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10 Countries Practically Begging Americans to Retire There

World According To Briggs

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Thinking of ditching overpriced eggs, sky-high healthcare, and endless HOA drama? In this video, we countdown the Top 10 Countries That Make It Super Easy for Americans to Retire—legally, affordably, and stress-free. From beachside bungalows in Belize to wine-country living in Portugal, these countries are rolling out the red carpet for U.S. retirees.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
00:44 - Uruguay Travel Guide
03:41 - Belize Adventure Highlights
05:07 - Exploring Portugal's Culture
06:29 - Ecuador's Natural Wonders
07:51 - Malaysia's Unique Attractions
09:12 - Mexico's Vibrant Destinations
11:06 - Panama's Canal Experience
12:38 - Costa Rica's Eco-Tourism
13:57 - Dominican Republic Vacation Tips
15:24 - Thailand's Must-Visit Spots
16:42 - Thanks for Watching

We break down:
✅ Cost of living
✅ Residency visa requirements
✅ Healthcare quality & affordability
✅ Expat-friendly cities
✅ Insider tips for making the move

Whether you’re ready to pack your bags or just daydreaming about sipping margaritas for half the price, this guide will help you explore where your dollar—and your sanity—go the furthest.

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#RetireAbroad #ExpatLife #AffordableLiving #BestPlacesToRetire #RetirementPlanning #AmericansAbroad #WorldAccordingToBriggs
Email: World2Briggs@Gmail.com

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20 Comments

@justaviewer111 1 year ago (edited)

I know my wife and I are in the minority in that we don't want to retire in any of those hot and humid places. Maybe do a video like this in true 4 season areas?

@howweusedtotalk 1 year ago

Quick story bout health care. We all know American health care is a disaster but I now have a condition that requires an important prescription to live. It's thousands of dollars a month and I only thought I could get it in the US with insurance. NOPE. In Portugal, my monthly prescription is 41.00 dollars not 4100.00 dollars w/o insurance.

@GregginHOU 1 year ago

If you can do it, I recommend renting an Airbnb, or an apartment or house, and living in a potential retirement destination for 2, 3, or 4, or even 6 months. Explore EVERYTHING, from the cuisine to the bureaucracy to healthcare to cultural amenities and stay long enough to really get a feel for the place. That way you will have a much better understanding of whether or not a particular place is right for you. You may end up loving it--or hating it--for some reason(s) which you had no idea about before spending a decent amount of time there.

@cultcompound6679 1 year ago

Health care in the U.S. isn't only expensive, it is bad now.

@SunShineLady-d4r 1 year ago

Uruguay 🇺🇾, Belize 🇧🇿, Portugal 🇵🇹, Ecuador 🇪🇨, Malaysia 🇲🇾, Mexico 🇲🇽, Panama 🇵🇦, Costa Rica 🇨🇷, Dominican Republic 🇩🇴, Thailand 🇹🇭

@martypoll 1 year ago (edited)

I live in Thailand. Mostly western trained doctors that speak English. I use the private hospitals and pay directly. I have insurance but the deductible I chose is $1,500 and I have never had a medical bill over $800. I go online and request a next day appointment with a dermatologist, orthopedist, neurosurgeon, whatever. They get back to you in an hour with the appointment time. Three weeks ago I made a next day appointment with an orthopedist who withdrew fluid from my elbow (bursitis). The fee, including antibiotics, was $185 (no insurance payment). Once I walked in, no appointment, and saw a neurosurgeon in an hour and had a scan of my head same day. You gotta love healthcare outside the US.

No Medicare though . . .

@reneelibby4885 1 year ago (edited)

Re: Healthcare. If you are older always take a really deep dive into the healthcare situation of a country you are interested in. Cheap is not the only consideration. Also if you are moving to a tiny town or village, bear in mind how far away you are from medical facilities. These retirement videos always seem to gloss over this issue but it could be the difference between life or death. And if you are OK with that, fine, just know first!

@citizen.by.descent 1 year ago

Uruguayan American here. I agree with you about some things being less expensive (especially services local produce/meats) but imported goods are practically the same as the US. Healthcare is cheap and reliable. The tranquilo life is real.

@user-kx9eh3qo4q 1 year ago

Never thought I'd leave America. Can't believe I'm even looking...

@rodniki14 1 year ago

Go to the country you chose for at least a month. Find out about taxes, banking, laws, real estate, medical care, costs, safety, insurance and everything else you can before taking the plunge. Things change. In some countries rents, costs and taxes go up as more expats move in. Portugal is a perfect example. I've learned this the hard way after living 38 of my 70 years outside the US.

@Meower68 1 year ago

Belize is a former British colony. Hence the English.

Stepsister and her hubby recently moved to Ecuador. Both are retired teachers. Bought land with a Pacific ocean view and built a house on it.

There are people who go to Costa Rica for extensive dental work where you pay 100% out-of-pocket and still spend less money than most copays.

@katherinefields3665 1 year ago

Left US and moved to Yucatán. It’s very safe, affordable and people are friendly.

@7223adobe 1 year ago

Two-thousand dollars a month to live in Portugal? Maybe if you live in a small isolated town in the middle of the Alentejo and never go out to eat or spend any money on entertainment, recreation... Portugal is no longer cheap.

@reneelibby4885 1 year ago

Portugal: healthcare is not that good ( so say people who live there ) and they JUST changed the taxes so new retirees will have their Social Security taxed like regular income,. This just happened. I'm telling you this because I'm moving abroad, looking for a country and have researched extensively, This rule just changed March 2025. It makes a BIG difference. If you are an American citizen you will also keep your tax liabilities for certain things in the USA - so be careful and no matter what country check the TAX TREATIES w USA!

@MillionaireMigrant 2 months ago

Great list. One thing I'd add is that choosing the country is only half the equation. Choosing the right legal pathway is just as important.

@kennethgardner3090 1 year ago

I don't speak Spanish and I don't think I ever will. However, if I moved to Mexico I would learn it. I think it would benefit me and not learning the language of the country you live in is disrespectful.

@marilynnschroeder4436 1 year ago

0:37. I believe it’s ‘Get it? Got it? Good!’ 😂😂😂

@jimkangas4176 1 year ago

I've been retired almost 10 years and live in the Ca desert (used to be Northeast). I've gone on a number of international trips and recently went to Scandinavia (Finland, Sweden, Norway). Mu grandfather had emigrated here in 1898 or so. I really loved the people and the government (what I knew of it). Not sure about cost of living etc. (I don't think it's cheap), it is exactly everything that the US is not. Finns say they exaggerate about it being the happiest country on earth, but admit that there's not much stress - healthcare, no homelessness, etc. I'd love to hear more about these countries.

@friscoeddie3223 1 year ago

Been retired here in Cuenca for the past 15 years. And you’re spot on about everything. I think you skipped the weather here - it’s perfect. 70’s in the day, 50’s at night. No humidity, no bugs, rainy season, dry season. I’m from San Francisco and the weather here is very similar except for the fog. One drawback for some, we’re at 8,300 ft elevation. You get use to it. Plenty of gringos, plenty of other diversions. Great food, really cheap (30 eggs for $4.50), rent cheap, health care fantastic and so affordable, US dollar currency, mellow people. I could go on. My vote is for Cuenca.