Alternative retirement locations

[Northstar1]

On 2/3/2024 at 1:40 PM, uttradit said:

How come only 1 Thai city makes the top 50? Your link can't be taken seriously.

 

Manilla better than Chiang Mai what nonsense.

Chang nobyl is unliveable for 4-6 months a year 

[Northstar1]

On 2/4/2024 at 1:40 AM, GypsyT said:

CM 115   https://www.aqi.in/us/dashboard/thailand/chiang-mai

Manila  25

 

- CM beats Manila hand down....

 

Chang mai is a <deleted>e hole 

[uttradit]

2 hours ago, Northstar1 said:

Chang mai is a <deleted>e hole 

 

2 hours ago, Northstar1 said:

Chang nobyl is unliveable for 4-6 months a year 

Why is that?

[JimTripper]

1 hour ago, uttradit said:

 

Why is that?

Bad air quality at Chang Nobyl, not sure about Chiang Mai.

[swissie]

On 2/3/2024 at 6:05 AM, Jingthing said:

I'm not planning on leaving Thailand. 

These other countries are backup options because there is no residence security based on retirement in Thailand. 

I have traveled extensively in Mexico in the past. I have a list of potential destinations if I ever did move there. I don't have just one place in mind at the moment. But you're right that Mexico is a large country with a diverse range of choices and choosing the actual place is quite hard, in my view much harder than for Thailand. 

 

My current list includes 

 

Mazatlan

Oaxaca

Queretaro

Xalapa Veracruz (very affordable to buy housing, low budget pick overall)

Aguascalientes (another low budget pick in a big city)

Puerto Vallarta (probably too expensive)

Morelia (foodie pick, maybe too dangerous)

Merida (definitely too hot)

Puebla (too high)

Mexico City (can't ignore it)

 

Hi JT.
I assume you are a US Citzen. Why not Arizona? Old folks living in a Mobile Home in a hundred "Mobile Home Parks". "Quarzsite" Arizona for example. = Low cost living but  with all the benefits of living in the US. Why no good for you?

On a personal note: I used to live in Arizona. Loved it 100%. Family matters forced me to return to my home country for many years. My income originated from my home country, so I never filed a Tax Return in the

US.
As I recently learned, living outside of the US and not filing a Tax return, (regardless of income situation), is a criminal offence !!!    So, final retirement in sunny Arizona is no more a viable option for me as I would probably be arrested at any US airport upon arrival.

- Compared to this, your worries about "no permanent residency status in Thailend" appears somewhat benighn. You, always able to return to the US, granted you have always filed a Tax Return with the IRS during your time "overseas", otherwise.......!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sidjameson]

On 2/4/2024 at 10:26 AM, Jingthing said:

Yeah I would have moved to CM but the smoke issue nixed it.

To me I the biggest negative for Cambodia is health care.

Yes, feel the same. 

Where in Thailand are you? Region if you don't want to give away too much 😜

[Jingthing]

47 minutes ago, swissie said:

Hi JT.
I assume you are a US Citzen. Why not Arizona? Old folks living in a Mobile Home in a hundred "Mobile Home Parks". "Quarzsite" Arizona for example. = Low cost living but  with all the benefits of living in the US. Why no good for you?

On a personal note: I used to live in Arizona. Loved it 100%. Family matters forced me to return to my home country for many years. My income originated from my home country, so I never filed a Tax Return in the

US.
As I recently learned, living outside of the US and not filing a Tax return, (regardless of income situation), is a criminal offence !!!    So, final retirement in sunny Arizona is no more a viable option for me as I would probably be arrested at any US airport upon arrival.

- Compared to this, your worries about "no permanent residency status in Thailend" appears somewhat benighn. You, always able to return to the US, granted you have always filed a Tax Return with the IRS during your time "overseas", otherwise.......!!!!!!!!!!!

 

That's misinformation.

You're not required to file as an expat if you're not required file period depending on income, etc.

You are required to file FBAR to treasury if above defined foreign bank.account levels.

I think you're out of touch with housing costs in the US these days including renting or buying a mobile which even if you own still has land rent.

There are lower cost areas to live in the US but housing is still expensive in those areas and they are lower cost for a reason.

Repatriation is a last resort but one good reason is to use Medicare. 

The political division in the US isn't getting better any time soon.

Edited February 8 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

19 minutes ago, sidjameson said:

Yes, feel the same. 

Where in Thailand are you? Region if you don't want to give away too much 😜

Jomtien.

