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

[Jingthing]

4 minutes ago, grifbel said:

Cheap Charlie is hardly an insult.  To the contrary it is a badge of accomplishment worn by many who think they are beating the system, and many will self-deprecatingly refer to themselves by this.  There was even a very popular bar by this name for years in Bangkok.  So ease up on the fake news.

Got anything to post about LATIN AMERICA instead of stereotypical memes?

 

_____________________________________________________________________________
My personal time frame for a possible move to Latin America is 2 to 3 YEARS. 
 

Edited April 20, 2019 by Jingthing

[JaiLai]

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

Got anything to post about LATIN AMERICA instead of stereotypical memes?

 

_____________________________________________________________________________
My personal time frame for a possible move to Latin America is 2 to 3 YEARS. 
 

I do....

 

What's the Latin American equivalent of 'Cheap Charlie' called ( in Spanish pls )?

 

Thank you.

[Jingthing]

I do....  

What's the Latin American equivalent of 'Cheap Charlie' called ( in Spanish pls )?

 

Thank you.

 

I don't know. 

 

 

 

 

 __________________________________________________________________________

Note: My personal time frame for a possible move to Latin America is 2 to 3 YEARS. 

 

 

[Odysseus123]

21 minutes ago, JaiLai said:

I do....

 

What's the Latin American equivalent of 'Cheap Charlie' called ( in Spanish pls )?

 

Thank you.

El cheapo Carlos...????

 

Niente dinero..mi expatriato della Thai compagna..

 

(I am only joking)

Edited April 20, 2019 by Odysseus123

[JaiLai]

6 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

El cheapo Carlos...????

 

Niente dinero..expatriato della Thai compagna..

 

(I am only joking)

Brilliant

[JaiLai]

10 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

I don't know. 

 

 

 

 

 __________________________________________________________________________

Note: My personal time frame for a possible move to Latin America is 2 to 3 YEARS. 

 

 

Maybe start a poll "What's the Latin American equivalent of 'Cheap Charlie called" ?

Edited April 20, 2019 by JaiLai

[marcusarelus]

6 hours ago, Odysseus123 said:

Big deal.

 

Are you the moderator of this thread?

 

I strongly suspect that you are not going anywhere-neither is/was Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus to give him is full (and properly spelt) moniker..

I think the expat bank amount is going up and that's not a problem but the insurance requirement may be a because of my age and what kind of coverage they might require.  I'd like to go to another country but think I'm too old and will go back to America for the health care.  Mass transit is not a problem.  I lived in Chicago, NYC and SF and Seattle with no car.  Florida is doable with Uber and having food delivered.  Texas can be pretty much like Latin America but the recent oil boom may change things. 

[Jingthing]

17 minutes ago, JaiLai said:

Maybe start a poll "What's the Latin American equivalent of 'Cheap Charlie called" ?

Start your own poll.

__________________________________________________________________________

Note: My personal time frame for a possible move to Latin America is 2 to 3 YEARS.

 

Edited April 20, 2019 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

2 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

I think the expat bank amount is going up and that's not a problem but the insurance requirement may be a because of my age and what kind of coverage they might require.  I'd like to go to another country but think I'm too old and will go back to America for the health care.  Mass transit is not a problem.  I lived in Chicago, NYC and SF and Seattle with no car.  Florida is doable with Uber and having food delivered.  Texas can be pretty much like Latin America but the recent oil boom may change things. 

If you can afford to live in San Francisco, you can afford to live anywhere in the world. I agree with you that age 80 is usually too old to move to a new country.

__________________________________________________________________________

Note: My personal time frame for a possible move to Latin America is 2 to 3 YEARS.

Edited April 20, 2019 by Jingthing

[marcusarelus]

7 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

If you can afford to live in San Francisco, you can afford to live anywhere in the world. I agree with you that age 80 is usually too old to move to a new country.

__________________________________________________________________________

Note: My personal time frame for a possible move to Latin America is 2 to 3 YEARS.

