It’s 2022, and we’ve already been through hell and back. How? Well, our generation has seen a 2-year long pandemic that managed to change the normality of life as we used to know it. This has probably been changed for good.

Two years have passed since we probably started to value subjects such as health and freedom. During the pandemic, the freedom of movement was minimal, and this is one of the issues that become essential these days. Not being able to go where and when you please became the new normal. Now, people are definitely valuing their freedoms more than ever after all that we have been through.

More and more nations begin to lift the pandemic-related restrictions, and we can get back to the normal life we once knew, slowly but surely. Traveling is on the menu once again, and people have already started to pick their vacations for 2022. The most daring ones are even considering new locations to start over their lives, locations with more freedom and brighter days. In this article, we’ll review three of the best locations where you can choose to relocate and start a new life. But first, it’s important to address the main factors that you should consider before making your best bet.

It’s important to understand that before choosing your dream location, an expat destination, you have to first do your research and understand how easy it would be living there once you’ve arrived and how easy it would be to spend your wealth there as well.

International Living recently dropped an article called World Rankings: The Best Places To Live in 2022, in which the authors are addressing the best quality of life in the world. They address the best places to live with the best climate, the heathiest places, and the cheapest as well. This is definitely a go-to guide for you to check out as well.

But now, let’s get back to our own business and address the main factors that have to be taken into consideration when addressing the best retirement locations before you can make the most educated choice for the rest of your life.

International living essentials

Here are the most important factors to consider when picking out the best retirement location for you and your loved ones as well.

  • Purchasing and owning real estate – prices of properties

Of course, an essential issue to take into consideration when you’re planning a retirement abroad is the suitability of the property market that you will find there. More issues are usually overlooked, such as costs, legal and administrative procedures to own real estate. We’re currently living in a boom of real estate, and this means that you can find lots of places all over the world to choose from.

  •  Healthcare and entertainment – advantages and discounts

There are a lot of expensive countries out there, but with the best expat locations, you will definitely be able to find cheaper places that provide people more advantages about places to stay, food, clothing, healthcare, and entertainment as well. These issues should not be overlooked either.

  • Residency and VISA requirements

It’s true that retiring in a tropical location may seem the perfect fit for you or for anyone else, but this excitement can drop if you’re not planning and researching all the important details about the location carefully. People who want to retire in a certain country have to know for sure that they are free to do so. Living costs, ease of travel, ease of getting a VISA, climate, and other factors should be addressed as well before making an educated choice.

  • Arranging your finances

Being able to spend your money wherever you go becomes vital these days. Just take into account what’s been happening lately and how the Russian people are paying for the dreadful actions of their president. Following the sanctions that Russia has been seeing, the Russian people are being punished. In case you don’t know, the largest credit cards networks, Mastercard and Visa, and PayPal, which is the internet payments giant, have recently said that they suspended services in Russia. This means that the credit cards issued by the Russin banks will not be working outside the country anymore. Such a terrible event is an example of the importance of being able to spend your wealth has.

Before making the best choice for your retirement location, you have to consider all that’s related to finances: you have to apply for social security benefits before leaving the country, and you also have to choose a retirement income source. This has to be a source that will not be affected by international taxes or currency exchange rates.

Understanding the benefits of crypto is essential in this direction, but we will get back to the subject later on.

  • Understanding the importance of crypto in 2022 – the nations’ stance on digital assets

Crypto has been growing in popularity, and this is extremely important as it’s been mostly happening in times of crisis for humanity. Since 2020, when the pandemic struck the planet, cryptocurrencies have been showing their resilience. They have been flourishing despite the market volatility and geopolitical tensions.

Bitcoin has definitely gained status as a hedge against inflation, and it managed to become a safe haven for a lot of people.

Crypto, in general, has been maturing, and the continuous mass adoption of digital assets and their underlying tech that we are seeing today is the best argument that supports this.

