I agree you live a more active lifestyle abroad but you don't have to drive everywhere in the US. When I returned from living abroad, I moved near public transit and a big supermarket. I still grocery shop every 3 days and take the bus/train to other stores. I also frequent outdoor farmer's markets. But mostly I walk to/from the store hauling groceries on my back or rolling cart. If you live in a city with good transportation and don't own a car, it feels a lot like life abroad...if you want it to.
For myself being on a single person on a tight budget in the US you kinda imprison yourself because you can't afford to do anything extra. All I do is buy my groceries and literally go home. Most of my entertainment is at home because I cant afford to do much else. I have a government job and is worth it because of the pension and Healthcare. Pay not so much. Definitely looking at retiring outside the US, so I can enjoy life.
We lived in Germany for almost 5 years. Being Canadian I was used to a large refrigerator and was shocked to see the kitchen we had to buy (!) from the last renter for our rental townhouse had an under counter bar refrigerator. I was able to fit 3 days groceries for the 6 of us into a bundle buggy and then into that refrigerator. I couldn't shop every day with four little kids! So yes, I was definitely more active in Germany - walking the kids to school, walking back and forth to the grocery store, walking to the bus stop - because, oh yeah, we only had one car! Many of our neighbors didn't have a car at all. Very different and we could see why their lifestyle had many health advantages.
Great video! I'm sure I'm going to be just like the guy on the train at some point because I'll be so excited lol! I've got 58 days until I leave for Argentina!
We are soooo looking forward to experiencing Thailand in depth this winter. 😊 We want to get a feel for what it is like to be there for an extended period. At this point we plan to keep our small home( that we downsized to). But we keep an open mind about changing our minds later on. Life is an adventure, get out there and explore it.
FYI, there is unhealthy air quality in many parts of Thailand December through April, especially in the north. Better in Phuket and the southern beach areas. I had been a 20-year winter visitor.
You don't have to tell me twice! Two years until retirement. I'm so looking forward to it. I'll be checking out your course. Thank you again for another great video!
I suspect that the biggest adaptation for people will not be solely about moving to a new country. It will be from moving from a rural/suburban lifestyle to a very dense urban city center, especially as congested and polluted as many Asian cities. As a New Yorker, I am used to not driving a car every day, walking everywhere and carrying groceries, as well as all of the noise, smells and unpleasantries of city life. Accordingly, I totally enjoyed chaotic cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Bangkok, Mumbai, etc. You have to develop the ability to tune out certain frequencies in your surroundings; otherwise, all of that sensory stimulation can be quite overwhelming.
The advice to look into a place more long term rather than short term is great advice. My brother and his wife learned they can visit hot/humid climates for a week or two, but longer term was too difficult because the heat made them sick.
Another good video, thanks. I always learn something even though I left the USA for SE Asia (mainly Thailand) over ten years ago. Now when I visit the USA I feel like I enjoy it more, because I'm a tourist but in a very familiar place where I understand the language and customs completely. You might want to do a video about the Foreign Earned Income Exemption (FEIE) for US taxpayers. That's a potentially huge tax savings available to Americans who live overseas for 335+ days/year.
I share your thoughts. Just retired to Chiang Mai from California on 27 April. Still in the honeymoon phase, but have so many friends here already. And..best of all, I am living on Social Security strictly, and have not spent more than I bring in yet. I fully plan on living another 65 years to enjoy this life. Think. Plan. Slight hesitate, then....GO FOR IT. That is my advice for everyone.
I'm investigating between a nomadic lifestyle vs. having a fixed overseas location (and combinations of the two). For instance, my hobbies are intangible so travelling light-weight is super easy, but since I'm married it's not just about me.
@@virginiajordan5567 same. I was an expat for over 10 years, but I always knew I could go back to the States when the time was right. I am, however, interested in going some other places and stretching my dollar.
I want to meet you all!! I am a ways off from retiring, but keep plugging away with hope in my heart. Thank you for your videos courses, and info! You all truly have given me hope, and ability to set goals and have dreams of a brighter happier future ❤ you guys!! Thank you!
