Atilla

Firstly, apologies for this going to several boards here but the same issues apply to different countries and the responses will likely be different. Not all residents of these countries may visit all the forums so it's a case of needs must

I have recently retired at 52 after working 33+ years in the UK and 3 years overseas in the UAE. For a LOOOONG time I have fancied the idea of living abroad and often felt that France would be my end point. I like the language, food, country and the people so it had quite a few ticks in boxes. Of late though a few things have changed. Firstly there is the 'inactifs' issue (the need to have private medical cover now if below state retirement age), then there is the position with the Euro and also on the personal front, I now have some different considerations following life in the UAE. The France specific issues are not show-stoppers but need careful consideration I think.

My desire to relocate is not so much on disillusionment with the UK (albeit there is a lot I'm not happy with - but similar issues affect everywhere), more a case of I'm not SURE it offers me what I want out of life now. Previously I thought ALL I wanted was a sunnier clime, good food, wine and good heritage and culture. I'm not sure though of those ingredients alone are enough now. To fulfil them, France would be ideal, albeit I think somewhere south of the Loire would be needed to benefit from better weather. So I considered Aquitane, Languedoc and Provence. All still viable of course. I also considered Spain and Italy, but I'm just not sure there is as much there as I'd like given that I don't think it's just warmer that I'm after.

Much about the UAE I did not enjoy. Stifling heat for 7 months of the year (50+ often and very high humidity), the cost of most things there (except tat, some food and spices), a somewhat restrictive life style and, at times, the squalor in the backstreets which is far removed from the shots of the beach and its promenade (the Corniche) that the brochures and magazines are full of!!! I did however like a few things there, some of which I miss here. The weather during the winter months, the fact that it was sunny a lot, being able to nip to a very well equipped gym and health complex on foot and being able to pop out for a drink or meal at any number of multi-cultural restaurants or bars in a variety of settings (inside/outside/beach etc etc). May all sound a bit odd but thinking about it now I'm not sure that even France offers ALL of those in the same way at least, unless it is for mega bucks near St Tropez, and even then, there is not such a great variety.

This got me contemplating other locations as potential options with a significant determining factor being the viability of it all, thus ruling out, by and large, places like Canada, USA, Australia etc etc as I have no plans to work (albeit I might if the right thing came along but then of course it's a different ball game and visa requirements vary considerably) and retirement visa options are limited or non-existant. Like I say, France, Spain and Italy are still options but I am now more actively considering:

1) Malaysia: Benefits of the MM2H visa, variety of food and cultures, cosmopolitan, good standard of living and lower costs. Cons include: concerns over area stability, yet to research services and availability/standard, more tropical climate, cost of cars etc. Considering Penang.

2) Phillipines: Similar option but more Phillipine from what I gather than the greater diversity of Malaysia.

3) South Africa: Good visa option. Real concerns over high crime/risk and the numbers of SAs who leave (for the same reasons).

4) Thailand: Again OK but it seems less advanced/sophisticated that 1 & 2 above and there are more concerns over stability.

There are also more general considerations which apply to all, some which are easier to deal with dependant on how close the point of relocation is. They include:

a) Stay there for ever or return as old age creeps in

b) Sell up the house here or keep a base either by keeping it and renting out, investing in a smaller foothold or whatever.

c) Ship all the belongings out, put them in storage or sell off?

d) Medical and other services in other countries.


So, sorry for the long rambling posts. I have been and will be reading as many threads as I can here but any pointers with regard to things I may have missed or other things to consider greatly appreciated. At the moment Malaysia is I think in number one spot, probably with France and Italy as a second above the Phillipines etc.

gelato

Wow that's certainly a lot to think about. But congrats on retiring at 52 - that's truly amazing. I guess all I could say is that all countries have their drawbacks - you just need to decide what's important to you. It also depends what motivated you to retire early. Is there a particular passion or activity which you want to pursue?

One thing about Italy is that I think, just like in France, you'd need to get private health cover or pay a yearly fee to ASL if you're retired. Understandably, I don't think they want people who have never paid into the system to be covered by ASL.

Why not just move to France and rent for a while to see if you like it?

Atilla

Thanks. I'll sure consider renting. I am actually happy to work. I am now fortunate enough to be able to pick exactly where, doing what and pick the terms and conditions. Otherwise I just won't bother. I do have plenty of hobbies though.

IF I did go to Europe I think it would be France, maybe Spain or Italy if the weather needed to be warmer. I don't so much mind cold winters, just drab summers which come late and go early. Bit concerned that as the weather gets hotter so does the tourist influx of course. Not bothered per se but probably wouldn't chose to live in a popular tourist spot there anymore that I suppose I'd like to live in Windermere or Brighton here. That said, 18-30s don't hit the UK coastline much!!!

Mr Posh

At 52 and retired (yes you did ramble ) I would try them ALL out. Rent furnished appartments for 6 months and then decide....

TestaRossa

You know, I'm with Posh - gosh never thought I'd ever write that!!!

Why not rent and try them all?? Think of it as your gap years!!!

Atilla

I'll think about trying that. Always hard to know what to do for the best on forums. If you don't give the background people wil often say ah well we can't answer because we don't know what you want, why etc etc etc. Can't win sometimes

sheilamarsco

sometimes having so many options make it more difficult to decide i think the advice to move around and see what feels good for you is good. i definitely would keep a small place in the uk as somewhere to have if needs be and i would put my belongings in store until i had decided where i liked best. lucky you to be able to choose!!! p.s. i have friends who have/are moving this month back from the UAE retiring early and have chosen abruzzo as it's so beautiful and not full of tourists perhaps you could have a word with them pm if interested.

Mr Posh

you trying to chat me up?

TestaRossa

duffer

Maybe she just wants a threesome?

Atilla

Thanks for replies and offer sheila. I might take you up on that. Have to say i could never settle in UAE. Detested the place really. Fake cities, zero culture and heritage, squat to do, very expensive, very hot and a medieval dictatorship to boot.

Panama and Malaysia currently coming out tops.