Expats in Thailand considering moving to Latin America prompted by Thai visa changes

[Jingthing]

It's not news now that Thai visa new rules with embassy letters, income method rules without letters, massively confusing combo method, and more onerous rules for the retirement bank method are prompting many, many expats, some that have been here for several years to look elsewhere. 

 

For those leaving or considering leaving Thailand the most popular choices are most likely some other nations in Asean or back to their home country.

 

But it's a big, big world, and there are other choices. For example Portugal, Spain, Malta, and Cyprus mostly of interest to Europeans. 

 

Then there is Latin America. Most people considering Latin America are from the U.S. and Canada but it's really not that far from Europe either, and Latin America along with Asean are the most ripe regions for lower cost expatriation, retirement, etc. on the planet.

 

This thread is intended to ONLY be about Latin American destinations. Nothing about other Asean nations, nothing about Europe, Africa, or any other region, OK?

 

So now that I've introduced this topic, I want to say there are THAILAND specific issues with moving to Latin America. 

 

A major example is a number of the Latin American nations require translated and apostle documents about your police record if you've been living in Thailand, and probably from your home country as well. At this point in time, how exactly do you get that document for each country? Can you still get it after you've moved from Thailand? There will be time limits on such documents, so if you get it here, you need to rush to make your Latin American application (when required). 

 

Now to actual DESTINTATIONS. 

 

I think it's fair to assume the majority of expats in Thailand looking at Latin American choices are seeking places that have lower level financial requirements. (So Brazil would likely not be very popular as their requirements are higher.)

 

Beyond that, we all have (or should have if we are shopping for a new country) our individual list of priorities for a new country and specific place in the new country.

That will vary with each individual.

 

I will post mine in a separate post.

 

So this thread is a open ended general discussion about both generalities and specifics covering the topic of current expats in Thailand considering moving to nations in Latin America. It can also include people that were planning on moving to Thailand but considering the recent developments, are now looking more seriously at Latin America.

 

Participation by people with first hand experiences living in various places in Latin America of course very welcome. 

Edited March 4, 2019 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

Here is my priority list --

 

Visa issues -- as easy and quick a process as possible

Visa financial levels -- obtainable based on my lower level U.S. social security pension (happily multiple choices for that) and/or another method that I could use (such as Mexico which has a "show money" outside of Mexico option

Residency issues -- either permanent residence on initial application or a path to permanent residence in a reasonably number of years

Citizenship -- nice to have that choice but not important to me

Beach? -- I don't need it

Urban, rural, etc. -- Prefer a smaller city, from a large town to a smaller big city

Weather -- Looking for year round mild weather

Altitude -- Hopefully not super high up there

Language -- Would prefer a place that you can "get by" with English at least for a while, but considering Spanish is not that hard, not the highest priority

Cost of living -- As low as possible but not willing to live super locally, still want my first world comforts in housing. To be more specific cost to rent something decent between 250 and 500 USD monthly. 

Transport -- Possible to live in the new place without a car high priority

Buying or renting? -- Open to buying only if it appears to be an especially good deal based on the local market and exchange rate. OK to rent indefinitely. 

Pollution -- A city with lots of traffic congestion / air pollution would be a strong negative
Food -- Interesting food, healthy food, international choices but I could compromise for other positive factors

Crime and safety -- As safe as possible. My gauge is if a place is comparably safe to a typical U.S. big city, meaning many many places in Latin America can meet that test

Health care -- Best if there is a buy in to a national system. Possibilities to get not horribly expensive coverage for older people with preexisting conditions in the local market. And/or a retail cost level that would be acceptable without insurance.

 

Edited March 4, 2019 by Jingthing

[BritManToo]

18 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

For example Portugal, Spain, Malta, and Cyprus mostly of interest to Europeans. 

Not much sex available there for old men ....... which is why we chose the third world.

Can't imagine anyone except for Americans considering SA.

Edited March 4, 2019 by BritManToo

[Jingthing]

12 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Not much sex available there for old men ....... which is why we chose the third world. Can't imagine anyone except for Americans considering SA.

That's honest but please keep the discussion focused on Latin America. If commercial sex is a priority and/or relationship potential with younger partners some nations would be better than others. For example Colombia would be better than Ecuador. 

