Best Places In The World To Retire

We didn't have a car for the first 2.5 years we lived in Managua. I had a trustworthy and very reliable taxi driver with whom I organized most of my trips in Managua. We also used the Mini Express buses to get into town and to travel to Masaya, Granada or León.

 

While it is possible to get along without a car, it's far easier when you have one. Especially if you want to go out at night it can be difficult to get transportation, at least when you live in...

We didn't have a car for the first 2.5 years we lived in Managua. I had a trustworthy and very reliable taxi driver with whom I organized most of my trips in Managua. We also used the Mini Express buses to get into town and to travel to Masaya, Granada or León.

 

While it is possible to get along without a car, it's far easier when you have one. Especially if you want to go out at night it can be difficult to get transportation, at least when you live in Carretera Sur, as we do. Despite offering to pay a premium, I sometimes could not find a taxi driver to pick me up from my house in the evening and take me to town. Getting back home from town is easier.

 

(Bell tower of the Basilica Catedral de la Asuncion, Leon, Nicaragua, pictured.)

If you are moving your things to Portugal, it is best not to bring your electrical appliances because we have a different voltage here in Portugal than in the US. We use 220 voltage here, which is the same as in England.
 
You don’t really have to bring a lot of your stuff here because you can purchase everything here in the Lisbon area. You can find nice furniture, wonderful linen, wonderful china, etc. so you don’t need anything else. The same is true for the whole...

If you are moving your things to Portugal, it is best not to bring your electrical appliances because we have a different voltage here in Portugal than in the US. We use 220 voltage here, which is the same as in England.
 
You don’t really have to bring a lot of your stuff here because you can purchase everything here in the Lisbon area. You can find nice furniture, wonderful linen, wonderful china, etc. so you don’t need anything else. The same is true for the whole country of Portugal.
 
It costs pretty much the same in Portugal as in England to buy things. England is a bigger country so it has a lot more variety and a lot more competition. Here in Portugal, the Swedish have opened up a new chain for us called IKEA. They are here now and everybody shops in IKEA. The prices are pretty much competitive here.
 
If you want to buy some Portuguese furniture, you will find it a bit more expensive but it is because it is of higher quality and of good craftsmanship. When I moved back here from England, I didn’t bring my stuff over. I sold them in England and just bought everything new here in Portugal.

 

(Roof patio, Tavira, Portugal, pictured.)

Cell, Skype or Magicjack in Panama?  Yes.  They are all useful and serve different purposes.  I originally brought my "unlocked" AT&T iPhone and purchased a sim card.  It was great and easy to get connected.  A local cell phone is a must for affordable service once you are here in Panama for a significant period of time.  Skype is terrific for face-to-face contact and for those who need to communicate for...

Cell, Skype or Magicjack in Panama?  Yes.  They are all useful and serve different purposes.  I originally brought my "unlocked" AT&T iPhone and purchased a sim card.  It was great and easy to get connected.  A local cell phone is a must for affordable service once you are here in Panama for a significant period of time.  Skype is terrific for face-to-face contact and for those who need to communicate for business.   A landline is also nice to have, but it certainly is not a necessity.  You need to think about who you will be communicating with.  What do they use? If family at home uses Face Time or Google Hangouts, will Skype be your best option?  Do you shy away from "computer techie stuff" or are you able to keep up with advancements?  The good news is that there is no reason to be tied down to any one option.  Try them out.  Use them all.  Determine what will make the most sense for you in your situation before you arrive.  Get used to the different platforms before you plan to use them.  Remember, it's also always good to have a backup plan. 

Yes, you can wear jewelry in Belize and feel safe.  The only place where you won't be safe is if you go on the south side of Belize City wearing your bracelets, expensive rings, and necklaces.  You might as well paint a target sign on your back or put a sticker on you that says "Rob me!"
 
Going to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and the areas where there are lots of tourists and expats, yes, you can wear your jewelry.  We recommend wearing jewelry during...

Yes, you can wear jewelry in Belize and feel safe.  The only place where you won't be safe is if you go on the south side of Belize City wearing your bracelets, expensive rings, and necklaces.  You might as well paint a target sign on your back or put a sticker on you that says "Rob me!"
 
Going to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and the areas where there are lots of tourists and expats, yes, you can wear your jewelry.  We recommend wearing jewelry during the day and in well-lit areas.  In crowded areas it's safer. Don't go into dark alleys either wearing your jewelry or being alone. It is relatively safe during the day having jewelry on while staying in the safe zones, I would say.
 
I personally don't have any problem wearing my jewelry.  I wear jewelry, for example, on weekends, and going to the grocery store. It is no problem during the day.  I wouldn't wear any heavy jewelry and go into south side of Belize City.

 

One very good reason to retire overseas, based on my experience working with retirees moving to Nicaragua for the past 9 years, is to have a lower cost of living and a great quality of life "south of the border". 

One very good reason to retire overseas, based on my experience working with retirees moving to Nicaragua for the past 9 years, is to have a lower cost of living and a great quality of life "south of the border".