My uncle retired with no savings, just Social Security. At only $1,850 per month, he rents a nice 1 bedroom apt and has plenty leftover after bills. Of course, he retired in the Phillipines (Iloilo City), where his rent is only $350/month...including utilities!

When lived in Hong Kong in about 10 years ago, traveling through Thailand and southeast Asia were some of my favorite memories. EVERYTHING was cheap to my then husband and I and we had so much fun everywhere we went. I can’t wait to go back and visit and thanks to you, put in my plans to live again. Thanks for sharing, bringing back old memories, and for your laidback non-salesy video style! You got a new subscriber 🎉🎉🎉🎉

01:10 Thailand, 05:20 Vietnam, 09:05 Romania, 10:20 Malaysia, 12:50 Colombia, 15:10 Mexico, 16:40 Panama, 17:30 Philippines, 18:15 Portugal

As an Australian, I concur with all your South East Asian options. I’ve been to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam many times (they are our neighbours). Their large cities have all the modern amenities you need but for a bargain price. Plus the year round warm weather.

Great stuff guys! To me, Malaysia is a hidden gem and one of my favorite places to stay a few months. The food, the people, the affordability of housing and the great 90 day tourist visa!

My Grandfather was from Transylvania, Romania. I have never been, but my husband and I are planning a trip there as soon as he retires.

Thanks for the video. It would be nice if you had a list of the places somewhere. Maybe at the end? I often take screenshots so I'll remember later. I've got a few screenshots of your cost/budgets to use as a reference.

I love your videos. Two comments. I've been going to Chiang Mai for 20 years but the pollution between December and March frequently gets into the unhealthy zone so I've decided to stop traveling there for health reasons. Re Malaysia, my issue is the heat and humidity. I may give greater weight to comfortable temperatures and good air quality than others.

Thank you for all the helpful information, I've heard great things about Merida, Mexico and I plan taking a trip there this year.

Recommendation, maybe do a video on the required pension/retirement income minimums for some countries as well.

Love seeing this channel grow informative leaps by informative bounds. Keep going... literally!!!!

Also some of those countries you visit have volatile political situations. Be careful about political climates. Some visitors to Israel got caught up in war zones.

Off the subject: I just finished your KZfaq course. It was so insightful and you gave great tips on how to make your channel profitable. I’m going to be launching mine next month! Thank u! Worth every penny!

Medical care is rated higher in Thailand than the US according to CEO magazine while being cheaper.

I'm also a big city kind of person. Usually I've found expat you tubers that prefer a smaller city. Subscribed!

Tips. 1. Start with an airbnb for a month or 2. During that time, look for a place not advertised on the web. It will be substantially less expensive. Online accommodations are more expensive because they know foreigners are used to it willing to pay what they are familiar with. 2. Find a class that teaches anything taught in English, or a muay Thai gym, swim class or work out class etc... You will meet local people who speak English and are willing to help you find a place and introduce you to the local culture. And In addition you will meet other foreigners who are staying long time and can assist you with information that can be helpful to foreigners in that country. This works in every country. Your expenses will drop much more.

You picked several countries that are very hard to immigrate to as they only offer tourist visas or very expensive retirement visa options. If you're recommending countries for people who only have a social security budget you should qualify your selections to include countries with very low-cost retirement visas. For example, Romania and Vietnam don't even offer retirement visas.

Perfect for planning a cozy retirement on a budget! These countries seem like great options. Really appreciate the insights!

Great video! I love Thai food and I can only imagine how great it must be in Bangkok!

Wow, what a great informational! Appreciate you taking the time to do this one and gonna visit Columbia thanks to you:)

Don't sleep on Indonesia, they're developing quickly and now have some "my second home" type visas that are available. Very affordable, people are wonderful, food is amazing, and if you can afford the "more expensive" Jakarta or Bali? There are fantastic International options everywhere...

Thanks! In terms of retirement it’s also helpful to know which countries tax pensions and social security because retirees could find themselves paying taxes both in the U.S. and the country where they retire.

Great video and topic as always!! It would be super fun to watch future videos, maybe one video for each of these 9 countries, to cover best places or cities to stay and visit, and best activities and foods to try.

