THE REAL REASONS WE LEFT THE UNITED STATES (and why we can’t move back) 

@@clintfalk I use healthcare overseas and I was treated well. There bad and good doctor globally.

This is a common low-IQ attack. The money side of Healthcare in the USA is what promotes convenient services and high technology. The expense is because of government and politics; especially how juries award messed up patients millions of dollars when it was their bad health, and not any doctor negligence that caused their problem. NO COUNTRY ON EARTH awards "victims" these outrageous paydays.

@@clintfalk The Ecuadorian health care system ranks 19th in the world. The US is 46th.

In USA your a widget not a customer or patient. The insurance co decides what treatment practitioners give you based on the I surance companies cost benefit analysis.

@@donnahougenesq7302 The worst thing to have in America is "Natural Immunity". That's not profitable at all! Lately, we've been acting like it doesn't even exist.

It is not just the cruelty and fear, it is that the overall number 1 guiding principal for US society is GREED$$$.

Look hard and long @ Merida Yucatan. Best area I could find in Mexico. Very hot fir a few months but one acclimates. Your welcome.

@@happyinparadise7812 I will check it out, thank you!

@@tripillthreat Let me know if you need info. My wife us 5th generation Yucateca. Saludos..

@@happyinparadise7812 ❤️

That's true but I'm currently unemployed for the past 16 yrs due to being born autistic . So i live on low income from ssadi.

Get off social media. I'm so much happier now that I'm not wading through that cesspool.

Ditto Absolutely! And getting worse by the day.

As well as draining.

Turn off the news and social media and just live your life.

Get govt out of the equation, let the free market operate, and the prices will be lower.

Free markets? no such thing pal. Not when you have taxpayer funded subsidies, bailouts, corporate tax loopholes, legislative carveouts, stock buybacks fueled by executive compensation packages to inflate stock prices... and now Moscow Mitch wants these corporate assholes to have legal immunity.

@@darylfoster6133 Wrong. "The Free Market" healthcare system in the USA has proven to be a failure to our society as a whole while being a raging success for industry insiders."The Free Market" has been a abject failure for seniors, hence we have socialized healthcare for them: Medicare. "The Free Market" has been a abject failure for low-income people, hence we have socialized healthcare for them: Medicaid. The "The Free Market" has been a abject failure for many middle-income families and is the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the USA. The healthcare system is the largest expense of the US federal budget. Any responsible (therefore, non-Republican) executive of the US federal budget would do something about it. Obamacare is flawed, but it is a first step. From 2017 to 2021, the ruling Republicans did nothing to improve it, and they will probably block all attempts of improvement by the incoming administration.

@@gatoryak7332 Unfortunately, you are wrong. We don't have anything even resembling a free market in medical care. That must be yet another of the fallacies that you and others keep regurgitating. It's sad how people can talk about subjects with complete ignorance, based solely on their feelings. Try reading some books about how the medical care system works, and then you will really understand why it is a failure. It has nothing to do with free markets or evil insurance companies.

@@darylfoster6133 It has everything to do with those things. I can say this because I have 2 doctors and 2 nurses in my immediate family. They’ll tell you what a scam our system is. Insurance companies are out of control. Greed has made our free market medical care available only to the 1%.

Thanks for sharing! I think a lot more people will be looking for cheaper places to live as they feel the economic impacts from the pandemic.

@@J.M.-nb4gw Cuenca Ecuador.

Robert Kulevich you’re living the American Dream...The South American Dream that is.

Joseph Momma Olón,Santa Elena! Beautiful beach!

Can I join you?

Anyone who has visited a doctor and got a simple prescription in another country knows very well what a scam it is. A total RIP OFF...

Obama has socialized medicine in the US. I pay $1200/month for Obamacare and my friend who earns less then me, pays $300/month. I am paying for his healthcare.

@@kinnish5267 I hear you . I lost my healthcare insurance because of Obamacare . I was paying $450 . Obamacare was $1200 for a crap bronze plan with $6,000 deductible. My brother n law only reports $20,000 of $80,000 so he gets a free plan .

Why does USA society keep voting for politicians that once in office get owned by BIG Pharma & the like?

Yeah, you know because in Europe and Canada, skeletons are waiting for their procedures. Sure, in Ecuador, the government will never get overthrown, this month at least.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico is a nice place, pretty affordable, it can be done on $1500 a month!

Always are welcome at this paradise country.

