VIDEO RESOURCES

The Dream Retirement Project

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 14:56:46 GMT

Get in Line Right Now for…

The Dream Retirement Project

Get Your Own Roadmap to an International Life

So You Can Enjoy More, Spend Less, and Live
Better…Whether You Long for a Full-Time
Escape, an Annual Summer Adventure,
or Anything in Between

Dear Reader,

Jackie Flynn here, publisher of International Living.

I'd like to invite you to participate in a special project that hands you a quick, easy, fun way to embrace a richer life overseas.

It's a tried-and-true way to put a truly resilient retirement plan in place, so that you can withstand the ups and downs and the unexpected—and still enjoy the comforts of a good life.

It's really only suitable for a small number of our readers, but I'm talking about it here because I believe you may be among those who qualify.

Over the last few years, we've “trial-run” this project with a limited number of subscribers to great success.

Now, we’ve just updated and expanded it—and we'd like to open the door to a few more savvy folks, you among them…

That's why we're inviting you to join what we call The Dream Retirement Project.

It effectively gives you your own “go-overseas mentor,” making it easier, faster, and more straightforward to figure out your best path abroad.

I'll explain what it's all about in a minute.

But I should say up front here, first, that this is not something we'll "advertise" widely.

So if you'd like a chance at being one of the select few who benefit, stick with me here for just a few minutes, and I'll fill you in on all the details.

For starters, a quick question…

What would you do if you could spend your time any way you like?

No commute, no crazy boss, no long hours in the office…no cold weather, no winter coat…

Just you enjoying days that look the way you want them to look…in a place where you love to spend time.

Maybe you'd read lots of books—or write one…sail…paint…fish…learn a new language…golf…dive…travel for weeks or months at a time…

Now imagine if you could have that freedom to relax and the time to pursue your interests…

…PLUS have all the funds you need to afford that dream lifestyle…

Just think about what that would feel like.

You could have more fun…lower your stress level…feel healthier…and live comfortably in the knowledge that you wouldn't run out of money.

Now most folks will tell you that what I've just described is a pipe dream.

"It's a rich man's retirement," they'll say.

And off they'll trundle, back to the grindstone.

It's not surprising, really.

The vast majority of Americans have saved nowhere near enough to support a comfortable retirement Stateside.

So they're working longer, scrimping to save more, and resigning themselves to a lifestyle that's a lot more frugal than the one they'd hoped for.

But There's Another Way…

What I'd like to show you today is how—in the right places overseas—you can enjoy a very good life in retirement, no matter how modest your bank balance may be.

I want to show you how you can create a resilient retirement.

In all kinds of places beyond our borders—beach towns, mountain villages, university cities, even big metropolises—you can spend less and live better.

That's the simple truth.

From Latin America to Southeast Asia to Europe—safe, welcoming, good-value places exist today…

Places where the climate will suit you…

Where you'll find the activities and distractions you enjoy…

And where the price to afford a good life is a small fraction of what your lifestyle costs you today.

Doesn't matter if you like the idea of decamping full-time or if you'd simply like an annual three-month holiday.

I'm talking about places where a couple can live comfortably for $1,650 a month (or even less), rent included.

On a budget of $2,500 to $3,600 a month, you and your spouse could live like royalty.

It means you could afford to do things like…

Have a housekeeper, a gardener, a personal chef, or even a private driver…so you free up plenty of time to do what you enjoy…
Join the local country club to golf and socialize…and revel in the perks of a rich man's lifestyle…
Eat out anytime and never feel guilty about it…
Treat your grandkids to a special trip just with you and create memories that last a lifetime…
Enjoy access to excellent, low-priced healthcare and stop worrying about what happens if you ever get sick…
Own a vacation home in a beachtown you love to visit...or a high-ceilinged apartment in a cosmopolitan city like Paris or Porto, and rent it out when you’re not there so it pays for itself...

I'd like to show you how (and where) you can do that…and help you get there fast, easily, and enjoyably, too…

What "Live Rich, Spend Less" Can Look Like

You might choose to spend time surrounded by the white sand, palm trees, and turquoise waters on the last affordable island in the Caribbean…

…where you can own your own place on the sand for as little as $160,000…

Or try on for size a two-bedroom condo a 60-second walk from the Pacific.

It looks like California (only it costs one-tenth the price)…so instead of a million or two, it could be yours for as little as $150,000…

Or maybe you'd like the sophisticated attraction of the "other" Switzerland—a big-value destination that offers far greater financial privacy than the States does…

…where taxes are negligible, and you can live a very "European" lifestyle.

A 2-story, 2-bedroom cottage with a carefully landscaped garden could be yours for just $220,000…

Then there's a university city that's been called "a kind of paradise," where cobblestone streets wind their way toward grassy riverbanks.

You don't need a car here…and the weather is agreeable year-round-lows in the 50s, highs in the 70s.

In this place, there's always plenty to do…symphony concerts…art and history museums…archaeological attractions…galleries…even a planetarium.

And a couple could live very comfortably here on as little as $21,000 a year, housing included.

Those are just four of the hundreds of good-value options you have around the world today.

But retiring overseas isn't just about stretching your dollars and creating a retirement that’s resilient.

The way I see it: That's simply the means to a better end.

Fundamentally, this idea of living a more international life—it's about improving your quality of life.

It's about living a richer life.

It’s about having the time to do what you want, when you want, with the people you enjoy spending time with.

That's what the big benefit is.

The Life You Pick…Not the One You're Handed

In the right places overseas, you can stop worrying about how you'll afford the life you want.

Instead, you can gain control over what your days looks like and start enjoying them in a way that you choose.

So you're not at the mercy of the retirement that gets dumped in your lap.

Instead, you gain the power to live the lifestyle you imagine in your mind's eye.

If you're looking for a little more adventure…an opportunity to meet new people…try new things…rediscover passions you'd forgotten about…

Then you're going to like this unusual enterprise we call The Dream Retirement Project.

It's designed to "hold your hand" and help you embrace the good life abroad—in a way that's both tailored just for you…and also fast, easy, and fun…

Because life overseas really can be FUN.

As one expat we know put it...

"For a long time, 'fun' had not been a big enough part of our lives, so we adopted a slogan that continues to serve us well—Porque no?, which in Spanish means 'Why not?'

"By saying 'yes' as often as possible, we have been blessed with so many incredible friendships and adventures.

"We've headed out of town on buses not even sure of our destination, gone to so many amazing parties, and met so many interesting people.

"Living abroad has taught us to get out of our own way and not futilely attempt to be in charge of every detail.

"By knowing what we want—yet being open to all possibilities—people, events, and circumstances have regularly (and unexpectedly) made our lives more fun and enjoyable."

Spending time abroad opens the door to a kind of adventure that's hard to create at home these days.

I say that because it's easy to "get in a rut" and do what's expected…to proceed apace because you're in the habit of it.

In the wake of the pandemic, so many people—maybe you among them—are taking stock of where they are in life.

And lots are concluding: Something has to change.

The Dream Retirement Project can help make that change a reality for you.

It’s a way you can inject some excitement into your life…shake things up a little…

Going overseas does that for you…automatically.

You don't need to be rich and famous to do it.

And you don't have to upend your life entirely, either…there are lots of ways you can live internationally…

You could—

Take up the snowbird lifestyle on the French Riviera. Skip the snow back home and rent an apartment for the winter at the beach. Enjoy the coffee and croissants at the café on the corner…learn to live like a local…make new friends…take a cooking class…explore the little villages nearby…and do it all for less than it would cost you to stay home…
Try out a tropical island—housing for free. You might pick a tranquil spot where you can watch the sun set into the Caribbean Sea…in this place I'm thinking of, there aren't any traffic lights, fresh lobster goes for less than $7 per pound, horses roam the streets, and kids walk home from school on the airport runway.
Escape to a history-rich haven in Southeast Asia where the street food is renowned, artists are flocking, and nearly everybody speaks English. Here you could rent a splashy 2-bed condo with a water view for less than $800 a month—in a nice neighborhood with beaches and where shopping and restaurants are within easy reach.

What You DON'T Need to Go Overseas

Here's the thing: A lot of thoughtful folks like you who are interested in a wider world, curious about the opportunities out there…

…they won't ever actually take the steps to embrace those opportunities.

They might read about places they'd like to go. They might talk about them at cocktail parties.

Yet for them this kind of exciting, travel-rich life is always a "someday" sort of thing…a "wouldn't it be nice" fantasy…

For you…it really could be your reality.

That's what The Dream Retirement Project is designed to do…

…to take you from that "wouldn't it be nice" stage to actually living your dream life abroad.

Retiring overseas is a lot more accessible than you may think…

You do NOT need a six-figure income or hundreds of thousands in the bank…
You do NOT need to upend your life entirely and sell everything you own…
You do NOT need to speak another language…
You do NOT need to know already where you want to go…
You do NOT need to have the answers to every question about life overseas that pops into your head…

Where Life is Simpler and Easier

Living overseas can make your life a lot easier—and more pleasurable, too.

I say that because in the right places overseas life is just simpler…

Instead of the crazy pace…overseas you can slow down and savor life.

Dawn, an expat we know living in a Mediterranean town, is doing just that.

Now you might assume it's expensive to live on the Med—but not where she is in Spain.

Rent on her large 3-bedroom apartment is just $448 a month, a two-course meal with a bottle of wine can be had for $9, her combined phone, internet, and international TV package costs just $81 a month. As she puts it…

"I found life in the U.S. to be money-driven and stressful. Contrast that with the quality of life in my beautiful, new hometown…

"The low cost of living and the high-quality lifestyle means I can fill my days doing what I want. Mornings start with a Zumba class…

"I spend my afternoons enjoying a typically late and long lunch (almost always eating one of the many delicious fish or seafood choices).

"I may take my dog to play at the new dog park or take a siesta.

"As night approaches, I'll head out for an evening drink or meet up with friends to talk and dance… I've realized my dream of a simple, fulfilling life."

Bonnie, another expat we know, echoes the same sentiment from a little-known beach town in Latin America she calls home…

"I can live on about $1,000 (or less) a month…and I'm not scrimping. In fact, I can enjoy more here than I could in the U.S. when I had a great salary.

"I eat out when I want…travel around the country…visit the U.S. once a year…and generally have a better quality of life. The big stress factors of the U.S.-traffic, keeping up with the Joneses, and worrying about money, don't exist.

"Life here is easy, peaceful, and happy every day."

In many places beyond our borders, the pace is saner.

It harkens back to a simpler time.

Walter moved to Mexico, and he sums it up this way:

"Life here is like it was in the U.S. in the 1950s—simple and laidback. The significantly slower pace is probably the biggest benefit of daily life here. We eat better, we get more exercise, and our health has improved."

Slimming Down—Effortlessly
(A Pleasant Side Effect of Life Abroad)

…which brings me to another benefit of life in the right places overseas:

It's better for you.

How would you like a diet plan that sees you shedding pounds without even trying?

You'd be amazed at how often readers who've landed abroad write to say that they've slimmed down—a happy side effect of life abroad…

And, really, it makes sense. After all…if you're living in a place where the weather is nice, you want to be outside more.

So that's what you do—you go outside…and you walk or snorkel or hike or swim or ride your bike.

In lots of places we recommend, you don't need a car to get by.

And that means you walk to get groceries more often than not or when you head to a restaurant for a meal.

Armand, a transplant to Las Tablas, Panama, says, “We have dropped an incredible amount of weight. And we’re not even eating as healthy as we ought to.”

Harry and Barbara report a similar experience since they moved to Grecia, in Costa Rica’s Central Valley. They’ve found that living like the locals—shopping at the local farmers’ market for fresh fruits and vegetables, for example—allows them to cut their monthly budget to well under $2,000. And, as Harry says, “I’ve lost 30 pounds since moving down [here].”

It's easy to be active.

And it's easy to eat well, too.

While processed foods certainly exist in the places we recommend, they're usually more expensive than the produce you'll find in the market.

So it’s cheaper to eat healthier.

In most places on our beat, fresh foods are grown without pesticides and chemical additives.

The milk, cheese, and eggs come from animals that have not been fed steroids.

And so the type of food that you'd expect to pay extra for at Whole Foods…can be yours overseas in the places we recommend for much less.

Two pounds of tomatoes for $1.26…a dozen eggs for $1.95…17 bananas for 50 cents…fresh raspberries for $1 a quart…

Diego and Kate moved to Medellin, Colombia and say, “Within the first six to seven months of living here, we each lost 10 pounds and kept it off—without even trying!”

A World of Opportunity

When you turn your gaze to beyond our borders, you'll see options for better living that you just don't have at home…

Ways and places you can have more fun…simplify your life…feel healthier…live richer…

…and do it for less than it costs you to stay home, like…

The inviting haven two-and-a-half hours from Miami where you can hire a maid to clean three times a week—for $60 a month. A doctor will make a house call for $35. And property is still cheap—though increasing in value. You can buy a two-bed condo with an ocean view and a large private patio and shared swimming pool for $119,999.
An overlooked spot in Europe where the plazas, cathedrals, and museums are dressed in travertine, the food and wine are glorious…and you can still rent an apartment for less than $600 a month.
Where to find U.S.-standard healthcare for half (or less) than you pay now…
Dollar-stretching property plays—right on the ocean—including one where $145,000 buys you a furnished one-bedroom condo on the beach in a complex with all the trimmings, including a beach club, full-service marina, hotel, and even a yacht club, which boasts a swimming pool, three tennis courts, and restaurants.
Five spots around the world where you can find premium views for less than $150,000.
How to enjoy a million-dollar retirement without touching your savings.
Where $35 a month buys high-speed, wireless internet…a maid will live-in for $200 a month…a taxi ride rarely costs more than three bucks…lunch out will run you $5…a first-run movie is $4…a pound of avocados sells for 65 cents…and you could live well on a Social Security income alone.
How you can earn $108,000 tax-free overseas.
A warm country with palm-lined beaches and spectacular diving where you can live just one short month a year and claim permanent residence… which can mean big tax savings for you when it comes to Uncle Sam.
The best beach communities for expats to live in…from Italy to Costa Rica to Thailand to Belize and beyond…
The top five tropical islands for retirees on a budget…

You'll get the specifics about all of that—and lots more—when you participate in The Dream Retirement Project.

And you'll get the tools you need to match up your dream lifestyle with a real-world place on the ground where you could make it your reality.

Your Timing is Excellent

If you like the idea of doubling your retirement dollars in a place where your greenbacks buy two, three, even five or ten times more than they do right now, then you can't ignore the opportunities you'll find today around the world.

The truth is there has never been a better time in history to explore—and embrace—your options abroad. A hundred, 50, even 20 years ago, it was a lot harder to get around, took longer, required more gumption.

Today, though, infrastructure on the ground is much improved. Traveling is easier, faster, and more comfortable than ever.

The Internet has knit together far-flung corners of the planet, which means you're never further than a Zoom call away from friends and family.

And many of your best overseas options today are just a quick hop by air.

So in a way, the world is getting smaller. But as it does, your options expand.

Think about it this way: Today, you could sit with your toes in a white-sand beach on the tropical island of Koh Phangan, which juts out of the turquoise waters off the coast of Thailand.

And there, on that remote dollop of sand, you could have high-speed Internet access on your iPad while you enjoy a fresh-made lunch of steamed rice, chicken, fresh vegetables, and a bowl of tasty soup—for less than $3.

The world-class view? Free.

Today all kinds of overlooked places are suddenly accessible—and easier than ever to visit or live in.

And they cost a small fraction of what you're used to spending at home.

How Well Suited Are You to Life Overseas?

Here's the thing, though…and I want to be frank about this: Retiring overseas isn't right for everybody.

You're still with me here, so I suspect it's something that might well suit you. But let me ask…

Do you like the idea of living in a place where you could take $100 out of an ATM on Monday, eat out every day of the week, rent a sailboat for a morning, meet friends for drinks one afternoon, pay your monthly utility bill…and still have change leftover on Friday?
Are you willing to be flexible? Other countries do things differently. The locals might speak another language (or they might not). But you can be sure their traditions, the way they approach problems, and their sense of time will be different than yours. Are you willing to "go with the flow?"
Do you enjoy meeting new people and exploring new places—do you consider yourself a traveler at heart?
Do you crave a little adventure? Are you ready to try something new, something a little "outside the box"…even if you have friends and family who say you're nuts?
Are you ready to ignore the everyday perceptions about places in favor of the reality on the ground? The world you hear about on the nightly news is always full of war, disaster, and political chaos. But the world I'd like to introduce you to is full of opportunity for fun, personal growth, travel, profit, and more. Do you believe that world exists…and are you ready to discover it?

If you answered "yes" to three or more of those questions, then I'd say you're a prime candidate for life overseas…and The Dream Retirement Project.

Your Expert Connection to a World of Opportunity

It's a way to jump-start your new life abroad in a place you love, where you can spend less and live better.

Whether you’re interested in doing it a few weeks a year—or full-time.

A place where you can create your own good life overseas…where the weather suits your constitution and where there's plenty you like to do to keep you busy.

You have lots of options abroad today—as I said earlier, more good options than ever before.

But trial and error, frankly, isn't the most efficient (or cost-effective) way to find the place that's right for you.

Now to be honest, that's how most folks go about it.

But I'd like to spare you the time, frustration, and funds that can cost you.

Instead, I'd like to introduce you to a better way.

A way you can get your questions answered…easily match up what you're looking for with a real place abroad…

…put a reasonable plan of action in place…and feel comfortable and confident about your new adventure overseas.

The Dream Retirement Project puts you "under the wing" of our most seasoned editors, Dan Prescher and Suzan Haskins, who've been living overseas for nearly two decades now.

They're the authors of two books: International Living's Guide to Retiring Overseas on a Budget, and Live Richer, Spend Less.

And these guys know their stuff.

In The Dream Retirement Project, they've created a way they can share those important nuggets they've discovered that can make all the difference for you between a frustrating experience abroad and one that's fun and easy.

They can't sit down with you in your living room—but this is, hands down, the next-best thing.

It all started when Suzan said to me over dinner one night, "If only I'd understood back in 2000 what I know now…we'd have gotten to this 'sweet spot' a heck of a lot faster…"

It got me thinking… Dan and Suzan have a wealth of hard-won, on-the-ground know-how that you could use.

I wanted a way they could debrief you…put you on the inside…

And essentially catapult you from where you are now to that "sweet spot" you dream about…

That way, you could fly right over the roadblocks they themselves had to find a way around.

So you could settle into the promise of a better life abroad seamlessly, easily, and enjoyably…

When you participate in The Dream Retirement Project, that's exactly what you can do.

It’s akin to having a “go-overseas-mentor,” expert guidance and been-there-done-that help. A way to get answers to your questions so you can get to the spot that’s just right for you with confidence and ease.

I encourage you to act fast.

If you're intrigued by the idea of spending a lot less, yet at the same time living a lot better...

If you’re ready to put a more resilient retirement plan in place, but you're not quite sure how—or where—to make it happen…

Then I know that Dan and Suzan can help you.

Doesn't matter if you long to wake up to the sound of the waves sloshing gently on shore…

Or if you're ready to leave the stress behind…and sit on your balcony at sunset looking out at peaceful mountain peaks, a light sweater on your shoulders, cocktail in hand…

Or if you dream about the day when you can enjoy lunch at an elegant sidewalk cafe, revel in the sweet bustle of the city, and look forward to the opera you'll enjoy that night…

Whatever is in your mind's eye—whatever your ideal life looks like—they can help you find the place to make it real…

Because that place does exist—that place where you can live the good life for a lot less than you spend on your ordinary existence right now.

In the right places overseas, a couple can retire more comfortably than you ever could back home—for less than $1,670 a month, housing included.

Here's the Easy, No-Hassle Way to Get from Where You Are Now to Enjoying an International Life… FAST

To my mind, when it comes to an overseas adventure, the romance and the sense of freedom are automatically built in.

But the prospect of this great escape can be paralyzing. You fret, muse, research, dream…it can go on for years. (Maybe it already has!)

Being unsure about just a single, small detail can stop you in your tracks. You don't know what to do next, so you do nothing…

But it doesn't have to be that way for you. This time next year, you could be living way better than you are now…and spending less.

Because we're going to make it super easy for you.

We're going to give you a clear step-by-step path to follow that'll point you to exactly the place you're meant to be.

You could start living well—just like Lee and Peg do.

Retiring Overseas Is NOT an All-Or-Nothing Proposition

You don't have to pull up stakes and renounce life "back home" entirely to start enjoying days at the beach…or having a housekeeper cook and clean a few times a week…

Think about a part-time approach. Not only is it something easily arranged in just a handful of weeks…

But in the right places overseas, I guarantee it'll cost you less to spend a month or two exploring a new community and trying on the expat life for size than it would to book a few weeks at the shore back home.

One prospective expat put it plainly when he visited Ecuador last summer: "I could live for a month here and spend about the same amount as I spend on air conditioning alone every month in Phoenix." He's right. And Ecuador isn't the only place you can do it, either.

As part of The Dream Retirement Project, we walk you through all kinds of options and teach you the best way to narrow down the spots most worth your attention.

They escaped to a little highland town surrounded by peaks that reminds them of the Blue Ridge Mountains where they used to live.

Peg says they rent a three-bedroom apartment for less than $600 a month. They have a walled-in backyard that's 100 feet by 40 feet, where their dogs can play. For less than $20 a week, a woman comes in to clean. Neither Lee or Peg likes to cook, so they eat out every day—eating well, yet rarely spending more than $10 for a meal.

Or you could be enjoying life in the Caribbean, just like Mary and John are.

The couple spends part of the year in Belize. They rent a townhouse in a small complex on a private island for $3,000 a month, which is about what their Minnesota mortgage cost.

But here, they get so much more for the money: a beachfront home, utilities paid, a caretaker, and private boat service.

And life is good. The couple enjoys sports fishing, and John reads four to five hours a day. Mary stays busy snorkeling, sailing, fishing, kayaking, and exploring Mayan ruins.

“I no longer have a budget,” says Mary. “I don’t keep track. I don’t need to. I feel like we have exactly what we need and there’s always some extra at the end of the month.”

What they have…you can have, too.

And when you sign on to participate in The Dream Retirement Project right now, we’ll show you how.

Clear Answers and "This Is How It Works" Guidance Make Going Overseas Easy

In The Dream Retirement Project, Dan and Suzan answer questions and share secrets inside 8 beefy lessons.

For each, they walk you through what you need to know in videos and include written guides and how-to’s that go along with their talks.

Plus, they’ve brought in “backup,” too—tapping the expertise of additional experts from our International Living team.

You’ll find out things like—

Why a part-time getaway might suit you best—and how to arrange it in a way that works for you.
22 questions to ask yourself before you move overseas—the answers will help point you to where you should go.
Should you rent or should you buy? And six more important things to consider (including what to do if you’re spouse isn’t 100% “on board” yet)...
How the top destinations for living overseas compare to one another—so you can match up what you're looking for with a real-world place on the ground.
Taxes, visas, finances, and more—what you need to sort out before you commit to a country, and how to do it with ease.
How to ensure a no-trouble move with your pet in tow… Suzan and Dan tell you exactly how it works…it's not hard.
The easiest, cheapest, most reliable ways to stay in touch with family, friends, and colleagues while overseas…
Where to find excellent-quality healthcare (and insurance) you can afford…
How to get the most out of a scouting trip overseas—including the three things you should absolutely do while you’re in the country you’re checking out...
If you’ve got a portable income—we’ll show you the best places to take it overseas today. If you’re NOT yet retired, you’ve got a few things to consider—visas, taxes, and costs among them.
Six ways you can help fund an overseas adventure—whether you’re retired or not, looking for a side gig or a full-time income, we’ll hand you some good options...
And lots, lots more…

It would cost hundreds of dollars—thousands, more realistically—to gather these secrets, tips, and techniques on your own…and that's if you knew where to begin.

But today they are yours as part of The Dream Retirement Project.

Discover Beautiful, Welcoming Places Where You Can Live Well for Remarkably Little… Even in Europe!

As a participant, you'll "come along" as Dan and Suzan pull back the curtain and show you your best opportunities in the Caribbean, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

I’m talking about retreats where you can live well…invest profitably…and create the kind of life you've always imagined…for a fraction of what you'd suppose it would cost.

You can compare and contrast one destination to another and be efficient about your overseas search. That way you're not wasting time with places that really aren't right for you.

In each country we recommend, we’ll drill down to show you the regions and communities where the least number of dollars buys you the best lifestyle.

Beaches…cities…mountain surrounds…colonial towns.

They're all places our correspondents around the globe have uncovered on your behalf. Places they investigated firsthand. Places where they themselves live and spend time…

Suzan and Dan will virtually "hold your hand" so you can quickly, efficiently, and enjoyably get from where you are now to living that life you imagine in your mind's eye.

And along the way, they’ll introduce you to some more of the experts on our IL team, like Jason Holland in Mexico... Laura Diffendal in Belize...Kathleen Evans in Costa Rica... Terry Coles in Portugal... Jessica Ramesch in Panama... Keith Hockton in Malaysia... and the list goes on.

They’ll each introduce you to their adopted home country and share with you insights about the best communities to consider for expat life, the cost of living, what life can look like day-to-day, and more.

I believe firmly that there is a place out there that's right for you…

A place where you can create your own good life overseas…

A place where the cost of living matches your budget, where the weather suits your constitution, and where there's plenty you like to do to keep you busy…

A place where you can embrace a retirement that’s not just enjoyable and affordable, but is resilient, as well.

Through The Dream Retirement Project, Dan and Suzan will help you get there.

The regular price to participate in The Dream Retirement Project is $199.

We've enlisted all our resources to pull together The Dream Retirement Project, and that doesn't come cheap.

Each year we spend more than $800,000 to fund the correspondents and editors we have on the ground all around the world and who investigate destinations on your behalf.

We do it so you don't have to. This project really is special.

It's the culmination of more than 40 years of hard-won, real-world experience.

Our editors here at International Living don't just talk the talk, they walk the walk.

Suzan and Dan have themselves have lived in and traveled extensively through the countries that we recommend...

...they've bought and sold property, they've rented, they've renovated...

...they've moved pets, gotten teeth fixed, had surgeries…

...so they know more than a thing or two about successfully navigating (and embracing) an enviable life overseas.

I can say with confidence that you won't find a better way to help you investigate your best options abroad today than with The Dream Retirement Project.

I'm prepared to give you access to all of Dan and Suzan's best intelligence. Plus all the insights the rest of our IL team shares, too.

They're going to set you up to jump-start your life overseas and take you from "dreamer" to "doer."

And that's not all.

When you "raise your hand" and let me know you'd like a spot in The Dream Retirement Project we'll include all sorts of digital extras as well…

SPECIAL BONUS # 1, Yours Free…

We'll issue each new participant a guide called Easy Shortcuts to the Good Life (value: $19.95). In it you'll discover secrets like…

Ten good reasons to move overseas right now…and a couple not-so-good ones. Find out where you stand…
Four "clear-thinking" benchmarks to use before you make the leap…so that you've set yourself up for an easy, fast transition to the good life overseas.
The twelve most important priorities to consider as you compare one good-value haven to another. This list will save you weeks of hemming and hawing and help you narrow down your top choices in no time at all.
Twenty-six practical tips and proven shortcuts to help you save time…

In Easy Shortcuts to the Good Life we make it easy to find the place that's right for you and take the next steps with a sense of confidence.

This report is valued at $19.95. But it is yours today, free, when you register to participate in The Dream Retirement Project .

And when you claim one of the available spots right now, I'll toss in another bonus on top of that…

SPECIAL BONUS # 2, Yours Free…

As an added incentive to put your name on the participant list today, I'll toss in a $100 Event Voucher good toward any of our live events.

There's no expiration on it…so you can use it anytime.

