Would you consider becoming an 'expat'? If so, where would you choose to live?

2015-09-28T23:16:55-04:00

This is an excerpt from a former Texan who emigrated to Chile:
"Ease for foreign retirees/pensioners. Retirees from US, Canada, EU, Brazil and more find that it is virtually effortless to receive their IRA, Social Security, 401K, or pension distributions in Chile. Chile has established reciprocity agreements with several major countries, for seamless processing of pensioner distribution. Fill out a few forms, and in a month or two, it's done. They do this, because they (unlike the US) want to attract those who can pay their own bills, and be self-sufficient, and spend their money here."
http://popularliberty.com/8794/we-left-us-we-chose-chile

We Left The U.s. We Chose Chile | Popular Liberty at the Daily Paul

I truly apologize for re-posting this, but I'm still getting lots of private messages with questions. This is great that there is so much interest! However, for security and other reasons, I don't want to respond to private messages, so those of you who do have questions, just post them on this thread, and I'll be happy to respond, so that everyone can share in this information. I've also included the link to the original DP post, where you...

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Sep 28 at 2015 11:18 PM

2015-09-28T23:18:51-04:00

I probably would never leave the US for good, but if I did, I'd move to New Zealand in a heartbeat. After that, probably Ireland, England, Scotland, or Wales.

Response by SSG Toryn Green made Sep 28 at 2015 11:22 PM

2015-09-28T23:22:48-04:00

I would love to spend an extended period of time in Italy or Germany, but I can't say that I would want to completely abandon this country that has given my family and I so much.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 12:17 AM

2015-09-29T00:17:09-04:00

Probably Belize or Austalia.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Sep 29 at 2015 1:16 AM

2015-09-29T01:16:09-04:00

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS I lived exclusively in Germany (outside of the Military) for almost 20 years. It is something that calls to you if you truly love the people and the way of life in a country. The lure of the US was too much for us though, and we have been living happily in Alaska for almost 4 years now.

If we ever chose to leave the US again it would either be Germany, or Australia.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 29 at 2015 1:59 AM

2015-09-29T01:59:48-04:00

Plenty of Sailor do the Expat thing and move to the Philippines. Cost of living sure makes it seem worthwhile. I'll pass though.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Sep 29 at 2015 2:08 AM

2015-09-29T02:08:11-04:00

Not a prayer.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Sep 29 at 2015 9:59 AM

2015-09-29T09:59:39-04:00

I have no plans to reside outside CONUS, but certainly will visit my daughter and her family in Belfast N Ireland. For several years she has been trying to get me to retire there and while it is tempting I enjoy my visits but there is so much more I want to see of the US and allow my wandering to find a retirement home of my own. Belfast is an easy lifestyle to become accustomed to with great public transportation, city centre is a great shopping experience/district, community medical facilities aplenty, and the countryside is simply amazing. I guess it doesn't hurt either to have my daughter and her extended family there.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Sep 29 at 2015 10:19 AM

2015-09-29T10:19:15-04:00

Last time I considered, I came up with Belize, Ireland, Australia, most of the Caribbean, and Hawaii (yes, I know, it's not a foreign country... technically).

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Sep 29 at 2015 11:11 AM

2015-09-29T11:11:47-04:00

I have travelled around most of the globe, I wouldn't trade places with anyone else anywhere. God definitely blessed the USA.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 29 at 2015 11:58 AM

2015-09-29T11:58:57-04:00

My wife and I are regular viewers of House Hunters International and there are aspects of many places that I like except for the government. No matter how balmy and inviting, you should check out the politics that you'll be inheriting when you move to one of these places. Yes, politics in America are annoying even in the best of times, but no nation enjoys the guarantees of liberty that one finds in the US. I know some argue that Swedes, Canadians, Brits, whomever are just as free, but they don't understand that there is no guarantee. For example, the Brits don't have a Constitution and their rights may be rescinded by law at any time Parliament decides. Imagine how much worse some banana republic might become at the whim of the powers that be. No, I'll stay here in the good ole USA and complain about the politics, but I'll never surrender my Constitution. Remember, you can run but you can't hide...

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Sep 29 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-09-29T13:12:15-04:00

Truth to tell, Chile never even crossed my mind.

Response by LT Louis McKellar made Sep 29 at 2015 1:24 PM

2015-09-29T13:24:09-04:00

During my military career, I visited a few countries. Never found one that interested me in returning to the US, packing my household goods and going there.

I enjoy the freedoms of the US Constitution.