Same here! Researching now. I’m 62 and retiring in one year.

@@GwenMotoGirl SAME ..... I hate this country anymore... and Republicans Make it even Schittier

There are MANY great countries to live in far better than the US. The ME is GREAT!!! Give Saudi Arabia a look! Great food, great people!!! No social division whatsoever. Everyone believes exactly alike!

Very much. I am even laughing at it for not having free healthcare when they call themselves land of the free 😅

​@@anthonymanderson7671They like to call themselves developed, too.

Because fewer than half of working-age US adults pay taxes, a system of free-to-the-consumer healthcare is financially not viable. Instead, the system is a mishmash that does guarantee free treatment for the destitute, but which makes others pay ever-rising premiums, as more people use pharmaceuticals and as hospitals recoup their investments in technology. The good is that the system is advanced in terms of the actual care, the bad is that people are squeezed to keep it afloat. Also, the constantly expanding government budget includes Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid and defense, and has no room to add "free health care" to that list. Already the Medicare/Medicaid expense, which keeps costs down to the people on those plans, must be compensated by shifting the costs to others who pay premiums through employer-based insurance or (worst of all) individually purchased insurance. So yeah, everyone knows it's bad system, but I think a lot of it has to do with (1) using pharmaceutical treatments so often, and (2) post-1965 mass immigration of mostly poor people who are a drain on the healthcare system. Also note that the "model nations" for health care do not have to keep a military budget (thanks to the US having their back), and until recently had a stable smaller population of mostly working adults who paid a high tax rate.

@@anthonymanderson7671 "free" is not supposed to be confused with "free stuff"

@@lordbendtner7021 It's a fun activity to America-bash, and I've got my own reasons for objecting to much in the US, but you really can't argue against the fact that the US is without a doubt among the most developed nations on Earth.

We have Democrats and Establishment Republicans like the Bushes to thank for the destruction of the working middle class.

@chief tp So you're saying people cannot make it on $600 per month?! Yes, there are people who live a happy life who were born in the US but relocated overseas and found a spot where they only require $600 a month to live on! But YOU *can't* do it.... ....because of your mindset, not your bank account!

@chief tp Things are cheap enough in Ecuador till a person on disability in the US could afford to live a good life in Ecuador!

THINKING ABOU IT TOO. LOOKING AT ITALY.

Insurance companies are destroying this country. Medical insurance is insane.

I got really lucky with the timing of my surgeries. If my second surgery was 3 weeks later, it would have been in the following year and we would have been bankrupt. Healthcare in the US is absurd.

That is the plain truth..🙄😔☹

Insurance is NEVER enough! A couple days in the hospital still cost me 5,000!

@@lynnjudd6421 I got stung by something on a scuba dive trip in Honduras back in 2010. It got infected and I had to go to the emergency room when I got back to Denver. The emergency room cost $5000 compared to $2000 for my week-long dive trip. I had a $6000 deductible at the time so it was completely out-of-pocket.

Lol unless you need a world-class procedure to save your life- it'll only be done in the USA or Europe

That's what women do if they love their man... And I expect, what men do if they love their woman.. ✨💖✨

Amelia is truly a wonderful human being and devoted wife. JP is truly blessed! Wish most of us had his luck! Amelia is a rare breed of American woman indeed!! God bless her for standing by her husband!

@@harrymadray3682 Who knows. JP might have done what is needed to earn a woman like Amelia, instead of it being one sided in his favor.

JP, you are a lucky man. Heaven don't make women like this again. Most women will just move on if they smell any problem with a man.

Amelia, you are awesome!

Yep, my er visit, 5k.

I got billed over $400 for a 5-minute doctor visit. Ditto - it is totally out of control.

With my bullshit 400 month healthcare plan/ my share at least. I go to eye doctor pay 60 for co pay and still must pay another 300 after the bill is due. 7k emergency room bill for sinus infection 2 MRI " 7k and I pay 1500 plus 150 co pay. Wtf. I was better off going to public hospital lying say I have no job or insurance my ER bill is iuld have been 20usd in NYC. I actually pay less for doctor visit as self pay. Only reason I got health care was just in case I catch coronavirus I wouldn't have 100k bill.

@@nesq4104 I hear you.

Not only HUMAN healthcare is a rip-off...VETERINARY care is ridiculous, too! Had to take my little dog to a vet this week for a visit...cost me $207, and it wasn't an emergency! I'm living on SS retirement($1600/month), so I wasn't happy about this bill. God willing, I'll be moving out of this country VERY soon!

