5 Countries Practically Begging Americans to Retire There!

There's no perfect country for retirees. There's no perfect country for retirees. Every list that pretends otherwise is Every list that pretends otherwise is Every list that pretends otherwise is probably selling you a load of every probably selling you a load of every probably selling you a load of every country on earth basically charges you country on earth basically charges you country on earth basically charges you somewhere. Cost, visa, weather, taxes, somewhere. Cost, visa, weather, taxes, somewhere. Cost, visa, weather, taxes, distance from your grandkids, paperwork distance from your grandkids, paperwork distance from your grandkids, paperwork that never actually ends. You know, that never actually ends. You know, that never actually ends. You know, finding zero flaws, it's just not finding zero flaws, it's just not finding zero flaws, it's just not reality. Finding the country whose flaws reality. Finding the country whose flaws reality. Finding the country whose flaws you can personally live with, who fit to you can personally live with, who fit to you can personally live with, who fit to you, that you can adapt to, that's the you, that you can adapt to, that's the you, that you can adapt to, that's the whole game. I want to start with a quick whole game. I want to start with a quick whole game. I want to start with a quick number, a little bit of data because number, a little bit of data because number, a little bit of data because it's going to frame basically everything it's going to frame basically everything it's going to frame basically everything in this video. The average social in this video. The average social in this video. The average social security retirement benefit in the US is security retirement benefit in the US is security retirement benefit in the US is 2,71 a month right now. Two checks a 2,71 a month right now. Two checks a 2,71 a month right now. Two checks a couple comes to 4,142. couple comes to 4,142. couple comes to 4,142. And I just want you to sit with that And I just want you to sit with that And I just want you to sit with that one. Keep it in the back of your head. one. Keep it in the back of your head. one. Keep it in the back of your head. By the end of this list, you'll know By the end of this list, you'll know By the end of this list, you'll know exactly which of these five countries exactly which of these five countries exactly which of these five countries that check covers comfortably and which that check covers comfortably and which that check covers comfortably and which one basically swallows the whole thing. one basically swallows the whole thing. one basically swallows the whole thing. Ultimately, that number matters more Ultimately, that number matters more Ultimately, that number matters more this year than last year because the this year than last year because the this year than last year because the Social Security Trust Fund is currently Social Security Trust Fund is currently Social Security Trust Fund is currently projected to run dry by 2032. If projected to run dry by 2032. If projected to run dry by 2032. If Congress does nothing between now and Congress does nothing between now and Congress does nothing between now and then, every benefit gets an automatic then, every benefit gets an automatic then, every benefit gets an automatic across the board cut of roughly 22% the across the board cut of roughly 22% the across the board cut of roughly 22% the moment that happened. It's not a moment that happened. It's not a moment that happened. It's not a headline. It may scare you. It's not headline. It may scare you. It's not headline. It may scare you. It's not clickbait. It's what you need to know if clickbait. It's what you need to know if clickbait. It's what you need to know if you're planning. And it doesn't mean the you're planning. And it doesn't mean the you're planning. And it doesn't mean the check disappears. It just means the check disappears. It just means the check disappears. It just means the check already needs to stretch or it check already needs to stretch or it check already needs to stretch or it might have to change your entire budget might have to change your entire budget might have to change your entire budget by 20%. which you're going to need to by 20%. which you're going to need to by 20%. which you're going to need to know about if you're picking a country know about if you're picking a country know about if you're picking a country where your money goes further and your where your money goes further and your where your money goes further and your lifestyle and quality of life are going lifestyle and quality of life are going lifestyle and quality of life are going to be improved. It's not a hedge, it's to be improved. It's not a hedge, it's to be improved. It's not a hedge, it's plan. So, every number in this video plan. So, every number in this video plan. So, every number in this video came off Numo cost of living, official

came off Numo cost of living, official came off Numo cost of living, official government fee schedules, my own bank government fee schedules, my own bank government fee schedules, my own bank statement, all that stuff. I checked statement, all that stuff. I checked statement, all that stuff. I checked this month. We are not repeating an this month. We are not repeating an this month. We are not repeating an outdated 3 years ago number. If a figure outdated 3 years ago number. If a figure outdated 3 years ago number. If a figure here is more than a few weeks old by the here is more than a few weeks old by the here is more than a few weeks old by the time you watch it, it's probably moved. time you watch it, it's probably moved. time you watch it, it's probably moved. Check everything every time you do your Check everything every time you do your Check everything every time you do your own planning. These are five own planning. These are five own planning. These are five near-perfect countries for retirees. near-perfect countries for retirees. near-perfect countries for retirees. Local currency first, dollar conversion Local currency first, dollar conversion Local currency first, dollar conversion second every time because a threshold is second every time because a threshold is second every time because a threshold is set in either pesos or bat or ring it set in either pesos or bat or ring it set in either pesos or bat or ring it can move against the USD basically with can move against the USD basically with can move against the USD basically with the daily news. And you need to know if the daily news. And you need to know if the daily news. And you need to know if you're getting underlying charges or you're getting underlying charges or you're getting underlying charges or not. That's the catch every time. That's not. That's the catch every time. That's not. That's the catch every time. That's the deal I owe you for watching this the deal I owe you for watching this the deal I owe you for watching this channel, for supporting me. Thanks so channel, for supporting me. Thanks so channel, for supporting me. Thanks so much. I'm Evan, retired early in much. I'm Evan, retired early in much. I'm Evan, retired early in Vietnam. Sub, support, subscribe, Vietnam. Sub, support, subscribe, Vietnam. Sub, support, subscribe, comment. Let's get into it. Number five comment. Let's get into it. Number five comment. Let's get into it. Number five on today's list, we're starting with the on today's list, we're starting with the on today's list, we're starting with the home sweet home. I live here. Call it home sweet home. I live here. Call it home sweet home. I live here. Call it bias if you want. Vietnam, Ho Chi Min bias if you want. Vietnam, Ho Chi Min bias if you want. Vietnam, Ho Chi Min City, basic living for rent. Over under City, basic living for rent. Over under City, basic living for rent. Over under $500 a month for one person according to $500 a month for one person according to $500 a month for one person according to Numo 4.85. Pulled the data just last Numo 4.85. Pulled the data just last Numo 4.85. Pulled the data just last week. Add rent. A real comfortable week. Add rent. A real comfortable week. Add rent. A real comfortable single person budget lands between single person budget lands between single person budget lands between 12,400 a month total. A one-bedroom in 12,400 a month total. A one-bedroom in 12,400 a month total. A one-bedroom in center can run you around 500, maybe center can run you around 500, maybe center can run you around 500, maybe 575. Push a few kilometers out. That 575. Push a few kilometers out. That 575. Push a few kilometers out. That same number can easily drop to around same number can easily drop to around same number can easily drop to around 350, 400 bucks. A couple in an actual 350, 400 bucks. A couple in an actual 350, 400 bucks. A couple in an actual apartment with a pool eating out most apartment with a pool eating out most apartment with a pool eating out most nights running 1,500 to 2,000 a month nights running 1,500 to 2,000 a month nights running 1,500 to 2,000 a month easily. Daang and Hoyan I still think easily. Daang and Hoyan I still think easily. Daang and Hoyan I still think sit a notch below that. Maybe rents have sit a notch below that. Maybe rents have sit a notch below that. Maybe rents have gone up in Daang, but the cost of living

