Retire Day 09

How to Reitre in
Paradise on $30 a Day

An International Living Report
www.InternationalLiving.com
How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day
An International Living report
4th edition
Designer: Marsha Swan
© Copyright 2009, International Living Publishing Ltd., Elysium House, Ballytruckle, Waterford, Ireland. All
rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced by any means without the express written consent
of the publisher. The information contained herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its
accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Registered in Ireland No. 285214.
Table of Contents
Foreword 4
Brazil 7
Costa Rica 13
Ecuador 20
Mexico 26
Panama 33
Uruguay 41
Foreword
Imagine lounging on your deck, a cocktail in hand, the quiet turquoise waters of the Caribbean spread
out before you. Or picture yourself relaxing in a flower-filled courtyard where lavender bougainvillea
tumbles over stucco walls, while the sweet perfume of frangipani fills the air at dusk.
Maybe you dream, instead, of a mountain retreat where the air is crisp and you live amidst expansive,
snow-capped peaks. Or perhaps it’s an elegant pied-à-terre you envision, an apartment with 20-foot
ceilings and crown molding, where geraniums fill your window boxes, and your days and evenings are
busy with the cosmopolitan pleasures of big-city living.
Whatever you imagine, here’s a guarantee: In the world’s best havens, the dream can be
yours…and for less than you can possibly imagine.
Whether your retirement is fast approaching or just something you often find yourself dreaming about,
you’ve probably imagined spending it in some far-flung tropical haven. But moving to a country that
you know very little about is a lot of hassle, right? It’s probably not worth the time and effort to leave
home, you think. Besides, all your family and friends are here.
Take it from us: it’s worth it.
If you look beyond your own shores you’ll find that many countries around the world offer far greater
benefits and advantages for retirees than those offered at home.
Indeed, your quality of life in your new home will exceed all of your dreams, the cost of living will be
much lower...allowing you to do more of the passion-pursuing and less of the penny-pinching you’re
used to. And chances are you’ll see your family and friends more often than ever, since you’ll be living
somewhere they’ll want to visit, as a matter of fact, they’ll probably come to be almost as passionate
about your new home as you are!

A question of your priorities
According to the 2009 Mercer Human Resource Cost of Living Study, it costs, on average, $3,056.65
per month to rent a two-bedroom apartment in New York. That means you’ll pay $98 a day on rent
alone! Want to retire in London? You’ll pay even more.
But, think about this: you can retire in beautiful Merida, Mexico or Vilcabamba, Ecuador for only $30
or less per day-and that includes not only rent but food, utilities, health care, dining out regularly and
even maid service.
People often miscalculate what they will spend day-to-day when they hit retirement. Granted, you
won’t have to pay for dry cleaning your work suits, cars will be cheaper to run when you’re not sitting
in traffic for hours on end, and you may save on parking. But in other areas of your life you’ll find you’ll
be spending a lot more. What will you do with all your extra time? Golf? Skydive? Take art classes?
Go to language school? All good ideas, but it will cost you...if you stay home. Why not live on a golf
course, learn a language first-hand, live near Mayan ruins, for a lot less money?
One of the simplest ways to improve your retirement lifestyle is to choose the retirement destination
offering you more of what you want, at the best price. It’s a question of priorities. What’s important to
you? Is cost of living number one on your priority list? If so, you can rent a nice, modest two-bedroom
house in Ecuador for $250 a month. Here, a full-time maid costs $125 a month, and you can eat out for
as little as $15 for two people.
Is health care what you care about most? In Mexico, where many physicians are U.S.-trained, a visit
to the doctor (including specialists) costs between $35 and $45, with a private hospital room costing
around $35 to $50 a day. Complex surgery can be performed for as little as $1,000 and minor surgeries
for much less. Plus pharmaceutical drugs cost about half what they do in the U.S.
Maybe weather is the key consideration for you. They don’t call Ecuador “The Land of Eternal Sunshine”
for nothing. Lying directly on the equator, the entire country enjoys 12 hours of direct equatorial
sunlight 365 days a year. But because of its varied topography, just about any type of weather, except
arctic tundra, can be found here. So whether you want sun, sun, sun, or cool afternoons stretching into
cooler evenings, you will be comfortable in this climate.
Are your must-haves telecommunications and infrastructure? In Panama, you can get to the airport
quickly and efficiently. Thanks to a long-time U.S. presence dating back to its interests in the canal,
Panama’s infrastructure is First-World. Not only are the roads free of potholes, high-speed Internet is
the norm, rather than the exception. Your international phone calls go through the first time, every time.
If efficiency and reliability are important to you, give Panama a closer look.

Or is it safety what you care about most? Believe it or not, Panama is the safest place in Central or
South America. Panamanians are extremely friendly and welcome foreign tourists and residents with
open arms. There isn’t the envy or racial tension you might find in other economically deprived areas
where Westerners have swept in. Moreover, the family circle is important here-much more so than in the
States or much of Europe-as is religion. This all makes for a very safe and comfortable environment.
How about having accessibility to the U.S.? At no other time have the benefits of living in Mexico been
more apparent and easier to take advantage of. Not just for U.S. citizens, but for Canadians, Europeans,
South Americans…anyone looking for great weather, low prices, and rich culture.
Maybe you aren’t anywhere close to retirement. Nevertheless, it’s important to think about and plan for
your future. Like every phase in your life, you’ll be surprised how fast retirement creeps up on you.
Secure your dream location for when you do retire. The most desirable places in the world are being
snapped up as people like you begin to realize the potential they offer. Find what you are looking for,
do your research. The time to stake a claim to your dream retirement home—your own beachfront,
lakeside, or mountaintop retreat-might very well be right now, while it’s still priced within your reach.
Happy reading.
Martina Dunphy
Executive Director, International Living

Brazil
Long a popular destination for European expats, vacationers, and second-home owners, Brazil is an
almost unknown commodity to North Americans. That may change as word gets out about what Brazil
has to offer and how cheap things can be here…
The Federative Republic of Brazil is the world’s fifth-largest country, and, in fact, is larger than Europe
as well as the U.S., if you weren’t counting Alaska. It takes up most of South America, and borders
every country on the continent except Chile and Ecuador. Brazil is only 1,700 miles from Africa, and
the north-eastern city of Fortaleza is actually closer to Lisbon, Portugal than New York.
This is a country with almost 5,000 miles of beautiful, brilliant white-sand beaches lining clear, warm,
Atlantic waters. It also boasts fantastic weather, stately colonial cities, and mountains with spring-fresh
weather. And don’t forget the Amazon Basin, with enough adventure opportunity to satisfy any traveler.
And Carnaval, the pre-Lenten celebration, that brings millions of people from all over the world.
People seek out Brazil for a variety of reasons. Are you looking for a home on the beach to escape the
harsh winters? You’ll find it in Brazil…even if you have less than $50,000 to spend.

Do you want to do business? You’ll find Brazil to be loaded with opportunity to start the business of
your dreams.
Are you an investor? The markets in Brazil are now among the world’s hottest, and expats are taking
advantage in unprecedented numbers.
So whether you have a specific agenda, or you just want to live in one of the world’s most fascinating
countries, Brazil will have a place for you.
Cultural and recreational opportunities
Brazil’s rich and fascinating culture is one of the main benefits of settling in this part of the world. The
intriguing blend of African, Indigenous, and European cultural influences make Brazil’s traditions a
truly unique experience.
The signature event of the year is Carnival, the world-renowned celebration just prior to the start of
Lent. Each of Brazil’s major cities has their own unique and distinct Carnival, enacted in accordance
with a city’s traditions. And at any time of the year, you’ll enjoy the sounds of Brazil’s music, from
Bossa Nova, to Samba, to modern genres.
And the food of course, is the cultural high-point for many an expat in Brazil. There’s no better example
of Brazil’s cultural diversity than its rich and varied culinary offerings.
The outdoor scene is dominated by almost 5,000 miles of sparkling, white-sand beaches and warm
tropical waters. People enjoy not only swimming and sunning, but also scuba diving, snorkeling,
surfing, and kite surfing.
And when you’re ready for something different, venture into the vast Amazon rainforest, with its
unparalleled biodiversity…or try exploring Brazil’s mountains and wine country, or its historic
colonial cities.
For those who choose to settle in Brazil, there’s a lifetime’s worth of cultural and recreational
opportunities, right at your doorstep.
Cost of living
If you are going to settle in Brazil while maintaining a comfortable, North American lifestyle, we
suggest that you plan on spending around $2,000 per month in the major cities. A basic lifestyle would
require around $1,200 per month or less, depending on where you live.

