It’s a scary world we live in. The many recent acts of terrorism are proof enough of that. These days it seems many North Americans can’t even do simple things like attend a concert, go to work, or send their kids to school without worrying that the unthinkable might happen.
The U.S. is increasingly being targeted by extremist groups who place little value on human life, including their own. Many people wonder if their country is as safe as it once was or whether they should jump ship and find another, safer place to call home. And, if so, where would that be?
And what about the hassle of becoming an expat? Of moving to another country, learning a new language, and being far away from family and friends?
If you’re among those contemplating a move to someplace a little less attractive to terrorists, it might surprise you to know that there are some great options within a short distance from the U.S. And not only are these places safe, they also offer an incredible lifestyle at a much lower price point, with virtually no threat of terrorism whatsoever.
Central America Is Safer Than You Think
Each of the following three countries is located in Central America, and can be reached via a 3-hour flight from a number of U.S. cities like Atlanta, Houston, or Miami. They offer a lower cost of living (in some cases, much lower) than in North America. Yet, depending on where in the country you go, you’ll find services and amenities that rival a lot of major U.S. cities.
And here’s another important characteristic that each of these countries share. All three scored a zero on the Global Terrorism Index, a ranking of all the countries in the world based on the amount of terrorist activity they’ve experienced over a 10-year period.
For the sake of comparison, here’s how a few other countries fared. Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan took the top three slots, with scores at or near 10 (at the time this article was published). Syria ranked 5th with an 8.12. The United States scored a 4.6, bringing it to the 34th slot.
By contrast, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama tied with a few other nations for 124th with a score of 0. Zero. Meaning NO terrorist activity whatsoever. I can’t think of many other ranking systems where I’d be so excited to come in dead last.
If that isn’t enough to convince you to make the move, here’s a little more info about each country and what makes it so incredible.
Costa Rica: Unparalleled Beauty Plus Top-Notch Health Care
It wouldn’t be much of a stretch to say that there is nowhere in the world as incredible as Costa Rica. For starters, it’s breathtakingly beautiful. And it offers climates and settings to suit every preference. From the cool, lush, mountainsides with their sweeping vistas to the tropical white sand beaches lined with shady palms.
Once you look beyond the natural beauty of Costa Rica, you’ll also find that it’s just as rich in amenities that you don’t usually find in most tropical destinations. Services like banks, supermarkets, health clubs, museums, and five-star restaurants can be widely found. And the country’s free health care system ranks higher than that of the U.S.
Nicaragua: The Same Perks at a Bigger Bargain
If you’re looking for all the incredible scenery of Costa Rica, but at a slightly lower premium, then your journey ends in Nicaragua. With two long coastlines, two huge lakes, volcanoes, rain forests, and rivers, it offers all the same ecosystems and postcard-worthy views as its neighbor. But since it’s less discovered and less developed, it all comes at a slightly lower price point.
Less development does mean fewer amenities, but there are still plenty of places in Nicaragua where you can find most of the same business and consumer options you’re accustomed to in the U.S. And since prices are lower, you can even enjoy some luxuries you might not be able to afford elsewhere, like the services of a full-time domestic helper.
Panama: First World Infrastructure and the Best Expat Benefits
Panama has benefitted greatly from its long history of U.S. military presence and its long-standing popularity as an expat haven. As a result, its infrastructure and amenities are way ahead of their time.
You’ll rarely have any difficulty finding a Wi-Fi hotspot or getting a good cell phone signal. Many of the same consumer options you buy in the U.S. can be found in Panama. There are tons of businesses and services that cater to expats, often run by expats themselves.
Panama also offers a wealth of visa options, as well as an attractive pensionado program that offers considerable discounts on things like hotels and transportation, for retirees of any age.
So, if you’re a would-be expat searching for a safer place to live that’s reasonably accessible from the U.S., don’t overlook the opportunities available in Central America. Take a trip down and check out what this amazing region has to offer. It could be the best three hours you’ve ever spent.
The country of Ecuador has many cultural and natural features that make it an attractive location for those seeking an alternative to more traditional tropic destinations. You may already know a few.
