Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Moving Abroad in Retirement: How to Test-Drive a Country before You Commit

Natasia Janssen

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Once retirement rolls around, many people look for ways to simplify life. Downsizing is a common first step—less space, fewer responsibilities, and more freedom. But on the flip side, a growing number of retirees are choosing something a bit bolder: starting fresh in a completely new country. The idea of moving abroad in retirement sounds exciting, and honestly, it can be. Lower living costs, better weather, and the promise of adventure are just a few reasons why more retirees are considering international life.

But as you’ve probably guessed, moving your entire life overseas isn’t something to rush into. It’s a big decision, and there’s a smart way to approach it: test-driving your future home before making a permanent move.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to “try before you buy” when it comes to international retirement. You’ll learn how to plan a trial stay, what to look for while you’re there, and how to make sure your dream destination fits your retirement lifestyle. 

Why retirees are often moving abroad in retirement

One major reason retirees consider this move is the potential to stretch their retirement budget. In many countries, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle for a fraction of what it would cost back home.

Then there’s the climate. If you’re tired of harsh winters or long rainy seasons, the idea of waking up to sunshine and sea breezes every day can be pretty appealing. Places like Portugal, Spain, or parts of Southeast Asia offer warmer weather and a slower pace of life, both of which are easy to adapt to.

Beyond the basics, there’s the adventure itself. Some retirees simply want to experience a different culture, pick up a new language, or live in a place they once only visited on vacation. That’s part of why so many are deciding to move to Europe, not only for the rich history and beautiful scenery, but also because several countries offer retiree-friendly visa options and high-quality healthcare. 

Why you shouldn't commit too soon

Relocating overseas might sound like a dream come true, but dreams can look different in reality.

That’s why it’s important not to treat your move like a one-way ticket...at least not right away.

Giving yourself time to ‘test-drive' a location can help you avoid common pitfalls and costly mistakes, such as discovering the local healthcare doesn’t meet your needs, realizing the language barrier makes daily tasks harder than expected, or feeling isolated.

How to plan a trial stay in your destination country

Rather than being a long vacation, a trial stay is your chance to experience life like a local and figure out if moving abroad in retirement is the right choice for your lifestyle. To make the most of it, break your retirement planning into a few steps: 

Choose the right length of stay

Aim for one to three months. This gives you time to settle in, establish a routine, and notice the everyday details you’d miss on a short trip. If you can, visit during the off-season. That way, you’ll experience the local pace without the seasonal tourist rush.

Rent like a local

Instead of booking a hotel, go for a short-term rental on platforms like Airbnb or local housing sites. Cooking meals at home, doing laundry, and handling local errands will help you see what life could be like if you were to move there.

Live your normal routine

Don’t spend the whole time sightseeing. Instead, shop at the local grocery store, try public transit, and explore the neighborhood like you would if you lived there. If you have regular healthcare needs, consider how easily you can access a nearby clinic or pharmacy.

Take notes along the way

Bring a notebook or keep a digital journal. As you go through your trial stay, write down what you liked, what felt challenging, and what surprised you. These notes will come in handy when it’s time to make a final decision or compare one location to another.

Research visa options for extended stays

Before booking your trial stay, make sure you understand the visa requirements for your destination.

A standard tourist visa is often enough for a short visit. These typically allow stays of 30 to 90 days, depending on the country and the requirements of your passport. However, if you’re thinking about staying longer (or coming back regularly), you might want to explore temporary residency options designed specifically for retirees.

Countries like Portugal, Mexico, and Costa Rica, for example, offer retirement visas that are relatively straightforward to obtain. In many cases, you’ll need proof of steady income, such as a pension or Social Security number, and valid health insurance.  

It’s also a good idea to look into visa extension policies. Some destinations allow you to renew a tourist visa from within the country, while others require you to leave and re-enter. Planning ahead can help you avoid disruptions and focus on what really matters: figuring out if the location feels like home.

What to look for during your test stay

Once you've made it to the destination country, make sure to trial test the:

• Cost of living - Groceries, rent, dining out, and healthcare can add up quickly, so make sure the local prices align with your retirement budget.

• Healthcare access - Find out how close the nearest clinic or hospital is. See if they accept your insurance and whether English is spoken.

• Transportation and walkability - Notice how easy it is to get around. Can you walk to most places? Is public transportation reliable and safe? If not, will you need to drive?

• Sense of community - Do you feel like you could connect here? Look for expat meetups, friendly neighbors, or local events that make you feel welcome and included.

• Everyday comforts - Check the internet speed, neighborhood noise levels, availability of essentials, and how easy it is to do things like banking or getting your hair cut.

Red flags to watch for before moving abroad in retirement

Your trial stay is meant to give you a taste of the good, but also to help you spot any deal-breakers. While no place is perfect, there are a few warning signs that may suggest a destination isn’t quite the right fit for your retirement plans.

Keep an eye out for:

• Unreliable or expensive healthcare

• Bureaucratic headaches with opening a bank account, extending a visa, or renting property.

• Cultural disconnect

• Lack of social connection

• Safety concerns

When and how to make your final decision

After your trial stay, take some time to reflect before leaping. Review your notes, think about what felt right, and what didn’t. Could you really see yourself living that way every day?

If you’re leaning toward moving abroad in retirement, try easing into it. A six- or twelve-month lease can help you transition gradually without committing too soon. It also gives you more time to adjust and confirm your choice with confidence. And if the trial raises red flags? That’s still a win. You’ve gathered valuable insight and can now explore other destinations that might suit you better.

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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