The International Living magazine and also online info hub covers The World’s Top 10 Retirement Havens. The Top 10 list in reverse order are :-
#10 THAILAND
#9 URUGUAY
#8 MALTA
#7 MEXICO
#6 COLOMBIA
#5 SPAIN
#4 COSTA RICA
#3 For real…MALAYSIA
#2 ECUADOR
#1 PANAMA
In Asia, only Thailand #10 and Malaysia #3 are listed in the Top 10 list.
The World’s Top 10 Retirement Havens
Dear Reader,
Where in the world is the best place to retire? Mexico? France? Thailand? Maybe, Italy…or Ecuador? The list of possibilities is endless. And it is all, of course, based on personal preference. One man’s paradise can be another man’s hell.
We here at International Living have been in the business of scouring the globe for the best retirement destinations around the globe for over 30 years. We know a good retirement location when we see one. And that’s where we’d like to help you.
The world is always changing. And opportunity shows itself in new places all the time. That’s why every year we take stock of the climate, cost of living, safety, infrastructure, accessibility of health care, and more, to we compile our Annual Global Retirement Index. We look specifically at the best opportunities worldwide for retirement living.
How does International Living determine its rankings? IL editors compile, weigh, rank, and rate a series of criteria including cost of living, infrastructure, health care, ease of integration, real estate, special benefits, climate, etc. This is a qualitative assessment based on real-world data gathered on the ground.
In this report we give you our top 10 Retirement Havens and the reasons why we think these are the best places to consider if you are planning a retirement overseas.
Yours sincerely,
Jackie Flynn
Publisher, International Living
# 3: Malaysia
Conjuring up all the mysteries of Asia, Malaysia is a former British colony. The sultans, head-hunters, pirates, and gin-swilling English rubber planters of the Victorian age have long since gone, but the country remains as colorful as ever. Beyond the lofty skyscrapers of the capital, Kuala Lumpur, its dramatic canvas is embroidered with tropical beaches, mountains, dense rainforest, and vividly green tea plantations.
Influences from across Asia and beyond have melded together here to create an extraordinary cross-cultural melting pot of customs, dress, architecture, and cuisine. Along with foreign expats from around the globe, the country is home to Malay Malays, Chinese Malays, Hindu Malays, and Sikh Malays.
The country’s diverse ethnic mix makes being a stranger here easy. Whether you live in bohemian Penang or Kuala Lumpur, the country’s hip capital, you’ll meet friendly locals who are happy to stop and chat and welcome you into their home. People are accepting, just ask the international mix of expats all on the same journey as you and happy to share.
You certainly won’t go short of anything in Kuala Lumpur (KL), or the other popular expat hangout, Penang Island. Malaysia has both public and private health care with medical expertise on a par with western countries. Most hospitals and health care facilities are staffed by English speaking professionals with international qualifications. Internet coverage here is on a par with services in France and Italy…the cost of living is cheap and it’s easy to live here (English is widely spoken). And with some of the world’s most stunning white-sand beaches, there’s a lot of like about Malaysia.
Source : International Living
