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

[Jingthing]

I'm still plugging away at the Espanol. I was tempted by Fluenz but it's rather expensive so currently I'm all about Duolingo with extra stuff still in process. This guy has done a number of videos suggesting Duolingo can really work IF you add extra stuff and he makes specific suggestions on his various videos. I'm up to the "serious" level on Duolingo as far as daily lessons but it doesn't really seem all that serious. But I also think it's important not to get burnt out to the point where things are going too fast to really absorb.  Anyway, on this video he suggests adding --

https://www.lingq.com/en/

Free trial available. 

 

Here's the vid --

 

[Jingthing]

45 minutes ago, Luckysilk said:

You're right, Google is our friend.

 

I did a quick search on moving to LATAM and suitable Kevlar jackets for safety and came up with all kinds of options.

Do you plan on working for a drug cartel? Or are you really going to Baltimore? I'm sure all the gringo oldies down at Lake Chapala doing their pool aerobics would be amused at the over the top PARANOIA and moronic stereotypes exhibited on this thread. 

 

Again, it depends on where you're SPECIFICALLY going in Latin America.

Retirement in Juarez, the favelas of Rio, or the Atlantic coast of Colombia is not very popular. 

Edited April 16, 2019 by Jingthing

[seasia]

13 hours ago, marcusarelus said:

The answers you will get are from people googling stuff.  Why not do that yourself? 

Hi

 

I do use google.

However this is a discussion forum.

Some posters on here have experience of some ( parts of ) LA countries.

 

I would rather ask questions on here and be able to make my mind up based on their posting history.

 

So as an example I would place a lower weight/importance to someone who only ever praises Thailand and does not ever want to consider other options. Or cannot consider other options.

 

I am interested in the views of posters who are balanced.

There are quite a few here who are.

 

We all have different desires/needs/wants.

 

[JimmyJ]

19 hours ago, Luckysilk said:

You're right, Google is our friend.

 

I did a quick search on moving to LATAM and suitable Kevlar jackets for safety and came up with all kinds of options.

Google is nobody's friend, one of the world's major privacy invaders.

 

Find alternatives here that work equally well but don't invade privacy:

 

https://www.privacytools.io/providers/search-engines/

Edited April 17, 2019 by JimmyJ

[Jingthing]

I know Google is tracking me and they must be very very confused.

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[marcusarelus]

1 hour ago, seasia said:

Hi

 

I do use google.

However this is a discussion forum.

Some posters on here have experience of some ( parts of ) LA countries.

 

I would rather ask questions on here and be able to make my mind up based on their posting history.

 

So as an example I would place a lower weight/importance to someone who only ever praises Thailand and does not ever want to consider other options. Or cannot consider other options.

 

I am interested in the views of posters who are balanced.

There are quite a few here who are.

 

We all have different desires/needs/wants.

I lived in South Texas within sight of Mexico.  I have hundreds of Mexican friends.  I know and helped and saw thousands of residents of Latin America escape to the United States?  Isn't that good experience?  I find it difficult to understand why anyone would voluntarily go there after my experience.  I lived in Vietnam for 2 years and find it impossible to understand why anyone would choose that place over Thailand and that's based on my experience.  I have also lived in a number of other foreign countries I have moved 27 times if my memory is correct. 

 

As I look at it the decision is what country is better for a retired American than America for the same price.  In this thread it becomes what country in Latin America is a better deal than Florida, South Texas and ......?

 

And I don't always praise Thailand but we are very limited in what may be said and all the real problems can't be discussed.

Edited April 17, 2019 by marcusarelus

[Jingthing]

I lived in South Texas within sight of Mexico.  I have hundreds of Mexican friends.  I know and helped and saw thousands of residents of Latin America escape to the United States?  Isn't that good experience?  I find it difficult to understand why anyone would voluntarily go there after my experience.  I lived in Vietnam for 2 years and find it impossible to understand why anyone would choose that place over Thailand and that's based on my experience.  I have also lived in a number of other foreign countries I have moved 27 times if my memory is correct. 
 
As I look at it the decision is what country is better for a retired American than America for the same price.  In this thread it becomes what country in Latin America is a better deal than Florida, South Texas and ......?
 
And I don't always praise Thailand but we are very limited in what may be said and all the real problems can't be discussed.

Latin America is one place to you apparently. Truly amazing!

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[marcusarelus]

2 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Latin America is one place to you apparently. Truly amazing!

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

Put yourself in my place.  I was an employer in South Texas.  I was hiring a 250 person staff made up of people who spoke Spanish.  All the same to me.  No education, no motivation and wanting a free ride - native Texas Mexicans.  Immigrants - hard working, trying to get ahead and most of all wanting to make some money.  I didn't pay any attention to where they came from - dark skin spoke Spanish.  Didn't get many who spoke Portuguese.  To keep a staff of 250 migrants one needs to hire 1000 as they rotate in and out of Mexico or whatever place they go back to.  There is one boss who brings them in and houses them and rotates them back home and back to work again.  It goes on all over America.  Sometimes they get lucky and figure out how to stay.