I think you would have to live with someone.  That's a new thing.  Didn't you mention some services that do that?  Chicago seems the nicest for the lake and parks and walking and easy transit any time of the day and the Art Institute.  Lots of Mexicans too.  803,000 Hispanic residents - and those are only the legal ones. 

Edited April 20, 2019 by marcusarelus

[Jingthing]

12 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

I think you would have to live with someone.  That's a new thing.  Didn't you mention some services that do that?  Chicago seems the nicest for the lake and parks and walking and easy transit any time of the day and the Art Institute.  Lots of Mexicans too.  I employed a couple of hundred there. 

I used to live in Chicago. Great city but it was too cold for me even as a young man. I don't understand why old people would move there to retire. Personally, unfortunately, I really can't afford to live in the U.S. in any place even a tiny bit decent. Sorry I don't fancy cat food for dinner. If I was well funded, I would choose repatriation or expatriation to a place like New Zealand. Or, heck, maybe even a place like Medellin but the penthouse style life. 

 

We all have different situations. Destinations like Thailand and the Latin American choices tend to mostly attract people looking for a better quality of life than they could get at home. Basically ECONOMICS being the strongest motivation. 

 

__________________________________________________________________________

Note: My personal time frame for a possible move to Latin America is 2 to 3 YEARS.

Edited April 20, 2019 by Jingthing

[JaiLai]

7 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

I used to live in Chicago. Great city but it was too cold for me even as a young man. I don't understand why old people would move there to retire. Personally, unfortunately, I really can't afford to live in the U.S. in any place even a tiny bit decent. Sorry I don't fancy cat food for dinner. If I was well funded, I would choose repatriation or expatriation to a place like New Zealand.

 

We all have different situations. Destinations like Thailand and the Latin American choices tend to mostly attract people looking for a better quality of life than they could get at home. Basically ECONOMICS being the strongest motivation. 

 

__________________________________________________________________________

Note: My personal time frame for a possible move to Latin America is 2 to 3 YEARS.

Potential for a new topic?

 

But on a serious note, NZ is becoming more popular, beautiful country.

[Jingthing]

1 minute ago, JaiLai said:

Potential for a new topic?

 

But on a serious note, NZ is becoming more popular, beautiful country.

May as well be Mars for most expats living in Thailand. 

[marcusarelus]

19 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

I used to live in Chicago. Great city but it was too cold for me even as a young man. I don't understand why old people would move there to retire. Personally, unfortunately, I really can't afford to live in the U.S. in any place even a tiny bit decent. Sorry I don't fancy cat food for dinner. If I was well funded, I would choose repatriation or expatriation to a place like New Zealand. Or, heck, maybe even a place like Medellin but the penthouse style life. 

 

We all have different situations. Destinations like Thailand and the Latin American choices tend to mostly attract people looking for a better quality of life than they could get at home. Basically ECONOMICS being the strongest motivation. 

 

__________________________________________________________________________

Note: My personal time frame for a possible move to Latin America is 2 to 3 YEARS.

American Households Aged 75 and Older:$31,893 median income.

 

How much is it in the UK?

Edited April 20, 2019 by marcusarelus

[Jingthing]

American Households Aged 75 and Older:$31,893 median income.  

How much is it in the UK?

 

Average US social security check is 1350 a month and a huge percentage earn less.  

Rents in the US through the roof.

 

Do the math.

 

 

 __________________________________________________________________________

 

Note: My personal time frame for a possible move to Latin America is 2 to 3 YEARS.

 

 

[marcusarelus]

23 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Average US social security check is 1350 a month and a huge percentage earn less.  

Rents in the US through the roof.

 

Do the math.

 

 

 __________________________________________________________________________

 

Note: My personal time frame for a possible move to Latin America is 2 to 3 YEARS.