Just do it!

Same reasons for me. Staying in the US is increasing not viable for me and I can't afford retirement here. Change is not easy for me and I'm a little scared to leave and learn to survive as an older single woman outside the US, but I don't see another way. Need to figure where I can thrive if possible.

@@lawcat65 come with me, probably Ecuador but who knows. I can't retire and live with dignity in the US nor do I want to end up in Medicare assisted living. That is far scarier to me.

You need to start eating healthy vegan.

It’s one year after your comment. Did you move? Amazing that you can speak 4 languages! I’m trying to learn Spanish and I really want to learn. I touched my heart and sent well wishes to you and your husband.

@@pinkiepinkster8395or carnivore

Monte Montana you and our family very similar. We live up the road in Puerto Lopez have been here 6 years, never go back to US. I found a lot of the information and international living was incorrect and very expensive. We can put boots on the ground and did everything herself and it wasn’t that difficult

I suggest no one come for work it is very hard to find work and you will make hardly anything working here unless you do online work that would work.

You are so right. I'm not American, but lived there many years, and my perception is the same as yours

* its ( it’s = it is) but thanks so much for your comments! We’ll be retiring to Ecuador in a few years.

I cannot tell you... how unhappy and depressing I am living here I've lived here in the US my entire life but it just seems like this country is falling apart more and more everyday everything is negative no one likes anyone it's a constant circle of negativity.... congratulations on being brave to leave and try something new

I tend to agree with your comment, but I think it has to do with our world economy. You have to produce like a machine , if not the economy as we know it now will collapse. A jumbo jet takes 35,000 gallons of jet fuel. In what reality is that sustainable ?? Do you feel America has lead the world down this path? That'd be my question ??

@peace outIf that was true many people would do that. It worked for you, fine. The reality is that people need money to live and small towns and communities lack numerous job opportunities.

The god of money. Lol. I love it

@@ronbyers4769 Totally agree. I have lived abroad for many years but still vote and what is going on in the States depresses me. We went from an intellectual, compassionate, intelligent man to a total idiot, a compulsive liar, a man who only cares about himself. What is sad is that he still has around 40% of the vote.

Mexico....you can be illegal here, not an issue...and even in a retirement community, I have seen people living on 600 USD per month....1000 makes life much better...

I can see how the Middle East could tire you out with the heat/ culture

Good for you Frank

Croatia definitely has a beautiful coastline. Great people.

I have lived in the Philippines for 5 years now but really want to go the Croatia. But last people I talk to say that it's part of the EU and a hard place for an expat to retire to long term

Thank uou Frank, can I ask you about other countries?

We are quickly slipping into fascism here. I have a friend who travels to Croatia frequently and loves it there. Maybe that is where I’ll take my family

Pro tip: steer clear from national news outlets also.

Don't forget to not get sick! Ever..

@@joemam12 I love it...😁😁❤️❤️

hasenman s I have health insurance and sick leave.

I agree!

Me too

Me 3

It’s just the way the cabal designed it.

Leave america this country will complete collapse and disappear from the map not only america but the entire world we are entry new era the best for you go to southern america countries or new zealand and have your own farmland live with nature soon the technology will collapase the life will come back to golden age

@@Mrgreen2558 Lol 😁❤️ love it

Great! Congrats!

Costa Rica is a wonderful country but it’s not without risks. Beware of squatters on your property. CR law is rather byzantine and native ticos have strong claim to unoccupied property under the CR laws.

I love it in CR, we go there for our dental work...

Awesome, I am Colorado Native! When & where did you sell your house? I’m leaving to Ecuador 🇪🇨 in 15 days. Going to live there for 6 months.

Peter Anon Its the same as Ecuador as well.

Mike, is Cuenca still popular among ex-pats and how many ex-pats are living in Cuenca?

Great! Cuenca is a beautiful city!

Yes. Cuenca is still the most popular expat city in Ecuador. The last estimate I heard was 14,000 live there.

What made you choose that area ?

@@AmeliaAndJP Tell us how is life in Equador generally in these days of pandemic. Thanks

It’s no picnic getting sick in Canada if from the US, either. I got hit with a bill for over $5,000 for an ER visit a couple of years ago in Toronto when I thought I was having a heart attack. That was probably less than the same care would have cost in the US, especially because it actually included the ambulance, which would have been a separate bill of a couple thousand, but it’s still no drop in the bucket.