When you’re thinking about retiring, it’s important to also check the nation’s stance on crypto. Cryptocurrencies and blockchain represent the future, and you should definitely pick a country that prefers to ride the wave of innovation rather than hide from it.

  • Renting costs and living expenses

This is another essential issue that has to be taken into consideration. Healthcare facilities, renting costs, and Ambulance services are some of the important issues that you have to consider.

You have to check out the finalists in terms of dream locations and make sure to compare rent, health facilities, and more.

Living expenses are also important when deciding to move to a new place. All this data should be in front of you before making the final decision about where you decide to spend the rest of your life.

  • Climate

Deciding to live abroad is the best and most adventurous way to get to see the world and enjoy new experiences while getting to know new cultures.

The type of climate that the location has is more than essential if you want to retire there – this is the climate that you’ll be stuck in for a long time.

  • Stability of the country’s political situation

It goes without saying that this is a crucial factor to keep an eye on – just think about what’s been going on today in the world and how the globe is just one step away from a potential WW3.

Getting to know the political stability in the country that you choose to pend your life from now on could not be more important than in 2022.

You should be looking out for an attractive environment for retiring expats with good healthcare, strong economies, and low unemployment rates. There should be a stable political situation and a low crime rate as well.

  • Entertainment and a healthy lifestyle

When you’re choosing a location for retiring, you would definitely want to be able to have fun there and live the rest of your life like there’s no tomorrow after a lifetime of work and hassle.

Also, it’s essential t highlight the importance of being able to live a healthy lifestyle in the location of your dreams – this can probably be noted as the most critical aspect of retiring in any country, along with politics and the financial aspects.

  • Development and infrastructure

As a potential expat, you should think about the infrastructure that the country offers and also the potential that the nation has development-wise. These are essential issues that will make sense in the future.

Here are the best three destinations where you can retire and live the dream in peace and tranquility.

Best three relocation destinations

  1. UAE – Dubai

When you say UAE, you say freedom. The features that the location offers people are the ones that make it one of the best choices for retirement. The UAE is an exciting destination that has amazing attractions, and it also features upbeat energy. Dubai is famous for its friendly and multicultural population.

There, you will be able to enjoy a massive array of lifestyle experiences that are all putting convenience at the forefront.

Dubai enjoys a year-round sunny climate, and it also benefits from a low crime rate. This, along with other important issues, makes it one of the best locations in the world for people who want to retire. The city has a lot of recreational activities, and it offers a convenient and comfortable lifestyle for residents as well.

  • Renting costs and living expenses – crypto acceptance

There are a lot of benefits that come with finance in Dubai. This is a really crypto-friendly location, and you will be able to enjoy the benefits of buying properties using crypto. The rent and living expenses are not what you expect – you can live here hassle-free and maintain your wealth without spending more than you can afford.

UAE understands the benefits of allowing the use of crypto in 2022. Digital assets are the safest option that people have regarding purchasing goods and making payments. Using crypto in order to buy a property in the UAE, especially for international buyers, turns out to be really cost-effective.

It’s good to note the fact that using crypto costs less on international transfers and payments compared to the traditional ones. Banks are charging massive fees, but using crypto brings hassle-free aspects involving extra charges. With crypto, you can make instant transactions and low prices.

  • Purchasing and owning real estate – prices of properties

Buying a property in Dubai can be anyone’s dream, and it’s definitely the safest option that you have there for making payments.

There are various reasons for which real estate investors are opting these days for spending crypto in Dubai, and the most important one is the fact that the transaction process is secure.

Purchasing real estate properties in the UAE using crypto is an amazing choice thanks to cost-effectiveness but also saving extra energy and time that the process usually requires. Acquiring possessions and settlements of the properties is a tough process otherwise.

  • Healthcare

It’s essential to note the fact that both state and private healthcare exists in the UAE. This country flaunts state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, and some of them are the best in the region. It’s extremely important to note that residents, including expats, have the ability to access state health services at a 50% reduced rate if they purchase a health card.

On the other hand, it’s also important to highlight that the public facilities are limited, and many foreign residents take out private health insurance to access a wider and quicker range of services.

