The World's Top Retirement Havens (Paperback)

by Margaret J. Goldstein (Editor), International Living Staff (Author) "Argentina offers incredible variety as it stretches 1,300 miles from north to south, encompassing lush tropical landscapes, glaciers, mountains, and wide-open prairies..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States, Costa Rica, Czech Republic (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Here is a guide that reviews the world's top retirement countries, with an emphasis on achieving great comfort on an ordinary income. Included for each country is a complete description of culture and lifestyle, plus information on tax laws, residency, cost of living, real estate, and travel. 18 maps.

Product Details

• Paperback: 303 pages
• Publisher: Avalon Travel Publishing (May 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1562613774
• ISBN-13: 978-1562613778
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #715,602 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Less than adequate, March 29, 2001

By	Dr. Samuel Bagwell (Yakima, WA USA) - See all my reviews

Having been to many of the places covered in this book, I was saddened to note that the writers appear to have not done their homework. The information is the sort that you could obtain by writing to the countrys Embassys. The book also appears to be aimed at the High End Market. The main reason for living in another country when you retire is to make your retirement income get "more bang for the buck." All the authors dialog about $700 to $1,900/month rents made me wonder what their perspective on retirement haven's is. Their internet resource guide was off and needs to be updated. Buy this book for general information purposes only.

75 of 81 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book I've Seen., November 29, 1999

By	Robert J. Bruss, Tribune Media Services (United States) - See all my reviews

This is the best book that I've seen that explains the pros and cons of top foreign retirement locations.Even if you're not ready to retire, the book is a fascinating explanation of what foreign retirement life is like. These havens aren't specific sites, such as retirement communities: instead, the book provides general information about various countries that are considered ideal for retirement. Most explanations include recommended living areas and places to avoid. Real estate, both rental and ownership, is thoroughly covered. Renting is generally recommended, at least initially. Some countries make real estate ownership for foreigners impractical or impossible. In other countries, the authors explain the easy procedures and how to avoic real estate rip-offs. In alphabetical order, the top retirement havens are Argentina, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Spain and Thailnad. The appendix includes useful Web sites for Americans living overseas, health insurance informations and other foreign retirement resources. This superb book will make many readers reconsider their retirement plans, especially after learning how economical foreign residency can be. This unique book should just be considered an introduction to the best foreign retirement countries: further study and visits are recommended. On my scale of one to 10, this excellent book rates a 10. Robert Bruss, Tribune Media Services

45 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Out of Touch, November 21, 1999

By	janice clitheroe (usa) - See all my reviews

Having lived and visited many of the the countries reviewed, I was amazed at how little effort went into checking the reality of the cost of living. Also I found a huge lack of enthusiasum about most countries, sad if these are the best retirement havens. Mexico and France seem to be the only countries were some research was done. I thought this book would help with my decision, on which country in europe to retire. I favor Italy. I found I already knew more than this book had to offer and had more realistic information regarding living costs.