Response by PO2 Brandon Boucher made Sep 29 at 2015 2:06 PM

2015-09-29T14:06:26-04:00

I would. The EU or Canada isn't out of the realm of possibility, however I wouldn't mind Nevis or Belize either! :) So long as I could still do my work and my wife could do her's...it doesn't rightly matter to me.

Response by SPC Luis Mendez made Sep 29 at 2015 2:08 PM

2015-09-29T14:08:21-04:00

I have though about it, Spain would be my first choice. The Main reason I heard and read about all the time is lower cost of living. I don't know anyone overseas personally that I can Trust to inquire and that's a Must for me.

I don't believe that evading US Taxes is possible and some of what I read appear to "insinuate" that. If that's the case some of these people are just delinquents, Tax evaders. Last estimate I read somewhere, is about 25 millions Americans living overseas. Some of them part of that generation of the 1960's. Economics, Political and Social instability overseas is something to take into account and for that reason I don't like Asia, parts of Europe and much less Latin-America.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Sep 29 at 2015 2:38 PM

2015-09-29T14:38:01-04:00

Without a doubt Philippines! Japan, Thailand.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 3:33 PM

2015-09-29T15:33:30-04:00

If the Hillary bitch is elected, I am making plans now to return to Canada, my native home, where I have dual citizenship and tons of sympathetic relatives!!!

Response by SN Greg Wright made Sep 29 at 2015 3:35 PM

2015-09-29T15:35:30-04:00

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS I've been an expat several times in: Japan (2 years), the Philippines (4 years), and Halifax (2 years). I would go back to any of them, gladly.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 3:52 PM

2015-09-29T15:52:18-04:00

CPO Andy Carrillo, No, I would not consider becomming an "Expat" the very notion of the word strikes me the wrong way. However, would I choose to retire to some tropical location with low cost of living and no snow? Why sure, just don't call me an "Expat", its a label that tends to conjure up bad connotations. I am a Patriot, but would be interested in Chile, I would also consider the Anitiles. I would like to retire in a no-state-tax state as well, but that's probably not going to happen either.

Response by SGT John Rauch made Sep 29 at 2015 5:10 PM

2015-09-29T17:10:26-04:00

I think I could deal with Italy....simply because of the food, or australia or new zealand. though siberia crossed my mind too

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 5:19 PM

2015-09-29T17:19:36-04:00

I've been at my happiest in Japan, so I would definitely go there in a heartbeat.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Sep 29 at 2015 6:02 PM

2015-09-29T18:02:38-04:00

I have relatives in Trian a small farming area in Roscommon Ireland.. they keep telling me to visit them & they think I could easily fall in love with their beautiful country...My relatives in Ireland own small farms, restaurants and pubs......I would be Ok with owning a Pub..because some already have my name "Cunnally's Irish Pub".. I would just have to change the sign to "Tom Cunnally's Irish/American Pub....& serve Coors along with Guinness Irish Stout Ale & Beer...

Response by LCpl Adrian Ward made Sep 29 at 2015 6:15 PM

2015-09-29T18:15:48-04:00

Costa Rica or the PI for me please!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 7:25 PM

2015-09-29T19:25:15-04:00

I would definitely plan to visit other countries, but would never move out of the United States. Despite many problems, its still one of the best countries to live and and enjoy a strong economy. I also want to continue to support US military members, veterans and military-themed youth organizations. That would be harder to do living in a foreign country.

Response by SPC William Weedman made Sep 29 at 2015 10:35 PM

2015-09-29T22:35:55-04:00

Later this year I will become a "lovepat" in the Netherlands. I met my Bride when we both worked for the same company, she in Netherlands me here in the US. I will immigrate later this year and we will live in the Netherlands as long as the ride lasts with her current fantastic employer. We decided that we will return to the US at some point in the future, there is even a chance that as the company expands in the US she might move into a leadership role here in the IT field, only time will tell.

Response by SSG Roderick Smith made Sep 30 at 2015 4:20 AM

2015-09-30T04:20:05-04:00

Prague, Paris, or Venice. I've always loved Prague. The culture and the history in that city is downright beautiful. As for Venice, the idea of living on Lido and jetting around on a boat all the time kind of appealed to me. And Paris just rocked. standing in the center of the courtyard at the Louvre was the most awe-inspiring thing I've done yet. If I could just live in that glass pyramid, yeah... that'd be great.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Sep 30 at 2015 4:21 AM

2015-09-30T04:21:53-04:00

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS Belize or South Korea would be where I would live outside the US.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 6:43 AM

2015-09-30T06:43:52-04:00

My honest answer is no. I love living in America, but there are states that I would never want to live.

