Question about Living/Retiring Overseas with an RV situation Options

[TylerOSU]

Anyone have any sites or info on retiring/living overseas via the RV lifestyle?

Been hunting around and obviously you always hear about so and so country you can live cheaper than the States, but the biggest hurdle is getting citenzship+cost of moving.

One place off the top of my head that is geographically close is Mexico. And based on the conversion factor alone (13:1 for the dollar), a measly $1k in the savings can be $13k down south. I am a bit naive to all this so please, teach me up. :}

EDIT:

Also been looking into Panama(Pensionario program is interesting), Malta, Belize and the Phillipines(3rd largeest English speaking country), to name a few.

This post has been edited by TylerOSU: Nov 9 2009, 06:24 PM

[Rosita]

Tyler, it's hardly "overseas", but if you're interested in living in Mexico, these articles provide a good starting point for the intensive research that you will want to do before making a decision:

http://rversonline.org/RV4Mex.html

http://rversonline.org/ArtMexicoRetire.html

http://rversonline.org/ArtMexBackground.html

There are many ex-pat living websites and blogs and message boards and whatnot; the information is out there, but you will have to spend time and effort to dig it out, sort through it, learn how to tell the straight scoop from the BS, and then apply what you've discovered to your personal situation. Just like real life!

And, this site (one of many) will show the current exchange rate of the Mexican peso to the U.S. dollar and to other world currencies:

http://www.x-rates.com/d/MXN/table.html

The exchange rate between currencies has little to do with "equal value swap", i.e., one U.S dollar will currently buy a little over 13 MX pesos, but that does not mean that a dollar will go 13 times as far in Mexico than in the U.S.! The currency values are relative, and the actual buying power of a peso will vary a great deal depending on local markets and conditions.

For better or worse, we live in a time in which technology has made information on virtually any subject
readily and easily available through the web, but we haven't reached the point where the collected wisdom of the world can be simply poured into one's ear; IOW, the learning process is not a passive experience. It's all out there; go after it. Buena suerte. (That's "good luck" in Spanish!)

[Jim2]

My My, sounds like some of us got up on the wrong side of the bed. Since when is it ok to be rude, just because you don't like the way the question was worded.

Tyler, Its true your question is a bit too broad to get any specific answers. I would start by typing "retiring to Mexico" into google search. There are a dozen great sites with valuable info about retirement in Mexico. Come back with specific questions after reviewing those sites. There are many here who will be glad to offer constructive help.
Of course the conversion rate is not directly linked to the cost of living. If you type "cost of living in Mexico" into google, you will find that most studies show that in general, living in Mexico costs about 30% less, or for $100 of goods & services in the US, on average the cost for those same goods & services would be $70. Of course this varies widely by location & style of living, just as it does here. There are tens of thousands of American & Canadian retirees living very happily in Mexico and stretching their social security payments much further than they could here. Its not for everyone, but just because you wouldn't consider it, dont insult those who would.
I would agree that "retiring to Mexico" is easier & more reasonable than "earning a living in Mexico". But I wouldn't presume to tell anyone that it can't or shouldn't be done, whether you're 27 or 77. At 32 when I was in between careers, and not independently wealthy, I moved to Peru for 2 years. At the time my passion was mountain climbing and I lived very cheaply out of a backpack and in tents for most of that 2 years, climbing many of the highest peaks in the Andes. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

[TylerOSU]

My My, sounds like some of us got up on the wrong side of the bed. Since when is it ok to be rude, just because you don't like the way the question was worded.

Tyler, Its true your question is a bit too broad to get any specific answers. I would start by typing "retiring to Mexico" into google search. There are a dozen great sites with valuable info about retirement in Mexico. Come back with specific questions after reviewing those sites. There are many here who will be glad to offer constructive help.
Of course the conversion rate is not directly linked to the cost of living. If you type "cost of living in Mexico" into google, you will find that most studies show that in general, living in Mexico costs about 30% less, or for $100 of goods & services in the US, on average the cost for those same goods & services would be $70. Of course this varies widely by location & style of living, just as it does here. There are tens of thousands of American & Canadian retirees living very happily in Mexico and stretching their social security payments much further than they could here. Its not for everyone, but just because you wouldn't consider it, dont insult those who would.
I would agree that "retiring to Mexico" is easier & more reasonable than "earning a living in Mexico". But I wouldn't presume to tell anyone that it can't or shouldn't be done, whether you're 27 or 77. At 32 when I was in between careers, and not independently wealthy, I moved to Peru for 2 years. At the time my passion was mountain climbing and I lived very cheaply out of a backpack and in tents for most of that 2 years, climbing many of the highest peaks in the Andes. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

Thanks I appreciate it greatly, after all, no one forces you to reply one way or another. I was just throwing it out there if anyone had some tidbits they could pass on.