@@wendyannh Owch. I feel for ya. Medical insurance when travelling is important. I travelled extensively in my younger days through third world countries and never gave it a thought. I certainly would now.

@@wendyannh you definitely don't want to get caught traveling anywhere without health insurance these days and it still doesn't cover covid19!!!

Lawrence try begging for 9 surgeries in 10 years no insurance. Pre existing none to be had before obama

@@vgnvz Mind boggling. Sorry to hear it.

Cotton,how much a mounth is your spending all together over there. I am a widow myself. Want to move.

@@jannetatrenholm3141 I Look forward to her reply!

janneta trenholm, in Nicaragua, its much cheaper than Costa Rica. Health care is free. No premiums at all. I buy food for three adults and the food has never costs more than $300 a month. Now the garden is going and I have farm animals, so food is down to about $100/month. Electricity of course depends on how you live. I have a pool and lots of pumps for a big fish lagoon. My electricity runs about $250. My neighbor that has only basic electrical use monthly expense is about $30. To hire a full time person male or female runs about $34/ week for 5.5 days work. Water is about $5/month. Cable is about $50 including premium programming but it's not the same as you think of as premium. There is history channel, hbo, but not a full menu. Lots of sports. I lived in a hotel for a year. It was clean, and in jinotega. It costs me $11/day. Restaurant food generally runs $6 or less, including beer or fruit drink, with no added tax or tips. Cars are about the same price as the US but insurance is much cheaper and buys you a new, not used car should you total it. Traffic fines are easily handled on the spot for about$3-6, if you know what I mean...the country is not in upheaval like you hear in the news. It's very safe here. You can pick your weather by picking your location. South is hotter, north in the mountains can be very cool. Where I am, no AC, no heat, no fans required. I bought wonderful flat land loaded with coffee that is on a nice lake for a little less than $1000/ acre. Don't know much about rentals, other than a friend did a winter in Granada, I think her rent was about $300. A taxi half way around managua is about $9. The immigration offices just upped the monthly income to $1000 rather than the $600 it was before. You can live very comfortably on $1000.

@Cotton. So sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I am happy for you that you have found happiness in Nicaragua. Be blessed!

BB Perth , idk. Being happy and poor, is better in my mind than richer and unhappy with their lives.

We love your wife's country! It's an amazing place!

i was suprised how inexpensive the flights to Ecuador from my area of Canada can be. i think it is well worth the savings on cost of living and health care for you americans, (it would cost me $$ to have health care outside of canada, something that increases my cost of living lol)

K T Must be nice! :)

D L spoiled!? Oh my gosh! I moved here with a husband that had a rare cancer, and he lived without chemo, radiation or drugs for 3.5 years! The US. Said there was no more tax! I feel spoiled by ECUADOR! However......grandchildren are the number one reason people return to their home countries, and it's usually the woman....so your situation is not uncommon. That would have to be worked out!! While in States, we saw grandchildren during the school vacation, and one holiday per year. WE decided we could do THAT and still live here!

@@SpiffyHeart-vc8kb Thanks for that insight. I really have been drawn to go to Ecuador. Don't know why? I suspect it's for health needs?

Thank you, I think that is where I'm headed.

We feel the same way and are very thankful to be living a tranquilo lifestyle away from that drama.

Wow Brazil is my next place to research for my forever home! I’m currently in the a Middle East working as an educator. I’d love to know more about your experiences in Brazil!

How do you get free health care? In Ecuador you have to have health insurance.

Brazil is very nice. Many places in Brazil to choose to live. Depending on your US income, you will live like a king in Brazil. I am Brazilian. I know my country. I live in America, but I want to return to Brazil. My concern is the double income tax as a Retiree. Is Brazil and USA will charge tax on my low retiree income? that's my concern. Does that mean I will never be able to return to Brazil and live there? 30% tax in US and 30% tax in Brazil? then it's 60% of your income, is the way they calculate the tax? Then I can't leave US? Unless I cancel my US citizenship and tell them, hey I can't handle this crazy tax. I am wondering, there is one guy from Bolivia that has US citizenship, and it's strange, he travels every year to Bolivia, I wonder if he does that to avoid some kind of double tax. He made 3 homes in Bolivia with US money but struggle with US rent. He does not stay in Bolivia too long, maybe avoiding risking residency and avoiding tax. It's my guess. How about the US health insurance, if you get retired. can you use this health insurance in another country?

