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Kerry Truchero's avatar

I left the country ten years ago. It was good to me, until it wasn’t.

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Gordon's avatar

Ahh, thanks for your response. Yes....absolutely, different strokes for different folks. This upcoming election may determine what I do and where I go next...just retired two years ago and I’m footloose !

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Lesley Zimmermann's avatar

We’re planning on leaving if Trump is re-elected. We’re also retired and I’ve been researching this for years. Here’s what I learned: Unfortunately, most countries don’t want us. If we’re not working, we’re not contributing to the economy (though we’d have to pay taxes.) We can get Social Security benefits virtually anywhere but Medicare doesn’t cover you outside the country, which means you’ll need to buy into the country’s healthcare system or (much more likely) pay for everything yourself. A couple of countries, Ireland and New Zealand among them, will take you if you invest around $500,000 in either a business or the government. I’m looking into Spain and Portugal but I’m not expecting anything easy.

Totally different story in Central and South America. A fellow Substacker lives in Mexico, seems really happy there. I’m planning a visit to the town to see if it would work for us. There’s also a huge expat community, mostly Brits and Americans, in Ecuador. The countries that Trump dismissed as “shithole countries” are very welcoming. Each country has different requirements for residence but they are all happy to see Americans (and their money).

I hope it won’t be necessary to leave but I’m not sitting around waiting for Kristallnacht. If Trump is in, we’re out.

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DIANE E RAMEY's avatar

I am also tempted to run for the hills, but I can't because I'm disabled. Have to stick it out and fight with what I have left, which ain't much - just my voice and my vote.

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Morgaine Swann's avatar

Same here. I tried to move to Canada, but they won't even consider anyone with a disability.

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DIANE E RAMEY's avatar

Really? Well, do you have to switch citizenship?

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Morgaine Swann's avatar

I don't know. I know in my situation, they don't even like it if I visit.

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DIANE E RAMEY's avatar

I guess I do have an alternative. My fiance was raised in Jamaica and still has his Jamaican citizenship, although he's been working in the US for 20-some years. To him, it would be going back home.

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Lorraine Parish's avatar

I left 2 years ago for a multitude of reasons, one being the anger all around me.

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Mary Virginia Hughes's avatar

That's one of the very best reasons. I should have left then.

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Janan Broadbent's avatar

Kerry: would you be open to corresponding privately regarding being an expat? I am thinking of doing this.

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Kerry Truchero's avatar

Sure. Always happy to help out.

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Lorraine Parish's avatar

I will too Jana.

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Gordon's avatar

Where did you go? I may be leaving too and just wondering...

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Kerry Truchero's avatar

Eight years in Peru, now in Catalonia. As an expat, I can say that the appeal of a place depends very much on who you are and what you like. Definitely different strokes for different folks.

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antlisa1201's avatar

I'm looking at Portugal....

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Lorraine Parish's avatar

Beautiful country. Lots of Americans. Frankly many of the American ex-pats everywhere are assholes. They bring their American bad attitudes and shit with them.

You need to love the Portuguese people and like the foreigners from other countries.

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Kerry Truchero's avatar

I have good friends living and who have lived there. Pros and cons like everywhere.

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Lorraine Parish's avatar

I moved to a fabulous town in Mexico. The Mexican's are the best!

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Kerry Truchero's avatar

I lived in Veracruz in the 70’s. Love the Jarochos.

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🌷IntheHalloftheMtnKing's avatar

Yeah the US isn't going to change for the better.

The only solution is to leave 🤔

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