I think a lot of assumptions were made based on the brevity of my post, i.e. I plan on doing this NOW(nope), and not work(nope) in doing so. My lack of personal travel outside the US obviously shows as well, which pains me to no end because I REALLY wanted to studies overseas but it was just too spendy.

And as for doing my own research trust me, that is something as a History major I know all about, and am excited to dive in exploring this "expat" option.

If I may, I do have to say I am really proud of my wife and myself for basically starting this whole shift to Fulltiming a little over a month ago, and we already have a great park and RV setup and moving in officially in the next week or so. And none of this would be possible without the good 'ol Interweb and some quality RESEARCH. :}

*EDIT* I figured it was implied by being on these forums that people like yourselves were key in that process of learning, but to CLARIFY-thank you all for the great tidbits of info, it's so much faster and informative rather than sifting through the myriad of data out there. On forums, you can be direct and to the point of whatever quandry you are dealing with. :}



Cheers!

This post has been edited by TylerOSU: Nov 10 2009, 03:50 AM

[dr.koolwickedwan...]

Tyler,,in my younger days,I used to work in S. Cal. and the rent there was more than I could handle. $400/mo.at the time. Most of the people that worked where I did were Mexican and lived in Tijuana. I found an apt. in TJ. for $115/mo. with elect.& water. (don't drink the water, just for washing) Food was a lot less too. Crossing the border every day would have been a problem except for two things which made it easyer, a US passport and a Honda 500 MC. After 3 yrs. of doing this, all the border guards knew me by first name.

You can live in Mex. and work in the US but you have to be aware of where you are, who you are, and keep a low profile.

Dr.Kool

[Scottiemom]

Tyler,

Here is a link to an American who RVs. He lives and works in Mexico. He works as an English teacher and a consultant. I have been following his blog since I heard him speak at one of the rallies, can't remember which one.

Living and Boondocking in Mexico

Hope this helps.

Dale

[RV]

Tyler I was military for 27 years and lived in Europe for 7 years. Our experiences are even more varied. My Dad was AF and when I was 5 we moved to Bogota, Colombia, SA and I had to go to kindergarten and 1st grade in a language I never spoke before, Spanish! OK I passed. We have scuba'd in the Red Sea in 1996 off Hurghada Egypt for a week and visited the Temple of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. Traveled all over Europe and the former eastern block countries, we ski'd all the major slopes in Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria etc., and dealt with exchange rates and cultural/language/Ugly American preconceptions, and yes learned languages, some conversationally, some phrases, some just how to find the bar and restroom.

When you go to ex pat sites and go to retiree sites remember that they, like me, often have a fixed income that goes to wherever we are, regardless of whether we work or not. I could live overseas on my retirement but choose not to because our kids and grandkids and remaining parents are here. Many times retirees work just to keep from being like old soldiers, just fading away. But do pay attention to the fact that you cannot sustain a lifestyle like even the blue collar workers here, on an economy that is less than ours, and seems cheap to tourists, as a blue collar worker there.

Firstly most Americans, not even some of the ex pats, do not learn to speak other languages. Overseas people who speak English can hold their own conversationally. Our school system turns out passing grades when in most instances, they are translating in their heads instead of like a good reader, not feeling an effort to read, but just getting the mental images. Like sounding out words to read, the message is lost in the translation. People in other countries are pretty much like here. If a Mexican or a German called you, or implied, that you were stupid because you do not speak their language here in the good ol US, where the national language is English you'd take offense. I have seen my fellow Americans do that same thing over and over overseas.

So if you are looking for the adventure of traveling overseas, perhaps an RV may not be the best vehicle for doing that. They don't do trans oceanic crossings all that well. Overseas they call them Caravans not RVs, fuels cost four times in most other countries like Germany than they cost here per gallon at any given time. So you need to realize that you won't want to run a full size American RV for travel overseas. It can work to your advantage on this continent (Mexico etc.)

Your youth is an advantage. However, since you guys are, and congratulations, about to move into a fulltimer situation may I suggest that you start your cultural experiences in the US, Canada, and Alaska first? After traveling all over the world and living overseas we did 7 years of fulltiming, starting at age 45 when I retired from the Service, and found as much diversity, challenges, different cultures like the native Americans in both the lower 48 and Alaska, the Canadians and their views on politics, etc.

