Americans eyeing retirement abroad are finding fresh reasons to pack up and go. Sharon V. Salinger, an 80 year old former dean from California, traded pricey Pasadena for a furnished one bedroom in Paris. Her rent runs $2765 a month in the 11th Arrondissement, utilities included. She skips car ownership, strolls to markets and enjoys opera tickets that cost less than seats back in Los Angeles. After years researching in French archives, the move felt natural. She calls the city a joy.
Reina Becnel Lim, 52, made a different leap. After losing her federal job and weighing options across Asia, she and her husband settled in Mauritius with their young daughter. They rent a three bedroom apartment for $2200 a month and secured a 10 year residence permit. Favorable tax rules and island life sealed the deal.
They are part of a wider wave. Forbes recently listed 96 top retirement spots across 24 countries, citing lower living costs, affordable health care and manageable visa rules. From Vietnam to Albania, retirees report stretchier budgets and relaxed routines. The message is simple. Do the homework, visit first, then decide.
My Take…
Americans flirting with retirement abroad suddenly have commitment issues with the US. Sharon V. Salinger, 80, ditched pricey Pasadena for a furnished one bedroom in Paris. The rule? Do the homework. Visit. Then decide. Not exactly rocket science, people.
Click on the link below for the full article:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williampbarrett/2026/07/31/the-forbes-guide-to-planning-for-a-foreign-retirement/
