences between Portugal and Spain:

Lisbon—14.49% lower than Madrid
Albufeira—14.32% lower than Marbella
Faro—28.23% lower than Malaga
Porto—39.01% lower than Barcelona

…and if you're after a beach hideaway and are comparing Portugal's Algarve region in the south of the country with Spain's Costa del Sol, the news is just as good: based on a recent study of nearly 9,000 houses on a popular Spanish real estate website, average property prices along the Costa del Sol run at $421,600, while another real estate company lists average prices in the Algarve at $265,800—with over half of the available house listings coming in at under $216,000.

Imagine enjoying a leisurely two-course dinner with a glass of wine and dessert for only $13 per person…at these kinds of prices, it's easy to see why Portugal should be one of the first countries on your retirement radar, especially if you're on a fixed income.

Of course, some parts of Portugal will cost more than others. A meal in Lisbon or Porto will cost you more than one in the quieter Alentejo region, for example…that's to be expected…but even in Portugal's main cosmopolitan areas, you'll still pay less than other cities such as London, Paris or even Madrid:

A three-course dinner for two in France will run $61.79(€50), while the same in Portugal is $37.02 (€30).
With beverages, the news gets even better: a half-liter draught of domestic beer will set you back $6.18 (€5) in France, while in Portugal you're looking at $1.85 (€1.50).
And according to Numbeo, living in New York City will cost you a whopping 99.85% more than living in Lisbon.

And here's the clincher—you don't even need to be based in a large Portuguese city to immerse yourself in enchanting old-world culture, fresh, wholesome food and stunning scenery…because it's absolutely EVERYWHERE.

Tricia says, "After moving to Portugal, we found we could live on approximately one-third of what it cost us in a small town in north-central Utah. An expat with a source of income from a private enterprise, retirement account or savings will discover that the cost of living is remarkably low. In the palace town of Mafra, a half-hour drive from the capital of Lisbon, a one-bedroom apartment can be had for a few hundred dollars per month.

Need more room, or prefer privacy? A three-level, four-bedroom, four-bath detached home with a churrascaria (a separate structure containing a built-in barbecue) and a garden with fruit trees costs approximately $1,100 per month. A house fitting this description would probably sell for less than $250,000. Expect to pay about $165 per month for water, gas, and electricity combined."

Tricia recommends renting in or near a Portuguese beach city if you're looking to 'test the waters' (literally and figuratively!) before committing to a longer stay. For her, rock-bottom prices were only part of Portugal's appeal:

"Fresh seafood is everywhere, and there are organic sections in many supermarkets if you can't make it to the local farmer's market. Wonderful wines abound. A bottle that elsewhere might run $25 in a store and $40 to $50 in a restaurant runs about $8 on a Portuguese store shelf, with a good table wine under $5. As—or more- important—as the affordability factor, though, is the overall quality of life offered by this gem of a nation. Its people are patient yet proud. They understand the meaning of family, tradition and hard work. They love music. They love language."

Here, You'll Enjoy a Similar Level of Amenities To What You're Used To In the US… But At a Fraction Of The Cost… Including Reliable Public Transport, Superb Healthcare, High-speed Internet and Great shopping

What makes Portugal such a desirable destination for investors, travelers, digital nomads, expats and retirees? It's the fact that even though you're paying much less than you may be used to, you're not sacrificing your quality of life. You still have some of the most efficient infrastructure and modern living in Europe…coupled with a slower pace that lets you truly appreciate each day.

What does 'quality of life' really mean in Portugal? It means you can:

Rent a comfortable apartment in the most beautiful parts of the country for just a few hundred dollars a month
Enjoy one of the world's lowest crime rates (Portugal was ranked #3 in the world for safety by the Global Peace Index in 2017)
Experience first-rate, affordable medical care (The World Health Organization ranks Portugal #12 out of 190 countries for its international-quality healthcare)
Sun-worship to your heart's content—Portugal boasts 497 miles of magnificent shoreline and around 3,000 hours of sunshine a year…and the Algarve region, home to more than 100,000 foreign resident retirees, has more sunny days than almost anywhere else in Europe
Communicate easily with the locals (many Portuguese speak some English, especially in expat-popular coastal regions)

Living in Portugal gives you an abundance of choices: you can base yourself in a sleepy fishing village, a thriving beach resort, a mountain retreat or in the heart of vibrant Lisbon—where the restaurants, museums and attractions rival anything else in Europe. Whatever private hideaway you choose, you're sure to make new friends quickly…because Portuguese people are some of the most relaxed, family-oriented, helpful and courteous folks you'll meet anywhere.

In this Enchanting Expat Oasis, There's So Much to See and Do…

Gaze across the Atlantic from the westernmost point in continental Europe…
Walk, jog, bike or drive along Lisbon's 10.5-mile-long Vasco de Gama Bridge—the longest in Europe…
Jump on a cable car and wind along Lisbon's cobblestoned streets to reach your favorite restaurant with sweeping bayside views…
Spend a lazy day cruising the Douro River on a wine-tasting tour…
Stroll through the shelves at Porto's Livrario Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores on earth…
Visit the mesmerizing natural sea caves near Carvoeira in the sun-soaked, white-sand bliss of the Algarve…
Sample a francesinha, an iconic northern Portugal sandwich that's layered with pork, smoked sausage and bacon, then topped off with medium-rare steak, a fried egg and a thick layer of cheese sauce; you'll need the remainder of the day to digest it…
Escape the city and head to the breathtaking Serra da Estrela mountains, where you can hike, canoe, ski in winter or soak your cares away in the thermal hot springs…

So What's The Hardest Part About Living In Portugal? It Could Be Deciding In Which Stunning Part of The Country To Base Yourself…

Whether you're just exploring the possibilities or thinking seriously about moving to Portugal, you'll find no shortage of spectacular locations, lifestyles and options to choose from. Although you can expect to pay more in major cities in general, a couple can live quite comfortably on about $2,034 (€1,645) per month.

Low-key beach and riverside living…

In the wind-surfing hotspot of Esposende (pop. 56,000) on the 'Green Coast' of northern Portugal, you'll discover a laid-back lifestyle along the Rio Cavado with fine dining, a romantic lighthouse and uncrowded beaches, where a 2-bedroom apartment rents for $320-$540 a month…or you can buy a two-bedroom apartment with en-suite bathrooms, a basement, terrace with garden, two-car garage and fully equipped kitchen with security system, central heating and solar panels for just under $462,000.