gone up in Daang, but the cost of living gone up in Daang, but the cost of living is very affordable. You run the 10ear is very affordable. You run the 10ear is very affordable. You run the 10ear math a couple 1,800 a month spends math a couple 1,800 a month spends math a couple 1,800 a month spends 216,000 over a decade. do the same 216,000 over a decade. do the same 216,000 over a decade. do the same decade in most of coastal North America decade in most of coastal North America decade in most of coastal North America and you haven't covered rent, let alone and you haven't covered rent, let alone and you haven't covered rent, let alone food, health care, and flights home. And food, health care, and flights home. And food, health care, and flights home. And the part that honestly matters most is the part that honestly matters most is the part that honestly matters most is against that social security number, against that social security number, against that social security number, right? One average check, $2,71, right? One average check, $2,71, right? One average check, $2,71, covers a comfortable single retiree here covers a comfortable single retiree here covers a comfortable single retiree here with room left over, with savings, with room left over, with savings, with room left over, with savings, right? Two checks covers a couple with right? Two checks covers a couple with right? Two checks covers a couple with enough to spare to travel the region enough to spare to travel the region enough to spare to travel the region whenever you want. Even after a whenever you want. Even after a whenever you want. Even after a hypothetical 20% cut, two reduced checks hypothetical 20% cut, two reduced checks hypothetical 20% cut, two reduced checks still land north of $3,200. still land north of $3,200. still land north of $3,200. And that still comfortably covers a And that still comfortably covers a And that still comfortably covers a couple here in Vietnam. This is the one couple here in Vietnam. This is the one couple here in Vietnam. This is the one country on the list where the math country on the list where the math country on the list where the math survives. The worstc case social survives. The worstc case social survives. The worstc case social security scenario with room to spare. security scenario with room to spare. security scenario with room to spare. Healthcare in big private hospitals like Healthcare in big private hospitals like Healthcare in big private hospitals like FV, like Vinmech is modern. It's FV, like Vinmech is modern. It's FV, like Vinmech is modern. It's English- speakaking now. It's very cheap English- speakaking now. It's very cheap English- speakaking now. It's very cheap or affordable by Western standards. Uh or affordable by Western standards. Uh or affordable by Western standards. Uh my own full annual checkup with all this my own full annual checkup with all this my own full annual checkup with all this blood work, screening, everything is blood work, screening, everything is blood work, screening, everything is about $200. Here's the catch though.

about $200. Here's the catch though. about $200. Here's the catch though. Vietnam of course has no formal Vietnam of course has no formal Vietnam of course has no formal retirement visa. Long stays pieced retirement visa. Long stays pieced retirement visa. Long stays pieced together with tourist visas, business together with tourist visas, business together with tourist visas, business visas, education visas, family route visas, education visas, family route visas, education visas, family route through marriage, etc. That means through marriage, etc. That means through marriage, etc. That means renewals, sometimes border runs, no renewals, sometimes border runs, no renewals, sometimes border runs, no long-term certainty written down long-term certainty written down long-term certainty written down anywhere. It's an option. It's just the anywhere. It's an option. It's just the anywhere. It's an option. It's just the reality. It's also very easy on reality. It's also very easy on reality. It's also very easy on paperwork. But if you need a retirement paperwork. But if you need a retirement paperwork. But if you need a retirement document that says retiree locks you in document that says retiree locks you in document that says retiree locks you in for a decade or life, Vietnam isn't for a decade or life, Vietnam isn't for a decade or life, Vietnam isn't going to sell you that. I get it. You're going to sell you that. I get it. You're going to sell you that. I get it. You're also renting for life in most cases also renting for life in most cases also renting for life in most cases here. You don't want to buy property. here. You don't want to buy property. here. You don't want to buy property. Foreigners don't get real land Foreigners don't get real land Foreigners don't get real land ownership, only long lease holds on ownership, only long lease holds on ownership, only long lease holds on units. And it's a real different from units. And it's a real different from units. And it's a real different from some of the other countries on this some of the other countries on this some of the other countries on this list. Number four, Thailand, Chiang Mai, list. Number four, Thailand, Chiang Mai, list. Number four, Thailand, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, the islands. Some of my Bangkok, the islands. Some of my Bangkok, the islands. Some of my favorite places on Earth. For me, this favorite places on Earth. For me, this favorite places on Earth. For me, this was the real entryway, the door into was the real entryway, the door into was the real entryway, the door into Southeast Asia. For a lot of people, Southeast Asia. For a lot of people, Southeast Asia. For a lot of people, it's the default answer. It's been top it's the default answer. It's been top it's the default answer. It's been top dog for a long time. And there's a real dog for a long time. And there's a real dog for a long time. And there's a real reason it's the default place to retire reason it's the default place to retire reason it's the default place to retire in Southeast Asia, if not abroad. in Southeast Asia, if not abroad. in Southeast Asia, if not abroad. Thailand actually built a number of Thailand actually built a number of Thailand actually built a number of retirement visas. The OA route 50 and up retirement visas. The OA route 50 and up retirement visas. The OA route 50 and up with a long-standing bank deposit with a long-standing bank deposit with a long-standing bank deposit requirement around 800,000 bot that's requirement around 800,000 bot that's requirement around 800,000 bot that's been seasoned or an equivalent income been seasoned or an equivalent income been seasoned or an equivalent income stream. You verify the current figure stream. You verify the current figure stream. You verify the current figure the week you file because Thai the week you file because Thai the week you file because Thai immigration adjusts these numbers and immigration adjusts these numbers and immigration adjusts these numbers and rules and visas constantly. But this is rules and visas constantly. But this is rules and visas constantly. But this is a real established path. Tens of a real established path. Tens of a real established path. Tens of thousands of retirees are already on it, thousands of retirees are already on it, thousands of retirees are already on it, which is more than you can save for most which is more than you can save for most which is more than you can save for most of the other countries on the list. It of the other countries on the list. It of the other countries on the list. It also means you'll have tons of company also means you'll have tons of company also means you'll have tons of company if you retire to Thailand. Separate if you retire to Thailand. Separate if you retire to Thailand. Separate story, same country. Worth knowing even story, same country. Worth knowing even story, same country. Worth knowing even though it isn't the retirement visa.