This was really enjoyable to watch, thank you. A few of the countries you mentioned are on my travel list. I already enjoy Mexico very much and usually stay in Yucatan as I like the Mayan influence. I stay with Mexican friends and one of my fav things to do when there is to go grocery shopping and go to the market. I rarely eat out. The people are what make it so fabulous 👌🏻

My brother did what you did- he picked Ecuador. He bought a condo in Salinas that was the whole top floor of a 3 story building, he gutted it and turned it into 2 apartments, one that he lives in and the other he rents out to tourists. There is a large Ex Pat group in Salinas also. He also bought a place on the Mayan Riviera that he rents out. ( he is a retired architect)

Loved '9 Countries You Can Retire To On A Small Pension'. Super helpful for planning a budget-friendly retirement!

Totally agree with you! I am Vietnamese American, I have a good retirement income but feel like things are costly here in USA.

Another awesome video 😊 Trying to talk Dad into going to Thailand. But he’s 85… soon he doesn’t move very fast or far. But he loves Asia. We were stationed in the Philippines in the 70s. We are both former Air Force

When I lived in Chiang Mai my water bill was less then $4 and my electric was less than $13 a month. My condo was $325 a month and a new building was very small though. Close to the Central mall and Maya mall.

Love your content! We are trying to figure out how to navigate our life as new retirees so your channel is super helpful.

I've been greatly enjoying your videos. They have opened up our eyes to new possibilities when we retire. One question: how difficult is the language barrier for you?

I think you missed Spain which is as affordable or even cheaper than Portugal. You can live along the south eastern Coasta Blanca like Alicante or further South with excellent weather, low cost housing, big expat community and beautiful beaches and sunshine.

Thanks for posting a bunch of very informative videos.

I am from Romania, and seen a lot of my parent’s friends retire there. Nice to see it on your list :)

We just spent a year in Matagalpa, Nicaragua. We lived in a very nice 3/2 with a great Mountain View. Without budgeting our monthly bills for two people was $1000-$1100/month. We are now in the beautiful city of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala and have been here 7 weeks. We are at almost 8000 feet in the mountains so the cool temps are awesome. Looks like again, our monthly bills, doing anything we want to, is about the same….$1000-$1100/month. We can’t decide where we will go next…Mexico…..Argentina….SE Asia. SE Asia is tough for us as we LOVE cool weather. We may try Dalat, Vietnam and Baguio City, Philippines in order to avoid the depressing heat and humidity. We have been to Thailand twice and loved it except for the heat. Great videos !

The health insurance abroad is important also.I exercice as much as possible but when you hit the 70's,that's when the little aches,cracks and pains slowly creep up on you.

Good share. If you dont want to leave USA consider low cost memphis tn suburbs like bartlett tn :)

Great insights guys. SUBBED!

Great thought!! What about the various legalities that may occur??

Lovely sharing and informative and not living at lowest level each place but at good and higher sounds perfect for nice budget living. I love the slower way you speak for my age group. I am about a decade older,, not dumb, but as i have aged i pick up on the too fast speed speaking out there difficult.....heating not horrible but zi do need a good mic and clear speaking..., You give a lot of info and the way you keep and pace length and video subjects simply is so appreciated for easy retention and which video to look back to as we think...really enjoy your cruise vids but then finding all of this...just thrilled. I am so grateful about the points and joining nice hotel programs as well. So exciting for one who has always tried to learn the deals to go nice. Just wonderful...you are such a sweet grounded delightful couple.....thank you.

I’m learning so much from you guys thank you so much

I've lived in Panama for 12 years. Close to US (direct flts) Descuento Jubilado, use US dollar, safe, cheap FRESH produce, $3 Uber $1.50 taxi, 25 cent bus, $2.50 movie. $20 maid, 35 pristine beaches within 2.5 hrs from Panama City. Excellent healthcare (even John Hopkins...And soooo much more. I live like a queen on my retirement and SS. Yes living like a local helps. Lots of English but why not learn Spanish. You'll experience so much more

My dominican republic is on my list, beautiful place and the cost living very cheap.