Health care is reasonable, public transportation is widely available and inexpensive, and fresh tropical
fruits and vegetables are in the stores all year round. You won’t need heat, and many locations do not
require air conditioning, due to the sea breezes.
Here is a sample monthly budget for a couple renting a house:
Rent $504
Condominium Fees $63
Transportation $42
Gas $4
Water $8
Electricity $55
Telephone $15
Internet $34
Cable TV $63
Household help (full-time) $189
Food $336
Entertainment $315
Monthly total $1,628
Annual total: $19,536
That’s $27.14 per person, per day!
Here’s a brief list of what you’ll find in the grocery store:
Flour, per pound $0.49

Green peppers, per pound $0.27
Lettuce, head $0.43
Olive oil, half liter bottle $6.44
Onions, per pound $0.53
Potatoes, per pound $0.39
Rice, per pound $0.39

Tomatoes, per pound $0.09
Apples, per pound $1.10
Beer, 12 oz. can $0.56
Coke, 2 liter bottle $1.38
Milk, quart $0.77
Tuna, small can $1.30
Bacon, sliced, per pound $2.30
Chicken, whole, per pound $0.79
Hot Dogs, per pound $0.98
Fresh salmon, per pound $7.87
Cheddar cheese, per pound $9.05
Corn Flakes, box $2.06
Laundry detergent, per pound $1.16
Cigarettes, one package $1.26
Visas
U.S. and Canadian citizens do require a visa to enter Brazil as a tourist. The visa can be obtained easily
at any Brazilian consulate for $130 for Americans (and $117 for Canadians), which is based on the fee
Brazilian citizens pay to enter the U.S. or Canada. Citizens of most other countries do not require a
tourist visa. The visa is good for multiple entries, for a period of up to five years.
Once your visa has been granted, you must enter Brazil within 90 days.
When you actually enter Brazil, you can stay for up to 90 days. Thereafter, you can normally get a 90-
day extension for a total of about six months. Your request for extension should be made at nearest post
of the Brazilian Federal Police Department, at least 30 days before your time expires.
Residency
If you are becoming a resident, there are a number of alternatives available, none of which are particularly
difficult. Here are some of the more common visas:
10 How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

The retiree’s visa may be best if you are already receiving a pension. Although it’s aimed at retirees,
there is no restriction on age as long as you have an income. The income requirement is $2,000 per
month, which covers the applicant and one dependent. Each additional dependent requires another
$1,000 monthly.
The investor’s visa calls for an investment of $50,000 in a Brazilian company, which may be an entity
that you’ve set up just for this purpose. The $50,000 could be for a home, and we know of one expat
who even bought a Land Rover to meet the requirement.
Brazil also offers a health visa, for those whose health would benefit from living there. It’s intended
for people who need warm weather and clean coastal air due to respiratory problems. To qualify, you
must have the medical condition certified by a doctor and the means to support yourself, although the
exact income level is not specified.
Health care
Since 1988, the Brazilian constitution has guaranteed that everyone have access to medical care in
Brazil. This service can be obtained from the public national health system, from private providers
subsidized by the federal government via the Social Security budget, or from the private sector via
private insurance or employers.
Medical care is available to anyone who is legally in Brazil, which of course includes foreign residents.
Those who cannot afford to pay for health care use the government’s free public national health
system, mentioned above. They pay nothing for doctors’ fees, lab fees, hospitalization, surgery, or even
prescription drugs. Brazil’s national health care system is roughly equal to the caliber and operational
style of the Veterans Administration hospital system in the U.S. Municipal hospitals are widely available,
and provide free treatment including emergency services to everyone.
For the highest quality of health care, the private system is generally better than the public system, with
shorter waits and better care. The more affluent Brazilians generally use this system, which covers about
20% of the Brazilian population. There are several hundred firms offering four principal types of medical
plans: private health insurance, prepaid group practice, medical cooperatives, and company health plans.
Where to retire in Brazil?
Fortaleza
Serving as the glimmering centerpiece for the state of Ceará (on Brazil’s northeast coast), the capital
city of Fortaleza is our top destination in Brazil right now. Thanks to the state’s investment in roads and
How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day 11

infrastructure—as well as the Department of Tourism’s current publicity campaign—tourism in the
area has jumped 25% in less than two years.
Fortaleza boasts its own beautiful in-city beaches, a sizzling nightlife, and great restaurants. The city
has three sides: its old historic center and non-touristy downtown areas; a gleaming in-town stretch
of beach with great waterfront restaurants and highrises; and quieter sections of beautiful, palm-lined
white-sand beaches reminiscent of the Caribbean. The seaside boardwalk is cheerful and bustling day
and night, with joggers, strollers and swimmers. It hosts one of the region’s best artisan handicraft
markets, with hundreds of artisans showing their wares. It’s a combination of lifestyle choices that’s
pretty hard to beat.
São Luiz
São Luiz is located on a large tropical island of the same name, and is the capital of the state of Maranhão.
São Luiz is a fascinating cultural blend of French, Dutch, African, and Portuguese influences. The
French influence is reflected in the food and bakeries. The rich African influence comes from the large
slave population that worked the cotton and sugar that once made São Luiz rich.
The best example of the cultural mix is in the food. You’ll find everything from rich and hearty seafood
stews, to fresh fish, to huge pots simmering with black beans, beef, pork, and sausage…the Brazilian
national dish known as feijoada. And the aroma of fresh-baked bread and delectable pastries coming
from the French bakeries will remind you that the French were the first ones here.
Built on rolling hills, São Luiz’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a remarkable
3,500 colonial buildings still standing. Some of its narrow, cobble-stone streets are pedestrians-only,
while many others are barely wide enough to permit passage of one car. São Luiz feels like a genuine
version of Brazil…one that’s not reserved for foreigners. There’s no place in Brazil more fun to be than
São Luiz.
Brazil: The Owner’s Manual

For an in-depth look around this amazing country and all the information you’ll need about relocating
here, take a look at Brazil: The Owner’s Manual, a comprehensive book currently available from
our Bookstore at: www.ILbookstore.com.

Costa Rica
It’s not surprising that expats, especially Americans and Canadians, are attracted to Costa Rica. With
one of the highest standards of living in Latin America and a variety of different climates to suit all
tastes, Costa Rica is the perfect retirement destination. You’ll find the tropics along the Pacific and
Caribbean Coasts, while most of the Central Valley is cool and breezy. If you find it difficult to choose
which climate you prefer, you will be glad to know that the mild temperatures of the Central Valley are
just two hours by car from the tropical beaches of the Pacific Coast.
Expats are attracted to Costa Rica for numerous reasons, which include the low cost of living, excellent
health care, modern telecommunications structure, beautiful beaches, rainforests, lush valleys, and
cool mountains…not to mention the theaters, art galleries, and fine dining. There are more than 50,000
expats living in Costa Rica and many well-established expat communities.
If you’re ready for la pura vida (the pure life) you might want to consider a Costa Rican retirement.
Tucked between Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the
Caribbean Sea to the east, Costa Rica may truly have it all: a year-round tropical climate, modern cities,
Caribbean beaches, Pacific coastline, rainforests, lush valleys, and mountains.

Costa Rica is not a “new” destination for International Living. Back in the early 1980s we regularly
encouraged readers to put Costa Rica at the top of their list of overseas retirement havens. Readers who
took our advice reaped big rewards. Costa Rica caught on…and became the number one destination
among foreign retirees and investors looking for land buys with big upsides. The upsides were realized.
Through the 1990s, the market boomed. Prices for beachfront property along the Pacific coast increased
6-, 8-, 10-fold and more… But as property prices rose in Costa Rica, we (and our readers) began
looking elsewhere.
But things are changing again and today it makes sense for you to take a look at this darling of Central
America.
Long stretches of deserted and undeveloped beaches on the Caribbean and Pacific Coasts…dense
jungles teeming with exotic wildlife…towering volcanoes, lush green valleys, and hundreds of crystal-
clear lakes, rivers, streams, and waterfalls…mesmerizing sunrises, sunsets, and starfilled evening
skies…all these things, and much more, are drawing people back to Costa Rica.
Whether expats live in this beautiful country full- or part-time, they relish the climate, neighborly
atmosphere, low cost of living, excellent health care, stable democracy, and countless ways to have fun.
This is a middle-income, developing economy, with a tradition of democracy. The life expectancy at
birth here is one of the highest in the world—outstripping both the U.S. and the UK. Tourist facilities
are extensive, and because English is a second language for many Costa Ricans, the country feels very
visitor-friendly.
Cost of living
With few exceptions, expats in Costa Rica spend less money on day-to-day expenses than they do in
their home country. Mercer Human Resource Consulting, a company that surveys the cost of living
throughout the world, recently reported that you can live in San Jose on about 58% of what you would
need in New York City. A couple can live well on $1,200 per month and in luxury for $2,000. With so
much already known about the subject, why do so many expats make mistakes in estimating what it
will take to live in Costa Rica?
One reason is that the high cost of real estate in certain areas—especially the North Pacific Coast—
misleads foreigners into thinking that day-to-day expenses must also be high. In fact, food and many
other essential commodities aren’t expensive; most Costa Ricans live on less than $500 a month.
Another reason why expats go wrong in estimating expenditures is that they rarely follow the same
lifestyle in Costa Rica as they would in the U.S., Canada, or Europe. In practical terms, this means that
some expenses will be much lower in Costa Rica, while others will be higher.