though it isn't the retirement visa. though it isn't the retirement visa. Thailand's privilege bronze tier visa Thailand's privilege bronze tier visa Thailand's privilege bronze tier visa cost about 650,000 BAT for 5 years of cost about 650,000 BAT for 5 years of cost about 650,000 BAT for 5 years of multi-entries. That's closing to new multi-entries. That's closing to new multi-entries. That's closing to new applicants September 30, 2026. So get in applicants September 30, 2026. So get in applicants September 30, 2026. So get in before it's gone. After that, the gold before it's gone. After that, the gold before it's gone. After that, the gold tier is going to cost $900,000, which is tier is going to cost $900,000, which is tier is going to cost $900,000, which is closer to about $25,000. It's a $7,000 closer to about $25,000. It's a $7,000 closer to about $25,000. It's a $7,000 jump. Different program, same country. jump. Different program, same country. jump. Different program, same country. That clock is running out right now That clock is running out right now That clock is running out right now while I'm filming it. Let's talk about while I'm filming it. Let's talk about while I'm filming it. Let's talk about cost of living in Thailand. I think cost of living in Thailand. I think cost of living in Thailand. I think realistically 1,500 to 2500 a month for realistically 1,500 to 2500 a month for realistically 1,500 to 2500 a month for a good life. It's still a touch above a good life. It's still a touch above a good life. It's still a touch above Vietnam. Chiang Mai runs cheaper than Vietnam. Chiang Mai runs cheaper than Vietnam. Chiang Mai runs cheaper than Bangkok by a meaningful margin. I'd say Bangkok by a meaningful margin. I'd say Bangkok by a meaningful margin. I'd say it's 3 to400 a month on rent for the it's 3 to400 a month on rent for the it's 3 to400 a month on rent for the same size unit. You're going to be same size unit. You're going to be same size unit. You're going to be saving two average social security saving two average social security saving two average social security checks. That $4,100 number does cover a checks. That $4,100 number does cover a checks. That $4,100 number does cover a comfortable couple in Chiang Mai with comfortable couple in Chiang Mai with comfortable couple in Chiang Mai with room to spare. It can cover Bangkok room to spare. It can cover Bangkok room to spare. It can cover Bangkok depending on how you budget. You're just depending on how you budget. You're just depending on how you budget. You're just going to have way less money left over. going to have way less money left over. going to have way less money left over. That said, healthcare in Bangkok isn't That said, healthcare in Bangkok isn't That said, healthcare in Bangkok isn't just great, it's incredible. People just great, it's incredible. People just great, it's incredible. People literally fly in from wealthy countries literally fly in from wealthy countries literally fly in from wealthy countries and do medical tourism in Bangkok and do medical tourism in Bangkok and do medical tourism in Bangkok because it's private hospitals. its because it's private hospitals. its because it's private hospitals. its procedures, its screening, its tech, procedures, its screening, its tech, procedures, its screening, its tech, which would cost tens of thousands of which would cost tens of thousands of which would cost tens of thousands of dollars at home, run a fraction of the dollars at home, run a fraction of the dollars at home, run a fraction of the cost, and there is shorter weight times, cost, and there is shorter weight times, cost, and there is shorter weight times, and ultimately better service for a and ultimately better service for a and ultimately better service for a better price. The catch, the paperwork better price. The catch, the paperwork better price. The catch, the paperwork never stops. The changes never stops.