Response by 1LT Aaron Barr made Sep 30 at 2015 7:51 AM

2015-09-30T07:51:39-04:00

I would if Hillary Clinton became President and would probably move to Russia. Two reasons; first, my wife's Russian so I'd have people I knew there. Second, and more important, if I'm going to live under a tin-plated dictator with delusions of Godhead, I'd at least like to live under one that's competent.

Response by CPT Tom Fawls made Sep 30 at 2015 9:17 AM

2015-09-30T09:17:35-04:00

Hell, yes! I'd move to Singapore. :)

Response by SSG John Erny made Sep 30 at 2015 10:13 AM

2015-09-30T10:13:24-04:00

I have heard that Chile welcomes Americans with a decent income stream and with the exchange rate once can live well.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 10:16 AM

2015-09-30T10:16:12-04:00

Medellin. Colombia.

Response by LCDR Kathryn (Kathy) Wheeler made Sep 30 at 2015 12:29 PM

2015-09-30T12:29:01-04:00

I would have to say Okinawa Japan. I was stationed there and loved it. The food, weather, snorkeling, diving, etc were great. There was always something to do and the views were breathtaking. The culture and history there is very interesting

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Sep 30 at 2015 2:33 PM

2015-09-30T14:33:32-04:00

I would either go to Canada or the Philippines.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Sep 30 at 2015 3:25 PM

2015-09-30T15:25:39-04:00

Iceland, Germany, or Norway. Not for any reason other than the beauty of the area.

Response by SSgt Milkstopher Tripp made Sep 30 at 2015 6:30 PM

2015-09-30T18:30:01-04:00

In two months, I leave for Germany with my wife. Already have a job lined up & will be going to University of Köln for free. Sorry, but America just isn't worth the hassle anymore.

Response by SMSgt Tony Barnes made Sep 30 at 2015 6:37 PM

2015-09-30T18:37:25-04:00

St Maarten Dutch side

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Sep 30 at 2015 6:47 PM

2015-09-30T18:47:46-04:00

I have lived in Germany most of my adult life, so that would be the place for me.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 10:28 PM

2015-09-30T22:28:12-04:00

YES. I would become an EXPAT when Kayne West decides to run for president and probably elected!! But in all seriousness, NO. I love the ol US of A!! MURICA! If that were to happen, I would look at Australia and New Zealand.

Response by SPC Christopher Perrien made Oct 1 at 2015 10:05 AM

2015-10-01T10:05:10-04:00

I hear Uruguay is nice. Also there are US Territories where you can effectively live in the US, but pay no or low taxes. Saipan and Guam are examples.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 10:05 AM

2015-10-01T10:05:36-04:00

I love to travel the world and experience other cultures. But, America will always be my home. I would love to visit Scotland, Norway, and Nepal someday.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 11:12 AM

2015-10-01T11:12:47-04:00

I hear Costa Rica is nice, and fairly cheap.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 11:20 AM

2015-10-01T11:20:32-04:00

my husband grew up in Germany. we would probably go there for awhile if he is Oma is still alive. we would stay until she passed away to make sure she is properly taken care of in life and in death. then after that we have been looking at winter houses in Cozumel area. the cost of living is low, food was excellent, people were friendly, and you can find a rental home or a house for sale there at a low fair price.

Response by SSgt Phil Sigman made Oct 1 at 2015 3:21 PM

2015-10-01T15:21:43-04:00

My wife owns a house in the Philippines, so that's where I will go.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Oct 1 at 2015 9:05 PM

2015-10-01T21:05:01-04:00

While I have no plans to live anywhere else, if I had to, it would be Italy. I love the history of the country and also the food. Although I am sure I would pack on a 100 lbs. in the first year there. Also on my list would be Israel again because so much history is there.