[watcharacters]

1 hour ago, JimmyJ said:

Google is nobody's friend, one of the world's major privacy invaders.

 

Find alternatives here that work equally well but don't invade privacy:

 

https://www.privacytools.io/providers/search-engines/

 

 

Thank you for the link and direction, JimmyJ

 

That's why i come here.     You made this thread worthwhile just by your single post.

 

 

[Jingthing]

Put yourself in my place.  I was an employer in South Texas.  I was hiring a 250 person staff made up of people who spoke Spanish.  All the same to me.  No education, no motivation and wanting a free ride - native Texas Mexicans.  Immigrants - hard working, trying to get ahead and most of all wanting to make some money.  I didn't pay any attention to where they came from - dark skin spoke Spanish.  Didn't get many who spoke Portuguese.  To keep a staff of 250 migrants one needs to hire 1000 as they rotate in and out of Mexico or whatever place they go back to.  There is one boss who brings them in and houses them and rotates them back home and back to work again.  It goes on all over America.  Sometimes they get lucky and figure out how to stay.

Your experience is about economic migration to the USA. We've heard your story how many times now? Also it's insulting to Latin Americans that you care so little about them that you never bothered to differentiate between their nationalities. Its like when ignorant Americans call Koreans a Chinaman.

 

I fail to understand what you think you're contributing to this thread with that type of stuff?

 

THIS TOPIC is not about that. This topic is about destinations in Latin America that might potentially attract people from other regions specifically current and potential expats in Thailand. Relevant details about those destinations. Visa information. Special issues that would specifically apply to those currently living in Thailand or recently for a long time.

 

I think we all get your basic agenda. Latin Americans want to come to the USA. Thus it can't be true that some people want to come to Latin America.

 

But that thesis is factually false.

 

Just because you are not interested doesn't mean that nobody is. Doesn't make the estimated million Americans living in just Mexico without mentioning the rest of Latin America by choice suddenly not exist.

 

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[marcusarelus]

14 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Your experience is about economic migration to the USA. We've heard your story how many times now? Also it's insulting to Latin Americans that you care so little about them that you never bothered to differentiate between their nationalities. Its like when ignorant Americans call Koreans a Chinaman.

 

I fail to understand what you think you're contributing to this thread with that type of stuff?

 

THIS TOPIC is not about that. This topic is about destinations in Latin America that might potentially attract people from other regions specifically current and potential expats in Thailand. Relevant details about those destinations. Visa information. Special issues that would specifically apply to those currently living in Thailand or recently for a long time.

 

I think we all get your basic agenda. Latin Americans want to come to the USA. Thus it can't be true that some people want to come to Latin America.

 

But that thesis is factually false.

 

Just because you are not interested doesn't mean that nobody is. Doesn't make the estimated million Americans living in just Mexico without mentioning the rest of Latin America by choice suddenly not exist.

 

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

You're right.  I was looking at it too much from my personal point of view.  It would have worked for me at 60 now is too late. 

[Jingthing]

You're right.  I was looking at it too much from my personal point of view.  It would have worked for me at 60 now is too late. 

I can relate to that. The older we get the harder it is to move to a new country and that can be our home country as well.

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[seasia]

Just now, marcusarelus said:

I lived in South Texas within sight of Mexico.  I have hundreds of Mexican friends.  I know and helped and saw thousands of residents of Latin America escape to the United States?  Isn't that good experience?  I find it difficult to understand why anyone would voluntarily go there after my experience.  I lived in Vietnam for 2 years and find it impossible to understand why anyone would choose that place over Thailand and that's based on my experience.  I have also lived in a number of other foreign countries I have moved 27 times if my memory is correct. 

 

As I look at it the decision is what country is better for a retired American than America for the same price.  In this thread it becomes what country in Latin America is a better deal than Florida, South Texas and ......?

 

And I don't always praise Thailand but we are very limited in what may be said and all the real problems can't be discussed.

Hi

 

Is living in Texas which is not in Latin America a good experience?

Sorry IMO not so.

 

I am well aware of economic migration.

That has little to no bearing as to where someone who is not an economic refugee might want to spend time.

 

I am not interested in that.

 

When was the last time you were in Mexico or any LA country ?

That would be interesting..

[Seafarer124]

On 3/4/2019 at 8:46 PM, CanuckThai said:

A few friends found their paradise, in the Dominican Republic.  Not sure if it would check all the boxes for everyone, but cost of living, affordable housing options, lots of ladies, choice of village or bigger city lifestyle.  I haven't been in years, but they're enjoying life there...

https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/santo-domingo?currency=THB

[marcusarelus]

3 hours ago, seasia said:

Hi

 

Is living in Texas which is not in Latin America a good experience?

