Alternative Retirement Destinations For Expats (other Than Thailand)

[Naam]

Details of the Sri Lanka "My Dream Home" retirement programme for those over 55 (basically as described by Jing Ting above)

"What are the eligibility requirements for Dream Home visa scheme ?

1. 1. Any foreign national over 55 years of age

2. 2. a. Should remit US$15,00or the equivalent in an approved foreign currency and deposit them in a fixed deposit account in an approved Commercial Bank in Sri Lanka.And

2. b. A monthly remittance of US$ 150or the equivalent in an approved foreign currency for the principal applicant and US$ 75or the equivalent in an approved foreign currency for each spouse and dependent child* for their upkeep (if accompanied by spouse/children) in a savings or current account in an approved Commercial Bank in Sri Lanka."

<deleted>?

[Naam]

Applicant should submit with the Bank Statement for fixed Deposit of US$15,000 and US$1500 for monthly remittance to the Competent Authority. Also US$ 750 for each dependent if applicable

no zeroes missing in this part

[Naam]

Sri Lanka

-beautiful climate if you select the highlands

-friendly people

-infrastructure like Thailand several decades ago

[harrry]

Applicant should submit with the Bank Statement for fixed Deposit of US$15,000 and US$1500 for monthly remittance to the Competent Authority. Also US$ 750 for each dependent if applicable

no zeroes missing in this part

How are the applications processed ?

The applications are accepted and processed only at the Department of Immigration Emigration in Colombo 10.

Applicant will be notified the position of his/her application in writing within two weeks of the submission of application.

Successful applicant will be issued (a) a Provisional Approval Letter to open up a fixed deposit Foreign Currency account and a savings account for US$ 1500 for living expenses and ( instruction letter to the Operational Manager of the Bank

Applicant should submit with the Bank Statement for fixed Deposit of US$15,000 and US$1500 for monthly remittance to the Competent Authority. Also US$ 750 for each dependent if applicable

Residence visa is valid for two years, which is renewable, will be granted to the applicant and dependents.

Visa Application Processing Fee (Please click here for information about visa fees

Application processing fee of US$ 15for each applicant and dependent.

Residence visa fee and tax -SLR. 20,000.0per year for each applicant, spouse and

of dependent children over 16 years age.

But they put the zeros in later in the document.

[wandrinstar]

Bornemouth, the Dead Center of England.Singapore is my favorite,they have no mercy on Yobs.

[Penefattore]

The president, Correa, intends to return to the sucre eventually. Correa, by the way, is an impressive leader: holds a PhD in economics, speaks Quechua, is both a socialist and a reformer who has acted against the interests of his constituency. Even his enemies recognize that he is completely clean.

yeah right! under Correa and by his orders Ecuador defaulted a third time within two decades on its international debt.

completely clean... my àss!

and the 2030 bond they declared "illegitimate" and paid only at 30% of its value was coming from a previous debt restructuring that already discounted 35% previous principal. I wonder how long shall we wait to see also the 2015 bond being declared "illegitimate" Edited May 9, 2011 by Penefattore

[Penefattore]

Default was a smart move for Ecuador.

Same as robbing a bank is a smart move for the robber, if he doesn't get caught.

[Awohalitsiktoli]

But who in their right mind would want to live in Sri Lanka?

Arthur C. Clarke decided it was the place to be, and he had enough money to live anywhere.

[CaptHaddock]

But who in their right mind would want to live in Sri Lanka?

Arthur C. Clarke decided it was the place to be, and he had enough money to live anywhere.

Rumor has it that Clarke's choice of Sri Lanka was driven by opportunities for pedophilia.

[Jingthing]

But who in their right mind would want to live in Sri Lanka?

Arthur C. Clarke decided it was the place to be, and he had enough money to live anywhere.

Rumor has it that Clarke's choice of Sri Lanka was driven by opportunities for pedophilia.

That's a disgusting and false lie. Anyone who knows anything about the life of Clarke knows it is a lie. Typical garbage from idiots who equate gayness with pedophilia.

As an aside, there is an excellent account of a very late in life meeting with Clarke by famous travel author and novelist Paul Theroux in Ghost Train to the Eastern Star. Also includes the Thailand part of his journey.

Edited May 9, 2011 by Jingthing

[JimmyJ]

Thanks for the welcome, craigt3365.

"Re:vegan, Thailand is a great place for you. Argentina is not! I think Asia has better options vs CA/SA. We are not vegans, but do prefer veggies. We love the fruit available in Thailand. It's amazing."

I think Thai is the world's best cuisine. I've enjoyed it for decades in the USA. Currently, Las Vegas, NV, is fortunate to have a Thai restaurant which Gourmet Magazine called the best Thai restaurant in the USA (Lotus of Siam). The cuisine of Thailand is perfect for me, agreed.