If you like to be away from the hustle and bustle of city life and slow your pace right down, Esposende is well worth a look.

Gourmet delight…

Or sample life in Vila Nova de Famalicão, a pleasant inland town of 133,000 people just a half-hour drive northeast of Porto…where you'll have access to two international airports, over a hundred cafes and restaurants and a weekly farmer's market. Slip into Tentacaões Gourmet shop for a chat with Elsa (she speaks excellent English) and grab a homemade pastry, a cup of strong, fresh coffee, a glass of wine or some chocolate fettuccine.

For a 3-bedroom apartment in this part of the country, monthly rent is around $490-$590, with purchase prices around $172,000. Life is good…and good value…in this quiet town 15 miles from the beach.

Porto paradise…

Life in this chic, historic city has everything you could ask for: a vibrant seaside ambience, friendly locals, mild weather and delicious food and wine at appealing prices.

Wind through the maze of medieval alleys in the Ribeira district in your search for a new restaurant…visit a wine bar along the Douro River to sample world-renowned port and then stroll across the famous Dom Luis I bridge. Lose yourself in leafy parks, beautiful churches and elegant public buildings…

Portugal's second-largest city is popular with expats and known for its year-round livability and pleasing blend of cosmopolitan sophistication and old-word ambience.

When International Living's European Correspondent Glynna Prentice recently visited, she discovered an exciting range of affordable housing options:

"In an upscale residential neighborhood just north of Boavista, an elegant, modern 3-bedroom, 2-bath apartment with lots of light, a huge living room with balcony, hardwood floors throughout and 1,722 feet of space is currently for sale for $198,000.

Prefer to live in central Porto? If you're after a well-located one-bedroom/one bathroom apartment, one was recently on offer in the upscale Aliados region. With wooden floors and a small balcony, this apartment puts you right in the action in Porto. Its asking price: just $64,000.

Central Porto is home to only about 250,000 people, giving it a small-city, manageable feel (the greater Porto area is home to 1.5 million). You can stroll from the outskirts of the old city down to the waterfront—the Cais da Ribeira—in as little as twenty minutes."

Your own secret mountain hideaway…

Want to start your new life surrounded by mountains, farms and parks? Then take a look at Guarda—the highest city in Portugal at 3,320 feet. Here in the country's interior, you're only a couple of hours from Porto but you'll feel a world away, with 20 frontier castles to explore and all the fresh air you can handle…

There is currently a finely renovated home available there for $127,100 with three bedrooms, two balconies and handy access to river beaches and the Guarda center.

A rich life at low cost in Portugal's capital…

Portugal's largest city, Lisbon, is one of Western Europe's jewels…where every neighborhood seems to offer stunning views and you can choose between the culture and history of Belem, the sizzling nightlife of Bica and Barrio Alto or the bedroom communities of Oerras or Loures—where daily life is less frenetic but you're still close to everything. In Lisbon you may have to pay a bit more…but you get more convenience, entertainment, infrastructure and nightlife for your money.

Some typical Lisbon real estate options:

A one-bedroom apartment in the center of Lisbon in good condition and it’s located in a quiet neighborhood, close to transport (metro, train, and bus). There’s nice sun exposure and a garden view. This was on offer for $1,230 a month.

In the prime, desirable residential area of Campo de Ourique a 1-bedroom apartment with wood floors and fully equipped kitchen…rents for $1,054 a month.

One of the best things about Lisbon is how easy it is to get around…whether you own a car or not. If you like, you can forget about driving, live like a local and hop on the trams instead!

Affordable luxury on 'the Portuguese Riviera'….

20 miles west of Lisbon, the popular tourist and expat hub of Cascais has all the grandeur and elegance of the French Riviera…but at much lower prices. Being close to the palaces and castles of historical Sintra, the capital of Lisbon and the wild beauty of Guincho beach, this seaside oasis is ideally located and welcoming, as Colleen Marlotti discovered when she visited with her family…

"Our typical spring day in Cascais consisted of rich coffee and delicious homemade Portuguese tarts at Bijou de Cascais. For under $10, our family of five could enjoy coffee on the patio in the golden morning sun. After an afternoon beach walk, we might find ourselves dining al fresco at Cafe Galeria's raw foods bar.

Our children would wrap themselves in the blankets provided, get comfy in the handmade furniture and sip fresh fruit smoothies as the stars became visible over the darkening Atlantic Ocean."

Colleen says that finding an apartment here is much easier than on the French or Italian Riviera, and the friendly locals and chilled-out atmosphere create a warm, authentic feel.

"A two-bedroom apartment a two minute walk from the beach can be rented for about $1,105 a month, with all the amenities like a private sunny garden , and a patio included. A comparable apartment in Nice, France would easily set you back $3,000 a month."

Other real estate examples from this area include a 3-bedroom, semi-detached house with three floors and two balconies for sale at $485,100.

The Algarve: Sun, Sand and Sparkling Scenery In Southernmost Portugal…

If an average winter temperature of 77°F sounds like your style, then set yourself up in the Algarve. Once just a collection of sleepy fishing villages perched on low cliffs, this region is now a legendary destination for global sun-seekers, golfers and active expats… a place where every beach town is as attractive as the next and bright sunshine is the norm.

Dine with friends on the cliff tops…

Imagine a small, mountainous island nestled in clear blue waters, where tiny villages of colorful houses sit among the island's rocky, green hills and small fruit and vegetable farms spread down to the seashore…an ocean jewel where you'll find reasonable housing prices, a temperate climate and English is widely spoken…

Welcome to captivating Madeira, home to around 260,000 residents, and which local expat Isabel Santos calls 'the most likeable people in the world':

"Although this is a small island, there's plenty to keep you busy. Thrill seekers will love the options for canyoning, paragliding, mountain biking and hiking. For something less strenuous, dolphin and whale watching off the coast has become popular in recent years. If the great outdoors isn't your scene, the latest movies are shown in Funchal, small local art and music festivals offer some culture and there are plenty of coffee shops for relaxing with a coffee and a slice of bolo de mel (a traditional honey cake).