For example, this increasingly popular expat haven is known for its biodiversity, its affordability, and its rich culture. It also enjoys a sense of familiarity due to the established expat population.
However, as you continue to explore and get to know this unique expat hub, you may discover a few facts that will surprise you. Here are a few that make it stand out from the rest.
Rinaldo Wurglitsch
1. It’s the world’s most “far out” place.
Ecuador is actually closer to outer space than any other country on Earth. The reason? Mt. Chimborazo (Ecuador’s highest peak) is located on the equatorial bulge.
As a result, the summit of this mountain is the farthest point on the entire planet from the Earth’s core. Put another way, it is the point on Earth closest to space.
2. The Darwin Award goes to…
Ecuador is home to the Galapagos Islands, which were the location and inspiration of Charles Darwin’s research. Ecuador is viewed as one of 17 “megadiverse” countries on the planet and is widely considered as the most biodiverse country, per square kilometer, anywhere.
3. Even its name is special.
The name “Ecuador” itself is unique. While it is well known that the equator runs through the country, a lesser known fact is that Ecuador is the only country on Earth named after a geographical feature. The formal name of the country is República del Ecuador, the “country of the Equator.”
4. It offers a lot of bang for your literal buck.
Since 2000, Ecuador has used the U.S. dollar as its national currency. As a potential expat or investor, this means not having to deal with currency conversion rates and international fees, both in your daily life as well as in commercial transactions.
Being able to purchase real estate using U.S. dollars makes buying and investing both attractive and ultimately more affordable than in other locations. The fact that there are a growing number of properties on the market makes for a wide variety of options to choose from.
Helder Ribeiro
5. Yes, we have bananas…lots of them!
The singing of the old novelty song, “Yes, we have no bananas” (from 1922) would be woefully out of place in Ecuador. This country is actually the world’s largest exporter of the popular yellow fruit, shipping an average of 43 trillion of them annually. This translates to roughly 1/3 of all bananas exported worldwide.
6. You can be in both worlds at the same time.
One of Ecuador’s top tourist attractions is Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (literally “City of the Middle of the World”) where one can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere.
Thanks to more modern technology, scientists have discovered that the true equatorial line is some 240 meters north of the popular monument and marker. However, the historic landmark is considered close enough for the many tourists who visit this location each year.
7. Nature has its own rights!
In 2008, Ecuador took an unprecedented step in declaring that nature had constitutional rights. Stating that it had the “right to exist, persist….and regenerate its vital cycles,” the Ecuadorian government declared that nature should not be treated as property.
This singular acknowledgement is, perhaps, one of the most forward-thinking statements about the environment you’ll find anywhere.
flowcomm
8. We’re the ones who really started the trend.
The familiar white straw and black hatband of the “Panama hat” has become a ubiquitous fixture throughout the Latin Tropics. Yet the many visitors to the region who purchase one of these signature hats might be surprised to discover that they didn’t actually get their start in Panama.
Originally from the coast of Ecuador, near the town of Cuenca, these hats were made for the workers who constructed the Panama Canal. Later, this headgear became a symbol of largesse of wealthy tourists who could afford to sail through the Canal. Today they’re still a popular souvenir choice of visitors to the region.
9. Expats are more than welcome.
It may come as a surprise that Ecuador is gaining popularity among expats as a preferred tropical destination. According to the annual survey done by InterNations.org, Ecuador has ranked as the number 1 choice among expats for the last two years.
From personal finance, quality of life, cost of living, and a number of other reasons, Ecuador has been consistently given the highest rating, rising above even other longtime favorite destinations in the Latin Tropics.
Discover Other Special Things About Ecuador
Perhaps the best way to discover what is special about Ecuador is to visit and explore it firsthand. You may just find that Ecuador is the unique tropical destination you’ve been looking for.
Colombia has the potential to become one of the fastest growing expat destinations in the Latin Tropics, with the city of Medellín leading the way. In fact, this city, once synonymous with crime and the infamous Pablo Escobar, was named the 2013 Innovative City of the Year by the Wall Street Journal.
