There's no Plan B. The WEF/Globalists have ruined it everywhere. To a country, governments are becoming tyrannical, Orwellian cesspools. All of them. A root canal at the dentist is now preferable to everyday banking in Thailand.

When I finally do give up on Thailand I will probably head back to the states, because it is going through its tear down and reconstruction stage first, and so will likely have advanced to the ascendancy phase while the rest of the world plays catch up. But that is just speculation, and is subject to change depending on how the future develops. What I have realized is that there is absolutely no escaping what is coming. The entire world is going to be transformed. There's simply nowhere to go which will provide a respite.

For me,

Walkability and life without a car or bike. Very important.

Not cold but not oppressively hot/humid important.

Decent put of pocket affordable health care. Important.

Safe important.

Easy visa.

Couple can live comfortably on £1500 a month all in.

Decent vibrant cafes.

Thailand hard to beat.

15 hours ago, Celsius said:

Good food

Yeah, it's almost like it's Thai food. So insightful. May well decide his fate based on that.

1 hour ago, Keeps said:

Yeah, it's almost like it's Thai food. So insightful. May well decide his fate based on that.

I am not talking about cancerous Thai slop that you obviously eat. I am talking about food in Vientiane and numerous cafes and restaurants that cater to Westerners and serve delish western style and Asian Fusion food. Much better than anything I ate in Thailand.

Edited June 14Jun 14 by Celsius

I detailed my CURRENT Top two Plan list but that could be different next week.

I think it's worth noting that some countries that used to be on my lists have been cut and that some others continue to stay as in the running.

Why cut? Usually visa rules changed or I learned I'm not eligible.

I won't spend any time on additional research about the impossible.

A country that has always been there for me is Mexico.

Specifically interior high altitude mild weather colonial Mexico.

Specifically Queretaro but there are others such as San Luis Potosi, Agaucalientes, Guadalajara (Gaydalajara), and San Miguel de Allende.

I even harbor some curiosity for oddball choices such as Xalapa Veracruz.

But Queretaro is tops.

So here goes:

Queretaro Mexico

-- Qualify for visa, maybe even instant permanent residence (moving money target. I not 5 year path to perm residence or citizenship.

-- Middle level budget but a bit higher, could afford a decent apartment in a good area

Queretaro is a "Mexican dream" city, many well off Mexican locals.

-- Good hospitals. Would probably need to self insure. Could fly to the USA to use Medicare if not an emergenct.

-- No problem without a car in central neighborhoods. The heritage core area very walkable (and delightful).

-- Weather year round moderate

-- Great Mexican food of course. Being a very big city lots of international options. Some surprising strengths such as Korean.

-- Safety among the safest of Mexican big cities. Minimal cartel violence.

-- Homophobia level acceptable

-- Taxation -- a bit tricky but probably manageable

-- Language -- Some English spoken but living there would be expected to learn Spanish

Edited June 14Jun 14 by Jingthing

11 minutes ago, Celsius said:

I am not talking about cancerous Thai slop that you obviously eat. I am talking about food in Vientiane and numerous cafes and restaurants that cater to Westerners and serve delish western style and Asian Fusion food. Much better than anything I ate in Thailand.

We all know that you ponce off the back of some chinese (trying to think of the correct phrase 🤔) You now live in the toilet that is known as Toronto. You have nothing to give it the 'big one' about. You couldn't hack it in Thailand, you can't afford to be here. Just live with it. Don't be so bitter. Don't have a pop at us who are minted and doing what we want to do. You tried, you failed. Keep buying those lottery tickets - you never know.....

Edited June 14Jun 14 by Keeps

3 hours ago, uncletiger said:

There's no Plan B. The WEF/Globalists have ruined it everywhere. To a country, governments are becoming tyrannical, Orwellian cesspools. All of them. A root canal at the dentist is now preferable to everyday banking in Thailand.

When I finally do give up on Thailand I will probably head back to the states, because it is going through its tear down and reconstruction stage first, and so will likely have advanced to the ascendancy phase while the rest of the world plays catch up. But that is just speculation, and is subject to change depending on how the future develops. What I have realized is that there is absolutely no escaping what is coming. The entire world is going to be transformed. There's simply nowhere to go which will provide a respite.

Well, yes and no.

It is a big world out there but Americans face special challenges.

Banks often don't want to open accounts for Americans because of the extra paperwork and now thanks to our "leadership" we're competing with Russians and Israelis for unpopularity abroad.

A zillion of countries were mentioned here. What about India?