Back then we were sometimes looked at like we were purple by some of our fellow RV fulltimers because we were usually 20 years younger than our fellow fulltimers. Getting comments like "You're too young to be retired, go back to work!" Half seriously, but still amazed. The norm is to do it after "normal" retirement age at 62 or more. I don't adhere to norms as many do, nor rock the boat. We have had, and still do, have fun.

You already got the advice from one in Mexico to keep a low profile. Something that most don't even consider. You see most Americans go on a cruise or a two week to one month tour, and that won't even get you entre to consideration as anything more than a tourist.

If you choose to live in another country, third world or not, as an American you will be considered rich even if you aren't. For a good example let's take Germany. Not a third world country by any stretch. When we moved there the exchange rate was about 4 DM to the dollar, and yes we could buy a lot more. When we left the Euro was not in place yet but the exchange rate was 1.4 to 1. Here's my point. We rented an apartment close to the base until we got housing for about six months. We paid, subsidized by the military housing allowance, 1500 DM a month for our apartment in a three apartment building. Above us was the landlord, and below us a German couple. We found out that the German couple paid 400DM for the same apartment we were paying 1500DM for.

My point is simple. If you don't speak the language like a native, or are ID'd as an "Ami" in places near American bases in Germany, or haven't made some real friends with locals who scratched you off the ugly American list, your mileage may vary.

If you truly want to do Europe, Australia/NZ, Africa, the far East etc. Perhaps there are still some peace corps or archeological (sp?) expeditions that will pay your way to go for a few months at a time. Unfortunately lots of retirees that are looking for what they missed in their working lives are paying their own way as volunteers for most of the fun stuff like digs.

Or if you have skills, you can get hired by a multi-national company and get to live overseas and learn what tourists never do in two weeks to a month of touring tourist areas.

But if you do choose to go overseas in what ever way, do keep a low profile. Americans are targets for kidnappings and robberies simply because we take the safety we have on out patch of earth so much for granted that many can't conceive of not having rights or police protection like here.

I am not sure if you are looking for adventure, cultural long term experience, or remote direct living experiences. Maybe you aren't sure either.

But your youth and education are on your side and I wish you the best of luck. I know of one guy that went around the world on a 250 cc Motorscooter:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atkysvMHFUM

What is it exactly that you two want to do? Travel the world? Live in a new and exciting culture? Tour? Use your current RV to get out of the country and travel? Work in another country? Work on the road? Work abroad?

Perhaps you are just feeling the first stage of fulltimer freedom. I know how that feels! Congrats! The possibilites ARE endless, all ya gotta decide is what you want, then do it!

This post has been edited by RV: Nov 8 2009, 01:41 PM

[Dave W]

Tyler

After living and working overseas (while paying tax to Uncle Sam AND the foreign country) for 30 years I can offer this tid bit. IF you are willing to live with the same standards as the locals, you can live on their budget. I'm nearly certain (showing MY ignorance) that you wouldn't want to live as the Mexicans/Chinese/Indians/Malay/Indonesians & etc. do. The Mexican RV parks typically try to charge the same as US parks, with MUCH lower standards. Good Luck though - it is a good adventure to travel though, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend going, just don't go with the expectation of saving money doing it. Go and ENJOY !

[Don S.]

I am currently in Mazatlan enjoying the sand and sun. It is possible to get a furnished apartment here anywhere from 300 -350 a month, bills paid. Living in an rv will cost that much or more. You will not get $13 American for your buck, you will get 13 pesos for your American dollar. Eating out will cost you 59 pesos for a burger, 42 pesos for two eggs, bacon, and toast. So you can see, you are right in the ballpark of costs of the US. You can eat very cheap if you want to but you have to conform and eat like the locals. For us this is no problem because we love the food and are willing to try almost anything. To get the great local fair be ready to eat in road side stands with dirt floors. No sparkling china and sterling place settings here.

As far as working, yes you can, no problem. Mexico is looking for people with skills in marketing, accounting, IT, engineering. Being bilingual is very, very helpful. My daughter was offered a job here( her background is economics) at an excellent pay but she was "in love" and decided to stay stateside.

In Mexico, do not expect to have things done like they are in the states. The people here are the best but they work at their pace and you will not change it, you will have to accept them as they are. Best thing is, they will tolerate the "gringo".

