Monday, September 7, 2009

United States Citizen live in a different country for Retirement

United States Citizen live in a different country for Retirement?
I want to live in a different country in my retirement. Most likely in Asia: China, Burma (Myanmar), Japan, etc. but one of those countries as examples. Can any advise if this is possible? After all, I want to spend my retirement funds in a place where I enjoy. Thank you in advance.
Immigration - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I would recommend Thailand outside of Bangkok a small resort town I would not buy only rent It use to be you can live well for around $2000 per month once you get the hang of it I would not live in Burma too dangerous nor Japan too expenses and not accepting One more thing don't lead with your wallet in Thailand just keep a low profile and enjoy Lived there for three years I rented a beach house for $600 per month restaurant walking distance was $3 for a crab dinner and two beers House keeper if you want one was $5 per day If you do it right you can fly anywhere in Asia from Bangkok for around $200 round trip Air Asia You well have to go to Bangkok and pay around $80 every three months to renew your immigration visa They well tell you that you must deposit $16,000 in a Thai bank Not true But I know an old brit that would do it live on it for a year or so than do it again
2 :
Every country has immigration laws much the same as the US. You can't just turn up and live where you want. China is a no-no. You can only stay if you are legally employed and are under 60. Or have a Chinese wife. Burma (Myanmar). Are you joking? Japan. Very expensive. And again you need a reason to be there other than just wanting to be. In Asia, Thailand is possible your best bet, but you will still only be given a short time tourist stay and have to leave periodically then return.
3 :
You should plan a month-long visit to each of your possible retirement countries, but leave off China and Burma for reasons noted by another poster. Japan is very expensive and outsiders are not really welcome. You may live there for five years and never be invited into a neighbor's home. Also, apartments are very small and expensive and houses are out of sight. You will need to learn the language, and that's not easy in Asia. I would consider retiring in Mexico if it cleans up its drug cartels or Costa Rica. Both have established American communities that cater to our retirees, but both have security problems. I don't want tp have to live in a high-walled community with armed guards. Check with the State Department for info on foreign retirement destinations. Asia is a long way away and flights are long and expensive. Unless you have a fat wallet, don't plan on coming home for visits too often. And don't buy -- rent. You may decide to return home for good after spending some time in a foreign country.