A few more questions:

1) Does anyone live in a country with internet censorship?

It's my understanding that internet gambling is illegal in Thailand, and that they block or try to block access to gambling sites.

??

Someone tonight posted in a gambling forum that France is now blocking access to gambling sites.

Anyone experiencing or hearing of such censorship in their country?

2) I hate hot and humid, or I would've looked at Thailand long ago.

Is the temperature pleasant - not hot and humid - in the mountain areas such as Chang Mai?

Or is it just less hot and humid?

3) Would appreciate feedback from anyone re: the Smoking/No Smoking situation in their country.

And what people witnessed in the countries mentioned in this thread that they've traveled to relating to this issue.

Such as, does everyone smoke everywhere - on buses, trains, in restaurants, movie theaters, planes, etc.?

Does the country have any protection for Non-Smokers?

Bump.

[bangkokburning]

Sabah or Sarawak. Malaysia!

I lived in Cambodia many years ago and once you get past the wow factor, its just a country with crushing poverty and sad and venal government.

Might try Vietnam but the commie thing can be a hassle or at least was. People like farang even less than Thailand.

Himachal Pradesh, India. When we can cut it loose, we will spend a few months a year in the Himalaya. I have friends in India year round. Americans can get 10 year visas!

America? - America is fast becoming a lesser developed country.

Serbia and select countries.

I think you need to define your needs first. Then fit those needs best you can to a destination.

Just had a friend back from Brazil, loved it save for the expense and the crime.

[bangkokburning]

I don't know why every seeks one country and not a few. Most people that live in cooler climes like it but find come winter, they want to go south.

Why don't you consider two or even three places and move with the climate?

Jimmy - I think your criteria a bit petty. You are never going to be happy. Internet gambling and Arab countries or Indonesia aside - the smoking thing. Most of the world is really cutting back on the smoking. If you don't like hot and humid, Thailand is not your place unless you plan to live a nocturnal existence in BKK (which many do). In fact, all of Asia is HOT south of HKG.

Himachal...its not what you might think about India...

Edited May 10, 2011 by bangkokburning

[Awohalitsiktoli]

I don't know why every seeks one country and not a few. Most people that live in cooler climes like it but find come winter, they want to go south.

Why don't you consider two or even three places and move with the climate?

Jimmy - I think your criteria a bit petty. You are never going to be happy. Internet gambling and Arab countries or Indonesia aside - the smoking thing. Most of the world is really cutting back on the smoking. If you don't like hot and humid, Thailand is not your place unless you plan to live a nocturnal existence in BKK (which many do). In fact, all of Asia is HOT south of HKG.

Himachal...its not what you might think about India...

MONEY...specifically not enough money. It can be expensive to live in two places. It is great if you can afford to do it, especially if you want to live in Southeast Asia where it is extremely hot and humid most of the year. In fact, in Thailand, you only have about three months of comfortable weather--mid-November to mid-January.

[bangkokburning]

Some people come from hot weather, some people adjust. Its good to know you never will. It does beg a question, what do you consider hot? If you are American, I'd urge you to look at HP in India. It is very cool and you can come spend the winters in Thailand. You can shuttle cheaply between the two countries.

You gotta give on something and most places in the world are too hot or too cold most of the year. Then you want cheap...

Good luck!

[Awohalitsiktoli]

Some people come from hot weather, some people adjust. Its good to know you never will. It does beg a question, what do you consider hot? If you are American, I'd urge you to look at HP in India. It is very cool and you can come spend the winters in Thailand. You can shuttle cheaply between the two countries.

You gotta give on something and most places in the world are too hot or too cold most of the year. Then you want cheap...

Good luck

You talking to me? Strange if that is the case. I was simply responding to your question about why many people do not live in two separate places and move with the weather. The answer to that question is obvious: money. What do I consider hot? Do you really care? I want cheap? Really? Did I say that? Now I almost forgot the topic of the thread. Oh, other retirement destinations other than Thailand. I do not have time to go over all of these posts, but I am curious if a few countries have reached the top of the list of alternative destinations to Thailand. And, if so, which countries? I am very curious as Thailand seems to be on the decline.

[Mahseer]

If you are American, I'd urge you to look at HP in India. It is very cool and you can come spend the winters in Thailand. You can shuttle cheaply between the two countries.

I am in HP in India at present and curious if you have any particular place in mind.

Regarding an earlier comment on the beggar situation in India I can honestly say in the past 6 weeks travelling around Uttarakhand and HP I have seen no more beggars than I would on any day in Chiang Mai where I reside. Mumbai and any other major city out of the hills is a different story.

