For those seeking to move outside of the United States, figuring out the best country to move to can be a very daunting task. There are a ton of social, cultural, economic and safety issues to be considered. In addition, those who have never been outside of North America should not underestimate the severe "culture shock" that can take place when moving to another nation. While moving outside of the United States may seem like an attractive alternative, the truth is that it is not easy and it is not something to be done lightly. But there have been many Americans who have done it successfully and are now loving life. Our recent article, "Is Moving Out Of The United States A Way To Escape The Coming Economic Collapse?", generated some really great comments about what various areas of the world are like for Americans who move there. Today we wanted to share with you some of those comments. These commenters have some very strong opinions about where the best places for Americans to move to are, but the reality is that each person and each situation is different so keep that in mind as you read these....
Saigonbrian:
I’ve lived in China, Vietnam, and am currently living in Malaysia for the last few years. I’ve also traveled extensively during that time. Given the likely future problems in the US it’s certainly prudent to at least evaluate an alternative.
Our top two choices would be New Zealand (NZ) and Costa Rica (CR) with Malaysia coming in 3rd. NZ and CR are both beautiful countries and pretty much self-sufficient in needed resources. English, of course, is the language of NZ and it is widely spoken in CR. Though if you choose a country where English is not the native language; you’d be way better off learning the local language.
Some other options would be: Thailand; a beautiful very expat friendly country. Indonesia, in particular Bali. Vietnam and Cambodia would be OK for the more adventurous and they are cheap, cheap. Australia is fine, though the prices are pretty much US level. Singapore is nice if you want to live in one big city. Malaysia is interesting. It tries very hard to get expats to retire there. They have a formal program called “Malaysia My Second Home” (MM2H). You apply for it, and if you meet the criteria, you get a 10 yr, unlimited entry visa. There should be no trouble renewing it. You need to keep about $30,000 USD in a local bank account, buy a home that costs at least $175,000 USD, and have an income of $3,000 a month. I suspect these requirements will lessen. The program is relatively new and the government hasn’t seem to have chosen which expat group they’re really targeting: rich foreigners, well off investors, or retirees with more modest moola. The country is beautiful and fairly cheap to live in. We have a gorgeous 5,000 sf apartment with great, modern security features. Did I mention it’s on the beach with amazing views. The cost? About $2,400 USD a month!! Our electric bill, and we run the aircon a lot; is $25 bucks. We haven’t used our health insurance yet, as we’d not hit the deductible limit and the prices are very cheap. And the quality of care is 1st rate. My daughter twisted her ankle recently so we put the system to the test. The initial exam by an orthopedic surgeon, xrays, and a soft cast cost about $35 USD! Follow-up visits with the orthopedic surgeon cost $9 USD! Pretty darn good. My primary concern? The worry that the country will become too islamic. It is the official state religion though now it does treat the Chinese and Indian minorities relatively fairly. I’m just not sure it can resist the tendency for islam to become more intrusive and radical. Hopefully not, but the jury is still out.
Overall I’d suggest doing some research and find a few contenders. Then go to these places for a vacation. That will give you some 1st hand data. One thing you notice living overseas is that Americans are the least adventurous, 1st world; folks. We need to get over that.
Bon voyage!
Gringo in Brazil:
I recently made the move to Brazil with my family based primarily on the social and economic factors I witnessed and experienced. In Michigan, I found my business drying up, my home value plummeting, the job market disappearing, etc. More importantly, if the youth I saw at the malls and high schools are any indication of the future leadership of our country; we are in serious trouble. With less than 50% of our youth even graduating from High School, how do we stand a chance.
Fortunately I speak fluent Portuguese so I am able to adapt. I am earning about $1,300/mo plus commissions which is enough for a simple apartment and living expenses. My wife is looking for the right job and should be able to earn about the same which will afford us a modest lifestyle.
Most Americans couldn’t cope with the heat, mosquitoes, open sewers, long lines, hellish traffic, and other cultural issues, unless they could afford to live in a luxury neighborhood and have a maid and personal assistant. However, the outlook here in Brazil is very positive. Most young people are investing in their education and advancement. I liken it to stepping back 70 years in our country and being on the verge of a great industrial revolution that I can be a part of. I have decided it is better to be starting at the bottom of the hill, climbing towards the top, then to be at the top and sliding out of control towards the bottom.
