12 Things To Consider Before Moving Off-Shore
©Shane Flait 2009 

Living offshore (in a country other than the U.S.) can lower your living expenses and give you a better climate to enjoy. If you're thinking about moving offshore, do your research on the issues below for the country(s) you choose to move to.

Weather
Climate can really influences our state of mind. If warm, sunny weather with ocean views makes you feel good, arrange to move where you can get plenty of it. Learn about a country’s seasons to see if their compatible with your moods and your health. A very tropical climate might not be healthy for some.

Amenities You Seek
Make sure the country offers what you want to do or enjoy. If you enjoy city-based interests – like museums and art galleries – don’t set yourself up in a remote and rural area. Choose your locations appropriately for golfing, beaches, community centers, etc.  

Cost of Living

This may be your key reason for moving offshore. So, make sure you understand where the cost savings will be – and for the area you’re aiming to live in. Housing cost would be critical here. But be aware of the costs of groceries and other shopping items. Some countries having a large low-income population can offer you very inexpensive maid and gardener help. For retirees, this can be a big help.

Compatible Community
The language of Central and South American countries is Spanish (Portuguese for Brazil). But English is understood by many in the cities. The younger people tend to learn English as their second language so you can almost always get someone to help you translate.

But many areas have expat communities made up of people like you who live and associate with each other. That way you can speak English all the time and share common interests.

A Right to Live There Permanently

As a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you can visit most counties for 30 to 90 days depending on the country. But if you’re moving there, you want to be sure you can stay there permanently. Many countries have a permanent residency program of one sort or another. For permanent residency, you may have to prove you have a modest monthly income (~$500 to $1000) or invest a certain dollar amount within the country.

A Program Beneficial to Foreigners

In order to attract foreigners and the income they bring, some countries offer special deals. These can include low or no taxes on property you buy for a certain number of years. Also discounts on certain transportation, movies, and events.

A Right to Own Property

Yes, there are some countries in the world that don’t allow foreign individuals to buy property. But most Central and South American countries do – and have laws that make your rights equal to a citizen’s in all respects. But make sure anyway.

First World Infrastructure
Most important here is communication and transportation. Thanks to modern technology, implementing telephone and internet technology for everyone isn’t difficult. So you can maintain communications with the outside world in most cities.

Public transportation is another matter. Check what’s available depending on your country and your desired location in it.

Physical Contact with Family Back Home
Flights go everywhere. But you may want to limit how long it takes to get back home – both for return visits or having family come and visit you. Just how often do you plan to visit home each year can be an important consideration. 

HealthCare
Medicare coverage usually ends when you set foot on foreign soil. If it's impractical for you to return to the United States for medical treatment, then consider your alternatives. Some countries have private but inexpensive health care – by doctors and in hospitals. Many of those doctors are educated in the U.S. too. 

Moving to a country with universal health coverage doesn’t mean you’ll be immediately eligible for coverage, though. Check out what the situation is where you’re going, know your health needs, and see if Medicare coverage is possible for you.

Shopping
Shopping capability can range from native markets to super markets. You may not see some convenience foods you like. But often you can find U.S.-style shopping arcades with plenty of American goods, and imports from other nations. Keep your eye open for McDonald’s and the other fast food companies too.  

Give It A Dry Run
Before you commit to move, plan a vacation – a month or more - at one or more of your possible retirement choices. Seeing first hand what’s there and how things work can be a great help in making your final decision. Things will be different – but some things you really can live without.

 Shane Flait is a writer and educator. Get more info at www.EasyRetirementKnowHow.com