[elliss]

I am off to Himachal Peadesh and Uttarakhand for 3 months so will see if I can answer my own question.

Please reply back with your experiences. I don't think I could live there. The poverty is so in your face...along with the pollution (trash, cows, camels, bad water, etc). But it is a great place to visit as a tourist.

there might be bad water but... they sell Kingfisher beer in Himachal Pradesh

kingfisher beer , thats a starter for ten ..

are there any decent bars there .

what about the local ladies are they worth a tip .?

:jap: :jap:

[JeffreyMcCollum]

When I checked into Vietnam, being an America, It was very hard to get a retirment visa thing there. Had to pay out so much in bribes and never did get it but I was followed 24 hours a day for weeks on end. Didn't like the "No Can" everytime I needed something.

Philippines, CDO down south, and manila. manila is very expensive, More than Bangkok. There is 10 times worse with coruption and double standards and pricing.

That is why I ended up here in Chiang mai and am very happy on about $700 a month for 3 people

Just need to improve my Thai

[craigt3365]

One post deleted with references to illegal activities (pot, multiple wives, P4P, etc.). This is a great thread, let's not ruin it, OK?

[PattayaParent]

When I checked into Vietnam, being an America, It was very hard to get a retirment visa thing there. Had to pay out so much in bribes and never did get it but I was followed 24 hours a day for weeks on end. Didn't like the "No Can" everytime I needed something.

Philippines, CDO down south, and manila. manila is very expensive, More than Bangkok. There is 10 times worse with coruption and double standards and pricing.

That is why I ended up here in Chiang mai and am very happy on about $700 a month for 3 people

Just need to improve my Thai

That's because there's no such animal in VN, whatever your nationality.

[Nawtier]

Friend in Malaysia said it is very good there...cost of living not much diff to here and beach areas perfect.

[johnlexo]

Friend in Malaysia said it is very good there...cost of living not much diff to here and beach areas perfect.

Could you ask your friend about some locations/cities/beaches in Malaysia and publish, please!? Many od us are looking for alternatives. JL.

[Nawtier]

He might pop in here and tell you himself......stay tooned.

[Baxer]

Friend in Malaysia said it is very good there...cost of living not much diff to here and beach areas perfect.

But you have to invest a lot more money to get a retirement visa i Malaysia.

[dunkin2012]

Friend in Malaysia said it is very good there...cost of living not much diff to here and beach areas perfect.

clean beaches? especially in Panang...

the taxi scam like Puket?

Edited June 1, 2011 by dunkin2012

[dunkin2012]

Crime is a big problem in Ecuador. Its not that bad in Argentina, obviously depending where you live there.

some part of buenos aires has no water supply from a documentary program.

[jaideeguy]

I'm seriously considering a dual country retirement.......the Philippines in the hot months before songkran and return in sept/august to CM. I have just returned from a 3 week trip back to the Phil and was quite impressed in some of the improvements in infrastructure and yet some things are same same for better and worse. The highlight of my trip was a week in Baguio city where the day time temps are in the 70's and Baguio is the summer capitol of the Phil and has had lots of improvements.....new supermall....all open air because no need for air con and internet has improved, more English spoken, cheap public transport, much better restaurants and a higher class of people with more education etc. and only 3 hrs by air.

The main thing was that I could converse with most ordinary people in English and that is so refreshing after being so culturally and socially isolated for the last 10+ yrs in LOS.

Thailand still has it's charms and comforts, but it gets too dam_n hot for my comfort and i do get tired of 'baby talk' and Thai food is good, but not every day.

I have been negotiating a lease on some land just outside Baguio and if it does go thru, then I am seriously on my way there.

Dual country retirement= the best of both worlds.

[Jingthing]

Crime is a big problem in Ecuador. Its not that bad in Argentina, obviously depending where you live there.

some part of buenos aires has no water supply from a documentary program.

Interesting factoid, but not likely the be an issue for the typical places expats would choose. I love Buenos Aires!

Dual country retirement? A fun idea but not the budget option.

Edited June 12, 2011 by Jingthing

[jaideeguy]

'Dual country retirement? A fun idea but not the budget option.'

Yes, there are additional airfare and imigration costs, but once you get established in both countries, your costs can drop considerably. I now reside in Chiang Mai [well established] and cost of living is quite reasonable because I [prefer] to eat at home and even grow some of my own food. Can and will do same in Phil and there is the vacation rental for when you are not occupying the other house. In Baguio, there is a high demand and short supply for vacation rentals. Thailand, unfortunately is over built with guest houses, vacation rentals as well as hotles that are lucky to get 30% occupancy.

the following is one of the main attractions for me to return to Baguio.....

average temperatures are in the 70's all year long.