Be specific.  I was looking at Madison Wisconsin $1000 will take care of my housing needs and the VA hospital there is one of the best.  I'm paying $700 per month now in rent.  Food is cheaper in USA as is my one glass of wine a day.  Florida $500 per month rent (friends).  Little Rock 6 or 7 hundred.  I've lived in the South most of my life and rents are cheap in many places.  North has better health care but rents are higher - studio apts or rent share are not bad.  Many places Florida have enough mass transit and living downtown cheap places can be found not nice but rustic.  Room in a house with a pool $7 to 800. 

 

Half of all Americans age 65 or older have incomes of less than $24,224 a year – far less than the amount that most need to meet their day-to-day living and health care expenses.”

Why is this number so much lower?

The $24,224 number is for all individuals above 65 — not household.

https://www.newretirement.com/retirement/average-retirement-income/

 

 

Edited April 20, 2019 by marcusarelus

[Jingthing]

No need to be specific. I really don't get your trip. You've been clear that because of your age you have rejected expatriation to Latin America. To me that sounds like an excellent decision for you. For many others living there now and potentially moving there the draw is largely a better quality of life than the home country. So you're trying to convince everyone that is not you to repatriate just because your situation favors repatriating?

 

Why????

 

I'm certainly not selling the idea that Latin America is the best choice for all

 

You and others please focus on the details about the Latin American choices. If the Latin American choices don't interest you and you have already rejected them this thread is really not for you.

 

Seems basic common sense.

 

I'll tell you another thing. If I get to the point where I lose any interest in expatriation to Latin America I'll naturally stop posting about it. It truly boggles the mind that the majority of posts here are from people with no interest in the actual topic. People complain that the topic is already too long. Well yeah sure because it's mostly noise from people with no interest in the topic.

 

I'm hoping for better here. One post a month that is actually on point is better than 1000 that aren't.

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________

 

Note: My personal time frame for a possible move to Latin America is 2 to 3 YEARS.

 

 

 

 

[marcusarelus]

22 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

No need to be specific. I really don't get your trip. You've been clear that because of your age you have rejected expatriation to Latin America. To me that sounds like an excellent decision for you. For many others living there now and potentially moving there the draw is largely a better quality of life than the home country. So you're trying to convince everyone that is not you to repatriate just because your situation favors repatriating?

 

Why????

 

I'm certainly not selling the idea that Latin America is the best choice for all

 

You and others please focus on the details about the Latin American choices. If the Latin American choices don't interest you and you have already rejected them this thread is really not for you.

 

Seems basic common sense.

 

I'll tell you another thing. If I get to the point where I lose any interest in expatriation to Latin America I'll naturally stop posting about it. It truly boggles the mind that the majority of posts here are from people with no interest in the actual topic. People complain that the topic is already too long. Well yeah sure because it's mostly noise from people with no interest in the topic.

 

I'm hoping for better here. One post a month that is actually on point is better than 1000 that aren't.

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________

 

Note: My personal time frame for a possible move to Latin America is 2 to 3 YEARS.

 

 

 

 

You said rents in the US are through the roof.  I am disputing that statement.  So I listed specifics.  https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/12/rent-prices-are-falling-in-these-7-major-u-s-cities.html

[Jingthing]

3 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

You said rents in the US are through the roof.  I am disputing that statement.  So I listed specifics.  https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/12/rent-prices-are-falling-in-these-7-major-u-s-cities.html

If you want a detailed discussion of the economics of repatriation in the U.S. feel welcome to revive the thread I abandoned about that (as I'm not currently interested) or start your own. The general point is obviously the truth. Expatriation from richer countries to poorer countries for retirees is usually motivated by the hope for improving the quality of life in the new country. That certainly applies to almost all the Latin American choices, except for the more expensive ones like Chile. Thailand is also one of those poorer countries that has historically attracted improve quality of life retired expats. But yes Thailand has gotten more expensive and their visa system has become highly onerous. So more people than usual are seeking other options. Could be nearby countries. Could be repatriation. Could be Eastern Europe. Could be Latin America.

