6 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

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.

Decatur, IL

3 minutes ago, Celsius said:

Decatur, IL

I like to have restaurant food every day.

3 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

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.

But that is exactly my point above. Cyprus, one of the many places where I as a fellow European just walk off the plane and live there like at home.

That you compare such diverse places with states bound by a horrific civil war into the USA just shows how little grasp of reality many of you guys have, I am sorry to say, even though supposedly you lived years or maybe even devades as a foreign immigrant in a far-away country. Have you not looked around while doing so?

Anyway, my visa requirements, and likely that of very many here on Thai Visa have little overlap with yours (being a citizen, happily or not, of a benighted evil terror regime even supressing its own people abroad), so my list (as a citizen of the democratic, free and good part of the world) would make little sense for you.

3 minutes ago, jts-khorat said:

But that is exactly my point above. Cyprus, one of the many places where I as a fellow European just walk off the plane and live there like at home.

That you compare such diverse places with states bound by a horrific civil war into the USA just shows how little grasp of reality many of you guys have, I am sorry to say, even though supposedly you lived years or maybe even devades as a foreign immigrant in a far-away country. Have you not looked around while doing so?

Anyway, my visa requirements, and likely that of very many here on Thai Visa have little overlap with yours (being a citizen, happily or not, of a benighted evil terror regime even supressing its own people abroad), so my list (as a citizen of the democratic, free and good part of the world) would make little sense for you.

3 minutes ago, jts-khorat said:

But that is exactly my point above. Cyprus, one of the many places where I as a fellow European just walk off the plane and live there like at home.

That you compare such diverse places with states bound by a horrific civil war into the USA just shows how little grasp of reality many of you guys have, I am sorry to say, even though supposedly you lived years or maybe even devades as a foreign immigrant in a far-away country. Have you not looked around while doing so?

Anyway, my visa requirements, and likely that of very many here on Thai Visa have little overlap with yours (being a citizen, happily or not, of a benighted evil terror regime even supressing its own people abroad), so my list (as a citizen of the democratic, free and good part of the world) would make little sense for you.

3 minutes ago, jts-khorat said:

But that is exactly my point above. Cyprus, one of the many places where I as a fellow European just walk off the plane and live there like at home.

That you compare such diverse places with states bound by a horrific civil war into the USA just shows how little grasp of reality many of you guys have, I am sorry to say, even though supposedly you lived years or maybe even devades as a foreign immigrant in a far-away country. Have you not looked around while doing so?

Anyway, my visa requirements, and likely that of very many here on Thai Visa have little overlap with yours (being a citizen, happily or not, of a benighted evil terror regime even supressing its own people abroad), so my list (as a citizen of the democratic, free and good part of the world) would make little sense for you.

You're being ridiculous.

Your visa advantage is for EU nations only.

Other than those you're in same boat as Americans pretty much eveywhere else.

If you're into bashing Americans for sport, have at it.

I don't care. Have your fun.

My government is an ally of Russia now.

OP, it seems that Thailand hasn't taught you much. Don't dwell on the past or worry about the future; instead, focus on the present.

2 minutes ago, pub2022 said:

OP, it seems that Thailand hasn't taught you much. Don't dwell on the past or worry about the future; instead, focus on the present.

Did you get that gem of wisdom on a Hallmark Greeting card?

Valencia, Spain on an annual renewable non lucrative visa, need to show passive income approx $2100 a month...........Can apply permanent residency after 5 years living in country....Port city, pretty vibrant, more affordable that Madrid or Barcelona. Not a difficult language. That or Granada would be my choice if I ever considered Spain. Granada even cheaper and close to ski slopes too. Great weather all year both cities, just a bit hot July/August....................Granada rents are also incredibly cheap..........

21 hours ago, Jingthing said:

For example don't say Mexico, say Queretaro Mexico instead.

DON'T say Queretaro.....

Say....Villahermosa.....instead....please.....

https://visitmexico.com/en/destino/2304/villahermosa

Villahermosa is the balmiest place in Tabasco.

I could live there, but it's not even one millionth as wonderful as China.

For some, though, it might be OK.

I was first there in 1988.

The food is excellent.

I am balmy enough to live there, and what about YOU.....???

