You first have to ask yourself the important question of where are the best places to retire overseas. If you are an experienced traveler retiring abroad may not be quite as challenging as it would be to the novice looking for the most comfortable and relaxing place for expatriate living. Before making the important decision, especially if you are a greenhorn, you should live in the place you have chosen as your first option for a while to see what living as a local is like. You need to be sure that this lifestyle is all that you expect and will be desirable for you to settle for a while. A good plan is necessary before making this decision and the minimum amount of time I recommend that you live abroad – before fully retired and ready to settle – is at least six continuous months. Then you can be sure you will make the right choice and that will be happy with your decision in the years ahead.

These are three locations to consider if you want to retire overseas because they combine low costs of living, rich culture, good infrastructure, inexpensive real estate, reasonable safety, clement climate, and discounts for retired people.

Panama City has got to be the retirement haven that has everything you could want when you (boomers, those folks who want to retire early or retire young, and those who simply want to live abroad) decide to settle down. It is less expensive than many places in the United States. he City has it all, beautiful azure beaches, skyscrapers, reasonable real estate prices, wonderful roads and shops. If you are a retiree and you can prove (social security award letter or a private pension) that you have $500 monthly income for a single and at least $600 for a couple, you will enjoy a list of perks just made for retirees.

You are allowed the following benefits: 1) Freedom from paying import taxes on a new vehicle each two year period and 2) It gives worthwhile reductions on the price of things like movie tickets, concert or theater performances, sports games, travel tickets, hotel stays and restaurant bills. Should you want to purchase real estate in this location, discounts are given of one percentage point lower on mortgage charges up to 25 percent of what would be due when you close the deal.

Panama is known for extremely hot weather, and this may be a good time to plan to visit your children in the states to avoid the summer months. Although many residents speak English, language may be another obstacle for you unless you speak the native Spanish language of your new adopted country. I strongly encourage all expatriates to learn to speak Spanish even though it may not be entirely mandatory. This will be a strong deterrent in avoiding culture shock in your new environment. When you learn the language and culture of your new home, you will feel more like a local and less like a tourist. You will be better able to integrate with the inhabitants and make your expatriate life more pleasurable.

If you’re looking for a gorgeous place to retire, New Zealand is unparalleled. Housing prices can be pretty low, and there’s no capital gains tax. In New Zealand’s capital of Auckland, you can experience the amenities and artistic atmosphere of urban life without spend huge amounts of money. But you have to apply for full residency, which isn’t always granted to older retirees because there’s a bias toward younger immigrants. Perhaps you’d be satisfied to live there for half the year and find another home base back in the United States or another country for the other half of the year. Some people think this is wonderful because it’s warm in America when it’s cold in New Zealand, so you could have warm weather all year long. Early retirees might not have to worry about this.

Proximity and accessibility to US makes Mexico a retirement haven. Being a low cost destination makes your dollar go further and hence even small budgets may seem quite large. Mexico has a rich heritage and a great culture. Mexican food is prepared with number of spices and herbs providing an intense and varied flavor to the food and generally is very colorful. Mexicans cook really well and have the knack to provide extra “flavor” to make a dish really tasty.

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