Asia Expats Forum

pceire32 · Joined: 19 Aug 2007 Posts: 3 Location:

Hi first post. I'm a dual Citzen both USA & Irish (euro) passports living in Santa Monica California and hoping to retire soon to somewhere. Have traveled a lot. Thoughts at present are Thailand or Guatemala. Have visted both and love the people.
Paul

Alan Stepney · Centurion Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 845 Location:

Can I suggest that you also consider the Philippines.

Mostly English speaking, lots of Americans and Europeans, Brits, there so in major cities it is easy to find most of the things that one wants to make life enjoyable.

Friendly people.
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The Middle Eastern states aren't nations; they're quarrels with borders.- P. J. O'Rourke

pceire32 · Joined: 19 Aug 2007 Posts: 3 Location:

Thank you for your post. I will try and vist the Philippines this year. The language factor will help again thanks for your advice.

Mike · Site Admin Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 4359 Location:

pceire32 · Joined: 19 Aug 2007 Posts: 3 Location:

I dont think I am comparing. I am looking to move out of the USA and liked both of these countries for different reasons. I loved the Chaing Mai area of Thailand the peaceful feeling I had from the people I met and the relaxed pace.
I love the Lake Atitlan area in Guatemala the Mayan people and culture with the beauty of the lake makes it a special place for me.
I have been to both Costa Rica and Venezula. Costa Rica is a nice country but it is a bit too overcome with gringo ownership and gringo prices in the real estate market. Venezula I was in and out of when I lived in Guyana and I did not find it a friendly country and way too many guns where I was in the interior. This was a while ago so maybe things have changed.
These are just my personal feelings and not meant to be a stand for or against any of these countries just my experinces.
I have never been to Cambodia would like to visit sometime.

Alan Stepney · Centurion Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 845 Location:

Apart from the attractions of scenery etc, you also need to consider the practicalities.
The visa situation, availability and quality of hospitals (hopefully, not needed, but one never knows), and no matter how much you enjoy living like the locals, sometimes it is nice to find, for example, familiar foodstuffs.

Also, how easy is it to fly to other places or back home, should you want or need to?

These questions and the answers often make deciding one place instead of another far easier.
_________________
The Middle Eastern states aren't nations; they're quarrels with borders.- P. J. O'Rourke