never stops. The changes never stops. never stops. The changes never stops. You need to do 90-day address reporting. You need to do 90-day address reporting. You need to do 90-day address reporting. Famous expat towns often cost more Famous expat towns often cost more Famous expat towns often cost more because everyone already knows about because everyone already knows about because everyone already knows about them. The flaw here is often the them. The flaw here is often the them. The flaw here is often the bureaucracy, not the country, the bureaucracy, not the country, the bureaucracy, not the country, the people, the culture underneath it. people, the culture underneath it. people, the culture underneath it. Personally, I think I love Thailand. I Personally, I think I love Thailand. I Personally, I think I love Thailand. I can't say that enough. I don't want to can't say that enough. I don't want to can't say that enough. I don't want to ever criticize it. The reason I live in ever criticize it. The reason I live in ever criticize it. The reason I live in Vietnam and not Thailand is just because Vietnam and not Thailand is just because Vietnam and not Thailand is just because I'm married. If I leave here, folks, I I'm married. If I leave here, folks, I I'm married. If I leave here, folks, I ain't going home. Okay. Number three, ain't going home. Okay. Number three, ain't going home. Okay. Number three, this is for the people who want Europe, this is for the people who want Europe, this is for the people who want Europe, Portugal, and I have to correct Portugal, and I have to correct Portugal, and I have to correct something before I sell you on it. something before I sell you on it. something before I sell you on it. Frankly, I would never sell anyone on Frankly, I would never sell anyone on Frankly, I would never sell anyone on Portugal, but if you want it, it's Portugal, but if you want it, it's Portugal, but if you want it, it's there. The D7 visa still works the way there. The D7 visa still works the way there. The D7 visa still works the way people expect. €920 a month for the main people expect. €920 a month for the main people expect. €920 a month for the main applicant, pegged to minimum wage, 50% applicant, pegged to minimum wage, 50% applicant, pegged to minimum wage, 50% more to add your spouse, which clocks in more to add your spouse, which clocks in more to add your spouse, which clocks in at about 1350,400. at about 1350,400. at about 1350,400. residency through it puts the whole residency through it puts the whole residency through it puts the whole Shenzhen zone a short flight away, which Shenzhen zone a short flight away, which Shenzhen zone a short flight away, which is a huge thing for a lot of North is a huge thing for a lot of North is a huge thing for a lot of North Americans. What's changed, and it Americans. What's changed, and it Americans. What's changed, and it matters if a pension is your income, the matters if a pension is your income, the matters if a pension is your income, the NHR tax regime that made Portugal famous NHR tax regime that made Portugal famous NHR tax regime that made Portugal famous for retirees is gone. It was replaced by for retirees is gone. It was replaced by for retirees is gone. It was replaced by a narrow program built for highskilled a narrow program built for highskilled a narrow program built for highskilled working professionals. Retirees do not working professionals. Retirees do not working professionals. Retirees do not qualify for the replacement any longer.

qualify for the replacement any longer. qualify for the replacement any longer. Foreign pension income now gets taxed at Foreign pension income now gets taxed at Foreign pension income now gets taxed at Portugal standard rates, up to 48% at Portugal standard rates, up to 48% at Portugal standard rates, up to 48% at the top marginal band. Run the math on a the top marginal band. Run the math on a the top marginal band. Run the math on a $50,000 a year pension at that top rate $50,000 a year pension at that top rate $50,000 a year pension at that top rate and you're handing over money that and you're handing over money that and you're handing over money that Vietnam, Thailand, and Mexico likely Vietnam, Thailand, and Mexico likely Vietnam, Thailand, and Mexico likely will not ask or take from you. And will not ask or take from you. And will not ask or take from you. And that's not the deal people think they're that's not the deal people think they're that's not the deal people think they're moving or signing up for based on moving or signing up for based on moving or signing up for based on Portugal's old reputation. Citizenship Portugal's old reputation. Citizenship Portugal's old reputation. Citizenship has also got a lot slower. The 5 years has also got a lot slower. The 5 years has also got a lot slower. The 5 years stretched to 10 for most non-EU stretched to 10 for most non-EU stretched to 10 for most non-EU applicants. There's no grandfather applicants. There's no grandfather applicants. There's no grandfather clause. Golden visa investors currently clause. Golden visa investors currently clause. Golden visa investors currently have a constitutional challenge that you have a constitutional challenge that you have a constitutional challenge that you probably don't want to have anything to probably don't want to have anything to probably don't want to have anything to do with. Realistically, you're looking do with. Realistically, you're looking do with. Realistically, you're looking at 11 to 12 years from permit to at 11 to 12 years from permit to at 11 to 12 years from permit to passport. Not the number this whole passport. Not the number this whole passport. Not the number this whole Portugal niche and trend was built on. Portugal niche and trend was built on. Portugal niche and trend was built on. And the prices, the prices are still And the prices, the prices are still And the prices, the prices are still good. Are they great? National home good. Are they great? National home good. Are they great? National home prices rose almost 18% in 2025 alone, prices rose almost 18% in 2025 alone, prices rose almost 18% in 2025 alone, the strongest year on record. National the strongest year on record. National the strongest year on record. National median past €2,000 per square meter. median past €2,000 per square meter. median past €2,000 per square meter. Porto rent alone runs around €140 for a Porto rent alone runs around €140 for a Porto rent alone runs around €140 for a onebedroom in the center. 715 a month onebedroom in the center. 715 a month onebedroom in the center. 715 a month just for basic living before rent. Run just for basic living before rent. Run just for basic living before rent. Run the 10-year math here, too. A couple at the 10-year math here, too. A couple at the 10-year math here, too. A couple at 2500 a month spends $300,000 over a 2500 a month spends $300,000 over a 2500 a month spends $300,000 over a decade before the tax hit on your decade before the tax hit on your decade before the tax hit on your pension. That's almost $100,000 more, pension. That's almost $100,000 more, pension. That's almost $100,000 more, right? That's $84,000 more in a decade right? That's $84,000 more in a decade right? That's $84,000 more in a decade than you'd spend in Vietnam, according than you'd spend in Vietnam, according than you'd spend in Vietnam, according to Numo, not my own personal opinion.