If you can afford it, do what my wife and I did, we took a two month “vacation” a couple of years ago, rented a furnished apartment and did a trial “residency” in which we had time to evaluate the pros and cons. When we moved here last month, we were well prepared, knowing what we were getting into, bringing along the necessary items and resources to be able to live relatively comfortably.
If you can master the native language sufficiently (or take an immersion course when you arrive for 6 months), you can often get a job at a language school, or company needing bi-lingual workers or professionals. Best bet is to scour the classifieds online ahead of time so you have something guaranteed when you arrive.
Kenneth:
Australia is the best country in the world to live in. This is the statement of Australians who have been to USA and other countries. It is what USA used to be years ago. It will be a few years before Australia becomes like USA. USA has left its Christian roots and I am afraid there are those who will make sure it never goes back.
AsiaExpat:
Singapore is the best place to live and work. It has a real future and very reasonable taxes. Peaceful, modern, they even speak English (kind of). Bring your best attitude and a necktie, because you have to work and you have to be kind to your neighbors. Who wants to be cloistered nervously behind a wall, anyway?
Bill:
Best places as far as quality of life? Social Democratic countries like Scandanavia- Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark.
If language is a problem Canada would be the closest best choice, then Australia, New Zealand, and for Central America, Costa Rica would be the number one choice for climate, civility, medical care and a beautiful environment.
For most places that provide good quality of life, expect to pay high taxes, which most civilized countries, yours excepted, equate with civilization. I’m afraid you folks are letting your inherent selfishness, ignorance of other cultures, militarism and a “screw you Jack, I’ve got mine” mentality destroy you.
Better than moving, stay there and try to turn things around. You have too much that is still good to lose it all. We’re all hoping-well, your firends are anyway- that you’ll pull out of this before its too late.
Time is running out folks.
Mongoos:
Not all Americans are “ugly Americans.” We are guests in the host country and most expats act as such. I retired in Sept 2009 and plan on living, teaching, and writing in Thailand. I have lived and worked overseas before, so this is nothing new for me. You make do and blend in and stay out of trouble. Leave your attitudes and preconceptions at the door when you check in. Otherwise, you will be creating problems for those of us who wish to live in peace and enjoy the pleasures of a different culture.
James:
There are over 100,000 Americans living in Costa Rica and loving it. Things are getting stronger here everyday and in most schools they teach English for half the day and Spanish for the other. The majority of the people like Americans and if you want to have it shipped here you can get everything here that you can get there. WalMart is the largest retail chain here as well as there.
This week Costa Rica moved ahead of the US in medical care. A huge % of the national income is from Medical Tourism. They are using adult stem cell treatment here to cure MS, Heart Decease, diabetes, Spinal Cord Injuries, Cancer and many other conditions. A good source for getting information on Costa Rica is the Association of Residents of Costa Rica.
They have a seminar once a month that brings in Doctors, Lawyers, Dentist, Shippers, Realtors, Investment Councilors and many other experts to brief you on the pros and cons of moving to Costa Rica. There are many communities here that are all American and the “Culture Shock” is nonexistent. The weather is perfect and they have never had a hurricane.
Bruce:
We moved to the French Riviera 10 years ago when we retired. Cost of living here in Nice is much less than New York or any other major American city. We’re on the sea, a big plus, near Italy, also a big plus, and we enjoy terrific food that we can afford. The medical system in France is incomparable and truly inexpensive compared to the U.S. We calculated our fixed living expenses for the year: it came to 11,000 Euros, or about $15,000 for all our taxes, medical coverage, utilities, condo fees, dentistry, etc. We live in a 2 bedroom top floor condo with a very large terrace and 2 balconies. There’s plenty of money left for travel, dining out, movies, and quick jaunts up to London and Paris for culture and ethnic food (especially London). Don’t regret the move at all.
John:
I moved to Ensenada Mexico in 2000. It was the best thing I ever did for my future because there is no future in America. I now enjoy more freedom than I ever had in the US. Spanish is easy to learn and the people are much more friendly here. There are lots of ex-pats here also. In the coming years the US is going to be the worst place to be. Escape now while you still can.
AmericanInOz:
I am an American that immigrated to Australia in 2001 (after Bush took office). My wife and I didn’t like what we saw coming. Politically, culturally, financially and socially.
When Big Media first started covering the US’s economic problems here in 2008 they drug out the old phrase “When America catches a cold Australia gets a flu”. Two plus years on and this couldn’t be further from the truth. The economy here is going great guns, and demand from Asia and a better government are a good part of the reason.