And I'd like to note that, in fact, if you DO use it, it means I'll have essentially paid you $1 to participate in The Dream Retirement Project.

Just think about it: You take me up on this special offer and you get to be a part of The Dream Retirement Project for $199.

In turn, I give you $100 to use toward one of our events.

This $100 voucher is yours to keep, no matter what.

And that's not all!

Respond while this special offer is on the table, and I'll send you something else, too.

—FAST REPLY BONUS—
Here's a Gift Just for Enrolling
Today

Take action right now and join IL's Dream Retirement Project—and when you do, I'll also send you another useful guide called How to Buy Right and Boost Your Rental Income Anywhere in the World (value: $29.95).

It is easier today than at any other time in history for small investors like you or me to make strong gains from renting real estate out—particularly short-term.

And one of the best ways to fund a more international life—particularly if you’re not ready to go abroad full-time—is to own a place overseas that you can enjoy a few weeks a year and which pays for itself when you’re not there.

My colleague Ronan McMahon, an international real estate expert at the helm of Real Estate Trend Alert and a contributing editor to International Living, put this special report together to show you how it’s done.

Inside, he shares the six important steps to take to ensure you’re set up with a property poised to produce strong rental returns.

You’ll find out the best kind of properties to own (1-bed and studio v 2-bed and why and when one can be better than the other).

What you need to watch for in markets where you’re thinking about buying something—because one critical element can make all the difference.

And lots, lots more...

When you let me know you're interested in The Dream Retirement Project today, we'll include How to Buy Right and Boost Your Rental income Anywhere in the World (value: $29.95) for you at absolutely no charge.

Really, there's no reason not to give it a try…I say that because this special offer comes with a rock-solid guarantee.

In fact, a three-part guarantee.

Our Rock-Solid, Triple Guarantee
Means No Risk for You

Guarantee # 1—I guarantee this special online program will help you find an escape that's right for you abroad. A place where you can live better than ever…stretch your retirement dollars…and have the time and funds to travel, relax, enjoy life…a true “resilient retirement” plan.

Guarantee # 2—I guarantee you'll find through The Dream Retirement Project the real-world solutions you need to get from where you are now to where you want to be. But if you feel the solutions Dan and Suzan deliver aren't for you, simply let us know within 30 days and we'll give you a full refund. No questions, no problem. So the risk is all ours.

Guarantee # 3—Should you decide to ask for a refund, you have, as I said, a full thirty days to do it. And regardless, you can keep Easy Shortcuts to the Good Life, the $100 Event Voucher, and the fast-reply bonus, How to Buy Right and Boost Your Rental Income Anywhere in the World too. And they're yours to keep, no matter what…

With this special offer today, you can secure a place in The Dream Retirement Project and receive resources with a value of $348—revealing secrets, strategies, solutions, and smart ideas you'd spend tens of thousands of dollars gathering on your own—all for just ~~$348~~ $199.

But you need to act fast.

Click "Add to Cart" now to register so you don't miss this opportunity.

Here at International Living, we believe the world really IS alive with opportunity and adventure.

We take it as our mission to show you where—and how—you can best embrace it.

By participating in The Dream Retirement Project, you gain a "virtual mentor" as Dan and Suzan show you how to cut through all the clutter out there to home in on the places that make the most sense for you.

Then they hand you the step-by-step guidance you need to get there…fast.

You'll get your questions answered. You'll come away with a clear understanding of what you should do first, second, third, and so on.

With The Dream Retirement Project, we're handing you our best expert guidance about all of the amazing ways you can embrace an adventure-filled world and live better than you do now…without spending a fortune.

Suzan and Dan are "standing by" to help you do it. Just click "Add to Cart" now to get started today.

When you join The Dream Retirement Project, you'll gain insight into how it's possible to live a life of luxury even on a Social Security check alone…

You'll see that in the right places—places where the living is good and the prices are low—you can have a housekeeper, a gardener, a personal chef, or even a private driver…without breaking the bank. When $60 a month will pay for somebody to help a couple times a week, why not have them do it?

In the right places, you can spend much less than you do at home—only watch your lifestyle expand.

You can afford to relax. You can afford to enjoy your days.

I'd like to show you how (and where) you could create your own "good life" in a place you love…

I'd like to show you how you can get there quickly, easily, and enjoyably, too…

Simply click the "Add to Cart" button to enroll in The Dream Retirement Project.

I know you're going to be impressed by what you see.

Sincerely,

Jackie Flynn
Publisher, International Living
November 2021

P.S. Don't delay…click "Add to Cart" to enroll in The Dream Retirement Project now.

Altogether, this unusual deal hands you more than 40 years' worth of live-abroad solutions, recommendations, and expert guidance to help you effortlessly find the spot that's a good fit for you…and get there with ease…

With this special offer you'll pay just $199 for your spot in The Dream Retirement Project.

Just take a look.

This offer is 100% guaranteed and you don't risk anything. No matter what, even if you ask for a refund, the three special bonuses are yours to keep—free:

Easy Shortcuts to the Good Life,
$100 IL Event Voucher
How to Buy Right and Boost Your Rental Income Anywhere in the World

But to participate, you have to enroll. Click “Add to Cart” now to get started.

Portugal All Access

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 12:35:26 GMT

Portugal offers you 1,115 miles of gorgeous coastline, historic castles and ancient ruins, a snow-free climate, your own dream home on a budget, and some of the friendliest people in the world…

It's likely one of the safest countries you'll ever visit… with the lowest cost of living in Western Europe… and one of the top healthcare systems anywhere…

Is Portugal the World's MOST AFFORDABLE COUNTRY to Live a Rich Life?

Here's What You Need to Know…

Dear Reader,

If you can't choose between the many retirement havens that might suit you, allow me to save you some time. Not too long ago, my friend Terry was in a similar situation—and after exploring more than 40 countries, she found the one place that offers everything…at an unexpectedly low price.

She says, “I remember my husband saying that people like us didn't go to Europe...that only rich people go to Europe. Yet in Portugal, we saw our expenses fall compared to what they were back in the U.S.

Hi I'm Dan Prescher. If Portugal isn't on your shortlist yet, here's why it belongs at the top…

Portugal is an ocean lover's paradise, with hundreds of golden-sand beaches all along the coast (and most of this country is coast)… mountain highlands, with hills of heather, oak forests, and canyons sprinkled with tiny villages… fertile farmland that stretch for miles… sophisticated university towns… and wonderful vineyards that wind their way along the Douro River…

Yet a couple will only need $2,200 a month or less to live well anywhere in Portugal—even in the Algarve, home to exclusive beach resorts and some of Europe's top golf courses.

It's Official: Portugal is One of the Safest Countries in the World

According to the IEP's Global Peace Index 2020 (which measures safety, stability, crime rates, and more), Portugal ranks third in the world.

Iceland
New Zealand
Portugal
Austria
Denmark
Canada

The warm and welcoming people love their local festivals and small town markets, and everyone is invited to join in the fun.

When it comes to fitting in, there is practically nowhere better—Forbes has called Portugal one of the easiest place in the world for visitors to make friends.

You'll find culture everywhere. Portugal is dotted throughout with castles and cathedrals, plus magnificent Roman ruins… and Moorish, Gothic, and Romanesque architecture.

Fascinating towns and cities of all sizes are everywhere, separated from one another by great green stretches of those vineyards, farmlands, forests, and rivers.

If, like my friend Terry, you're looking for the ideal mix of Western European culture, a warm welcome, more beaches than California, and a lower cost of living than Kansas… there can be only one choice.

As Terry explained, after investigating everywhere from Panama to several other countries in Europe, "Portugal wasn't just the best choice—it was the most affordable by far for what we were looking for…"

Portugal is the Best-Value Destination in Western Europe—and It's One of the Most Affordable Places to Live Richly in the World

First things first, take a look at how Portugal measures up:

Low cost of living. You can dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant for $28 (like Antiqvvm in Porto)… rent an oceanview condo on a golden-sand island for $550 a month… and play a round of golf on one of the Algarve courses for $50. The way Terry tells it—depending where you choose to live, you could expect to reduce your total expenses to about one-third to one-quarter of what you spend now.
Great climate. You can kiss those snow- and sleet-filled winters goodbye thanks to Portugal's sunny climate. With its Mediterranean climate, Lisbon enjoys the warmest winters of any large city in Europe.
Trusted healthcare. Portugal is known for its high-quality, professional health system, including nine JCI-accredited hospitals (the gold standard in international healthcare). According to the World Health Organization, Portugal has one of the best healthcare systems in the world—ranking 12th out of 191 countries. Yet this comes at a LOW price—that's why Portugal is gaining popularity as a medical-tourism destination. Private health insurance can cost less than $10 a month.
Safe and stable. Portugal is practically the most peaceful destination you could ever visit. The Global Peace Index is updated and published every year. Portugal always scores high—coming third in 2020, after Iceland and New Zealand. (Sadly, the United States is in 121st place.)
English widely spoken. Naturally, Portuguese is the official language of Portugal. But in the four main regions—Porto, Lisbon, the Lisbon Coast (like Cascais and Estoril), and the Algarve—you can easily get by with only English.

Portugal is the Perfect Size—Small Enough to Easily Explore, But Incredibly Diverse

Portugal has so much coastline, you are never far from a gorgeous beach.

You'll love beautiful, safe, cosmopolitan Lisbon, the jewel of Western Europe… the vineyards of the lush Douro Valley… the golf clubs of the Algarve… vibrant university towns… historic cities, green mountains, mesmerizing waterfalls, ancient castles… and all in a country the size of South Carolina

That's an impressive list, to be sure. Yet Portugal has so many more advantages.

It's the westernmost country in mainland Europe. Many airlines fly direct from North America to Portugal's three international airports, in less than 7 hours. So, it's closer than you think for when friends and family want to visit.

You'll likely make lots of new friends in Portugal. In 2019, InterNations conducted a massive survey of expats all over the world. The questions asked were about how friendly expats found their new communities, how easy was it to make friends, how the locals fit in with visitors, and how likely expats were to want to stay in their new country as long as possible.

Portugal came in third—one of the most welcoming countries in the world.

The Portuguese have a live-and-let-live attitude. You can sit for hours at an outdoor café nursing one cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and no check will appear unless requested. It’s normal for a person on a crosswalk to wave "thank you" to the driver who stopped.

And once you become friends with someone from Portugal—you will have gained a trusted ally forever.

Almost everything in Portugal is less expensive than you're used to. A restaurant lunch, including wine, often comes in at less than $10 per person, and a coffee at a pavement café costs less than a dollar.

A three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant costs $55 in Paris and Rome, $50 in Madrid, but only $33 in Portugal's capital, Lisbon. Likewise, in budget-friendly Lisbon, monthly utilities for an 850-square-foot apartment can run you as little as $132, compared to $160 (Madrid), $209 (Rome), and $195 (Paris).

How Does Portugal's Capital City Compare for Cost of Living?

So How Do You Find Out if Portugal is Right for You?

Normally, Portugal attracts 22 million visitors a year from Spain, Italy, France, the UK, Canada, the U.S. and elsewhere. What makes some of those visitors—like my friend Terry that I mentioned earlier—want to spend as much time as possible in Portugal?

The low costs, obviously, are a big draw. From its cosmopolitan north to its beachy south, Portugal is the best-value retirement haven you'll find in Western Europe—you can live comfortably on a budget of around $2,200 a month or less.

And there's something for everyone: white-washed villages with terra cotta roofs… cobblestone streets and elegant palaces… sandy beaches and green golf courses… and the whole country is filled with friendly locals.

That's why anyone who dreams of retiring to a place with beautiful scenery, better weather, and a far better cost of living… finds all that and much more in Portugal.

Still, it's a foreign country… If you decide to live in Portugal, you'll need a resident visa… You'll need to decide where in the country you want to live, and if you'll rent or buy a home or apartment…

You'll want to decide whether or not to ship your household goods…to buy a car or not…what you'll do about insurance and taxes…how you'll manage your banking and financial needs…

You'll want to understand the rules for importing your pets to Portugal…what kinds of vaccinations are needed…and on and on…

Even though Portugal was one of the friendliest places on the planet to retire to in 2019, there are many things to consider and plan for.

With something this important, you need reliable, up-to-date information you can count on, from a dependable, well-qualified resource.

That's where Terry Coles comes in, our Portugal Correspondent here at International Living.

Terry Coles,
Portugal Correspondent, International Living

For years, Terry and her husband Clyde loved taking vacations in Europe, but assumed that living in Portugal would always be an unaffordable dream. Then they did the math and realized Portugal is so affordable - their dream was easily in reach. In fact, they save thousands of dollars a year on health insurance alone…

Since moving there in 2018, Terry has visited much of the country. She’s lived in Central Portugal, surrounded by rolling green hills…and the legendary Algarve in the south.

Terry is constantly on the lookout for ever-better places in Portugal to live, explore, invest, and start a business… She has contacts in every area of the country and is on top of all the technical and legal stuff… the processes and requirements for buying, renting, getting visas and residency, building, renovating, furnishing a home, moving your household goods, buying a car, bringing your pets, and so on…

She knows exactly how much it costs to live in the different communities and regions of Portugal. And based on her own experiences and the experiences of the many expats she's interviewed over the years, she has a ton of tips and strategies to help you save both time and money when you visit or live in Portugal yourself.

The Cheapest Home in Portugal?

Outside Lisbon you can buy a city apartment for as little as $100,000; for something walking distance to the beach, the price goes up to $150,000; for spectacular ocean views in a popular beach town, expect to pay about $340,000 for a three-bedroom home. Though in lesser-known towns, a one-bedroom apartment with seas views can cost as little as $115,000."

And if you think Portugal may be the place for you, Terry is committed to sharing her real-world, on-the-ground insights with you.

Your very best course of action would be to go to Portugal in person and spend a couple of months kicking around the country with Terry. It would take about that long for her to show you, firsthand, everything she's seen and everything she knows that can help you streamline your own move to Portugal.

Spending time one-on-one with Terry would certainly "fast track" your research, no question about it.

But, of course, that isn't really a practical option.

So we asked Terry to create a personalized online virtual tour of Portugal.

It's a way for you to gain access to Terry's incredibly comprehensive and truly rich depth of knowledge and get "plugged in" to everything you need to know. A way for you to see for yourself, from the comfort of your own home or office, all that Portugal has to offer you.

It's an easy, streamlined, and most reliable way to get you from where you are now—to a better life in the perfect place in Portugal that's exactly right for you.

This is Your Invitation to Go "On the Road" With Terry Coles

No matter how many times you've been there… no matter how many books you've read or online research you've done… what you don't know about Portugal may surprise you.

International Living has been reporting for 40 years now about the benefits countries like Portugal offer retirees—and over the last three years, Terry has been asked to take on one of the most in-depth research-gathering project International Living has ever mounted on Portugal.

She's been challenged to dig deep… to round up all her intelligence and to assemble all this valuable information in one place…

And now we bring to you this project we call Portugal All Access: Your Blueprint for an Affordable European Lifestyle.

This has been no small undertaking. Even though Portugal is a relatively small country, it's large on opportunity.

In effect, Terry has been working on this project for three years… the entire time she's been in Portugal.

And take it from me, no one is better suited for this kind of challenge. Terry is one of the most dogged and diligent researchers I know. She digs deep. She answers the questions you don't even know to ask…

Best of all, she makes sure the facts are reliable and verifiable. You can be certain that what Terry tells you is correct and current… and that's probably the most important element in all this…

Things change. Rules are adjusted. Laws are reformed. New policies are instituted. You can't always rely on what you read online in expat forums or on the internet. You need a trusted resource. And that's Terry.

What she's put together is not just groundbreaking, it's almost overwhelming in its scope. It's a complete resource reference of everything you need to know about moving to, investing in, living in, and/or starting a business in Portugal.

If you can name it, think of it, or wonder about it, Terry has you covered. Every issue is addressed, every challenge is covered, and every question is answered.

The brand new edition of Portugal All Access: Your Blueprint for an Affordable European Lifestyle puts a huge amount of information, recommendations, tips, advice, and insights about living, traveling, and investing in Portugal in one place… in living color… on video.

It's the next-best thing to actually exploring the country with Terry in person. And it's the best way I know to not just "tell" you about all Portugal has to offer, but to "show" you so you can see it with your own eyes…from the comfort of your home.

With Terry as Your Guide, You'll Discover Everything You Need to Know About Europe's Affordable Gem

Michael D. zeroed in on Portugal as his overseas retreat because it offered him much of what he loved about living on the U.S. West Coast. "Hiking, mountain biking, surfing, and sunny weather," he says. Plus, the cost of living was lower.

In fact, Portugal's cost of living is lower than that of any other country Michael has lived in. "By 2004 I had lived in Norway, Sweden, Germany, and Spain," he explains.

Now he lives 20 minutes from downtown Lisbon with his wife Jayma.

"My grocery bill is about two-thirds of what I paid in San Diego, and I'm dining like a king on organic vegetables, fresh fish, and lobster."

Eating out is also inexpensive.

"Outside of Starbucks, espresso costs about 75 cents. Lunch—soup, main course, dessert, and beverage—in the Lisbon area runs between $8.50 and $12.50," Michael says.

Dinner in an upscale restaurant is $30 to $50 per person, though you can pay more. "For example, at the Grill Four Seasons in the Hotel Palácio Estoril, foie gras, crab soup, and a main dish of scallops and shrimp risotto will set you back $78. But then, it's one of the most exclusive establishments in Estoril, a resort town famous for being home to exiled European royalty and for Formula One motor racing."

The following monthly budget is a typical example of what two North Americans could pay to live in most neighborhoods of Portugal:

Housing (rent for a furnished two-bedroom apartment:	$700
Electricity:	$46
Water:	$23
Domestic Gas/Oil:	$35
Household help (maid twice per month, three hours per day):	$52
Internet package (includes cell phones and TV):	$86
Health insurance:	$112
Transportation:	$200
Groceries:	$460
Entertainment (including dining out once per week:	$290
Incidentals:	$230
TOTAL:	$2,234

Annette R. moved to the popular beach town of Cascais with her husband José.

Living in Atlanta, Georgia, they realized that "The economic forecast didn't look good for a soon-to-be-retired couple in the U.S." They opted for peaceful Portugal and couldn't be happier.

"We're never surprised by costs, other than to realize how richly we can live on our retirement income, beyond all of our expectations," Annette says.

Areas like Cascais and Lisbon require a monthly budget of about $2,500, but move 30 minutes away, and that figure drops to around $2,000.

There are three destinations in particular in Portugal where you'll find good-value living.

When you make your home in Portugal, you can live very well for very little money, that's true… But when you choose one of the lesser-known destinations Terry Coles has identified, you can live like royalty.

Lisbon is Europe's most colorful, and best-value, capital city—from the brilliant blue waters of the Tejo River and Atlantic Ocean to the sunny yellow cable cars, to grassy green parks. In the Rossio, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, outdoor cafés and restaurants beckon passers-by with the aroma of fresh-baked breads and pastries, grilled fish, and cuisines from around the world.

But even there you can find a rental in the most central neighborhoods, right in the heart of the action—for less than $1,000 a month. (Try showing a check that small to an agent in Paris or Rome!)

But when you look beyond Portugal's more touristy destinations, that's where you'll find big bargains.

Terry's done a lot of digging, and along with the more tried-and-true communities popular with expats, she's pinpointed three special destinations—including an overlooked section of the Algarve—that you'll want to take a look at if you're considering retiring or starting a new life in Portugal.

You'll find all the details in Portugal All Access: Your Blueprint for an Affordable European Lifestyle.

Now… if you're doing your research on moving to Portugal, I know there's one more thing that surely must be on your mind…

Portugal's High-Quality, Low-Cost Healthcare

Portugal is known for its quality, affordable healthcare, which is attracting more and more "medical tourists". In fact, a World Health Organization ranking of global healthcare systems places Portugal at number 12 of 191 countries.

Medical care is available everywhere through the public healthcare system. Private insurance is readily available, and one company accepts new customers up to age 75 (once in the plan you will not be cancelled).

Depending on your age and health condition, private insurance can be had for less than $10 a month, although usually it is more in the $50 a month per person range.

Healthcare in Portugal costs a fraction of that in the U.S. and Canada.

A hip replacement costs around $10,000 in Portugal, compared to as much as $44,000 in the U.S.

A visit to the dentist will cost about $50.

Are You Ready to Learn More About How Easy and Affordable it Can Be To Retire to Portugal?

There's no better resource than Portugal All Access: Your Blueprint for an Affordable European Lifestyle.

It's not like anything else International Living has ever produced on this country. As I mentioned, Terry has worked on this for three years. She's literally spent tens of thousands of hours on the ground in Portugal, doing research, collecting data, conducting interviews, and more…

Then she went into the studio to assemble a comprehensive series of 14 professional videos to bring her research to life. You can see, feel, and almost touch and smell Portugal.

You'll travel along with Terry as she introduces you to the 18 different regions of Portugal… and to many communities in each of those that make for easy and affordable expat living.

And yes, you'll discover the three little-known areas—including one on the Algarve—that Terry believes are well worth your attention right now. These are places your fellow expats have yet to discover in large numbers. Prices are low and opportunities are sky high.

To make a point here, this is no static report. It's not a manual…or a website…or a conference. Think of it more as a high-level "virtual conference," but much better…

Because instead of sitting in a room all day watching a parade of speakers up at a podium, you'll access these videos online from the comfort of your home, and you'll get to see and hear directly from Terry, our in-country contact in Portugal.

She's the best Portugal expert we know and in this blueprint, she takes you by the hand and not only introduces you to "her" Portugal, but she gives you the tools to make it "your Portugal."

Along with the six in-depth "destination" videos, Terry has produced eight more "need-to-know" videos with advice about Portugal that will save you time, headaches and boatloads of money.

Here's just some of what's covered in Portugal All Access: Your Blueprint for an Affordable European Lifestyle:

Your best resident visa options. There are several you might qualify for, but which is the best for your personal circumstances? Video #9 in the series is devoted to this topic and can help ensure that you don't make any costly mistakes. Of course, you should find an attorney who works best for you (see the Portugal All Access legal resource rolodex for some contacts), but this video can give you a sense for the most important questions to ask.
Your healthcare options. Intro. In Video #8, she shares her experiences and gives you the full rundown on the options that make the most sense, including how you could qualify and what her costs have been. (You'll be pleasantly surprised at the low cost of excellent and readily available medical and dental care in Portugal.)
How to safely purchase real estate in Portugal. Legal processes are a bit different in Portugal and having the right guide to those rules and procedures is invaluable—and that's exactly what Portugal All Access and the legal resource guide offer.
What about shipping your household goods and your car? Should you? Why might you be better off buying a car in Portugal? Believe me, this is the kind of insider information you need. Terry clarifies import taxes, explains how much cars can cost, and the best kinds of cars to drive in Portugal… She explains whether or not you'll need a local driver's license (you won't for the first six months) and how to get one…
How to structure your finances… where you could bank, how to pay your bills…
How to get mail delivered…
What about communicating? What kind of phone and internet service should you expect in Portugal… how to best (and cost-free) communicate with friends and family back home…
How to find a good doctor… where to get the prescriptions you need and how much they might cost…
How to bring your pets to Portugal…
What to expect in the way of taxes, both at home and in Portugal (in most cases, not much, thankfully)…and much, much more.

Importantly, you'll discover how to save even more money when you live in Portugal. It has more to do with picking the right place to settle… choosing the right kind of home to live in, and so on…

Terry offers all her tips and insights that will have you starting on a well-planned, streamlined course…

Best of all, she even provides a step-by-step Action Plan. If you've wondered or worried about how you might ever pull it all off… making a move of this type… worry no more.

If you're thinking of retiring to Portugal… or spending some extended time there… maybe opening a business or just reinventing your life… Portugal All Access is your very best resource.

It's the fastest, most efficient, most cost-effective way to get you quickly ramped up so you can get from where you are now to the idyllic spot in Portugal that's right for you.

And when you're ready to actually visit Portugal firsthand for yourself, you'll be able to use your time wisely—because in essence, you'll have already been there, with Terry as your guide.

You'll know where to go, who to contact, and the questions you'll need to ask along the way. Plus, there's more…

You Also Get 7 Comprehensive Special Reports including a Complete Resource Rolodex. These Are Not Available Anywhere Else

As Terry was taping the videos she created for the Portugal All Access: Your Blueprint for an Affordable European Lifestyle, she discovered there were a few topics that required some extra lengthy reporting… too much to record on video. So those have been assembled in a series of special reports—delivered electronically to get them into your hands as quickly as possible.

This is the kind of information you'll definitely want at hand as you prepare for your move to Portugal.

Special Report #1: Portugal Scouting Trip Itineraries and Travel Guide. If you've got one week, two weeks, a month or more to spend in Portugal, you'll want this guide. Terry and her Portugal team have planned all the details for you… from how to travel around to where to stay—hotels, short-term rentals and much more. You'll also discover where to play… dine… and more...even the popular hangouts where you can meet expats who may some day be your neighbors. Live links to websites and contact information is all there for your easy access.

Special Report #2: How They Did It: Meet Happy Expats in Portugal. Speaking of expats, sometimes it just takes a little motivation. That's exactly what you'll get in this special report. You'll meet expats in many different areas of Portugal, all living their dream lives under the European sun. They explain exactly how they did it (and how you can, too) and they share personal details you couldn't get unless you quizzed them yourself… Find out what they do for healthcare, how they fund an early retirement, how much they spend on a daily and monthly basis, what they do in their free time, and much, much more.

Special Report #3: Practical Matters: Taxes, Low Cost of Living, Residence, Moving Your Household Goods and Pets, and Doing Business. Yes, Terry covers all this in the video series, but as you can see from the lengthy title, this special report digs deep. You'll get comprehensive sample budgets and money-saving tips, a detailed tax primer, a full explanation of various visa options and a complete legal resource rolodex. And if you plan to move with pets (very easy) or children, or you're thinking of starting your dream business in Portugal, do not leave home without this special report. Nowhere else can you get this kind of valuable, all-inclusive information.

Special Report #4: Spotlight on the High-Quality, Low-Cost Medical Care in Portugal. This comprehensive report explains why Portugal has some of the finest doctors and medical training available anywhere. You'll also learn the differences between Portugal's public and private healthcare systems so you can make an educated decision about what to do for your personal healthcare needs when you move to Portugal. You'll get all the details (including costs) of the public health service, and why you should apply for a Portuguese social security health card (even though it's not required). There's also a rundown of the best private hospitals in the country and a list of some of the best local insurance providers—with full contact information. There's even a detailed review of private health insurance policies.

Special Report #5: The Guide to Renting a Home or Buying Property in Portugal. When you move to Portugal, you'll need a place to live. And whether you rent or buy, that means contracts. Word to the wise: Do not sign a rental or purchase contract without first reading this crucial information (when buying a home, the contract must be read aloud in front of all parties!) Everything is covered… from typical costs and how to find a rental to what to look for in a reliable real estate agent, how to get financing, where to get title insurance, the various title structures, the correct process for registering a deed, and much more.

Special Report #6: Something for Everybody: An In-Depth look at Portugal's Regions. If you want information about areas of Portugal that offer a combination of livability, affordability, beauty, and convenience—you'll find it in this special report. All the "personalities" of the top 18 locales in Portugal are sliced and diced for you (along with examples of properties to rent and buy in each region). You're sure to find a hidden gem that's perfect for you.

AND Special Report #7: Your Portugal Rolodex and Resource Guide. This is another document you won't want to leave home without. You'll find its pages packed full of resources that you can rely on to help streamline your scouting trip and your move to Portugal. Websites, email addresses, phone numbers, costs for services… it's all there… from accommodation (including pet-friendly hotels) and restaurants to airlines and shuttle services… to attorney, healthcare providers, social groups, moving/shipping and English-speaking real estate contacts, language schools, vets and much more, including handy travel apps you can load on your phone or tablet to make navigating your way around Portugal as easy and inexpensive as possible.