When westerners meet other westerners especially in Asia they are more inclined to be more friendly to each other than in their own country. I believe it’s because they actually miss a part of their western culture while in Asia even if they don’t realize it. It’s not easy to gain foreign friends especially a couple while in Asia. Language barrier and culture customs play a big part to this. So if you are a Westerner on a long travel journey you will find yourself being more open to other westerners. I will say my own experience in the Philippines was different than this. I felt like there westerners were fairly distrustful of other westerners.
Quite a few poor and less-developed countries rely heavily on tourism. Thailand maybe at the top of that list. Spending US dollars helps the local economy. There's a line between taking advantage of differences in wealth and opportunity (most Thais can't afford to travel, or get visas to go anywhere outside of SE Asia) and contributing to the host country. I'm not sure if that's what you mean by ethical concerns. I have yet to experience anti-immigrant or anti-foreigner sentiment abroad comparable to what I witnessed first-hand in the USA. Something that often surprises Americans abroad: we are a drop in the bucket in numbers of tourists and expats. In SE Asia the vast majority of foreigners taking advantage of wealth/income disparities come from China, Japan, and Korea, not from the USA or western Europe. And not all nomads/expats have so much money they can live like kings -- retirees on pensions and social insurance (Social Security for Americans), and young people traveling on a shoestring budget outnumber well-off nomads by a very wide margin.
One thing I would find really helpful is if you guys could do a video on eSIMs. You have mentioned before that’s what you use, but as someone that doesn’t have a lot of international travel experience, it’s an area I’m not real familiar with. I would love your take on the pros and cons of different providers. Whether you get one for each country you visit or a regional or global one, whether you have data only and use FaceTime for calls or have one that provides a local phone number, etc etc
Thank you for being the sweet pragmatic voice of reason. It is so comforting to share your videos with family and friends in the USA. I gain new travel perspectives with every video.🙏 Will you be having an event here in Bangkok? ¿Dónde estan los latinos en Bangkok?
Thanks for your enlightening channel. We love it. You are absolutely right, most Americans do not think outside the box and give little consideration to how they are living. You offer an excellent alternate way to retire. As someone once said, "The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions." When we are abroad I often take my rolling bag to carry more groceries than I could carry in a backpack. They even know me when I am home and shopping at Costco ;-)
You are my inspiration. I have lived abroad many time before and plan to retire early when I reach my forties but with your inspiration I am already a part time digital nomad three months a year. Can you do a video about the business side of your RUclips account? Did you set up an LLC for your RUclips business? How do you file US taxes as slow travelers?
When traveling, we always make it a point to check out a mall or two - and we're not big mall people. It's a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture, and the food courts, typically on the top floor - can be incredible. Also, how they typically have a grocery store on the bottom floor is a great idea!
Retiring abroad can be more luxurious, affordable and just as convenient as in the US, if you're in a mid-size/large city. But once you get out into the provinces or rural towns away from tourist areas, not so much. Slow unreliable internet, electrical black/brown-outs, water problems, bug infestations, lack of public transport, poor healthcare systems, few shopping options, language barriers can all be frustrating and exhausting. Make sure where you go matches the lifestyle you want and can comfortably afford.
Thanks for the video and info. Can you please explain how your Jumpstart course is different or more in depth than your RUclips videos. Thank you again.
Hi! I swear you're making your videos and courses for me! I started my channel a couple of weeks ago, but could definitely use some guidance. Also, budget slow travel is the retirement decision I had come to after looking at my financial picture. Just trying to hang in for a couple more years to get that pension. I'm going to check out the Jumpstart course, as well. Coincidentally, I live in the Atlanta area, too! Thank you for helping to meet a need out here!
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel Thanks! Is someone impersonating y'all in the comments. I got some strange messages from someone using the name Rob and Allie.