Love your content. As I will be turning 50 this year (December) I have been doing some soul searching. I just know where I am now can't be it. Working 2 jobs, paying bills, repeat. I am a free spirit and I am at my happiest when I can travel and experience different cultures. I just listened to a few of your videos, on timeline, credit cards, earning points etc and it is making me believe this can be all possible if I plan it right. Thank you for sharing your experiences and tips. Now, any suggestions on a place that's good to travel to in December, that is warn (not the Caribbean please, I am from there). Thailand was my top pick, but the people taking this trip with me can't do Thailand because of time needed. So 1 week tops from FL?

Points can definitely help defray costs. While staying a month in Mexico I visited Mexico City for four days. I stayed a beautiful Hilton property for 20k points/nt. It's walking distance to the grand plaza.

I'm surprised Indonesia didn't get a mention 🙂Coming from Australia, Indonesia is my preferred place to retire - it's cheap, warm all year round and geographically close 🙂

What about Argentina and Turkey?

Yes. Thank you! Yhis hotel points thing is great. You can save over time for teavel. I am looking into it. Was wondering if you can transfer your airmiles to this program and how would you do it? Can you also transfer your point you have from your credit card? Do you do consultations? I am kind of sloe at these things an may need a bit of help. Great channel!

Coastal resort towns and cities in Turkey are great retirement options…particularly with the crash of the local currency over the last several years.

*Colombia is the Most Bio-diverse Country in the World by Km², and 2nd. by extension, after Brazil.* *Colombia is called the Country of 1000 Rhythms, because it has 1,025.* Very rich musical culture. Unparalleled party vibe. The kindness people in the world.

Love Malaysia but they still haven't sorted out a long-term visa option for retirees unless you are able to make a huge fixed deposit.

Would be good to include details of the quality of healthcare, also levels of pollution and crime.

Very well presented video! Very inspiring!! Thank you!!

Thank you for sharing! ✨️ Love your channel! ❤️

I am looking to start doing slow travel starting this January 2025 I have a few questions I would like to ask you. - What is the tools do you use to film & post your stories? - What country(s) would you recommend to start off in for 30 to 60 days+? - What hotel chain would you recommend to start off at in that country? I will be starting to do this in my mid 50ies from my current country of Canada & I was thinking of spending the first 6 months of the year slow travelling. By the way love your channel & have learned a lot about enjoying life and seeing the world, which has always been my dream

Can y’all put together country travel guides in PDF format for sale on your Grounded Life Travel website? Easy to update, easy to use on any device. Y’all just keep hitting out of the park w/ travel strategy videos.

They were in Cartagena that is the most expensive . It is a tourist City. If you go in Colombia to zona Cafetera you can have a wonderful life with maid, beautiful apartment with 1.500 dollars a month , and even a very nice life with 1.200 a month.

Any thoughts on Spain as a retirement option?

Being blessed to be a American is great, especially living overseas. I have spent over (18 plus) years in Japan, Korea 🇰🇷, Kuwait 🇰🇼, Saudi 🇸🇦 Arabia, Marshall Islands 🇲🇭 🏝 and my favorite the Philippines 🇵🇭 ❤️. I am a widower and my children are grown and have children too. Now, I am age (61) and planning retirement in the Philippines. They have a excellent situation with American military 🪖 veteran 🪖 Philippines 🇵🇭 sponsored SRRV Visa program. In America 🇺🇸 living on a fixed retirement income is now affordable in about 20 percent of AMERICA 🇺🇸 now. Many of those Americans do not realize how they can live like royalty overseas. Instead of struggling in the states. Thank you for this video. GOD SPEED PHILIPPINES 🇵🇭 AND GOD BLESS 🇺🇸 AMERICA.

I knew Portugal would be on here. For me and my Wife it’s the affordability and low crime rate there. Retirement……loading.

Love this list! Maybe look into Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru, India, Nepal, and China.

Great info ~ thanks! Please let us know what kind of insurance you pay $240/month for. I appreciate it.