I an surprised at comments made by one poster as she is a mod on another forum. I guess it is ok to rip on one forum and not allow the same type of comments on another.

[BobVA]

I enjoy following the travels of George and Ms Tioga, who has been traveling around Mexico for years. Educational and interesting.

http://vagabonders-supreme.net/

Bob

[TylerOSU]

Tyler I was military for 27 years and lived in Europe for 7 years. Our experiences are even more varied. My Dad was AF and when I was 5 we moved to Bogota, Colombia, SA and I had to go to kindergarten and 1st grade in a language I never spoke before, Spanish! OK I passed. We have scuba'd in the Red Sea in 1996 off Hurghada Egypt for a week and visited the Temple of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. Traveled all over Europe and the former eastern block countries, we ski'd all the major slopes in Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria etc., and dealt with exchange rates and cultural/language/Ugly American preconceptions, and yes learned languages, some conversationally, some phrases, some just how to find the bar and restroom.

When you go to ex pat sites and go to retiree sites remember that they, like me, often have a fixed income that goes to wherever we are, regardless of whether we work or not. I could live overseas on my retirement but choose not to because our kids and grandkids and remaining parents are here. Many times retirees work just to keep from being like old soldiers, just fading away. But do pay attention to the fact that you cannot sustain a lifestyle like even the blue collar workers here, on an economy that is less than ours, and seems cheap to tourists, as a blue collar worker there.

Firstly most Americans, not even some of the ex pats, do not learn to speak other languages. Overseas people who speak English can hold their own conversationally. Our school system turns out passing grades when in most instances, they are translating in their heads instead of like a good reader, not feeling an effort to read, but just getting the mental images. Like sounding out words to read, the message is lost in the translation. People in other countries are pretty much like here. If a Mexican or a German called you, or implied, that you were stupid because you do not speak their language here in the good ol US, where the national language is English you'd take offense. I have seen my fellow Americans do that same thing over and over overseas.

So if you are looking for the adventure of traveling overseas, perhaps an RV may not be the best vehicle for doing that. They don't do trans oceanic crossings all that well. Overseas they call them Caravans not RVs, fuels cost four times in most other countries like Germany than they cost here per gallon at any given time. So you need to realize that you won't want to run a full size American RV for travel overseas. It can work to your advantage on this continent (Mexico etc.)

Your youth is an advantage. However, since you guys are, and congratulations, about to move into a fulltimer situation may I suggest that you start your cultural experiences in the US, Canada, and Alaska first? After traveling all over the world and living overseas we did 7 years of fulltiming, starting at age 45 when I retired from the Service, and found as much diversity, challenges, different cultures like the native Americans in both the lower 48 and Alaska, the Canadians and their views on politics, etc.

Back then we were sometimes looked at like we were purple by some of our fellow RV fulltimers because we were usually 20 years younger than our fellow fulltimers. Getting comments like "You're too young to be retired, go back to work!" Half seriously, but still amazed. The norm is to do it after "normal" retirement age at 62 or more. I don't adhere to norms as many do, nor rock the boat. We have had, and still do, have fun.

You already got the advice from one in Mexico to keep a low profile. Something that most don't even consider. You see most Americans go on a cruise or a two week to one month tour, and that won't even get you entre to consideration as anything more than a tourist.

If you choose to live in another country, third world or not, as an American you will be considered rich even if you aren't. For a good example let's take Germany. Not a third world country by any stretch. When we moved there the exchange rate was about 4 DM to the dollar, and yes we could buy a lot more. When we left the Euro was not in place yet but the exchange rate was 1.4 to 1. Here's my point. We rented an apartment close to the base until we got housing for about six months. We paid, subsidized by the military housing allowance, 1500 DM a month for our apartment in a three apartment building. Above us was the landlord, and below us a German couple. We found out that the German couple paid 400DM for the same apartment we were paying 1500DM for.

My point is simple. If you don't speak the language like a native, or are ID'd as an "Ami" in places near American bases in Germany, or haven't made some real friends with locals who scratched you off the ugly American list, your mileage may vary.

If you truly want to do Europe, Australia/NZ, Africa, the far East etc. Perhaps there are still some peace corps or archeological (sp?) expeditions that will pay your way to go for a few months at a time. Unfortunately lots of retirees that are looking for what they missed in their working lives are paying their own way as volunteers for most of the fun stuff like digs.

Or if you have skills, you can get hired by a multi-national company and get to live overseas and learn what tourists never do in two weeks to a month of touring tourist areas.