Just hope you're not "beneficiaries " of the stolen land from the previous rainforests..that the Bonisario regime and its moneyed enablers are raping....stripping if its natural flora and fauna..all in the name of development... you'd be perhaps unwitting tools in that evil game..please research

@@supermelodia You can deduct the taxes you pay in Brazil when you are living there from your American tax filing. They will not double tax you. Lets say you owe $10,000 in taxes in Brazil, and $11,000 in the US. (they are probably not EXACTLY the same). You will pay your $10,000 tax to Brazil, where you are living, and then you will deduct that from your US taxes and only owe $1,000. If you pay more in Brazil than what you owe the US, you will pay the US nothing. I hope this helps ease your mind.

Go for it!

¡Guauu! ¡Eres tan increíblemente amable! ¡Nos encanta su país!

Thanks for being...it's not being kind believe me...you are just two incredible people....i used spanish cause that makes you practice it and it conveys better my ideas...i feel so honoured i've got your answer!!!

Excellent message for you guys . Excelente mensaje para uds.

​@@user-zu1zk8my6r ¡Muchas muchas gracias! Necesitamos practicar más el español. Hay más personas que hablan español y no hablan inglés, entonces hablamos más español aquí que Cuenca.

Being an INDEPENDENT means daring to be different. Oh well, I'm alright with that "not fitting in"...you know how you just dont want people thinking for you, well that's an INDEPENDENT.

What's the cost of dual citizenship, presently? I heard a decade ago, that it was $50,000, to get that in Ecuador.

You should look into Belize and its islands off the coast. English speaking and all documents are in English. The islands are part of the Caribbean and are beautiful.

Caleb Clunie wow! $50,000? We better start working on a better strategy to become expats. We, like many others are will be pass the age threshold for countries like New Zealand and Australia for visas and citizenship.

Edward Dunn Will definitely look into it. Thank you. Are the politics stable in Belize? I feel like as Americans we have become less desirable in other countries as oppose to 10 or more years ago.

Eric Ferguson Are the politics stable in Costa Rica and Panama? As well as internet and electricity?

But capitalism was birthed in England

@@difencrosby ,Fair and balanced is what you Americans need,not starving and gluttony.

@@difencrosby Marx moved to London in early June 1849 and would remain based in the city for the rest of his life.

And I'm also a Brit that lived in America for about four years , now it's even worse.

In defense of the US, health insurance probably doesn't cost any more than the extra taxes paid by other countries for the government to provide it. I was going to write about what's going wrong in the US, but will give you a link to a 3 minute video that tells it better than I can. It's about college protesters, but he will make you laugh as he tells you why we have big problems. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fqkCyl1T9SQ.html

My primary reason for choosing to live abroad is because the governments in the USA really make it difficult for the pursuit of happiness. I like the idea of not being interfered with by a government entity. With the red flag laws now, it is easy for the government to deprive you of your rights. That is just one example. So, that limits one's peace of mind. But, the best thing about living in some other countries is the less expensive healthcare. That provides some protection of assets one has worked very hard for through life.

Exactly. I am Puerto Rican and have the advantage to speak Spanish. In addition, I am lucky to have several home based businesses. I am ready to move to out of the USA.

@@outtahere321 What country did you end up at?

How do you afford to live?

Retired and recieve 2 pensions one Norway even tho I never worked there just long term resident and SS from USA. Lots of U.S. expats around that also left for bettet healthcare

@@johnharrison8089 nice

@@johnharrison8089 You can receive pension in Norway, even if you are not a citizen there? But it is freezing cold there!

I spent most of my time away from the US prior to the Pandemic. I have been to Ecuador many times. It seems like Ecuador is following the US in rioting and looting, instead of peaceful protest. I realize there are many concerns in both countries, but trying to find a peaceful way to resolve the issues would be more advantageous. I agree with your reasons for leaving the US, I’m just wondering if you didn’t trade your problems for a new set. Vaya con Dios!

Why Not Spanish? Hi I am Ecuadorian and my husband is from Colombia so maybe live 6 months Ecuador and 6 month Colombia Ja ja ,

Don't worry, November 3rd is right around the corner. Pandemic will be over.

@@Bob_Jones123 shut up

@@Bob_Jones123 How'd that work out for ya'?

