If Not Argentina Then Where?

Just keep in mind the total picture. One place might be cheaper but not a desirable place to live. One place might have cheap housing but no decent healthcare available, etc. Living in a big city my be more expensive but it could be partially offset by the fact you can rely on public transportation. I know someone who lives in Arequipa Peru today on about a $1,000 a month. They pay $300 a month for a 3 bedroom apartment furnished. The apartment is brand new with good security. The weather there is very nice, not to cold or hot. The city has a population of about 1 million I believe so some level of health care is available. The food is good but I doubt there are a lot of cultural activities. All depends on what you want and what's good today may not be in a few years time. Also keep in mind that most people who try this, my guess about 80%, don't make it and are back home within a year or two.
 
I've been in Uruguay four years now, and some of the expats I met have already gone back home.

Once the rosy glasses are gone, the warts emerge with a vengeance. I've gone from ADORING everything in Uruguay to HATING all Uruguayans, after being swindled by many and having had my place in the country burgled twice.

I'm trying to achieve a more realistic view of the country, but is is uphill work.
 
After 3 years in Argentina, 90% of my expat friends have left. Tis my experience being an expat that first there is the "everything is AMAZING" period. Then there is the "everything SUCKS" period. Only after you go through both, can you begin to look at a place with anything approaching objectivity.

And to the OP - I can't forecast business costs 6 months in advance here, guessing costs a few years in advance here is an exercise in futility. Check on it 6 months before you plan on coming down and even then, know that everything may change.
 
SaraSara and Citygirl I think your posts support my earlier post. I guess we could warn the starry-eyed for the next decade and probably a lot of people won't take our advice. They should as has been mentioned many times come for a long visit, rent, see what life is really about before making any permanent decisions. If you are here rent and decide you don't like it you can go to the airport and leave.
 
steveinbsas said:
Sorry to discourage you, but $1800 USD per month would not be enough right now to get a year-round resident visa. Six years from now the present monthly requirement of $2000 will probably increase. The days of being a "perma-tourist" are now coming to an end.:(



How could you possibly know that B. A. is an "urbanite's dream" unless you have actually lived there (with more disposable income than you will have six years from now)? :rolleyes:

I now live in "flyover" country in the south of Prov. Bs. As. and I love it. I have been told that I am the only Yankee in a town of over 75,000. There aren't any Canadians or Europeans, either. :p
Click to expand...

I'm still learning, but have to start somewhere. The "urbanite's dream" is based on literally everything I've ever read on Buenos Aires, including here. But while enjoy visiting large cities I could never imagine living in one, definitely not an urbanite. My fly-over comment was based on the inference I got reading some posts that seem to suggest anything outside of B.A. isn't worthwhile, except maybe for a short visit. San Juan has over 400,000 people by the way. Surely it has malls, movie theaters, nightclubs, etc. Arequipa would be an alternative, but why would you think it has no culture? No museums? No art galleries? No bookstores? I'm not saying this with anger, just wondering why you would think that?

I've worked all over the States, including 3 towns on the Mexican border. I've lived in a RV for 10 years now. I'm about as flexible as I can be. I'm not looking for paradise, just an affordable place to live that I'd enjoy. That was $1800 a month before Social Security so I'll qualify. But if it does cost that much to just get by then I will look at alternatives. I just find it hard to believe the average Argentine family in places like San Juan need that much to live on.
 
Lee said:
" I just find it hard to believe the average Argentine family in places like San Juan need that much to live on."

You are correct BUT they live a totally different lifestyle than you can imagine.
Click to expand...

Sure I can. After my parents' divorce we lived in 2 rooms of an unfinished house. I worked for $1 a hour, 35 hrs a week, when I was 12, picking weeds in the Florida sun at a large plant nursery. As an adult I've lived without a car for many years, walking 3 miles one way in high heat and humidity to work. Thankfully I have a pickup now. Living on the Mexican border and investigating the Philippines for retirement made me very aware of 3rd world conditions. I think what some here are suggesting is as a spoiled, starry eyed American I won't be able to enjoy the plush life many Americans take for granted. If I have a basic apartment in a secure building in a reasonable neighborhood I'll be fine. San Rafael might be my best choice as I understand bikes are as common as cars there. Just want an affordable retirement where I'm not having to work at 70. If that's not doable in Argentina I'll keep looking. Bolivia will work if the gov't there gets friendlier with Americans. It's very possible to live decently in Tarija on $500 a month, really well on $1000. Maybe the days of permatourists in Argentina are over, but I bet I could divide my time between Bolivia and Argentina and do that for many years.
Regards,
Wade
 
Wade K. said:
Sure I can. After my parents' divorce we lived in 2 rooms of an unfinished house. I worked for $1 a hour, 35 hrs a week, when I was 12, picking weeds in the Florida sun at a large plant nursery. As an adult I've lived without a car for many years, walking 3 miles one way in high heat and humidity to work. Thankfully I have a pickup now. Living on the Mexican border and investigating the Philippines for retirement made me very aware of 3rd world conditions. I think what some here are suggesting is as a spoiled, starry eyed American I won't be able to enjoy the plush life many Americans take for granted. If I have a basic apartment in a secure building in a reasonable neighborhood I'll be fine. San Rafael might be my best choice as I understand bikes are as common as cars there. Just want an affordable retirement where I'm not having to work at 70. If that's not doable in Argentina I'll keep looking. Bolivia will work if the gov't there gets friendlier with Americans. It's very possible to live decently in Tarija on $500 a month, really well on $1000. Maybe the days of permatourists in Argentina are over, but I bet I could divide my time between Bolivia and Argentina and do that for many years.
Regards,
Wade
Click to expand...

Sounds like you're right on track, Wade. good luck!!
As for me, this thread has made me start considering Colombia as a possible next option. thanks! :D
 
Sorry but you can't live a decent life on your income, not in Argentina. As someone said, the immigration people will insist on a higher income than you have. Try Ecuador, Nicaragua or El Salvador.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top