But if you do choose to go overseas in what ever way, do keep a low profile. Americans are targets for kidnappings and robberies simply because we take the safety we have on out patch of earth so much for granted that many can't conceive of not having rights or police protection like here.

I am not sure if you are looking for adventure, cultural long term experience, or remote direct living experiences. Maybe you aren't sure either.

But your youth and education are on your side and I wish you the best of luck. I know of one guy that went around the world on a 250 cc Motorscooter:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atkysvMHFUM

What is it exactly that you two want to do? Travel the world? Live in a new and exciting culture? Tour? Use your current RV to get out of the country and travel? Work in another country? Work on the road? Work abroad?

Perhaps you are just feeling the first stage of fulltimer freedom. I know how that feels! Congrats! The possibilites ARE endless, all ya gotta decide is what you want, then do it!

To answer that, here is our basic ROUGH plan right now, with a couple goals/options:

First, some basics about my family:

My wife, 23, very close to be on Disabilties for host of medical issues, mostly concerning Truamatic Brain Injury, Vertigo, Psiatica etc. Not life threatning, but still cant hold job.

Myself, 27, degree OSU(06), work exp in non-profit field so far, but nothing lucrative(I make like $22k/year) as single income.

One Dog, age 6, Barkley(pics in my profile). Obviously a hangup for overseas stuff b/c some countries wont allow or make you wait MONTHS to get your dog over there. Thus, the timeline below of 5-7 years after he passes away. He is our bonafide son.

1-3 years:

1.) Live Frugally as possible(with a few non frugal exceptions for at least now, like PS3/Sat TV/Internet)

2.) Live in BigValleyWoods RV Park nearby, commute to work(30min), and also look for better pay(im underemployed currently, at a measly 9.88/hour, BUT I do get decent benefits and I enjoy it. ANd hey, at least I AM working, thank goodness).

3-7 years:

1.) Move onto Best Friend's Property? By now my good friend should have his land in Southern Oregon, and we could live and work down there(despite it being depressed economically atm) and pay next to nothing for rent. I do know there may be some zoning issues with having an RV on land, sharing resources(hooked into electricity etc) but exact details are not a huge concern now.

OR

2.) Continue living in BigValley, commuting etc.

OR

3.) Move to a 3rd world type country(aka stretch stronger US dollar), using money saved up to help sustain a frugal "native" lifestyle. Opportunities also abound for teaching English with my degree background for a way to get over wherever that place may be. I would say right now, the EARLY short list is : Belieze, Phillipines, Mexico.

And yes the primary goal in all this is frugality and saving money and recognizing what one can do without and STILL greatly enjoy life. No one would call me the biggest patriot either, and frankly at times have been ashamed at what this country has done/does, but that's a whole other can of worms best left untouched...(well I "peeked" inside the can lets say lol)

I do realize that the whole "grass is greener" issue applies very much in this scenario, as many other "cheap" oveseas spots have their own blights and troubles, despite being cheaper.

-----------



Does a degree from the US, specifically my Liberal Studies(basically History) B.S. from Oregon State, really put me above the rest of the folks in a 3rd world type country? Or is there not a big difference?

I would assume(ASSuME hehehe...love that saying) that in say Mexico. that might hold true depending on job market, because with less per capita(than the US) getting college degrees, there still won't be as many college level jobs to fill...supply and demand...this hold any truth in some 3rd world countries? I know someone earlier said Mexico is seeking folks with so and so degrees. I also know that Philipines, and even India, are becoming more and more "Americanized" and "progressing" as it were in regards to economy, which doesn't bode well neccearily for frugal retirement.

I ran across a few Expat/retiring overseas sites over the last couple days I have to do some more digging there, I have a hard time grasping the cheaper concept in relation to conversions factors and standards of living. It's a bit tricky at the outset, explaining apparently much CHEAPER by US standards living, but then realizing you are now in said country and it's all relative...hmm...indeed.




One blog i stumbled across lately has been pretty interesting for getting this whole overseas/retirement deal done earlier. than later.

http://earlyretirementextreme.com/

This post has been edited by TylerOSU: Nov 9 2009, 02:24 AM

[Joe Spiker]

Thanks for the help.

Tyler,

As has been stated, MOST SKP'S are very nice people. Please pardon my bad manners in not welcoming you to the boards earlier.

