The Pros and Cons of Retiring and Living Abroad 

Making the big choice to retire and live abroad is a big commitment. There are many things to think about, making it overwhelming to make a final decision. While some couples prefer to stay in their hometown, others seek adventure and the possibility of seeing the world without any commitments. In this article, we’ll take a look at both the pros and cons of retiring abroad.  

The Pros and Cons of Retiring and Living Abroad 

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Pro: Better healthcare 

When you get to retiring age, healthcare is one of the first things you think about. The fact is, the USA has one of the most expensive healthcare in the world. By living abroad, you can save thousands of dollars while still knowing you’ll receive the best healthcare possible. There are many cheap places to live overseas, that can save you money in all areas, from real estate to modern luxuries.  

As of 2017, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Sweden currently have the best healthcare systems globally, ensuring equity and care across the country. You can find more information online regarding the world’s healthcare systems.  

 

Con: Far away from family 

If you are a family orientated individual, making the big decision to move abroad might not be the best choice for you. Depending on your location, it could be expensive to fly back and forth between countries, making it harder and harder to visit your loved ones. However, if you don’t have children or your children have grown, you may not have any further commitments, and moving may not bother you. It could be a new start in life, without anything holding you back.  

 

Pro: Live in a life in the sunshine 

Tropical beaches and warm sunshine welcome you in countries around the world, with many of the best places to retire, offering excellent weather all year round. If you’re not a fan of the intense sun, then that’s ok too! New Zealand is filled with snowy mountain tops, and Switzerland is perfect for those that love to ski. The options are endless, and with so many selections, you’ll undoubtedly find the ideal place. Sound great? Check out this living abroad guide for more information. 

 

Con: Culture shock 

While the thought of moving to an unknown place can be exciting at first, for some of us, the culture shock might be overwhelming. Each location has its own traditions and ways of life, and it’s vital that you respect them. For example, in tropical Vanuatu, most shops still ‘siesta‘ and close between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm, and in Egypt, it’s considered rude to add extra salt to a meal. While some find these traditions exciting, others might not be able to cope with such a big change. 

 

Pro: Diversity 

One of the best things about choosing to retire abroad is that the world is so diverse. From beautiful mountains to gorgeous rainforests, you can select the life of your dreams, without having to worry about anyone else. Some of the best places to retire, include Panama and France, as they have some of the world’s most diverse geography. 

 

Con: The language barrier 

Unless you’ve studied a language before, it can be overwhelming at first if you decide to move to a non-English speaking destination. While most individuals do know some English, it can be challenging to ask for advice or assistance. However, after a short amount of time, you’ll be able to learn new phrases and words, making communication easy.  

If you’re looking to prepare yourself, check out some of the free language apps that you can download on your phone or laptop. You could even consider hiring a tutor so that you are 100% ready to take on the world.

 

Pro: Fun and adventure 

Gone are the days of lounging around at home all day. With new destinations come new attractions and experiences. You can golf around the world, hike some of the most beautiful trails, and relax on a beach with a cocktail. The possibilities are endless, and you’ll be able to have more fun than you’ve had in years. 

 

Con: You will have to start a new routine 

For some, changing up their usual routine can be fun and exciting. However, it’s not always the same case for everyone. For individuals with anxiety and panic disorders, the thought of this can be daunting. By moving to a new country, you’ll need to learn about new foods and traditions and even buy a different toothpaste brand. Everything will change, and it’s crucial that you can handle it. 

 

While you may still be deciding upon your final decision, it’s vital that whatever choice you make is right for you. This is the time where you finally get to put yourself first and relax after all of your hard work. Remember that you’ve got this and you’ll come to the right decision when it’s time.