Sorry IMO not so.

 

I am well aware of economic migration.

That has little to no bearing as to where someone who is not an economic refugee might want to spend time.

 

I am not interested in that.

 

When was the last time you were in Mexico or any LA country ?

That would be interesting..

2004.  Have you ever been to Miami, San Antonio or Corpus Christi?  Miami is 90 miles from Cuba and Texas adjoins Mexico.  It is a different decision for an American than a European.  Many things in America are free.  For example I shop at a military PX for groceries and my health care and medicines are free and I would assume most Americans have the same kind of support system I have in Thailand and America or it is easy to establish.   

[Banana7]

On 4/6/2019 at 5:51 AM, Jingthing said:

Now for something completely different.

Xalapa Veracruz.

Gulf coast side.

Very few expats. 

Would need Spanish.

But culturally rich.

In a coffee growing region.

Smaller city.

Lots of students.

Great food. 

Not a tourist spot like SMA so it would be significantly lower cost.

Not likely to ever get ruined by over tourism or expat invasion.

Seems a bit too hilly for comfort.

Interesting climate, high elevation, not perfect, rainy sometimes, sometimes gets cold and hot but overall on the moderate cooler side but also somewhat humid.

One of my best friends growing up moved there to be in their symphony orchestra but I lost track of her. I know she liked it but she did complain -- Mexico is noisy! Day and night!

More for the expat pioneer types rather than those seeking more safety in numbers. 

 

 

Sounds like a nice place. What about the availability of women?

[Jingthing]

2004.  Have you ever been to Miami, San Antonio or Corpus Christi?  Miami is 90 miles from Cuba and Texas adjoins Mexico.  It is a different decision for an American than a European.  Many things in America are free.  For example I shop at a military PX for groceries and my health care and medicines are free and I would assume most Americans have the same kind of support system I have in Thailand and America or it is easy to establish.   

Wow. You name the USA sound like a socialist paradise. Not as I recall it.

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[seasia]

Just now, marcusarelus said:

2004.  Have you ever been to Miami, San Antonio or Corpus Christi?  Miami is 90 miles from Cuba and Texas adjoins Mexico.  It is a different decision for an American than a European.  Many things in America are free.  For example I shop at a military PX for groceries and my health care and medicines are free and I would assume most Americans have the same kind of support system I have in Thailand and America or it is easy to establish.   

Yes I have been to Miami.

 

I do not really understand the Medicare/Medicaid system but have noticed some American posters comment as to the cost of US healthcare being a deterrent to living there. 

I was actually talking to someone earlier about that subject.

We were discussing Latin America, he used to spend a lot of time in various countries there.

Brazil he seemed to rate highly but mentioned that costs had risen and that seemed to be part of the reason he spends his time in Thailand.

 

I got the impression he is considering somewhere in South America again.

[Jingthing]

2 hours ago, Banana7 said:

Sounds like a nice place. What about the availability of women?

For holy matrimony? 

[marcusarelus]

7 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Wow. You name the USA sound like a socialist paradise. Not as I recall it.

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

I am a disabled Veteran so my medicine and healthcare is free using the VA system.  There has been a recent change and now more Vets will be able to shop at PX's (non profit grocery).  Since Trump will be elected again (Forbes) hardly a socialist paradise.

[marcusarelus]

6 hours ago, seasia said:

Yes I have been to Miami.

 

I do not really understand the Medicare/Medicaid system but have noticed some American posters comment as to the cost of US healthcare being a deterrent to living there. 

I was actually talking to someone earlier about that subject.

We were discussing Latin America, he used to spend a lot of time in various countries there.

Brazil he seemed to rate highly but mentioned that costs had risen and that seemed to be part of the reason he spends his time in Thailand.

 

I got the impression he is considering somewhere in South America again.

If you are retired US citizen and have subscribed to all parts then medical care is free.   When I was younger my employer always paid medical care insurance.  Canada you have to live there 6 months a year.  Retired US military have healthcare paid for in many other countries including Thailand some hospitals direct bill some you have to pay first.  Retired military is a large segment of the expat population. 

[Cryingdick]

8 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Wow. You name the USA sound like a socialist paradise. Not as I recall it.

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It will never become one either. He did his time for the country and gets healthcare.

[seasia]

10 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

If you are retired US citizen and have subscribed to all parts then medical care is free.   When I was younger my employer always paid medical care insurance.  Canada you have to live there 6 months a year.  Retired US military have healthcare paid for in many other countries including Thailand some hospitals direct bill some you have to pay first.  Retired military is a large segment of the expat population. 

