An Expat Talks about Retiring in Paros, Greece

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Paros

Why did you choose to retire abroad?

Better quality of life and weather

Are you retired abroad all year or part of the year?

All year

Why did you choose the country you retired to?

Liked it very much after spending many years on holiday.

Did you ever live abroad before you retired abroad?

No

How long have you lived abroad since you retired abroad?

12 years

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How many countries (other than your home country) have you lived in as a retiree?

None

What have been the most challenging aspects of being retired abroad?

Bureaucracy, and to start finding somewhere to live.

What have been the most rewarding aspects of being retired abroad?

Better quality of life and weather. Friendliness of natives, helpfulness.

What would you do differently if you were just starting the retire abroad process?

Probably not much

What is life like for a retiree in your city and its surroundings? (Is there an active expat community? Cultural Attractions? Recreation? Nightlife?)

Quiet, a few expats with the main recreation and nightlife centred around tavernas and beaches.

What residency documents or visas did you need to obtain to retire in your host country? How difficult was this process? (Please describe)

Just a residency permit, not too difficult.

Did you buy a home or apartment, or rent one? Is this a difficult process? (Please describe)

Ended up building our own house as one was not available where we wanted to be. Another story... quite a challenge, but it was nice to have exactly the building we wanted.

Financially, has living abroad in your host country met your expectations? Exceeded them?

In some ways exceeded them, and other ways not. Living on an island is dependent on transport by sea mainly, and bad weather, strikes etc. can be frustrating.

What are the most important financial considerations for retiring to your host country?

At the time the pound went a long way

How much can a retiree live on comfortably in your host country?

Approx. 25,000 GBP per annum

Do you have access to quality medical care? (Please describe - is it close? Expensive?)

No, it is necessary to go to Athens for anything serious, although there are private clinics and facilities that cater for other procedures

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Is there a lot of crime where you live? (Please describe)

No, it is nice

Describe available transportation where you live. Do you need a car? Is there access to safe public transportation?

Buses are frequent and reliable, a car is nice to have but not necessary. Ferries and planes for access to mainland

Is there high-speed internet access where you live?

Yes

Do you have any other thoughts you would like to share about retiring abroad?

Do a lot of research before you decide to retire abroad, we did extensive enquiries into all aspects and still had things to learn on the way.