As interest in Colombia increases, expats are discovering that there is a growing community into which they can integrate, while investors are recognizing the potential of a strong return on their initial outlay of capital.
Iván Erre Jota
From the modern metropolitan scene of Medellín to more rustic destinations in the interior, Colombia is looking forward to attracting a wider group of individuals seeking new vistas and adventures. Here are 8 unique features that help set it apart from the competition.
1. Two Oceans, No Waiting
Colombia is the only South American country that has coastlines on the both Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Tourists and locals not only have a wide selection of beaches (over 300 in all!), but two distinct bodies of water to choose from.
2. Birds of a Feather…Lots of Them
Colombia is home to a number of bird species (roughly 1,879). This fact is what makes Colombia the country with the greatest diversity of birds in the entire world, a real feather in its naturalist cap.
3. Coffee Is Not the Only Jewel in Colombia
Colombia has long been known for the quality of its coffee. Colombian Arabica beans are prized by coffee aficionados for their rich, yet mild flavor. Colombian coffee remains as the only single origin product to compete with the multitude of blended coffees found in most stores.
Yet the coffee bean is not the only gem that can be found here. It may come as a surprise to learn that Colombia is also rich in emeralds and, in fact, is the world’s leading source of this rare gemstone.
Paul Bischoff
4. A River Runs through It
Perhaps one of Colombia’s most unique features is Caño Cristales, often referred to as “The Liquid Rainbow.” Located in the Serranía de la Macarena mountain range, near the center of the country, this body of water has gained popularity among tourists as the most beautiful river in the world.
Known locally as the River of Five Colors, Caño Cristales enthralls visitors with vibrant shades of yellow, black, blue, green and red. The crimson hue is actually the result of a plant, Macarenia clavigera, that grows in the river bed. This spectacle is best viewed from late July through December.
5. What’s in a Name?
The various names that the country has been known by are signposts that detail the country’s history. When first settled in 1499 it, along with Panama, Ecuador, Venezuela, and part of Brazil made up the Viceroyalty of New Granada. Once Ecuador and Venezuela gained independence, this territory was renamed The Republic of New Granada.
The name changed again to the Granadine Confederation in 1858 and then to the United States of Colombia in 1863. Its present-day name, the Republic of Colombia, was adopted in 1886, making it the only country today named after the man whose explorations led to the discovery of the “New World”: Christopher Columbus.
6. An Architectural Epicenter
Once known only for its reputation of violence and crime, Medellín has transformed itself into a center of modern design. In 2013, Medellín won the prestigious Veronica Rudge Green Prize for Urban Design, acknowledging the unique blend of modernistic patterns interspersed with historic colonial structures.
Alan Turkus
7. Home to Cultural Icons of Music and Art
Colombians are well represented in both music and the arts. International stars such as Shakira, Sofía Vergara, Danna Garcia, and Juanes all call Colombia home.
Literary titan and Nobel laureate, Gabriel García Márquez, and world renowned sculptor, Fernando Botero, have added to Colombia’s luster as a center for the creative arts in the Latin Tropics and across the globe.
8. And One Really Notorious Figure
One of the most polarizing and notorious figures in Colombian history is the drug lord, Pablo Escobar. Once listed by Forbes magazine, in 1989, as one of 227 billionaires in the world, Escobar’s rise and fall have become the stuff of legend.
Even today, the fascination with Escobar (similar to that of Al Capone) can be seen in the number of “Pablo Escobar tours” in and around Medellín. Importantly, these tours show the dramatic metamorphosis of Medellín from a hotbed of crime and violence to a growing and thriving modern metropolis.
Discover More Special Things About Colombia Firsthand
With all of the history, culture, and natural beauty that abound in this increasingly popular destination, there are many more special and unique discoveries to be made. Colombia holds a great potential for retirees and investors to grow, prosper, and profit. Could you be one of them?
Modern technology has made the prospect of moving overseas much less daunting than in the not-so-distant past. The growing popularity of smart devices places a wide variety of applications at a user’s fingertips that can make the transition from casual traveler to seasoned expat much easier.