One More Thing: The Portugal All Access Mastermind Session…

Once you've had a chance to review all the videos and reports in your Portugal All Access (and that will take some time, we know…) send us any questions you have via a special e-mail address we'll provide.

A couple weeks from now, Terry Coles will host a follow-up Q&A Session where she'll answer your Portugal questions in detail. You'll receive advance notice of this special "Portugal All Access Mastermind Session" so you can tune in—and we'll also archive it for you on the Portugal All Access website so you can watch it any time you like.

All You Need to Do Now is Place Your Order—and SAVE

If you wanted to track down all the intelligence we hand over in Portugal All Access, you could probably do that.

Ask Me Anything

Terry Coles

"When you're one of the first people to accept this invitation to try Portugal All Access, you'll receive a priority e-mail address to ask me anything about living, retiring, and exploring Portugal. I'll use these questions in my Portugal All Access Mastermind Session—but only folks who respond today during this charter offer will get to take part. I look forward to showing you Portugal!"

But it would take an investment of many months… likely 3 years or more, in fact. That's how long Terry has been at it.

And you'd likely have to pull thousands of dollars out of your pocket.

In the years that Terry has been traveling the width and length of Portugal, and living in the different regions, she's racked up tens of thousands of dollars in expenses for airfares, bus fares, car rentals, gasoline, accommodations, meals, and more.

Over three years living in Portugal, she's spent many hours consulting with attorneys, healthcare professionals, real estate experts, insurance and shipping experts, and more… as well as interviewing and socializing with expats from dozens of countries.

To be honest, on your own you'd have a very difficult time tracking down all these people… and accumulating all the intelligence Terry has amassed.

My point: Portugal All Access delivers exclusive access…

It hands you on-the-ground solutions that would likely cost you—at a minimum—$10,000 to gather on your own.

Probably more like twice that. (Terry has spent far more than that on this project already.)

But you don't have to spend anywhere near that kind of money to gain the intelligence she has to share.

Terry has done all the work for you in compiling all her research, has saved you a ton of money.

(The Rolodex and Resource Guide is in itself invaluable. Think how much time and money you'd spend doing online research, making phone calls, and pounding the pavement to find these dependable local contacts on your own. And the Scouting Trip Itineraries and Travel Guide… I assure you this is the easiest, quickest, and most reliable way to plan your own scouting check-out trip to Portugal. It's all there for you. No extra work for you to do. No second guessing or costly mistakes.)

We could reasonably ask $1,000 or more for this program, which reveals tips and secrets about Portugal you won't find anyplace else.

But we won't charge you $1,000 for access… even though it would be worth every penny.

But because of your interest in Portugal, you can get Portugal All Access: Your Blueprint for an Affordable European Lifestyle for just $499.

And remember, that covers everything—including the SEVEN SPECIAL COMPANION REPORTS, that complement the comprehensive videos.

But please order Portugal All Access now, because in just a few days, the price goes up.

Now's the time to take advantage of this special deal.

As you know, there's only so much you can absorb when you're reading about and researching a place. You do a "Google search" and tens of thousands of links come up. It's so hard to know whose opinion to trust. And the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming.

But that's what makes Portugal All Access so special—and so useful. Terry Coles shares her real-world insights directly with you via video. She cuts right to the chase, right there in living color, and she answers every question you're likely to have about Portugal. I guarantee it.

Our Rock-Solid, Triple Guarantee Means No Risk for You

Guarantee # 1—I guarantee this Portugal All Access will help you find the perfect Portugal lifestyle that's right for you. A place where you can live better than ever… stretch your retirement dollars… and have the time and funds to travel, relax, and enjoy life…

Guarantee # 2—I guarantee it will show you the real-world solutions you need to get from where you are now to where you want to be… so that in just a handful of months, you could have "boots on the ground" in a part of Portugal you love. But if you feel the solutions we offer aren't for you, we'll give you a full refund within the first 30 days. In other words, the risk is all ours.

Guarantee # 3—Should you decide to ask for a refund, you've got a full 30 days to do it. If you don't feel that Portugal All Access: Your Blueprint for an Affordable European Lifestyle can help you to a new life in Portugal, just let us know and we'll refund every penny within the first 30 days. That's how confident we are in the depth and breadth of information this brand-new resource provides.

The friendliness of Portugal… the peaceful, laidback lifestyle, reminiscent of a kinder, gentler time in history… and with the modern pleasures and amenities now available and so affordable…

All this makes Portugal hard to resist.

The good news, though, is that it's all within your grasp. You don't need millions in the bank to capitalize on the opportunities in Portugal—one of the best-value retirement options you'll find.

In Portugal, you can have your own dream life in Europe… on a monthly budget of $2,200.

If you're looking for a safe, friendly European haven, with cosmopolitan cities and lots of beach towns, internationally acclaimed (and affordable) healthcare, and the lowest cost of living in Western Europe, you'll find all that and more in Portugal.

And in Portugal All Access: Your Blueprint for an Affordable European Lifestyle, Terry Coles shows you exactly how to make it happen…how you can settle into a far better, more affordable, healthier life and do it seamlessly, enjoyably, confidently…

Think about it: A handful of months from now, you could be sitting on your own terrace, a glass of delicious Portuguese wine in hand, enjoying the azulejo-splashed architecture the strains of fado in or the sun set over the gorgeous blue ocean…

I hope you'll let us show you how… just click 'Add to Cart' now and we'll get you started.

Sincerely,

Dan Prescher,
Senior Editor, International Living
July 2021

P.S. If you have any doubt that Portugal offers the very best lifestyle—at a very affordable price—your mind will definitely be changed after you've reviewed the 14 professional videos, the seven comprehensive special reports, including the hefty resource rolodex that make up Portugal All Access: Your Blueprint for an Affordable European Lifestyle.

If you've always loved the idea of retiring in comfort somewhere very affordable—with a mix of Western European culture, a warm welcome, more beaches than California… where you don't have to worry about rising healthcare costs and crime rates, out-of-control government spending or crazy politics…

Then I encourage you to take a look at Portugal All Access: Your Blueprint for an Affordable European Lifestyle. It was created with you in mind.

Follow the blueprint Terry Coles has created. Let her introduce you to the special places she's discovered. Let her share her expert insights with you and help you shave months…even years…off your learning curve.

Portugal All Access: Your Blueprint for an Affordable European Lifestyle is like taking a whirlwind investment and lifestyle tour of Portugal. Only instead of paying thousands of dollars for the travel fees and expert advice, we hand it all to you right there in the comfort of your own home for just $499 when you take advantage of this special offer and order Portugal All Access: Your Blueprint for an Affordable European Lifestyle now.

Remember, there's no risk to you, as you have our 30-day, 100% Money-Back Guarantee.

Costa Rica 101

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 19:20:55 GMT

The happiest people in the world live in Costa Rica…

The land of Pura Vida offers miles of sun-kissed beaches, fertile farmland, rolling mountains, and vast amounts of colorful culture…

It's safe and politically stable (not even an army), with a very low cost of living that includes top-quality medical care…

Costa Rica is one of the World's Top Place to Retire. And It May Also Be the Easiest.
Here's What You Need to Know…

Dear Reader,

My friend Donna tells a common story. She and her partner aren't wealthy people, but they've traveled a bit, looking for that perfect place.

In between their travels, they keep going back to Costa Rica to vacation. They're starting to wonder…is this their place? Costa Rica feels so welcoming and familiar… Can it be this easy?

Hi, I'm Dan Prescher. If you've been to Costa Rica, as many people have, then you understand its appeal…

It's a natural wonderland…a place full of exotic scenery and wildlife…where the sounds of the waves can lull you to sleep at night, and your morning wake-up is the call of monkeys and toucans…

It's a land of stunning beaches and lush jungles…rushing rivers and naturally warm thermal springs…fresh mountain lakes rimmed by regal volcanoes…rich farmland where anything grows…and vast amounts of colorful Costa Rican culture…

So it's little wonder so many tourists visit Costa Rica each year—the majority from the U.S. and Canada.

Maybe you've been one of them? If so, you know firsthand how much Costa Rica has to offer…

BIG NEWS: Costa Rica is Now Easier Than Ever

A new law offers even more incentives to expats, including reducing the minimum capital investment require for residency from $200,000 to $150,000, relaxing importation exemptions, and a special “Digital Nomad” law offers lucrative incentives to remote workers.

In both cases, not only is it easier to get resident visas but you won’t be considered a tax resident and required to pay any tax on foreign-sourced income. Keep reading for more details...

With so many uncertainties in the world today, Costa Rica is like a breath of fresh air.

Less than a three-hour flight from the U.S., it feels like a world away.

In some ways, it feels a bit lost in time…its small towns will remind you of the towns and neighborhoods you grew up in.

Fresh strawberries and cream are sold in roadside stands… Family life is valued…

Children of all ages can safely walk to school and back…Community centers are loud and lively places with daily art, music and cultural events… There's a town fiesta or celebration every week, it seems…

These are communities where neighbors watch out for and help one another. People treat one another with kindness and respect, especially their elders. In Tico communities, foreign retirees like us are welcomed as family…and treated as family.

"Tico," by the way, is what Costa Ricans proudly call themselves. And "Pura Vida" is the way they describe life in Costa Rica. Ticos live Pura Vida, the "Good Life." And you can, too.

Costa Rica is one of the World's
Best Places to Retire…

As I've said, if you've been to Costa Rica or you're pretty sure it's a place you'd like, you may already know something about Pura Vida.

And if you're thinking of retiring soon, you may be wondering how Costa Rica measures up—and why International Living ranks it as one of the “best places in the world to retire”.

The weather—From the temperate Central Valley to the beautiful tropical beaches, unless you're a snow lover, there's a climate for everyone. You will never scrape ice from your car or shovel snow. If you prefer a climate where all you'll need is couple of T-shirts and pairs of shorts, Costa Rica is your place.
Healthcare—Put any fears to rest. Costa Rica offers top-quality healthcare at an affordable price. When it comes to overall healthcare efficiency, says a 2018 Bloomberg report, Costa Rica ranks well ahead of the U.S.—critically important in this day and age.
And that's despite the fact that Costa Rica spends far less on healthcare per capita than the U.S. does.
A stable democracy. No other country in Latin America—or in the world, for that matter, has the peaceful history and democratic stability of Costa Rica, which doesn't even have an army—there is no need for one!
Comforts of home—In Costa Rica, you'll find world-class hospitals, modern shopping malls and supermarkets and big-box stores you know from home, with many of your favorite brands in stock. Reliable high-speed Internet is available just about everywhere. Public transportation is safe, reliable and plentiful.
Low, low taxes—You'll pay zero income taxes on foreign-earned income. If you buy a home in Costa Rica—your annual property taxes will be no more than $300-$500 in most cases.
Affordable real estate. Is there anywhere in the U.S. where you can buy a two-bedroom condo with a jaw-dropping ocean view for less than $279,000? Or rent a comfy home or apartment for $500 a month or even less? When you know where to look, you can find real bargains in Costa Rica…

In fact, when you know where to look…with the right kind of guidance…you can find the exact retirement lifestyle you're looking for…and it can be far more affordable than you've ever imagined…

Stick with me for more about the low cost of living you can expect in Costa Rica…especially when you settle in one of the up-and-coming destinations we've identified… And you needn't give up any of the creature comforts that make life so enjoyable.

There's more to consider, too. If you're worried about being far from family and friends back home, I've already mentioned the short flight times—less than three hours—from Costa Rica to the States (and only a little more than five hours to Canada).

When you live in Costa Rica, you will have more visitors than you can handle…I can almost guarantee that.

Who doesn't want to visit Costa Rica?

I can also pretty much guarantee that you won't be lonely in Costa Rica. I've already explained how welcoming the Ticos are.

You'll also find a built-in community of English-speaking expats—it's said that nearly 70,000 Americans and Canadians mostly retirees—currently live in Costa Rica.

But here's what sets Costa Rica apart from some other retirement destinations:

It's super healthy… Once outside the capital city, you'll find little pollution in Costa Rica—and lots of clean water and fresh air. Costa Rica is one of the only countries in the world to reverse deforestation. A staggering 99% of the country's energy comes from renewable, money-saving sources.
Adult literacy is practically 100%. Thanks to the well-educated, well-informed workforce, many international companies have offices, factories, and call centers here—contributing to the strong and stable economy. And when people have jobs, there is less crime.

With all this, it's no surprise that Costa Ricans are, in fact, the happiest people in the world.

That's according to sociologists from the Happy Planet Index who say Costa Ricans "report the highest life satisfaction and have the second-highest average life expectancy of the Americas (second only to Canada)."

And, as I've mentioned…

Costa Rica offers a surprisingly low cost of living.

➜ Retired expat couples in Costa Rica say they can easily and comfortably live on a budget of about $2,150 a month…sometimes less…and that includes their monthly rent and health plan.

Yes, there are some communities that are more affordable than others. I've already mentioned that in some places real estate costs are lower than others…not because they're less desirable, but because they're not on the tourist path. You'll find the same great beaches and mountain views, but at a far lower cost…

And of course, there are some tips and tricks that, once you know about them, can help greatly reduce your overall expenses.

For instance, when you become a legal resident of Costa Rica, you'll qualify for the Caja national healthcare plan. This is a huge cost-savings and "peace-of-mind" benefit for you. With some insider input, you can better navigate this system and save even more on your healthcare costs…

So How Do You Find Out if Costa Rica
is Right for You?

For years now, Costa Rica has been one of the most popular tourist destinations for North Americans. A record-setting 3.14 million international tourists visited Costa Rica in 2019. The majority from the U.S.

They come for the natural beauty. Nearly a quarter of the country is national park land and protected areas.

And they come for the beaches. There are plenty of those, on both Pacific and Caribbean Coasts.

And the country's Central Valley offers a nearly perfect climate…never too hot and never too cold.

Some of those tourists—like my friend Donna that I mentioned earlier—never want to leave.

They've dreamed of retiring to a place with beautiful scenery, better weather, and a far better cost of living. Costa Rica delivers on all that and much more.

Still, it's a foreign country. If you decide to live in Costa Rica you'll need a resident visa. And you're required to sign up for the Caja national health program. You'll need to decide where in the country you want to live, and if you'll rent or buy a home or apartment…

You'll want to decide whether or not to ship your household goods…to buy a car or not…what you'll do about insurance and taxes…how you'll manage your banking and financial needs…

You'll want to understand the rules for importing your pets to Costa Rica…what kinds of vaccinations are needed…and on and on…

Even though Costa Rica is one of the easiest places on the planet to retire to, there are many things to consider and plan for.

With something this important, you need reliable, up-to-date information you can count on, from a dependable, well-qualified resource.

That's where Kathleen Evans comes in.

In 2013, tired of the “corporate grind” in the U.S., Kathleen and her husband Steve moved to the lively beach town of Tamarindo.

There, she says they’re enjoying everything about the “Pura Vida” lifestyle.

As Costa Rica correspondent for International Living, it’s her job to travel Costa Rica from north to south and east to west.

She’s constantly on the lookout for ever-better places in Costa Rica to invest, to live, and to play.

She has contacts in every area of the country and she's on top of all the technical and legal stuff…the processes and requirements for getting visas and residency, for buying, renting, building, renovating, furnishing a home, moving your household goods, buying a car, bringing your pets, and so on…

Kathleen knows how much it costs to live in the many different communities of Costa Rica. And based on her own experiences and the experiences of hundreds of other expats she's interviewed over the years, she has a number of insider tips and strategies to help you save both time and money when you visit or live in Costa Rica yourself.

And if you think Costa Rica may be the place for you, Kathleen is committed to sharing her real-world, on-the-ground insights with you.

Of course, your very best course of action is to go to Costa Rica in person and spend a couple of months kicking around the country with her. It would take about that long for her to show you, firsthand, everything she's seen and everything she knows that can help you streamline your own move to Costa Rica.

Spending time one-on-one with Kathleen would certainly "fast track" your research, no question about it.

But, of course, that isn't a practical option.

Think how much it would cost… Even though Costa Rica can be a budget traveler's paradise, you'd soon rack up thousands of dollars in expenses.

So we asked Kathleen to do something to help facilitate your research. We asked her to create a personalized online virtual "retirement tour" of Costa Rica.

It's a way for you to gain access to her incredibly comprehensive and truly rich depth of knowledge and get "plugged in" to everything you need to know. A way for you to see for yourself, from the comfort of your own home or office, all that Costa Rica has to offer you.

It's an easy, streamlined, and most reliable way to get you from where you are now—to a better life in the perfect place in Costa Rica that's exactly right for you.

This is Your Invitation to Go "On the Road"
With Kathleen Evans

No matter how many times you've been there and no matter how many books you've read or online research you've done, what you don't know about Costa Rica may surprise you.

International Living has been reporting for more than 43 years now about the benefits Costa Rica offers retirees—and over the last several years, Kathleen has been asked to take on the most in-depth research-gathering project International Living has ever mounted on Costa Rica.

She's been challenged to dig deep…to round up all her insider intelligence and to assemble all this valuable information in one place…

It's a project we call Costa Rica 101: Your Blueprint to the Pura Vida Lifestyle.

This has been no small undertaking. Even though Costa Rica is a relatively small country, it's large on opportunity.

In effect, Kathleen worked on this project for close to eight years now...the entire time she's been in Costa Rica.

And take it from me, no one is better suited for this kind of challenge. Kathleen is one of the most diligent researchers I know. She digs deep. She answers the questions you don't even know to ask…

Best of all, she makes sure the facts are reliable and verifiable. You can be certain that what Kathleen tells you is correct and current…and that's probably the most important element in all this…

Because you can't always rely on what you read online in expat forums or on the internet. You need a trusted resource.

Things change. Rules are adjusted. Laws are reformed. New policies are instituted. Here’s how to get the timely, updated information you need...

Just last year, in fact, the government signed into law two new programs that make Costa Rica even more enticing—with big incentives for retirees, investors, and digital nomads/remote workers.

Already there are many easy visa options available to you, including for retirees that want to rent.

But if you are applying for an investor visa by buying a home or investing in a local ag or infrastructure project, the amount required to qualify has now been lowered from $200,000 to $150,000.

In addition, you’ll be able to import your household goods, including two vehicles, planes or cars, duty-free. Your foreign-earned income (retirement pensions included) will not be taxed. And you’ll be eligible for a slew of other local tax breaks, too.

Additionally, a new “Digital Nomad Law” allows foreign nationals and their families a special visa to live and work in Costa Rica for at least a year with the ability to easily extend.

It, too, comes with a host of impressive benefits, excluding a full income tax exemption.

There’s more to know...and these are exactly the kinds of timely details and information you’ll get in Costa Rica 101.

It’s a complete resource reference of everything you need to know about moving to, investing in, living in, and/or starting a business in the world’s top overseas destination.

If you can name it, think of it, or wonder about it, Kathleen has you covered. Every issue is addressed, every challenge is covered, and every question is answered.

It's the next-best thing to actually exploring the country with Kathleen in person.

And it's the best way I know to not just "tell" you about all Costa Rica has to offer, but to "show" you so you can see it with your own eyes…from the comfort of your home.

With Kathleen as Your Guide, Put #1 Ranked Costa Rica on Your Short List Now

I've already mentioned the overall low cost of living in Costa Rica. And I should probably stress that Costa Rica isn't the world's lowest-cost destination.

But when it comes to overall value—everything you get at such a low price tag—Costa Rica is hard to beat.

It's a quality destination. Not to keep beating the drum, but it's a modern, First-World environment with all the comforts of home.

Still, it remains remarkably affordable. And as I've said, it very well may be the world's easiest retirement destination.

Low healthcare and health insurance costs have something to do with that. After all, if you save $5,000 to $10,000 a year…or maybe even more…on your health insurance costs, that money can go far in Costa Rica.

If you buy a home, you'll save thousands of dollars more on your property taxes. Last year, the average American spent $3,785 on property taxes for a home in the U.S.

In Costa Rica, you'll currently pay a mere .25 percent on the taxable value…which is usually only about one-quarter of the real value. In other words, you'll rarely pay more than $300 to $500 a year for your property taxes. Sometimes much less.

Costa Rica Really is Far More Affordable
Than You Think…

So how much does it cost to live in Costa Rica? The short answer is: whatever you want…within reason, of course.

As Kathleen says, if you focus on what's important you can live very well on a very low budget. You don't have to "keep up with the Joneses" here, she says.

"Your 'needs' will become simpler. You can live comfortably with a lot less stuff."

Most expats report they live happily and without sacrifices on $2,000 to $3,000 a month or even less.

For example, John and Caryl Buford live very comfortably near the Central Valley town of San Ramon on a monthly budget that typically comes in at about $1,500.

They own their home, so they don’t pay rent...but you can find rental properties in the Central Valley starting at about $500 a month.

“We live conservatively. We rarely go out to eat because she likes to cook and does it well,” John says, “We buy local produce and are not big meat-eaters. We own our house, so we're not paying rent. Our annual property taxes for six houses, now over 15,000 square meters of land, a four-story activities center with five apartments, and 13 residential lots was about $2,000 this year.”

As for their health plan: “For the both of us, we pay a total of 83,000 colones a month (roughly $150 US) for full hospital/medical, dental, optical, and prescriptions.”

I’ll share more about healthcare costs in just a moment.

But it's not just the cost savings you should consider…it's the overall improvement in your quality of life.

Here's a typical monthly budget, based on calculations for two people living in a mid-range, two-bedroom home in the Central Valley where the climate is so temperate you don’t need heat or air conditioning:

Housing (average rental):	$800
Electricity:	$50
Water and trash collection:	$10
Transportation—maintaining one car:	$130
Two cellphones:	$30
Cable TV:	$60
Internet:	$30
Healthcare: (Caja national health plan plus incidental doctor’s visits)	$250
Household help (once a week):	$40
Groceries:	$400
Entertainment/dining out:	$250
Miscellaneous:	$100
TOTAL:	$2,150

Your actual budget may be even less—some landlords include internet and other expenses like lawn care, water and trash pick-up. And, of course, if you pay outright for your home you won't have any rent payment.

You can see how affordable it is to live in Costa Rica.

You can afford to treat yourself with things you might not afford at home…like a maid and gardener, spa days, and more…

In Costa Rica, even the lowest budget affords a very good lifestyle. You'll enjoy guilt-free consumption at very low prices. For instance, splurge on a salon manicure or pedicure for just ($10 each), pay a maid to clean your house ($20 a day) or a gardener to do your lawn work ($5 an hour).

There are Three Destinations in Particular in Costa Rica Where You'll Find Good-Value Living.

When you make your home in Costa Rica, you can live very well for very little money, that's true…

But when you choose one of the lesser-known destinations Kathleen Evans has identified, you can live very well.

If you've been to Costa Rica, you may know the "Gold Coast"—the northern Pacific Coast where the popular beach town of Tamarindo is. That’s where Kathleen lives.

Even there, you can live affordably…but when you look beyond Costa Rica's more touristy destinations, that's where you'll find the bargains.

Kathleen's done a lot of digging, and along with the more tried-and-true communities popular with expats, she's pinpointed three special destinations—including an overlooked section of pristine coastline—that you'll want to take a look at if you're considering retiring or starting a new life in Costa Rica.

You'll find all the details in Costa Rica 101: Your Blueprint to the Pura Vida Lifestyle.

Now…if you're doing your research on moving to Costa Rica, I know there's one more thing that surely must be on your mind…

What Can You Expect When
it Comes to Healthcare?

Remember, thanks to Costa Rica's national health program, your healthcare costs will be negligible. But should you desire elective procedures, you'll pay about one-third what you will in the States.

A facelift, for instance, averages $4,800 in Costa Rica, compared to $7,000 to $9,000 or more in the United States. A total hip replacement at a modern, private state-of-the-art hospital costs about $12,000 in Costa Rica compared to a cost of up to $43,000 in the U.S.

A dental implant costs an average $900 in Costa Rica compared to $3,500 in the U.S.

And don't worry at all about the quality of healthcare in Costa Rica. Hands down, the country's universal healthcare system is one of the best in Latin America and, indeed, among the best in the world.

The US. Would Do Well to Reform Its Lagging Healthcare System By Looking to Costa Rica’s Example, Says the Prestigious Commonwealth Fund: “With public frustration over the current system mounting, many in the United States believe that significant reforms are warranted. Costa Rica offers an example of an efficient health care system centered around a backbone of robust, community-oriented primary health care, characterized by strong and effective use of community health workers to improve access, quality, and equity.”

Once you obtain your legal residence visa, you'll be eligible (required, in fact) to participate in Costa Rica's universal healthcare system, the Caja.

For this coverage, a retired couple might expect to pay $50-$200 a month total for the two of them.

The Caja is affiliated with ten major public hospitals in the country and many small clinics in almost every community.

You can also buy private insurance—most plans cover dental work, optometry, and cosmetic surgery in the case of an accident.

Prescription drugs, certain medical exams, sick visits and hospitalization are covered at 70% cost, and surgeon and anesthesiologist costs are covered at full cost.

Private medical insurance in Costa Rica currently costs about $200 to $300 a month per person, depending on age and other factors.

And many doctors speak English and have received training in Europe, Canada, or the U.S.

Are You Ready to Learn More About How Easy and Affordable it Can Be To Retire to Costa Rica?

There's no better resource than Costa Rica 101: Your Blueprint to the Pura Vida Lifestyle.

As I mentioned, Kathleen has worked on this for eight years now. She’s literally spent tens of thousands of hours on the ground in Costa Rica, doing research, collecting data, conducting interviews, and more…

Recently, she went into the studio to assemble a comprehensive series of 14 professional videos to bring her research to life. You can see, feel, and almost touch and smell Costa Rica.

You'll travel along with Kathleen as she introduces you to six distinct regions of Costa Rica…and to many communities in each of those that make for easy and affordable expat living.

And yes, you'll discover the three little-known areas that she believes are well worth your attention right now.

These are places your fellow expats have yet to discover in large numbers. Prices are low and opportunities are sky high.

To make a point here, this is no static report. It's not a manual…or a website…or a conference. Think of it more as a high-level "virtual conference," but much better…

She's the best Costa Rica expert we know and in this Blueprint, she takes you by the hand and not only introduces you to "her" Costa Rica, but she gives you the tools to make it "your Costa Rica."

Along with the six in-depth "destination" videos Kathleen has produced eight more "need-to-know" videos with advice about Costa Rica that will save you time, headaches and boatloads of money.

Here's just some of what's covered in Costa Rica 101: Your Blueprint to the Pura Vida Lifestyle:

Your best resident visa options. There are several you might qualify for, but which is the best for your personal circumstances? Video #10 in the series is devoted to this topic and ensures that you don't make any costly mistakes.
Your healthcare options. In Video #9, Kathleen gives you the full rundown on the options that make the most sense for you, including how to qualify and what the costs are. (You'll be pleasantly surprised at the low cost of excellent medical and dental care in Costa Rica.)
How to safely purchase real estate in Costa Rica. Legal processes are a bit different in Costa Rica and having the right guide to those rules and procedures is invaluable—and that's exactly what Kathleen offers in Video #12.

What about shipping your household goods and your car? Should you? Why might you be better off buying a car in Costa Rica? Believe me, this is the kind of insider information you need. Kathleen clarifies import taxes, explains how much cars cost, and the best kinds of cars to drive in Costa Rica… She explains whether or not you'll need a local driver's license and how to get one…
How to structure your finances…where to bank, how to pay your bills…
How to get mail delivered…
What about communicating? What kind of phone and internet service should you expect in Costa Rica…how to best (and cost-free) communicate with friends and family back home…
How to find a good doctor…where to get the prescriptions you need and how much they might cost…
How to bring your pets to Costa Rica…
What to expect in the way of taxes, both at home and in Costa Rica (not much, thankfully)…and much, much more.