When you say you need to let your guard down, I will assume your not talking about most, if not all of Latin America. We lived in various countries in Latin America for many years and you always need to have the protection radar on...... ALWAYS. Some countries , or areas in the country more than others of course. No shortage of people we knew had difficult situations, and even the locals had their radars on 24/7.
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel - Also don't understand why you generalize that people need to be on defense in the US. I've never felt that way, but of course I know there are dangerous places.
US medical insurance, including Medicare and VA, generally not usable overseas. Some exceptions especially for VA. Many companies, including US insurers, offer both short- and long-term nomad and travel insurance, and expat policies. I have used CIGNA and SafetyWing with good results (they paid the claims quickly). Medical and dental care in many countries works out so much cheaper than in the US that it doesn’t hurt to pay out of pocket. My wife and I have never spent more out of pocket in Asia than our ACA premiums cost in the USA.
It does seem that meeting people while abroad is easier. Ment to ask if you went anywhere else in the Philippines besides Manila? I miss chicken and pork adobo. 😋 😊
Depends on your passport. US passport holders get 30 days visa waiver on arrival, can get 30 days extension. You can get longer visas by applying in advance at any Thai consulate. Long-term visas for a year or more have multiple options, depends on your circumstances and budget (Thailand Privilege for example). Wikipedia is a good resource. Google for “visa requirements US citizen” and change US to the country that issued your passport.
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel Tiny correction... US passport holders get a visa WAIVER on arrival. Thailand has visa on arrival as well -- Indian citizens get that, for example. I bring it up because those are separate lines at the airport. Getting in the wrong line not usually a problem and the staff can point you to the right line.
My limited experience in Japan: not a problem in cities. Important signs, train/subway maps, etc. all in English. I never had much problem communicating, always someone around who could speak English and offered to help. I’m told rural Japan presents more language challenges but that’s true everywhere.
You guys don’t have an issue with language in Bangkok because you are in Sukhumvit. If you were to travel to most other cities that are not full of tourists, then you will not hear English as often.
I've been all around Thailand. In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi, Samui, etc. -- the places tourists go -- you can easily get by with English (or "Angrit" as Thais say). In more rural areas (most of Thailand) you may have to work harder. Usually someone speaks English -- Thai kids/teenagers study English in school so they may understand better than adults. It's hard to find a rural village in Thailand that doesn't have one or two expats living there. We visit family in a rural village in the middle of nowhere. Many of the kids can speak some English. When I get stuck I use Google Translate or pantomime. Learn how to count to 20, how to say please and thank you and excuse me, how to ask where the toilet is, and the words for any allergies or food preferences you might have. Vegans may get surprised because Thais don't think of fish, chicken, or eggs as "meat" the way Americans do, for example.
I agree you live a more active lifestyle abroad but you don't have to drive everywhere in the US. When I returned from living abroad, I moved near public transit and a big supermarket. I still grocery shop every 3 days and take the bus/train to other stores. I also frequent outdoor farmer's markets. But mostly I walk to/from the store hauling groceries on my back or rolling cart. If you live in a city with good transportation and don't own a car, it feels a lot like life abroad...if you want it to.
unfortunately, good public transport is not the norm in the US
For myself being on a single person on a tight budget in the US you kinda imprison yourself because you can't afford to do anything extra. All I do is buy my groceries and literally go home. Most of my entertainment is at home because I cant afford to do much else. I have a government job and is worth it because of the pension and Healthcare. Pay not so much. Definitely looking at retiring outside the US, so I can enjoy life.
We lived in Germany for almost 5 years. Being Canadian I was used to a large refrigerator and was shocked to see the kitchen we had to buy (!) from the last renter for our rental townhouse had an under counter bar refrigerator. I was able to fit 3 days groceries for the 6 of us into a bundle buggy and then into that refrigerator. I couldn't shop every day with four little kids! So yes, I was definitely more active in Germany - walking the kids to school, walking back and forth to the grocery store, walking to the bus stop - because, oh yeah, we only had one car! Many of our neighbors didn't have a car at all. Very different and we could see why their lifestyle had many health advantages.