I will NEVER return to the Americas....I think....

Not in this lifetime, anyway.....

Edited June 14Jun 14 by GammaGlobulin

I never ate a good noodle in Mexico.

Therefore, Mexico is a NON-STARTER......

NO Way....Jose.....!!!!!!!!!!

China is the way, or the highway........

Edited June 14Jun 14 by GammaGlobulin

3 hours ago, pub2022 said:

OP, it seems that Thailand hasn't taught you much. Don't dwell on the past or worry about the future; instead, focus on the present.

The present does not exist.

26 minutes ago, Rockyroad said:

The present does not exist.

Did he actually say....Don't Worry About the Future......???

11 hours ago, uncletiger said:

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.

One of the Controllers' many agendas is to keep your feet nailed to the floor of your home country. They don't want the proles traveling - except within your 15 min city.

Every single day the US media brings a bogus story about an airline mishap / unruly crisis actor passenger, so as to discourage traveling.

The Hill Country north of San Antonio Texas. Great warm weather most of the year, with a nice break in the Spring, late Fall and Winter, where it get cold but doesn't last long.

Not much rain although heavy for some days. Occasional snow in some winters.

The best food from all over the world in one area. BBQ and Chili world class.

Lakes, beaches, mountains, huge parks, rivers, streams for hunting and fishing world class.

Many concerts and events, Austin being a music capital for ages.

Friendly country people with quaint stores selling antiques, jams, butters, household items, fruit and veggies.

6 hours ago, Furioso said:

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

For now. But that's the main issue with staying long term in VietNam: You never know when the rug pull's coming!

You could be refused at the border any time.

Hard to feel stable, secure.

It's a shame because VietNam has the most diverse climate/weather in the region.

Always a comfortable location in VN to be if the weather gets too uncomfortable where you're at.

Edited June 14Jun 14 by Woke to Sounds
Clarity.

8 minutes ago, Woke to Sounds said:

For now. But that's the main issue with staying long term in VietNam: You never know when the rug pull's coming!

You could be refused at the border any time.

Hard to feel stable, secure.

It's a shame because VietNam has the most diverse climate/weather in the region.

Always a comfortable location in VN to be if the weather gets too uncomfortable where you're at.

Visited there, the north, last year with my girlfriend and would love to return again, especially to see more history and the south. Love those Banh Mi's and Viet food.

Some rough details about why Portugal is very tax unfriendly for US retired expats.

Let's say your US income is 32K Euros including Social Security and traditional IRA withdrawals.

So you owe both US and Portugal taxes on that full amount with double taxation allowances.

The US tax on that would be quite low.

The Portuguese tax would be a whopping shocking 37 percent.

Unacceptable for what is really rather a lower moderate retirement income,

Many people still think that there is a 10 year break for new Portuguese tax residents which cut the tax to a flat 10 percent rate for the first ten years. Not nearly as bad of course. That indeed USED to exist.

But that's gone! It was ended in 2023.

Edited June 14Jun 14 by Jingthing

5 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

DON'T say Queretaro.....

Say....Villahermosa.....instead....please.....

https://visitmexico.com/en/destino/2304/villahermosa

Villahermosa is the balmiest place in Tabasco.

I could live there, but it's not even one millionth as wonderful as China.

For some, though, it might be OK.

I was first there in 1988.

The food is excellent.

I am balmy enough to live there, and what about YOU.....???

I will NEVER return to the Americas....I think....

Not in this lifetime, anyway.....

A very very hot place.

If I was going to go veryhot in Mexico, I would choose the safe city of Merida, Yucatan.

2 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

A very very hot place.

If I was going to go veryhot in Mexico, I would choose the safe city of Merida, Yucatan.

The hospitals in the Yucatan leave much to be desired, I am afraid.

Of course, it is very hot.

Better head for Belize, instead, maybe....

(But, this is why I am thinking....CHINA.....so much better in so many ways.)

2 minutes ago, GammaGlobulin said:

The hospitals in the Yucatan leave much to be desired, I am afraid.

Of course, it is very hot.

Better head for Belize, instead, maybe....

(But, this is why I am thinking....CHINA.....so much better in so many ways.)