For example, if you decide to live in the Central Valley, you’ll enjoy a huge saving because there’s
rarely a need for air-conditioning or central heating.
On the other hand, owning and operating a car anywhere in Costa Rica can be expensive. So can making
frequent phone calls to most other countries. Moreover, when you live in a country as beautiful and
interesting as Costa Rica, there’s a strong temptation to travel more than you would at home. Transportation
to and from your home country can also be costly, particularly if you make several trips a year.
Then there are expenses in Costa Rica that you might not have anticipated. One example is a private
postal service, which is often needed because home delivery of mail doesn’t exist in all areas in
Costa Rica.
The best way to avoid surprises is to take the advice of Ryan Piercy, the general manager of the
Association of Residents of Costa Rica. Piercy urges expats to rent a house or apartment for several
months before deciding to move.
Ask these knowledgeable residents about their typical monthly bills and about expenses they didn’t
anticipate. Also consult your U.S. accountant about the tax advantages of living outside the U.S.—in
Costa Rica or any other country.
Here is a sample monthly budget for a couple living in Costa Rica:
Rent $700
Water $18
Electricity $50
High-speed Internet $50
Digital cable TV $40
Telephone service $7
Food $325
Health care (4 doctors visits per year) $32
Entertainment $300
Household help (full-time) $180
Monthly total: $1,702

Utility prices frequently change and will continue to do so as Costa Rica tries to improve its services,
especially to meet the needs of more businesses and foreign residents. At the same time, new technology
will give residents more ways to cut costs. An example is Internet phone service that transmits calls over
the web. By using this type of phone service, you can cut the price of international calls by up to 80%.
Be aware, however, that state-owned telephone monopolies in Costa Rica and several other Latin
American countries have threatened to outlaw Internet telephony, which is known as VoIP (Voice over
Internet Protocol).
Let’s go shopping
Expats are usually delighted when they first go shopping in Costa Rica. Prices at most supermarkets
average about 60% below U.S. levels, and produce is even cheaper at outdoor markets.
As a general rule, locally grown produce is the best value, while some important goods can be relatively
expensive. Costa Rica has several excellent supermarket chains, including Auto Mercado and Mega Super,
which are now competing with branches of Wal-Mart, Target, and other American big-box retailers.
Here are some recent prices at Auto Mercado:
A 5.8-ounce can of tuna fish $1.09

7 ounces of tortillas $0.78
A 3.3-pound box of Rinso detergent $2.74
3.5 ounces of Dove soap $0.98
Aluminum foil $1.35 a roll
Bananas $0.07 each
Chicken $0.95 a pound
Fresh fish $1.10 a pound
Freshly baked bread $1.10 a loaf
Gold Medal flour (2 pounds) $0.60
Imported mozzarella cheese $4 a pound
Pineapple $1 each
Potatoes $0.40 a pound
Rice $0.50 a pound
Shrimp $5.10 a pound
Sparkling white Italian wine (two bottles) $7.50 (on sale)

McDonald’s and most other American fast food chains have been in Costa Rica for many years, but
the country also has several of its own fast food restaurants that offer similar food in a local style and
often at bargain prices. RostiPollos, for instance, sells a $14.30 family meal that includes a whole roast
chicken, tortillas, frijoles, chips, and pickled onions. Kentucky Fried Chicken charges $7 for a meal for
two, four pieces of chicken, fried potatoes, biscuits, and two soft drinks.
Residency and visas
Passports are required for visits to Costa Rica, but there are no visa requirements for U.S., Canadian,
or European citizens who don’t stay in Costa Rica for more than 90 days. If you plan an extended visit,
consider applying for either rentista or pensionado residency status:
Ø
Pensionado: This program requires proof that you have a monthly income of at least $600 from
a pension or retirement fund. Pensionados must remain in the country at least four months of
each year and are prohibited from working as an employee. They are, however, permitted to
own a company and receive income from it. Pensionados can also claim residency for their
spouse and any dependants under the age of 18. Although pensionado requirements aren’t
complicated, the application process itself can be tricky. It entails a letter from a Certified
Public Accountant stating that you’ll receive at least $600 for life, a signed letter confirming
that your pension will be paid in Costa Rica, and you may need additional letters from your
bank attesting to the financial stability of the company that pays your pension. Therefore,
it’s best to hire an attorney with experience in residency applications to help you with the
process.
Ø
Rentista: Unmarried rentistas must have monthly income of at least $1,000, and they must be
able to show that payment is guaranteed for at least five years from the date of their application.
For couples, the minimum monthly income required is $2,000, plus $500 a month for each
dependant. Like pensionados, rentistas must be in the country for four months of every year.
Ø
Inversionista: This program provides residency for foreigners who invest at least $50,000 with
a government-approved organization. Alternatives are a $100,000 investment in government
approved reforestation projects or $200,000 in most other types of business.
Note: Residency laws in Costa Rica will change and develop within the next couple of years. It’s wise
to get assistance from an experienced local attorney who can make sure that your application process
goes smoothly.

Where to live
The Central Valley

The Central Valley has long attracted Americans and Europeans who enjoy its comfortable climate,
established expat communities, and proximity to the country’s main international airport near San José.
Today a growing number of expats are also settling along the North and Central Pacific Coasts. A big
stimulus to growth in the Northern Province of Guanacaste is the Daniel Oduber Quirós International
Airport, usually called the Liberia Airport because of the town that it’s near. Until a few years ago, most
visitors to Costa Rica had to land at the new airport in San José and then drive nearly a half-day to the
North Pacific. Today they can fly directly from the U.S. and Europe.
While most coastal areas are hot and muggy, especially during the rainy season, the Central Valley’s
altitude of 3,000 to 5,000 feet makes it comparatively cool all year around. Perhaps this explains why
some two-thirds of Costa Rica’s 4.2 million people live in the Valley, which is actually a plateau, as its
Spanish name, Meseta Central, suggests.
San José, Escazú, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, and several other major cities are in the Central Valley,
which covers a land area of 3,500 square miles. There are plenty of cultural activities for the thousands
of American and European expats who live in the area.
San José was an insignificant village until 1824, when the country’s first elected head of state decided to
move the government there from the colonial capital of Cartago. Today, the decision might sound like a
mixed blessing. While moving the capital symbolized a fresh start for the country, it also created a city
without much of the Spanish colonial architecture that makes other Latin American capitals so elegant.
The Gold Coast and beyond

The Gold Coast is what many people now call Costa Rica’s North Pacific shore. Spectacular ocean
views, gorgeous beaches, world-class surfing, sportfishing, birdwatching, scuba diving, snorkeling,
kayaking, and horseback riding make the north coast a prime attraction for adventuresome tourists.
The Gold Coast extends from just south of the Nicaraguan border and includes the Pacific side of the
Nicoya Peninsula in the Guanacaste Province. Today it’s also becoming a mecca for property shoppers.
If you are looking for luxury resorts, golf courses, seaside mansions, or elegant condominiums, the
upper Pacific Coast could be the place to look.
Climate is also a plus. The north coast is hot, but unlike most other oceanfront areas of Costa Rica,
it’s comparatively dry. Remarkably, there are still places along the north Pacific Coast that aren’t
overcrowded. If you look hard, you can find small fishing villages and stretches of beach that remind
you of a distant tropical island.

Fun in the sun
Did you know that about 6% of the world’s known species of plants and animals are found in Costa
Rica, due in part to its many micro-climates? Costa Rica’s diverse environments and natural variety
make ecotourism popular, and the country is the perfect destination for fishing, windsurfing, surf
boarding, snorkeling, reef diving, and many other sports.
Many bike and hiking trails, for instance, crisscross the country. Whether you’re into slow treks, leisure
cycling, or rugged biking, the Costa Rican biking trails are a great way to view breathtaking sights that
include rivers, volcanoes, plantations, waterfalls, and hot springs.
Horseback riding is another favorite pastime in Costa Rica, and it is a leisure activity that can give you
easy access to some of the country’s most stunning natural beauty. Both day and overnight trips are
available in several regions of the country, depending on whether you feel like a beach, mountain, or
forest trek.
One of the most popular activities in Costa Rica is touring the cloud forest canopy. You can take a
traditional ride, the kind you’ve seen on TV where you’re strapped in a harness and pulled along a cable
from one treetop platform to the next, or you can try the aerial gondola rides. Either way, keep your
eyes peeled for forest wildlife; canopy tours are a fantastic way to see wildlife in its natural habitat.
Make sure to choose a well-established company with good safety practices.
If urban life is more your style, Costa Rican cities have all the fun and culture you’d expect from a
modern city. There are theaters, art galleries, national and international performers, as well as excellent
shopping and dining and a great nightlife scene. San José, the nation’s capital, and surrounding suburbs
are home to just over a million people. There’s plenty to do in this thriving modern city. You can see
what’s happening at the University of Costa Rica; take in the architectural beauty of the National
Theater, or museum-hop among the Gold, Jade, Costa Rican Art, National, and other art and natural
history museums.
Costa Rica: The Owner’s Manual

Want to learn more about this beautiful country? For the best information and all you’ll need to
know about buying, investing and living here take a look at Costa Rica: The Owner’s Manual,
currently available from our Bookstore at: www.ILbookstore.com.

Ecuador
Sell your winter clothes, and prepare for the adventure of your lifetime. In Ecuador, every cliché you’ve
heard about living large on little money—about settling into the lap of luxury on even a pensioner’s
budget—is true. This is one of the world’s cheapest places to live. Take $300 out of the ATM Monday
morning—and your expenses are covered for the week.
Most long-time International Living readers know that Ecuador has been one of our favorite locations
as an overseas investment and retirement haven for quite a while now. In fact, we ranked it as the
world’s best retirement haven in 1999…and now, 10 years later, in 2009, we’ve once again ranked
Ecuador number one in our World’s Best Retirement Haven Index.
Of course, low prices alone do not make for an ideal retirement or investment destination.
There are plenty of places the world over where you can buy cheap land, but where you wouldn’t
want to live; not so in Ecuador. In Ecuador, not only can you live on little, you can live very well.
Ecuador offers something for everyone, and at prices unheard of in North America and Europe. Golf
on breathtaking courses so uncrowded you’ll never have to make a tee time.