Importantly, you'll discover how to save money when you live in Costa Rica. It's not just about shopping in the local farmer's markets or eating Tico-style food (delicious, by the way)…

In Costa Rica 101: Your Blueprint to the Pura Vida Lifestyle, you'll find out what's true and what's not. The internet offers loads of information about Costa Rica. Websites and chat groups are full of misinformation—so it's important to get the most up-to-date information straight from someone who knows Costa Rica inside and out.

Kathleen Evans offers you experienced perspective, valuable judgment, and on-the-ground guidance that will save you time, money, and frustration when you head to Costa Rica yourself… You can be sure you'll be completely and reliably "in-the-know."

It has more to do with picking the right place to settle…choosing the right kind of home to live in, and so on…

Kathleen offers all her insider tips and insights that will have you on a well-planned, streamlined course…

Best of all, she even provides a step-by-step Action Plan. If you've wondered or worried about how you might ever pull it all off…making a move of this type…worry no more.

If you're thinking of retiring to Costa Rica…or spending some extended time there…maybe opening a business or just reinventing your life…this Costa Rica Blueprint is your very best resource.

It's the fastest, most efficient, most cost-effective way to get you quickly ramped up so you can get from where you are now to the idyllic spot in Costa Rica that's right for you.

And when you're ready to actually visit Costa Rica firsthand for yourself, you'll be able to use your time wisely—because in essence, you'll have already been there, with Kathleen as your guide. You'll know where to go, who to contact, and the questions you'll need to ask.

This Costa Rica Blueprint delivers insider access… It hands you on-the-ground solutions that would cost you a minimum of $10,000 to gather on your own. Probably more like twice that. (Kathleen has spent far more than that on this project.)

But you don't have to spend that kind of money…no way.

Kathleen has done all the work for you. And she's just saved you a ton of money.

We could reasonably ask $1,000 for this program, which reveals tips and secrets about Costa Rica you won't find anyplace else.

But we won't charge you $1,000 for access...even though it's worth every penny.

It's available now, for just $499.

Plus, there's more that comes with it…

You Also Get 7 Comprehensive Special Reports and a Complete Resource Rolodex.

These Are Not Available Anywhere Else.

As Kathleen was taping the videos she created for the Costa Rica 101: Your Blueprint to the Pura Vida Lifestyle, she discovered there were a few topics that required some extra lengthy reporting…too much to record on video.

So those have been assembled in a series of special reports—delivered electronically to get them into your hands as quickly as possible.

This is the kind of information you'll definitely want at hand as you prepare for your move to Costa Rica.

Special Report #1: Costa Rica Scouting Trip itineraries and Travel Guide. If you've got one week, two weeks, a month or more to spend in Costa Rica, you'll want this guide. Kathleen and her Costa Rica team have planned all the details for you…from how to travel around to where to stay—hotels, short-term rentals and much more. You'll also discover where to play…dine…and more…even the popular hangouts where you can meet expats who may some day be your neighbors. Live links to websites and contact information is all there for your easy access.
Special Report #2: How They Did It: Meet Happy Costa Rica Expats. Speaking of expats, sometimes it just takes a little motivation. That's exactly what you'll get in this special report. You'll meet expats in ten different areas of Costa Rica, all living their dream lives in the tropical sun. They explain exactly how they did it (and how you can, too) and they share personal details you couldn't get unless you quizzed them yourself… Find out what they do for healthcare, how much they spend on a daily and monthly basis, what they do in their free time, and much, much more.
Special Report #3: Practical Matters: Taxes, Cost of Living, Residence, Moving Your Household Goods and Pets, and Doing Business. Yes, Kathleen covers all this in the video series, but as you can see from the lengthy title, this special report digs deep. You'll get comprehensive sample budgets and money-saving tips, a detailed tax primer, a full explanation of various visa options and a complete legal resource rolodex. And if you plan to move with pets or children, or you're thinking of starting your dream business in Costa Rica, do not leave home without this special report. Nowhere else can you get this kind of valuable, all-inclusive information.
Special Report #4: Spotlight on the High-Quality, Low-Cost Medical Care in Costa Rica. This comprehensive report explains the differences of Costa Rica's public and private healthcare systems and can help you make an educated decision about what to do for your personal healthcare needs when you move to Costa Rica. You'll get all the details (including costs) of the Caja public care coverage. There's also a rundown of the best private hospitals in the country and a list of some of the best local insurance providers—with full contact information. There's even a list of questions to ask about insurance policies you may be considering and a tutorial on how to find the best doctor for your personal needs.
Special Report #5: The Guide to Renting a Home or Buying Property in Costa Rica. When you move to Costa Rica, you'll need a place to live. And whether you rent or buy, that means contracts. Word to the wise: Do not sign a rental or purchase contract without first reviewing this crucial information. Everything is covered…from typical costs and how to find a rental to what to look for in a reliable real estate agent, where to get title insurance, the various title structures, the correct process for registering a deed, and much more.
Special Report #6: Something for Everybody: An In-Depth look at Costa Rica's Regions. If you want insider information about areas of Costa Rica that offer a combination of livability, affordability, beauty, and convenience—you'll find it within the 40+ pages of this special report. All the "personalities" of these locales are sliced and diced for you. You're sure to find a hidden gem that's perfect for you.

AND Special Report #7: Your Costa Rica Rolodex and Resource Guide. This is another document you won't want to leave home without. You'll find 16 pages of resources that you can rely on to help streamline your scouting trip and your move to Costa Rica. Websites, email addresses, phone numbers, costs for services…it's all there…from accommodation and restaurants to airlines and shuttle services…to attorney, healthcare providers, moving/shipping and real estate contacts, language schools and much more, including handy travel apps you can load on your phone or tablet to make navigating your way around Costa Rica as easy and inexpensive as possible.

All You Need to Do Now is Place Your Order

As you know, there's only so much you can absorb when you're reading about and researching a place.

You do a "Google search" and tens of thousands of links come up. It's so hard to know whose opinion to trust. And the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming.

But that's what makes this Costa Rica Blueprint so special—and so useful. Kathleen Evans shares her real-world insights directly with you via video. She cuts right to the chase, right there in living color, and she answers every question you have about Costa Rica. I guarantee it.

Our Rock-Solid, Money-Back
Guarantees Means No Risk for You

Guarantee # 1—I guarantee this Costa Rica Blueprint will help you find the perfect Costa Rica lifestyle that's right for you. A place where you can live better than ever… stretch your retirement dollars...and have the time and funds to travel, relax, and enjoy life...

Guarantee # 2—I guarantee it will deliver the real-world solutions you need to get from where you are now to where you want to be…so that in just a handful of months, you could have "boots on the ground" in a part of Costa Rica you love. But if you feel the solutions we offer aren't for you, we'll give you a full refund. In other words, the risk is all ours.

Guarantee # 3—Should you decide to ask for a refund, you've got a full 30 days to do it. If you don't feel that Costa Rica 101: Your Blueprint to the Pura Vida Lifestyle can help you to a new life in Costa Rica, just let us know and we'll refund every penny. That's how confident we are in the depth and breadth of information this Blueprint provides.

The joyfulness of Costa Rica…the laidback lifestyle, reminiscent of a kinder, gentler time in history…and with the modern pleasures and amenities now available and so affordable…

All this makes Costa Rica hard to resist.

The good news, though, is that it's all within your grasp. You don't need millions in the bank to capitalize on the opportunities in Costa Rica—one of the best-value retirement options you'll find. With so much to offer.

In Costa Rica, you can have the life you've been dreaming of. You can have it all…and on a monthly budget of $2,150 or less.

If you're looking for a tranquil, safe place to live…for total freedom and a non-intrusive government (with no army!) that will welcome you with open arms…where you can actually afford top-quality healthcare…have access to farm-fresh, healthy food…and a great year-round climate…

On the beach or in the mountains…where you can live well for $24,000 a year or less...you'll find all that and more in Costa Rica.

And in Costa Rica 101: Your Blueprint to the Pura Vida Lifestyle, Kathleen Evans shows you exactly how to make it happen…how you can settle into a far better, more affordable, healthier life and do it seamlessly, enjoyably, confidently…

Think about it: A handful of months from now, you could be sitting on your own terrace, a hot cup of Costa Rican coffee or a frosty, delicious drink in hand, watching toucans and parrots fly overhead or the sun set over the gorgeous blue ocean…

I hope you'll let us show you how…just ‘add to cart’ now and we'll get you started.

Sincerely,

Dan Prescher,
Senior Editor, International Living
February 2022

P.S. If you have any doubt that Costa Rica offers the very best lifestyle—at a very affordable price—your mind will definitely be changed after you've sifted through the 14 professional videos, the seven comprehensive special reports, including the hefty resource rolodex that make up Costa Rica 101: Your Blueprint to the Pura Vida Lifestyle.

There are so many reasons Costa Rica is one of the world’s top retirement spot.

If you've always loved the idea of retiring in real comfort…where you don't have to worry about rising healthcare costs and crime rates, out-of-control government spending or crazy politics…

Then I encourage you to take a look at Costa Rica 101: Your Blueprint to the Pura Vida Lifestyle. It was created with you in mind.

Follow the blueprint Kathleen Evans has created for you. Let her introduce you to the special places she's discovered. Let Kathleen share her expert insights with you and help you shave months…even years…off your learning curve.

Costa Rica 101: Your Blueprint to the Pura Vida Lifestyle is like taking a whirlwind investment and lifestyle tour of Costa Rica.

Only instead of paying thousands of dollars for the travel fees and expert advice, we hand it all to you right there in the comfort of your own home for just $499 when you order Costa Rica 101: Your Blueprint to the Pura Vida Lifestyle now.

Remember, there's no risk to you. You have our 100% Money-Back Guarantee.

Mexico All Access

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 09:20:57 GMT

Is This the Next
San Miguel de Allende?

In “The Next San Miguel” you can live in an artsy expat haven full of chic galleries, baroque churches, and colonial treasures…

For as little as $800 a month.

Hi, I'm Dan Prescher.

If you dream of spending your days exploring the cobbled streets of a historic town...appreciating local art and chic galleries...and attending culture-rich festivals and symphony orchestras…there’s a little-known colonial town I want to tell you about.

This town is a foodie haven and the colorful local market stalls are the perfect place to shop for tasty treats as well as unique handicrafts like indigenous jewelry and traditional-style pottery (prized by wealthy collectors).

You might think I’m describing San Miguel de Allende, the well-established retirement haven in Mexico (often compared to artsy Santa Fe, New Mexico).

But it’s been a long time since you could live in San Miguel on as little as $800 a month (though it’s easy to do in this “New San Miguel de Allende”…)

“[The town] is charming and colorful…it reminds me of San Miguel de Allende before it was discovered by expats.”—Californian expat W.C.

This is one of my favorite places in Mexico, and it has all the amenities that make San Miguel popular.

Rich history (the local ruins are over 1,000 years older than those near San Miguel)...beautiful architecture...an incredible local food scene (for 1/3 of the price of San Miguel)…and cultural festivals (it’s one of the best places in Mexico to celebrate Día de los Muertos according to Lonely Planet).

Within a half-day’s drive, too, you’ll also find postcard-worthy beaches alongside brilliant blue ocean waves (so long-weekend getaways to the coast are within reach)...hillside jungle churches with intricate decorations...even ruins of an ancient civilization that you can explore…all perfect for weekend getaways.

Because this town is still off the radar compared to places like San Miguel, expats can enjoy a similar lifestyle at a discount—up to 50% less.

“I live well [here] for well under $1,000 a month, and I still have enough left over to eat out at my favorite restaurant whenever I want”—Emily J.

And with pleasant weather year-round, you can spend lots of time relaxing outside in the sun.

Just imagine your days spent exploring the colorful local markets within walking distance of your cozy pied-à-terre or learning about the ancient Zapotec culture in the many galleries and museums.

“From its ancient roots and colonial treasures to modern-day craftspeople, this city lives and breathes art and culture…the fact that it’s a hub of art and creativity is evident almost everywhere you look. Besides the abundance of beautiful architecture and colorful folk art and handicrafts, several important...internationally renowned painters...hail from here." - Afar magazine

Or imagine exploring the small independent workshops where locals craft a unique style of black pottery.

The native style is more than 2,500 years old and today is popular with art collectors the world over for its beauty. It was even prized by rich families like the Rockefellers.

“Nowhere in Mexico is there a creative epicenter like the one [in this town]”—The New York Times

You could plan a long-weekend getaway to the coast and spend a few days lazing on picture-perfect beaches where warm turquoise waters (at least 80F) meet lush swaying palms.

If you’re looking for your dream lifestyle…at an affordable price… with regular (and good-value) connections from US airports, then this town is the place for you.

There’s just nowhere else that compares when it comes to the unique mix of possibility and affordability.

And since the dollar is at one of the strongest rates it’s been in two decades against the peso, there’s no better time to consider your dream life in Mexico than right now.

An Expat-Friendly Colonial Town Where You Can Live Well for as Little as $800 a Month

While this UNESCO World Heritage town is more off the radar than a place like San Miguel de Allende or Puerto Vallarta, it’s quickly becoming a popular destination for those in-the-know.

From the preserved colonial centro to the more modern outskirts (where you can find familiar stores like Walmart and Office Depot), this town is mostly flat, making it perfect for walking around…

Picture yourself strolling the narrow stone streets admiring the incredible architecture…or exploring the open-air markets filled with local handicrafts and colorful fruits you’ve never seen before.

The local crafts were even featured in National Geographic for their indigenous focus and the years-long crafting process…

And local artists' work has been exhibited in famous locations like New York’s Rockefeller Center.

“In recent years, the city has been transformed as bohemian expats and artists have been drawn to its mild, semitropical climate, sturdy Spanish colonial architecture, rich culinary and craft traditions, and thrilling art scene. Galleries and boutique hotels, upscale restaurants, and trendy [mezcal bars] have opened in dizzying succession.”—The New York Times

And today the town’s state boasts the largest number of working artisans in Mexico.

But that’s just the start of what’s on offer here.

There are plenty of amenities for expats, including English-language tours of the ruins. You will find an English language library, book clubs, language exchanges, and walking groups. There’s even a newcomers’ club to help you settle in.

The coast is within reach for a few days’ getaways. It’s dotted with bays and beaches…5,000-year-old harbors that have long been centers for trade…even the remnants of an ancient civilization (the large ruins of pyramids and terraces are among the most famous in Mexico for their size and completeness).

And the area is more accessible than ever with a major highway, or autopista, under development.

Yet what really sets this town and the region apart from the pack is the price expats pay for a comfortable lifestyle.

I recently spoke with my friend Wendy Justice, who visited a few months ago.

“I’m convinced this is a place I could live long-term—the weather is ideal, the food is terrific, and the expat scene is lively. There is a photograph waiting to be taken around every corner. I met expats [here] who live well for $800 a month,” said Wendy.

“I was charmed by the nearly infinite number of murals, paintings, art museums, galleries, and public art exhibits in the Centro Histórico. Some neighborhoods had murals on practically every other building.”

Imagine paying $475 a month for a two-bedroom apartment with Western-style amenities…with plentiful art just outside your door.

Or $900 per month for a 1,000-square-foot, 3-bed, 2-bath apartment in an upscale neighborhood where you can walk to trendy cafés, small independent shops, and family-owned art and pottery shops.

That’s how expats live here.

Of course, you can spend more. A couple with $1,905 a month could bankroll a dream life here (though many report spending far less…)

After my friend Jason visited, he had nothing but praise for this up-and-coming escape:

“[The town] offers the essence of Mexico. The romance and beauty, rich culture, and ancient roots. As well as a modern side.

“If you want to experience everything that’s wonderful about Mexico—in a single destination—head here.

“That’s why many visitors give in to [the town’s] charm and move here full-time…”

And Jason is the expert when it comes to Mexico’s more off-the-radar gems like this town.

That’s why he included everything you need to know about this little-known colonial town in a special project he’s been working on.

So that you can learn about “The Next San Miguel”…along with other places that just don’t get much airtime in the mainstream media.

I’ll share details in a minute. But first, I want to step back and take a look at why Mexico makes so much sense if you’re in the market for a good-value spot where you could spend a few weeks or months a year—or even move full-time…

Why Is Mexico the Easiest Place To Find Your Dream Lifestyle?

It's close to home. (You can get to more destinations in Mexico from the U.S., and typically in less time than it takes to fly from New York to Los Angeles. You can even easily drive to Mexico—thousands of Americans and Canadians do that every month.)
You'll find all the comforts of home you'd expect in a country that's an integral part of North America: World-class hospitals, modern shopping malls and supermarkets and big-box stores you know from home, with your favorite brands in stock. Reliable high-speed internet is available just about everywhere, and public transportation is safe, reliable and plentiful.
The climate is extraordinary all year long. (In the temperate highlands, you'll have no utility bills to speak of.)
Healthcare is top quality (better, in my experience, than in the U.S. or Canada) and very affordable. If you have a resident visa, you can sign up for a public healthcare plan—INSABI—and it's absolutely free. For a comprehensive private healthcare plan with a $1,000 deductible, you might expect to pay $2,000 to $3,000 a year.
You'll likely be healthier than ever in Mexico, where you'll have year-round sunshine so you can be outside and more active…and fresh year-round fruits and vegetables.
With beautiful beaches, charming historical towns, and culturally rich cities, as I've said, Mexico offers many lifestyle options. And you'll be amazed at the low rental and property prices…
Your annual property taxes will be no more than $100 to $200 if you buy a home in Mexico. And depending on your resident visa, you'll pay zero income taxes on foreign-earned income.
In Mexico you can have all the benefits of home but at half the price. You can live comfortably and safely on as little as $1,400 for a single to $1,905 a month for a couple, and that can include your rent and a health plan.

It’s no surprise then that Mexico neared the top of International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index 2023.

Nowhere Else Can Compete With Mexico…

The point is: Mexico has something for everyone. The food…the colorful culture…and the warm, friendly, welcoming people… If you've been to Mexico, you know that no other country can compete…

When you know where to look…with the right kind of guidance…you can find the exact retirement lifestyle you're looking for…and in Mexico, it can be far more affordable than you've ever imagined…

Stick with me for more about the low cost of living you can expect in Mexico…especially when you settle in one of the communities we've identified… And you needn't give up any of the creature comforts that make life so enjoyable.

There's more to consider, too. If you're worried about being far from family and friends back home, I've already mentioned the short flight times—less than two hours in some cases—from Mexico to the States (and as little as four hours to Canada). Those flights are inexpensive, too—especially on Mexico's new top-quality budget airlines that offer brand-new planes, great customer service, and very low fares.

When you live in Mexico, you will have more visitors than you can handle… I can almost guarantee that. Who doesn't want to visit Mexico?

I can also pretty much guarantee that you won't be lonely in Mexico. I've already explained how warm and welcoming the Mexicans are. They're familiar with our customs…our holidays…our language.

The government of Mexico is going out of its way to invite us to share their country with them. They've made immigration to Mexico easy. It's easy to get a visa, to gain access to the public healthcare program, even to their retirement discount program.

Being right next door, you'll find many Mexicans that speak English. You'll also find a built-in community of English-speaking expats—it's said that nearly two million Americans currently live in Mexico.

**So How Do You Find Out If Mexico Is Right for You?**

For generations now, Mexico has been one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. A record-setting 45 million international tourists visited Mexico in 2019. (Numbers for 2020, of course, skewed lower, thanks to the pandemic.) The majority of visitors are from the U.S. and Canada, with Europeans and South Americans close behind.

As of 2019, Mexico was the seventh most popular tourist destination in the world.

Tourists flock here for the natural beauty…the Copper Canyon that's far larger and deeper than Arizona's Grand Canyon…to fabulous, sophisticated Mexico City, referred to as today's "renaissance city" by the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and more…and to historic colonial towns like the one my friend Jason discovered (which is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site!).

They come to enjoy the world's most beautiful beaches along Mexico's warm-water white-sand Caribbean Coast, the dramatically lush Pacific Coast, and the starkly beautiful Baja peninsula.

In the Sierra Madre mountains that cut from north to south on both sides of the country, you'll find charming Spanish colonial towns that enjoy a perfect year-round climate…

And everywhere in Mexico you'll find centuries-old archeological sites that were once home to Aztec, Maya, Huichol, and other indigenous people.

Some of those tourists, of course, never want to leave.

They've dreamed of retiring to a place with beautiful scenery, better weather, and a far better cost of living. Mexico delivers on all that and much more.

Still, it's a foreign country… If you decide to live in Mexico you'll need a resident visa… You'll need to investigate your healthcare options… You'll need to decide where in the country you want to live, and if you'll rent or buy a home or apartment…

You'll want to decide whether or not to ship your household goods…to buy a car or not…what you'll do about insurance and taxes…how you'll manage your banking and financial needs…

You'll want to understand the rules for importing your pets to Mexico…what kinds of vaccinations are needed…and on and on…

Even though Mexico is a very easy place to retire to—and Americans and Canadians have been doing that since the early 1900s—there are many things to consider and plan for.

With something this important, you need reliable, up-to-date information you can count on, from a dependable, well-qualified resource.

Meet the #1 Mexico Expert: Jason Holland

That's why I'd like to introduce you to International Living's trusty, dependable resource on all things Mexico: Jason Holland.

For five years now, Jason has been International Living's editor on the ground in Mexico.

Jason Holland lives in the colonial city of San Miguel de Allende...

He has traveled Mexico from north to south and east to west. He lives in the small Spanish colonial city of San Miguel de Allende—a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Colonial Highlands region.

Jason is constantly on the lookout for ever-better places in Mexico to invest, to live, and to play… He has contacts in every area of the country and is on top of all the technical and legal stuff…the processes and requirements for buying, renting, getting visas and residence, building, renovating, furnishing a home, moving your household goods, buying a car, bringing your pets, and so on…

He knows exactly how much it costs to live in the many different communities of Mexico. And based on his own experiences and the experiences of hundreds of other expats he's interviewed over the years, he has a number of insider tips and strategies to help you save both time and money when you visit or live in Mexico yourself.

And if you think Mexico may be the place for you, Jason is committed to sharing his real-world, on-the-ground insights with you.

Your very best course of action, of course, would be to go to Mexico in person and spend a couple of months kicking around the country with Jason. It would take about that long for him to show you, firsthand, everything he's seen and everything he knows that can help you streamline your own move to Mexico.

Spending time one-on-one with Jason would certainly "fast track" your research, no question about it.

But, of course, that isn't a practical option. It's doubtful you have the time or inclination to spend months on the road right now. And think how much it would cost… Even though Mexico is a budget traveler's paradise, you'd soon rack up thousands of dollars in expenses.

So we asked Jason to do something groundbreaking and create a personalized online virtual "tour" of Mexico.

It's a way for you to gain access to Jason's incredibly comprehensive and truly rich depth of knowledge and get "plugged in" to everything you need to know. A way for you to see for yourself, from the comfort of your own home or office, all that Mexico has to offer you.

It's an easy, streamlined, and most reliable way to get you from where you are now—to a better life in the perfect place in Mexico that's exactly right for you.

This Is Your Invitation to Go "On the Road" With the #1 Mexico Expert, Jason Holland, and International Living

No matter how many times you've been there…no matter how many books you've read or online research you've done…what you don't know about Mexico may surprise you.

International Living has been reporting for more than 42 years now about the benefits Mexico offers retirees—and over the last several years, Jason has been asked to take on the most in-depth research-gathering project International Living has ever mounted on Mexico.

He's been challenged to dig deep…to round up all his insider intelligence and to assemble all this valuable information in one place…

It's a huge project we call Mexico All Access: Your Blueprint to the ¡Viva México! Lifestyle.

This has been no small undertaking. Even though Mexico is the smallest country in North America…smaller than the U.S. or Canada, it's large on opportunity.

What About Safety?

The communities Jason will introduce you to are safe. We wouldn't have it any other way. Expats who live in these communities, in fact, will tell you they feel far safer in their new homes in Mexico than they do in the U.S. these days.

In effect, Jason has been working on this project for years now…the entire time he's been in Mexico.

And take it from me, no one is better suited for this kind of challenge. Jason is one of the most dogged and diligent researchers I know. He digs deep. He doesn't take "no"…and certainly not "I don't know" for an answer. He answers the questions you don't even know to ask…

Best of all, he makes sure the facts are reliable and verifiable. You can be certain that what Jason tells you is correct and current…and that's probably the most important element in all this…

What he's put together is not just groundbreaking, it's almost overwhelming in its scope. It's a complete resource reference of everything you need to know about moving to, investing in, living in, and/or starting a business in Mexico.

If you can name it, think of it, or wonder about it, Jason has you covered. Every issue is addressed, every challenge is covered, and every question is answered.

Mexico All Access: Your Blueprint to the ¡Viva México! Lifestyleputs a huge amount of information, recommendations, tips, advice, and insights about living, traveling, and investing in Mexico in one place…in living color…on video.

It's the next-best thing to exploring the country with Jason in person. And it's the best way I know to not just "tell" you about all Mexico has to offer, but to "show" you so you can see it with your own eyes…from the comfort of your home.

With Mexico All Access as Your Guide,
Watch Your Dollars Multiply…

I've already mentioned the overall low cost of living in Mexico. It really is a bargain. With today's strong dollar, you'll find your money goes far in Mexico today.

When it comes to overall value—everything you get at such a low, low price tag—Mexico is hard to beat.

Plus, it's a quality destination. Not to keep beating the drum, but it's a modern, North American environment with all the comforts of home. Still, it remains remarkably affordable. And it's very easy to make the transition to life in Mexico.

If you buy a home, you'll save thousands of dollars more on your property taxes. The average American spends $2,471 on property taxes for his home in the U.S. In Mexico, you'll rarely pay more than $200 a year for your property taxes. Sometimes much less.

So How Much Does It Cost to Live in Mexico?

As Jason says, if you focus on what's important you can live very well on a very low budget…

Your 'needs' will become simpler, he says. And I can tell you from my personal experience how true that is. You can live comfortably with less 'stuff.'

As my friends Jim and Jennifer in the Yucatán say, the property taxes for their spacious and absolutely modern 3,500 square foot home in Mérida are less than $100 a year with the current exchange rate. Compare that to what you might be paying in the U.S. right now and you can see that’s a bit of savings!

Just to give you an idea of the average cost of living in Mexico, here's an average monthly budget for a retired couple living in Mexico:

Housing (rental)	$750
Utilities (electricity, gas, water):	$75
Internet	$20
Cellphone	$25
Cable/Pay TV	$35
Groceries	$350
Entertainment (dining out and other activities)	$250
Household help	$135
Health plan or incidental healthcare costs (Remember, INSABI is free for residents):	$85
Transportation (car maintenance or public transport):	$30

Note that this sample budget doesn't include vehicle and gas expenses. You may not need or want a car. And, of course, if you pay outright for your home you won't have any housing costs at all beyond some maintenance and upkeep.

Shop at local mercados for fresh produce and save big time on your grocery bill…and be healthier, too

Of course, everyone's lifestyle needs are different. You could spend more…or less. If you don't need cable TV or internet, you can save on those expenses. And if you live in the highlands, you probably won't need heat nor air conditioning, a big savings on utility bills.

If, though, you like to eat out frequently, travel, play golf, scuba dive, and the like, you will obviously spend more money. But still, all these costs are much less than you would spend for a similar lifestyle in the U.S. (And with much better weather!)

By moving to Mexico, you may be able to reduce your total living costs by as much as 65%.