 

Yes, I already acknowledged the obvious fact that Latin America is of most interest to Americans and Canadians. However, perhaps it shouldn't be. Especially the retired expats, as a number of Latin American nations offer permanent residency opportunities (and even citizenship) based on being retired there that are NOT on offer in Asean. Plus the financial requirements in most of the Latin American choices are lower, in fact MUCH LOWER than in Thailand.

Edited March 4, 2019 by Jingthing

[sanemax]

3 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Not much sex available there for old men ....... which is why we chose the third world.

Can't imagine anyone except for Americans considering SA.

Did you have sex this morning and last night again ?

[Vacuum]

21 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

This thread is intended to ONLY be about Latin American destinations. Nothing about other Asean nations, nothing about Europe, Africa, or any other region, OK?

Fair enough, but why did you mentioned this;?

 

Quote

and there are other choices. For example Portugal, Spain, Malta, and Cyprus

 

[Jingthing]

1 minute ago, Vacuum said:

Fair enough, but why did you mentioned this;?

 

 

As a way of general introduction. I think it's clear enough for most readers, and I really don't know why you're asking except to be difficult. 

 

This topic has the POTENTIAL to be really useful for a lot of people that actually want to talk about the actual topic (which is quite well defined).

Edited March 4, 2019 by Jingthing

[Snow Leopard]

10 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Not much sex available there for old men ....... which is why we chose the third world.

Can't imagine anyone except for Americans considering SA.

What some 60 years old 2 times divorced woman from Sheffield not good enough for you? ???? We all know why we are in Asia. The culture. 

[EricTh]

Thailand is no longer cheap, if you are from America, latin America would  be more sensible to live bcos it's nearer.

 

What is the cost of living there compared to Thailand?

[steven100]

yeah Latin America ...  !   In Brazil you will most likely be robbed or shot during your first couple of nights out .... 

 

[Jingthing]

4 minutes ago, EricTh said:

Thailand is no longer cheap, if you are from America, latin America would  be more sensible to live bcos it's nearer.

 

What is the cost of living there compared to Thailand?

Cost of living varies by specific nation and specific locality within those nations, and also how willing you are to go local. We can get into many of those specifics on this topic.

 

You can make generalities though. Chile which is now officially a first world country in general is going to considerably more expensive than Ecuador. In Central America, Panama especially in Panama City is going to be considerably more expensive than Nicaragua. Just an example there because Nicaragua is not an advisable place to move in the near future because of political issues.

Edited March 4, 2019 by Jingthing

[NCC1701A]

 

[Jingthing]

Just now, steven100 said:

yeah Latin America ...  !   In Brazil you will most likely be robbed or shot during your first couple of nights out .... 

 

Brazil's cities do have high crime but I really have personally rules out Brazil anyway based on their financial requirements.

There are much safer specific choices in various Latin American choices, so please people that come on here saying you will definitely be murdered if you move anywhere in LA, that's just wrong. Totally wrong. 

[from the home of CC]

Been to Costa Rica many times and years ago they had a program that if you invested a certain amount in a government teak reforestation project you were fast tracked for permanent residence. Not sure if it still exist but worth looking into for that is one beautiful country. Also spent a lot of time in Cartagena Columbia, another very nice place. Both locales had beautiful women and very reasonable pricing and at one time I figured I'd be residing in one or the other on a permanent basis.  

[Odysseus123]

As long as you have money you will get plenty of sex in Latin America..

 

Watch 'em with their machetes and bolos..

 

In mY humble opinion you will get the best sex in the world on that continent.

 

The Asians merely do it by the numbers.

 

Try Valparaiso-and be discreet.

[tlandtday]

23 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Here is my priority list --

 

Visa issues -- as easy and quick a process as possible

Visa financial levels -- obtainable based on my lower level U.S. social security pension (happily multiple choices for that) and/or another method that I could use (such as Mexico which has a "show money" outside of Mexico option

Residency issues -- either permanent residence on initial application or a path to permanent residence in a reasonably number of years

Citizenship -- nice to have that choice but not important to me

Beach? -- I don't need it

Urban, rural, etc. -- Prefer a smaller city, from a large town to a smaller big city

Weather -- Looking for year round mild weather

Altitude -- Hopefully not super high up there

Language -- Would prefer a place that you can "get by" with English at least for a while, but considering Spanish is not that hard, not the highest priority

Cost of living -- As low as possible but not willing to live super locally, still want my first world comforts in housing. To be more specific cost to rent something decent between 250 and 500 USD monthly. 