Indulge in a gourmet meal in a world class restaurant. Why not? The cost is about what you’d pay for
bottled water and an appetizer in a restaurant in Los Angeles, New York, or London. Plus, the fresh
fruits and vegetables you find overpriced at specialty, organic shops up north, sell at local Ecuadorian
markets for pennies.
It’s hard to pinpoint the best reason for coming to Ecuador, but one thing’s for sure: this is an affordable-
and beautiful place to live. Ecuador also offers a high quality of life. This is no isolated backwater. It’s
a land of opportunity, which boasts one of the larger middle classes in Latin America.
After waking from a long economic slumber, Ecuador is preparing to join the global economy. Most
recently, the international airport in Guayaquil underwent dramatic improvements and, in 2010, Quito
will open a brand new airport 20 miles east of the city. In the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cuenca,
named by the German magazine Stern as the “most livable city in Latin America,” an impressive public
works project is adding footbridges and rebuilding stairs and sidewalks on the banks of the historic
Tomebamba River.
From snow-capped volcanoes to dense Amazon jungle, from sun drenched Pacific beaches to the
famous Galapagos Islands, this is a place of astounding natural beauty. Despite covering a mere 0.02%
of the world’s landmass, it is home to 10% of the world’s plant and animal species.
This country’s real treasure, however, is its people. Ecuadorians live their lives in jungle river towns,
coastal fishing villages, isolated cattle ranches, the grounds of ancient haciendas, and large colonial
cities. Its compact size makes it possible to experience many of these different lifestyles in a single day.
It’s also one of the few places where a foreign resident or visitor can blend easily into the community,
being welcomed into a new circle of friends and a new way of life, with relative ease. As a foreigner
here you’ll be treated with respect, and the people will be proud to get to know you.
Property prices and the cost of living remain inexpensive compared to the U.S., and downright cheap
next to Europe. Unlike other Latin American countries, real estate prices are holding steady in the face
of the economic downturn.
Low prices allow greater opportunities
It’s not just properties that are affordable in Ecuador—nearly everything is. From the cost to hire a full-
time maid to the price of produce, and dinner in a fine restaurant, you’ll be surprised at how low the cost
of living is in Ecuador. For example, in the major cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, you’ll not
have to forgo First-World conveniences. New cars abound—several brands are even made right there
in Ecuadorian factories. Everyone has cell phones, and Internet connections are just as common.

World-class restaurants serve excellent meals, yet you’ll be hard-pressed to pay more than $50 for
dinner for two—drinks included. It’s easy for a couple to live on less than $20,000 per year in Ecuador,
and you can live a comfortable lifestyle while doing it. Many foreign residents have their main home
in the city, and also have a country home, a beach property, or even property in another country, a feat
that would be impossible on a comparable living in the U.S. Additionally, this low cost of living gives
retirees the ability to increase their travel, own two cars, or partake in other diversions.
Here is a sample budget for a couple living very well in Quito or Cuenca. The expenses are, of course,
approximate. We’ve erred on the side of extra spending to come up with a budget that allows for a
pretty luxurious lifestyle…for less than $20,000 a year for two people.
But you don’t have to spend that much. The truth is, you could rent a modest apartment for as little as
$250 monthly, spend $50 on utilities, eat out for $10 or $15, drive a fuel efficient car…and you’d be
living very comfortably for closer to $850 a month—that’s only $10,200 a year.
Sample monthly budget for a couple in Quito or Cuenca:
Housing (rental of luxury two-bedroom apartment) $600

Utilities $175
Maid (twice a week) $60
Groceries $300
Maintenance and fuel for one car $150
Clothing $70
Entertainment
(two people dining out eight times a month at top restaurants) $225
Health care (four $30 visits to a doctor per year for two people) $20
Monthly total $1,600
Annual total $19,200

Residency in Ecuador
There are a number of ways to become an Ecuadorian resident, and the process is fairly straightforward.
Although you submit your immigrant-status visa application at the Ecuadorian consulate nearest to
your former residence, it is in fact approved through the Ministry of Foreign Relations, so expect the
approval process to take six to eight weeks. Visa applications for your dependents, however, can be
processed directly by the Ecuadorian consulate once your application has been approved.
While both non-resident and tourist visas can keep you in the country for a while, only the resident visa
will allow you to import your goods duty-free. Also, the tourist visas given upon entry have cumulative
time limits per calendar year which can not be reset by leaving and entering the country. Resident visas
can be obtained while in Ecuador on a tourist visa, or if you entered the country on your passport only,
as is the case with most North Americans.
We strongly advise that you hire an Ecuadorian immigration attorney to help you navigate the residency
process. In our experience, this will save you considerable time and stress.
The most popular visa for retirees in Ecuador is the 9-I: Pensioner Visa. This is intended for retired
persons who receive pensions from their native countries (pension from a stable source, at least
$800 per month). This includes an annuity recipient or trustee who will live on cash deposited in an
Ecuadorian bank or, on income from a trust. In the case of a deposit or trust the amount must be a
minimum of $25,000.
Excellent health care at a fraction of U.S. prices
In Ecuador, you’ll have access to excellent medical care. In the bigger cities, you’ll find hospitals with
state-of-the-art equipment, as well as specialists in all fields and physicians with private clinics. A visit
to a general practitioner costs $20 to $25 while a visit to a specialist costs $25 to $40. A psychiatrist
will charge $30 to $40 for a half-hour session. Simple, ambulatory procedures are equally inexpensive.
For example, the removal of a small lump (under local anesthesia), and a biopsy, costs about $100.
Brand name medicines usually cost less than in the U.S. Generics, which are widely available, are also
much cheaper.
Checking prices for dental care, cleaning costs $35 to $40. Cavity repairs and fillings cost $25 to $35.
Partial plates cost $325 and a complete set of dentures costs about $900, including office visits, fittings,
lab work, and impressions. Other costs: an extraction, $20; root canal, $125 per tooth; permanent
acrylic bridge, $225; bleaching, $25; porcelain crown, $250.

Where to retire in Ecuador?
Do you thrive on the hustle and bustle of the city? Or are you drawn to high mountain valleys where
cowbells are more common than car horns? Do you crave sun, sand, and crashing surf?
Have you always wanted to have your own horse-and ride it into town for lunch? Your only real problem
in Ecuador is deciding where to live, because this place has all these options.
Cuenca
With the best restored colonial district in Ecuador, Cuenca is the country’s cultural capital. The city
has produced many of Ecuador’s major writers, artists and musicians, and offers a rich program of
festivals, concerts, parades and art openings. Although the metropolitan population is 450,000, the
central city has a small town feel that has proven popular with tourists and foreign students who attend
language schools or one of the city’s seven universities.
Referred to by one travel guide as “South America’s most European city”, Cuenca is attracting growing
numbers of foreigners, many of whom have purchased modern but inexpensive apartments just outside
the colonial district. Others prefer to take advantage of bargain houses and views on the hills that
surround the city.
Quito
Quito has been described as the most beautiful city in South America. Spanish influence here is apparent
in its stately colonial architecture. Though the city has about 1.5 million residents, traffic is reasonable,
except at rush hour and during major road resurfacing projects. The public transportation system,
including taxis, buses, and trams, is excellent.
In Quito, we have discovered all sorts of attractive, well-equipped properties ideal for someone interested
in city life and perpetual springtime weather. The area is ringed by staggering Andean peaks, providing
beautiful views from many properties. The city is in the process of restoring the old colonial center,
something that caused property values to rise rapidly in Cuenca and Guayaquil, upon completion.
Yet the tremendous value found in these irreplaceable antique homes, many in the $75,000 to $100,000
range, has not yet been discovered by the Ecuadorian investors.
Manta
If you’d like to look out your window at the sparkling ocean and pristine beaches, but also have the
opportunity to step outside to a bustling city if the beach life becomes too relaxing…then Manta, on
Ecuador’s coast, is your best bet.

With a population of 250,000, Manta is Ecuador’s only coastal metropolis and offers the same
transportation, medical, and communication services as the larger cities of Quito and Guayaquil. A
recent university study of population trends predicts that Manta will be Ecuador’s second most popular
expat destination over the next 25 years, trailing only the Andean city of Cuenca.
Ecuador: The Owner’s Manual

For the best insight and information you can get on this promising country, take a look at Ecuador:
The Owner’s Manual, currently available from our online Bookstore at: www.ILbookstore.com.
Live in Ecuador on half your Social Security

Lee and Peg Carper aren’t your typical retired couple. Not by a long shot. For one thing, they’re
younger than most retirees—he’s 56 and she’s 53. They don’t golf or play bridge; they don’t take art
lessons or baby-sit grandkids. They don’t read the newspapers, watch television, or surf the Internet.
Lee and Peg live in Cotacachi, a small village in the Ecuadorian Andes two hours north of Quito.
Like the clock above the town park with hands permanently stopped at 1:07, time stands still here.
It’s the Mayberry of the Andes. Even though they live in one of the most beautiful spots on the
planet, neither of them is worried about stretching their retirement dollars.
That’s because their total monthly expenses are less than $600. This includes food, utilities, medical
expenses, dog food, and even the rent on their new 1,200-square-foot apartment. An additional $100
covers miscellaneous expenses including cigarettes and a couple of cases of beer.
Lee and Peg’s monthly budget is:
Rent: $150
Food: $250
Water: $6
Electricity: $13
Propane: $7
Medications: $50
Laundry: $24
Housecleaning: $40
Dog food: $40
Total: $580
Miscellaneous expenses rarely amount to more than $100 and include $2 haircuts, $2 manicures,
$1.25 cigarettes, $7.30 cases of beer, 25-cent bus rides, and an occasional $10 doctor’s visit.

Mexico
There is only one place in the world where you can enjoy an affordable overseas retirement, live right
on the beach for pennies on the dollar, yet remain within minutes of the U.S. by car…
With its moon-lit fiestas, languid white-sand beaches, ancient colonial towns set in the rugged Sierras,
and Mayan pyramids rising from the misty Yucatan jungle, it’s no wonder so many retirees are starting
new lives in Mexico.
Stately Spanish Colonial cities in Mexico are steeped in tradition, and soaring baroque church spires
overlook gracious squares. Here you can dine in elegant cafés, and browse upscale shops on the very
spots where the heroes of the Revolution declared independence from Spain and forged a new country.
For all these reasons, and many more, Mexico is one of the world’s top destinations for those dreaming
of a relaxed and romantic new life abroad.
America’s closest southern neighbor consistently makes International Living’s list of the top ten
countries to live in.