House prices are having solid gains every year, unemployment is reasonably steady, and the federal reserve is trying to raise interest rates to cool the economy (.25% again today)
To that point, the government here doesn’t subsidise 30 year fixed mortgages the way they do in the US, so they can still manage the economy by slightly manipulating interest rates. The longest you can fix a mortgage for is 5 years, at a very high premium, so most people don’t.
America has become an after thought, if not the laughing stock, of many Australians. It saddens me to see how far everything has fallen over there. I no longer try to defend the US or the American people. The time for real public outrage passed many years ago, and I have not only given up on the government, but also on the people themselves. So many dear family and friends spend their lives watching TV while their freedoms, lifestyle, culture and wealth were/are being destroyed around them. Ignorant and apathetic to the realities of the real world. Living with some strange notion of the past as if it represents the present.
Not all is doom and gloom here. And although it could still come, if it does it will have little, if nothing at all, to do with the problems in America.
How about instead of moving WE FIGHT to take back America!!! America Revolution part two will be the only way. I tired of hearing the only why we can change is by elections. BS, we might have to get a little nasty.
My husband and I moved to Ecuador about a month ago from NY. We quit our jobs, put our stuff in storage. In Ecuador we got a $150.00 a month for a beautiful 3 bedroom apt and 2 bathrooms. Overlooking the mountains. It’s sunny everyday, a little chilly at night because it’s winter now, but overall great weather. Food is super cheap we get a healthy meal every afternoon for $1.50 each. It consist of fresh organic juice, homeade soup of the day, and your main course. Rice with salad and either steak, chicken or fish. Depending on what they make that day. It’s all been delicious. Each restaurant makes a different ” almuerzo” everyday. We have lost weight without even trying. Theres a lot of hills to walk because we live at the top of a mountain but its great excersize. We do miss sushi, Italian, Indian, Chinese food from NY & our friends & night life. Themulticulural life of NY. But for now working as designers making US $ we are able to save so much more because we no longer have the NY expenses. We’re gonna give it a year or 6 months. So far so good…+ we are only about 3-4 hrs from Miami if we need an American fix. There’s great opportunity to buy beautiful hoes here…it’s not USA but it has everything you need to live in peace if you need that break to think about the real cost of living.
WOW!! I would love to establish com with you about making this type of move. I have nothing here….no family. friends are all married with kids…I am alone in NJ and its too expensive for me. Makes no sense to keep struggling just to make ends meet and be miserable the few moments I do have to breathe. I would love to have a better climate YEAR ROUND and just peace of mind. Im a simple person…I dont need fancy extravagant things. I went to Costa Rica for 6 weeks last summer and just loved how nice everyone was to me…I walked the entire beach daily…felt healthier than I have in years!!
I do have some savings and right now Im in school finishing up my LPN courses by end of june 2012. I was hoping to go somewhere and learn and get hands on training in clinics or hospitals. I just need a change. I feel myself getting increasingly more depressed and I want my old self back…the happy & hopeful person I used to be.
Any information and advice you could offer is greatly appreciated!!
Thanks in advance
Lauran~
Where in Ecuador did you move, if you don’t mind me asking? My wife and I are interested in getting out of the States for a while, if not permanently. Are you both working there or just on an extended vacation?
Hey! I’m a graphic / web designer living in Charlotte, NC. I would love to get in contact with you and pick your brain! I’m like Lauran, I need a change.
Please contact me! Thanks
OK Wow!! We are looking at leaving as well. What is there stance on American pets coming in? What part of Ecuador are you in & what can people do for livlihoods?
It’s sad what’s happening here in this country. So many lucky ones defend it. In America it’s not exactly about hard work anymore, it’s about who you know always. The ability to keep people stupid as well as in debt was established here well by corporations also. You cannot start a solid hiring business like you could years ago.
I know many of folks who don’t break a sweat and earn more money than I ever will in a week. The system is getting crazy only creating two extremes. I fought for this country right after 9/11 as a young naive person. Using my grandfather’s old stories to see the dream that this country was always suppose to have.
The company I still unfortunately work for (cause other places are worse), 4 years ago they froze our salaries. No raises yet, this is when the company was bought by an investment group for 500 million.
Now we are getting sold to Japan for 1 billion. A 500 million dollar profit. Sorry if I may be ignorant in this way of business. But it seems the only one who benefited from this is that group of investors. 400+ jobs well skilled jobs lost, no raises or rewards, a whole lot more work and contract obligations to meet, and less contact with management when problems surfaces.
