The International Living Guide to Retiring Overseas on a Budget: How to Live Well on $25,000 a Year

I have been researching about moving abroad for some time and thought I knew pretty much of what I needed to know. However, I was pleasantly surprised there were many beneficial and important bits of information, some of which I had not even thought about. I felt it was well written and researched. Sometimes (not many) I found some topics could have gone into more depth. I would recommend this book for anyone thinking about or planning to move overseas. It gives a very realistic view of what to expect, both the good and the not-so-good. Also, it needs to be mentioned that both of the authors have spent many years living abroad in several destinations. They are both very seasoned travelers and the reader can feel confident and comfortable relying on their information. It was an interesting and enjoyable read.

Given the scope of countries covered, there is a lot of good information here. Also, good advice for things one might not think of before deciding where to live. Many of us (myself included) have a fantasy of living on or right next to a beautiful tropical beach. The authors encourage us to consider whether we will enjoy that same beach throughout the year -- even at its buggiest, hottest and most humid; or whether that charming village is as quiet (roosters? motorcycles? nonstop parties) as we might imagine. They suggest we consider the isolation that a language barrier can create; and they survey the differing cost and quality of medical care from country to country. This is only some of the planning advice offered by the authors, who have lived abroad for years in various places. This book is an excellent place to start thinking about and researching living abroad.

I received my book this week. I finished Chapter 8 before I went to bed that first night. I love it. It is so well written and interesting and informative. I’m even reading about the countries that I’m not really interested in ever living or visiting. I can’t wait to get to the end of the book…but I’m not going to do any skipping as I don’t want to miss anything. I can’t imagine anyone not liking/loving this book. Thanks so much for your expertise and sharing. I think the other thing that is so impressive is that you don't try to "SUGAR COAT" any aspects of living or traveling overseas. It's after all not the United States, and you provide information supporting why things can and well be different.in the various countries.

The book was very easy to read. The authors have definitely walked the walk they are preaching about in the book, having lived in a handful of different locations in Central and South America. The examples they give of their own experiences as well as those of other expats they met along the way make a person want to get out there and start their own adventure. There are some good tips and links to sites to help with doing research for an overseas retirement. I would definitely recommend this book as a first step for anyone considering retiring outside the US. My desire to learn more has been fueled by this book, I will definitely continue to look for similar books, and, hope to attend one of the International Living workshops in the future.

If you’re thinking about leaving the United States for a more affordable option that will treat you well.

Handy book for those worried about political situations in the USA.

The main focus of the book is moving from America and Canada to Mexico, Central, or South America. There is some information on Europe, but the main focus is South of the U.S. There was a lot of very good information and questions that you should consider prior to making a move. After reading this book I'm planning trips to some countries I hadn't considered before. The one thing they don't mention is home exchanging. I plan to investigate some target countries via home exchanges. Since the premise of their book is saving, I'm surprised they don't mention that as a cost effective way of making extended visits to a target country for investigation. I still need to investigate some of the web links provided, but overall a great resource if you've ever considered moving overseas.

Low quality. Hard to read. Not worth it.

Great reading! Answers a lot of questions I had and many that I did not... Instead of getting my info in bits and pieces on the internet, here it is all in one book. A great starting point for those considering retirement in those most recommended countries.

This book will get you thinking about all the issues involved in escaping to a new country for a better quality of life.

I bought this book for my parents who are in their mid to late 40s. Suddenly, planning for retirement ceased being totally exhausting and worrisome, and became fun! My dad - who takes over a year to read a book he's interested in - read the whole book in about 3 days and is pressuring my mom to get on with reading it too. The book offers a lot of inspiration, a fairly wide scope of potential retirement destinations, as well as essential information that will convince you just how attainable a fulfilling retirement overseas actually is. Living in France is no longer a momentary dream for my parents but a tangible reality, and the International Living ideas and resources can be quite helpful in bringing your visions to life. The books can be light on specifics at times and a lot of the information can be found through the International Living website and newsletters. So if you're strapped for cash, do keep that in mind before deciding to purchase the hardcover book. If you can spare the money though or would like to inspire someone else, this is definitely a worthwhile purchase. I would recommend this as a great starting point for someone who is planning their retirement and wants to approach it as a new and amazing phase in their life. It could be the key.

It's a great book..we enjoy reading it when we get time... now that we have been to Ecuador, it makes it even more interesting.

Excellent Read. Detailed information was invaluable. Answered so many questions for long term as well as short term holidays. A great resource!