Now to address the issue of living and working in Mexico. While I've not spent great amounts of time down there I have visited the country many times. It is a wonderful place and has much history to learn. The people there are some of the best in the world, in my opinion. I have met many Americans that not only live there, but also work there. There are many different things the Government will give their permission for you to do. I'd like to suggest that you look up fellow SKP Lee Jacob's and send her a Private Message about this. Lee has lived in the Mazatlan area for many years and knows many Americans that both live and work in that area.

One other thing before I head out of Ida's way. In my many years sitting in classrooms I can not remember one teacher that didn't make the following statement,THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION!

Mr. Spiker

[Wanderin']

No one would call me the biggest patriot either, and frankly at times have been ashamed at what this country has done/does, but that's a whole other can of worms best left untouched...(well I "peeked" inside the can lets say lol)

Now we've stumbled on a whole other issue. I am a patriot and would never want to assist others who want to willingly give up their citizenship. I originally thought you didn't know you didn't have to when you were wondering about getting citizenship in another country but this makes it sound like that's your intent. Please tell me that's not your intent and I just read it wrong? I may disagree with policies at times but I have never been ashamed of my country. I've been to other countries .... many, many countries all over the world. I'm proud to be an American ... always.



This post has been edited by Wanderin': Nov 9 2009, 07:13 AM

[Jack Mayer]

Jeeeezzze.....Y'all need to chill out a little. I don't log on ONE evening and miss all the fireworks!!

The problem with forums is it is hard to tell intent from the written word. I, and most people, are not REAL careful about the way we word things when we post. So sometimes things get mis-interpreted. In general I tend to cut people some slack and ASSUME they have good intentions until it becomes CLEAR the opposite is true. Just me....

As to the OP questions; yes, there is work in Belize and Mexico. You should be able to teach English in Mexico - I know at least one person that does that. Most people say it is about 30% cheaper to live there, but further research on other forums where people really have lived there will tell you more. We have considered living in Central America before we went fulltime. I have a friend that bought a small hotel in Belize without a problem and lives there, renting rooms. It was not expensive to buy, either (in relative terms). It gives him enough income to live in the local economy (without retirement income). But NO FINANCING, so you have to have the cash for something like that. His cost was far less than a starter house in much of this country.

You will not find nicer and harder working people than Rural Mexicans. But you want to stay away from big cities, and especially border cities.

I think your overall plan is a good one, as long as you both are satisfied with it. Your execution to-date is impressive. I really do not see much downside to the nearterm stuff, other than normal "life" happening. It will be what you make of it....and given what you have described you will do fine, IMO.

[bobsea43]

one potential problem I have not seen addressed is medical care, for wife in particular. The more rural you get the more difficult it may be to get. Based on your assessment of wife's health, I would carefull consider medical care availability and cost wherever you go.

This post has been edited by bobsea43: Nov 9 2009, 08:42 AM

[The Texan]

Tyler,
Welcome to the forum and for gods sake, don't let the 2 that think they know it all, run you off. If I had a teacher like the one who professes to be, I would spend a lot of time in the office, for voicing my opinion. LOL

I was born on the Mexican border and educated in Mexico, except for my last 2 HS years, which were spent in a border town. Believe me, the average Mexican is nicer and friendlier than at least 2 people on this forum. My wife and I do travel in Mexico and see many Americans who live there in total enjoyment and comfort. Yes, with the proper credentials, you can work in Mexico, just as Chris and others are doing. Just do a lot of research as to the customs and laws of Mexico, as they are very different from ours. The medical facilities in Mexico range from very poor, to 100X better than here in the US and cost anywhere from pennies on the dollar, to a little less than here. I utilize the dental and medical facilities in Mexico and as retired Military, I am granted medical privileges at the Mexican Military medical facilities, which are some of the best in the world. Rving in Mexico is not cheap, as the folks have realized that the "rich Americans" travel in those big RVs and will pay whatever is asked for a "safe place" to stay. We actually pay more at RV parks in Mexico, than we do in the US. We also do not feel threatened by the Mexicans, as many do who travel there, and spend much of our travels boondocking in their beautiful country.

Can you make it in Mexico as an American with an education? Sure you can and there are many who do, that will be glad to mentor you in the ways, if you contact them. Just remember, you are in their country and even though they are very humble people, they are fiercely loyal and proud of their country and its history. Go and enjoy a wonderful time in a beautiful country.
Bob

[Susan Prince]

Tyler:

As you can see, this particular forum may not have all the answers to the questions you seek. Your long term plan of living in third world country may prove problematic in the long run, given your wife's medical issues. There are other options. If heathcare is your #1 issue, look into moving to France. Their health care is probably the best in the world, and even non-citizens can get it if they buy into it....and best of all, even that scenario is based on income.