A move to Mexico means you can still enjoy the amenities you were accustomed to north of the border,
including cable TV, high-speed Internet, and modern home appliances. And if you prefer, you can even
bring all of your favorite things with you without paying import taxes.
Goods and services cost less, so you can afford the kinds of luxuries only the very wealthy enjoy up
north: a maid, a cook, and a gardener for example. In your retirement here, you’ll have the time to
volunteer at the local school, golf in the mornings, relax on the beach…and savor life.
Whether your vision of the ideal retirement involves shopping, fishing, sunbathing, diving, biking,
mountain climbing, parasailing, collecting crafts, visiting archeological sites, partying, going to concerts,
attending the theater, or fine dining, in Mexico you can engage in all of these activities, and more.
Closer than ever
Just across the border from the U.S., Mexico is now “closer than ever”—that’s a motto used by the
Mexican Tourism Association…and we couldn’t agree more.
What does that mean, exactly? Well…in terms of physical proximity, Mexico is the closest southern
neighbor to the U.S. and a NAFTA partner, with all the good roads, high-speed communications and
top-notch health care that you’d expect. It is easy to live and do business there.
The paradox is that things still move a bit slower in Mexico. You can enjoy a relaxed and refreshing
lifestyle…like something out of a 19th-century travelogue…but it isn’t half a world away. It’s within
driving distance of the U.S. and Canada!
Hundreds of thousands of North Americans will soon rediscover the investment and lifestyle
opportunities still available in Mexico—it’s only natural. That means the time is right for you to get
an inside track on the property that can not only be the home of your dreams, but a valuable income
producer as well.
Whether your dream retreat is a graceful colonial home with lavish gardens, a simple beachfront
bungalow where you can prop up your feet on the rail and watch the tide roll in, an expansive hacienda
with enough acreage for horses to roam, or a cliff-side villa with sunset views and cool, steady breezes,
you are likely to find it in Mexico…provided you look in the right place.

A couple can live well in Mexico on less than $1,700 a month
Can a couple really live on $1,700 a month (that’s just $28.34 each a day)? Yes they can. Mexico
resident, and IL’s Mexico expert, Glynna Prentice explains how:
“Can you truly afford to live in Mexico if you’re on a fixed budget? Yes, you can—including rent. But
you need to choose carefully where you want to live, and you’ll need to make some tradeoffs on how
you spend your money.
“In reasonably priced expat areas like Mérida, in the Yucatán, rent for a decent, three-to-four-bedroom
furnished house with patio and pool runs $1,000 to $1,500 a month. Unfurnished houses command
lower prices, as do those with fewer luxury amenities like extensive garden areas, patios, and swimming
pools. A friend in Campeche, where I live, rented an unfurnished three-bedroom, two-bathroom modern
house last year in a prosperous urban neighborhood for $550 a month.
“Natural gas for household use is cheap and widely available. Electricity and telephone service are
expensive, however, so it pays to strategize—thinking carefully about what you’ll need—when you set
these up.
“The key to smart shopping in Mexico is local shopping. I know an expat who complains bitterly
about the cost of living in Mexico. She says food is expensive, among other things. She buys all her
food at Sam’s Club and Costco, she buys all U.S. items (a large percentage of them processed foods).
From what I’ve seen so far in Mexico, that is exactly the wrong way to shop if you want to keep down
your costs.
“While it is true that you can find the products you’re used to having up north—from Campbell’s soup
to Tide—it’s also true that you’ll usually pay more for the convenience of a brand name. However,
if you shop at the local produce markets and the stores where locals buy, you’re sure to pay less for
your goods.”
Below is a sample monthly budget for a couple living in Mexico:
Housing (rental of a two-bedroom home) $600

Utilities (electricity, gas, water) $120
Household help (house cleaner and gardener once a week) $120
Groceries $300
Entertainment (dining out and other activities) $250

Health care (two people at $300 each per year for IMSS insurance) $50
Incidentals (clothes, household items, etc.) $100
Communication: phone, internet, cable TV $100
That’s just $27 per person, per day!
Whether your dream retreat is a graceful colonial home with lavish gardens, a simple beachfront
bungalow where you can prop up your feet on the rail and watch the tide roll in, an expansive hacienda
with enough acreage for horses to roam, or a cliff-side villa with sunset views and cool, steady breezes,
you are likely to find it in Mexico, provided you look in the right places.
First-rate health care at half U.S. prices
Health care in Mexico is first rate. Private clinics and hospitals are staffed by expert physicians (many
of whom trained in the U.S., Europe, or in Mexico’s own world-renowned teaching hospitals), and
medical care and prescription drugs will cost you only a fraction of what you would pay in the U.S.
Every mid-size to large city in Mexico has at least one first-rate hospital. And a big plus is that the cost
of health care in Mexico is generally one-half or less what you might expect to pay in the U.S.
The same goes for prescription drugs. Prescription drugs manufactured in Mexico cost, on average,
about 50% less than the same drugs cost in the U.S. Of course, the costs of medical care will vary
by physician, hospital, and your condition. On average, an office visit with a doctor—specialists
included—will cost 250 to 300 pesos (about $20).
A house call (which doctors in Mexico still make) will cost about the same. Lab tests will cost about
a third of what they cost in the U.S. A CAT scan often costs about 25% of U.S. prices. An overnight
stay in a private hospital room costs about 350 pesos ($25). A visit to a dentist for teeth cleaning costs
about 200 pesos ($15).
For medical care, private health insurance in Mexico is half or less than what it costs in the U.S. But for
a couple it can still cost $200 or more a month. In addition, private plans usually exclude pre-existing
conditions and won’t take new clients who are more than 64 years old.

In Mexico, fortunately, there’s IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, or Mexican Social Security
Institute), Mexico’s national health insurance. Once they have their residence visas, a couple can get
health insurance coverage—including prescription medicines—through IMSS for a cool $300 each
per year.
Where to retire in Mexico
Mérida
Flat-fronted homes, freshly painted (this one yellow, that one green, another one blue, and next door,
red), delight the eye, street after street. These happy-looking exteriors hide private open-air courtyards
within. In this city, 200 miles west of Cancún and a world apart, no building stands over three stories
high, with the exception of a hotel or two, and even these aren’t skyscrapers. As in Paris or Seville, the
scale of the city is inviting, and makes Mérida infinitely livable.
Mérida is at the true heart of the Mayan culture. It is not only an especially value-packed place to visit,
but property prices are among the most reasonable in Mexico. A colonial home in the heart of town,
for example, lists for as little as $59,900. A 15-acre estate outside of Mérida with a seven bedroom,
seven-bathroom home, a pool, and even a duck pond, can be yours for $150,000.
Manzanillo
The cab rockets cheerfully down the boulevard. Palms sway in the breeze. The sun sparkles on the
vast expanse of Pacific Ocean, which can be glimpsed now and then through the highrise condos and
lowrise hotels…it feels like driving into a time warp. Shouldn’t the Beach Boys be playing?
But no, it’s not 1969. The time is now and the place is Manzanillo, Mexico—the state of Colima’s
rockin’ resort on the Pacific. Manzanillo is one of the biggest beach resort cities on this part of Mexico’s
Pacific Coast. It offers a very casual lifestyle. Here there are great (but simple) seafood restaurants,
scuba shacks, and great beaches. The city boasts two five-mile stretches of beach, on two bays that
are separated by a peninsula. If you’re looking for a laid-back beach existence but want some city
amenities, Manzanillo could be for you.
The Caribbean Coast—The Riviera Maya and Costa Maya

The amazingly beautiful Riviera Maya of Mexico, the area from Cancún south to Tulúm, constitutes
the fastest-growing region in the country. The equally stunning Costa Maya, from Tulúm south to the
Belize border, isn’t far behind.
The government is committed to developing this entire white sand, emerald sea coastline into the
biggest tourist destination in the country. Already it’s home to several thriving tourist regions. And this
government knows what it’s doing. Pave the roads, run the electrical lines, they understand, and the

tourists will follow. It worked in Cancún. Now they’re following the same plan on the Riviera Maya
and the Costa Maya areas.
Along the Riviera Maya, the 100-mile-long coastal stretch between Cancún and Tulúm, prices are a bit
higher the closer you are to the high-traffic tourist areas of Cancún or Playa del Carmen. In Playa de
Carmen, for instance, 0.25-acre oceanfront property lots can go up to $900,000, whereas comparable
lots in Tulúm go for only $250,000 to $300,000. Right now, along the Costa Maya, for a 0.25-acre
oceanfront property, you can expect to pay $100,000 and up, depending on location, of course.
But is the window of opportunity in this area closed entirely? Well, if it’s bargain-basement beachfront
you’re after, the answer is, unfortunately, yes. But are the prices now on a par with what you’d pay in
other Caribbean destinations? The good news is, not yet, but we do predict prices in these areas will
continue to go up, and eventually meet, if not exceed, the levels you’ll find in comparable locations.
Puerto Vallarta
Where misty tropical mountains wrap arms around the crescent moon-shaped Banderas Bay, Puerto
Vallarta is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Puerto Vallarta offers an international airport,
pro-tourney golf courses, designer shopping, and world-class restaurants, and it attracts beautiful
people from around the world. It’s easy to fall in love with Puerto Vallarta. If you do, you’ll be happy to
know there are still such places where you can indulge your fantasies, and live happily and comfortably
without breaking the bank.
Wherever you go in Mexico, the people will charm you, the natural beauty will seduce you, and the
remarkably affordable cost of living will entice you to stay. Whatever your motives for settling in
Mexico, whether you hope to escape the fast pace of life up north, enjoy a better lifestyle for less than
you’d pay at home, or discover a safe haven where the crime rate is low and you can enjoy a small-town
existence, you’re likely to find your ideal home in Mexico.
“Beyond Your Expectations”…is the motto of the Mexican Tourism Association. We couldn’t agree
more.
Mexico: The Owner’s Manual

To get the best and most thorough information you can on this promising country without actually
traveling there in person, take a look at Mexico: The Owner’s Manual, a comprehensive guide
to moving, living and investing in Mexico. It’s currently available from our Bookstore at www.
ILbookstore.com.