"Home to almost half the archipelago's population is the capital city of Funchal, which is where I rent a one-bedroom apartment—with Atlantic Ocean views—for $390 a month. Rents like this are not unusual in Madeira…you can easily find apartments, generally fully furnished, from $446."

Affordability is just part of the appeal of quiet island life… Isabel also loves the weather:

"Madeira has a temperate climate, which means warm and pleasant weather. Temperatures in summer can hit around 85°F, but it's comfortable heat. In winter the rain comes and the temperature drops to a manageable 55°F…but most days are crisp, clear and sunny."

Along the numerous sand coves lining the Portimao coastline, you can spend your days beach-hopping and then your nights relaxing at Praia da Rocha's cliff-top promenade, where the restaurants and nightclubs buzz and the views are divine.

Typical rentals in the area run about $477 a month for a studio apartment and twice that for a one-bedroom. A cozy property, five minutes from the beach with two beds and a bunk bed is for sale for just $106,600.

Albufeira is the largest of the Algarve resort towns, but relaxing here is easy too. Rental property prices vary considerably, but recent offerings include two-bedrooms between $991 and $1,239.

In Faro, you have access to an international airport but are still smack dab in the middle of some the loveliest beaches on the coast. Faro exudes a less touristy, more local vibe and is worth checking out for real estate bargains. A recent offering, on the popular Avenida 5 de Outobro, boasting a four-bedroom home in excellent condition was selling at $295,300.

For a quieter, more low-key lifestyle, try the charming little town of Tavira, just 16 miles west of the Spanish border; it's the perfect base for exploring the eastern Algarve. Here, a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment in a gated community just listed for $353,189 to buy—this could be your own private oasis, away from the bustle of the central Algarve.

So… What's The Best 'First step' Toward Living Your Dream Life In Sophisticated, Low-cost Portugal?

If you've ever thought about making a major, positive change in your life and living in a sun-soaked place that lets you stretch your dollars…while enjoying sophisticated living in the midst of medieval history, natural splendor, a laid-back beach lifestyle and first-world infrastructure…well, that place is Portugal…and the time is now.

As the mainstream media continues to spread the word about the benefits of retiring to Portugal, this country's charms and affordability won't stay under the radar for long. It's inevitable…the bargains you can still find in Portugal today WILL NOT last forever. But if you act now, you can still make Portugal your idyllic new home…at prices you never thought possible…provided you don't wait too long.

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What does a typical weekly shop at the grocery store cost in Portugal?
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What kind of Internet speed and mobile phone coverage can I expect…in and outside of the major cities?
Where can I find authentic, high-quality restaurants and modern supermarkets?
What do I need to know about taxes if I decide to relocate to Portugal?
How do I go about shipping all my belongings across the Atlantic…including my pet…and how much will it cost?
What do I need to know to get the very best deal on long-term apartment leases in Portugal?
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To provide definitive, no-fluff, real-world answers to these questions…and hundreds more…we've created the most comprehensive guide to living, retiring, traveling and investing in Portugal ever…an all-new, completely up to date, meticulously researched Portugal resource that leaves no stone unturned in providing you with all the vital information necessary to make this Western European nation your new part-time or full-time home.

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Meet Your Own Personal Guide to The Wonders Of Life In Portugal

When Tricia Pimental and her husband decided to move overseas in 2012, they looked at a number of options: Ecuador, Colombia, Spain, France…even Malta. They'd vacationed in Portugal and remembered how exciting and different their experiences were.

They sat in rapt attention as a fadista in a rural village near Porto bared her soul, singing of the glory of Portugal. They puzzled at youngsters joining a festival parade at midnight…on a school night! They watched fishermen bringing ashore their catch of sardinhas and carapau.

And they quickly realized something…in the midst all this country's cultural richness, they found that for lodging and meals, they were only spending a slim percentage of what they'd experienced in other European countries…or back home in Utah.

So they decided to return.

"That's when life changed from relishing a few weeks of vacation to living a casual lifestyle in a place more budget-friendly and accommodating than we'd ever imagined", Tricia says.

After moving to Portugal, Tricia discovered they could live on approximately a third of what it had cost them in the US. And she believes the situation is even better for aspiring expats now, with the decline of the Euro against the dollar.

When Tricia graduated from Brooklyn College of the City University in New York with a B.A. in French, she began to travel…to France, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Turkey, Israel, Russia, the Baltic states and most of Europe. She's the author of three award-winning books, including A Movable Marriage: A Memoir.

And she is also the author of the Brand-New guide Escape to Portugal: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less…your personal resource for starting a new life in Portugal.

Who better to guide you carefully through the adventure of living in Portugal than someone who has made the move herself…and absolutely loves it there?

It's like having your own professional Portugal consultant on hand to answer all the critical questions and provide the latest on-the-ground advice. Except you don't have to pay thousands in consultancy fees to access this once-in-a-lifetime compilation of essential Portugal information…not even close…it's available to you for so much less than that.

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It Couldn't Be Easier—Or More Affordable—To Get Started!

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There has never been a living, traveling, investing and retirement resource to Portugal like this… here's just a taste of what you'll discover when you get your hands on this incredibly powerful resource:

The very best places to live and retire in Portugal…whether your tastes run toward quiet beach communities, fresh-air mountain hideaways, cosmopolitan cities or island jewels…
How much you can expect to pay for typical properties across the breadth of Portugal…we've included city-by-city, town-by-town and area-by-area specifics compiled by current expats, seasoned travelers, globe-trotting digital nomads and International Living's expert team of global specialists…
Where to go in Portugal for some of the finest healthcare on earth…at prices much lower than what you're probably paying now (we know of one instance where a man with a breathing complaint had a professional clinic consult…which cost $5.35, followed by a 45-minute hospital visit which included chest X-rays…which cost him a further $16.05!)…where a dental cleaning that might cost you $120 in the U.S. runs about $26.75, and a mammogram priced at $250 in the States will only cost a minimal co-payment in Portugal's public health system or $80.25 if you opt for private health insurance…
How to rent, buy or invest in property anywhere in Portugal…and do it the right way from start to finish, ticking all the legal boxes and using all the right contacts to ensure nothing is left to chance…
How to decide on the expat-friendly visa option that's right for you…including the requirements for temporary or permanent residence; we go through every available opportunity in detail so you can make an informed choice…
How to save a bundle in taxes by making use of a little-known Portuguese government tax plan that's designed for residents who don't live in the country full-time…
How to shop, eat and live like a local…from finding the best bargains at local markets to making the most of public transport, cultural experiences and Portugal's world-beating infrastructure…
Our extensive list of contacts…used by experienced expats who have gone before you…
How to move your treasured belonging to Portugal the safest, cheapest and most reliable way possible…and what you need to know if your pet is coming with you…
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What it's really like—and how easy it is—to get around Portugal…with trains, buses, ferries, city trams, domestic flights and rental cars…
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Escape to Spain