Here's a site that may help you : http://www.escapeartist.com/

Another option you've probably not considered: there is a whole world of people all around the globe who get informal jobs doing various kinds of caretaking work -- looking after big country estates, tending horses for a movie star's ranch, patrolling a private beach somewhere.... (I'm not kidding). These jobs usually come with housing of some sort. If you are sharp, personable, and know how to be discreet, you are like gold to these people. Do you have a special skill? Carpentry, animal care, tending to boats? The possibilities are endless once you crack the door open.

[RV]

Tyler,
Good for you, your plan should work, and you are allowing the time for it.

This link outlines some experiences of working in Mexico.
http://www.eslteachersboard.com/cgi-bin/la...dex.pl?read=288

On the more negative side, and supporting my comments about learning the language of any host country whether there at the orders of your government or company, and keeping a low profile, as in learning, and learning to appreciate, the culture you are living in with no attitude towards the host people as inferior, is my next link below.

But learning that people in all countries love their country is not a negative.

I love my country, and my culture. I also loved living in other countries and learning theirs. Oh I sided with my country on geopolitical issues, and like, with friends here when they try to discuss politics, sometimes just changed the subject. Social intercourse does not mean sucking up, ask any diplomat. If you take the social graces out of the phrase social intercourse, you can see what you are left with in that context. Someone is getting . . . well you know what I mean. I was fortunate in that I was doing my Masters in International Relations with Troy State while I was there. Boy were those courses eye openers. They gave me the tools to understand the cultures from an historical and geo political perspective as actors on the international stage and our roles on that stage. I did not realize that course of study would be so eye opening when I signed up. Honestly. It was just the most interesting looking degree that dovetailed with my military career. I had no idea when I started how much it would contribute to our personal understanding and ability to know where folks were coming from in our own travels.

This one outlines what I meant by the ugly American. Whether I am living or just visiting another country I remember that I am a guest, and learn to at least speak somewhat clearly in their language. The fact that I might make mistakes is irrelevant in that I made the effort to acknowledge my hosts as that. By effort I don’t mean a few mangled words, but being able to converse in simple subjects. Actually, so many people overseas speak very good English, like in Germany, and hold back to see if you, in their country, are willing to try. Then many times, they realize you aren’t taking a superior attitude, and most likely will switch to English as a courtesy. This can generate some friends but then you don’t get to practice the language. Remember that most folks outside the US speak at least two languages, many 4 or more, but I mean conversationally and fluently. They work at them in school, they don’t just pass tests and can’t speak fluently. The reason is simple. Most other countries with few exceptions are smaller than some of our states, and they have to be able to do commerce with other countries on a personal level. They practice!
http://ezinearticles.com/?Want-to-Retire-o...;&id=812608

Mexico is not the only country that can be a nice place to live. Costa Rica because of its peaceful and stable culture is an often overlooked destination, but it pretty close to the equator. Argentina has a large immigrant population of Germans, Italians, and believe it or not Jews displaced during WWII. Many of the gauchos with their flowing pants and colorful costumes wear a Yarmulke (sp?) under their hat, I kid you not.

No matter where you go, home will always be home. The adventure and new experiences can be wonderful. If we could have gotten a job back in Germany with an American company we would have done maybe five years there after I retired. We did not like everything, but the experiences and our friends there were wonderful. However we did get tested first. Did we know the geopolitics of the region? The geography? The leaders of their country/ies. Basic stuff most Americans consider unimportant. Most of us can’t name the president of Mexico or Canada without googling it and that’s a fact.

While overseas, assigned to a USAF base with 5000 active duty, our own DOD schools and commissaries, etc. we had an insulated American community which with teachers and dependents numbered around 12,000. I would say that 60-75% of the folks assigned there rarely ventured farther than 20Km from base, within which radius everybody spoke English. Many divorces occurred from spouses that were homesick and never went past Little America while there. Most never learned the local language, beyond being able to order from a menu with a little help from the locals around the base who spoke English. They had all of Europe within 10 hours driving time, and missed it completely. Those folks will never know what they missed, nor realize it later. They viewed it as a worst assignment in their lives. Then there were the minority like us. 7 years was not enough time to see it all, not even make a dent in what was there for the taking. We left places like Egypt with invitations to come back for a real Bedouin dinner. Germany and Switzerland with lifelong friends, and many pleasant acquaintances in all the countries we visited. We also ran into a very few rude and anti-American folks. Just like we have rude folks here. They could not color our views of the wonderful people and experiences we had.