to Numo, not my own personal opinion. to Numo, not my own personal opinion. Social Security checks just do not Social Security checks just do not Social Security checks just do not comfortably cover a Portugal budget the comfortably cover a Portugal budget the comfortably cover a Portugal budget the way they cover Vietnam or Thailand. way they cover Vietnam or Thailand. way they cover Vietnam or Thailand. You're bringing outside savings to make You're bringing outside savings to make You're bringing outside savings to make this one work. If you want to have any this one work. If you want to have any this one work. If you want to have any quality of life, Portugal is a country quality of life, Portugal is a country quality of life, Portugal is a country on this list where you'll feel it first on this list where you'll feel it first on this list where you'll feel it first financially. Is Portugal still gorgeous? financially. Is Portugal still gorgeous? financially. Is Portugal still gorgeous? Yes. Is it still safe? Yes. Is the Yes. Is it still safe? Yes. Is the Yes. Is it still safe? Yes. Is the healthcare strong? Absolutely. And healthcare strong? Absolutely. And healthcare strong? Absolutely. And ultimately, it's in Europe, but it's the ultimately, it's in Europe, but it's the ultimately, it's in Europe, but it's the expensive pick on the list. And the tax expensive pick on the list. And the tax expensive pick on the list. And the tax advantage that used to justify that advantage that used to justify that advantage that used to justify that price does not apply anymore if you're price does not apply anymore if you're price does not apply anymore if you're living off a fixed income pension. So, living off a fixed income pension. So, living off a fixed income pension. So, it's something really important to think it's something really important to think it's something really important to think about. I've told people on this channel about. I've told people on this channel about. I've told people on this channel that Portugal's tax setup made it the that Portugal's tax setup made it the that Portugal's tax setup made it the smart move for retirees for years. It's smart move for retirees for years. It's smart move for retirees for years. It's just not true anymore. Things are just not true anymore. Things are just not true anymore. Things are constantly changing. Ultimately, if you constantly changing. Ultimately, if you constantly changing. Ultimately, if you want personalized numbers, a real plan, want personalized numbers, a real plan, want personalized numbers, a real plan, an action plan, you want to set up a an action plan, you want to set up a an action plan, you want to set up a six-month or 12-month timeline with me, six-month or 12-month timeline with me, six-month or 12-month timeline with me, we have to do it together on a phone we have to do it together on a phone we have to do it together on a phone call. You can use my website, the cost call. You can use my website, the cost call. You can use my website, the cost of living abroad.com, you can look at of living abroad.com, you can look at of living abroad.com, you can look at the courses, the guides, and all the the courses, the guides, and all the the courses, the guides, and all the other information there as well as other information there as well as other information there as well as actually connecting with me and booking actually connecting with me and booking actually connecting with me and booking a real time so we can get started. And a real time so we can get started. And a real time so we can get started. And if you want the current number, your if you want the current number, your if you want the current number, your specific situation, that's the only way specific situation, that's the only way specific situation, that's the only way we can get into it together where we we can get into it together where we we can get into it together where we talk about your real income, your real talk about your real income, your real talk about your real income, your real timeline, the actual city, country, and timeline, the actual city, country, and timeline, the actual city, country, and even neighborhood you're looking at.

even neighborhood you're looking at. even neighborhood you're looking at. We'll do it all together. Thanks so We'll do it all together. Thanks so We'll do it all together. Thanks so much. Let's get back to number two. much. Let's get back to number two. much. Let's get back to number two. Okay, number two. You want to stay close Okay, number two. You want to stay close Okay, number two. You want to stay close to home, my old home, Mexico, Mexico. to home, my old home, Mexico, Mexico. to home, my old home, Mexico, Mexico. Proximity is a superpower. Nobody prices Proximity is a superpower. Nobody prices Proximity is a superpower. Nobody prices into these comparisons until they miss a into these comparisons until they miss a into these comparisons until they miss a grandchild's birthday. If you're flying grandchild's birthday. If you're flying grandchild's birthday. If you're flying back three, four, five times a year, back three, four, five times a year, back three, four, five times a year, this might be the only real answer other this might be the only real answer other this might be the only real answer other than Panama. The cheap flight from North than Panama. The cheap flight from North than Panama. The cheap flight from North America, the same time zone, it's close America, the same time zone, it's close America, the same time zone, it's close enough to not matter. The residency math enough to not matter. The residency math enough to not matter. The residency math got more expensive for Mexico this year. got more expensive for Mexico this year. got more expensive for Mexico this year. Yes. And it's worth stating the real Yes. And it's worth stating the real Yes. And it's worth stating the real number instead of the vague one on number instead of the vague one on number instead of the vague one on repay. Temporary residency requires repay. Temporary residency requires repay. Temporary residency requires income of 680 times Mexico's daily UMA. income of 680 times Mexico's daily UMA. income of 680 times Mexico's daily UMA. Which does that mean is what you're Which does that mean is what you're Which does that mean is what you're wondering. Well, it works out to just wondering. Well, it works out to just wondering. Well, it works out to just under 80,000 pesos a month. At the under 80,000 pesos a month. At the under 80,000 pesos a month. At the current exchange rate, that's about current exchange rate, that's about current exchange rate, that's about $4,700. This is more than double what it $4,700. This is more than double what it $4,700. This is more than double what it used to cost to get this when I lived used to cost to get this when I lived used to cost to get this when I lived there. Currency alone has pushed the there. Currency alone has pushed the there. Currency alone has pushed the dollar threshold up roughly $360 a month dollar threshold up roughly $360 a month dollar threshold up roughly $360 a month with zero change to the actual law. If with zero change to the actual law. If with zero change to the actual law. If you want permanent residency instead and you want permanent residency instead and you want permanent residency instead and you want to skip those renewals you want to skip those renewals you want to skip those renewals entirely, that threshold jumps to $1,140 entirely, that threshold jumps to $1,140 entirely, that threshold jumps to $1,140 times the close to 134,000 pesos a times the close to 134,000 pesos a times the close to 134,000 pesos a month, almost $8,000.

