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THE NUMBER ONE SOURCE FOR BUILDING A LIFE ABROAD

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  • Your Plan B

Top Expat Friendly Countries for 2014

  • BY Don Halbert
  • February 9, 2014
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MLiving abroad offers a variety of attractive options from cheaper living to mild climates to exotic adventures.  Whether you’re looking to move for retirement or for a lifestyle change, there are a number of places that are incredibly expat friendly.

Panama

If you want to live in a metropolis like Panama City or in a beach town like Bocas del Toro, Panama can accommodate you.  Additionally, you can dip your foot in the Atlantic Ocean in the morning and the Pacific for sunset.  This small but dynamic country has a progressive Pensionado visa (for retirees), great healthcare, and a low cost of living.

Mexico

Thanks to Mexico’s size, it can provide you with pretty much anything you’re looking for.  Additionally, if you’re moving from the United States, the proximity to family and friends is unbeatable, especially when you can live on about half your normal budget.  It’s also easy to find the comforts of home such as good roads and internet access.  With a vibrant culture and great food, over a million expats call Mexico “home” these days.

Ecuador

This country has benefits like duty-free imports on household goods and easy visa policies.  You can also live very comfortably for under $2,000 a month.  Since it’s on the equator, Ecuador has one most consistent climates, with spring-like weather all year around in the Andes and warm tropical beaches.

Costa Rica

Known as the land of “Pura Vida”, life here certainly is rich.  Costa Rica has prime rainforests and beaches while continuing to be a progressive and modern country with every amenity you could ask for.  Because of this, Costa Rica is one of the most popular expat locations.  Additionally, it is one of the most ecologically conscious countries in the world and they have a comprehensive healthcare policy for residents.

Malaysia

Malaysia is completely multi-cultural and a central hug for the rest of the world.  Thanks to this, there is something for everybody here, and often at a very reasonable price.  The access to international food and culture is second to none, all set within pristine jungle islands and beaches.  Malaysia also provides affordable healthcare to all.

Nicaragua

Some might say that Nicaragua is similar to Costa Rica 15 years ago.   The country has many of the same landscape perks, all at a lower price.  However, the country is slightly less developed than Costa Rica or Panama, but this can certainly be an advantage for both cost and accessibility, especially since it’s possible to live here very comfortably for under $1,500 a month.

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