Looking for just the right place to retire in South America?

by GoSouthExpat

South America gets a bad rap because of the unstable political and economic atmosphere. While political changes do occur in a general sort of way, there are many places in South America that remain virtually unchanged despite everything that is going on in capital cities and major cities. The problem is, the international media tends to summarize and gloss over the problem. To get a real idea of what is going on, you have to search for information at a more localized level.

For example, did you know that some countries of South America are actually doing quite well despite the global economic crisis and have not felt the downturn as harshly as the US or Europe?

If you're planning to make a move in a southerly direction, search out local sources for information. Try local expat communities, small English-language newspapers published in-country (as opposed to national or international newspapers), and get involved in online communities that can inform you. You'll be surprised to find that many smaller cities and pleasant towns in South America can offer:

1. much lower costs of living
2. while still providing a modern lifestyle
3. with many of the comforts and amenities you are accustomed to
4. many have extremely low crime rates
5. housekeeping help is affordable
6. some actually have very good or comparable medical, vision and dental care
7. starting home-based businesses can be very easy
8. taxes are in many cases much lower than North America and Europe
9. many countries are actively seeking investment in business, industry, trade and real estate - although you should be careful as with any investment
10. nearly all south american countries have very active foreign diplomatic communities - your country is sure to represented as well. This is good when you need help or have an emergency.

At this time (2009) Panama, Ecuador and Uruguay have been identified as being very friendly to foreigners and affordable, but there are many others.

Study any South American country seriously and in depth before making any decisions and you're sure to find a destination with a reputation as yet undamaged by news and politics.

One way to do this is to actively participate in your South America Expat Community Online. Come introduce yourself and get opinions from expats who already live and work here.

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