month, almost $8,000. month, almost $8,000. families and anyone with an employer families and anyone with an employer families and anyone with an employer sponsor get a 50% discount off those sponsor get a 50% discount off those sponsor get a 50% discount off those numbers. Most people don't talk about numbers. Most people don't talk about numbers. Most people don't talk about that, but let's do a correction running that, but let's do a correction running that, but let's do a correction running in the other direction. A little bit of in the other direction. A little bit of in the other direction. A little bit of positive. Government fees for the full positive. Government fees for the full positive. Government fees for the full temporary residency process run 11 to temporary residency process run 11 to temporary residency process run 11 to 25,000 pesos depending on how many years 25,000 pesos depending on how many years 25,000 pesos depending on how many years you apply for and a little consulting you apply for and a little consulting you apply for and a little consulting fee. All in the whole journey to Mexico fee. All in the whole journey to Mexico fee. All in the whole journey to Mexico is going to run you about $22 to $2,300, is going to run you about $22 to $2,300, is going to run you about $22 to $2,300, not the $7,000 figures that gets not the $7,000 figures that gets not the $7,000 figures that gets repeated over and over again. The visa repeated over and over again. The visa repeated over and over again. The visa itself is the cheap part of moving to itself is the cheap part of moving to itself is the cheap part of moving to Mexico. It's just the income requirement Mexico. It's just the income requirement Mexico. It's just the income requirement and currency exchange that's going up. and currency exchange that's going up. and currency exchange that's going up. Cost of living swings hard by city. Cost of living swings hard by city. Cost of living swings hard by city. That's the real story here. You know, That's the real story here. You know, That's the real story here. You know, San Miguel, Yande, other places, you San Miguel, Yande, other places, you San Miguel, Yande, other places, you know, the Riviera, they're going to be know, the Riviera, they're going to be know, the Riviera, they're going to be more expensive. Play del Carmen, Puerto more expensive. Play del Carmen, Puerto more expensive. Play del Carmen, Puerto Verta, a one-bedroom in Playa in the Verta, a one-bedroom in Playa in the Verta, a one-bedroom in Playa in the city center runs around 18,300 pesos. city center runs around 18,300 pesos. city center runs around 18,300 pesos. That's around 1,100 bucks. you know, the That's around 1,100 bucks. you know, the That's around 1,100 bucks. you know, the same size unit outside of the city you same size unit outside of the city you same size unit outside of the city you might be able to find for 500 600. It's might be able to find for 500 600. It's might be able to find for 500 600. It's a huge swing just based on where you're a huge swing just based on where you're a huge swing just based on where you're located. Likewise, the difference located. Likewise, the difference located. Likewise, the difference between a Guanowatau where I lived and a between a Guanowatau where I lived and a between a Guanowatau where I lived and a San Miguel Yende 30 minutes down the San Miguel Yende 30 minutes down the San Miguel Yende 30 minutes down the road can be extreme. Healthcare in major road can be extreme. Healthcare in major road can be extreme. Healthcare in major cities in Mexico is good and it is cities in Mexico is good and it is cities in Mexico is good and it is cheap. And of course, you can just fly cheap. And of course, you can just fly cheap. And of course, you can just fly home if you have Medicare still. The home if you have Medicare still. The home if you have Medicare still. The catch, security of course is regional.

catch, security of course is regional. catch, security of course is regional. Safety is up to you. You don't get to Safety is up to you. You don't get to Safety is up to you. You don't get to skip that. The famous expat towns are skip that. The famous expat towns are skip that. The famous expat towns are generally calm because people have generally calm because people have generally calm because people have already done the research, do the same already done the research, do the same already done the research, do the same work. Mexico is spectacular value, work. Mexico is spectacular value, work. Mexico is spectacular value, spectacular beauty, and it's just next spectacular beauty, and it's just next spectacular beauty, and it's just next door. And it's the only country on this door. And it's the only country on this door. And it's the only country on this list where I would seriously considering list where I would seriously considering list where I would seriously considering moving back and living again with my moving back and living again with my moving back and living again with my family just to have that access and family just to have that access and family just to have that access and proximity to back home, not to mention proximity to back home, not to mention proximity to back home, not to mention being able to watch North American being able to watch North American being able to watch North American sports in the right time zone. Number sports in the right time zone. Number sports in the right time zone. Number one, I've saved this one to last. This one, I've saved this one to last. This one, I've saved this one to last. This is a place I absolutely love. Almost is a place I absolutely love. Almost is a place I absolutely love. Almost nobody is pushing it right now because nobody is pushing it right now because nobody is pushing it right now because they think it's expensive. That's not they think it's expensive. That's not they think it's expensive. That's not the truth. The cost of living is the truth. The cost of living is the truth. The cost of living is incredible. Malaysia, English works incredible. Malaysia, English works incredible. Malaysia, English works everywhere here. Signage, doctors, everywhere here. Signage, doctors, everywhere here. Signage, doctors, contracts, paneang, qualur, first world contracts, paneang, qualur, first world contracts, paneang, qualur, first world infrastructure at Southeast Asian infrastructure at Southeast Asian infrastructure at Southeast Asian prices. Healthcare consistently ranks prices. Healthcare consistently ranks prices. Healthcare consistently ranks among the best value on the planet. among the best value on the planet. among the best value on the planet. Private hospitals that pull in medical Private hospitals that pull in medical Private hospitals that pull in medical tourists from wealthier countries. Cost tourists from wealthier countries. Cost tourists from wealthier countries. Cost of living is affordable. 1,500 to 2,000 of living is affordable. 1,500 to 2,000 of living is affordable. 1,500 to 2,000 a month for a comfortable couple. Modern a month for a comfortable couple. Modern a month for a comfortable couple. Modern condo with a pool security included.