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 12:57:13 GMT

Spain Uncovered - Explore the Best Opportunities in This Country

Revealed: Where to Find the Best Bargain in Europe Today

Dear Reader,

Lingering into the wee hours over drinks in color-splashed Barcelona...savoring scrumptious paella on a warm summer afternoon, the Mediterranean sparkling in the background... watching the moonlight play off the high walls of the thousand-year-old Alhambra...or sitting on a balcony in Seville overlooking the largest Gothic church in the world, sipping a chilled glass of fino...

If you like Europe and its history... its romance and culture... then Spain should be calling your name. Loudly. It offers sophistication, charm, comfort... and, in places, at a price you'd expect to see in Latin America.

The "Spain Uncovered" bundle (value $227) you’ll get:

Spain's Secret Income Opportunity (Value:$23, Yours FREE)
Gracious, Good-Value Spain: Where You Can Enjoy "Old World" Living at Latin American Prices (Value:$27, Yours FREE)
Spain & Portugal: Low-Cost, Laidback Europe (Value $29, Yours FREE)
Sunshine, Tapas, Great Healthcare and More: The Secrets of Southern Spain Revealed (Value $19, yours FREE)
Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less (Value:$129, Included)

Total Value: $227
Your price today: just $103

The value today is truly excellent... in fact, in the 30-plus years we've been writing about Spain, we've never shouted "go now" with such enthusiasm.

Your dollars go a long, long way today in lovely pockets all over the country — hilltop towns, beach retreats, cosmopolitan cities. Fire sales offer eye-popping deals. And even at full price, the values are genuine... and the cost of living is modest. A couple can live very well here for less than $30,000 a year.

Plus right now the favorable exchange rate is making the equation ever more attractive. In fact, the dollar is about as strong today against the euro as it's been in the last decade. And that means Spain is, effectively, "on sale" if you're shopping with dollars.

So there’s an unusual opportunity right now to leverage your increased buying power and pick up added value when you’re shopping — whether it be for your dream property or simply a good dinner out!

Just as compelling:

The lifestyle in Spain is truly enviable...

You could spend days following in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway in the Navarre region with its wide open spaces, delicious regional cooking, and mild climate...

Or consider the pleasures of wandering the narrow, labyrinthine streets of Granada's old quarter and being transported back to a time when the exotic Moors ruled Spain...

You might enjoy exploring the country's southern coast for some of the most pristine (and un-crowded) beaches in Europe (yes those beaches still exist, you just have to know where to look).

My name is Glynna Prentice, and I'm a long-time editor at International Living. In the 1970s, traveling after I finished college, I lost my heart to Spain. Its romantic—and rich—history, its people, and the rhythm of the days captured me.

Years later, when I lived and worked in Madrid, for instance, I loved the lifestyle. I loved going to lunch with my work colleagues. Make no mistake; we worked hard. But every day we took time for a civilized, sit-down lunch, in a restaurant, away from the office...because this is what you do in Spain.

Life here is easy...relaxed...and wonderful.

And it's not just the cities that have drawn me back time and again...yes, Barcelona is fabulous with its attractive urban beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and lively street ambience...but Spain offers a lot more than just buzzing cities.

I love visiting Spanish villages...walking through the cool, quiet aisles of medieval churches and having a drink in the main square, under the shade of spreading elms.

Spain really does have it all...and now is the time to check it out.

You Can't Beat the Value for Your Dollar in Spain Today

Spain is arguably the best bargain in Europe today, offering First-World living at a cost that can compete with some spots in Latin America. We're talking serious bang for your buck.

Thanks to the ongoing recession, real estate prices in many parts of the country have plummeted. Buying (or even just renting) here is more affordable now than it's been in decades. Just take a look...

On much of the Mediterranean coast, you can buy a beach condo today for $150,000 or less—sometimes much less—when you know where to look.
Prefer to rent? Long-term rentals start at about $565 a month in Alicante and at about $542 in Málaga, for instance. (And although these are both tourist destinations, they're also real cities, with shops, markets, and cinemas, so you can easily live a non-tourist life, just as local Spaniards do.)
Within walking distance of one of Barcelona’s most popular beaches, you can own a two-bedroom apartment with a balcony and 430-square-foot of living space. This area has a Greenwich-village feel with tons of cafes and vibrant shopping. Price for this apartment? Just $190,970.
In a laid-back artists and artisans' enclave full of university students, you'll find a hilly, medieval core where buildings are made of cream-colored stone and the streets are cobbled. Here a bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel spans the river that bisects the town. And in this pretty, culture-rich community of nearly 100,000 you can own a three-bedroom, one-bath apartment, with plenty of light and near all amenities for just $109,510.
Right on the Mediterranean coast, you can be close to the water and have great views from a 915-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment. It has sea views, a balcony and is conveniently near all shopping…all for just $91,530.

These are the kinds of prices you expect to see in Latin America where, along with the good values, you usually make a few compromises, too.

But in Spain... it's First World, old-world, easy, comfortable... AND remarkably affordable.

Affordable Living Day-to-Day

Even before the recession, Spain was one of the least-expensive countries in Western Europe, and that remains true.

Live the Good Life for Less

"In the late afternoon, all the locals gather to stroll and to stop for a drink, and I did, too. A glass of good local wine at a terraza, with a free plate of olives as a tapa, cost me about $3.90—and it wasn't the cheapest wine on the menu."
— Glynna Prentice in Spain

Day-to-day expenses, for instance, can be very low. Pick one of the many areas with a warm, mild climate, and your monthly utilities can run you $136 or less.

And though you may pay less to live here, you're still living in a First-World country. In fact, Spain has one of the fastest Internet speeds in the world...