THIS topic is specifically about choices in Latin America. 

Edited April 20, 2019 by Jingthing

[sunnyboy2018]

On 3/4/2019 at 3:18 PM, Jingthing said:

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.

Unfortunately for some on this thread, sensualists, sex is important.  Not one country listed so far provides sexual,  legal, services  just expensive,  commercial   insect ridden,  vaguely fascist Catholic despot regimes. And to be honest there have  been NO changes in the Visa laws,here. Just use an agent. Then you wont have to move to  cartel country . Some active members on this forum are purported to be admin staff they are not. You are allowed to challenge them within forum rules without being booted. Depending on your age, gender, sexual orientation,  social habits etc and your budget....I rather think Israel probably is the best option after Thailand.....nice thread..but cliched.

[sunnyboy2018]

24 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

If you want a detailed discussion of the economics of repatriation in the U.S. feel welcome to revive the thread I abandoned about that (as I'm not currently interested) or start your own. The general point is obviously the truth. Expatriation from richer countries to poorer countries for retirees is usually motivated by the hope for improving the quality of life in the new country. That certainly applies to almost all the Latin American choices, except for the more expensive ones like Chile. Thailand is also one of those poorer countries that has historically attracted improve quality of life retired expats. But yes Thailand has gotten more expensive and their visa system has become highly onerous. So more people than usual are seeking other options. Could be nearby countries. Could be repatriation. Could be Eastern Europe. Could be Latin America.

THIS topic is specifically about choices in Latin America. 

It's an open forum. You don't own the topic just because you started it. It's called a discussion.  Get used to it.

[sunnyboy2018]

2 hours ago, Jingthing said:

May as well be Mars for most expats living in Thailand. 

They would not let us in. They have immigration problems and a nut case PM. NZ going down the shutters plus the worst global warning prob in the world

Edited April 20, 2019 by sunnyboy2018

[Jingthing]

51 minutes ago, sunnyboy2018 said:

Unfortunately for some on this thread, sensualists, sex is important.  Not one country listed so far provides sexual,  legal, services  just expensive,  commercial   insect ridden,  vaguely fascist Catholic despot regimes. And to be honest there have  been NO changes in the Visa laws,here. Just use an agent. Then you wont have to move to  cartel country . Some active members on this forum are purported to be admin staff they are not. You are allowed to challenge them within forum rules without being booted. Depending on your age, gender, sexual orientation,  social habits etc and your budget....I rather think Israel probably is the best option after Thailand.....nice thread..but cliched.

Israel? Everyone's a comedian. 

Of course there have been visa changes.

Maybe they don't have an impact on you but they do on many others.

Every nation has prostitutes. Latin America certainly has them. The style is different. There are specialized punter forums for that kind of information. Colombia in particular is a large draw for sex tourists.

 

As far as the different kinds of governments in the world, the majority of expats are looking for a good level of stability and most political issues are domestic local matters. Expats care and should care when it bleeds into their potential quality of life there. A minority of expats may get involved in local politics but that is not the norm. 

 

As far as your comment (nice thread..but cliched) (thank you???) well OK, please help it become less cliched within the boundaries of the general topic -- LATIN AMERICAN expatriation possibilities.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________
My personal time frame for a possible move to Latin America is 2 to 3 YEARS. 
 

Edited April 20, 2019 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

44 minutes ago, sunnyboy2018 said:

They would not let us in. They have immigration problems and a nut case PM. NZ going down the shutters plus the worst global warning prob in the world

I was thinking more in line with their financial qualifications. They are very much higher than Thailand. A different CLASS as it were. The majority of nations in Latin America with retirement programs have financial requirements that are either similar to Thailand or lower, sometimes MUCH lower. That doesn't mean the actual costs are much lower. They generally aren't. Visa requirements and actual costs are different things. 

