Are you considering moving abroad for retirement? Take an extended vacation to visit the country and explore the area. While you’re there, decide whether you’ll be settling down or finding a new adventure. Will you feel free to explore the country or feel like you’re stuck in a rut? Here are some tips to help you decide where to move. Also, consider the language and culture of the country. Read on to discover how to make the transition and be successful.
Granada
Whether you’re moving abroad for work or retiring in Granada, you’ll find a great climate to suit your needs. The city’s high elevation means it enjoys low humidity and year-round temperatures in the mid-80s. Despite being located by the lake, Granada does not experience the intense heat that other Nicaraguan cities do. Its rainy season runs from May to October, but this season doesn’t produce as much rainfall as other seasons. Granada’s temperate climate is a good match for retirees who want to be able to enjoy a cool mountain breeze in comfort.
If you’re looking for a city with great cultural experiences, Granada is a top choice for your retirement destination. This Spanish city boasts centuries-old architecture and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alhambra. You’ll find everything from live music to flamenco on the streets. As for the food, Granada offers many delicious tapas. Even with just $6 or nine euros, you’ll have a delicious meal.
When it comes to safety, Granada has a low crime rate, despite its reputation. According to Numbeo, the city is very safe and has few crimes. The only moderate factors include corruption and increasing crime, but most others are low. The city is also safe to walk alone in the streets, as the Citizens Security Board oversees crime and social security. You’ll be happy to know that you’re safe in Granada.
While Granada is a mid-sized town with approximately 235,000 residents, it remains affordable and offers many practical amenities. A typical Granada home is just a few hundred meters from a grocery store, so you’ll never be far from the local supermarket. You’ll find both large supermarkets (Corte Ingles and Carrefour) and quaint neighborhood stores. Just be sure to budget extra time for chats and double-kisses before leaving.
Portugal
If you want to retire in a foreign country, one of the easiest ways to do so is by moving to Portugal. Portugal is a member of the European Union, so if you are an EU citizen, you will be able to apply for residency and enjoy most local benefits. The Portuguese government’s SEF department handles immigration issues, and you can visit their offices around the country for more information. You will need a residence permit and a visa in order to live in Portugal. You will also need a clean criminal history, as the Portuguese government runs a background check as part of the registration process. Fortunately, if you’re an EU citizen, you can apply for residency and enjoy all the same benefits as a Portuguese national.
If you have enough money to support yourself, you can move to Portugal as an expat and benefit from the country’s excellent retirement program. This program allows you to live in Portugal as long as you earn an income of at least EUR1,200 per month (roughly $1,350 USD). The health care system in Portugal is excellent, and the crime rate is low. If you’re not comfortable with the country’s lifestyle, you can rent a home and test the waters.
If you’re moving to Portugal for health reasons, the country’s healthcare facilities are second to none. There are a few Starbucks in Portugal, but most locations offer public wifi. Public internet access is available almost everywhere, so it’s not hard to find someone to use it. Just make sure you research your service providers before moving abroad. Fortunately, most restaurants, cafes, and hotels in Portugal offer public wifi, making it easy to stay connected, no matter where you’re traveling.
Another benefit of living in Portugal is the cost of living. Portugal is a relatively inexpensive country, and you can rent a two-bedroom apartment for under a thousand euros per month, or even buy a house for less than $150k. Unless you’re planning on renting an expensive home in Lisbon, you can comfortably retire in Portugal with a salary of around $1500. Using your Social Security benefit, you’ll also need to save some money for start-up costs.