People living in Dubai or Abu Dhabi should know that health insurance is a legal requirement, and you will be subjected to monthly fines if you don’t have it. This is why it’s a vital point to have in mind.

  • Residency and VISA requirements

The Dubai retirement VISA is anyone’s chance to live in one of the fastest-growing, safest, and most culturally diverse places on the planet. It definitely offers you the chance of your lifetime to enjoy the next chapter in your personal story.

It’s not hard to get a Visa to get to the location of your dreams. Companies such as Crypto Expat can help prepare a Visa for you so that you can build your company easily and enjoy all the benefits of developing it in the UAE.

The UAE offers growing businesses stability, larger markets, steady growth, investor-friendly processes, and a tax-free regime.

  • Climate

UAE is the place to be if you love the sun and an energetic lifestyle. Dubai has a hot desert climate, and summer begins around the last month of April.

Summers are extremely hot and with high humidity. Why would you want to live your life in a cold and rainy place when you can enjoy every day relaxing by the pool and soaking up in the sun? In UAE, you can spend your golden years under the golden rays of the neverending sun.

  • Development and infrastructure

Regarding infrastructure, Dubai boasts a world-class infrastructure, well-maintained roads, excellent public transport, and connectivity. These are only some of the reasons why Dubai is a global trade center.

  • Strong economy and amazing lifestyle

The UAE flaunts one of the strongest economies in the Middle east. An amazing aspect of living here is that all income is tax-free. This means that residents see huge financial freedom here. This, combined with extraordinary economic stability, makes UAE a great place to retire.

Here, you will find pretty much every fun activity that you can think of and all the glitz and glam that you could ever desire. Considering that the majority of people living here are foreign-born expats, Dubai and UAE, in general, is a multicultural location that welcomes people of all nationalities.

2. Costa Rica

For people who are looking to retire abroad and are in need of a place that’s affordable and also enjoyable at the same time, Costa Rica might be the best choice.

One essential issue that we have to mention is the fact that it’s pretty hard to beat Costa Rica when it comes to beaches, warm weather, and delicious food.

More than that, the World Health Organization notes that this democratic country features one of the top healthcare systems in the whole world – in this regard, it’s even better compared to other countries in Western Europe.

  • Purchasing and owning real estate – prices of properties

Costa Rica is the ideal retirement location, and you probably know by now that Central America is among the most welcoming nations out there for foreign retirees on the globe. People there can enjoy hassle-free residence programs, a low living cost, and a stable democracy.

It’s also important to note that properties in Costa Rica offer an amazing opportunity for investment. There, you can find great locations for renting, living, and retiring. There are also great opportunities of investing in the country as well.

  • Healthcare and entertainment – advantages and discounts

It’s interesting to note the fact that Costa Rica has a universal healthcare system that is called Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), referred to as the “Caja.”

According to official notes, the system offers “100% coverage for all medical procedures and prescription drugs, through the public hospital and clinic system, to citizens, permanent residents, and visitors for a small monthly fee based on a percentage of their income.”

As a conclusion, the quality of Costa Rica′s healthcare is excellent. In terms of entertainment, there’s plenty to do and see in the country, and anyone who has ever been there knows this.

  • Residency and VISA requirements

Obtaining a Costa Rica residence permit allows the holders to stay in the country long-term – meaning more than 90 days. This can be done with the main purpose of working, studying, retiring, and also joining a family member who is already there. It’s also worth mentioning that Costa Rica residence permits are issued after the foreign national is already in the country legally.

  • Renting costs and living expenses

Costa Rica is one of the most popular countries that people choose for retirement, and this is also due to the low costs of living, amazing ocean views, and tropical climate.

For tourists, Costa Rica offers amazing vacation locations, and the pluses for at least visiting the country include warm people, adventurous opportunities, which are great for both the body and mind as well.