Spain's airports are sleek and modern...fast highways and high-speed trains link all the major towns and cities around the country...and everyone, it seems, has a cell phone.

You'll sacrifice nothing living in Spain...but will gain immeasurably in quality of life...

I'd like to show you exactly where—and how—to take advantage of the best Spain has to offer right now in our newest, most comprehensive guide to this country, called Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less.

We've invested the funds and the time on the ground there over the last 18 months to research and write this guide because Spain just makes sense today—and not just from an economic standpoint...

The European Country That Has It All

The click of castanets, the swirl and passion of flamenco dancers, whitewashed villages tumbling down hillsides toward the blue Mediterranean...for many people, this is their impression of Spain.

But those are only the bold headlines...

Spain is one of the largest and most geographically diverse countries in Europe. Depending on where you are, the terrain, the look of the people, the accents—even the language they speak—can be different. In Spain, you can find almost any sort of geography you choose.

"Beyond our Wildest American Dream"

"Here in Castelldefels we enjoy an active lifestyle better than we could ever afford in the States. We spend most of our time outdoors, either exploring one of the world's greatest cities or the nature that surrounds it. Every few months we take an extended weekend trip to a European destination. In May we head to Paris, in June we'll explore Rome, and we're currently planning a trip to Budapest. Our new life in Spain is beyond our wildest American Dream. "" – SK, an American enjoying life in Spain
— SK, an American enjoying life in Spain

And living in Spain, no matter where you go, won't break the bank. A couple can live well in many towns on $2,000 a month, including rent...eat out for less than $30 (and you'll want to—Spanish food is amazing)...and travel the country by rail or bus at discount rates.

Speaking of transport, no matter where you live in Spain, you'll have easy access to the rest of the country—and to the rest of Europe, too. Modern, high-speed trains can get you from one end of Spain to the other in about seven hours.

You can fly directly from North America to Madrid, Barcelona, and other metropolises. The many smaller, regional airports can zip you around Spain and to the rest of Europe (often on cheap, discount airlines).

If you're worried about the healthcare here...don't be. Spanish healthcare has a good reputation, with excellent medical schools and many qualified doctors. In the major cities and popular tourist destinations, you are likely to find health care every bit as good, if not better, than what you have back home, with attentive care and modern amenities.

But Spain's biggest plus may be the people and the lifestyle. Warm and engaging, Spaniards believe in enjoying life, and they put a high value on friends and family. So do as they do...

On long summer evenings, when the sun doesn't set until 10 p.m., sit at an outdoor café with friends until late into the night...bathe in the warm waters of the Mediterranean...gaze on the Alhambra at sunset...hike the hills of green, northern Spain...explore castles both ruined and restored...

You'll get the details about where you can embrace this good life for less today in Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less.

Inside you'll discover how easy—and enjoyable—Spain really can be... and the many ways and places you can make this country part of your life... full-time, part-time... whatever suits you...

Ah, the Good Life...

Expats already on the ground love it... "We can drink coffee from our bedroom while watching the sunrise to the east, and in the evening sip wine on our balcony while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean," says expat Shane Kutz. "Before moving to Spain we could not have imagined that our standard of living would be so breath-taking."

Another transplant to Spain says she appreciates the laid-back, "Old World" lifestyle. "One of the things I like most about living here is that I don't need a car to get around. That's a big change from life in California, where people practically live in their cars. My husband goes to work by bike, and the kids can take a five- minute walk to school. Then I stroll to the center of town to buy freshly baked bread for lunch, which in Spain is usually around 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.

"Everything is just a walk away. There are a couple of small grocery stores, a medical center, a sports complex, a pharmacy, and, of course, several bars where you can enjoy a glass of wine before lunch (Navarre's specialty is rosé). For anything else I might want, Pamplona is just a 10-minute bus ride and costs me just 75 cents each way."

Ben Ostrom says of life in his adopted hometown of Seville, "Blue skies more than 300 days a year, restaurants and tapas bars lining the streets, and culture pouring from every corner...It's one of the architectural jewels of Spain.

"I've been living here six years now and I love how you can choose your lifestyle. If you prefer to live the simple life, groceries are cheap, or you can eat out without breaking the bank. For breakfast, a tostada con jamon (cured ham on toast) and a coffee will set you back $3.50, while dinner for two and a couple of glasses of wine is around $20.

"Having traveled the world and lived in dangerous cities, I love feeling safe in Seville. The atmosphere is pleasant. There is a large expat community and you can mingle with Brits, Irish, Americans and Canadians. My wife and I have private healthcare and pay $120 a month between us. I've been to the hospital a couple of times and the service was excellent."

Real Estate is Now More Affordable than Ever

There are lots of tempting reasons to consider making Spain your new home, and now is the time to think seriously about it.

The Lament of Gypsy Guitars and the Scent of Aging Sherry

"In Spain you'll find plenty of genuine local retreats and unexplored corners, age-old villages where women still wash clothes at the local fountain, or the occasional burro pulls a cart.

"I love the plaintive lament of gypsy guitars you hear in Spain...its orange and jacaranda trees...a Moorish fortress...the taste of fresh anchovies...the raisiny aroma of oloroso sherry aging in dark cellars."
— Steenie Harvey in Spain

As I mentioned before, since the financial crisis engulfed the country, Spain's property market is on the floor. Bargains abound.

Whether it's the lure of big cities like Barcelona or Seville...the beaches of Marbella...or the often-overlooked city of Malaga, there is a home here for you...

And at prices, as I've said, that may surprise you...

It's no secret that the global economic crisis has affected Spain's real estate scene. For 15 years, real estate prices there soared. Then in 2007 demand slowed. By the time the worldwide economic crisis rolled through Spain and Europe, the real estate bubble had well and truly burst.

That means that Spanish real estate is now more affordable than ever. Consider these properties, for instance...

A three-bedroom, one-bathroom, apartment of 732 square feet within walking distance of a popular beach resort. Price: €74,000 ($82,880).
A three-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with a balcony and 753 square feet of living space in the Old Town of Hemingway’s favorite hangout. Price: €114,000 ($128,820).
In one of the Costa del Sol's most popular (and nicest) towns, is a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment with sea views and over 900 square feet of living space. It's a short walk to the beach. Price: €81,000 ($91,530).