Perfect for me but like Bangkok air quality has become an issue.

[GypsyT]

Cheap living (or just surviving and suffering?) in the U.S.A.

 

https://homesonwheelsalliance.org/category/rtr/

 

Great movie;  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9770150/

 

[Jingthing]

2 minutes ago, GypsyT said:

Cheap living (or just surviving and suffering?) in the U.S.A.

 

https://homesonwheelsalliance.org/category/rtr/

 

Great movie;  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9770150/

 

Glorified homelessness. 

[georgegeorgia]

3 hours ago, swissie said:

Hi JT.
I assume you are a US Citzen. Why not Arizona? Old folks living in a Mobile Home in a hundred "Mobile Home Parks". "Quarzsite" Arizona for example. = Low cost living but  with all the benefits of living in the US. Why no good for you?

On a personal note: I used to live in Arizona. Loved it 100%. Family matters forced me to return to my home country for many years. My income originated from my home country, so I never filed a Tax Return in the

US.
As I recently learned, living outside of the US and not filing a Tax return, (regardless of income situation), is a criminal offence !!!    So, final retirement in sunny Arizona is no more a viable option for me as I would probably be arrested at any US airport upon arrival.

- Compared to this, your worries about "no permanent residency status in Thailend" appears somewhat benighn. You, always able to return to the US, granted you have always filed a Tax Return with the IRS during your time "overseas", otherwise.......!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Just read that Quartzite that crime is the highest 

 

3 hours ago, swissie said:

Hi JT.
I assume you are a US Citzen. Why not Arizona? Old folks living in a Mobile Home in a hundred "Mobile Home Parks". "Quarzsite" Arizona for example. = Low cost living but  with all the benefits of living in the US. Why no good for you?

On a personal note: I used to live in Arizona. Loved it 100%. Family matters forced me to return to my home country for many years. My income originated from my home country, so I never filed a Tax Return in the

US.
As I recently learned, living outside of the US and not filing a Tax return, (regardless of income situation), is a criminal offence !!!    So, final retirement in sunny Arizona is no more a viable option for me as I would probably be arrested at any US airport upon arrival.

- Compared to this, your worries about "no permanent residency status in Thailend" appears somewhat benighn. You, always able to return to the US, granted you have always filed a Tax Return with the IRS during your time "overseas", otherwise.......!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Quartzite , pop 2143 

High crime 

[GypsyT]

Now checking out DaLat, Vn. It's been 6 years from my last visit. So much better now!

The weather is perfect for me; humidity 1% 6am, 8% 6pm. Nights are 13 to 18 C at night and 24-26 C during days. A little cold but still very comfortable. The air is VERY FRESH.

 

Last night's New Year's how was beautiful (Jomtien "war man" would have died...) way to welcome 2024.

 

Could I retire here? Yes, I could but many other places to check first along the sea.

Good video w/o hype:

 

 

 

 

[Jingthing]

1 hour ago, GypsyT said:

Now checking out DaLat, Vn. It's been 6 years from my last visit. So much better now!

The weather is perfect for me; humidity 1% 6am, 8% 6pm. Nights are 13 to 18 C at night and 24-26 C during days. A little cold but still very comfortable. The air is VERY FRESH.

 

Last night's New Year's how was beautiful (Jomtien "war man" would have died...) way to welcome 2024.

 

Could I retire here? Yes, I could but many other places to check first along the sea.

Good video w/o hype:

 

 

 

 

Retire there with WHAT VISA?

[GypsyT]

15 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Retire there with WHAT VISA?

"If there's a will there's a way"

[Jingthing]

12 minutes ago, GypsyT said:

"If there's a will there's a way"

Be more specific.

[swissie]

On 2/8/2024 at 8:14 PM, Jingthing said:

That's misinformation.

You're not required to file as an expat if you're not required file period depending on income, etc.

You are required to file FBAR to treasury if above defined foreign bank.account levels.

I think you're out of touch with housing costs in the US these days including renting or buying a mobile which even if you own still has land rent.

There are lower cost areas to live in the US but housing is still expensive in those areas and they are lower cost for a reason.

Repatriation is a last resort but one good reason is to use Medicare. 

The political division in the US isn't getting better any time soon.

On my US Passport, on page 4, § 6 it says: "All US ctizens working and residing overseas are required to file and report on their worldwide income".   Hmmm?
FBAR: Every account + 10.000 $ must be reported. (= practically every US citizen, assuming with confidence that his foreighn account is heavier than $ 10K).
I never filed with the FBAR. Question: Having not filed, will I be arrested on any US-Airport upon entry of the US ? This is meant as a serious question.