Great video! I'm sure I'm going to be just like the guy on the train at some point because I'll be so excited lol! I've got 58 days until I leave for Argentina!
This is an easy one - here you simply never retire, beyond reach for many. Plenty of places overseas offers some cost effective alternatives.
We are soooo looking forward to experiencing Thailand in depth this winter. 😊 We want to get a feel for what it is like to be there for an extended period. At this point we plan to keep our small home( that we downsized to). But we keep an open mind about changing our minds later on. Life is an adventure, get out there and explore it.
Have fun!
FYI, there is unhealthy air quality in many parts of Thailand December through April, especially in the north. Better in Phuket and the southern beach areas. I had been a 20-year winter visitor.
You don't have to tell me twice! Two years until retirement. I'm so looking forward to it. I'll be checking out your course. Thank you again for another great video!
Thanks so much!
I suspect that the biggest adaptation for people will not be solely about moving to a new country. It will be from moving from a rural/suburban lifestyle to a very dense urban city center, especially as congested and polluted as many Asian cities. As a New Yorker, I am used to not driving a car every day, walking everywhere and carrying groceries, as well as all of the noise, smells and unpleasantries of city life. Accordingly, I totally enjoyed chaotic cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Bangkok, Mumbai, etc. You have to develop the ability to tune out certain frequencies in your surroundings; otherwise, all of that sensory stimulation can be quite overwhelming.
Well said. I live in a city in the USA and it’s pretty easy. People belong in cities. Learn to live with each other.
The advice to look into a place more long term rather than short term is great advice. My brother and his wife learned they can visit hot/humid climates for a week or two, but longer term was too difficult because the heat made them sick.
Another good video, thanks. I always learn something even though I left the USA for SE Asia (mainly Thailand) over ten years ago. Now when I visit the USA I feel like I enjoy it more, because I'm a tourist but in a very familiar place where I understand the language and customs completely.
You might want to do a video about the Foreign Earned Income Exemption (FEIE) for US taxpayers. That's a potentially huge tax savings available to Americans who live overseas for 335+ days/year.
I share your thoughts. Just retired to Chiang Mai from California on 27 April. Still in the honeymoon phase, but have so many friends here already. And..best of all, I am living on Social Security strictly, and have not spent more than I bring in yet. I fully plan on living another 65 years to enjoy this life. Think. Plan. Slight hesitate, then....GO FOR IT. That is my advice for everyone.
I'm investigating between a nomadic lifestyle vs. having a fixed overseas location (and combinations of the two).
For instance, my hobbies are intangible so travelling light-weight is super easy, but since I'm married it's not just about me.
same. I'd bail out next week if it were just me.
We are similar, our hobby is photography so it's actually helpful to go new places to take pictures.
Although flawed, I love the USA and never want to reside in a foreign country permanently !!!
@@virginiajordan5567 same. I was an expat for over 10 years, but I always knew I could go back to the States when the time was right. I am, however, interested in going some other places and stretching my dollar.
I want to meet you all!! I am a ways off from retiring, but keep plugging away with hope in my heart. Thank you for your videos courses, and info! You all truly have given me hope, and ability to set goals and have dreams of a brighter happier future ❤ you guys!! Thank you!
You can do it!
@GroundedLifeFinances thank you both!
You commented on living on 4,000 USD/month- that is a lot! How about 2100USD a month?!!!
I am concerned about aging (health issues, mobility, socializing) outside of the US.
I’d love to retire overseas … just starting my research. I was raised overseas and feel it would be a good fit for me.
When westerners meet other westerners especially in Asia they are more inclined to be more friendly to each other than in their own country. I believe it’s because they actually miss a part of their western culture while in Asia even if they don’t realize it. It’s not easy to gain foreign friends especially a couple while in Asia. Language barrier and culture customs play a big part to this. So if you are a Westerner on a long travel journey you will find yourself being more open to other westerners. I will say my own experience in the Philippines was different than this. I felt like there westerners were fairly distrustful of other westerners.