Lorena, Costa Rica is expensive and supermarkets are not well stocked. I lived there for 6 months. You can try Spain, Valencia, Alicante,it is better and safer.

Judy Mckee thank you for the input. My daughter had mentioned Andorra as one of the location she would like to relocate to. She used to teach English at one of the Language Academies there. Do you have experience in Alicante or Valencia? I just looked up the map and the location looks beautiful.

@@NenaSilva210 Alicante and Valencia are gorgeous I have a good friend that lives in Calpe half way between the two and I’ve been to both cities Loved them both to be honest

Start building yet?

The main issue for us is affordable healthcare, which doesn't exist anywhere in the US. If we could afford health insurance and healthcare in the US, we probably would not have left, but we're very thankful for our higher quality of life here.

TRUE THE us is a big place, no need to move out. Seems like a lot of people want to leave because of Healthcare and your belief that free Healthcare is some how equal to being a Socialist. If you all educate yourselves that free healthcare is a basic human right, you would fight for it. By, the way it is not really free. In the UK we pay into the NHS, but you have the option to go private if you wish.

@Lone Ranger Free Healthcare is sold to people that are bad at math. It gets real expensive just like a payday loan .

@Lone Ranger I also think its odd how these "A political " people moved because of political reasons.

@Lone Ranger It seems they are part of the low information crowd. When it comes to politics , I can tell when I am being lied to.

The US is a dying declining giant that is getting more jaded and more polarized. I will not be surprised if some states start talking about secession especially Alaska, California, and Hawaii.

@@r.pres.4121 -- I'm a Californian and I believe its a mess... luckily I moved away 20 years ago never to return.

Yes it has and yes it is

How on earth did you get residency in London?? When I looked into that, it was darn near impossible.

@@wendyannh Agreed. I know a lot of people who have left the UK as a result of Brexit, cost of living and the foul politics in the UK, to say nothing of the racism etc. Avoid the UK, it's a complete sh.thole.

You are happier in London....?!?!? I'm British but.....why....???😳

Thanks! That's very kind!

That is awesome! The people are wonderful! They're very warm and welcoming!

Viewed from afar it sure looks like things have gotten nuts over there sadly

Yes

@@redheadedfreckles2 So sad to hear I haven’t been back since 2015 and I’m alittle concerned about doing so now

Why did you pick Vina Del Mar, Chile? How about the language barrier? Now you are in Puebla, Mexico? How safe is that when all the drug cartels just kill anyone that they please in Mexico?

​@@thehumanityoflife6460 I picked Chile because it was the most stable country in Latin America. Viña Del Mar reminded me a lot of where I'm from, Southern California. Chile was an amazing place to live, way better than living in the US....until October 2019 when the most stable Latin American country destabilized, and they started having riots. I got tired of it, so I came back to the US. I was living in Kansas City before I moved to Chile, and that's where I went back to. Not more than a few weeks after I got back, George Floyd was murdered and the same rioting started happening in the US. I'm so sick and tired of that non-sense. If I had to live somewhere with rioting, I definitely would have chosen to live in Chile rather than the US. I was spoiled by the $20 PER YEAR (Yes, TWENTY DOLLARS PER YEAR) car insurance rates in Chile (liability only). $25 per month on all utilities. $400 per month for a nice apartment in a downtown highrise, less than a mile from the beach. Quality of life pretty much equal that of the US. Sadly, I regretted coming back to the US, but I couldn't return to Chile, because the borders were closed due to covid. I met someone on a Mexican dating site, and I came down to meet her. We've been together 6 months, and I couldn't be happier. Drug cartels? Supposedly they exist, but I've seen no evidence of them in 6 months of living here. I'm not a drug user, the worst I do is occasional alcohol and the occasional cigarette. So, generally if you stay away from the drug culture, you have nothing to worry about. I've had ZERO problems here in Mexico, and I haven't even witnessed anything crazy. Is Mexico dangerous? From what I've seen, not any more dangerous than Los Angeles or Kansas City, just use common sense and you'll be okay. Now, the major thing is that in Mexico you can have a way more enjoyable life than in the US for a lot less money than in the US. I make the equivalent of less than a US minimum wage doing freelance work online, and I am able to live very well here. I remember when I lived in the US, prior to moving to Chile, I was working 55 - 70 hours per week just to barely get by, sacrifice sleep in order to work, and usually fall behind on rent and utilities. Here I can work 20 hours per week, and only once did I end up a week late on my rent. ... As far as the language barrier goes, I actually took the time to learn Spanish before I moved to Chile. I studied Spanish 6 years between 5th grade and 10th grade, had a lot of Mexican friends while growing up, then prior to moving to Chile I got started on Duolingo, and completed the entirety of it a few months after arriving in Chile. Sure the first few months in Chile, I struggled to communicate, especially since Chilean Spanish is the most difficult Spanish in the world, where they speak extremely fast, cut letters, and sometimes entire syllables out of words, plus have a whole list of unique Chilean slangs that aren't used anywhere else. When I left Chile in April 2020, I was still asking people to repeat themselves 2 or 3, or sometimes 4 times before I understood what they were saying. Here in Mexico, I'm basically fluent. I have zero communication issues here. ... I also speak Norwegian. My mother was from Norway, and I grew up visiting there regularly.