condo with a pool security included. condo with a pool security included. Georgetown on Paneang Island. A Georgetown on Paneang Island. A Georgetown on Paneang Island. A one-bedroom in city center is going to one-bedroom in city center is going to one-bedroom in city center is going to run you about $440 run you about $440 run you about $440 a month, 500ish. Outside of the center, a month, 500ish. Outside of the center, a month, 500ish. Outside of the center, you can find a place for $320. These are you can find a place for $320. These are you can find a place for $320. These are real numbers, folks. If you ever buy real numbers, folks. If you ever buy real numbers, folks. If you ever buy property instead of renting, Paneang has property instead of renting, Paneang has property instead of renting, Paneang has a real foreign buyer floor. 1 million a real foreign buyer floor. 1 million a real foreign buyer floor. 1 million ringit. Uh that's about or 3 million for ringit. Uh that's about or 3 million for ringit. Uh that's about or 3 million for landed property. Sorry 1 million for landed property. Sorry 1 million for landed property. Sorry 1 million for condo, 3 million for property across to condo, 3 million for property across to condo, 3 million for property across to the mainland and the floor can be the mainland and the floor can be the mainland and the floor can be halfed. So starting this year, foreign halfed. So starting this year, foreign halfed. So starting this year, foreign buyers can also pay an 8% flat stamp buyers can also pay an 8% flat stamp buyers can also pay an 8% flat stamp duty on top of the price. So buying got duty on top of the price. So buying got duty on top of the price. So buying got noticeably more expensive in 2026. noticeably more expensive in 2026. noticeably more expensive in 2026. But ultimately with those purchases, you But ultimately with those purchases, you But ultimately with those purchases, you get an incredible amount in return. get an incredible amount in return. get an incredible amount in return. Right? We're not talking about a deposit Right? We're not talking about a deposit Right? We're not talking about a deposit number, but for the MM2, the long stay number, but for the MM2, the long stay number, but for the MM2, the long stay program built for retirees, there's program built for retirees, there's program built for retirees, there's three separate sources currently three separate sources currently three separate sources currently disagreeing on what the entry tier disagreeing on what the entry tier disagreeing on what the entry tier requires. Depends on exactly where you requires. Depends on exactly where you requires. Depends on exactly where you are. It's generally considered a big are. It's generally considered a big are. It's generally considered a big number. What I can confirm to you, MM2 number. What I can confirm to you, MM2 number. What I can confirm to you, MM2 now requires a mandatory property now requires a mandatory property now requires a mandatory property purchase and that property can't be purchase and that property can't be purchase and that property can't be resold for 10 years. So, the old path to resold for 10 years. So, the old path to resold for 10 years. So, the old path to permanent residency has been scrapped permanent residency has been scrapped permanent residency has been scrapped and the whole program has basically been and the whole program has basically been and the whole program has basically been restructured four times in the last 5 restructured four times in the last 5 restructured four times in the last 5 years. There is good news buried in years. There is good news buried in years. There is good news buried in there though. Foreign sourced income tax there though. Foreign sourced income tax there though. Foreign sourced income tax exemption for individuals just got exemption for individuals just got exemption for individuals just got extended through 2036. So money you extended through 2036. So money you extended through 2036. So money you already hold outside Malaysia stays already hold outside Malaysia stays already hold outside Malaysia stays untaxed for a long time. Right? Got untaxed for a long time. Right? Got untaxed for a long time. Right? Got savings, investments parked abroad.

savings, investments parked abroad. savings, investments parked abroad. That's worth more over a decade than That's worth more over a decade than That's worth more over a decade than most people think about. Ultimately, most people think about. Ultimately, most people think about. Ultimately, this one isn't for people who are this one isn't for people who are this one isn't for people who are scraping by and just social security. scraping by and just social security. scraping by and just social security. Right? The catch is the moving target Right? The catch is the moving target Right? The catch is the moving target underneath the visa. You got to check underneath the visa. You got to check underneath the visa. You got to check the current MM2 tiers. The week you're the current MM2 tiers. The week you're the current MM2 tiers. The week you're actually applying. You probably need actually applying. You probably need actually applying. You probably need help from someone, right? The number help from someone, right? The number help from someone, right? The number from a video six months ago, two years from a video six months ago, two years from a video six months ago, two years ago aren't going to help. But if it fits ago aren't going to help. But if it fits ago aren't going to help. But if it fits your finances, Malaysia might be the your finances, Malaysia might be the your finances, Malaysia might be the single most underrated retirement single most underrated retirement single most underrated retirement country on Earth. It is a stunning, country on Earth. It is a stunning, country on Earth. It is a stunning, incredible place. And once you do get incredible place. And once you do get incredible place. And once you do get in, the cost of living is mind-blowing, in, the cost of living is mind-blowing, in, the cost of living is mind-blowing, folks. Trust me, if you've never been, folks. Trust me, if you've never been, folks. Trust me, if you've never been, go spend 90 days there. Thank me later. go spend 90 days there. Thank me later. go spend 90 days there. Thank me later. One more thing before the decision One more thing before the decision One more thing before the decision framework, because this line item never framework, because this line item never framework, because this line item never makes it onto the Numio cost of living makes it onto the Numio cost of living makes it onto the Numio cost of living page. How you move your money changes page. How you move your money changes page. How you move your money changes your real cost of living independent of your real cost of living independent of your real cost of living independent of which country you pick. A 2% spread on which country you pick. A 2% spread on which country you pick. A 2% spread on currency conversion sounds tiny until currency conversion sounds tiny until currency conversion sounds tiny until you run it. Say with something like you run it. Say with something like you run it. Say with something like Moretta Pay versus Wise. On $3,000 a Moretta Pay versus Wise. On $3,000 a Moretta Pay versus Wise. On $3,000 a month, a 2% spread cost you $7,200 over month, a 2% spread cost you $7,200 over month, a 2% spread cost you $7,200 over a decade. I've watched people eat that a decade. I've watched people eat that a decade. I've watched people eat that spread for years and years here in spread for years and years here in spread for years and years here in Vietnam before they notice it's Vietnam before they notice it's Vietnam before they notice it's happening because their bank never happening because their bank never happening because their bank never itemizes that spread. It's just baked itemizes that spread. It's just baked itemizes that spread. It's just baked into a worse exchange rate every single into a worse exchange rate every single into a worse exchange rate every single transfer. I use Wise. It's linked below transfer. I use Wise. It's linked below transfer. I use Wise. It's linked below if you want to use it. Starting this if you want to use it. Starting this if you want to use it. Starting this year, there's a new line item for year, there's a new line item for year, there's a new line item for Americans. Specifically, a remittance Americans. Specifically, a remittance Americans. Specifically, a remittance tax under federal law now applies a 1% tax under federal law now applies a 1% tax under federal law now applies a 1% tax on cash funded transfers sent out of tax on cash funded transfers sent out of tax on cash funded transfers sent out of the US effective January 26. Electronic the US effective January 26. Electronic the US effective January 26. Electronic transfers, the ones most retirees transfers, the ones most retirees transfers, the ones most retirees actually use, wires, card funded actually use, wires, card funded actually use, wires, card funded transfers are currently exempt. So, the