Hi, Rob and Allie! Where may we find more information concerning your upcoming group cruises, please? We love your videos.
The info is in the Retirement Travel Jumpstart community group, the trips are part of the group/course
Is that $297 each, for my Wifey-dear and me?@GroundedLifeFinances
It would be great if you put chapter markers. Thanks for your videos.
future video topic suggestion: ethical concerns about travel/living in these poor countries. I wonder about this.
Quite a few poor and less-developed countries rely heavily on tourism. Thailand maybe at the top of that list. Spending US dollars helps the local economy. There's a line between taking advantage of differences in wealth and opportunity (most Thais can't afford to travel, or get visas to go anywhere outside of SE Asia) and contributing to the host country. I'm not sure if that's what you mean by ethical concerns. I have yet to experience anti-immigrant or anti-foreigner sentiment abroad comparable to what I witnessed first-hand in the USA.
Something that often surprises Americans abroad: we are a drop in the bucket in numbers of tourists and expats. In SE Asia the vast majority of foreigners taking advantage of wealth/income disparities come from China, Japan, and Korea, not from the USA or western Europe. And not all nomads/expats have so much money they can live like kings -- retirees on pensions and social insurance (Social Security for Americans), and young people traveling on a shoestring budget outnumber well-off nomads by a very wide margin.
One thing I would find really helpful is if you guys could do a video on eSIMs. You have mentioned before that’s what you use, but as someone that doesn’t have a lot of international travel experience, it’s an area I’m not real familiar with. I would love your take on the pros and cons of different providers. Whether you get one for each country you visit or a regional or global one, whether you have data only and use FaceTime for calls or have one that provides a local phone number, etc etc
I've used Airalo all over the world.
Thank you for being the sweet pragmatic voice of reason.
It is so comforting to share your videos with family and friends in the USA. I gain new travel perspectives with every video.🙏
Will you be having an event here in Bangkok?
¿Dónde estan los latinos en Bangkok?
Thanks for your enlightening channel. We love it.
You are absolutely right, most Americans do not think outside the box and give little consideration to how they are living. You offer an excellent alternate way to retire. As someone once said, "The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions."
When we are abroad I often take my rolling bag to carry more groceries than I could carry in a backpack. They even know me when I am home and shopping at Costco ;-)
Great idea!
You are my inspiration. I have lived abroad many time before and plan to retire early when I reach my forties but with your inspiration I am already a part time digital nomad three months a year. Can you do a video about the business side of your RUclips account? Did you set up an LLC for your RUclips business? How do you file US taxes as slow travelers?
When traveling, we always make it a point to check out a mall or two - and we're not big mall people. It's a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture, and the food courts, typically on the top floor - can be incredible. Also, how they typically have a grocery store on the bottom floor is a great idea!
Retiring abroad can be more luxurious, affordable and just as convenient as in the US, if you're in a mid-size/large city. But once you get out into the provinces or rural towns away from tourist areas, not so much. Slow unreliable internet, electrical black/brown-outs, water problems, bug infestations, lack of public transport, poor healthcare systems, few shopping options, language barriers can all be frustrating and exhausting. Make sure where you go matches the lifestyle you want and can comfortably afford.
Just as true in rural America, except for the language barrier.
Thanks for the video and info. Can you please explain how your Jumpstart course is different or more in depth than your RUclips videos. Thank you again.
Hi! I swear you're making your videos and courses for me! I started my channel a couple of weeks ago, but could definitely use some guidance. Also, budget slow travel is the retirement decision I had come to after looking at my financial picture. Just trying to hang in for a couple more years to get that pension. I'm going to check out the Jumpstart course, as well. Coincidentally, I live in the Atlanta area, too! Thank you for helping to meet a need out here!
Thanks! You can do it!
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel Thanks! Is someone impersonating y'all in the comments. I got some strange messages from someone using the name Rob and Allie.