Thank You for your explanation.Interesting.

So as soon as you retire you stop making contributions and are covered for healthcare costs, is that right ?

 

I suppose considering the overall size of the US military personnel, many retired would be covered.

I had  not given that much thought but your last sentence makes logical sense to me.

 

I think for UK citizens  NHS coverage one needs to be UK resident for a minimum of 6 months a year, a somewhat grey area though as some reports suggest you can lose your entitlement after merely 90 days away.

 

Health care and standards/costs certainly should be a consideration in deciding where to stay.

[tlandtday]

I hope all are able to make a soft landing.  I know this is a bit off topic but here is a list of possible relocation areas if you do decide to stay in SE Asia.   I am excluding places like Singapore and Hong Kong due to high costs and I am also excluding spots like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh due to high pollution levels.

 

Siam Reap

Nha Trang

Vung Tao

Penang

Kuala Lumpur

Da Lat

Cebu

Mindao

A number of beach communities near Manila

 

 

 

[grifbel]

Ok after 60 pages, time to wrap this thread up.  Let me summarize.  A bunch of chicken-hearted expats who have zero intentions of relocating to Latin America want to instead post a bunch of pictures about Mexican food while discussing healthcare.  Misery truly does love company!

[Jingthing]

9 minutes ago, grifbel said:

Ok after 60 pages, time to wrap this thread up.  Let me summarize.  A bunch of chicken-hearted expats who have zero intentions of relocating to Latin America want to instead post a bunch of pictures about Mexican food while discussing healthcare.  Misery truly does love company!

Well, you and others are more than welcome to not read or post to this thread if it doesn't interest you.

However, there is no reason to close it.

The process of moving to a new country can potentially take years.

This is especially true for people that have significant ties to Thailand, relationships, assets. etc. 

Deciding not to make the move, to stay in Thailand, to move to another region, or to the home country are of course ALL valid options. Personal decisions. 

I didn't start this thread with the idea that it would all be covered quickly.

There is a lot of specific THAILAND information that hasn't been revealed on this thread yet (and maybe never will be but if it's closed definitely never) about the issues of getting documents if required in Thailand for the specific nations.

 

Edited April 18, 2019 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

14 minutes ago, tlandtday said:

I hope all are able to make a soft landing.  I know this is a bit off topic but here is a list of possible relocation areas if you do decide to stay in SE Asia.   I am excluding places like Singapore and Hong Kong due to high costs and I am also excluding spots like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh due to high pollution levels.

 

Siam Reap

Nha Trang

Vung Tao

Penang

Kuala Lumpur

Da Lat

Cebu

Mindao

A number of beach communities near Manila

 

 

 

Not a BIT off topic.

100 percent off topic.

Options in Asean have been discussed in detail on this forum for several years. There are always active threads about that.

 

This topic is LATIN AMERICA specific. 

[Luckysilk]

29 minutes ago, grifbel said:

Ok after 60 pages, time to wrap this thread up.  Let me summarize.  A bunch of chicken-hearted expats who have zero intentions of relocating to Latin America want to instead post a bunch of pictures about Mexican food while discussing healthcare.  Misery truly does love company!

+1

 

If someone is truly interested in moving they will find accurate information and it ain't here.

[Jingthing]

8 minutes ago, Luckysilk said:

+1

 

If someone is truly interested in moving they will find accurate information and it ain't here.

There exists no local Latin American expat forum or website that focuses on specific issues of former THAILAND expats moving there.

Why the passion to attack this thread?

Again, if I see a crocheting thread, I skip it.

Never read it. Never post on it.

But the absurd intensity and passion of serial HECKLING on this particular topic truly mystifies. 
YET AGAIN -- to people not interested in this topic, nobody is forcing you to read it at all.

Think crocheting -- let it be unless you're interested in crocheting.

I get to by now. Every few days there is a wave of pest like posts here trying to attack the existence of this thread. I don't think that is OK.

 

I want it to remain open for sharing information between any people that are actually interested in this topic INDEFINITELY. Years. Decades. Whatever.

Edited April 18, 2019 by Jingthing

[seasia]

Just now, tlandtday said:

I hope all are able to make a soft landing.  I know this is a bit off topic but here is a list of possible relocation areas if you do decide to stay in SE Asia.   I am excluding places like Singapore and Hong Kong due to high costs and I am also excluding spots like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh due to high pollution levels.

 

Siam Reap

Nha Trang

Vung Tao

Penang

Kuala Lumpur

Da Lat

Cebu

Mindao

A number of beach communities near Manila

 

 

 

I think that JT, the topic starter wants this thread to be about Latin America options.

 

Although I have myself crossed the line a bit, just created a thread for any that wish to discuss SE Asia options.

 

Feel free to contribute.