Living in Mexico
by Dan Prescher and Suzan Haskins
Eight years ago, we decided we couldn’t take it any more and left the wind, rain, snow, and sleet of
Midwestern winters behind. We’ve never regretted doing that, despite the fact that making a life in
a foreign world came with its own set of hurdles.
Here in Merida, the streets are clean. The stores are well stocked. Cafés and restaurants abound. At
night in the city parks, bands play free concerts under the stars. Dinner can be had at a local café
for $5. It’s safe to walk home after midnight.
A visit to the doctor’s office costs $30, and the doctor takes medical histories himself. The doctor
provides a personal phone number and says to call immediately with any questions or concerns…
and means it. Just about everything necessary for a quiet, happy life is within walking distance or
a $2 taxi ride away, and there are taxis on every corner, all the time.
This may sound like life in a typical U.S. town in the 1950s, but this is our home in the old central
district of Merida, capital city of Yucatan State in eastern Mexico. Merida is a prosperous middle-
class Mexican city that works. With a population of about 800,000, it’s large enough to have
everything we need, and small enough to be completely manageable.
Merida has an international airport with regular direct flights to Houston, Miami, and Atlanta. High-
speed Internet, satellite and cable television, first-run movies, and modern shopping malls exist
here alongside ancient churches, hand-pushed ice cream carts, historic haciendas, and indigenous
craft markets. Many of the people on the streets speak Mayan as their first language.
Just 40 minutes north of town on a modern highway are some of the best beaches anywhere along
Mexico’s Gulf Coast. Summer temperatures at the beach average 20° F cooler than in the city.
Restaurants bring cold beer and freshly grilled fish right out to your table under a palapa in the sand.
A long summer afternoon by the sea with a cool breeze, a lunch of the day’s catch, and a few drinks
runs to about $15…for two. The other nine months of the year, a ceiling fan is the only climate
control needed in the city.
Property around Merida is still affordable compared to U.S. prices, and taking into consideration
the low taxes and other day to day costs, we can live here for about half what we lived on in the U.S.
Mexico has problems, and poverty is foremost among them. Mexico’s wealth, though, is its hard
working and generous people. Whenever we’re away, we can’t wait to get back home to Mexico.

Panama
Many North Americans favor Panama as a destination because it is so close. There are dozens of
quick, direct flights going to and from the U.S. daily. Moving to Panama, therefore, does not greatly
separate you from friends and family. International Living has repeatedly proclaimed Panama as a
great retirement haven. In fact, Panama came out top in our annual Global Retirement Index for six
years in a row, and today it remains in our top five.
The amazing benefits of retiring to Panama are no longer a secret. IL is not the only voice encouraging
people to retire to Panama; respected publications including Harper’s Bazaar, The Boston Globe, USA
Today, and The New York Times have all published articles about Panama’s many attributes.
Panama offers a very comfortable retirement solution, in part because the nation is much more
developed than most visitors expect. Many are shocked by the modernity of Panama and the clusters
of skyscrapers that define Panama City’s skyline. All of the amenities one could wish for are readily
available.
Panama is also far more developed and modern than most people anticipate. The idea that moving to
Panama means a move away from the First World could not be farther from the truth.

This country has the most advanced and modern infrastructure in Central America…First-World
convenience at Third-World prices—you can still take a taxi across town for a few dollars, see a movie
for $4, get a trim at the barbershop for $5…or have dinner with a bottle of wine at one of the city’s
trendy restaurants for $20 a head. Here you can find the same luxuries and amenities that you enjoy at
home…and you can even afford more of them due to Panama’s low cost of living.
The U.S. influence in Panama is so apparent that it can be difficult to remember you are in Central
America. (The U.S. administrated the Panama Canal until 1999, when Panama took over). Highrise
condos of chrome and steel rim the wide Avenida Balboa and overlook the Bay of Panama.
Modern shopping centers offer all the latest brands and gadgets anyone could possibly need. You won’t
want for anything here.
Panama’s very low cost of living
Monthly expenses in Panama are extremely reasonable. You may expect to pay:
Apartment rental: $900

Utilities (including electricity, cable TV, landline): $200
Food/household goods: $300
Maid service (part-time): $80
Maintenance and fuel for one car: $200
That’s $28 per person, per day!

One more thing: Panama is one of the best places in the hemisphere for a private offshore bank account,
a multinational corporation, or a new business.
A new way of looking at retirement!
Panama is a forward-looking country. They realize that “retirement” is being redefined in the 21st
century, and that the new generation of retirees has little in common with retirees of 50 years ago. In
Panama, retirement isn’t based on age: it’s based on income. For example, if you have a pension or
benefit program that pays you a minimum of $1,000 per month, you qualify as a retiree.

The world’s best Pensionado Program
You may be thinking, “Pensioner? Retiree? That leaves me out”. If so, think again. The rules for
becoming a pensioner and qualifying for this visa program in Panama are not what you think.
In 1987, Panama created Law No. 9—the most appealing program of special benefits for foreign
residents and retirees you’ll find anywhere in the world today.
This government-backed program will pay for your retirement. It helps pay for your hospital visits and
medicine for the sales tax on your car and the property tax on your house. It heavily subsidizes your
travel by train, ship, and plane. Your food is cheaper and so are your hotel stays.
If you draw a pension of at least $1,000 per month you are entitled to apply for the pensionado
program. You can, however, apply with a minimum pension of just $750 if you invest at least
$100,000 in property in Panama. Another plus: you may now pool your pension with your spouse’s
pension to meet the minimum pension requirement.
As a qualified pensionado/retiree in Panama, you will be entitled to:
Travel and entertainment benefits:

Ø 50% off entertainment—such as movies, theaters, concerts, and sporting events anywhere in
the country
Ø 30% off bus, boat, and train fares
Ø 25% off airline tickets
Ø 50% off hotel stays from Monday through Thursday
Ø 30% off hotel stays from Friday through Sunday
Ø 25% off at restaurants
Ø 15% off at fast-food restaurants
Health care benefits:

Ø 15% off hospital bills (if no insurance applies)
Ø 10% off prescription medicines
Ø 20% off medical consultations
Ø 15% off dental and eye exams
Professional fee discount:

Ø 20% off professional and technical services
Ø 50% off closing costs for home loans and more...

Utility expense discounts:
Ø 25% discount on power bills
Ø 25% off fixed cost telephone service
Ø 25% off water charges
In addition, you are entitled to a one-time exemption from duties on the importation of household
goods (up to $10,000) and an exemption every two years from duties for the importation or local
purchase of a car.
A word of advice on obtaining a visa
Bear in mind that if you wish to conduct business during your stay in Panama (visits to the Immigration
Department, appointments to open bank accounts, etc.) you should wear rather conservative clothing.
Shorts, sandals, tank tops, and other such items of casual clothing are generally frowned upon.
Moreover, government offices will bar entrance to anyone who’s dressed in such attire. The visa
information above should not be deemed legal advice, but rather as a brief overview of some of the
visas available in Panama. It applies solely to nationals of Canada, the U.S., and most of the European
Union. An evaluation of your individual case may be necessary to determine the visa best suited to
your circumstances.
Rainelda Mata-Kelly is our recommended attorney in Panama. If you wish to find out more information
about Panama’s many attractive visa programs, please contact her.
Ø
Rainelda Mata-Kelly, LL.M., Law Offices, Torres de las Americas, Tower B, 4th Floor, Suite
406-407, Punta Pacifica, City of Panama; tel. +507 263-4305; fax +507 264-2868; e-mail:
rmk@matakelly.com; website www.matakelly.com.
Panama is a safe country offering First-World benefits
Just as important, Panama is safe, stable, and friendly. And it boasts the best health care and infrastructure
in Central America! But these are only the bold headlines. As you take time to learn more about
Panama, you’ll find it keeps looking better and better.
Its climate is unrivalled in the world, with topical rain forests, temperate mountains, and warm, tropical
white sand beaches. Its wildlife is abundant, with most of the bird species in North America, and its
pristine natural setting is an eco-tourist’s dream. No wonder that the Smithsonian’s Tropical Research
Center is located in Barrio Colorado. Plus, unlike its neighbors, Panama is a stranger to hurricanes!

