Seeking expat info S.Pac., C.Amer. (+open to suggestions)

[buzzer]

Hi,

I want to move from Thailand, but don't want to make the same mistake twice. If I had tapped into a way to hear what expats said about Thailand I wouldn't have moved here. I'm asking for information on expat forums or ways to contact expats in some other countries. I've looked around quite a bit, but haven't found much info about several of the places I'm considering.

Also, I'm open to suggestions regarding places I may not have thought of. I would like to make a visit to the US, but, on the way there would like to visit a few countries that I'm considering - mostly in the South Pacific and Central America. Any information you have about how to contact expats in less frequented places, or any information you, yourself might have would be greatly appreciated.

After living in Thailand for the last 4 years, I've had about enough. I'm thinking about somewhere where I don't have to learn a really difficult language (Thai). I was thinking about checking out some islands, perhaps Vanuatu, or the Cook Islands. Then possibly checking out Central America - Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador or Belize. The place has to be inexpensive, close to the ocean, the official language either English or Spanish, and friendly policies regarding retirement, land & house ownership, and it wouldn't be bad if it had decent medical care. I've lived in places for too long that over-touristed and I'm trying to avoid that as well. I'm asking a lot, I know.

I have searched for expat forums for these countries, and found little. I would probably most like to check out N.Z., but, from what I hear it's close to impossible to emigrate there. I'm not interested in Asia or Africa. Europe is too cold, and the mid East... Well? I don't think so. Thanks - Buzzer

[synthia]

Well, you are looking for the same things I am, and I think I'll probably end up in Mexico or Panama. I'm not as worried about over-touristed, but then over-touristed doesn't mean sex tourists in most of the world, which to me is one of the reasons I'm disillusioned with Thailand.

I've been everywhere but El Salvador in Central America. The problem there is that places are beign 'discovered' and prices are going up at unbelievable rates. And, except for Panama and Mexico, you aren't going to get the infrastructure you get in Thailand. Electricity can be unreliable, for instance.

Panama has a great retirement program, but Costa Rica has canceled theirs. I don't know how easily you get bored, but there is really nothing to do in the Cook Islands, and I don't think it is at all easy to emigrate there. The only other place I've been is Fiji, and they have political problems. And I don't think they are that open to immigrants, either.

Central American countries are quite corrupt, and many have high crime rates. I believe Nicaragua still has the lowest crime rate in Central America, meaning it is about the same as the US. In Honduras, it is common to solve property disputes by murdering your opponent.

I certainly think it is a good idea to visit some countries that interest you, but first you should check to see whether it is possible to move somewhere permanently. Some places, like Malaysia, have immigration programs, but also are willing to grant back-to-back tourist visas ad-infinitum.

My strongest recommendation would be that you not invest so heavily in a new place. Everyone should rent for at least a year, preferably two. From all the research I've done, I know that most expats don't last much more than two years.

[synthia]

Malaysia and Mexico come to mind.

[synthia]

Also, if you want to work, New Zealand has a labor shortage and is supposed to be fairly easy to immigrate to at the moment.

[retiredusn]

Look at tonga

[noeline]

Originally Posted by buzzer

Hi,

I want to move from Thailand, but don't want to make the same mistake twice. If I had tapped into a way to hear what expats said about Thailand I wouldn't have moved here. I'm asking for information on expat forums or ways to contact expats in some other countries. I've looked around quite a bit, but haven't found much info about several of the places I'm considering.

Also, I'm open to suggestions regarding places I may not have thought of. I would like to make a visit to the US, but, on the way there would like to visit a few countries that I'm considering - mostly in the South Pacific and Central America. Any information you have about how to contact expats in less frequented places, or any information you, yourself might have would be greatly appreciated.

After living in Thailand for the last 4 years, I've had about enough. I'm thinking about somewhere where I don't have to learn a really difficult language (Thai). I was thinking about checking out some islands, perhaps Vanuatu, or the Cook Islands. Then possibly checking out Central America - Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador or Belize. The place has to be inexpensive, close to the ocean, the official language either English or Spanish, and friendly policies regarding retirement, land & house ownership, and it wouldn't be bad if it had decent medical care. I've lived in places for too long that over-touristed and I'm trying to avoid that as well. I'm asking a lot, I know.

I have searched for expat forums for these countries, and found little. I would probably most like to check out N.Z., but, from what I hear it's close to impossible to emigrate there. I'm not interested in Asia or Africa. Europe is too cold, and the mid East... Well? I don't think so. Thanks - Buzzer

I would suggest the Fiji Islands as it is very easy to enter esp. if you are from the EU but if you are looking for work you need to sort that out first but it is really easy for expats to find a job.