No matter what type of platform you have, these applications can make navigating the nuances of your new home both accessible and portable. In a real sense, these programs have transformed the way expats become integrated into their life abroad.
Sam Azgor
Essential Smartphone Applications for Moving Overseas
Perhaps the best way to prepare your smartphone or tablet for moving overseas is to first make a list of the kind of applications that you might need on a daily basis. Once you’ve identified your needs, group similar apps into those categories for easy access when you need them.
To demonstrate how this method can work for you, below are several major topics that expats frequently have questions or concerns about. Under each topic you will find some of the most popular apps that can help you with that issue.
Communicating With Others
Being able to communicate with your neighbors, especially in a new language, can be one of the most challenging aspects of moving overseas. The cost of making calls back to the U.S. (or elsewhere) can also be prohibitive. Below are some of the best apps to stay connected and to make sure you’re clearly understood.
Skype
Skype has become the “go-to” application for international travelers who want to be able to connect with friends and family, no matter where on Earth they may be. Having the ability to see who you are speaking to, as well as hear them, is one of the key features of this tool.
Once downloaded on your desktop or laptop, it is an easy matter to install the free app on any smartphone, sign in, and start up a conversation. Skype also has a number of fee-based options, such as unlimited calling and creating a personalized number, that can further enhance its usage.
Google Translate
This is a user-friendly, free app that allows you to type in or speak a word or phrase and have it translated instantaneously. You can have someone speak a phrase into your smartphone, and the app will immediately recognize the phrase and provide an English translation.
Likewise, you can also use the app to speak a phrase or question in English and have it played back in the desired language. It’s like having your very own translator right in your pocket.
Duolingo
Duolingo is a newer and very popular application for those who want to learn a second language, for free, while traveling. The wide variety of languages offered makes this a useful addition to any expat’s electronic toolkit. Although the learning level of the languages is basic at this time, being able to make yourself understood for most daily tasks, like shopping, will make the transition to expat life much easier.
WiFi Finder
Worried about getting stuck somewhere with no access to the Internet? WiFi Finder is another free app that can help you find Wi-Fi “hotspots” where internet access is available. Being able to reduce or avoid high phone bills or roaming charges makes this an essential app for new expats and experienced travelers alike.
myfuture.com
Banking and Money
Before moving overseas, doing some online research on bank fees for international transactions can save both time and money. Checking with your current financial institution is a good place to start in the process.
Nerdwallet.com and Wallethub.com
These are two great applications that let you compare the pluses and minuses of banks and credit cards in terms of international transaction fees and other benefits. Naturally, each of the financial institutions listed have their own websites that can be reached online.
XE Currency
XE Currency is widely regarded as the premier free application for currency conversion rates. Knowing how much (or how little) a dollar is worth, in terms of local currency, can help new expats better plan out their monthly finances. Comparisons can also be done on multiple currencies at the same time.
Matthias Ripp
Social Life
Perhaps one of the hardest parts about moving overseas is trying to build up a social life. Between the language barrier and not knowing where to go, the expat life can be a bit isolated in the beginning. Fortunately, there are a number of apps that can help.
This app, which you may already be using, is probably the most popular and best known smartphone app in terms of social interaction. Being able to look up groups or individuals, seek out topics, and put your own information online can all help to build your social circle in your new home.
Meetup
Meetup is a newer, free application that is rapidly gaining in popularity. By filtering by location and interests, you can find like-minded people and events that can help you interact and expand your connections beyond your immediate home area.
Nearify
This is another newcomer to the expat-focused app world. Covering more than 200 cities worldwide (and growing), with this tool you can discover more than 20 million events that can help you get out and mingle.
21st Century Technology Makes Moving Overseas Easier
The number of applications available for smartphones and tablets will continue to grow as user demand increases. Having access to the information available in these apps, while on the go, has transformed the expat experience in ways that were unthinkable just a short while ago.
Combined with increasing Wi-Fi connectivity and advances in the quality and capacity of mobile devices, more people are considering the benefits and promise of the expat lifestyle. Grab your phone and explore the possibilities!