Following the election results in the United States, a surge in ‘Move Overseas’ searches occurs.

araliya jayawardene
6 min readAug 18, 2021

Following Trump’s presidential triumph this week, Internet searches for phrases like “move overseas” and “expats overseas” have increased by 160 percent, according to InternationalLiving.com. apartments for sale qatar

Following the presidential election results, the trend of retirees fleeing to other countries seeking better quality of life, more affordable healthcare, and nicer weather appears to be picking up steam.
The Social Security Administration already sends 660,528 payments abroad…and anecdotally, according to the editors of International Living, the number of U.S. retirees receiving Social Security benefits abroad is likely higher, as many simply continue to bank in the United States while living abroad.
While Canada appears to be the top choice for many potential emigrants — the country’s immigration website allegedly crashed on election night — International Living recommends havens with milder climates and cheaper living costs.
Here are five of their top suggestions for an offshore retirement haven:
Mexico is a country in Central America.
Mexico is one of the world’s most popular locations for individuals seeking a more easygoing and romantic lifestyle. The United States’ nearest southern neighbor is routinely ranked among the finest nations to live in by International Living.
The Colonial Highlands of Mexico attract a large number of expats. San Miguel de Allende, Querétaro, and Guanajuato are three of the region’s most popular cities. Each has a historic colonial center — all UNESCO World Heritage sites — where large colonial homes have been converted to hip restaurants, stylish boutiques, hotels…or occasionally simply tiny mom-and-pop corner stores or modest eateries where you can grab a meal for a few bucks. Of course, many of the colonials have been refurbished and converted into residences.
In terms of money, it is an excellent moment to visit Mexico — the current conversion rate is 20.07 pesos to $1. When you add in the already low prices of real estate, food, restaurants, entertainment, and transportation, a retired couple may live comfortably on roughly $1,800 per month.
“We were paying $700 per month for heat and air conditioning in Austin. We used to pay $12,000 in property taxes a year and now pay about $200 “Chris McCaskill agrees. “In San Miguel, economy and lifestyle are inextricably linked. We spend money on things that improve our quality of life rather than on things like air conditioning or taxes. We can draw money from Social Security, and our standard of living is rather decent.”
Costa Rica is a country in Central America.
Costa Rica attracts expats for a variety of reasons, including low living costs, great healthcare, a modern telecommunications infrastructure, stunning beaches, rainforests, verdant valleys, and chilly mountains…not to mention theaters, art galleries, and exquisite cuisine.
Costa Rica already has over 50,000 expatriates residing in various well-established expat communities.
“It’s extremely easy to live here,” Lynda Henry, 68, says. “It’s a completely different vibe. It looks like it’s from the 1940s or 1950s. You have the option of being as social or as solitary as you desire.”
Lynda and her 67-year-old husband Tim live on a mountaintop overlooking Lake Arenal in northern Costa Rica. Their hummingbird-infested porch has a 180-degree view of the lake. They can view the lake from practically every room in the house, thanks to a large picture window in their bedroom (which they set the bed facing) and another by the bathtub.
“Every morning, we are grateful to be in this country and pleased to be here,” Lynda says. “You have to get used to not having an agenda when you wake up. Breakfast at six o’clock…or ten o’clock…or perhaps start reading first. That takes some getting used to after a busy life with work and kids.”
Panama is a country in Central America.
Panama provides a very comfortable way to live abroad, in part because the country is far more developed than most visitors anticipate. The modernity of Panama and the clusters of skyscrapers that form Panama City’s skyline astound many visitors. All of the conveniences of a world-class city are within easy reach.
However, expats may still get a buck or two in a taxi across town, a couple of dollars for a haircut, or $40 for dinner for two with a bottle of wine at one of Panama City’s finest restaurants.
Many expats reside in what they consider to be the actual Panama outside of the city. Beautiful beaches abound, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, as well as rolling green tropical mountains, fertile farmlands, lush jungles, and little villages that welcome foreign visitors.
“The United States’ future was looking bleak,” Nancy Young says of the decisions that brought her and her family to Boquete. “My husband was planning to retire on beans and no benefits, which would be insufficient to support us. Here, our lives are so much better. We are healthier, happier, have a social life, and a variety of activities to participate in. Life has become richer and more full of wonderful events. Panamanians and their culture fascinate me.”
In addition to these three most popular expat destinations, the editors of InternationalLiving.com have found two others that offer similar benefits but are still relatively unknown to expats.
Belize is a country in Central America.
Belize is a very affordable Caribbean location, and it has a lot to offer in terms of economic stability, a robust retiree program, and a lovely environment for those who enjoy the tropics. This Central American country offers a stunning coastline with some of the best sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and diving, fishing, and sailing in the world.
Belize is also an English-speaking country. Belize could be the ideal destination for expats who want to relocate but don’t want to deal with the burden of learning a new language.
Ambergris Caye, 35 to 40 miles southeast of Corozal, is a popular offshore caye. Trip Advisor members ranked it the greatest island in the world in 2013 and 2014. Visitors and expats alike are enchanted by the neighboring World Heritage Mesoamerican barrier reef and magnificent turquoise Caribbean waters.
“The stunning Caribbean seascapes and the active offshore barrier reef bursting with colorful, diversified sea life…the easygoing lifestyle…affordable cost of living…and the kind Belizeans were the first things that drew me to Belize,” recalls Ann Kuffner.
“However, after relocating here, another benefit became obvious. It’s simple to live a healthy, happy life in Belize. Many expats who relocate to Belize report that they have lost weight, improved their health, and feel better than they have in years. The majority of expats in Belize have embraced the country’s healthy, athletic lifestyle. Of course, the extra benefit is that they are less stressed here than they are in the United States.”
Peru is a country in South America.
Make a mention Most people associate Peru with the world’s marvel, Machu Picchu, and…llamas. However, during a recent trip to the country, InternationalLiving.com editor Jason Holland believes they may have stumbled into one of the world’s best kept secrets while visiting the country, experiencing life there, and interacting with expats who call it home.
“Food is inexpensive and delicious. Even those on a shoestring budget can find a decent house in a fantastic neighborhood for $200 to $400 a month. The environment is pleasant, the people are kind, modern amenities are available, and a colorful combination of music, festivals, indigenous culture, and colonial history can be found everywhere. Anyone planning a retirement in Latin America should consider it.”
The cities of Arequipa and Cusco are two of the most popular destinations for foreigners.
“Every time I stroll through the city, I fall in love with it,” says Californian Bill Connors, who now lives in Arequipa. “It is a beautiful and romantic city. The sillar sparkles in the morning and at night, and it’s rather lovely. There are many inexpensive restaurants outside of the tourist center. I spend roughly $30 each week on groceries, usually at the market “Bill agrees.

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araliya jayawardene
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