 

_____________________________________________________________________________
My personal time frame for a possible move to Latin America is 2 to 3 YEARS. 
 

Edited April 20, 2019 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

47 minutes ago, sunnyboy2018 said:

It's an open forum. You don't own the topic just because you started it. It's called a discussion.  Get used to it.

This thread is focused on Latin America. Get used to that.

 

_____________________________________________________________________________
My personal time frame for a possible move to Latin America is 2 to 3 YEARS. 
 

Edited April 20, 2019 by Jingthing

[seasia]

Just now, marcusarelus said:

American Households Aged 75 and Older:$31,893 median income.

 

How much is it in the UK?

Hi

 

Not sure how your question is relevant but do think that the average median income for a UK couple at 75 yrs. old is a fair bit lower than the figure you have quoted for the US.( Note, I am not questioning your US figure, have no idea )

 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/693324/pensioners-incomes-series-2016-17-report.pdf

 

The UK basic state pension is somewhat miserly, lower than other of the leading Euoropean countries.

It is somewhat complicated by being based on how many years someone has made contributions.

Think but could be wrong that it is generally between 600 to 700 GBP per month.

Multiply by about X 1.3 for US $ figure.

 

Oh and the weather is awful, unless you like cold and rain, hence why many, including myself have chosen somewhere else to stay, even though in my case a fair way off retirement age.

 

To try to get back on topic, Columbia looks good, climate, value, medical standards, transport are strong positives.

[seasia]

Whilst searching around for on line info on Colombia ( Medellin specifically ) I came across the following youtube clip.

 

Not aimed at potential expats,no audio commentary, just a pictorial video re. the tram/cable car system then onto to the nightlife..

 

Sometimes pictures are better than words, looked lovely from start to finish.

 

Chill out and All the Best

 

 

[Tony125]

On 3/4/2019 at 3:18 PM, Jingthing said:

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.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/mexico-travel-warning-issued-after-8-bodies-found-in-cancun/ar-BBMlu8N?li=BBnb7Kz&fbclid=IwAR39ZH0ePxaWqcjBtwBsbWQhGXGmsy9AHJ7u7nWz5l9pTDu7Pl1eGlsRfo8

 

Is the crime rate an interest to you?

[Jingthing]

2 hours ago, Tony125 said:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/mexico-travel-warning-issued-after-8-bodies-found-in-cancun/ar-BBMlu8N?li=BBnb7Kz&fbclid=IwAR39ZH0ePxaWqcjBtwBsbWQhGXGmsy9AHJ7u7nWz5l9pTDu7Pl1eGlsRfo8

 

Is the crime rate an interest to you?

It depends. I think people know by now about cartel violence in Mexico. Your link is rather dated but yes it was surprising to a lot of people to hear about such things in Cancun as Cancun is such a popular tourism spot although it wasn't literally at the beach. I see your link mentions Michoacán state as Level 4. Yes the city of Morelia in that state would be a more attractive option otherwise. Personally, any news that the status of the CITY of Queretaro which is known as a no go zone for cartel violence has changed would be of great interest.

 

More generally the new leftist populist president there has promised to reduce such violence. He's still new but it hasn't been reduced.

 

This topic isn't about either fear mongering or sugar coating. 

 

https://www.vox.com/2018/8/15/17690420/mexico-president-amlo-drug-war-cartels-violence-legalization

 

 

 

 

Edited April 20, 2019 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

Medellin is quite a large city. The living experience will be very different depending on where in Medellin. There are plenty of general guides to Medellin, but this one seems special. It gets into detail about the different neighborhoods WITHIN the popular with expats and tourists larger districts.

 

Those districts are Poblado, Laureles, and Envigado.

 

https://theunconventionalroute.com/best-neighborhoods-in-medellin/

 

Quote

 

The Difference Between Love and Hate is Location

 

Whether you’re coming for two days, two months, or two years, you have to be strategic in deciding where to stay in Medellin because it can make the difference between loving and hating the city.