With the golden age of the internet where you can open a business online or work remotely for a company, the world is suddenly your oyster. As long as you are legally allowed, you can pretty much pick a place on the map and then go set up a new life there.
Of course, it isn’t quite that easy. Moving countries is full of challenges. And chief among them is finances. It can be very expensive and chances are that you will need to make your dollars stretch no matter where you go. Especially if you are retired, or are trying to build a business from the ground up.
Which means that your choices are slightly more limited. You’ll want to find a country that is very cheap, but at the same time is safe and has enough infrastructure that you can live comfortably there.In this article, I will go over the list of countries where you could comfortably, safely and cheaply set up your new life as an expat.
1 – Mexico
Loads of American expats are flocking to Mexico to take advantage of everything the country has to offer.
For starters, it is very close to the US so it is easy and quick to get back to your hometown to visit family. Not only that, but when you are in your scouting phase, you can make frequent trips down there to check it out before you commit.
The weather is great, food is amazing with fresh vegetables and exotic fruit and the beaches are world class. Luckily, the infrastructure for the internet and other modern conveniences are also there.
However, you do have to be careful where you end up. There are some areas in Mexico that are unsafe even for locals, nevermind a newly arrived expat. Before you settle on a place where you think you may want to live, make sure to check out this list of the Safest Places to Live in Mexico. Mexico is mostly a safe country so try to not worry too much. Just like there are places in the US where it would be dangerous to move, there are some no go areas in Mexico with lots of room where it is safe.
2 – Philippines
The Philippines is quickly becoming another popular destination for expats. There is a lot to like in this archipelago that is attractive for somebody looking to move out of the US. it is very, very cheap to live there and there are areas where it is not unlike living in a Spanish speaking country close to the US. In fact, it was at times a Spanish colony and an American protectorate state before becoming independent.
If you pick your area wisely, you can enjoy a country that offers a lot of familiarity with the same stores and restaurants that you get in the US. The food is a mix of Spanish, Thai and American given the various cultures that it is near and have had influence over. But, you also have Italian restaurants with chefs from Italy, lots of steakhouses and other familiar cuisines.
The country is full of surprises and is nicely off the beaten tourist path so you aren’t overwhelmed with tourists like if you were in Thailand or Vietnam. Yet, you have some of the best beaches in the world that are relatively undiscovered. And you also have an interesting history that is evident in the many colonial style towns that are interesting to visit.
3 – Italy
You may live the idea of the Dolce Vita but have discounted Italy as an affordable panding spot. This is a mistake because Italy is a big country with many areas off the beaten path.
The further south you go, the less expensive it is. In fact, you may have heard about those 1€ homes for sale in Sicily. These areas have lots of young people leaving for the cities so they are looking to get people to move there and invest. Buying one of those homes is a challenge as they are in rough shape. But for very little money they can be fixed up and end up an amazing property.
In return for the hard work you are rewarded with an amazing experience deep in the heart of a beautiful country. Surrounded by rolling green hills and vineyards everywhere. The beaches are some of the best in Europe and the food goes without saying is excellent.
Southern Italy is an assault on the senses, from the vibrant colors of the sky land and sea, to the sounds of the locals in their interesting dialect to the smells of the nonnas cooking as you pass by their house. If you want to live life to the fullest, then this is the area for you.