Anyway hope those links and my comments help. Travel abroad is broadening if you are willing to learn, and it does not involve an iota of unamericanism. Just remember they are as proud of their country, as we are of ours. Always remember that there are folks in every country who you could not pay to move to the US, and aren’t anti-America. Just as there are folks here who would not go to another country. My goodness there are folks who won’t cross into Canada from here!

That’s not a slam on Americans, just that some can adapt and overcome, as we say in the military, and some choose not to. I love watching Jay Leno doing his street walking routine and asking everyday folks who is the president of our country, or the vice and getting some very off base answers.

You have the time to choose a destination, save money and make tentative plans. A good priority list. If at the end you choose not to go elsewhere for monetary or adventure the worst thing that happens is you have money in the bank and can pursue another dream. Not bad!

We fulltimed for 7 years and now are off the road and pursuing another dream. See we already did fulltiming, and at the time thought it would be for life. I have never found saving for a dream, which we always did and paid cash for rigs, vehicles, property etc. to have a downside.

What we have found is that our dreams change about every five years. Or are modified, or opportunity knocks with something more fun, and we just have to answer the door. I strongly suggest you go to my website and read the newsletters from the road. I don’t do travelogues but showed the trials we experienced as well from a unique perspective. Having said that, we would not take back one day of our fulltime travels, this dream, or the previous careers and experiences. I think, even being older than you, we have a couple of dreams left in us yet. You should have many, go for them, save for them, and adapt and overcome. And never be afraid to change to a new one, once you have accomplished the last one, or to change to a new one, if the last one becomes overridden by new situations and goals.

Good luck!

This post has been edited by RV: Nov 9 2009, 12:57 PM

[AC7880]

"No one would call me the biggest patriot either, and frankly at times have been ashamed at what this country has done/does, but that's a whole other can of worms best left untouched...(well I "peeked" inside the can lets say lol)"



Well, I do wish you had not gone there - it should indeed have been left untouched. You say your wife is close to being on disability - as in Social Security payments for the rest of her life that other US citizens will pay for? If you give up US citizenship those payments will be gone. On the exchange rate 13 to 1 - the exchange rates of other countries has zero to do with actual cost of living in those countries.

My family and I lived in the Phillipines 2 years, Germany 3 years, Turkey 2 years, and I visited Saudi, Mexico, and many European countries on vacations and business (retired USAF 27 years).

"Most" US citizens who relocate to other/3rd world/poor countries don't live as the locals do, therefore not as cheaply. For example in the Phillipines you can have a tin shack, non-locking door, dirt floors, eat mainly rice, 2 sets of clothing, no transportation, etc and do fine on around $50 a month. Or in the PI you can live a more western lifestyle, and do fine on between $1500 to $3,000 per month. Don't forget the cost of trips out of country to reset the VISA/tourist/non-resident time limits, or to visit relatives back in the US.

I recommend tons of research on expat sites on the net - it just isn't as cheap to live overseas as it seems at first glance. That said, living in other countries is educational, rewarding, and worthwile if your personality and midset are up for it. Research, and research some more and it could all work out great.

You are young enough and have a degree - and could consider joining the US military as an officer. It would give you great medical care for your wife, pay more than you make now, alllow you to retire after 20 years service, and allow you to travel overseas - one more option that is out there. Nothing like extensive travel for extended times to improve ones views of the US - in comparison to the places you live overseas.

[RV]

Dan!

Great post!

You wrote:
"You are young enough and have a degree - and could consider joining the US military as an officer. It would give you great medical care for your wife, pay more than you make now, alllow you to retire after 20 years service, and allow you to travel overseas - one more option that is out there. Nothing like extensive travel for extended times to improve ones views of the US - in comparison to the places you live overseas."

Many folks with BS degrees that are not on the needed list also become enlisted, and have a shot at OTS/OCS in the future. I was enlisted with a BS later and it made quite a difference in my promotions. Of course that is just one square, performance from that knowledge makes all the difference. I started my BS too late to meet the 35 age limit. However the military paid for it mostly, and a masters for a BS candidate is definitely a ticket in.

Tyler pay attention. His advice on living on even a retirement income is spot on as the brits say.

This post has been edited by RV: Nov 9 2009, 01:28 PM