Bocas del Toro, the most popular but still little-known tourist destination, attracts those in search of
adventures off the beaten trail, in a relaxed Caribbean setting, and everything you could desire in a
tropical paradise: You can snorkel in clear, warm water, fish, sail, you name it.
Or you can explore the territories of the seven indigenous peoples of Panama found in remote locations
around the country. In Bocas, for example, you’ll discover the Ngöbe Buglé villages, where Indians
live just as they have for centuries.
The Panama Canal was given back to the Panamanian government in 1999, but the longtime U.S.
presence left in its wake the benefit of a modern infrastructure. Today, Panama is more like a First-
World country than a developing nation.
In Panama, things work. You can make an international phone call (at very reasonable rates) anytime of
day, and calls go through. You can e-mail over reliable, high-speed Internet connections.
The roads are convenient, paved, and pothole-free. Panama City certainly is the most
affordable cosmopolitan city in this hemisphere. Which explains why International Living rates Panama
as its top choice in the world for inexpensive, First-World city living. Many visitors are surprised at the
Panama City skyline, where skyscrapers tower, and bright lights invitingly line the harbor.
In Panama you’ll find any type of cuisine you might have an appetite for, along with shopping malls,
dry cleaners, pizza delivery, first-run movies, top-notch hotels, in short, every imaginable necessity,
amenity, and luxury imaginable. On some city blocks, where modern city-life abounds, you’ll have to
remind yourself you are in Central America, and, best yet, these luxuries and services are a fraction of
the price you would expect to pay.
In addition to city life, Panama offers affordable living on the Pacific coast, (and on the tropical island of
Contadora), plus one of the world’s best mountain escapes in the inland Chiriquí region of Boquete.
Where to retire in Panama
Panama City
If you’re looking for inexpensive cosmopolitan living—but with the conveniences you’d expect in
New York, Chicago, Miami, or any other major First-World city—you need to take a serious look at
Panama City.
Panama City boasts a skyline of skyscrapers...modern office buildings and hotels of shining glass
and steel with world-class views of the Bay of Panama. The city is a major international commerce
and banking hub, home to more than 80 of the world’s largest banks and other giant multi-national

corporations such as Federal Express, DHL, and Price Costco. There’s a reason it’s called the “hub of
the Americas,” and you can thank the Panama Canal for that. For more than 100 years, it’s been the
conduit between east and west, north and south. The influence of many different nationalities is vast.
Walk the streets of Panama City and you will hear dozens of different languages…including English.
You can dine in five-star restaurants. Attend plays, symphonies, and the ballet and shop at the many
unique boutiques. 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 don’t have to be in Panama City long to see that it wasn’t built overnight. The city is an enticing
blend of colonial and modern architecture. A place where old meets new, and where it is an everyday
experience to see a Kuna Indian dressed in a traditional colorful, beaded costume walking side by side
with a businessman (or woman) carrying a briefcase and conducting business via their cell phone.
The Azuero Peninsula

From the colonial square of Las Tablas to the tawny shores of Pedasi, la Peninsula de Azuero is a land
that lifts the soul and touches the heart. Its sons and daughters are beautiful and proud, and its beaches
are flat, wide expanses rimmed by the waters of the vast blue Pacific.
Located on the Pacific Coast of Panama, the Azuero Peninsula juts out into the Pacific Ocean. About
a five-hour drive from Panama City, it is often compared to the Guanacaste region in the north west
of Costa Rica, due to its flat land and very lush open areas. Azuero consists of the provinces of Los
Santos and Herrera, plus the southern tip of Veraguas—the only province in Panama that boasts both
Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Several national parks are located here, and this highly arid coastal
region has its own unique wildlife and boasts archeological sites dating back centuries.
The Azuero Peninsula is one of the latest parts of Panama to be “discovered.” A small roster of
celebrities, including Hollywood movie stars and America’s rich and famous, are buying large tracts
of land as nature preserves, investments, and for exclusive getaways. Although this peninsula is often
described as being “off the beaten track” by travel guides, Panamanians think differently. The region is
frequently referred to as the heartland of Panama and the cradle of the nation’s folkloric traditions.
Old country lifestyle in the Azueran countryside is largely unchanged since the turn of the century.
Visitors enjoy the way life slows down as if one were traveling back in time.
Boquete
Balmy is nice, but the forested mountains of Boquete offer another kind of paradise in Panama. This
little valley, located in the mountainous Chiriquí region at an elevation of 3,500 feet, is one of the
world’s most wondrous refuges. Due to its elevation, daytime temperatures rarely dip below 70° F in
Boquete and rarely climb above 80° F.

Nights are cool and comfortable. Boquete is ideal, therefore, as either a year-round, full time retreat, or
as a place to escape to for several weeks of the year. In our minds, it’s hard to imagine a better haven
than this little village. Boquete’s lush green hills, flowing rivers, and spectacular waterfalls make it one
of the most unspoiled retirement retreats in the world today.
Boquete is located at the base of the tallest peak in Panama, the extinct volcano of Baru. The surrounding
mountains are blanketed with coffee, banana, mango, and palm trees. The Caldera River rushes through
the middle of town and out to the Pacific Ocean, less than 30 miles away. From the upper rim of the
valley you can see the ocean, and the border of Costa Rica in the distance, as well as the storybook
village below.
Because of the superb climate, the area around Boquete is lush and verdant. Panamanians call it the
“Valley of Flowers and Eternal Spring”. It offers all manner of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking,
bird watching, horse-riding, whitewater rafting, trout fishing, and gardening. The town is renowned
throughout Panama for its coffee and its flowers. The Boquete Flower and Coffee Fair attracts thousands
of visitors from all over the world every January. Coffee beans are picked from October through
February in Boquete, primarily by the Guaymí Indians. The harvest season is a festive time when
families, in traditional dress, come down from the mountains to work. The conditions in Boquete are,
in fact, ideal for growing coffee, which is shipped to Europe and North America.
Retirees have flocked to this retirement gem. With banks, B&Bs, hotels, and museums, Boquete is fast
becoming an eco-tourist’s mecca. From our vantage point in Panama, we’ve noticed that Boquete has
more to offer every time we look. In the last few years a number of new developments have sprung up,
including a riverside restaurant, a hotel, a folklore shop with arts and crafts from Central America, a
visitors’ center, and a sports center with basketball courts and baseball fields.
Numerous Mexican, Chinese, Italian, and American restaurants are new to the area. This rural
community now has access to web designers, antiques shops, dentists, attorneys, accountants, even a
video shop that offers DVD and video rentals. Boquete even has an English-language online e-zine, the
Boquete Times, which chronicles the arts and cultural events in and around Boquete. The site offers a
full directory of local businesses and services. (Check them out at www.theboquetetimes.com.)
Living in the Panama highlands…David

If you’re looking for a place to retire, in our view it simply doesn’t get any better than the
highland areas of Panama, especially when it comes to value combined with convenience. A 30-minute
drive from Boquete, on a perfectly paved and modern road, brings you to the city of David (pronounced
“Da-VEED”). Here you’ll find everything, including two U.S.-style grocery stores, a Price Smart, two
private hospitals, and six new-car dealerships.

A small airport serves David with daily flights to Panama City and Bocas Del Toro on the Caribbean
coast. You can fly to these destinations for $25 to $50 each way. A 30-minute drive on a four-lane road
will take you to the Costa Rican border. Also available is a first-class Mercedes bus to Panama City for
$15 (movies included!). The road from David to Panama City is now a mostly four-lane highway that
can be driven in about five hours. This coastal drive is dotted with beautiful beaches along the way.
One kilometer from the David airport is a marina accepting large yachts to small boats. The fishing and
diving just off the coast are superb. A two-hour drive on a fine road takes you to the Caribbean Coast
and Bocas Del Toro (literally translated: the mouth of the bull).
Panama: The Owner’s Manual

Panama: The Owner’s Manual contains more than 200 pages of maps, property listings, details
on cost of living, health care, banking, and residency requirements...plus contacts to help you buy,
rent, start a business, retire, and travel in this glorious country. We think you’ll enjoy finding out
more. For more details on our Panama: The Owner’s Manual, go to www.ILbookstore.com.
Panama City—First-World convenience, slow pace of life

by Jessica Ramesch
One day in the Bahamas, I found myself thinking: “Stay here or go home?” I’d been working for a
cruise line based out of Miami. I knew I’d move back home to Panama some day. I wanted to live a
better-quality, slower-paced life.
I’m accustomed to First-World convenience and infrastructure. Luckily, I moved back at a time
when Panama could offer all this. I love my neighborhood and my four-bedroom apartment which
costs me $550 a month in rent.
The light of my life, Yariela, comes over on Mondays. She does the laundry, cooks, cleans…and
anything else I need. I pay her $15 per visit…she works from around 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., leaving
everything fresh and clean.
On the weekend I often go to Santa Clara with friends. This beach is close to the city and is clean,
and the waters are turquoise. We each spend about $95 for the weekend, including gas, rental house
with pool, and food and drinks—local beer, rum, wine, cheese, meat and vegetables for the BBQ,
salads, and more. I’m living just the way I wanted—easy, happy, uncomplicated.

Uruguay
From its old-world theaters and opera houses to its jazz festivals and exquisite restaurants, Uruguay
looks and feels like Europe, but it is much more affordable. The truth is that Uruguay is one of the
most diverse, affordable, and sophisticated countries in the region. It is a special place. From gaucho
(cowboy) country to small towns to those stunning white-sand beaches, a quest for beautiful beaches
and low property prices is certainly worthwhile.
While the prices are low, the infrastructure is first rate. You can drink the water from any tap in the
country. Telephone lines are available in less than 48 hours, and your high speed Internet connection is
just a phone call away in most cities. The diversity and quality of life in Uruguay is everywhere. You’ll
speed down the excellent highways, flying past ancient cars from the 20s through the 50s, passing
gauchos in traditional dress tending their herds along the way.
This is Uruguay.
Or you’ll enjoy swimming in the South Atlantic Ocean, sunning yourself on the beach of South
America’s most dazzling beach resort. And while doing this you can look forward to a mouthwatering

seafood dinner along the water, a visit to a highrise casino, perhaps followed by a stroll through one of
the most exclusive shopping districts in this part of the world.
This, too, is Uruguay.
So is the old city of Montevideo, with its shady sycamore-lined streets, fine restaurants, granite
structures, colorful markets, and artisan fairs. And also Colonia with its historic buildings and
authentically restored Old Town, as well as La Paloma with its miles of unspoiled beaches, and Chuy,
sitting on the border with Brazil with its wild-west atmosphere.
But should you even be interested in Uruguay?
Uruguay is largely unknown among potential North American expats, and you won’t find many of them
living here. The majority work with the diplomatic corps or are stationed in Uruguay by their North
American companies. The fastest growing expat group in the country seems to be from Argentina, with
Uruguay becoming an increasingly popular retirement destination for them.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Uruguay is perhaps the biggest and most pleasant surprise for those who move
here. It’s not difficult to live on less than $1,700 per month, and you don’t really have to live an
unattractive lifestyle to do it. Needless to say, you can spend a lot more than $1,700…There’s one
important thing to consider when thinking about the cost of living, and that’s the rate of exchange with
your base currency. As the peso fluctuates, your cost of living will vary.
Below is a sample monthly budget for a couple, renting a house in Uruguay. If you own your home,
then total monthly figure will obviously be lower.
Rent $560
Water $13
Transportation $49
Gas $36
Electricity $125
Telephone $10