Response by SGT William Howell made Oct 2 at 2015 9:02 AM

2015-10-02T09:02:52-04:00

I knew a Navy Diver that lived in Pongo Pongo. The stories were awesome. That is where I would go.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2015 12:11 PM

2015-10-02T12:11:21-04:00

Hmmm I like Europe alot particularly south of France

Response by SSG Broderick Sample made Oct 2 at 2015 7:27 PM

2015-10-02T19:27:57-04:00

Yes and I will live here: http://villascabovelas.com/

Cabo Velas

Cabo Velas Estates is located in Matapalo, a hidden gem of the Guanacaste region. Strategically located between Reserva Conchal, and Hacienda Pinilla, 40 minutes from Liberia International Airport, and 15 minutes from Tamarindo Airport, Cabo Velas Estates offers local culture and modern conveniences.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2015 7:27 AM

2015-10-03T07:27:56-04:00

I used to work with a guy that vacationed annually in Argentina and planned to buy a house & retire there. He found it to be as welcoming as some here have mentioned about Chile'. For me personally, I guess it depends on the circumstances. An ideal balance is difficult to find: English speaking, low crime, favorable exchange rate, tolerable weather, advanced medical care, etc.

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Oct 4 at 2015 8:34 AM

2015-10-04T08:34:18-04:00

I already, and I love it; I've lived and worked in Iraq (incl. my current assignment), the UAE, Kosovo, and Japan.

Response by PO3 Jonathan Cooper made Oct 4 at 2015 10:53 AM

2015-10-04T10:53:39-04:00

Either Vancouver, BC. Or Vienna, Austria/Budapest, Hungary/Tel Avi, Israel. All are beautiful areas. Canada would be closer to family though...

Response by SP5 Richard Maze made Oct 4 at 2015 12:13 PM

2015-10-04T12:13:52-04:00

The image of Marlon Brando in a grass skirt ended, forever, the romance of running off to a South Seas island for me

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Oct 4 at 2015 10:50 PM

2015-10-04T22:50:12-04:00

Texas is the place to move! and you can still pay US taxes!

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Oct 5 at 2015 9:48 AM

2015-10-05T09:48:49-04:00

After reading this article, Chile looks GREAT@... I understand Panama is a contender as well.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Oct 5 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-10-05T16:06:45-04:00

Cuba! Good Rum, Good Classic Cars, Good People, governments come and go but the people remain the same.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2015 4:13 PM

2015-10-05T16:13:03-04:00

No, I love America but.... Germany was pretty sweet!

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Oct 5 at 2015 4:36 PM

2015-10-05T16:36:41-04:00

Cuba, good rum, good people, good music, Classic Cars, and a beach where I can sit and see a new beginning.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Oct 5 at 2015 4:54 PM

2015-10-05T16:54:49-04:00

I would never move away from the U.S. I lived in S. Korea and Germany while in the military and trotted around the world for 35 years. I am home to stay! IF there was some reason I had to leave, I would move to Belize.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2015 7:52 PM

2015-10-05T19:52:08-04:00

The earlier America, before it went to crap.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2015 8:24 PM

2015-10-05T20:24:53-04:00

I have considered on moving to Panama when I retire, one of the things holding me back is being away from my family.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Oct 5 at 2015 8:41 PM

2015-10-05T20:41:24-04:00

Absolutely, we should ALL strive to live in a place that appreciates our productivity , and earnings. That respects our rights, property and our undeniable right to protect ourselves. Also a country that gives us the most bang for our buck. If the best place to achieve this is NOT America, then it makes little sense to remain here. Our futures are not required to be tethered to a country simply because we were born here, or because we served here, or because it once appreciated and rewarded hard work, and self-reliance. If that place is no longer America, but rather someplace like Chile, then so be it. A is A.

Response by SSG Michael Hartsfield made Oct 5 at 2015 9:43 PM

2015-10-05T21:43:25-04:00

Iceland, Canada, New Zealand, or Scotland.
Primarily, I'd run back to Anchorage, Alaska

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2015 11:10 PM

2015-10-05T23:10:36-04:00

If the country keeps going in the downward direction, he'll yes

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 1:44 AM

2015-10-06T01:44:50-04:00

Unfortunately, I think that Reagan said it best, "If we lose freedom here, there is no place to escape to. This is the last stand on Earth."

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Oct 6 at 2015 4:44 AM

2015-10-06T04:44:14-04:00

I'd move to Canada just across the border from ND so I could still come back to 'Murica. Besides, I would still be an Eh'merican.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2015 9:00 AM

2015-10-06T09:00:54-04:00

I wouldn't leave the USA at this point, but if I did, I would head straight to Deutschland to live. From there I could easily travel all over Europe.

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Oct 6 at 2015 1:48 PM

2015-10-06T13:48:01-04:00

I would love to live in Barbados!

Response by PV2 Tyra Wahl made Oct 8 at 2015 9:43 AM

2015-10-08T09:43:09-04:00

Yes, Costa Rica is at the top of our list if things really go to crap here in the states.