Even the lowest budget affords a very good lifestyle. You'll enjoy guilt-free consumption at very low prices. For instance, splurge on a salon haircut, manicure or pedicure ($5-$10 each), afford a housekeeper at just house $20 a day or a gardener to do your lawn work—usually about $5 an hour.

It's easy to see that in Mexico, you can enjoy a high quality of life without spending a lot.

Where Are the Best Destinations in Mexico to Find
Good-Value Living?

When you make your home in Mexico, you can live well for very little money, that's true… But when you choose one of the several very different destinations Jason Holland can introduce you to (like the colorful colonial town mentioned earlier), you can live very well.

If you've been to Mexico, you may have spent some time in a resort area like Cancun on Mexico's Caribbean Coast. Hands down, it's Mexico's top tourist destination. Even there, you can live affordably…but when you look beyond Mexico's more touristy destinations, that's where you'll find the bargains.

Jason's done a lot of digging, and along with the more tried-and-true communities popular with expats, he's pinpointed many special destinations—including a couple of overlooked sections of pristine coastline and an artsy colonial town that rivals San Miguel de Allende—that you'll want to take a look at if you're considering retiring or starting a new life in Mexico.

Now…if you're doing your research on moving to Mexico, I know there's one more thing that surely must be on your mind…

What Can You Expect When It Comes to Mexico's Excellent and Inexpensive Healthcare?

One big benefit to living in Mexico is its excellent, inexpensive healthcare. The quality, particularly in the private system, is as good as what you'll find back home. And prices are low. They're a quarter to a half of what you'd pay in the U.S. for similar services.

Mexico has two healthcare options: a public healthcare system—so-called nationalized health—and private healthcare. And if you're an expat with a valid residence visa for Mexico, you can have access to both systems.

Best of all, if you have a resident visa in Mexico, you'll have access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare plans…

…from the new program called INSABI, which is absolutely free to residents…

…to private health insurance options that might cost you just $2,000 to $3,000 a year per couple…

In your Mexico All Access, Jason covers all these options in detail so you'll know which is best for you.

And don't worry about language issues. In many of the communities in Mexico that Jason points you to, doctors speak English and have received training in Europe, Canada, or the U.S.

Are you ready to learn more about how fun, easy and affordable it can be to retire to Mexico?

There's no better resource than Mexico All Access: Your Blueprint to the ¡Viva México! Lifestyle.

It's not like anything else International Living has ever produced on this country…and as far as we know, there's nothing else like it out there. As I mentioned, Jason Holland has been working on this for years now. He's literally spent tens of thousands of hours on the ground in Mexico, doing research, collecting data, conducting interviews, and more…

Not long ago, he went into the studio to assemble a comprehensive series of 14 professional videos to bring his research to life. You can see, feel, and almost touch and smell Mexico.

You'll travel along with Jason as he introduces you to nine distinct areas of Mexico…and the many communities in each of those that make for easy and affordable expat living.

Mexico is home to the world's most beautiful beaches. Imagine waking up to a view like this…every day.

And yes, you'll discover several little-known areas that Jason believes are well worth your attention right now. These are places your fellow expats have yet to discover in large numbers. Prices are low and opportunities are sky high. (Like in “The Next San Miguel” where expats report living on as little as $800 a month.)

To make a point here, this is no static report. It's not a manual…or a website…or a conference. Think of it more as a high-level "virtual conference," but much better…

He's the #1 Mexico expert we know and in this Blueprint, he takes you by the hand and not only introduces you to "his" Mexico, but he gives you the tools to make it "your Mexico."

Along with the six in-depth "destination" videos, Jason has produced eight more "need-to-know" videos with advice about Mexico that will save you time, headaches and boatloads of money.

Here's just some of what's covered in Mexico All Access: Your Blueprint to the ¡Viva México! Lifestyle:

**In Mexico All Access: Your Blueprint to the ¡Viva México! Lifestyle, you'll find out what's true and what's not.**

The Internet offers loads of information about Mexico. Websites and chat groups are full of misinformation—so it's important to get the most up-to-date information straight from someone who knows Mexico inside and out.

No one knows Mexico better than Jason Holland. He offers you experienced perspective, valuable judgment, and on-the-ground guidance that will save you time, money, and frustration when you head to Mexico yourself… You can be sure you'll be completely and reliably "in-the-know."

Your best resident visa options. There are several you might qualify for, but which is the best for your personal circumstances? Video #10 in the series is devoted to this topic and ensures that you don't make any costly mistakes.
Your healthcare options. Jason has lots of experience with both public and private healthcare systems in Mexico. In Video #9, he shares his experiences and gives you the full rundown on the options that make the most sense for you, including how to qualify and what the costs are. (You'll be pleasantly surprised at the low cost of excellent medical and dental care in Mexico.)
How to safely purchase real estate in Mexico. Legal processes are a bit different in Mexico and having the right guide to those rules and procedures is invaluable—and that's exactly what Jason offers in Video #12.
What about shipping your household goods and driving your car to Mexico? Should you? Why might you be better off buying a car in Mexico? Believe me, this is the kind of insider information you need. Jason clarifies import rules and explains how much cars cost in Mexico… He explains whether or not you'll need a local driver's license and how to get one…
How to structure your finances…where to bank, how to pay your bills…
How to get mail delivered…
What about communicating? What kind of phone and internet service should you expect in Mexico…how to best communicate (cost-free) with friends and family back home…
How to find a good doctor…where to get the prescriptions you need and how much they might cost…
How to bring your pets to Mexico…
What to expect in the way of taxes, both at home and in Mexico (not much, thankfully)…and much, much more.

Importantly, you'll discover how to save money when you live in Mexico. It's not just about shopping in the local farmer's markets or eating Mexican food (delicious, by the way, and I'm not talking Tex Mex)… It has more to do with picking the right place to settle…choosing the right kind of home to live in, and so on…

Jason offers all his insider tips and insights that will have you on a well-planned, streamlined course…

Best of all, he even provides a step-by-step Action Plan. If you've wondered or worried about how you might ever pull it all off…making a move of this type…worry no more.

If you're thinking of retiring to Mexico…or spending some extended time there…maybe opening a business or just reinventing your life…Mexico All Access is your very best resource.

It's the fastest, most efficient, most cost-effective way to get you quickly ramped up so you can get from where you are now to the idyllic spot in Mexico that's right for you.

And when you're ready to actually explore Mexico firsthand for yourself, you'll be able to use your time wisely—because in essence, you'll have already been there, with Jason as your guide.

You'll know where to go, who to contact, and the questions you'll need to ask.

Save Today With This Special Mexico Offer

If you wanted to track down all the intelligence we hand over in Mexico All Access, you could probably do that.

But it would take an investment of many months…years, in fact. After all, Jason has been at it for years.

And you'd have to pull thousands of dollars out of your pocket.

In the years that Jason has been traveling the width and length of Mexico he's racked up tens of thousands of dollars in expenses for airfares, bus fares…

…car rentals, gasoline and tolls, along with overnight hotel stays, meals, and more.

He's spent hours upon hours…years…interviewing attorneys and healthcare professionals, real estate experts, insurance and shipping experts, and more…

…including hundreds of expats in every corner of the country.

To be honest, on your own you'd have a very difficult time tracking down all these people…and accumulating all the intelligence Jason has amassed.

My point is: Mexico All Access delivers insider access…

It hands you on-the-ground solutions that would cost you a minimum of $10,000 to gather on your own.

Probably more like twice that. (Jason has spent far more than that on this project already.)

But you don't have to spend that kind of money…no way.

Jason has done all the work for you. This resource is so valuable, it will save you a ton of money.

We could reasonably ask $1,000 for this program, which reveals insider tips and secrets about Mexico you won't find anyplace else.

But we won't charge you $1,000 for access…even though it's worth every penny.

The full price for this comprehensive program is $499.

But today, you can get Mexico All Access: Your Blueprint to the ¡Viva México! Lifestyle —for just $499 $249.

Because of your interest in Mexico, this is a special one-time offer. You get more than half off right now.

Please get your access code now, because in just a few days, the price goes up.

Now's the time to take advantage of this special savings deal. Plus, there's more that comes with it…

You Also Get 7 Comprehensive Special Reports and a Complete Resource Rolodex.

These Are Not Available Anywhere Else

As Jason was taping the videos he created for the Mexico All Access: Your Blueprint to the ¡Viva México! Lifestyle, he wanted to expand on a few topics that require some extra lengthy reporting…too much to record on video. So those have been assembled in a series of special companion reports—delivered electronically to get them to you as quickly as possible.

This is the kind of information you'll definitely want at hand as you prepare for your move to Mexico.

Special Report #1: Mexico Scouting Trip itineraries and Travel Guide. If you've got one week, two weeks, a month or more to spend in Mexico, you'll want this guide. Jason and his Mexico team have planned all the details for you…from how to travel around to where to stay—hotels, short-term rentals and much more. You'll also discover where to play…dine…and more…even the popular hangouts where you can meet expats who may someday be your neighbors. Live links to websites and contact information is all there for your easy access.

Special Report #2: How They Did It: Meet Happy Mexico Expats. Speaking of expats, sometimes it just takes a little motivation. That's exactly what you'll get in this special report. You'll meet expats in many different areas of Mexico, all living their dream lives under the Mexican sun. They explain exactly how they did it (and how you can, too) and they share personal details you couldn't get unless you quizzed them yourself… Find out what they do for healthcare, how much they spend on a daily and monthly basis, what they do in their free time, and much, much more.

Special Report #3: Practical Matters: Taxes, Cost of Living, Residence, Moving Your Household Goods and Pets, and Doing Business. Yes, Jason covers all this in the video series, but as you can see from the lengthy title, this special report digs deep. You'll get comprehensive sample budgets and money-saving tips, a detailed tax primer, a full explanation of various visa options and a legal resource rolodex. And if you plan to move with pets or children, or you're thinking of starting your dream business in Mexico, do not leave home without this special report. Nowhere else can you get this kind of valuable, all-inclusive information.

Special Report #4: Spotlight on the High-Quality, Low-Cost Medical Care in Mexico. This comprehensive report explains the differences of Mexico's public and private healthcare systems and can help you make an educated decision about what to do for your personal healthcare needs when you move to Mexico. You'll get all the details (including costs) of the INSABI/IMSS public care coverage. There's also a rundown of the best private hospitals in the country and a list of some of the best local insurance providers—with full contact information. There's even a list of questions to ask about insurance policies you may be considering and pointers on how to find the best doctor for your personal needs.

Special Report #5: The Guide to Renting a Home or Buying Property in Mexico. When you move to Mexico, you'll need a place to live. And whether you rent or buy, that means contracts. Word to the wise: Do not sign a rental or purchase contract without first reading this crucial information. Everything is covered…from typical costs and how to find a rental to what to look for in a reliable real estate agent, where to get title insurance, the various title structures, the correct process for registering a deed, and much more.

Special Report #6: Something for Everybody: An In-Depth look at Mexico's Diverse Regions. If you want insider information about areas of Mexico that offer a combination of livability, affordability, beauty, and convenience—you'll find it within the 40+ pages of this special report. All the "personalities" of these locales are sliced and diced for you. You're sure to find a hidden gem that's perfect for you.

AND Special Report #7: Your Mexico Rolodex and Resource Guide. This is another document you won't want to leave home without. You'll find pages and pages of resources that you can rely on to help streamline your scouting trip and your move to Mexico. Websites, email addresses, phone numbers, costs for services…it's all there…from accommodation and restaurants to airlines and shuttle services…to attorney, healthcare providers, moving/shipping and real estate contacts, language schools and much more, including handy travel apps you can load on your phone or tablet to make navigating your way around Mexico as easy and inexpensive as possible.

All You Need to Do Now Is Place Your Order

But that's what makes this Mexico All Access so special—and so useful. Jason Holland shares his real-world insights directly with you via video. He cuts right to the chase, right there in living color, and he answers every question you have about Mexico. I guarantee it.

And ONE MORE SPECIAL BONUS…

Here’s how I’m so sure Mexico All Access answers all your questions. Recently, we compiled the most commonly asked questions from our readers about life in Mexico. And we asked Jason to answer them.

We recorded a Q&A Session with Jason, where he answers all of these questions—and more—in detail. We’re including this special "Mexico All Access Mastermind Session" for you on the Mexico All Access website so you can watch it any time you like.

Our Rock-Solid, Triple Guarantee Means No Risk for You

Guarantee # 1—I guarantee Mexico All Access will help you find the perfect Mexico lifestyle that's right for you. A place where you can live better than ever…stretch your retirement dollars…and have the time and funds to travel, relax, and enjoy life…

Guarantee # 2—I guarantee it will deliver the real-world solutions you need to get from where you are now to where you want to be…so that in just a handful of months, you could have "boots on the ground" in a part of Mexico you love. But if you feel the solutions we offer aren't for you, we'll give you a full refund. In other words, the risk is all ours.

Guarantee # 3—Should you decide to ask for a refund, you've got a full 30 days to do it. If you don't feel that Mexico All Access: Your Blueprint to the ¡Viva México! Lifestyle, can help you to a new life in Mexico, just let us know within 30 days and we'll refund every penny. That's how confident we are in the depth and breadth of information this Blueprint provides.

The joyfulness of Mexico…the laidback lifestyle, reminiscent of a kinder, gentler time in history…and with the modern pleasures and amenities now available and so affordable…

All this makes Mexico hard to resist.

The good news, though, is that it's all within your grasp. You don't need millions in the bank to capitalize on the opportunities in Mexico—one of the best-value retirement options you'll find. With so much to offer.

In Mexico, you can have the life you've been dreaming of. You can have it all…and on a monthly budget of $1,400 to $1,905 or less.

If you're looking to be close to home…yet far from the turmoil, stress, and skyrocketing expenses you'll find in the States these days…and instead, live amidst neighbors that will welcome you with open arms…where you can actually afford top-quality healthcare…have access to farm-fresh, healthy food…and a great year-round climate…

On the beach, in the mountains, or in the center of a colorful colonial town like “The Next San Miguel”…where you can live well for $22,860 a year or less (just $16,800 if you're single)…you'll find all that and more in Mexico.

And in Mexico All Access: Your Blueprint to the ¡Viva México! Lifestyle, Jason Holland shows you exactly how to make it happen…how you can settle into a far better, more affordable, healthier life and do it seamlessly, enjoyably, confidently…

Think about it: A handful of months from now, you could be sitting on your own terrace, a hot cup of Mexican coffee or a frosty, delicious cerveza in hand, watching the sun play against the mountains or set over the gorgeous blue ocean…

I hope you'll let us show you how…just click below now and we'll get you started.

Hit the "Add to Cart" button now to order today.

Sincerely,

Dan Prescher,

Senior Editor, International Living

April 2023

P.S. If you have any doubt that Mexico offers the very best lifestyle—at a very affordable price—your mind will definitely be changed after you've sifted through the 14 professional videos, the seven comprehensive special reports, including the hefty resource rolodex that make up Mexico All Access: Your Blueprint to the ¡Viva México! Lifestyle.

If you've always loved the idea of retiring in real comfort…where you don't have to worry about rising healthcare costs and crime rates, out-of-control government spending or crazy politics…

Then I encourage you to take a look at Mexico All Access: Your Blueprint to the ¡Viva México! Lifestyle. It was created with you in mind.

Follow the blueprint Jason has created for you. Let him introduce you to the special places he's discovered—including “The Next San Miguel,” the colonial expat town where you can live for as little as $800 a month. Let him share his expert insights with you and help you shave months…even years…off your learning curve.

Mexico All Access: Your Blueprint to the ¡Viva México! Lifestyle is like taking a whirlwind investment and lifestyle tour of Mexico. Only instead of paying thousands of dollars for the travel fees and expert advice, we hand it all to you right there in the comfort of your own home for just $499 $249 when you take advantage of this special offer and order your Mexico All Access: Your Blueprint to the ¡Viva México! Lifestyle now.

Remember, there's no risk to you. You have our 100% Money-Back Guarantee.

But act now. This offer expires soon.

Hit the "Add to Cart" button now to order today.

Note from Dan Prescher: I spend much of my time in Mexico…in Mérida, on the Yucatán peninsula. It's one of the nicest, easiest, and most affordable retirement destinations in the world. You'll learn all about it in your Mexico All Access.

Hit the "Add to Cart" button now.

Panama 101

Mon, 16 May 2022 13:32:40 GMT

A Warm, Tropical Climate with No
Hurricanes Ever, Totally Modern
Infrastructure, Excellent Healthcare, and
a Very Affordable Cost of Living...

Just 3 Hours From Miami, You’ll Find the
World’s #1 Retirement Spot.

But That's Just the Beginning

The Top 10 Reasons So Many Retirees—and People of All Ages—Are Choosing Ultra-Modern, Welcoming, Scenic Panama…

Dear Reader,

If you're thinking about retiring overseas, I'll wager that Panama is in the top one or two places you're considering. That's smart on your part.

Panama is the world's #1 retirement spot for many very good reasons.

Here are the Top 10 Reasons for Choosing Panama:

#10. If you live in the U.S. or Canada, you know Panama is close to home…just a three-hour flight from Miami, pretty much directly south. It's in the same time zone as North America, in fact—either central or eastern time, depending on the season.

(Panama doesn't do daylight savings time as the sun rises and sets at about the same time every day, month in and month out.) This makes it easy to work or stay in touch with everyone back home.

#9. The warm, tropical climate is a big attraction. As a friend of mine who lives in Panama's pretty mountain town of Boquete says, “Panama is not the end of the rainbow, but it's pretty close. In fact, we see rainbows here almost every day. The greenery grows and the flowers bloom year-round.”

Best of all, he says, “I now have a one-season wardrobe. That's something nobody tells you…you'll save thousands on your wardrobe costs when you live here. It's one of the unexpected savings. Parkas, hats, gloves, and snow boots…snow shovels…I'll never buy those again if I can help it…because I never plan to see snow again.”

#8. No big weather traumas. There's no such thing as blizzards and ice storms in Panama. No hurricanes, either. While it's nicely situated at the southern tip of Central America, and between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Panama is well below the hurricane belt. You can live the laidback tropical lifestyle with no need for expensive hurricane insurance.

#7. You can lower your cost of living without giving up those things that are most important to a happy lifestyle. It can be remarkably affordable to live in Panama, with no sacrifices. Expat couples report they live very happily and comfortably on budgets averaging about $2,000 a month.

#6. You'll find top-quality medical care. (Punta Pacifica Hospital is affiliated with Baltimore's renowned Johns Hopkins Medicine.) Many doctors have trained at major universities in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, and they speak English.

You’ll find many healthcare innovations, too—such as stem cell therapies. (Panama is quickly becoming a global leader in non-surgical therapeutic options.)

By the way, the cost of healthcare can be five times less than comparable services in the U.S. That should get your attention.

#5. You have many affordable health plan options, too. You can join a hospital-based plan, get private insurance, use your TRICARE…

Retirees who would be paying $1,250 a month or more—$15,000 a year—in the U.S. for health insurance with a high deductible say that in Panama, they're paying, on average, $3,240 a year for coverage—and that's with a deductible of just $250 a year. That's a savings of nearly $12,000 a year right there.

#4. Plus, Panama offers all retirees—including foreign residents—the option to join its world-class Pensionado (Retirement) Program—the most generous and appealing program of special benefits you'll find anywhere in the world today. I'll explain more about this in a moment…it's important for you to understand its many benefits.

#3. Another thing expats in Panama appreciate is the big tax savings. You'll pay no taxes on your foreign-earned income. In fact, you'll experience far less bureaucracy and government intrusion overall, than you'll find elsewhere in the world.

For instance, a new property tax law went into effect on January 1, 2019, which reduces property taxes in Panama—to an incredibly low .5% of the value of the home. And you can get full tax exemptions on some properties constructed in recent years.

#2. Importantly, it's easy to settle into life in Panama. The government is stable and the economy is robust. Despite the pandemic, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts Panama will be one of the “fastest growing economies in the region” for 2022.

By many accounts, Panama is the most modern and progressive country in Latin America.

All your brand-name products and specialty items are available, high-speed internet is just about everywhere… You can drink the tap water… The U.S. dollar is the official currency…

Americans helped build the Panama Canal, remember, and they've been a steady presence in Panama for generations, so you'll find a big community of English speakers.

But There's Another Compelling Reason—the TOP Reason, in fact, to Choose Panama: Because of the Panamanians Themselves.

#1. You cannot beat the warmth and the welcoming nature of the Panamanian people. They are happy and it's infectious.

I'm Dan Prescher, senior editor for International Living, and I have a story to tell you about the people of Panama…

My wife and I lived in Panama for a time. So did our son. Flash forward more than a decade and I am happy to say I am now father-in-law to a lovely Panameña and a proud “papa” to our Panamanian-American granddaughter.

The extended crew of our daughter-in-law's parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews have become…well…family to us…

We typically gather once or twice a year, in Panama or the U.S. And to say that my wife and I have been welcomed into the family fold would be a vast understatement. We don't speak perfect Spanish…not by any means…and not all of them speak English, but we celebrate the achievements of life and commiserate over the downsides.

Our Panama family has so warmly shared their culture…their food and drink, their funny sayings, the card games, music, fireworks and happy chaos…that I sometimes have to stop and think: Are these their customs or mine?

My point with all this: You can choose where to retire for a variety of reasons important to you. And there are places where you can satisfy most anything on your wish list…climate, beautiful scenery, affordability, and so on.

But in Panama, you'll also get a whole lot of heart.

Part of it all is surely the long association Panama has had with the U.S. for 200 years or more. “Zonians,” in fact, is a term used to describe descendants of Americans who were born and/or stayed in Panama after their ancestors came to build and maintain the canal. The late Senator John McCain, the baseball player Rod Carew, and musician Stephen Stills are famous Zonians…

Panamanians understand our culture and our customs. They're happy to share their country with us. And they're unfailingly happy. But why not? They enjoy a high standard of living and a low unemployment rate and low crime rates, but an overall low cost of living. Who couldn't be happy with that?

Not Ready to Retire? Panama Has Opportunities for Entrepreneurs and Remote Workers

Panama offers a new extended-stay visa for digital nomad types that allows you to stay up to nine months....and then extend for an additional nine months. Requirements are simple: you must have medical insurance and an external source of income of at least $3,000 a month.

There’s also the “Foreign Professionals” Visa that allows you to work in Panama with your university degree.

Of course, there are lots of opportunities for entrepreneurs...and starting a business is far easier and more affordable than you might expect.

For all these reasons and more, Panama consistently earns a top spot on International Living's Global Retirement Index.

And in 2022 Panama is #1: the world’s best place to retire.

You owe it to yourself to see what Panama offers you.

The Most Important Person You'll Want on Your Side in Panama…

I'd like to introduce you to another person that's become part of my Panama family. Her name is Jessica Ramesch. For more than 15 years now, she's been International Living's eyes and ears on the ground in Panama.

She's the person you want on your side if you're thinking of making a move to Panama.

Because even though Panama is one of the world's easiest places to settle in, it's still a foreign country with different rules, regulations, options, and procedures than you may be used to.

You'll need to get on the right legal track, for instance, with the resident visa that works best for you… You'll want to be sure you understand your best healthcare options… You'll have to decide where in the country you want to live, and if you'll rent or buy a home or apartment…

You'll want to decide whether or not to ship your household goods… to buy a car or not…what you'll do about insurance and taxes…how you'll manage your banking and financial needs…

You'll want to understand the rules for importing your pets to Panama…what kinds of vaccinations are needed…and on and on…

With something this important, you need reliable, up-to-date information you can count on, from a dependable, well-qualified resource. And that's Jessica.

Jessica was born in Panama but raised and attended university in the U.S. After traveling the world working in the cruise ship industry, she decided there was no place she'd rather live than Panama.

Jessica Ramesch is Your #1
Panama Expert in #1 Ranked Panama

Since 2006, it's been Jessica's job to travel Panama from east to west and north to south on behalf of IL readers, constantly on the lookout for ever-better places in Panama to invest, to live, and to play….

She has contacts in every area of the country and she's on top of all the technical and legal stuff…the processes and requirements for buying, renting, getting visas and residency, building, renovating, furnishing a home, moving your household goods, buying a car, bringing your pets, and so on…

She knows exactly how much it costs to live in the many different communities of Panama.

Jessica recently moved from Panama City to the beach area of Coronado. And based on her own experiences and the experiences of hundreds of other expats she's interviewed over the years, she has a number of insider tips and strategies to help you save both time and money when you visit or live in Panama yourself.

What About Safety?

Most expats who live in Panama will tell you the same…that they feel far safer there than they did when they lived in the U.S. or Canada.

As one expat living in David, Panama's third-largest city reports: "I live alone and have found Panama is extremely safe. I have had nothing but positive experiences here and met many others like me who are going it alone to fulfill their dreams to live abroad. The expat community has supported me, and I continue to make new friends and find new adventures to pursue. I don't think I could find this sense of community in the United States as a single woman."

Most expats who live in Panama will tell you the same…that they feel far safer there than they did when they lived in the U.S. or Canada.

And if you think Panama may be the place for you, Jessica is committed to sharing her real-world, on-the-ground insights with you.

Your very best course of action, of course, would be to go to Panama in person and spend a couple of months kicking around the country with Jessica. (And we recommend that.)

But it would take about that long...months... for her to show you, firsthand, everything she's seen and everything she knows that can help you streamline your own move to Panama.

Spending time one-on-one with Jessica would certainly “fast track” your research, no question about it.

But, of course, that isn't a practical option. It's doubtful you have the time or inclination to spend months on the road right now. And think how much it would cost… Even though Panama is budget-priced, you'd soon rack up thousands of dollars in travel expenses.

So we asked Jessica to take her years and years of intensive research and asked her to create a personalized online virtual “relocation tour” of Panama.

It's a way for you to gain access to Jessica's incredibly comprehensive and truly rich depth of knowledge and get “plugged in” to everything you need to know. A way for you to see for yourself, from the comfort of your own home or office, all that Panama has to offer you.

It's an easy, streamlined, and most reliable way to get you from where you are now—to a better life in the prefect place in Panama that's exactly right for you.

This is Your Invitation to Go “On the Road” With Jessica, Panama's #1 Expert

No matter how many books you've read or online research you've done…and no matter how many times you may have visited…what you don't know about Panama may surprise you.

International Living has been reporting for decades now about the benefits Panama offers retirees—and over the last several years, Jessica has taken on the most in-depth research-gathering project International Living has ever mounted on Panama.

She's been challenged to dig deep…to round up all her insider intelligence and to assemble all this valuable information in one place…

It's a huge project we call Panama 101: Your Blueprint to a High-Quality, Low-Cost Lifestyle.

This has been no small undertaking. Even though Panama is a tiny country, it's big on opportunity.

In effect, Jessica has been working on this project for well more than a dozen years now…ever since she returned to Panama to live in 2006.

And take it from me, no one is better suited for this kind of challenge. Jessica is one of the most diligent and detail-oriented researchers I know. She digs deep. She doesn't take “no” or even “I don't know” for an answer. She answers the questions you don't even know to ask…

Best of all, she makes sure the facts are reliable and verifiable. You can be certain that what Jessica tells you is correct and current…and that's probably the most important element in all this…

What she's put together is not just groundbreaking, it's almost overwhelming in its scope. It's a complete resource reference of everything you need to know about moving to, investing in, living in, and/or starting a business in Panama.

If you can name it, think of it, or wonder about it, Jessica has you covered. Every issue is addressed, every challenge is covered, and every question is answered.

Panama 101: Your Blueprint to a High-Quality, Low-Cost Lifestyle puts a huge amount of information, recommendations, tips, advice, and insights about living, traveling, and investing in Panama—one of the world's top retirement destinations—in one place…in living color…on video. I'll give you all the details of what it includes in just a moment.