Internet $27
Cable TV $20
Household help (full-time maid) $250
Food $287
Entertainment $345
Residency in Uruguay
Uruguay is somewhat unique in that the process for residency is designed to be done within Uruguay
after you arrive, rather than in a consulate outside of Uruguay. It’s perfect for those who try the country
out for a few months and then decide to stay.
Uruguay’s Dirección Nacional de Migración (DNM, or simply Immigration) is the government office
that deals with immigration and residency matters. This office receives residency petitions, together
with the associated documents, and then reviews each request package and completes the approval
process. The DNM also receives and grants visa extensions.
The complete process for obtaining permanent residency takes between 12 and 16 months.
You’ll most likely enter Uruguay as a tourist, and this is what you’ll remain until you get approval to
over-stay your original tourist entry time limit. No tourist visa is required for U.S., Canadian, or EU
citizens.
Here’s a simplified version of the steps of the residency process:
Ø
Submit a letter of intent to Immigration
Ø
Obtain your police background check
Ø
Get a simple medical exam
Ø
Provide evidence of your financial means of support
Ø
Turn it all in with a copy of your passport
Ø
Obtain your temporary cédula (ID card)
Ø
Wait…
Ø
Receive final approval, and obtain your permanent cédula

Where to retire in Uruguay?
Montevideo
If big-city living is for you, Montevideo is likely to be your favorite place in Uruguay. You can spend
weeks exploring the city, and never get tired of enjoying its shady parks and sycamore-lined streets,
eating in its sophisticated restaurants, bistros, and sidewalk cafés, or browsing in the artisan markets,
antique shops, and book stores.
Or how about a walk around Plaza Fabini and Plaza Cagancha, which often have musicians playing
tango or residents perfecting their tango skills to a local band or music box. After a few days in
Montevideo it is easy to fall into its rhythm, sitting at a sidewalk café while reading the paper and
watching the world go by.
The city has it all in regards to culture and convenience. Teatro Solís is a magnificently restored old-
world theater, serving as a venue for some of the most famous theater groups and orchestras in the
world. There are numerous schools of dance, music, and art. The city is home to 35 radio stations,
various TV channels, and it has good cable TV and high-speed Internet services.
Colonia
Located just 28 miles from Buenos Aires, Colonia del Sacramento, or Colonia as its more commonly
known, is right off a picture postcard with its cobble-stone, well-shaded, sycamore-lined streets, fine
shops, art galleries, great restaurants, and parrilladas (meat grills).
Founded by the Portuguese in 1680, it is the epitome of what a restored colonial settlement should look
like, with its antique stone houses, parks, and fortresses. Its 30,000 residents enjoy all the conveniences
of a small city, with the extra niceties that the tourist industry brings.
Colonia is “open all year.” There’s a high season between December and March, but even in July—the
dead of winter—you’ll find the nicer hotels booked solid on the weekends. The dazzling seaside sunsets
of course, are a year-round feature as well.
Colonia is a perfect town for strolling, particularly in the small historic center. You can spend a leisurely
afternoon at a waterfront parrillada, watching the boats go by on one side of the table and the people
on the other and then explore the shaded streets and quiet colonial neighborhoods.
Antique cars that Uruguay has been noted for over the years have now become rare in Montevideo and
Punta del Este, but you’ll still see a few on the streets of Colonia and even more in the interior cities.

Punta del Este
Punta del Este is one of South America’s premier seaside resorts, and its beautiful beaches, dazzling
casinos, world-class restaurants, and upscale shops have kept people coming from around the world for
almost a century, earning it the title of the Saint Tropez of South America.
One of the continent’s most glamorous resorts, it’s often host to jazz and film festivals, rodeos, fashion
shows on the beach, and major conferences, as well as visitors that include international celebrities,
European royalty, and Brazilian and Argentine politicians and jet-setters.
After losing some of its shine during the 1990s, Punta del Este—traditionally known as “the Pearl of
the Atlantic” has reinvented itself once again. Its new image as South America’s premier all-purpose
vacation spot, with attractions for everyone from lounge-music fans and families with small children
to sport fishermen, gamblers, and sun worshipers is paying dividends.
The streets and the city are as clean and appealing up close as they are from miles away, and the beaches
are well maintained and spotless. It seems crime-free, and is completely devoid of the panhandlers you
might expect in a Latin American city of this size. And it’s a place that oozes with class, from the fine
upscale shops and boutiques to the world-class restaurants, and dazzling casinos. It even has a classical
and jazz radio station (100.9 FM), a real rarity in South America.
You will see children playing on the beach, laughing and kicking a soccer ball around in the evenings…
which will tell you something about the lack of crime in the city, even at night. And the cost of being
here isn’t as high as you might think, considering the posh surroundings.
The peninsula is divided by Gorlero Avenue, an upscale shopping area. Valentino, Tommy Hilfiger,
Donna Karan, Gianni Versace, Nike, and Banana Republic are among the many international brands
represented here. The great attraction of this city is the broad range of choice it offers visitors. Choose
from simple inns to deluxe international hotel chains; local family-style dining to gourmet international
cuisine; international theater to jazz festivals; and major sport competitions, such as tennis or polo.
There is always something to do in Punta del Este, day or night.
Uruguay: The Owner’s Manual

For an in-depth look around this amazing country and all the information you’ll need about
relocating here, take a look at Uruguay: The Owner’s Manual, a comprehensive book currently
available from our Bookstore at: www.ILbookstore.com.

Enhanced quality of life in Punta del Este
by Lee Harrison
Enhanced quality of life at a reasonable cost: that’s why most people come to Punta del Este. This
is not the cheapest place to retire, nor is it the most exotic or adventurous. But this small part of an
otherwise tiny country offers the most comfortable and relaxed lifestyle you’ll find at any price.
From our home in a quiet, wooded residential neighborhood we enjoy a mild climate, clean air, and
endless miles of beautiful beaches that we have mostly to ourselves. In the nearby town of Punta
del Este—South America’s premier resort—we find top-notch shows from around the world, the
country’s best selection of fine restaurants, high-end international outlets, and art galleries where
we can enjoy hours of window shopping.
And for all this natural beauty, we don’t “pay the price” with hurricanes, tsunamis, volcanoes,
earthquakes, or tornados. Nor will you find panhandlers or people sleeping in doorways. The well-
organized municipality keeps the streets free of litter and cleans the beaches daily.
Within a few hours’ drive we explore regions of productive wineries, colonial cities, and vast
stretches of rolling ranchlands, accessible on fast, well-maintained highways. Uruguay boasts pure,
drinkable water throughout the country, fast and reliable Internet service, and an infrastructure
that’s the pride of the region. Yet we still have the benefit of reasonable utility rates and low taxes.
You won’t find a large number of North American expats here in Punta del Este, and there is little
North American influence to interfere with the mostly-Italian customs and traditions. Few people
speak English outside the tourist areas; something that, for us, adds to the charm of being here.
Since moving to Punta del Este, we enjoy long walks among the dunes and on the beaches, a yard
with no fence or barbed wire, a reasonable cost of living and real estate, and a relaxed, patient, and
unhurried culture where aggression and violence are rare. Genteel conduct and courteous behavior
are the norm.
True, Punta del Este is not the most exotic or least expensive place to live in Latin America; but all
in all, it’s an excellent value for a remarkable quality of life.

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How to Reitre in

Paradise on $30 a Day

Take it from us: it’s worth it.

 How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day 

 How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day 

Cultural and recreational opportunities

 How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

Here is a sample monthly budget for a couple renting a house:

Here’s a brief list of what you’ll find in the grocery store:

Flour, per pound $0.49

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day 

10 How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

Where to retire in Brazil?

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day 11

Brazil: The Owner’s Manual

12 How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day 13

14 How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

Here is a sample monthly budget for a couple living in Costa Rica:

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day 15

Here are some recent prices at Auto Mercado:

A 5.8-ounce can of tuna fish $1.09

16 How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

Residency and visas

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day 17

The Central Valley

The Gold Coast and beyond

18 How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

Costa Rica: The Owner’s Manual

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day 19

20 How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

Low prices allow greater opportunities

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day 21

Sample monthly budget for a couple in Quito or Cuenca:

Housing (rental of luxury two-bedroom apartment) $600

22 How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

Excellent health care at a fraction of U.S. prices

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day 23

24 How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

Ecuador: The Owner’s Manual

Live in Ecuador on half your Social Security

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day 25

26 How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

Closer than ever

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day 27

Below is a sample monthly budget for a couple living in Mexico:

Housing (rental of a two-bedroom home) $600

28 How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

First-rate health care at half U.S. prices

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day 29

Where to retire in Mexico

The Caribbean Coast—The Riviera Maya and Costa Maya

30 How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

Mexico: The Owner’s Manual

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day 31

32 How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day 33

Panama’s very low cost of living

Apartment rental: $900

A new way of looking at retirement!

34 How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day

How to Retire in Paradise on $30 a Day