Thank you for the information

OUTSIDE OF COST OF LIVING THE HEALTH CARE QUALITY IS REALLY IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE DETERMINING RETIREMENT. CAN'T WAIT TILL YOU DO PHILIPPINES. I WILL KEEP EYE OUT FOR THAT VIDEO! 😃

None of the countries set out to import poverty. So check out if you can the essential residence permit.

What do you do about paperwork , mail??? What about bank accounts? Health care?

Great information, thanks. When you choose a city do you usually use Airbnb to find accommodations or local real estate agencies?

Like always a very great video. Thanks so much

In Bangkok I pay 265 month (all amenities) for furnished studio 20 for electricity and water. Food on the streetis about 1 dollar. I do my own cooking. Most American's appear to like to throw their money around. Not me.

With 2000 dollars you can certainly live, anywhere in the world, i guest this video is for people who have a nice retirement income, not for a budget expat!!

Thanks for this great info

I live in Colombia. No idea how you say the food is great. Ha. But, I'm hitting the road. Thx for the info.

Before you can get to any of these countries you have to purchase your air fare which from my mid-western town is about $2,000 round trip. What are your tips for getting discounted airfare?

Love your videos, just discovered your channel. Have you done a video on the different countries an how you handle the language barrier when setting reservations or the day to day interaction?

Great video! Which city did you stay in Columbia?

Went to all : 1. Thailand 2. Malaysia 3. Portugal

Hi Guy Love your channel. Now Colombia. My sister and her husband live in Colombia (La Ceja ). On my visit, the food was not good. There very little sea food and most of the shrimp I found in a lot of the stores was freezer burn. there was only one restaurant that I found fried fish and it was good. What part of Colombia did you guys stay?

Thank you! I feel for the citizens of these countries when they come here to the USA for a vacation and they see that it’s SO expensive here! A family from these countries must faint when they realize how much it costs to just feed their kids McDonalds here!

When I was in Vietnam close to 10 years ago, there was no Grab and was cheated by the taxi drivers almost every time. Does Grab eliminate the possibility of this happening?

Thank you so much for this video.

Hi guys! Any recommendations on your favorite massage palor and your favorite thai restaurant? My girlfriend is visiting bangkok soon! Thanks!

Great video. I just got back from Vietnam and liked it but kept getting an upset stomach if I was not careful where I ate. So am wondering if eating local and cheap meant they would be less likely to use a safer source of water since the tap water is not drinkable?

You two should visit Spain! We retired here 9 years ago and couldn’t be happier, especially with the cost of living compared to the US!

How’s the crime rate and what kind of visa do you need? Also how is health insurance and does Medicare work? Or Medicare advantage?

Have you ever visited the Philippines. I have family there and would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for the great advice!

Can you do a video of places to stay. Specially In Asia. Thanks

Why do you spend $1500 with nice accommodations available for as little as $300?

Those numbers don’t seem so low. I can live on a farm in southern Ohio for 1500.00/month

Thanks for the info

How about showing us pictures of the accommodations you can get and for how much

Thank you! You both are so good communicating the feel for these countries. I have a question. I was told as a single woman not to do Asian countries. You both spoke on Thailand which I wanted to go to decades ago. It ticks all my boxes! Thailand and Indonesia. I like to dress up and I like to go to the beach and I love the freshest of foods. People in travel don’t talk about this. It’s the elephant in the room that men go to these places to get married. I want to know as a cosmopolitan & also earthy healthy woman ; I think I can have a blast there. What y’all think?!

Is Thailand safe for a single woman?

I am curious if you ever get sick from the local food in Thailand? Is that not a worry?

Do y'all apply for tourist visas or do you use like a remote worker visa? how do you navigate taxes living in different places? What about medical?

Columbia has amazing nature🤩🤩

I love this idea, but I have like dietary needs like grass, fed grass finished meat. Do they do that over in those countries

Thanks for sharing

I wonder if when eating the local food including street food gives you tummy issues? My gut is pretty fussy and I always wondered about that.

$1500 a month, trust me it is not worth traveling that far if I can live on the same amount in London...sure, I don't live big, but that is pretty much how much I live on in my one bed room council flat and I feel contented...I guise that is what matters if you love London and its proximity to almost everything...

Tourist visas are underrated to be sure. Do your research please!