I just think the United States of America is becoming the world’s poker table.
I want out of this country so bad. I don’t even know what happen to people here. The younger generation scares me how dumb they are and everyone seems so easily bought with eyecandy.
Its even harder for me to get in conversations with folks I hear words but nothing is real. I can’t take this fake pretending this country is great an ol’ country song played over and over like some brain washed nazis would do. I want out of here so bad even though my wife and I just moved into a smaller peaceful town, little house on few acres. But I’d like to have that somewhere else.
Anyone know of a place you can own some land too?
there is not such a place anymore… Soon enough we all wear uniforms, work for free and sing patriotic songs… All the globalists touch is cursed;they succeed in their plans because it is too much of “I, Me, and myself”…
Move to a forest! I know a dude that moved to the amazon rain forest & lives free in peace with nature & another in the alaskan wilderness w/ his wife & children! Nature is true freedom! Get lost in nature! Study it & survive & live an amazing life in NATURE! True freedom, true beauty!
I agree this USA is going down the drain and the only people who prosper are the rich and the poor. We are very sad to see the country being destroyed with help from Obama and his cornies.
You realize that it’s statements like that, that are driving people away from all the rancor and racism in the US these days?
I agree with you Rose.
If Obama gets re-elected I’m looking to get out of the USA
Same here Leonard.. I’m 31 with a 25 year old wife and as of (around July 4th) i’ll have a baby boy…
This country is so funny. It’s like a comedy/puppet show. People are dumb’d down and are in debt. Student loan debt reaches near a trillion. Fed prints money like it’s no tmrw. The religous leaders still argue over moral issues. People are mad and complain to the government.
BUT..Lobbyists are in the government. Politicians are funded by Wall Street. Wall Street has always been dominated by the rich families, J.P Morgan, Loeb and Kuhn, Rockerfellers, Rothschilds, etc. But then who are they? What do they stand for? What do they do? Well, now it becomes a “conspiracy” theory.
It’s weird how im 18 and I’m discovering/learning all this. I’m glad that I’m not the only one out here who feels like this. Hopefully, I can finish my bio degree and become a physicans assistant or something and than move to costa rica or south America. I wish all you guys luck with your plans.
Btw, can anyone recommend a good investment I could make in the market? I kinda want to buy into silver or commodities right now
Am I to understand that all of these countries you are so in love with have no problems? Why do you think America is so in debt? How many countries have we helped? Instead of looking at everything wrong with our country, look at what is right! Now, I’m not saying I wouldn’t love to live in another country, because there is a lot of things I see going on here that I absolutely hate! But I have to wonder why everything is so cheap in other countries? Who are the people profitting off of? Trafficking victims? Yeah, I know. It happens here, too, but it is best to admit it rather than say the United States is a cesspool and everything is grand in this other country. The United States has its problems. So does every other country out there. Let’s at least all be honest here.
Ray I’m sorry that your generation has to put up with this and have to think of leaving this once great country and that so few people in a short period of time have screwed this country for all of us. If you want to invest in precious metals like at stock of companies minning gold.
Gold mining companies aren’t necessarily good investments, even when they seem promising (look at Kinross losses the last two years, how can you LOSE money mining gold at these prices if you even halfway know what you’re doing!?!)
Probably it’s best to invest in silver, copper or peer to peer lending. If you want to go traditional, Mickey D’s and Wally World are all over the globe now, so they may survive the coming economic probs……..
The Republicans have allowed the greed to take over the U.S. Bush destroyed our economy. That’s why I want out of here. And what’s with all the guns and defending people who shot teenagers? It’s a sick society we live in. America has changed.
It doesn’t matter if you talk about Republicans or Democrats, most from both parties are corrupt and don’t care about the average person. Until Americans forget about party lines and vote out every incumbent the politicians will continue to only care about themselves. If 95% of every incumbent got voted out of office this year, maybe the others that were not up for reelection would wake up. Until something like that happens in America, things will continue to go downhill fast. You have to understand that Americans also now have less FREEDOM than people in most countries.
I don’t want US Americans living overseas or in my country. They have nothing to add to our cultures. Stay in your country and take care of your politics end economy.