Transport -- Possible to live in the new place without a car high priority

Buying or renting? -- Open to buying only if it appears to be an especially good deal based on the local market and exchange rate. OK to rent indefinitely. 

Pollution -- A city with lots of traffic congestion / air pollution would be a strong negative
Food -- Interesting food, healthy food, international choices but I could compromise for other positive factors

Crime and safety -- As safe as possible. My gauge is if a place is comparably safe to a typical U.S. big city, meaning many many places in Latin America can meet that test

Health care -- Best if there is a buy in to a national system. Possibilities to get not horribly expensive coverage for older people with preexisting conditions in the local market. And/or a retail cost level that would be acceptable without insurance.

 

good topic one shouldn't ignore latin america

[Snow Leopard]

I have worked in South America and I liked it. Many moons ago though. I worked in Venezuela (Non-Starter at the moment), Colombia and Argentina. All are a bit violent and Mexico has its drug wars. 

 

I haven't been to Ecuador which I think is the main retirement area in South America. I have been to Belize as a tourist and I liked it. Again though I haven't stayed in Costa Rica which I think is the main retirement spot. Just went through the airport and onto a vessel. 

 

You could flip between the 2. 

[Vacuum]

4 minutes ago, Snow Leopard said:

We all know why we are in Asia. The culture. 

I'm here for the temples.

[NCC1701A]

lived in Los Angeles all my life.

 

Mexicans everywhere. Been there, done that.

 

 

[Jingthing]

Please, for obvious reasons, this topic can't be focused on sex tourism or sexpats. There are specialized forums for people that want to discuss that in detail. Not here. 

[Snow Leopard]

2 minutes ago, Vacuum said:

I'm here for the temples.

Me to

[Jingthing]

Just now, NCC1701A said:

lived in Los Angeles all my life.

 

Mexicans everywhere. Been there, done that.

 

 

Many Americans have indeed been very exposed to Latin American cultures at home. Some like it, some don't. Obviously travel to actual Latin American nations is needed to get a valid personal impression. The cultures are different in the different countries. 

[NCC1701A]

there is zero chance of me riding my motorcycle ALONE all over anywhere south of the USA border.

 

Travel Thailand alone no problems anywhere. 32,000 kilometers worth of motorcycle road trips.

 

and i know Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Panama, El Salvador. Personal security is a constant issue.   

[RotBenz8888]

I stayed in Rio 2 months and got robbed at knife point twice, in broad daylight. Not to mention all those times i managed to escape. Been in Bangkok 15 years, so far no such incident. I love Rio, wonderful music, food and ladies but, i just think it's to dangerous.

[colinneil]

24 minutes ago, Vacuum said:

I'm here for the temples.

Pants on fire.

[Mike Teavee]

Following with interest as I'd like to spend a bit of time in South America before I commit to where I am going to fully retire 

 

If I had to pick based on the very limit knowledge I have it would be Costa Rica, Columbia, Ecuador or Panama (in that order)

Edited March 4, 2019 by Mike Teavee

[Vacuum]

16 minutes ago, RotBenz8888 said:

I stayed in Rio 2 months and got robbed at knife point twice, in broad daylight. Not to mention all those times i managed to escape. Been in Bangkok 15 years, so far no such incident. I love Rio, wonderful music, food and ladies but, i just think it's to dangerous.

No, no. You have missed the whole point. Latin America and Israel are the main destinies for 'westerners'. Still confused why the OP still stays in Thailand.

[EricTh]

39 minutes ago, Vacuum said:

I'm here for the temples.

 

Yeah, right.

 

But I don't see any farang holding joss-sticks and regularly praying at the temples.  Neither do they know anything about Buddhist concepts nor believe in Buddhism.

Edited March 4, 2019 by EricTh

[EricTh]

2 minutes ago, Vacuum said:

No, no. You have missed the whole point. Latin America and Israel are the main destinies for 'westerners'. Still confused why the OP still stays in Thailand.

It used to because Bangkok was the sex capital and charges were cheap.

 

But not anymore.

[Gecko123]

Would give serious thought to how socially and politically stable a country would be in the event of an economic downturn, i.e., Brazil after commodity bubble burst, Venezuela following drop in oil prices, Argentina's hyper-inflation after collapse of peso.