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3 years ago

Planning to retire in central or South America. Some advice :)

3 years ago
Hi everyone , I have started researching to figure out what’s the best place for us to retire. I am in my late 40’s but planning to retire in my mid 50’s. So far with no serious health concern :) I haven't been to Guatemala yet. A bit about me :I am Canadian. I speak Spanish. Engineer/ musician. I’ve travelled to 8-10 countries in America’s. My wife is Colombian. I’m looking for a small city or decent pueblo close to a major city ( for health care...). With great climate. Not expensive. My budget will roughly be around $5000 US monthly. I am not much into western way of life so losing a bit of a luxury doesn’t bother me. I am coming from a very poor and humble background and have been raised in rough places in other countries so the crime and insecurity as long as it’s not to the point of nightmare doesn’t bug me much.
Also I’d like to know how bad are taxes in Guatemala. Do expats pay income taxes for their pensions Or income coming from overseas ?

Is it possible to obtain residency in Guatemala without investing ? ( I might buy a humble house there ). I won’t be commuting to Canada much so that won’t be an option.

How is the healthcare situation? Is private healthcare very expensive?

How do you rate your happiness level there compared to your home country?
How difficult is banking there? are commissions and transfers eating a chunk of the money coming in?

I know there’s much to consider but any pointers and info from you guys who live there and experience things first hand is super valuable. Thank you so much :)

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William Russell
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