Hola Garrett! How are you guys doing?! Still in Oregon? We would still like to live a more nomadic lifestyle eventually like you guys, but that may be off the plate for a long time. What are your thoughts about the AirBnB lifestyle during or after the pandemic?

Thanks for sharing Steve! Mine was an L3/4/5 S1/2 fusion with 6 inch pelvic anchors. It looks like an erector set! I wish that could have been a disc replacement like my neck. I haven't had any issues or pain with that, but my lower back hurts all the time. It's a lot better here at sea level, though. Like you, I wouldn't wish this on anyone!

Amelia And JP omg, that’s horrendous. 😢 Am so glad you can walk and travel and live a life you love now though, JP, after surviving such a tough and painful surgery and recovery! But I know how tough it is to have to deal with chronic back pain every day. Glad you are now in an even better place these days for your back and general health. Olon looks like a beautiful paradise for the two of you to have settled into! 🌊🌈🌞

Thanks!

I've lived in St. Louis area all of my 62 years. The corruption here is rampant. If you move back to the states pick a much smaller midwest city like Omaha or Sioux Falls. Cost of living is low and crime is negligible

Don't move back to the states! Things are SO bad here, and getting worse. I don't even think the election will fix things.

Ich will Deutschland meine Zuhause! I am hoping to move to Germany myself. I’m working very hard toward that goal.

Eric Ferguson I hope you make it back to Hamburg soon! Viel Erfolg!!🍀

Well maybe soon you can visit us in Italy we are very friendly Ciao

Can you still receive social security if you permanently move to Colombia??

Please never come back

I love their culture and food. And of course the beautiful women! I hear it is not very safe for Americans there however. Like alot of these foreign countries

What place in the Philippines?

@@synewparadigm From what I have viewed thru the youtube, most expats live out in the provinces, Dumaguete, Davao, Bohol, Mindanao, etc.

Where did you move to?

@@thehumanityoflife6460 Mexico.... started in Mazatlan, spent 5 years in Lake Chapala, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico City, Ensenada... 22 years. Love it...

@@johnnypunish Say hello to Jeff Berwick and Lucy( The dollar vigilante)

@@frederickmuhlbauer9477 Well, I don't know Mr. Berwick personally, but after reading his web site, it's clear that we share certain ideas and values. I have been a PT since 1998. It was far easier back then. I was off-grid for many many years. With today's technology, it takes a bit of clever thoughtful moves to get one into a position of being relatively free in an unfree world. But for me, I am doing it and very successfully. I am debt free since 1998; no mortgage no rent, no bills. Wife and I have been OUT OF A JOB since the 90s yet still maintain a wonderful lifestyle in cognito away from the rat races. It is a choice. It is not for everyone. Many love to be in the competitive rat race. That's cool. But I am 57 now and have no desire to return to it. I am happy being a nobody, a serf on a dirt road with chickens. Works for me!

I feel like the us government is bad too.

I'm Ecuadorian and I'm totally disagree with this Ecuadorian government. I miss Correa as president :( a lot.

I am planning my early retirement, and I will be traveling in SE Asia and Central/South America for few years before settling down in Bangkok. I am not going to pay 10K per year just for health insurance in USA once I retired. 10K dollars is entire years rent if I moved to Thailand or Mexico.

Don't forget it's assisted by politicians since the US does not have a free market. It's very controlled by government (as 2020 proved) but don't tell Americans that.

The business part is what makes it high-tech. The tort law is what makes it expensive. You're throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Excellent point about American politics. The 24 hour news cycle and social media has greatly influenced public perception of current affairs.