 

During my time in the US I was always remembered by my US friends: "Whatever you do, don't mess with the IRS"!

 

[swissie]

On 2/8/2024 at 10:30 PM, georgegeorgia said:

Just read that Quartzite that crime is the highest 

 

Quartzite , pop 2143 

High crime 

Holy smoke! Are the retired folks (called "Snowbirds" in Arizona) starting to kill each other? Or have the youthful gangs of L.A. discovered that "old folks" in Quartzsite are easy prey?

 Unthinkable 20 years ago.

 

[GypsyT]

8 hours ago, swissie said:

On my US Passport, on page 4, § 6 it says: "All US ctizens working and residing overseas are required to file and report on their worldwide income".   Hmmm?

Yes, IF you're working, but if you only have SS that's less than 15k (I think) no reporting.

The yearly limit is on the tax form.

 

I prefer to report "just in case". It's easy.

I also report all bank accounts and interests even if they are below the required limit.

 

IRS is nothing to mess with. My long time IRS official friend told me; "IRS is looking variations on income. If there's no big changes they don't bother to look closely."

He also said; "If there is no tax burden better to report too much than too little." I've been doing that.

 

[swissie]

On 2/11/2024 at 4:43 PM, swissie said:

On my US Passport, on page 4, § 6 it says: "All US ctizens working and residing overseas are required to file and report on their worldwide income".   Hmmm?
FBAR: Every account + 10.000 $ must be reported. (= practically every US citizen, assuming with confidence that his foreighn account is heavier than $ 10K).
I never filed with the FBAR. Question: Having not filed, will I be arrested on any US-Airport upon entry of the US ? This is meant as a serious question.

 

During my time in the US I was always remembered by my US friends: "Whatever you do, don't mess with the IRS"!

 

Not having filed any FBAR, my question remains: Will I be arrested at any US Airport upon entry?

[Jingthing]

14 minutes ago, swissie said:

Not having filed any FBAR, my question remains: Will I be arrested at any US Airport upon entry?

Were you required to file FBARs based on the amounts in your foreign accounts?

If not no FBAR filing requirement whatsoever. 

Are you a US citizen?

You would  need to contact an expat tax specialist for advice on your case.

My understanding is the penalties involve massive fines rather than criminal charges.

 

Edited February 14 by Jingthing

[balo]

I think Colombia could be a nice alternative.  I have not reached retirement age yet but I think I will visit S-America and see what they have to offer. Unfortunately I do not speak Spanish but it would be easier to learn than Thai.  

But it depends on the costs, I do not expect a big pension. 
 

[Jingthing]

47 minutes ago, balo said:

I think Colombia could be a nice alternative.  I have not reached retirement age yet but I think I will visit S-America and see what they have to offer. Unfortunately I do not speak Spanish but it would be easier to learn than Thai.  

But it depends on the costs, I do not expect a big pension. 
 

I think Colombia is one of the best expat options in the world for long term high quality and affordable health care. If you move there before age 60 or so you can opt for the more luxury health plan option. Expats are required to enroll in their national health program which is an innovative system of private health insurance companies with government overview. No health review to enroll. Cost is based on percentage of income, so low on a most pensions. 

If you come later, the options aren't as good. 

Costs are getting high in Bogota and Medellin also higher crime so suggest the coffee region (Armenia or Manizales) or Bucaragmonga.

[GypsyT]

swissie; better read IRS pages;

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/us-citizens-and-residents-abroad-filing-requirements

 

"Your income, filing status, and age generally determine whether you must file a return. Usually, you must file a return if your gross income from worldwide sources is at least the amount shown for your filing status in the filing requirements table in chapter 1 of Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad."

 

Immigration has nothing to do with IRS problems. However, Trump may change that too...

 

[findlay13]

On 1/24/2024 at 6:33 PM, brianthainess said:

I find everywhere boring after a while, but some of us older folks like to stay home, and are quite content with our own company. I have friends close by but we rarely visit each other, we have our own homes to care for, & we are not bar flies.

That's why even after 20 years I split my time between Australia and here.When I get bored there,I come here and vice versa

Edited February 15 by findlay13

[findlay13]

On 2/4/2024 at 1:51 AM, Jingthing said:

You couldn't be more wrong.

I knew a lot of Aussies who moved there  but that was 30 years ago