It really is the next-best thing to exploring the country with Jessica in person. And it's the best way I know to not just “tell” you about all Panama has to offer, but to “show” you so you can see it with your own eyes…from the comfort of your home.

With Jessica and Panama 101 as Your Guide, See What Panama Offers You…and Watch Your Dollars Go Farther Than You Ever Thought Possible

I've already mentioned the overall low cost of living in Panama. It really is a bargain. When it comes to overall value—everything you get at such a low, low price tag—Panama is hard to beat.

Plus, it's a quality destination. Not to keep beating the drum, but it's a modern, First World environment with all the comforts of home. Still, it remains remarkably affordable. And it's very easy to make the transition to life in Panama.

Low health care and health insurance costs have something to do with that. After all, if you save $10,000 a year…or maybe even more…on your health insurance costs, that money can go far in Panama.

Housing costs, too, are low in Panama. You can buy a modern two-bedroom two-bath condo—in a building with a pool and gym and in a great neighborhood of Panama City—for just $145,000. Or a home in Panama's famous Coronado beach area—on the golf course—with three bedrooms, two-bathrooms, on a third-acre lot with a large sparkling pool, for just $349,000.

In Boquete, a three-bedroom, two-bath mountain home with gorgeous volcano view, is priced at just $145,000.

And rental prices are just as reasonable. In the countryside you might pay as little as $200 a month for a nicely updated home on a quiet acreage. In the city, $650 a month will get you a nice, modern 2-bedroom apartment in one of the city’s nicest neighborhoods.

It's easy to see how you'll get a huge drop in your cost of living when you move to Panama.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Panama?

As Jessica says, if you focus on what's important you can live very well on a very low budget… She knows what she's talking about. No one knows the money-saving secrets and the low-cost hotspots of Panama like Jessica does.

Besides, she says, your “needs” will become simpler in Panama. And I can tell you from my personal experience how true that is. You can live comfortably with a lot less stuff.

Just to give you an idea of the average cost of living, here's an average monthly budget for a retired couple living in the interior of Panama, outside the more-expensive capital city. (You can expect to spend 20 to 40% more to live in the city):

Rent:	$775
Electricity:	$90
Propane (cooking and hot water):	$6
Water and trash collection:	$13
Maintenance/fuel for one car:	$125
Internet:	$28
Cellphone:	$30
DirecTV (US channels):	$43
Groceries/dining out:	$585
Misc.	$300
TOTAL:	$1,995

As you might understand, your own cost of living will vary. If you buy a home and therefore don't pay rent, or you won't need a car, you can replace those costs with what will surely be lower home maintenance and public transportation costs. You may find a less-costly rental, especially if you look in smaller towns…

You may not spend as much on groceries or dining out…or you might spend more. This discretionary budget item is totally up to you.

And note that the miscellaneous budget item of $300 includes health insurance and more. You may or may not have those costs…again, it's up to you. Some expats spend more than this and some spend less.

But the point is: On this kind of average budget, a couple can live very comfortably in Panama.

The Low Cost of Living is Made Even Better With The World's Best Retirement Program

I mentioned before that one of the most important benefits drawing expats to Panama is the country's world-class Pensionado (retirement) Program. It was created for Panama's own retirees but is generously extended to anyone with a resident visa in Panama, age 55 or older for women and 60 for men.

As a pensionado in Panama, you're entitled to:

50% off entertainment—such as movies, theaters, concerts, and sporting events—anywhere in the country
50% off closing costs for home loans and more…
50% off hotel stays from Monday through Thursday
30% off hotel stays from Friday through Sunday
30% off bus, boat, and train fares
25% off airline tickets
25% off at restaurants
20% off medical consultations
20% off professional and technical services
15% off hospital bills (if no insurance applies)
15% off dental and eye exams
10% off prescription and over-the-counter medicines
And more…

If you move to Panama with a Pensionado residence visa, you're also entitled to a one-time exemption from duties on the importation of your household goods (up to $10,000 value) and tax exemptions on the local purchase of a car.

All these discounts can greatly reduce your overall cost of living in Panama.

To give you an idea of how the discount can help with everyday costs, one expat says, “I can afford to eat out more often in Panama. Sit-down restaurants offer a 25% discount when you purchase a full meal. Fast food restaurants give a 15% discount. And I get hotel discounts of 50% off Monday through Thursday and 30% off for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. These discounts apply to the rack rate, so ask for them at the time of booking and make your reservations directly with the hotel instead of online.

For instance, she says, “I went for mid-week outing to the beach. I didn't even make a reservation beforehand but asked for my jubilado discount when I arrived at the hotel. I was told the rack rate was $95 so I was charged $47.50 plus tax for an overnight stay. Not bad for an ocean view room.”

Plus, you'll gets discounts on public transport…on domestic flights within the country and on international flights that originate in Panama… You'll get 15% off services in hospitals and private clinics. Medical doctor's fees are reduced by 20%. Dentists give a 15% discount. All doctor's prescriptions get a 10-20% discount, even including aspirin.

As my Panama expat friend says, “The entertainment discounts are great too. You can get 50% off tickets to movies, theaters and all sporting events like baseball games and soccer…so first-run movies that normally cost $6.50 set me back just $3.25. Your utility costs will be lower, too. Thanks to the Pensionado Program you'll get a hefty 25% discount on your monthly electric bill.”

What Can You Expect When It Comes to Panama's Excellent and Inexpensive Healthcare?

One big benefit to living in Panama is its excellent, inexpensive healthcare. The quality, particularly in the private system, is as good as what you'll find back home. And prices are low. They're a quarter to a half of what you'd pay in the U.S. for similar services.

Panama has two healthcare options: a public healthcare system—so-called nationalized health—and private healthcare. And if you're an expat with a valid residence visa for Panama, you can have access to both systems.

Best of all, with that resident visa in hand, you'll have access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance. One expat couple, living in the town of David, in Chiriquí province, say they spend just $145 a month for the two of them, for a worldwide health insurance that covers them in Panama and when they travel to other countries or back to the U.S.

They've only seen a doctor for minor issues, they say, but were impressed with both the quality of care and the costs. Office visits, they report, are just $12 without any insurance. And that's not a copay. It is the actual cost of the doctor's visit.

In Panama 101, Jessica covers all your options in detail, so you'll know which is best for you.

Worried about language issues? As Jessica explains, many doctors have received training in Europe, Canada, or the U.S. and they speak English.

Are You Ready to Discover How Easy, Enjoyable, and Affordable it Can Be To Live in Panama?

There's no better way to put yourself on the fast track to Panama than with Panama 101: Your Blueprint to a High-Quality, Low-Cost Lifestyle.

This comprehensive resource is not like anything else International Living has ever produced on Panama, and as far as we know, there's nothing else like it out there.

As I mentioned, Jessica Ramesch has been working on this for more than 15 years now. She's literally spent tens of thousands of hours on the ground in Panama, doing research, collecting data, conducting interviews, and more…

Not long ago, she went into the studio to assemble a comprehensive series of 13 professional videos to bring her research to life. You can see, feel, and almost touch and smell Panama.

You'll travel along with Jessica as she introduces you to several distinct areas of Panama…and the many communities in each of those that make for easy and affordable expat living.

And yes, you'll discover several little-known areas that Jessica believes are well worth your attention right now—one coastal area in particular.

These are places your fellow expats have yet to discover in large numbers. Prices are low and opportunities are sky high.

To make a point here, this is no static report. It's not a manual…or a website. Think of it more as a high-level “virtual conference,” but much better… You can access the videos online from the comfort of your home any time you like, and you'll get to see and hear directly from Jessica, our dedicated resource on the ground in Panama.

She's the best Panama expert we know and in Panama 101, she takes you by the hand and not only introduces you to “her” Panama, but she gives you the tools to make it “your Panama.”

Along with five in-depth “destination” videos, Jessica has produced eight more “need-to-know” videos with advice about Panama that will save you time, headaches and boatloads of money.

Here's just some of what's covered in Panama 101: Your Blueprint to a High-Quality, Low-Cost Lifestyle:

In Panama 101: Your Blueprint to a High-Quality, Low-Cost Lifestyle, you'll find out what's true and what's not.

The internet offers loads of information about Panama. Websites and chat groups are full of misinformation—so it's important to get the most up-to-date information straight from someone who knows Panama inside and out.

No one knows Panama better than Jessica Ramesch. She offers you experienced perspective, valuable judgment, and on-the-ground guidance that will save you time, money, and frustration when you head to Panama yourself… You can be sure you'll be completely and reliably “in-the-know.”

Your best resident visa options. There are several you might qualify for, but which is the best for your personal circumstances? Video #7 in the series is devoted to this topic and ensures that you don't make any costly mistakes.
Critical “need-to-know” details about the world-class Pensionado Program that will save you thousands of dollars a year.
Your healthcare options. In Video #6, Jessica shares her experiences and gives you the full rundown on the options that make the most sense for you, including how to qualify and what the costs are. (You'll be pleasantly surprised at the low cost of excellent medical and dental care in Panama.)
How to safely purchase real estate in Panama. Legal processes are a bit different in Panama and having the right guide to those rules and procedures is invaluable—and that's exactly what Jessica offers in Video #9.
What about shipping your household goods and your car to Panama? You can do it, but should you? And how to best go about it? This is the kind of insider information you need. Jessica clarifies whether you'll pay import duties… She explains whether or not you'll need a local driver's license… and which communities are walkable or easy to get around without the hassle of owning a car…
How to structure your finances…where to bank, how to pay your bills…
How to get mail delivered… Panama's postal service is a bit quirky, and it pays to understand how it works.
What about communicating? What kind of phone and internet service should you expect in Panama…how to best (and cost-free) communicate with friends and family back home…
All about hospitals and healthcare…where to get the prescriptions you need and how much they might cost…
How to bring your pets to Panama…You may have heard that Panama has a quarantine period, but believe me, it's not at all what you think… I brought my 90-lb. Chocolate lab when I moved to Panama. It was easy…but you do need some professional guidance to streamline it all, and that's exactly what you'll get from Jessica.
What to expect in the way of taxes in Panama (not much at all, thankfully)…and much, much more.

Importantly, you'll discover how to save money when you live in Panama. It's not just about shopping in the local farmer's markets or relying on those amazing Pensionado Program discounts… It has more to do with picking the right place to settle…choosing the right kind of home to live in, and so on…

Jessica offers all her expert tips and insights that will have you on a well-planned, streamlined course…

Best of all, she even provides a step-by-step Action Plan. If you've wondered or worried about how you might ever pull it all off…making a move of this type…worry no more.

If you're thinking of living in Panama…or spending some extended time there…maybe opening a business or just reinventing your life…Panama 101 is your very best resource.

It's the fastest, most efficient, most cost-effective way to get you ramped up so you can get from where you are now to the idyllic spot in Panama that's right for you.

And when you're ready to actually explore Panama firsthand for yourself, you'll be able to use your time wisely—because in essence, you'll have already been there, with Jessica as your guide.

You'll know where to go, who to contact, and the questions you'll need to ask.

When You Order Now, We'll Give You 7 Comprehensive Special Reports and a Complete Panama Resource Contact Rolodex.

These Are Not Available Anywhere Else

As Jessica was taping the videos she created for Panama 101: Your Blueprint to a High-Quality, Low-Cost Lifestyle, she discovered there were a few topics that required some extra lengthy reporting…too much to record on video.

So those have been assembled in a series of special reports—delivered electronically to get them into your hands as quickly as possible. We'll send them to you now, today—for FREE, with our complements—when you order Panama 101 now. Simply click “Add to Cart” to get started.

This is the kind of reliable, actionable information you'll definitely want at your fingertips as you prepare for your move to Panama:

Special Report #1: Panama Scouting Trip itineraries and Travel Guide. If you've got one week, two weeks, a month or more to spend in Panama, you'll want this guide. Jessica and her Panama team have planned all the details for you…from how to travel around to where to stay—hotels, short-term rentals and much more. You'll also discover where to play…dine…and more…even the popular hangouts where you can meet expats who may someday be your neighbors. Live links to websites and contact information is all there for your easy access. Nowhere else can you get this kind of valuable, all-inclusive information.

Special Report #2: How They Did It: Meet Happy Panama Expats. Speaking of expats, sometimes it just takes a little motivation. That's exactly what you'll get in this special report. You'll meet expats in many different areas of Panama, all living their dream lives under the tropical sun. They explain exactly how they did it (and how you can, too) and they share personal details you couldn't get unless you quizzed them yourself… Find out what they do for healthcare, how much they spend on a daily and monthly basis, what they do in their free time, and much, much more.

Special Report #3: Practical Matters: Taxes, Cost of Living, Residence, Moving Your Household Goods and Pets, and Doing Business in Panama. Yes, Jessica covers all this in the video series, but as you can see from the lengthy title, this special report digs deep. You'll get comprehensive sample budgets and money-saving tips, a detailed tax primer, a full explanation of various visa options and a legal resource rolodex. And if you plan to move with pets or children, or you're thinking of starting your dream business in Panama, do not leave home without this special report.

Special Report #4: Spotlight on the High-Quality, Low-Cost Healthcare in Panama. This comprehensive report explains the differences between Panama's excellent public and private healthcare systems and can help you make an educated decision about what to do for your personal healthcare needs when you move there. You'll get all the details, including typical costs. There's also a rundown of the best private hospitals in the country and a list of some of the best local insurance providers—with full contact information. There's even a list of questions to ask about insurance policies you may be considering.

Special Report #5: The Guide to Renting a Home or Buying a Property in Panama. When you move to Panama, you'll need a place to live. And whether you rent or buy, that means contracts. Word to the wise: Do not sign a rental or purchase contract without first reading this crucial information. Everything is covered…from typical costs and how to find a rental to what to look for in a reliable real estate agent, the correct process for registering a deed, and much more.

Special Report #6: Something for Everyone: An In-Depth look at Panama's Regions. If you want insider information about areas of Panama that offer a combination of livability, affordability, beauty, convenience, and affordability—you'll find it within the 30 pages of this special report. All the “personalities” of these locales are sliced and diced for you. You're sure to find a hidden gem that's perfect for you.

AND Special Report #7: Your Panama Rolodex and Resource Guide. This is another document you won't want to leave home without. You'll find 17 pages of resources that you can rely on to help streamline your scouting trip and your move to Panama. Websites, email addresses, phone numbers, costs for services…it's all there…from accommodation and restaurants to airlines and shuttle services…to attorney, healthcare providers, moving/shipping and real estate contacts, language schools and much more, including handy travel apps you can load on your phone or tablet to make navigating your way around Panama as easy and inexpensive as possible.

All You Need to Do Now is Place Your Order—and SAVE

If you wanted to track down all the intelligence we hand over in Panama 101: Your Blueprint to a High-Quality, Low-Cost Lifestyle, you could probably do that.

But it would take an investment of many months…likely a dozen years or more, in fact. That's how long Jessica has been at it.

And you'd have to pull thousands of dollars out of your pocket.

In the many years that Jessica has been traveling the width and length of Panama she's racked up tens of thousands of dollars in expenses for airfares, bus fares, car rentals, gasoline, overnight hotel stays, meals, and more.

She's spent hours upon hours…more than 15 years…interviewing attorneys and healthcare professionals, real estate experts, insurance and shipping experts, and more…including hundreds of expats in every corner of Panama.

To be honest, on your own you'd have a very difficult time tracking down all these people…and accumulating all the intelligence Jessica has amassed.

My point: Panama 101 delivers insider access…

It hands you on-the-ground solutions that would cost you—at a minimum—$10,000 to gather on your own.

Probably more like twice that. (Jessica has spent far more than that on this project already.)

But you don't have to spend that kind of money…no way.

Jessica has done all the work for you, and I am certain it will save you time and a ton of money.

We could reasonably ask $1,500 or more for this program, which reveals expert tips and secrets about Panama you won't find anyplace else.

If we were to offer the 13 videos separately (and for sure, we could—they're that good), they'd retail for $39 each. Some for even more. That's a total value of at least $507.

And remember, for no additional cost, we're giving you seven special reports. Any one of these could retail for at least $49 each. That's another added value of $343 or more.

(The Rolodex and Resource Guide is in itself invaluable. Think how much time and money you'd spend doing online research, making phone calls, and pounding the pavement to find these dependable local contacts on your own. And the Scouting Trip Itineraries and Travel Guide… I assure you this are the easiest, quickest, and most reliable way to plan your own check-out trip to Panama. It's all there for you. No extra work for you to do. No second guessing or costly mistakes.)

Even though the retail value of this program is $850, we won't charge you anywhere near that for access…even though it's worth every penny.

In fact, we'll offer you a special discount right now.

We're pricing this comprehensive program at an already discounted $499.

We know there is lots of interest in top-ranked Panama right now, and we'll make you this special one-time offer.

We'll give you Panama 101: Your Blueprint to a High-Quality, Low-Cost Lifestyle for just $499. That's far less than half the value of the 13 videos alone. And remember, we're throwing in the SEVEN SPECIAL COMPANION REPORTS, that complement the comprehensive videos, for FREE.

Now's the time to take advantage of this special savings deal. Should you decide to ask for a refund, you've got a full 30 days to do it.

As you know, there's only so much you can absorb when you're reading about and researching a place. You do a “Google search” and tens of thousands of links come up. It's so hard to know whose opinion to trust. And the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming.

But that's what makes Panama 101 so special—and so useful. Jessica Ramesch shares her real-world insights directly with you via video. She cuts right to the chase, right there in living color, and she answers every question you have about Panama, the world’s top retirement destination.

I guarantee it.

In fact, place you order now and you'll be in line for…

Another SPECIAL FAST-REPLY BONUS…

Here's how I'm so sure Panama 101 will answer all your questions: We’ve compiled the most commonly asked questions about life in Panama. A couple weeks from now, I’ll send you a special Q&A Session I’ll host with Jessica where she'll answer those questions in detail.

We'll also archive this special “Panama 101 Maestro Session” so you can watch it any time you like.

As Always, Your Satisfaction is Triple Guaranteed—There is No Risk for You

Guarantee # 1—I guarantee this Panama 101 will help you find the perfect Panama lifestyle that's right for you. A place where you can live better than ever… stretch your retirement dollars… and have the time and funds to travel, relax, and enjoy life…

Guarantee # 2—I guarantee it will deliver the real-world solutions you need to get from where you are now to where you want to be…so that in just a handful of months, you could have "boots on the ground" in a part of Panama you love. But if you feel the solutions we offer aren't for you, we'll give you a full refund. In other words, the risk is all ours.

Guarantee # 3—Should you decide to ask for a refund, you've got a full 30 days to do it. If you don't feel that Panama 101: Your Blueprint to a High-Quality, Low-Cost Lifestyle will help you to a new life in Panama, just let us know and we'll refund every penny. That's how confident we are in the depth and breadth of information this mega-resource provides.

The warm, welcome of Panama…the laidback lifestyle, the lower cost of living…but with all the modern pleasures and amenities at hand…

All this makes Panama hard to beat.

The good news, of course, is that it's all within your grasp. You don't need millions in the bank to capitalize on the opportunities in Panama—one of the best-value retirement options you'll find. With so much to offer.

In Panama, you can have the life you've been dreaming of…

If you're looking to be close to home…yet far from the turmoil, stress, and skyrocketing expenses you'll find in the States these days…and instead, live amidst friends and neighbors that will welcome you with open arms…where you can actually afford top-quality healthcare…have access to farm-fresh, healthy food…and a great year-round climate…all with an amazingly low cost of living…

You'll find all that and more in Panama.

And in Panama 101: Your Blueprint to a High-Quality, Low-Cost Lifestyle, Jessica Ramesch shows you exactly how to make it happen…how you can settle into a far better, more affordable, healthier life and do it seamlessly, enjoyably, confidently…

Find out for yourself why Panama is the world’s best retirement destination...

Think about it: A handful of months from now, you could be sitting on your own terrace, a hot cup of rich Panamanian coffee or a frosty, delicious cerveza in hand, watching the sun play against the mountains or set over the gorgeous blue ocean…

I hope you'll let us show you how…just click “Add to Cart” now and we'll get you started.

Sincerely,

Dan Prescher,
Senior Editor, International Living
January 2022

P.S. If you have any doubt that Panama offers a top-quality lifestyle—at a very affordable price—your mind will definitely be changed after you've sifted through the 13 professional videos and the seven comprehensive special reports, including the hefty resource rolodex, that make up Panama 101: Your Blueprint to a High-Quality, Low-Cost Lifestyle.

(And be sure to send us your follow-up questions and be watching your e-mails for details of the special Q&A Session hosted by Jessica Ramesch just a couple weeks from now.)

If you've always loved the idea of retiring in real comfort…where you don't have to worry about rising healthcare costs and crime rates, out-of-control government spending or crazy politics…

Then I encourage you to take a look at Panama 101: Your Blueprint to a High-Quality, Low-Cost Lifestyle. It was created with you in mind.

Follow the blueprint Jessica has created for you. Let her introduce you to the special places she's discovered. Let her share her expert insights with you and help you shave months…even years…off your learning curve.

Panama 101: Your Blueprint to a High-Quality, Low-Cost Lifestyle is like taking a whirlwind investment and lifestyle tour of Panama. Only instead of paying thousands of dollars for the travel fees and expert advice, we hand it all to you right there in the comfort of your own home for just $499 when you take advantage of this first-access offer and order your Panama 101: Your Blueprint to a High-Quality, Low-Cost Lifestyle now.

Remember, there's no risk to you. You have our 30-day 100% Money-Back Guarantee.

But act now. This offer expires soon. Click “Add to Cart” now to get started today.

Spotlight on Belize

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 15:54:48 GMT

This Caribbean Safe Haven May Be the Lifestyle Bail-Out You Need

With a tiny population, there’s plenty of room to spread out, English is the official language, and it remains remarkably affordable.

Dear Reader,

I want to let you in on a little secret that’s never been more important: If you’re looking for a sweet spot to escape the rest of the world, it’s closer than you think.

It’s the kind of place you see in dreamy travel magazine photos or music videos...palm trees swaying in time with the gentle ebb of clear warm waters caressing soft white sands. Where there’s no horizon because the sky and the water are the same shade of blue.

People are quirky and kind. They greet you with a smile and a cheerful “Good Day.” They’re genuinely happy. And why wouldn’t they be? They live in paradise.

There’s fresh fruit for breakfast, fresh fish for lunch, and the end of a blissful day is celebrated by the sun casting pink goodnight hues across the tranquil landscape.

Worries are few. It’s an outpost of low taxes, sleepy stability, and buoyant opportunity yet still sufficiently uncrowded and undiscovered that visitors and settlers feel they have happened on a place everyone else has overlooked.

When you know its secrets, it can cost you very little to live here...30% to 50% less than the U.S. or elsewhere in the Caribbean. Expat couples say a budget of as little $1,500-$2,900 a month will do, depending on your tastes and where you settle.

But the main attraction is that here, little more than a two-hour flight from Miami, you can escape the rest of the planet’s reality and ease into a languorous lifestyle based on a reggae rhythm...played on the off beat and joyfully intoxicating.

And it very well may be the kind of “retirement bail-out” you need.

Take the “Now” to Craft Your “Tomorrow”

I’m Jackie Flynn, International Living publisher.

No one knows what the future holds. Except that it won’t be what you expect.

If there’s anything I know for sure, it’s that this current global crisis is pushing all of us to take stock and consider the direction our lives are going.

So why not take the “now” to craft the “tomorrow” you want it to be?

Many of us are looking for a simpler life. A happier life. In a place that’s comfortable and safe...where there’s a steady supply of fresh food, the climate won’t kill us, and the scenery—and serenity—is delightful.

I can’t think of a better place than the small commonwealth country of Belize, the Caribbean’s best-kept “secret.”

Maybe you already suspected Belize was the country I was describing. Here at International Living, we’ve been high on Belize for many decades now...since even before the former British Honduras won its independence from Britain back in 1981.

We’ve watched the small country transform from a crown colony to a full-fledged sovereign and democratic nation. In some ways, the country’s British heritage still lingers. It’s why English is the official language and why parliamentary procedure prevails and English common law is the law of the land.

In other ways, Belize more closely aligns with Canada and the U.S. They drive on the right hand side of the road, for example. And the currency—the Belize dollar—while prominently displaying a picture of Queen Elizabeth, has been pegged 2:1 to the US dollar since 1978, making conversions effortless. The US dollar is just as freely used. And Belize is in the Central Standard Time zone, with no daylight savings time changes to contend with.

Another benefit of Belize is that although it’s made up of 200 small islands, the country itself is part of the Central American isthmus. Just south of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, its culture is far more Caribbean than Latino. You can actually drive to Belize from the U.S if you’ve a mind to. Drive time from the Texas border to Belize is about 35 hours, less than the time it takes to drive from Phoenix or Las Vegas to New York City.

Best of all, It’s uncrowded and there’s room to spread out. Only about 400,000 people live in Belize, about the size of Massachusetts.

Ready to Shine Your Spotlight on Belize?
Let Us Help.

Just before the COVID-19 outbreak in the western hemisphere, I reached out to our International Living correspondent in Belize, Laura Diffendal.

I asked her if she’d be willing to spend some time with a professional video crew, creating a series of videos to show you what life in Belize is really like. There are plenty of tourism videos you can find on the internet, for sure, but that’s not what we were after.

Little did I know that the videos Laura and her crew created for you would now be more relevant than ever. If you’re taking stock of your life and your future, as many of us are doing today, you’ll want to take a serious look at Belize. And there’s no one better to show you the “insider’s Belize” and explain its secrets than Laura.

It’s her mission, after all, to be your eyes and ears in Belize. She’s been living in Belize for seven years now, with her husband Dave. They own and operate two businesses there and she’s constantly on the lookout for opportunities in every corner of the country, from north to south, from the Caribbean coast and the many “cayes” and islets to the rolling farmland of the interior Cayo district and the pine ridge forests along the western border.

Over the years, Laura has interviewed dozens and dozens of expats in Belize...some are business owners like she is, but many are contentedly retired...just soaking up the sun and happily enjoying life on their own terms.

So when I asked Laura to take a video crew and go out and capture a slice of real life for you, she jumped at the chance.

As she says, “One of the draws for us in coming to Belize was that we get to play a role in the foundational aspects of a young country. There are so many opportunities and chances to step up and be proactive and really make a difference. As an example, I've had the opportunity to help develop private groups of businesspeople with shared interests and through business groups like the BTIA—the Belize Tourism Industry Association. This is so meaningful to me and something I never would have experienced in a city like Cleveland, where I’m from.

“I expect to see Belize come roaring back, better than ever, from this current global downturn. You’re going to see some amazing bargains for travel here, for sure. Belize really is a sanctuary...a completely unique little hideaway. It’s rewarding for me to help other likeminded people find what we’ve found here.”

It’s exactly because of that attitude that I asked Laura to take on this video project. No one knows the lay of the land better. She splits her time between her two homes and businesses in Belize’s most popular expat destinations and that makes her the perfect person to take you on a guided tour and focus a light on the opportunities waiting for you, whether you’re looking to retire, start a business, work online from paradise, or just reconnect with nature and the gentler, happier way life is supposed to be lived...

If you’re ready to discover Belize’s secrets...and the best destinations for a total life makeover...

Let Laura Diffendal Take You on a Personal, Guided Tour of “Her Belize”... From the Comfort of Your Home

Maybe you’ve already been to Belize. If you have, you know it’s a magical place. And if you haven’t been there, put it at the top of your bucket list right now. When we’re able to travel again, make it your first stop.

Until then, the next best thing is to settle in and immerse yourself in “Laura’s Belize”—those two special communities she calls home...the art and culture, friends and neighbors, movers and shakers, and the fun places and activities that await you there.