What country would that be Roberto? I be sure not to go.
i moved to jamaica 8 years ago.it took a very long time to get use to the wY THINGS ARE HERE BUT I MUCH PREFER IT TO AMERICA NOW AND FEEL”AT HOME”HERE.I MARRIED A JAMAICAN GIRL and have never been happier.my brother says i turned my back on my home country but i haven’t.i am simply happy.when i come up to america to visit it is so stark how americans number one motivation in life is to get “stuff”and money.i can’t understand that anymore.there are many wonderful people in the u.s.but they have been bombarded by what they should do by others(intent on making money off of them!)and they don’t seem to take the trouble to THINK for themselves.we may not have anything to eat tomorrow but we laugh and sing tonite,literally,here.so which do i prefer?jamaica forever.
It’s all about Jesus, guys. Keep looking up!
As radical as some would think “Hurricane Bob’” post is, it has a lot of truth in it. We Americans are electing what we think are the moderate middle politicians and hoping they will get something done. Well folks, it ain’t going to happen with Mr. Vanilla Politician man. The middle (Romney) are a bunch of apple polishers that will get no where fast. Always trying to keep everyone happy and never getting nothing done. So we keep electing the people that we think won’t hurt us but in reality they are the source of our collective pain. Now, back to “Hurricane Bob’” post. If the government is truly afraid of the citizens in the USA like the citizens are afraid of the IRS (example only) then we will get things done but that is only part of the problem. The other part of the problem is who votes and this is where I get slammed every time. The real working folks that pay taxes vote for who they think will help them the most and make life a little easier by lowering taxes and restrictions. Well, the non-working folk that don’t pay taxes and expect entitlements vote for who will help them the most by keeping them un-employed and in the money (other peoples money). So I think that if you haven’t paid at least $500K in taxes to the government you should not be allowed to vote. There it is, I said it. Don’t move away to the 3rd world, fight for what we had not so long ago. Lets not become europe and sit on our behinds waiting for the government to hand out our living on a platter. Lets do something about it and get tough with these people that say they are in charge……WE ARE IN CHARGE.
If the Republicans win in 2012 I’m outta here..But where to? That is the question. Any suggestions?
I just read on one website starting in March 2013 all Americans will have to be chipped. This will lead to the breakdown of the American money. No one will be able to buy or sell without this chip in our right hand.You will not be able to leave this country without getting this chip.My suggestion is to start looking for the cheapest place that we could move to before this all takes place. The Obama Administration has ordered all Americans to have this by 2013. He says it is because of health care problems, but believe me it is not. Read Revelations about the number that will have to be taken. Run to the hills and hide because it is coming soon, sooner then you think.
Whether this chip will come or not, I shouldn’t be worried about it. Jesus will come again, that’s for sure. Where or when,… – it’s not my problem. I’m just waiting for Him, and when He’ll show up again, oh my! That’s the LAND I want to go to, rather than anywhere else in this world (I still want out of USA too… My wife’s killing me with France, and although I’m European, I still am not convinced that’s a great country to establish a family for yourself). Come Jesus, Come!!!
Here is what I cannot understand. Everyone says everyone is this or that, but never thought that the people calling them this or that are actually THATS too? problem is parents sucks; not people, not adults. Parents. The people who raised you fucked up and say that THEY did it! they did what? WHERE ARE WE AMERICA?! People survived forever with no SS or SSD! This is why we are broke. they don’t WANT to save the world anymore, they are done trying. now they have to save their family. but they wont do WHATS best, they will do what THEY believe to be best. what might that be? exactly what every one else did: 40 hour work week, buy a car buy a house, raise a family. instead of trying to BREAK the CHAIN! why cant enough people move to a small town, elect THEIR friends, and stay off the grid?! It all started that way and got out of control as we all can see. Time to start small and rebuild!
a sect did this in oregon state, poisoned the entire town so THEIR candidate was elected. look it up!! 1984 Rajneeshee bioterror attack. if THEY could do this why cant WE do something RIGHT?! Something legitimate!? SOMETHING LEGAL! because you all CLAIM benevolence but you will get greedy too.
Want to form a street? then a city (for use of the word CITY only) block? then a neighborhood? then a township? then a school district? then a county? and then STOP THERE!!?? CREATE A HOA THAT EVERYONE MUST BELONG TO KEEP OUT THE RIFF RAFF??!! then feel FREE to tell everyone you know and NOT who they know, but for their family. Your friend and their immediate family.
NOW, no blacks, no jews, no irish, no germans, no spanish or portuguese speakers, no indians or white WHITES, definitely no religious people, no atheists either though, no islanders or natives, no aliens, no dogs or cats. Did I forget anyone?
The U.S. is a heaping pile of dung.
How about Singapore?