Well said from a fellow veteran.

@Blues I'll be right behind you, brother.

I concur!

We've been hearing that more, sadly. We always thought of Canada as our sane neighbors to the north. Guess we're rubbing off on you!

Hi fellow Canadian! We took the big leap out of Canada a year ago and do not regret the decision. Same as you, frustrated with politics, the huge increase in cost of living and - the weather! Enjoying retirement on the beach in Mexico. Wish we had done it sooner. Love watching JP and Amelia, as their expat experiences are so similar to ours.

@@vivianhart8579 Great! Glad you're enjoying the beach life en México!

@@vivianhart8579 Hi there Vivian, and thank you for your reply. Congrats for taking that leap! All the best to you. And yes, Amelia and JP are awesome!

@@juanmam.2113 Where is 'HERE'?

Thanks for sharing!

Thanks! Glad you enjoy our videos!

The food is great in Ecuador. I don't know about any other city, but in Cuenca, you can find just about any cuisine you could possible conceive of here. Most restaurants are very reasonable and like JP and Amelia demonstrate, there is an abundance of fresh food if you are a home cooker.

Best of luck!

Love it! Thanks for sharing!

I'm leaning very heavily towards Vilcabamba as well. I just need to get to Ecuador.......

Nah. comparing the Us and Canada is like comparing apples to apples in this particular case, yes, countries like US and Canada are the same when it comes to tricking their people. Canada is pretty expensive for many reasons, including a decrease in Availability of Land for Development, High Taxes, Inflation, and Climate Change. Have that "Free health care system" People sometimes say that Canadians have “free” healthcare, but Canadians pay for their healthcare through taxes. The same goes for Australia, the Uk, and many other "developed countries"

We feel the same way.

Or a free & independent thinker!

Florida is a closed state in primaries. So as an Independent, I can't vote. Ho.es are still over valued and far too many HOAs.

@@zatosan729 Colorado was the same way and since I've never been registered to a party, I've had no say in who the TWO worthless candidates are. It's such a rigged system. I wish we would switched to ranked choice voting, but then the banks, billionaires and corporations couldn't install their puppets so easily.

Exactly. Whatever happened to being an American?

Thanks for sharing! If I need another surgery, it will have to be somewhere other than the US. They're pricing themselves out of business. Their audience isn't as captive as it used to be.

@@AmeliaAndJP 1.4 million Americans travel overseas for medical every year. “Medical tourism” was valued at about $439 billion (2015). And yet the US spends more as percentage of GDP on health care than any other country. www.thefiscaltimes.com/2016/08/17/14-Million-Americans-Will-Go-Abroad-Medical-Care-Year-Should-You

As per Health Care Facilities in.... India..... Best & Cheap as well as 5 star category in Private Multi Speciality Hospitals.

We still file taxes back in the States, but we use an accountant and don't make much money so we're in the 15% tax bracket. I think there's a foreign tax rate for people who live outside the country more than 90% of the year, but I'm not really sure about that. If you can work anywhere, there are a lot of cheaper places to live!

@@AmeliaAndJP Thank you SO much!! You guys are truly a blessing!

Uruguay, Chile And Brasil we're the most expensive countries in South America when I was there in 2015 across the board in all expenses...

That's great! Thanks for sharing!

@@pakde8002 add Brazil to that as I am also Brazilian. Terrible situation there. I live one day at a time looking for anything that can bring me a smile. I have a hummingbird visiting my yard now which is another little source of happiness.

@@jlb2275 My nephew lives in Brazil. Before Bolsanaro, I had considered moving there. No way. Not now.

@@SandraWade666 I think Brazil is more toxic than the US. Pretty unbearable and getting worse daily. I lost good old friends not to covid but to difference of opinion. That's how toxic it has become. Lots of anger and hate there.

Did you end up leaving? How has it been?

We're happy to hear you found your ideal place! We will visit one day :)

Thank you so much!

jjburkk 54 in IL, and got 10 more yrs to retire, Colorado is nice, went there in 1980. Definitely outta here when the time comes

I live in Alabama and I love it

@@vlms5893 it will not. To many conservatives. At least not in my generation

People use to be nicer here... hostility is rising every where.

@@QueenBees456 Right? You can't even drive down the street without someone yelling or honking at you, cuz they're so impatient. I'm tired of the selfishness and the anger

Money... the polititions who enjoy free top level healthcare profit from the multimillion dollar healthcare industry