In Escape to Spain we'll tell you where you'll find these—and many other—affordable properties. Properties with price tags you'd expect to see in Latin America.

You Can Rent for as Little as $450 a Month (No Kidding)

But you don't have to buy. There's nothing to stop you renting for a few months and enjoying the unique Spanish lifestyle. In Escape to Spain we also look at rentals and give you all the info you'll need if you do decide to enjoy Spain for a few months at a time.

Tips and Guidance for Renting and Exploring in Spain

There's nothing to stop you renting for a few months and enjoying the Spanish lifestyle part of the year. In Escape to Spain we look at rentals and give you all the how-to details you'll need if you do decide to enjoy Spain for a few months at a time.

Escape to Spain also includes our editors' insider travel tips: The best ways to get there and get around...where to learn about bullfighting...the best tapas in Andalucia...undiscovered wine towns...and lots, lots more.

Consider Girona, for instance, about 50 minutes from the Barcelona Airport. This is a university town where the Onyer River provides lots of water views. The popular Plaça de la Independència has colonnades lined with restaurants and tapas bars. In late afternoon all the locals gather here to stroll and to stop for a drink. A glass of good local wine at a terraza starts at €2.50 ($2.75) and it comes with a dish of tasty, locally-cured olives as a tapa, for free.

And you can rent an apartment here in the center of town for as low as €425 ($485) a month for student-style digs. For €500($565) a month, though, you can get one or two bedrooms and at least 700 square feet of space, all in good condition. For €750 ($848) a month you'll get a family-sized apartment, with perhaps three bedrooms and 1,000 square feet or more of living space.

Or if you'd prefer life on the Mediterranean... I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the rental bargains to be had there, too.

Take, for instance, a little town we recommend about 30 minutes from the big city of Cartagena. This place, right on the coast and surrounded by golf courses, hiking trails, and lovely sand beaches, is an unsung gem. Its 15,000 permanent residents have a good range of shops and supermarkets, as well as a covered market and Sunday street markets—it's a proper town. But along with its stunning beaches, it boasts miles of promenade, a new marina, and numerous bars and restaurants. Scuba diving, shore fishing, and sailing are year-round activities.

And here—the values are truly extraordinary. You can rent apartments long-term starting at about €350 ($396) a month. But vacation rentals are also inexpensive here, working out to as little as about €15 ($17) per person per night.

Talk about "Latin American pricing!"

In Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less we'll fill you in on all the details about opportunities like these—and many, many more...

A Couple Can Live Generously in Spain on a Modest Budget

The modest cost of living in Spain is no exaggeration. You really can enjoy the richness of life in this diverse country for a lot less than you may think.

Let's take a look at a typical budget in Alicante, for instance. To give you some context, this town on the Mediterranean is situated in the Valencia region, the garden of central Spain. Inland Valencia is home to vast vineyards and to cultivated fields growing vegetables of all kinds. Valencia also grows rice—not surprising in a region whose signature dish is paella.

But Alicante is on the coast, what's called the Costa Blanca, which boasts what is arguably Europe's best climate, with 325 sunny days a year and low humidity. Unlike other towns along Spain's Costa del Sol, which were overbuilt and attract hordes of British tourists, Alicante is pretty and sophisticated and many visitors are Spaniards. There's a convenient airport here so it's easy to get in and out of.

And Alicante has eight splendid beaches. Below St. Barbara's Castle, an old Moorish fortress, there's a marina, parks, shady plazas, cinemas, and a theater. So the living is not just comfortable, but a notch above. And it'll cost you less to live here than you probably imagine.

Sample Budget for a Couple in Alicante

Expense	Euros ($)	($)
Housing (rent of furnished, two-bedroom apartment)	€550	$662
Utilities (gas, electricity, water, phone, Internet)	€120	$136
Groceries	€250	$283
Entertainment (dining out and other)	€400	$452
Health care	€246	$278
Household help—maid once a week (3 hours)	€120	$136
Incidentals	€150	$170
Total	€1,836	$2,077

Now, the health care cost is based on the Sanitas (Spain's largest private health- insurance company) rate of €123.26 ($138) per month per person for a healthy 65-year-old. For reference, the monthly rate for a healthy 55-year-old is €90.35 ($101). The plan includes complete health care plus and dental, with optional pharmacy.

Depending on how you choose to spend your money, your individual budget could be more or less than the one here. Small apartments in Alicante start as low as €300 ($337) a month...or can be €1,000 ($1,1123) or more if you want a large house with pool, ocean views, and other luxuries.

Likewise, you may choose not to have a maid, or to spend more on entertainment. But a couple should be able to live comfortably on $2,000 a month in Alicante or a number of beach destinations in southern Spain.

Rent in large cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao, and in some northern coastal areas like San Sebastián and the Catalan Coast, will be somewhat higher.

Still, we're talking about less than $30,000 a year for a couple to live comfortably and enjoy the pleasures of life in a beautiful, welcoming, friendly, sophisticated European nation.

The Most Comprehensive Guide to Living in Spain

In Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less, we'll share with you stories from expats already enjoying Spain as well as insiders' guidance about living, renting, and buying property there. You'll find examples of what's on the real estate market... the best things to see and do... and much, much more.

And you'll benefit immediately:

SAVE TIME! Whether you're a city, mountain, or beach person, there's a perfect place in Spain for you. And we provide the pros and cons to help you narrow down the choices. We've done the legwork so you don't have to, and it'll save you hours of painstaking research and expensive travel time. We'll help you pick the locales in the country that best fit your lifestyle.
SAVE MONEY! We've done the scouting work for you and provide you with the names, phone numbers, and email addresses for our most trusted and helpful contacts. This information is worth its weight in gold (and could save you thousands of dollars).

And Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less includes:

A brief, concise history of Spain, which puts today's economic and political situation in context and shows you why there's opportunity on the ground there today.
The low-down on Spanish in Spain, how it differs from Latin American Spanish (very little, in fact), why it's a great place to learn Spanish (and the best places to go to do just that), plus useful vocabulary for everything from shopping to measuring to meals.
A region-by-region assessment of the spots most worth your attention in Spain today — so you can begin to match what you're looking for with a place on the ground. You'll know what to expect and what to look for, with guidance about everything from towns we like to specific neighborhoods worth checking out. You'll get the straight story on what properties, rent, and day-to-day life cost and how the character of each place is different from the next.
A value-minded tour of Spain — from the city in the north that's a "modern urban miracle," with miles of waterfront living, and excellent food...to an active fishing port and beach town we like in the south, where you can scuba, sail, and fish year-round — and own an apartment right in the heart of town, five minutes from the beach, for just $66,670... and everything in between, all around the country...
Four extremely useful resources to check when you're investigating the Spanish property market... including the inside scoop on Spain's "bad bank," which took on foreclosed property and bad loans to real estate developers from some of Spain's weakest banks. They're starting to sell off these properties — and when you know what to look for (and what to avoid)—which we'll walk you through in Escape to Spain—you can snag fire-sale deals at unbelievable prices...
The how-to steps to buying property in Spain. It's not overly complicated to buy in Spain—but it's not the same as buying in the US or Canada, either. Find out the differences between buying an existing property versus new construction and the four steps you go through anytime you buy, no matter what kind of property you've chosen.
The charges you can expect when you buy in Spain. Generally speaking, closing costs, taxes, and other costs related to buying a property in Spain will run you between 10% and 14% of the purchase price. Find out how it all works and who traditionally pays what, including an insider's tip about the seller's capital gains tax—and how you can ensure you don't get stuck for it.
A Rolodex of the best contacts complete with email and phone numbers for folks who can help with everything from residence to buying your home...expat resources... and much more. You could argue this guide is worth the price for this reference list of contacts alone...
First-hand tales from the field—stories from people who have already done what you're thinking about doing. Their hard-won advice will save you time, money, and hours (more likely weeks) of frustration...

All the Practical Know-How You Need to Live in Spain

What you need to know about visas and residence and why, in fact, you may want to keep your boots on the ground in Spain only 182 or fewer days a year.
The cost of living, including a sample budget, plus specifics about costs for all kinds of things you'll need—from real estate to clothing, electronics, meat and fish, bus and train fares, healthcare, eating out, and more. Good news is: A couple can live very comfortably here—in a lovely apartment or home, dining out regularly and eating well, enjoying all Spain has to offer—for about $2,000 a month (that's less than $25,000 a year).
The medical system in Spain is excellent, ranking well above that in the U.S. We'll tell you how the system works... what to do about insurance (including eight resources you should check out)... how much you can expect to pay (about 40% less than in the States)... why Spain has become a medical-tourism destination for folks from the UK... and more...
How to easily get your pet into Spain. The process isn't complicated at all—before you go, you get your dog or cat a rabies vaccine, a chip, and have some paperwork filled out. Once you're in Spain, you get a "pet passport" for travel within the EU. We lay it all out—including the specific forms you'll need—in Escape to Spain.
VAT, property tax, income tax—find out what you may owe and how to arrange your affairs so you can minimize your tax obligation. In a full chapter on taxes in Spain, we lay out the way the system works and how much you can expect to be charged. It's dependent on how you use your property and whether you're resident in Spain or not. In Escape to Spain, we lay it all out so it's clear and easy to understand.
What you need to know about moving your household goods to Spain. Find out what's worth bringing (probably less than you think) and how you can ship duty-free what you do decide to move. Plus all kinds of useful, money-saving hints, like this one: Spanish beds aren't the same size as US beds, so don't bother bringing linens, they just won't fit.
And lots, lots more...

The Best Ways to Explore Spain for Yourself

Spain has so much to offer beyond good-value living... and in Escape to Spain, we dive into all of it...

Whether you're looking for beautiful beaches, golf, historic architecture, sightseeing, adventure sports, great food and wine, or simply walking, you'll find it in Spain.

Public transportation is excellent, and many expats find they don't need a car for day-to-day life. (Of course, renting a car to wander off the beaten track is another matter...Spain is full of hidden gems—out-of-the-way villages, ancient ruins, soaring scenery and more—that epitomize this country's romance.)

Go a few miles into Andalucia's hinterland to find white-washed villages on mountain slopes. Drive the winding coast of northern Spain's Bay of Biscay, where green mountains tumble almost to the sea. Here, beyond bustling beach resorts like San Sebastián and Santander, you'll find less-visited fishing villages along the Cantabrian and Asturian coasts.

Wander the vast, lonely stretches of Castilla-La Mancha, stopping to savor towns like Chinchón and Almagro, whose stately buildings speak of former wealthy days.

Explore the many provincial capitals—Avila, Oviedo, Zaragoza, just to name a few—that are rich in history and charm.

For every cliché—sangria, bull-fighting, and flamenco—there are a hundred secrets just waiting to be discovered.

In Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less we share our editors' insider travel tips, including secrets like...

How to snag bargain airfares to Spain—and around the country once you're there, including the discount carriers a typical web search won't reveal.
Where to find an authentic Old World Spanish lifestyle without sacrificing any first-world luxuries. In this gem of a La Rioja wine town, you'll find a perfectly preserved medieval village surrounded by battlements on a low hill against a backdrop of mountains.
How to tap into the amazing public transport system in Spain and get from Madrid, in the center of the country, to just about any other destination in Spain in three hours or less (sometimes for as little as €20, about $22)...
Where to find the best-value wine in Spain... and an $11 three-course meal while you're at it.
The best tapas in Seville—including ham and peppermint croquettes and pork in a spicy "mojo" sauce—all for less than $5.
Plus lots, lots more... like where to learn about bullfighting..undiscovered wine towns...and the list goes on... we guide you as you plan your trip—including recommendations for hotels and activities you shouldn't miss.

Everything You Need to Make an Informed Decision

We've gone through Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less page by page and sentence by sentence to ensure that all the information and recommendations...all the resources and contact details, including websites, email addresses and telephone numbers...all the maps, statistics, dollar figures and prices quoted...are completely up-to-date.

We've left no stone unturned. And the best part is that we publish this manual electronically...so it's not just useful, but also colorfully illustrated and interactive.

There's no debate: Escape to Spain is the best guide available to a comfortable retirement in enchanting Spain.

We spent many months—and tens of thousands of dollars—putting it together. It would be easy to justify a price tag of $200 or $300—and, frankly, it would be worth every penny.

But right now you can put your hands on all of our current on-the-ground guidance, advice, and recommendations for just $103.