  • Entertainment and a healthy lifestyle

The nation has become a desirable place for retirees all over the world, and this is due to all the affordable costs involving living, a healthy lifestyle, and exclusive top-notch medical facilities. The low costs involving living and amazing healthcare have lots of expats wanting to retire here.

The universal healthcare system is among the best ones in the world, and this is one of the enticing reasons to retire in this location.

  • Spending crypto in Costa Rica

Regarding whether the nation is crypto-friendly or not, the government of Costa Rica is still refusing to accept crypto as a monetary currency. On the other hand, it’s good to know that they legalized its use.

The Central Bank of Costa Rica (CBCR) does not consider crypto as a legal tender, so far.

3. Ecuador

If you’re looking for the best retirement where you can enjoy all the world’s delights, Ecuador may be the perfect location for you. It could be just what the doctor ordered. This is a nation of 16 million people, which has two distinct equatorial regions.

This means that it’s blessed with lots and lots of sun all year round. Only thinking about this, you can say that the location could be the perfect one for you.

  • Purchasing and owning real estate – prices of properties

Let’s start with the fact that Ecuador is also a budget-friendly country that you can retire to.

The capital city, Quito, has been named the Andes Capital of Culture and Don Juan Shopping City.

You can also check out major must-see locations like Old Town Centro Histórico, La Compañía de Jesús Cathedral, and the impressive Quito Artisan Market. You can visit amazing parks and enjoy various architectural styles. Here, you will be able to find unparalleled real estate listings, and this will make your relocation experience a dream come true. Ecuador offers the best properties for sale in the market, and this is one of the main reasons that make the nation one of the best places when you consider retirement.

  • Healthcare in Ecuador

According to official data, Ecuador has a universal healthcare system. It is funded by the government, and it’s also important to note the fact that it provides treatment to all.

The major cities, such as Quito (the capital) and Guayaquil, have public hospitals. One amazing plus is the fact that treatment is free, and anyone can visit for examination by a general practitioner or a specialist, depending on the malaise.

  • Residency and VISA requirements

The Temporary Resident Visa is currently allowing people to stay in Ecuador for up to two years. You may renew this only once. On a Temporary Resident Visa, you may be absent from Ecuador for no more than a cumulative total of 90 days per year.

  • Renting costs and living expenses

Prices in Ecuador are definitely affordable ones – You can find some beautiful homes and apartments for rent here in Ecuador. You can find everything that you might be looking for: unfurnished, fully furnished, beautiful, dumpy, and more.

  • Spending crypto in Ecuador

In Ecuador, you can take your daily payments to the very next level. You have the opportunity to exchange crypto and spend it with your VISA debit card in millions of shops all over the world.

  • Entertainment and a healthy lifestyle

It’s worth noting the fact that Ecuador’s famous Galapagos Islands are true paradise, and adventurers and fun-seekers will be in heaven here. The country has a lot to offer, and this includes many opportunities that will allow you to immerse yourself in the local artisanal culture.

There are various historical sites to visit as well. The country is also hosting great festivals and entertainment opportunities.

As a conclusion, for those interested in relocating to Ecuador, the nation offers people the opportunity to enjoy a picturesque and incredibly biodiverse area.

Here, you will be able to enjoy the Galapagos Islands, part of the Andes Mountain range, tropical rainforests, and beaches. A lot of people who choose this as a location for their retirement can live in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city.

Final words

The best expat countries for retirement are the ones that suit your needs and dreams. A fun way of life, great food and climate, strong medical care, vibrant people who know how to enjoy good times, and financial peace of mind are definitely some of the key points that you want to keep in mind when choosing a location.

Legacy banking is currently being disrupted by innovative technologies that digital assets bring. This is one of the reasons why crypto-friendliness should be on your checklist when making an educated decision about your retiring location.

Retiring abroad comes with a lot of benefits – you just have to know how to look for them. Retirement is the time to wave goodbye to stress and discover the most idyllic spots where you can enjoy life and the best things it has to offer. Make your decision wisely because you are deciding for yourself and for your happiness, peace of mind, and comfort.