My wife and I are planning a trip to Costa Rica and South America, especially Argentina and Uruguay. Our purpose is for retirement. Do you have any experience, travel or opinions about these two countries as a viable place to retire to? We believe we can meet the qualifications for retirements. Please no flames.

Edited December 12, 200718 yr by mcbride

Both these countries are great.

Costa Rica has the option of living in the cool hills but still close to the beach. Friendly people, good food. A lot of north americans have moved there in the last 20 years.

Some great places to live in Argentina. Bariloche area or north towards Bolivia. Argentine spanish is a bit different, possibly the Italian influence.

Politics can be a very sensitive area - the nicest person you could meet may not be all they seem.

Never go to a soccer game in Uruguay

My wife and I are planning a trip to Costa Rica and South America, especially Argentina and Uruguay. Our purpose is for retirement. Do you have any experience, travel or opinions about these two countries as a viable place to retire to? We believe we can meet the qualifications for retirements. Please no flames.

no income tax in Uruguay but crazy indirect (VAT) taxes. Argentina levies rather high income tax (compared to the U.S.). property prices quite high in both countries except if you prefer to live in the wilderness or in the slums of a metropolitan area. property was cheap in the aftermath of Argentina's default and Uruguay's near default in 2002.

Reports of problems dealing with Argentinian banks and the banks holding on to your money once it is wired in. Makes Thai banks look very good. Remember not that long ago the banks stole money from their own people. You will want to become an Argie resident and get a DNS number there. If you do, you are technically taxable for all your WORLDWIDE income and assets. Or you can lie about them. Inflation rate high, food costs going up fast especially for produce. Uruguay financial requirements much higher than Argentina for retirement long stay. Check out baexpats.com. Ciao!

Edited December 13, 200718 yr by Jingthing