I think you’ll like what you see. As I said, Belize is only a few hours from where you may be right now. It’s quick and easy to get to there...but it’s a world away from the stress and uncertainties of the rest of the world.

What you don’t know about Belize may surprise you. Laura reveals the secrets in this new video project, called Spotlight on Belize: The Low-Cost Caribbean Safe Haven.

No Shoes, No Shirt, No Watch, No Worries

Looking for privacy and freedom? Where no one pays you any mind? Where you can ditch your watch, your shoes, your cares? In Belize, all you really need is a hat, a bathing suit and a t-shirt or two…

As film director Sofia Coppola, whose father Francis Ford Coppola owns a resort in Placencia says, “It’s nice to be able to be a bit of a slob and feel fully relaxed in a place so removed from busy, modern life.”

Placencia, she says, “is unlike any place I know. It feels like an undiscovered small town—authentic and not at all touristy.”

In Spotlight on Belize, you’ll see exactly what she means—and not only in Placencia, but well beyond.

This has been no small undertaking. Laura has spent years getting to know the ins and outs of both Ambergris Caye—Belize’s most popular and well-known island—and Placencia, a gorgeous paradisiacal peninsula on the mainland in southern Belize.

For this project, she dug deep and called on expats and locals alike living in these areas. And through the magic of video, you’ll meet them and see and hear their tales of life in Belize...benefits and challenges alike.

Laura’s also put together a comprehensive primer presentation that gives you all the nuts and bolts details you’ll need to consider if you’re thinking of making a move to Belize yourself.

For instance, did you know that Belize makes it incredibly easy to gain residence there? It offers tremendous tax benefits, too, even if you only spend one month a year there.

At age 45, you can qualify for the Belize government's Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Program, that gives you residence in Belize. And as I said, you can enjoy these benefits even if you spend as little as one month per year there or you're far from retirement.

Benefits include permanent exemption from Belizean taxes, including income tax, capital gains tax, estate tax and—during the first year after obtaining your visa, you are exempt from import tax on household goods, automobiles, boats and even airplanes….

Here’s What You Need to Know About Belize’s Top Two Destinations for Chilled-Out Good-Value Living...

If you’ve been to Belize, you may have spent time on Ambergris Caye, the biggest, most well-known and most-visited of Belize’s archipelago of islands.

It’s quintessential Caribbean—rustic and charming. Streets are lined with gaily painted wooden buildings and humming with golf carts as the main method of transportation. The crystal-clear waters that surround the island are bath-water warm and great for boating, fishing, snorkeling, diving, and more. The scenery will literally take your breath away...white sand beaches giving way to the turquoise sea and the immense blue sky beyond...

As one Californian transplant there says, "I love the balmy weather, with temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees most days. The aquamarine water and nearby reef are stunning. The breeze coming off the Caribbean Sea has a cooling effect, so we hardly ever use our air-conditioning. It is comfortable to swim all year round, and nature is ever present. It's a small community and everyone is friendly. I walk to the beach, where I run into friends. Our normal attire is shorts, shirts, and flip-flops."

Placencia, on the other hand, is a 16-mile sliver of land along Belize’s southern coast. Pristine sailboats glide through the turquoise waters alongside local fishing boats. Fresh seafood is available year-round, as are healthy fruits and vegetables…and at a fraction of what you’ll pay in the U.S. or Canada.

The Great Barrier Reef is a bit farther offshore here than it is at Ambergris Caye and holds the swells at bay. Placencia is said to have the best beaches in Belize, with silky-soft sand and warm shallows too sleepy to bother raising a wave.... a perfect place to slow down, relax, and recharge.

Living here is easy. As one expat says, “We have one road that runs down the peninsula and one sidewalk that runs the length of the beach in the village. On a typical day, I will grab a coffee in the village. I’ll buy three $1 pies for breakfast from John the Bakerman and head to work, a 10 minutes’ drive by golf cart.

“I love that everyone takes Sundays off here, and all the locals are out for barbecues with their families and swimming in the sea. A group of us get going by about six o’clock on a Sunday morning, run a trail to a waterfall, swim and meditate, and are back in the village by 10. It’s a great way to start the day.”

Because of their popularity, the cost of living on Ambergris Caye and the Placencia peninsula aren’t the lowest you’ll find in Belize. Still, it’s easy for a couple to get by on just $2,500 to $2,900 a month, including rent, utilities, food, entertainment, and so on. Singles can get by on about 30% less than that.

“There’s just not a lot to spend money on,” one expat says. “You don’t need expensive clothes or a car. We get around by bicycle or golf cart, and bars and restaurants tend to be low-key and casual. It’s a good way to live.”

Like what you’re hearing?

Here’s How to Take Your Virtual Guided Tour...

If you’re ready to take a look at Belize...up close and personal, but right now, and from the comfort of your home, there’s no better resource than Spotlight on Belize: The Low-Cost Caribbean Safe Haven.

Unlike anything else you’ll find on the internet or anywhere else, you’ll travel along with Laura and her professional video crew as she introduces you to Ambergris Caye and Placencia...two of the best communities in Belize that make for easy and affordable expat living.

Laura believes these destinations are well worth your attention right now. These are places not yet discovered in large numbers. Prices are low and opportunities are sky high.

in this Spotlight on Belize, Laura takes you by the hand and not only introduces you to “her” Belize, but she gives you the tools to make it “your Belize.”

Here’s what’s included as part of the Spotlight on Belize: The Low-Cost Caribbean Safe Haven package:

A welcome video from Laura, filmed with her camera phone to give you updated input on what’s going on in Belize today... You’ll discover how Belize has responded to the coronavirus crisis, and why there’s so much optimism for the future.

5 professional videos to introduce you to Ambergris Caye:

Begin your tour with an introduction to Ambergris Caye—Northeast of the mainland, it’s Belize's largest island at about 25 miles long. The famous Belize Barrier Reef is just offshore and the island is known for its Caribbean beaches, abundance of sea life and watersports including scuba diving sites such as the 124-meter-deep Blue Hole. San Pedro town is the beating heart of the island of Ambergris, where you’ll find the most action, including bars, restaurants, and shopping.

Explore the area north of the bridge from San Pedro town, including Secret Beach—Take a trip north of the bridge and meet Robert, one of the expat owners of Marbucks Café. He explains why he feels the north end of the island is the best area for growth and he shares his advice about starting a business in Belize. You’ll take a brief tour of Ak’Bol yoga retreat center and journey farther north (about 45 minutes from town) to laidback and off-the-grid Secret Beach on the leeward side of the island, a popular entertainment spot with bars, restaurants, a live music venue, and more. You’ll meet Ben, a California expat who explains why he and his wife chose Belize and how they found their niche and built their business.

Over-the-water bars, live music, and volunteering—Tag along to Rum Dog, the first over-the-water bar north of the bridge from San Pedro town. Next up is Crocs, a sports bar on the leeward side of the island that offers beautiful sunset views. Continue the bar hopping back in San Pedro at Palapa Bar—one of the island’s most popular retreats, which regularly features live music. Owners Scott and Jodi share tips for potential business owners and explain how they and others are making a difference for this small community. You’ll want to hear their inspiring story...

Ambergris Caye is all about the water—You’ll start at the Sandbar, the iconic landmark in the heart of San Pedro, where you can grab a beer or a stay for the night for just $30-$40. From there, you’ll get a birdseye view of the reef just offshore and Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where you can enjoy some of the world’s best snorkeling, diving paddle-boarding, swimming.... Then, recharge at Iguana Juan’s and discover how expat Brad—a former stand-up comedian in Las Vegas—found a neglected business and turned it into a success. Musicians will appreciate input from part-time expat, Russell, happily making a good living here.

Where to live and what to do—Start north of the bridge and see some examples of condos for rent or sale, short- and long-term, with sales prices as low as $120,000. Back in town, Laura’s husband Dave shares his thoughts about regional travel by puddle-jumper plane to and from San Pedro and the rest of the country and why it’s such a unique and safe experience. Then you’ll make a stop at one of the island’s best cocktail bars, perfect for a cocktail at sunset, and another at the island’s “must-stop-at” dive bar, Crazy Canuck’s. You’ll meet the owner, Rob, who explains how he came to Belize with just $50,000 and was able to open one of the island’s most successful businesses—a great place to meet expats and locals alike when you travel to the island.

5 professional videos to introduce you to Placencia:

You’ll start with a birds-eye view of the beautiful 16-mile-long Placencia peninsula, with gorgeous turquoise water on either side and the mystical Maya mountains off in the distance. Historically a series of remote fishing villages, you’ll still find only about 6,000 residents on the peninsula itself...about 1,500 of them in picturesque Placencia village. The stunning beaches will take your breath away. If you’re a watersports lover...a fisherman, diver, snorkeler...or you just like to while away the hours with an ocean view, this is the place for you.

Discover beaches, businesses, and bungalows—Where are the best beachside spots to grab a bite or a cold drink? Maybe rent a paddleboard or jet ski? You’ll discover that and more, and also see some of the beachfront hotels and guesthouses where you can stay for under $40 a night. You’ll see neighborhoods popular with expats and some typical island homes. And if you’re looking for that “Zen” beach experience, Laura takes you to the gorgeous North Beach area, a residential area with a stunning beach you’ll often have all to yourself. This is where Laura lives, and she gives you a guided tour of her home and business. You’ll see how you can cheaply, but chicly, build your own home here. And you won’t believe how little it costs to rent an upscale 3-bedroom condo. Pack your bags...

Take a tour of the business heart of the village—Just north of the village, you’ll find Atlantic Bank and Top Value Supermarket, where you can buy all your local and imported groceries. Laura explains how shopping like a local can save you money, and she directs you to the local pharmacy where you can get your prescriptions filled easier and more affordably than in the U.S. or Canada. Meet Bobby, the proprietor of popular Buba Wuba’s bar and grill and get his advice on starting a business here. By the way, if you’d like to park your boat in your front yard, Laura points you to the neighborhood where you can do exactly that.

Happy hours and happy living—Is Belize the Wild West? Somewhat... Laura and her husband Dave explain the duties (and leniencies) of the tourist police. They discuss the price of gasoline, show you where to set up your cable TV, and even pop into the local hardware store. After all that, it’s time for Happy Hour, the most popular part of the day in Belize. Don’t miss the Pickled Parrot. Laura speaks to owners Walter and Melinda, and they explain why they chose Belize. You’ll also see the Placencia airport, where regional aircraft (true puddle-jumpers) will fly you to Belize City and beyond.

Explore the art and culture—Like to shop? You’ll find a different kind of shopping experience in Placencia. Laura introduces you to local artisans using local hardwoods to make handcrafted furniture, accessories, jewelry, and more. She shows you where to buy fresh produce and even explains what the island is missing when it comes to shopping...although we have a feeling you won’t miss it at all. And meet Frankie, a legendary local character who landed here on a sailboat in 1968 . He explains a bit of the “morality and freedom of expression” of the local culture...not what you might expect.

★Special Addition to your Spotlight on Belize: After you’ve seen all that Belize has to offer you, there’s no doubt the wheels will start turning. If Belize is calling you, we’ve included a special overview presentation that explains everything you need to know to make your home in Belize.

It’s called Belize: An Easy Transition to an English-Speaking Rustic Paradise. In it, Laura drills down into the nuts-and-bolts details of making a life in Belize, benefits and challenges alike. She explains your housing options, provides a general overview of climate and weather, and other considerations for making a long-term life here. Discover the steps to take to make a home in Belize. It’s easier than you think.

But that’s not all...

You Also Get the New Digital Edition of the Comprehensive Manual: Escape to Belize: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less

International Living Belize correspondent Laura Diffendal recently finished a complete overhaul and update of the hefty and all-encompassing 202-page manual, Escape to Belize: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

As you’ll see when you watch the Spotlight videos, Laura is not one to just scratch the surface. In this newest edition of the Escape to Belize manual, she gives you every detail…all the nuances, tips, insider secrets, and every little tidbit that normally slips between the cracks…everything you need to know if you're considering relocating to Belize.

She explains exactly what you need to do to qualify for the Belize Qualified Retired Person (QRP) Program. This is the latest information straight from Laura’s contacts in the Belize government. It's verified and up to date. (That's important, as much of what you'll find in an internet search can be dangerously outdated.)

What's more, she explains how you can become a permanent resident of Belize, which offers you even more advantages, including the ability to work and earn an income there.

If you're interested in finding your place in the Caribbean sun…but you'd rather not pay typical Caribbean prices…you need this manual in hand.

Here's Just Some of What You'll Discover in Your Escape to Belize Manual:

Location, location, location. You'll learn about the top spots in Belize for expats…including Ambergris Caye and Placencia, but also others you may have never heard of, including a quiet, tidy town on the ocean (but with all the amenities you need) where you can live more than comfortably on $1,950 per month or less, including rent… (Chapter 2)
Contacts, contacts, contacts. From expat organizations in Belize to those people who can help you streamline your move… Laura gives you names and contact info, so you'll have both business and social circles in Belize before you ever leave home. (Appendix A—your complete Belize Resource Rolodex)

How much you can expect to pay for things like telephone, internet, cable TV, and household help…including a gardener. Remember, in the tropics, one plant can quickly turn into a jungle. You'll be happy to have affordable help in your garden! (Chapter 5)
The nitty gritty details about healthcare in Belize: the country's best public and private hospital options, where to get medical insurance, the ins and outs of evacuation policies, how to get your prescription medications, and more. (Chapter 6)
What about moving your household goods to Belize…does it make sense? What are the best shipping companies? What about your pets? All the information you need about these important issues is found in Chapter 7.
What about taxes? Income taxes, sale tax, capital gains tax…business taxes for you entrepreneurs. All your obligations, exemptions, and benefits are fully explained in Chapter 8.
When you travel to Belize, you'll want to make the most of your time and money. You’ll get all the details of where to go, how to get there, how much it will cost…from hotels to restaurants to shopping…and you’ll discover how to save big time on all your travel expenses. Chapters 11 and 12.
And of course, in Chapter 3, we provide detailed information about real estate in Belize. What the buying process is like…where to go and who to talk to in order to find the best bargains… I’ve already explained that prices for a nice, well-situated condo on Ambergris Caye start at about $120,000. And you’ll find similar, sometimes even lower, prices in Placencia. But look beyond these areas to find even better deals. In northern Belize, the Corozal area—on the ocean—is a bargain hunter’s hotspot. A brand-new two-bedroom home, built of gorgeous Belizean mahongany can be had for just $99. In the interior Cayo district you’ll find similarly low prices. Want to live self-sufficiently? A 25-acre parcel of riverfront land, bordering the Mopan River near San Ignacio Town in Cayo, is selling for just $125,000. And all these prices, of course, are well negotiable.

By the way, global real estate analyst Ronan McMahon says he expects you’ll see big discounts in Belize as we emerge from the current global crisis.

“Belize has always attracted those looking to escape the crowds, get back to nature, and enjoy an excellent quality of life,” he says. “Once travel is back it will be business as usual in that regard. What will have changed is that you will be able to buy real estate at 30%, or more, off.”

Because I Feel So Strongly That All of Belize Deserves Your Attention Right Now, I’ll Also Give You Two Very Special Bonus Videos—for FREE

What will happen as the pandemic subsides? My guess is that even more people will be purposefully looking for a safe haven. And that’s exactly what you’ll find in Belize, where the “live and let live” culture, the accommodating climate, low population and low cost of living, and wide-open spaces beckon...not to mention the stunning Caribbean landscape.

But Belize is more than islands and coastline, as I’ve explained. Little more than 90 minutes from the coast is the Cayo District. If you’re looking to truly escape from the rest of the world and live a bountifully simple life, turn your attention here. Instead of beaches, you’ll find mountains, rivers, waterfalls, caves, and ruins. You can spend your days hiking, biking, canoeing, tubing, and more. You can spread out, live off the land if you like, and truly enjoy life. And prices for just about everything are lower than you’ll find on the coast and islands. Expat couples report a monthly budget of just $1,600 covers it all.

When you order Spotlight on Belize now, we’ll give you, for FREE, two special videos to help you understand the potential of this unique region:

Low-Cost, Laidback Rural Cayo is a special video that takes you to San Ignacio and Santa Elena, the two picturesque side-by-side hamlets that anchor the Cayo district in the Macal River Valley. You’ll see the gorgeous landscape firsthand and learn what this geographically rich part of Belize has to offer you.

Destination Cayo: Happiness Found in Belize’s Heartland is an additional special video created for you by International Living senior editors Dan Prescher and Suzan Haskins. They first travelled to Belize 30 years ago and they know the country well. “If I were looking for a bolt hole easily accessible to the U.S. but far from the stress and uncertainties of the rest of the world, Cayo is a place I’d seriously consider,” says Dan. “There’s plenty of fresh water and large swaths of very fertile land. You’ll never go hungry here. If you love nature and the outdoors, I can’t think of a better place.” In this video, Dan and Suzan drill deep and give you insights to this opportunity-rich region that you won’t find anywhere else.

Get Started Today, Crafting Your New, Better Tomorrow in Belize. Reserve Your Copy of Spotlight on Belize: The Low-Cost Caribbean Safe Haven

Just to re-cap, here's everything you get as part of your Spotlight on Belize:

Online access to the 10 professional videos that take you on a virtual tour of both Ambergris Caye and Placencia. These are yours to access any time, from anywhere, as long as you like.
The special video presentation, Belize: An Easy Transition to an English-Speaking Rustic Paradise that hands you the details about making a life in Belize...general cost of living and where to live to reduce your expenses, climate overview, housing options, and more.
The newly updated 202-page manual Escape to Belize: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less (Value: $99)
The two special Cayo videos, Low-Cost, Laidback Rural Cayo and Destination Cayo: Happiness Found in Belize’s Heartland. To round out your research on Belize, these are free with my compliments.

I guarantee this valuable information will fast track and streamline your travel or move to Belize. (More about our rock-solid money-back International Living guarantee in just a moment.)

Get it all and get started now. As soon as you place your order we'll send you an email that explains how to access all of it…the comprehensive manual and all the Special Videos that introduce you, up close and personal, to the best that Belize has to offer you.

All this will be available to you online…digitally…so you'll have access to it as soon as your order has processed.

Click the "Add to Cart" button now to get started.

Now, about that guarantee: We're so confident that you'll be so pleased with what you find in your Spotlight on Belize that we're giving you a 30-day, no-hassle, money-back guarantee. If for any reason you're not completely satisfied with the depth and breadth of information you find in Spotlight on Belize that we'll refund your purchase within 30 days, no questions asked. No matter what you decide, your special Bonus Videos are yours to keep.

With this risk-free guarantee, you have nothing to lose.

Just click the "Add to Cart" button now to get Spotlight on Belize on the way to you immediately for just $367.

Spotlight on Belize is the best resource available to help you get to know the very best of the Caribbean paradise that is Belize. The next best thing to being there in person right now, you’ll see it all via video. And in the Escape to Belize manual, you’ll discovering all the nuts and bolts details you need to make Belize your home—how to find a place to live, qualify for that benefit-rich QRP retirement program and obtain your residence visa, your healthcare options, and much more.

You'll see for yourself how to invest, travel, live, retire, and start a new business in Belize. Spotlight on Belize will show you the way…

Keep in mind…this special guide to "all that is Belize" is the result of seven years of research by International Living correspondent Laura Diffendal, who maintains homes and businesses on both Ambergris Caye and Placencia.

Think how much it would cost you to travel to Belize and dig up all this information yourself. For sure it would take months and thousands of dollars to compile. I can guarantee you won't find anything like it on the Internet or in a bookshop.

And when you are able to travel to Belize, you’ll be well prepared, thanks to the guidance you get in Spotlight on Belize. You’ll know exactly where to go, what to see, and who to reach out to for guidance and assistance. (You’ll find Laura’s email address in your Spotlight on Belize materials so you can reach out to her directly, any time, with any follow-up questions you have.)

So go ahead: Try it out. From the comfort of your home, explore everything Belize has to offer…

But hurry, this excellent-value deal is only available for a limited time.

Sincerely,

Jackie Flynn
Publisher, International Living
August 2021

P.S. Simply click the "Add to Cart" button now to get Spotlight on Belize on the way to you immediately for just $367.

These 10 new special videos created for you by IL correspondent Laura Diffendal, the 202-page Escape to Belize manual, and the two bonus videos showcasing the Cayo District are not available anywhere else. If you’re interested in planning for the future and getting the inside track on Belize…in gaining a foothold in one of the most beautiful and affordable destinations in the Caribbean, if not the world...let us help you.

With International Living's rock-solid money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose. And much to gain.

Click on "Add to Cart" to let me know where to send your package.

Spotlight on Spain

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 10:49:46 GMT

Late to Rise...and Late to Bed

And in Between, a Long Lunch, An Afternoon Siesta, and a Starlit Alfresco Dinner With Friends...

Is Spain, as Hemingway Once Called it, ''The Last Good Country Left?''

Stunning vistas, an idyllic Mediterranean climate, glorious food, wine...and oh so affordable, a couple can live on $2,500 a month (rent, healthcare included!)

Dear Reader,

No one pays much attention to time in Spain.

In fact, for 8 decades now, the country has been in the “wrong” time zone.

Spain sits directly south of Great Britain. When it’s noon in London, it should be noon in Madrid.

But about 80 years ago, Spain moved its clocks to align with Rome...and it’s never been inclined to switch back.

That means the sun both rises and sets an hour later in Spain. Daylight stretches longer into the evening hours.

Mornings start at 9 with café solo...strong black coffee usually served in a small glass...or a cortado of milk and espresso...

At 2 pm everything stops for the day’s big meal. Restaurants dish up an appetizer, entrée, wine or beer, dessert and coffee, all for a fixed price of about $12 or less...delicious homemade food with locally sourced ingredients (and no added tax or tipping).

Lighter dinners are taken alfresco with friends and family somewhere between 8 and 10 pm, typically small shared plates...tapas...of olives, Manchego cheese, patatas bravas, croquettes stuffed with ham or salted cod that keep coming until you push away...washed down by a cold Sangria or sparkling glass of Cava...

In between is siesta...the afternoon nap.

Siesta is serious business. When the Spanish government tried to abolish it in 2006 (most businesses shut down during siesta), public officials were nearly charged with treason.

To be fair, not everyone in Spain takes siesta, especially in the big cities.

But venture into the countryside and to the golden beaches of the south and you will find the siesta alive and well.

It’s ingrained tradition to a culture that’s unhurried and relaxed...except during fiestas, of course, when merrymaking takes precedence over everything else...

Time, you see, is valued in Spain. The Spanish treat it like food and wine, as something to be savored.

And that’s why expats there ...dating back to Hemingway, who proclaimed it “the last good country left”...are adamant that there is no place better to be.

You can leave Spain, but Spain will never leave you.

I’m Jackie Flynn, International Living publisher.

If you’ve been to Spain, you know why it was Ernest Hemingway’s adopted home and the setting for so many of his classic novels.

He famously called it “the country that I loved more than any other except my own.”

Steeped in tradition and romantic Old-World charm, Spain is rich in culture, landscapes, and history.

We can thank the Phoenicians for Spain’s robust red wines and fine whites...and the Romans for the countless ruins...of aqueducts, temples, and palaces...that adorn Spain’s cities and countryside...

Give a nod to the Celts for the cozy fishing villages and ciders of the northwest (legend has it the Irish Celts actually originated in Spain)...

And the Moors are to thank for the beautiful tile work and exotic architecture along Spain’s coast, where you’ll find 3,000 miles of beaches and coves...

There are spectacular mountain ranges, charming fishing villages and a rustic countryside dotted with vineyards, almond and olive groves...

(...and I almost forgot the cheese... oh my goodness, those delicious cheeses...)

No wonder Spain has long dominated the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, akin to the Academy Awards for cuisine. It’s home to 7 of the world’s top restaurants.

Looking for the world’s best paella? Love Manchego cheese, jamon iberico, green olives stuffed with almonds, anchovies, or garlic?

It’s all there for you, and you can wash it down with a cold craft cerveza or Sidra (cider), a tasty glass of Rioja or Sangria...or sherry or vermouth from the tap...

Not to be an enabler, but to share an interesting piece of trivia: According to the World Bank, alcohol prices in Spain are among the lowest in the world.

Away from the tourist trail, a tapas plate will run you only $2-$3....a bit more if you add shrimp, calamari, mussels, or clams. Even in the biggest cities, a glass of beer or wine can be had for less than $2.

Overall, the cost of living in Spain is among the lowest in Europe, even in its biggest cities.

To live comfortably in a big city like Madrid or Barcelona a couple might expect to spend between €1,700-$1,850 ($1,700-$1,850) per month at today’s equal conversion rates.

In smaller towns and villages, your costs can be even lower, from about $1,500 a month.

And the quality of life is hard to beat.

“Any reasonable, sentient person who looks at Spain, comes to Spain, eats in Spain, drinks in Spain, they’re going to fall in love. Otherwise, there’s something deeply wrong with you. This is the dream of all the world,” said Anthony Bourdain.

“You know, work in the morning, have a one-hour nap in the afternoon, at night go out and have that life. Go out and see your friends and eat tapas and drink red wine and be in a beautiful place.”

I don’t know anyone who would disagree with that.

But What Could Your Life Be Like in Spain?
Let Us Show You.

There’s never been a better time to spend time or live in Spain.

That’s why, not too long ago, I reached out to our International Living correspondent in Spain, Marsha Scarbrough.

For more than five years, she’s been our eyes and ears in Spain.

She’s been to every corner of the country—from the Basque region in the north to Costa del Sol and Costa Brava in the south...from Barcelona and Catalonia to Madrid and the rolling hills of Spain’s vast interior.

Formerly a Hollywood Assistant Director who produced major movies and tv shows, Marsh has interviewed dozens and dozens of expats about life in Spain...retirees, business owners , permanent vacationers, digital nomads...

So when I wanted someone to go out and capture real expat life for readers like you, there was no one more qualified...

As she says,

“Spain ticks a lot of boxes on my list: warm weather, affordable cost of living, great food, wonderful wine, fascinating culture, dependable infrastructure, and most important: warm, welcoming people.

“Without a doubt, moving here was one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made. Today, my social life is on fire. My health is fantastic. I’m learning a new language. I’m seeing the world. I have more friends than I can count, most of them 30 or 40 years younger than me. My late-life adventure is in full swing.”

You’ll find her attitude infectious. She’s all about finding joy and embracing life. Which is really what made Spain perfect for her in the first place.

So when I wanted someone to go out and capture real expat life for readers like you, there was no one more qualified than Marsha...

There are plenty of tourism videos you can find on the internet, for sure, but we were after the real-world “Inside story,” told from an expat point of view.

Little did I know that the impressive collection Marsha and her crew created for you would now be more relevant than ever.

If you’re ready to get back in gear and make plans for your future, as many of us are doing today after more than two long years of lockdowns, you’ll want to take a serious look at Spain.

And there’s no one better to show you the “insider’s Spain” and explain its secrets than Marsha.

Whether you’re looking to retire...or just spend time there...

If you’re ready for a new life...or just want to spice up the one you currently have...

If you want to start a business...or work online...or invest there...

Or if you just want to soak up the colorful culture and reconnect with a gentler, happier way of life...no matter your age and on any budget...

Then get ready to discover Spain’s secrets...

Let Marsha Scarbrough Give You a Personal, Guided Tour of the Spain That Could Be Yours... and You Don’t Even Have to Leave Your Home

Maybe you’ve already been to Spain. If you have, you know it’s a magical place.

If you haven’t been there, put it at the top of your bucket list right now.

And before you go, settle in and immerse yourself in the real-life Spain Marsha knows so well...