transfers are currently exempt. So, the transfers are currently exempt. So, the mechanism matters. How you fund the mechanism matters. How you fund the mechanism matters. How you fund the transfer, not just which service you transfer, not just which service you transfer, not just which service you use, decides whether this new tax use, decides whether this new tax use, decides whether this new tax touches you at all. That is why I always touches you at all. That is why I always touches you at all. That is why I always recommend Wise, which is linked below. recommend Wise, which is linked below. recommend Wise, which is linked below. Ultimately, neither of these numbers Ultimately, neither of these numbers Ultimately, neither of these numbers changes which country is right for you. changes which country is right for you. changes which country is right for you. Both of them just change how much of Both of them just change how much of Both of them just change how much of your social security check actually your social security check actually your social security check actually survives the trip. How much of your survives the trip. How much of your survives the trip. How much of your pension actually ends up hitting the pension actually ends up hitting the pension actually ends up hitting the bank over the course of not just a day bank over the course of not just a day bank over the course of not just a day or purchase or a month, but a year or a or purchase or a month, but a year or a or purchase or a month, but a year or a decade. The argument against all five of decade. The argument against all five of decade. The argument against all five of these, because it exists, and I'm not these, because it exists, and I'm not these, because it exists, and I'm not going to skip it. I'm not going to short going to skip it. I'm not going to short going to skip it. I'm not going to short change it. It is real. People move change it. It is real. People move change it. It is real. People move abroad and they go home. a lot of them. abroad and they go home. a lot of them. abroad and they go home. a lot of them. Not because the country failed. Usually Not because the country failed. Usually Not because the country failed. Usually because a parent back home got sick or because a parent back home got sick or because a parent back home got sick or their kids needed them or the money ran their kids needed them or the money ran their kids needed them or the money ran out slower than expected or the marriage out slower than expected or the marriage out slower than expected or the marriage they had didn't survive the move or they they had didn't survive the move or they they had didn't survive the move or they never made a real friend in 3 years or never made a real friend in 3 years or never made a real friend in 3 years or they didn't adapt to the local culture they didn't adapt to the local culture they didn't adapt to the local culture yada yada. When you look at the people yada yada. When you look at the people yada yada. When you look at the people who quit and move back, the number that who quit and move back, the number that who quit and move back, the number that keeps showing up is roughly 14 to 20 keeps showing up is roughly 14 to 20 keeps showing up is roughly 14 to 20 months. It's not a failure. It's just a months. It's not a failure. It's just a months. It's not a failure. It's just a shorter runway and a shorter time period shorter runway and a shorter time period shorter runway and a shorter time period than most of you are probably than most of you are probably than most of you are probably considering. You're thinking you have to considering. You're thinking you have to considering. You're thinking you have to do this whole entire move for the rest do this whole entire move for the rest do this whole entire move for the rest of your life from the couch. That is of your life from the couch. That is of your life from the couch. That is just not real, right? None of this is a just not real, right? None of this is a just not real, right? None of this is a reason to stay home. It's a reason to reason to stay home. It's a reason to reason to stay home. It's a reason to visit to do a relocation scout before visit to do a relocation scout before visit to do a relocation scout before you commit. Rent for 3 months before you you commit. Rent for 3 months before you you commit. Rent for 3 months before you buy anything, sign anything, ship buy anything, sign anything, ship buy anything, sign anything, ship anything. Everything on this country, anything. Everything on this country, anything. Everything on this country, every single five country 3 month list every single five country 3 month list every single five country 3 month list scouting trip, every one of them is scouting trip, every one of them is scouting trip, every one of them is easier to romanticize from a chair than easier to romanticize from a chair than easier to romanticize from a chair than it is to actually figure out once you it is to actually figure out once you it is to actually figure out once you get on the ground. As always, if you

get on the ground. As always, if you get on the ground. As always, if you want my help, you can find it at the want my help, you can find it at the want my help, you can find it at the cost of livingabroad.com, cost of livingabroad.com, cost of livingabroad.com, which is linked below. We can have real which is linked below. We can have real which is linked below. We can have real phone conversations, make a real plan, phone conversations, make a real plan, phone conversations, make a real plan, get you a real action plan to move get you a real action plan to move get you a real action plan to move abroad and be successful. Thanks so much abroad and be successful. Thanks so much abroad and be successful. Thanks so much for watching. I'm Evan, retired early in for watching. I'm Evan, retired early in for watching. I'm Evan, retired early in Vietnam. You watch this video right here Vietnam. You watch this video right here Vietnam. You watch this video right here where I talk about why you should where I talk about why you should where I talk about why you should probably quit now cuz you're already probably quit now cuz you're already probably quit now cuz you're already richer than you think in Vietnam. or you richer than you think in Vietnam. or you richer than you think in Vietnam. or you watch this video where I other interview watch this video where I other interview watch this video where I other interview other expats who settled and retired in other expats who settled and retired in other expats who settled and retired in Daang, Vietnam.