7 minutes ago, Keeps said:

We all know that you ponce off the back of some chinese (trying to think of the correct phrase 🤔) You now live in the toilet that is known as Toronto. You have nothing to give it the 'big one' about. You couldn't hack it in Thailand, you can't afford to be here. Just live with it. Don't be so bitter. Don't have a pop at us who are minted and doing what we want to do. You tried, you failed. Keep buying those lottery tickets - you never know...

Oh deary me, a whole essay? Just because you heroically hacked the mean streets of Tesco food court in Thailand

13 minutes ago, swissie said:

A zillion of countries were mentioned here. What about India?

13 minutes ago, swissie said:

A zillion of countries were mentioned here. What about India?

13 minutes ago, swissie said:

A zillion of countries were mentioned here. What about India?

Wbat about it?

Anyway, no visa for retirement.

Queretaro Video

4 hours ago, VocalNeal said:

The problem I see with this thread is the supposition that we can live fulltime anywhere we wish on the planet. I do not believe this to be the case. Most countries do not have long-term visas for single foreigners who have no attachment to that country.

Well, not for me.

Visas and being eligible for visas is my TOP criteria.

If not possible, game over.

15 minutes ago, swissie said:

A zillion of countries were mentioned here. What about India?

India does not want farangs....India was ruled by farangs for 200 years and they dont want farangs living there..Only as a tourist...Try living there and India will kick your azz out...

Edited June 14Jun 14 by redwood1

6 minutes ago, redwood1 said:

India does not want farangs....India was ruled by farangs for 200 years and they dont want farangs living there..Only as tourist

Not so long ago, Farangs stayed in Thailand as "eternal tourists". I would think that this is possible in India. If not, what other visa types are available in India?

4 hours ago, jts-khorat said:

The problem is, that you are American, and the oppressing world-wide tax burden and growing visa hassles your nationality brings with it, simply does not apply to us.

So my criteria would be more than useless for you, where they are not reduced to culture, nature and the people.

Best example: Portugal kind of is a tax heaven, no visas needed as part of the EU, I just move off the plane and live anywhere as if at home. But how would that help you?

Oh, mary, please.

Your example is Portugal and you're a EU citizen.

I could tell you similarly I have no visa hassles moving from Texas to Maine.

For all non-EU citizens, any EU nation carries rules that don't apply to EU people.

DUH!

As far as criteria, they are PERONALIZED!

For me Portugal is very tax unfriendly as they tax social security and a high rate too.

Yeah I get it for EU citizens you won't have such issues.

Again, DUH!

5 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

You have often posted various iterations of this simple theme.

I am not objecting to re-reading this same topic.

I agree that it is one of the most important topics one might consider.

In fact, even though most people might think I am.....JOKING.....

I am seriously considering China.

China has everything under the Sun.

Also, I love the culture, and the culture encompasses all that interests me.

China has made great progress since I first set foot behind the Bamboo Curtain.

The only question is how to find a single, detached dwelling, that might suit me.

Here in Thailand, finding a detached house with a garden is quite simple.

In China, it is not so simple.

I bet I can solve the visa problem for China.

But, health and living arrangement issues might take a bit more doing.

I would not mind living in YunNan, or Dalian.

Well I certainly see the appeal of China for the food alone!

But as you know they are not positioning themselves as a retirement expat destination so a motivated person like you needs to creative. Good luck.

3 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Well I certainly see the appeal of China for the food alone!

But as you know they are not positioning themselves as a retirement expat destination so a motivated person like you needs to creative. Good luck.

Have you ever considered Israel ?

2 minutes ago, swissie said:

Have you ever considered Israel ?

2 minutes ago, swissie said:

Have you ever considered Israel ?

2 minutes ago, swissie said:

Have you ever considered Israel ?

Sure.

Too expensive especially in Tel Aviv where I'd want to live.

Fascist government just like home.

Once you've seen one falafel ball, you've seen them all.

Good Ethiopian food though.

Yalla bye.

11 hours ago, Woke to Sounds said:

Cambo is slowly becoming more popular with retiring farangs, (no) thanks to all the Ytube vloggers.

Vietnam has no retirement visa. It's 90 day border runs instead.

You never know when the VNese government will crack down on farangs doing endless border runs. I'd bet sooner than later. Lots of farang troublemakers infecting places like Da Nang now.

Pathetic.

https://www.nine.com.au/world-news/vietnam-shirtless-aussie-questioned-over-cafe-rampage-in-vietnam-20260531-p602iw.html

I don't think Vietnam is EVER going to offer a retirement visa.