Mediterranean beach towns where you can enjoy warm sunshine nearly every day of the year, and where English is commonly spoken
Little-known neighborhoods in culturally rich cities where your rent...sometimes including utilities...can be less than $500 a month
The jewel of the Atlantic Coast, near the border with France—a favorite of young European travelers for its inexpensive amenities
Secret spots where you can buy a beach home or condo for a small fraction of the cost of similar properties in the U.S....and with very low-interest (less than 2%) financing.

Let her introduce you to the art and culture, the people, and the fun places and activities that await you in top-quality, low-cost Spain.

She reveals all the secrets in this brand-new multi-series documentary project, called Spotlight on Spain: Old World Charm, Sunny Skies, and Low-Cost Living.

This has been no small undertaking. And it’s far more than just a few videos...

Marsha has spent years getting to know the ins and outs of life in Spain...and the best places there.

But don’t worry... while Marsha has her favorites (and will tell you what they are)... this video series is really about YOU and helping you find YOUR perfect Spain depending on the “perfect lifestyle” you want.

Do you want the quiet life of a small town perched among the vineyards and olive groves of the Spanish countryside?

Or do you prefer the buzz of an Old-World city chock full of museums, top-rated restaurants, and non-stop nightlife?

Or maybe you just want to soak up the sun on the beach and leave behind the snow, the damp, and the cold forever...

Marsha can help you narrow down your choices to pinpoint your perfect spot.

(By the way, as I mentioned, she worked in Hollywood for 20 years as an Assistant Director on movies and TV projects. She’s also the author of two award-winning novels. She knows how to both inform and entertain.)

For this project, she dug deep and called on expats and locals alike living in many of Spain’s most appealing but also little-known communities.

In this exclusive multi-part project, you’ll get a in depth view into their lives......benefits and challenges alike.

Marsha has also put together a comprehensive primer presentation that guides you through all those nuts-and-bolts details you’ll need to consider if you’re thinking of moving to Spain yourself.

She explains how to get that all-important resident visa...how to assess your healthcare options...how to find the best rentals...and she shows you exactly how much things cost in Spain.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised there.

$2,500 a month or less for a couple to live in Spain, rent and health plan included.

You’ll also find other insightful details that are hard to uncover anywhere else, such as:

Where to find the best-quality, lowest-cost property rentals—and the best website to search for them
The most important question to ask when looking at rental apartments
The easiest expat resident visas, and documents you need to qualify
How to navigate your super-affordable healthcare and insurance options
The best places to live if you don’t want a car
Where to find 320 days of sunshine every year
Which city has the BEST nightlife for folks over 50...plus the city with the largest concentration of Michelin-star restaurants
How and where you can live on half as much as what you’re spending now...and enjoy a far better quality of life

And much, much more, including...

Spain’s Top Destinations for Good-Value Living...

Let’s start with Spain’s most popular destination...

Maybe you’ve spent time in Barcelona—the capital of Catalonia—and strolled La Rambla or through the atmospheric maze of the medieval Gothic Quarter or the bohemian barrio of El Raval...

An intoxicating medley of old and new, Barcelona oozes color, culture, and creativity. It’s a place where you can enjoy everything from cheap eats to fine dining, a day at the beach or a night of high culture...

Food markets burst with Catalan produce and fresh seafood. Home to some of the best tapas bars on the planet, Barcelona is also known for fragrant, flavorful paella topped with juicy shrimp, meaty squid, a delicious scattering of mussels, and slices of lemon.

And while Barcelona is not Spain’s lowest-cost destination, it’s a bargain compared with many European cities... especially considering all the city offers (including a much better climate than Paris, London, Berlin, or Rome).

We’ll point you to Barcelona’s under-the-radar neighborhoods for good living.

But even in a trendy neighborhood like Barceloneta, with its low-rise, Greenwich Village feel (plus walking distance to one of Barcelona’s most popular beaches), you can find small, one-bedroom apartments in the €120,000 to €200,000 ($120,000 to $200,000) range.

Or rent a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment in a prime location starting at about $900 a month.

And don’t overlook Spain’s historic capital city...

Beyond Barcelona, many travelers begin their Spain adventure in Madrid. And some, like Marsha Scarbrough, end up staying there and making the capital city their home.

Marsha she says...

“Madrid is Europe’s Best Kept Secret”

“Life in this pulsing, sophisticated metropolis, with world-class museums, amazing gastronomy, off-the-chart nightlife….and possibly the best public transportation system in the world…costs a fraction of what it would cost you to live in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, London or Tokyo.”

Madid is the Europe’s driest capital, Marsha adds, with only 16.6 inches of annual rainfall, most of it in Spring and Fall. Winters are mild. And summers are for nightlife, with cafés and parks full to overflowing after dark.

Free concerts start at 10 p.m. Some nightclubs open at midnight and close at 6 a.m. Madrid, a city that radiates energy, knows how to party.

That doesn’t mean you won’t find plenty to do during daylight hours.

Madrid is known for its museums....the world-famous Prado among them, home to works by El Greco, Rubens, Bosch, Goya, Picasso, and more.

The city’s diversity shines in its neighborhoods.

In Spotlight on Spain, Marsha points you to the “best of the best” of Madrid’s famous barrios.

She explains how much apartment rentals go for...you’ll be shocked at how little she pays for her bright-and-pretty studio apartment in safe, historic Chamberi.

You’ll see it for yourself and get the inside line on what you, too, can expect to spend if you choose to live in Madrid, arguably the best-value urban center in Western Europe

As Marsha says, “I’ve never been a morning person, so I love the late-to-rise, late-to-bed culture of Madrid. There is nowhere else I’d rather live.”

Prefer Sunrise To Nightlife? Spain Has Something For You, Too, Including Thousands of Miles of Sundrenched Beaches...

Prefer From the Costa del Sol to the Costa Blanca and beyond, you’ll find some of the Mediterranean’s
most beguiling beaches ...

The Sun Coast... Southern Spain’s glorious Costa del Sol—the Sun Coast—runs along the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

Strumming guitars, flamenco dancers, bullfighting, Moorish palaces... It’s all here...

You won’t find any beach destinations anywhere with so much culture to enjoy.

Many expat from the colder-climate U.K., come here to retire.

Love Both Beaches and Mountains? Granada Might Be Your Place.

An hour by bus from Málaga up into the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains, reams of poetry and prose have been written about the beauty of Granada.

And it deserves every word. Beneath the towers of the Palace of Alhambra lie the winding streets of the medieval Moorish quarter where you’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled into an Arab bazaar. While Granada attracts fewer expats than other cities in Spain, you’ll find a significant student population and over two million tourists a year.

Live in Granada and you’ll also be near some of Spain’s best ski slopes. From here, you can ski and go to the beach on the same day.

Part 8 of the Spotlight on Spain series takes you, up close, to Granada.

(In other words, you’ll find more native English speakers here than in any other part of Spain.)

In resort towns like Marbella, you’ll find golf courses that rival Pebble Beach, shopping that rivals Rodeo Drive, and marinas full of luxury yachts.

Don’t let the ritzy trappings fool you—even trendy Marbella is very affordable.

Properties for sale start at around $125,000 US for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment about a 10-minute walk from the beach and promenade.

And just 30 miles east along the coast is Nerja, and the “Balcony of Europe” where white-washed homes atop a rocky promontory overlook 10 miles of sugary white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters below.

If this isn’t on your radar, it should be.

Nerja, too, is “authentic Spain,” (no McDonald’s or Starbucks allowed) with a charming Old Town, which is the perfect place to meet friends and enjoy wine and tapas at the end of the day.

About 30% of its 25,000 inhabitants are expats, mostly Brits and Swedes.

When you go, don’t miss a visit to the famous Cuevas (caves) de Nerja, home to the world’s largest stalactite and only discovered in 1959.

The White Coast... Continuing along the coast, around the Cabo de Gata peninsula is where you’ll find the Costa Blanca—the white coast.

Alicante (population 350,000) and Valencia (Spain’s third largest city with 800,000 people) are the anchor cities here.

You can walk Valencia’s beautiful historic center, one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved, end-to-end in about 45 minutes.

The smaller Alicante offers Old World Spanish flair similar to Madrid...think late lunches and dinners...with most stores and offices shutting down for a three-hour afternoon siesta.

In its centuries-old Old Town with narrow cobbled-stone passageways, you can duck into a traditional tapas bar for spicy patatas bravas and a plate of stuffed calamari washed down with a $2 beer or a $12 bottle of Rioja.

And Alicante is home to no less than eight splendid beaches...

No wonder it’s an expat favorite, especially with Brits and Northern Europeans. As much as 15% of the permanent population are expats.

It doesn’t hurt that you can rent a two- or three-bedroom apartment in the heart of the historic center starting at $550 to $625 a month.

The treasure of the Costa Blanca, though, is its 125 miles coastline, studded with small jewel-like pueblos and relaxed beach resorts that attract expats looking for a quieter lifestyle.

One such town is Dénia. Largely unknown foreigners, it’s a beloved “secret getaway place” for Spaniards from Madrid and other big cities who adore its narrow old-town streets, lined with bars and restaurants.

It’s easy to while away an evening over dinner, watching the people out on their evening walk—called a paseo—under the blossoming jacaranda trees and towering date palms that punctuate the handsome 19th-century architecture.

One couple from Denver that was lucky enough to find their way here rent a bright three-bedroom, three-bathroom duplex apartment. Each room has a view of the sea. There are four terraces, the largest of which has space for a table, chairs, lounge area, and barbecue.

“It’s great value here compared to the U.S.,” they say. “This all comes in at less than $1,000 a month in rent. Utilities are very affordable compared to the States, too. We downsized when we came, just bringing what we could fit into a couple of suitcases. We’re really happy with the light feeling of living like this.”

You need to see it for yourself. And you will, in your Spotlight on Spain docu-series...

ATTENTION FOODIES: Northern Spain is for You... (Bonus if You’re After Four Seasons and a Healthy Dose of History)

True foodies will head directly to Northern Spain and particularly to Basque Country, where growing, preparing, and savoring delicious local food ingredients is the regional pastime.

Here, it often feels like the clock stopped in the Middle Ages. The mountains hide Romanesque chapels and shrines, and also bears, wolves, wild boar, and eagles.

Along the northern Atlantic Coast beaches of the Bay of Biscay you’ll find a mild climate similar to Northern California.

This is also where you’ll find Galicia and the northern route of the Camino de Santiago, the famous pilgrimage to the burial place of Saint James. That’s what brings most tourists to the region.

Major cities here include Bilbao, Santander, and San Sebastián—the true gourmand’s paradise.

In cozy pintxo bars, choose slices of bread stacked with béchamel-topped crab...field mushrooms sautéed in garlic and olive oil...or skewers of anchovy-filled olives...

Wash them down with the local sparkling white wine txakoli or crisp hard cider.

For glamour, sophistication, gastronomy, and sheer beauty, San Sebastián and its perfect horseshoe beach, is hard to beat. But for lower property prices, head to Santander or one of its pretty nearby beach towns.

While Santander lacks the high gloss and chicness of a resort like San Sebastián, depending on the neighborhood, you can buy a comfortable 700-square-foot apartment starting below $100,000 or rent one long term from about $500 a month.

Like what you’re hearing?

Discover, Firsthand, What Your Life in Spain Could Be...

If you’re ready to take a look at Spain...up close and personal, and from the comfort of your home, there’s no better resource than the multi-video collection—Spotlight on Spain: Old World Charm, Sunny Skies, and Low-Cost Living.

It’s everything you’ve ever wanted to know about living in Spain as an expat...whether it’s full time...part time... or retirement...or just for a few months...

You’ll travel along with Marsha and her professional video crew as she introduces you to the best communities in Spain that make for easy and affordable expat living.

Marsha believes these destinations are well worth your attention right now.

Dig Into Spotlight on Spain: Old World Charm, Sunny Skies, and Low-Cost Living and Find Your Perfect Place in Spain

Marsha takes you by the hand and not only introduces you to “her” Spain, but she gives you the tools to make it “your Spain” in this 9-part info-doc series:

PART 1: Madrid—Europe’s Best-Kept Secret. Begin your tour in Spain’s capital city—Marsha’s adopted home. Costs to live here are a fraction of what you would spend in other popular cities around the world. And thanks to an excellent public transportation system, you won’t need a car. Marsha shows some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods for good-value living; you’ll see the bustling streets, shady parks, history, art, and culture that make Madrid so unique.
PART 2: A Day in the Life of an Expat. Staying in Madrid, join Marsha as she goes about her daily activities...a morning Zumba class, errands at the pharmacy and bakery, Spanish class, and a long stop for lunch (the main meal of the day in Spain). You’ll also see what it’s like to take the metro, and meet up with Marsha and her friends for evening drinks.
PART 3: Málaga—The Heart of Spain’s Costa del Sol This city is the heart of Spain’s sunshine coast. You’ll take a city tour and meet expats there who explain why they love this city. You’ll learn about their new life and business and see the new seaside promenade. Once known as a scruffy seaport, all that has changed in recent years. Don’t overlook Málaga, an attractive welcoming center of culture and gastronomy… For full- or part-time living, Málaga is a great choice if you want big-city life by the sea.
PART 4: Nerja—The Balcony of Europe Just 30 miles east of Málaga you’ll find a much less developed and less touristed coastline. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, Nerja is a sightseer’s delight, with 10 miles of sugary white beaches and crystal-clear waters. Here, you’ll meet Canadian expats Carolyn and Chris who explain why the climate, the culture, and the people sparked their love of Nerja. They also share their experiences with the Spanish healthcare system.... real-world insights I guarantee you’ll appreciate.
PART 5: : Costa del Sol Home Tour Canadian expats David and Josée have lived in Spain for 20 years. That’s a lot of experience to share. Take a tour of the beautiful home they carefully renovated and watch and listen as they explain why they chose this sunny region and how very affordable it is to live here very well on a modest pensioner budget.
PART 6: Alicante—Spain’s Costa Blanca Bargain The city of Alicante has 330,000 permanent residents that swells during the summer months, when Spaniards enjoy their vacation homes and other European tourists flock to the inviting seashore. About 15% of the permanent residents are expats, many of them English speakers. One of the reasons this area is so popular is because it’s one of Spain’s best real estate bargains. See for yourself as you visit properties for sale with a local real estate agent.
PART 7: The Cities of Valencia and Barcelona Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, is the gem of the Costa Blanca—with much to offer, including one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved historic centers. And who doesn’t love Barcelona, perhaps Spain’s most vibrant and artistic city? Gaudí’s signature is everywhere…but he is only one of the reasons that Spain’s second largest city attracts so many tourists. This is your chance to see, up close, the different appeal of these two seaside cities.
PART 8: Fairy-Tale Granada and High-End Marbella Granada is fairy-tale Spain. Set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, its exotic Arabian spirit and flamenco soul conjure up visions of times past. In the winter, an hour’s drive away takes you to the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, or head south for 45 minutes to the balmy Mediterranean Sea. Marbella, “pearl of the Costa del Sol” has a different kind of beauty. The name itself literally translates as “beautiful sea,” and indeed, it is that. A high-end, international, jet-set destination, Marbella’s beachfront promenade invites sunning on the sand, sitting in sidewalk cafés, or shopping in trendy boutiques.
PART 9: Green Spain: Great Food and Milder Climes Prefer cooler summers and lush green landscapes? Then consider Northern Spain, also known as “Green” or “Celtic Spain.” Bilbao—the region’s largest city—is a center of modern art and architecture. San Sebastián is famous for its charming Old Town, first-class restaurants, and a gorgeous golden beach, considered one of Europe’s most beautiful urban beaches. Farther west, you’ll discover the scenic province of Cantabria and its capital, Santander. Perched on the edge of a gorgeous bay, this smaller city offers a dozen beaches with crystal clear waters, including the exquisite Playa de Sardinero.

I did mention that Marsha Scarbrough is an award-winning author and Hollywood director, right?

This 9-part docu-series is beautifully produced. And you’ll find Marsha is as comfortable in front of the camera as she is behind it. She’s an excellent guide, and her spirit and love of Spain are infectious.

★Special Extra: Once you see all that Spain has to offer you, no doubt the cogs will be turning.

You’ll appreciate this special extra bonus from Marsha-a “nuts-and-bolts” overview presentation with everything you need to know to make your home in Spain.

It’s called Spain: First-World Comfort in a Sunny Safe Haven.

In it, Marsha explains your housing options, provides all those important details (including climate and weather, cost of living, etc.) to help you compare and contrast Spain’s distinct regions, and narrow down your many options.

Discover the steps to take to make a home in Spain. With this special video presentation guiding your way, it’s easier than you think.

PLUS, a New, Updated Edition of Our Best-Selling Spain Manual:

Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less

As you’ll see, Marsha’s not one to just scratch the surface.

She recently finished a full update of our comprehensive manual, Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less.

In this newest edition, included as part of Spotlight on Spain, she gives you every detail…

...all the local nuances, tips, insider secrets, and every little tidbit that normally slips between the cracks…everything you need to know if you're considering relocating to Spain—full-time or part-time.

It’s the perfect complement to your Spotlight on Spain video collection.

Marsha clarifies the steps to qualify for a resident visa. It’s not complicated, but if you want to stay longer than allowed on a tourist visa (90 days), you have numerous options—and you need to choose the one that’s right for you.

You’ll discover two best options for retirees, two options if you want to work, and two more options for entrepreneurs and investors (the famous “Golden Visa”).

Because visa rules can change at any time the Escape to Spain manual includes a complete Resource Guide with a listing of visa specialists you can contact for assistance.

To get a residence visa you’ll be required to show proof of private health insurance.

So there’s also a full chapter on Healthcare in Spain. By any account, it’s among the best in the world—maybe better than you have now.

And health insurance is remarkably affordable.

A healthy 64-year-old might expect to pay about $132 per month for a plan from one of the country’s largest insurers, with a 4% discount for a lump-sum annual payment. There are no co-pays and basic dental is included.

It’s all there for you—with contact details—in Escape to Spain.

If you're interested in finding your place in an area of Europe known for sunshine and Old-World Charm…but you'd rather not pay typical European prices…you’ll want this manual at hand.

Here's Just Some of What You'll Discover in Escape to Spain :

Location, location, location. You'll learn even more about the top spots in Spain for expats…More than 30 communities are profiled. (Chapter 3)
Contacts, contacts, contacts. From expat organizations to those professionals who can help you streamline your move… (Appendix A—your complete Spain Resource Rolodex)
How much you can expect to pay for things like telephone, internet, cable TV, groceries, rent, and more. (Chapter 6)
The nitty gritty details about healthcare in Spain, ranked as among the world’s best. (Chapter 7)
What about moving your belongings? Your pets? (Chapter 8)
Everything you need to know about taxes. (Chapter 9)
And in Chapter 4, we provide detailed information about real estate in Spain...what the renting and buying processes are like and how to find the best bargains… You’ll see exactly what fees to expect and get a step-by-step guide to every process from negotiating to due diligence—including 11 documents you must obtain from the seller.

If you ever consider buying property in Spain, you want this information at hand

★Global real estate analyst Ronan McMahon says:

“I’ve been watching Spain for a long time, and I’ve seen it go from a place of deep crisis to one where I see some true opportunities for savvy investors in the right places,”

When you order Spotlight on Spain, you have the opportunity to go behind the curtain and discover exactly where those opportunities are...

Because Everyone on Our Team Feels So Strongly That Spain Deserves Your Attention Right Now, I’ll Give You THREE Very Special Bonuses—for FREE

Many people are looking for a safe haven these days.

And that’s exactly what you’ll find in Spain, where the Old-World charm and siesta culture, the accommodating climate, modern infrastructure and excellent healthcare, the low cost of living, and wide-open spaces beckon...along with warm, friendly people.

But we understand that an international relocation can be daunting. There are lots of moving pieces...

So we’re including absolutely everything we can think of that might help you.

Think of this Spotlight on Spain resource as your complete guide to that new, better life you can enjoy in Spain.

Order it now and we’ll give you, for FREE, three special bonuses to point you in the right direction and answer any and all remaining questions you may have:

Special Bonus #1: A Complete Itinerary to Follow As You Travel in Spain

Once you see the Spotlight on Spain videos, I’m pretty sure you’ll be planning a visit to check out your options there for yourself...and we can help.

Whether you have one, two, three weeks or more to explore the opportunities on offer in Spain today—you’ll want to use your time (and travel funds) wisely.

Our Spain Scouting Trip Itineraries and Travel Guide will show you the way.

In this valuable time- and money-saving guide, Marsha shares her most useful tips and insights for planning and enjoying a successful expedition, such as:

Six useful apps to have on your phone to make getting around easier...
A cheap, easy way to get your phone to work in Spain so you avoid expensive carrier charges but gain the conveniences of having a working cell while you’re there...
On-the-ground tips for cheaper train, hotels, home rentals, and air in Spain, plus what you definitely need to know about tickets for some museums to ensure you get the best deal—and get in when you want to, and more...
Seven easy, essential phrases to know in Spanish before you go...
PLUS where to go, what to see, what absolutely not to miss, what’s overrated, what you can expect to pay, and lots, lots more...

You’ll discover how to make the most of your time on the ground, people to connect with, and more.

This guide sells in our bookstore for $59, but it’s yours FREE as part of your Spotlight on Spain.

Special Bonus #2: Mission Spain: The Full Report

Our overseas property expert, Ronan McMahon says, “Spain offers some of the best bargain real estate anywhere in Europe. It’s jam-packed with incredible opportunities both for investors as well as lifestyle buyers.”

Inside his this special report, Ronan, along with his team, takes you—on a profit-minded mission—that scouts out the premier up-and-coming communities along the picture-perfect Spanish Southern Coast—and to one particularly opportunity-rich area dubbed the “Secret Coast” where you can buy for less than $100,000.

Follow along as the team takes you up into the mountains and the beautiful vastness of Cadiz along the Ruta de Pueblos Blancos...to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and Granada.

Make no mistake: This is no static ho-hum “reporting.” There’s in-depth analysis contrasting and comparing each region, links to listing, and boots-on-the-ground video footages so you can see exactly what Ronan's scouts saw and get their take on the opportunities they uncovered.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a home in Spain...for lifestyle or investment, I highly recommend you spend a few hours immersed in the Mission Spain: The Full Report. That’s how long it will take to get through it all—and well worth it.

Special Bonus #3: Spotlight on Spain Insider Q&A

We know we’re giving you a lot to digest...the videos and presentation from Marsha, the 221-page Escape to Spain manual, and the analysis and videos in Mission Spain...

So we’ll add one more valuable extra.

International Living executive editor Jen Stevens sat down with Spain expert Marsha Scarbrough and Ronan McMahon, head of the team behind Mission Spain.

You’re invited to tune into that conversation and get their take on what’s going on in Spain right now...

It’s a deep dive into some of our readers most common questions and concerns.

This Spotlight on Spain Insider Q&A with our leading Spain experts is valued at $79, but it’s yours with this special offer today, free.

Get Started Today, Crafting Your New, Better Tomorrow in Spain. Reserve Your Copy Now of Spotlight on Spain: Old World Charm, Sunny Skies, and Low-Cost Living

To re-cap, here's everything you get as part of your full Spotlight on Spain collection:

Online access to the 9-part video collection that take you on a virtual tour of the “Best of Spain.” These are yours to access any time, from anywhere, as long as you like.
The special overview presentation, Spain: First-World Comfort in a Sunny Safe Haven that hands you the details about making a life in Spain...visas, healthcare options, general cost of living, and where to live to reduce your expenses, climate overview, housing options, and more.
The updated 221-page manual Escape to Spain: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less
Spain Scouting Trip Itineraries and Travel Guide
The Special Report and Video Package, Mission Spain: The Full Report
Spotlight on Spain Insider Q&A

If the laidback charm of Old-World Europe appeals, there’s no better place than Spain.

Get it all and get started now. As soon as you place your order, we'll send you an email that explains how to access all of it…all the professional videos and the special presentation...the comprehensive manual, the special real estate intelligence, and the itineraries guide and that introduce you, up close and personal, to the best that Spain has to offer you.

All this will be available to you digitally…so you'll have access to it all as soon as your order has processed.

Now, about that guarantee: We're so confident that you'll be so pleased with what you find in your Spotlight on Spain that we're giving you a 30-day, no-hassle, money-back guarantee. If for any reason you're not completely satisfied with the depth and breadth of information you find in Spotlight on Spain, we'll fully refund your purchase within 30 days.

With this risk-free guarantee, you have nothing to lose.

Spotlight on Spain is the best resource available to help you get to know the very best of the Mediterranean paradise that is Spain.

The next best thing to being there in person right now, you’ll see it all via video.

And in the Escape to Spain manual, you’ll discover all the nuts and bolts details you need to make Spain your home—full- or part-time, including how to find a place to live, qualify for a residence visa, navigate your healthcare options, your taxes, and much more.

You'll see for yourself how to invest, travel, live, retire, or work in Spain.

Spotlight on Spain will show you the way…

Keep in mind…this special package to "all that is Spain" is the result of five years of research by International Living contributor Marsha Scarbrough and decades and decades of experience and input from our far-flung editors, real estate experts and analysts, expats in Spain, and many more.

Think how much it would cost you to travel to Spain and dig up all this information yourself. For sure it would take many months and thousands of dollars to compile. I can guarantee you won't find anything like it on the Internet or in a bookshop.

And when you are ready to travel in person to Spain, you’ll be well prepared, thanks to the guidance you get in Spotlight on Spain You’ll know exactly where to go, what to see, and who to reach out to for guidance and assistance or to share a drink at a shady sidewalk café.

Go ahead: Try it out. From the comfort of your home, explore everything Spain has to offer…

I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Sincerely,

Jackie Flynn
Publisher, International Living
July 2022

PS: If you’re interested in investing some time right now to plan for the future and get the inside track on Spain…

If you’re looking to gain a foothold in one of the most beautiful and affordable destinations in western Europe, if not the world...let us help you.

These 9 top-quality videos and the nuts-and-bolts presentation created for you by IL contributor Marsha Scarbrough, the 221-page Escape to Spain manual, and the three additional bonuses are not available anywhere else.

With International Living's rock-solid money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose.

VIDEO RESOURCES

The Dream Retirement Project

Portugal All Access

Costa Rica 101

Mexico All Access

An Expat-Friendly Colonial Town Where You Can Live Well for as Little as $800 a Month

Why Is Mexico the Easiest Place To Find Your Dream Lifestyle?

Nowhere Else Can Compete With Mexico…

So How Do You Find Out If Mexico Is Right for You?

Meet the #1 Mexico Expert: Jason Holland

This Is Your Invitation to Go "On the Road" With the #1 Mexico Expert, Jason Holland, and International Living

With Mexico All Access as Your Guide,Watch Your Dollars Multiply…

So How Much Does It Cost to Live in Mexico?

Where Are the Best Destinations in Mexico to FindGood-Value Living?

What Can You Expect When It Comes to Mexico's Excellent and Inexpensive Healthcare?

In Mexico All Access: Your Blueprint to the ¡Viva México! Lifestyle, you'll find out what's true and what's not.

Save Today With This Special Mexico Offer

You Also Get 7 Comprehensive Special Reports and a Complete Resource Rolodex.

All You Need to Do Now Is Place Your Order

Our Rock-Solid, Triple Guarantee Means No Risk for You

Panama 101

But There's Another Compelling Reason—the TOP Reason, in fact, to Choose Panama: Because of the Panamanians Themselves.

Spotlight on Belize

Spotlight on Spain

**So How Do You Find Out If Mexico Is Right for You?**

With Mexico All Access as Your Guide,
Watch Your Dollars Multiply…

Where Are the Best Destinations in Mexico to Find
Good-Value Living?

**In Mexico All Access: Your Blueprint to the ¡Viva México! Lifestyle, you'll find out what's true and what's not.**