That's a serious bargain considering this guide could save you many times that in time, money, and frustration.

Request your copy now, and because it's electronically delivered, you'll have access to it quickly. Of course, as with all our International Living products, this guide is guaranteed...

Our Guarantee to You

Request your copy of Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less now and you'll have it in your hands just as soon as your order has processed.

I'm so confident you'll be impressed by all the useful insider guidance our manual includes—and by all Spain has to offer—that I'll give you a 30-day, no-hassle, money back guarantee.

If for any reason you're not completely satisfied with the depth and breadth of information and guidance you find in Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less, simply let us know within 30 days and we'll refund your purchase, no fuss, no questions asked.

And—when you order your copy now—we'll send you something extra, too...

Order Escape to Spain now and you’ll also get FOUR special bonuses

Right now we're offering a special deal for anybody who orders Escape to Spain. When you request your copy now, we'll send you a little something extra—free.

Free Special Bonus #1: Gracious, Good-Value Spain: Where You Can Enjoy "Old World" Living at Latin American Prices (value: $27, yours free).

As I've said already: Spain makes very good sense right now. But not everywhere offers equal value. A lot of "cheap stuff" was thrown up in Spain in the boom times—much of it sub-par in construction (and often permitting). You may see ads for these places, but they do not represent good value at all.

In Gracious, Good-Value Spain: Where You Can Enjoy "Old World" Living at Latin American Prices, we share with you the cautions you should be aware of—as well as our top picks for best-value locales today.

You'll find out secrets like the best places to watch for fire sales... and how to know if a place is worth your attention or not.

We'll tell you about a comfortable, casual coastal community of 182,000 that flies well under the North American radar screen. The temperatures are moderate all year here. Average summertime highs are in the mid-70s F, while winter lows average in the low- to mid-40s F. And values are very good. You can buy a comfortable, 700-square-foot apartment starting from about $200,000, and rent one long-term from about $600 a month.

You'll find out about a great community outside Barcelona that keeps you within easy, quick reach of the city but offers you lower prices, a more laidback lifestyle, and great beach access. It's a lively place filled with cafes, and though it's at the coast, it's a proper "business" city, which means you'll see guys in suits and women in sweater sets. Yes, tourists come here, but it's a proper, year-round town. And you can own a renovated 2-bedroom apartment close to the beach in a building with a parking space, pool, and green areas for about $206,000.

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Spain and Portugal offer some of the lowest-cost living in the Old World… along with plenty of charm, history, and an enviable lifestyle. In this video presentation, we’ll give you the scoop on attractive destinations, the cost of living and real estate, and how to make these Old World havens your new home.

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Lying at the heart of sunny Andalucía, Seville is one of southern Spain’s most beautiful cities. Waves of conquerors, from the Romans to the Moors, have left their stamp on its spectacular architecture. Thousands of tapas bars line the streets, and the warm Spanish sun nurtures parks full of palm trees. With such beauty all around, it’s easy to imagine how you could adjust to ﬁne dining, a great social scene, and terriﬁc, inexpensive healthcare. In this report, we’ll share one couple’s story and advice as well as specifics about this part of the country to help you decide if this part of Spain would be a good fit for you... Plus, lots more...

That’s a total value of $227…

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The best part is that we publish this bundle electronically in PDF format… so it's much more useful, colorful, and interactive than ever before. And you'll have access to it as soon as your order has processed.

These special reports are yours today, free with our compliments, when you order Escape to Spain. And they're yours to keep, no matter what, even if you decide to request a refund.

I don't think you will, though. I feel confident you'll be impressed by the deep wealth of research, guidance, and on-the-ground recommendations Escape to Spain and our special reports deliver.

For Sophistication, Charm, Comfort, and Value You Can't Beat Spain Today

There's no better way to launch you on your way to an enjoyable life in sunny Spain—on a budget you'd expect to see in Latin America.

If you like the idea of a locale that offers sophistication, charm, and all the comforts and excitement of Europe—at a price you'd expect to see "south of the border"—look no further today than Spain.

The value you'll find on the ground is excellent today—probably the best values you'll see in your lifetime... the lifestyle is enviable... and in Escape to Spain we'll show you how—step-by-step—you can make it your own...

Sincerely,

Glynna Prentice,
International Living Editor

P.S. With Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less in hand, you'll have exactly the guide you need to help you see the opportunities in Spain that make the most sense for you and home in on them quickly and efficiently. Today, in the right places, you really can find values you'd expect to see in Latin America. But here they are in Europe—and not just anywhere in Europe—but in sunny, friendly, culture-rich Spain.

This is the kind of opportunity that comes around once in a lifetime.

If you've always liked the idea of a retreat in Europe... of a place you could return to again and again where it's safe... the pace of life is slow... the culture values family, friends, art, music, good food, and rich experiences... then Spain deserves your close attention today.

With Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less you'll have exactly the guide you need to take the idea you have in your mind's eye and make it your reality on the ground in Spain. It's a modest investment that could enrich your life immeasurably. Give it a try today—if you don't like what you see, just let us know within 30 days and we'll give you a full refund.

With this special deal we'll also send you four special reports, Gracious, Good-Value Spain: Where You Can Enjoy "Old World" Living at Latin American Prices (value: $27, yours free) … Spain's Secret Income Opportunity(value:$23, yours free) ... Spain & Portugal: Low-Cost, Laidback Europe (value $29 – yours free) and Sunshine, Tapas, Great Healthcare and More: The Secrets of Southern Spain Revealed (Value: $19, yours free). And they're yours to keep, no matter what.

Escape to Uruguay

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 12:03:43 GMT

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Spain Uncovered - Explore the Best Opportunities in This Country

Revealed: Where to Find the Best Bargain in Europe Today

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A Couple Can Live Generously in Spain on a Modest Budget

The Most Comprehensive Guide to Living in Spain

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The Best Ways to Explore Spain for Yourself

Everything You Need to Make an Informed Decision

Our Guarantee to You

Order Escape to Spain now and you’ll also get FOUR special bonuses

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A Solid Democracy...Decidedly Middle Class...Safe, Tiny, Quirky Uruguay is Economically (and Politically) Sane...

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The Pace of Life is Slow and the Cost of Living is Remarkably Affordable

Uruguay is Rich in Many Ways

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