@@SoloRetirementwithLydia yes, likely, that happens a lot unfortunately.
When you say you need to let your guard down, I will assume your not talking about most, if not all of Latin America. We lived in various countries in Latin America for many years and you always need to have the protection radar on...... ALWAYS. Some countries , or areas in the country more than others of course. No shortage of people we knew had difficult situations, and even the locals had their radars on 24/7.
Yes, you are correct
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel - Also don't understand why you generalize that people need to be on defense in the US. I've never felt that way, but of course I know there are dangerous places.
When is your next live!?! I have so many questions. Lol
Sunday at noon eastern
MÉRIDA! I have two air bnbs right in Centro. Let me know if your travels take you there and I'll give you a deal on one of my houses. :)
Thanks so much!
Great info!
Thank you
Be advised, in France you need to speak French!!! If you do or really try, you will be loved. If not... well, try.
True !
Do you have US medical insurance, or do you just have nomad travel insurance since you're traveling?
US medical insurance, including Medicare and VA, generally not usable overseas. Some exceptions especially for VA. Many companies, including US insurers, offer both short- and long-term nomad and travel insurance, and expat policies. I have used CIGNA and SafetyWing with good results (they paid the claims quickly).
Medical and dental care in many countries works out so much cheaper than in the US that it doesn’t hurt to pay out of pocket. My wife and I have never spent more out of pocket in Asia than our ACA premiums cost in the USA.
It does seem that meeting people while abroad is easier.
Ment to ask if you went anywhere else in the Philippines besides Manila?
I miss chicken and pork adobo. 😋 😊
We did not, our purpose there was to finish up a project, mostly the retirement travel jumpstart course, so we didn't venture out too far.
Hi guys, Have you guys visit Jakarta (capital city of Indonesia)? And have you visit lombok when you are in Bali ?
We have not been yet, but are hoping to go
any channel suggestions for a solo traveler under 2k monthly budget???
Would you also upgrade at intercontinental to Ambassador status. Or just get IHG Diamond
What type of camera and mic set up do you use
Do you do visa upon arrival or apply online for Thailand?
Visa on arrival for us (American)
Depends on your passport. US passport holders get 30 days visa waiver on arrival, can get 30 days extension. You can get longer visas by applying in advance at any Thai consulate.
Long-term visas for a year or more have multiple options, depends on your circumstances and budget (Thailand Privilege for example).
Wikipedia is a good resource. Google for “visa requirements US citizen” and change US to the country that issued your passport.
@@GroundedLifeRetirementTravel Tiny correction... US passport holders get a visa WAIVER on arrival. Thailand has visa on arrival as well -- Indian citizens get that, for example. I bring it up because those are separate lines at the airport. Getting in the wrong line not usually a problem and the staff can point you to the right line.
Please talk about getting around in Japan without english speakers
My limited experience in Japan: not a problem in cities. Important signs, train/subway maps, etc. all in English. I never had much problem communicating, always someone around who could speak English and offered to help.
I’m told rural Japan presents more language challenges but that’s true everywhere.
You guys don’t have an issue with language in Bangkok because you are in Sukhumvit. If you were to travel to most other cities that are not full of tourists, then you will not hear English as often.
I've been all around Thailand. In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi, Samui, etc. -- the places tourists go -- you can easily get by with English (or "Angrit" as Thais say). In more rural areas (most of Thailand) you may have to work harder. Usually someone speaks English -- Thai kids/teenagers study English in school so they may understand better than adults. It's hard to find a rural village in Thailand that doesn't have one or two expats living there. We visit family in a rural village in the middle of nowhere. Many of the kids can speak some English. When I get stuck I use Google Translate or pantomime. Learn how to count to 20, how to say please and thank you and excuse me, how to ask where the toilet is, and the words for any allergies or food preferences you might have. Vegans may get surprised because Thais don't think of fish, chicken, or eggs as "meat" the way Americans do, for example.