That's debatable.

www.themexicohandbook.com/healthcare-in-merida-quality-of-medical-care-in-yucatan/

2 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

That's debatable.

www.themexicohandbook.com/healthcare-in-merida-quality-of-medical-care-in-yucatan/

I was referring to the clinics throughout the Yucatan .....

I drove from Texas to Belize.

The clinics there are scary, many of them.

Take a drive, as I did, and then you will see.

4 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Some rough details about why Portugal is very tax unfriendly for US retired expats.

Let's say your US income is 32K Euros including Social Security and traditional IRA withdrawals.

So you owe both US and Portugal taxes on that full amount with double taxation allowances.

The US tax on that would be quite low.

The Portuguese tax would be a whopping shocking 37 percent.

Unacceptable for what is really rather a lower moderate retirement income,

Many people still think that there is a 10 year break for new Portuguese tax residents which cut the tax to a flat 10 percent rate for the first ten years. Not nearly as bad of course. That indeed USED to exist.

But that's gone! It was ended in 2023.

37% sounded very high so I had a chat with AI & it states that your Social Secutiry is only Taxable in the US (Article 20 of the US:Portugal DTA) so you would only have to pay tax on your IRA.

Assuming a 50:50 split this would work out at somewhere between 13% & 18% (2,080 & 2,880) depending on what allowances you're entitled to, if it was 80:20 SS to IRA then these numbers would come right down (approx $1,200 to $1,300).

Not as good as the only NHR scheme (which would have taxed you 10% on your IRA only) but not as bad as you thought.

35 minutes ago, SamSpade said:

37% sounded very high so I had a chat with AI & it states that your Social Secutiry is only Taxable in the US (Article 20 of the US:Portugal DTA) so you would only have to pay tax on your IRA.

Assuming a 50:50 split this would work out at somewhere between 13% & 18% (2,080 & 2,880) depending on what allowances you're entitled to, if it was 80:20 SS to IRA then these numbers would come right down (approx $1,200 to $1,300).

Not as good as the only NHR scheme (which would have taxed you 10% on your IRA only) but not as bad as you thought.

I think you're wrong.

Social security is taxable in Portugal.

If a county is providing one with "free" healthcare and other public services, taxing is necessary.

45 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

I think you're wrong.

Social security is taxable in Portugal.

As I said, that's what AI came up with and the US:Portugal DTA seems to agree with it...

ARTICLE 20 Pensions, Annuities, Alimony, and Child Support

1. Subject to the provisions of Article 21 (Government Service):

• (a) pensions and other similar remuneration derived and beneficially owned by a resident of a Contracting State in consideration of past employment shall be taxable only in that State; To me this says Non Social Secutity Pensions (Excl Government Service ones which are covered by Article 21) can only be taxed in Portugal

• (b) social security benefits and other public pensions paid by a Contracting State to a resident of the other Contracting State or a citizen of the United States may be taxed in the first-mentioned State.

  To me this says Social Secutitycan only be taxed in US

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-trty/portugal.pdf

Maybe I'm reading it wrong...

Interesting article on an American citizen retiring to Portugal https://www.taxesforexpats.com/country-guides/portugal/retiring-in-portugal.html

Social Security

This is where the treaty creates a meaningful benefit for retirees. US Social Security income paid to a US citizen residing in Portugal is generally taxable only in the US – not in Portugal.

This is a more favorable treatment than private pensions, and is worth factoring into your income planning before you move. Individual circumstances vary, so confirm your specific position with a cross-border tax advisor.

Edited June 15Jun 15 by SamSpade

2 hours ago, SamSpade said:

As I said, that's what AI came up with and the US:Portugal DTA seems to agree with it...

ARTICLE 20 Pensions, Annuities, Alimony, and Child Support

1. Subject to the provisions of Article 21 (Government Service):

• (a) pensions and other similar remuneration derived and beneficially owned by a resident of a Contracting State in consideration of past employment shall be taxable only in that State; To me this says Non Social Secutity Pensions (Excl Government Service ones which are covered by Article 21) can only be taxed in Portugal

• (b) social security benefits and other public pensions paid by a Contracting State to a resident of the other Contracting State or a citizen of the United States may be taxed in the first-mentioned State.