Perhaps a Golden Visa for the very wealthy.

Of course IF they did offer a retirement visa with reasonable requirements, they would be flooded. Another reason that they won't. They're just not that into us.

I can't say that I blame them.

Edited June 14Jun 14 by Jingthing

5 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

If I leave Thailand, I will relocate to Point Loma, CA, USA

Sounds expensive. Are you a rich beyatch?

As I originally said I don't think that any place even exists that ticks enough of my boxes very well (considering my budget and visa requirements). Also I don't expect anyone here to mention someplace that would as I've already done so much research myself.

9 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Sounds expensive. Are you a rich beyatch?

Expensive compared to what?

I could swing it. I'd probably have to get smaller place than I have here, but I could get something nice enough.

38 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Well I certainly see the appeal of China for the food alone!

But as you know they are not positioning themselves as a retirement expat destination so a motivated person like you needs to creative. Good luck.

IF I eventually, maybe within the next two years, or sooner, move to China, then.....

You are MORE THAN welcome, Sir, to visit me there.

We will have a FINE meal.

And, I know that you never turn up your nose at a FINE meal.....

Hope you are able to finally come to grips with your best Plan B, if Thailand might somehow turn south for you.

Thailand is still the best.

Nobody can argue against this opinion.

BUT, as you say: If one has no viable and well-thought-out plan, just in case...then....

One remains, perennially, in a state of stress.

I will keep you posted, no doubt.....now worries.....

PHILLY is OUT of the question....for sure......!!!!!

3 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

Expensive compared to what?

I could swing it. I'd probably have to get smaller place than I have here, but I could get something nice enough.

Up to you

5 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

Expensive compared to what?

I could swing it. I'd probably have to get smaller place than I have here, but I could get something nice enough.

Expensive as compared to pretty much every expat retirement destination we're talking about here. Actually very expensive. If you can afford that, enjoy. I would rather get more bang for my buck abroad.

9 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

As I originally said I don't think that any place even exists that ticks enough of my boxes very well (considering my budget and visa requirements). Also I don't expect anyone here to mention someplace that would as I've already done so much research myself.

And what is your budget and requirements?

I don't think any countries beat Thailand's combo of affordable prices, easy visa, and good weather.

However, my Russian friend in Vietnam says he was told Vietnam allows unlimited border runs, for now.

I really liked Da Nang..2 years ago! But it's way overcrowded with Chinese & S. Korean tourists now dammit. Seriously, it was so bad Vietnam is going to have to restrict how many tourists they let in, they are ruining the city.

Just now, Celsius said:

And what is your budget and requirements?

I want monthly expenses including rent under 2500 USD.

I'm not going to reveal details about my pension and savings.

My level qualifies me for many countries but is not enough for many others.

Edited June 14Jun 14 by Jingthing

37 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Sure.

Too expensive especially in Tel Aviv where I'd want to live.

Fascist government just like home.

Once you've seen one falafel ball, you've seen them all.

Good Ethiopian food though.

Yalla bye.

I have friends in Tel Aviv, of all places. They say it is delightful to live there -- in peace times.

I am not so sure those times will be back soon.

For somebody who likes this kind of Meditarranean climate, there is of course always Cyprus. Apartments are easy to buy and in the Turkish part not even expensive; you got to like Russians around you though.

1 minute ago, Jingthing said:

Up to you

Expensive as compared to pretty much every expat retirement destination we're talking about here. Actually very expensive. If you can afford that, enjoy. I would rather get more bang for my buck abroad.

I do not have much of an interest in an expat retirement destination. I am in Thailand because I got transferred here for work in 1999 and retired in 2020.

I have friends and family here, and I like it here okay, but if I had to leave, I would go back to the US.

1 minute ago, jts-khorat said:

I have friends in Tel Aviv, of all places. They say it is delightful to live there -- in peace times.

I am not so sure those times will be back soon.

For somebody who likes this kind of Meditarranean climate, there is of course always Cyprus. Apartments are easy to buy and in the Turkish part not even expensive; you got to like Russians around you though.

No doubt Tel Aviv is a wonderful city in peacetime.

I've looked into Cyprus before. I'm not sure but I think I might not be visa qualified there.

There's another thing about visas.

It's not only the levels but the level of HASSLE they put you through.
Sometimes I read about what's involved and even if qualified, I just think, that's going to be too hard. I recall that was my reacion to the system in Peru.

Edited June 14Jun 14 by Jingthing