Argentina has drastically changed economically politically and in so many other ways. Hard to recognize from yesterday.
Not easy to once again uproot oneself and leave after investing years here. But one has to look around and re-evaluate.
Rio de Janeiro and Panama. Pros? Cons?
I would imagine that both cities are economically and politically more advantageous now.
I heard Rio is not safe. Panama weather is shitty.
Rio food is million times better than Argentina. Panama is tax free.
Share your opinion and experience to help some of us with limited familiarity who want to formulate a decision.
If anyone is looking at Argentina as a destination for the long-term then it is
essential to understand that this country is inherently a very expensive (and indeed perhaps over-valued...) country in Latin America and always has been. It is very easy to loose sight of this at moments of economic instability and crisis where there are differences in the exchange rate artificially favouring those with foreign income and creating a false sense of security and making it easy to overlook its many short comings.
That said if your budget can cover living expenses today in Buenos Aires, you will almost certainly be fine in Spain, France (outside of Paris) Italy or Portugal... actually pretty much anywhere in Europe. These countries also have independent means or pension visa options and some interest real estate prospects, including the possibility of financing. Plus it is Europe, so always cheap, fast and easy to travel to interesting places. Yes, you will almost certainly pay tax but you will likely feel you are getting a good return on it with things like healthcare, education, security, transport etc versus paying privately for these services.
Likewise you would probably be OK in Brazil on a Buenos Aires budget (today) although cities like Rio are expensive to live
well....and you will still be faced with many short comings of living in Latin America in terms of feeling like you are getting value/ quality in return for your money.
Personally I
love Brazil but would not live there again, you soon realise you are paying a premium just to constantly deal with unnecessary problems while looking at a pretty beach... it can be like a toxic but pretty tropical flower.
South Africa (e.g. Western Cape) could also be a nice option if you don't mind the added distance. They offer independent means and pensioner visas. Similar climate to Argentina. Cost of living a bit lower than here, good private education, healthcare and professional services, very nice lifestyle but also not without its short comings (e.g. constant power and water shortages, mismanagement and corruption, insecurity - BUT and it is a big but, safety depends on exactly where you live and go... quite like Argentina actually but with a more open and stable economy where you can find anything you want).
If for you it must be Latin America, consider Costa Rica or Mexico over Panama (which is not actually tax free for residents on income generated in Panama...) Also Santiago de Chile is perhaps a sterile option for those with a Buenos Aires budget (today) and looking for a quiet life within a clean, modern, North-American style city and easy access to nature...
Asia offers fantastic options, but visit and travel around a bit first to see if it is for you.