  To me this says Social Secutitycan only be taxed in US

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-trty/portugal.pdf

Maybe I'm reading it wrong...

Interesting article on an American citizen retiring to Portugal https://www.taxesforexpats.com/country-guides/portugal/retiring-in-portugal.html

Social Security

This is where the treaty creates a meaningful benefit for retirees. US Social Security income paid to a US citizen residing in Portugal is generally taxable only in the US – not in Portugal.

This is a more favorable treatment than private pensions, and is worth factoring into your income planning before you move. Individual circumstances vary, so confirm your specific position with a cross-border tax advisor.

2 hours ago, SamSpade said:

As I said, that's what AI came up with and the US:Portugal DTA seems to agree with it...

ARTICLE 20 Pensions, Annuities, Alimony, and Child Support

1. Subject to the provisions of Article 21 (Government Service):

• (a) pensions and other similar remuneration derived and beneficially owned by a resident of a Contracting State in consideration of past employment shall be taxable only in that State; To me this says Non Social Secutity Pensions (Excl Government Service ones which are covered by Article 21) can only be taxed in Portugal

• (b) social security benefits and other public pensions paid by a Contracting State to a resident of the other Contracting State or a citizen of the United States may be taxed in the first-mentioned State.

  To me this says Social Secutitycan only be taxed in US

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-trty/portugal.pdf

Maybe I'm reading it wrong...

Interesting article on an American citizen retiring to Portugal https://www.taxesforexpats.com/country-guides/portugal/retiring-in-portugal.html

Social Security

This is where the treaty creates a meaningful benefit for retirees. US Social Security income paid to a US citizen residing in Portugal is generally taxable only in the US – not in Portugal.

This is a more favorable treatment than private pensions, and is worth factoring into your income planning before you move. Individual circumstances vary, so confirm your specific position with a cross-border tax advisor.

Unfortunately, yet again, you're wrong.

www.dimovtax.com/us-social-security-benefits-taxation-in-portugal/

In the case an individual resides in Portugal, the U.S. Social Security benefits are subject to Portuguese taxation. In accordance with the Portuguese Personal Income Tax Code (Código do Imposto sobre o Rendimento das Pessoas Singulares), foreign pensions (including U.S. Social Security) fall under the category of taxable income (Article 11). This means that these benefits must be reported and taxed in Portugal. Similar to the U.S., you may qualify for certain exemptions if your average monthly income falls below a specific threshold; however, eligibility depends on your individual circumstances.

Keep in mind there was a huge wave of U.S. retired expats that moved to Portugal while the 10 year 10 percent holiday was in effect. It is STILL in effect for that group.

But new people are sheit out of luck. There are probably a lot of legacy retirees who don't even know about the change for new people which is fine for them as they got theirs.

Edited June 15Jun 15 by Jingthing

21 hours ago, Jingthing said:

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

It would be very helpful if you said what you consider a "mid income" for others considering your location assessments.

57 minutes ago, sidjameson said:

It would be very helpful if you said what you consider a "mid income" for others considering your location assessments.

59 minutes ago, sidjameson said:

It would be very helpful if you said what you consider a "mid income" for others considering your location assessments.

I mean monthly cost of living levels including rent for expats moving to lower cost countries.

Roughly 800 to 1500 USD is low

1500 to 3000 USD is middle.

Edited June 15Jun 15 by Jingthing

1 minute ago, Jingthing said:

I mean cost levels for expats moving to Lower cost countries.

Roughly 800 to 1500 is low

1500 to 3000 is middle.

Baht or dollars?

Never seriously thought about a plan B, enough to actually research another location. Longer I stayed in TH, the more it became home.

Just wish the country was a bit bigger, and had more diverse weather seasons. Can't think of any reason to leave, and too many reasons to stay.

No sense wasting brain cells on something that's never going to happen.

Edited June 16Jun 16 by KhunLA

I would strongly consider relocating to the Aleutian Islands, a chain of islands that curve westward from the southern tip of Alaska towards Russia. I would hope I could find a cabin already built, but I would build one if I couldn't. They are part of the USA.

Edited June 16Jun 16 by WDSmart