Safe Havens

Our Top 3 Picks to Live and Invest Overseas

After the COVID-19 Lockdown Ends

From the Editors of Live and Invest Overseas

Published by Live and Invest Overseas
Dr. Alberto Navarro Street, El Cangrejo,
Panama City, Republic of Panama
Publisher: Kathleen Peddicord

Copyright © 2020 Live and Invest Overseas

All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced by any

means without the express written consent of the publisher. The
information contained herein is obtained from sources believed to be
reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

Any investments recommended in this publication should be made only

after consulting with your investment advisor and only after reviewing the
prospectus of the financial statement of the company.

www.liveandinvestoverseas.com
Dear LIOS Readers,

Eventually, COVID 19 will be contained, and global markets and

economies will recover. But the experience of having lived through
this challenging period will leave us with a reinforced and maybe a
reinvented understanding of what matters most in life.

Considered from a post-crisis perspective, where in the world will

offer the best options for repositioning yourself overseas? Diversifying
your lifestyle and your investment portfolio to embrace the many
opportunities our world continues to offer is a more important agenda
than it’s ever been. The way to make sure you’re prepared for whatever
tomorrow brings is to expand where you spend your time and your
money so you’re not at the mercy of any single government, economy,
marketplace, or currency.

Imagine living in a place where you aren’t compelled to turn on the

news the minute you roll out of bed because you have better things to
do and because you’ve organized your life so that you’re able to ride
out any storm safely and comfortably.

We have a moment now, while we sit on collective pause, to regroup

what we’d like our lives to look like and to connect the dots between
our ideal lifestyle and the top choices for the best places to think about
spending time and money overseas.

You may not want or be able to hop on a plane to explore these

destinations in person today, but, again, our current circumstances
are temporary. Where should you think about taking a look after the
lockdowns have been lifted? Here are three places where you could
restart your health, self-resilience, and community first.
 1 Portugal’s Algarve Coast

This Old World region on the Atlantic Ocean is

the best place in the world to retire that nobody’s
talking about. The Algarve, Portugal has been
named the best retirement spot for 3 years in a row.

This is a land of cobblestoned streets and

whitewashed houses. With lace-patterned
chimneys, surrounded everywhere by fig, olive,
almond, and carob trees. The Algarve also offers
great weather, with 3,300 hours of sunshine per
year. So, more sunny days than almost anywhere
else in Europe.
Old town of Tavira in Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve’s 100 miles of Atlantic coastline is full of
jagged rock formations, lagoons… and extensive sandy beaches. Many awarded coveted Blue Flags from the
European Blue Flag Association. Also, the region boasts 42 golf courses in less than 100 miles. It’s generally
recognized as a top golfing destination in continental Europe… and the world.

The Algarve has a reputation as a top summer destination among European sun-seekers. Also, as a top
winter retreat for those looking to escape Northern Europe’s coldest months. Health care is
international-standard in this part of the world. Hence medical tourism is a growing industry.

Safe Havens - Our Top 3 Picks to Live and Invest Overseas After the COVID-19 Lockdown Ends 4
Expats In The Algarve, Portugal:
A Retirement Haven
Portugal’s Algarve is home to more than 100,000
resident foreign retirees. Algarve is a safe region,
with very little crime and a laid-back lifestyle for
expatriates. This destination caters to families and
retirees. Due to the wide variety of cultural, nature-
based, sporting, gastronomic, and other activities.

Algarve is the chosen retirement destination for
more than 100,000 resident expats from around the
world. Because it has Europe’s best beaches, best
golf courses, and one of the friendliest folk.
You could join the many expats who gather for
tennis at the Carvoeiro tennis club. Carvoeiro also
has a well-stocked book exchange to trade in
books they have read for new titles. Many retired
expatriates become involved in local community or
charity work… there is no shortage of opportunities
to contribute to society and make a real impact.
While also help you integrate faster into local
culture.
Villas de Lobo, Algarve, Portugal
meaning more sunny days than almost
anywhere else in Europe. The Algarve has no
bad weather months.
Safety
Portugal ranks as the third safest country in the
world. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is
limited to pickpocketing during the busy tourist
season. As well, this country has managed to keep
itself separate from the immigration crisis that is
playing out in other parts of Europe.

Making friends is easy, both with the locals and

the expatriates.
To speak English is common in the country. Because
of Portugal’s strong historic and cultural links with
England. This is true throughout the entire country.
But especially in the Algarve, Portugal… making
this an ideal retirement spot.
Portugal’s Algarve region is not only a top option for
retirement, it’s one of the best places in the world to
live thanks to its:
Good Infrastructure
Portugal has enjoyed important infrastructure
investments in recent years, specifically to do with
the country’s highway network and airports. As a
result, this is a great base for exploring all Europe
and North Africa.
International Standard Health Care
Health care in Portugal is high quality and a fraction
the cost of health care in the United States. If you
become a resident, public health care is free.

Year-round Sunshine Golf

Portugal enjoys one of the most stable climates Portugal’s Algarve region boasts 42 courses in less
in the world and 3,300 hours of sunshine per year, than 100 miles.

Safe Havens - Our Top 3 Picks to Live and Invest Overseas After the COVID-19 Lockdown Ends 5
 Carvalho beach, Algarve, Portugal

Great Beaches The Language

The European Blue Flag Association has awarded
English is widely spoken. Living here, you could get
88 beaches along the Algarve coast Blue Flag
by without learning to speak Portuguese.
status, recognizing their excellent water quality and
environmental standards.

Affordable Cost Of Living

The cost of living in Portugal is among the lowest in
Western Europe, on average 30% lower than in any
other country in the region. A couple could live here
modestly but comfortably on a budget of as little
as 1,300 euros per month. With a budget of 2,000
euros per month or more, you could enjoy a fully
appointed lifestyle in this heart of the Old World.
And right now your dollars buy a lot of euros. Carvoeiro Beach, Algarve, Portugal

Safe Havens - Our Top 3 Picks to Live and Invest Overseas After the COVID-19 Lockdown Ends 6
 Healthy Living
The Portuguese are the biggest fish eaters per
capita in Europe, and fresh fish of great variety is
available in the ever-present daily markets. The
year-round sunshine and fertile earth in this part
of the world mean an abundance of fresh produce,
too, also available in the local markets. Meantime,
pollution rates are low, and streets, towns, and
beaches are clean and litter-free.

Retiree Residency
Portugal offers the most user-friendly residency
option in the Euro-zone. You can qualify to live in
the country full time simply by showing a reliable
income of at least 1,200 euros per month.

Entertainment
Lagoa is an artistic hub. It’s home to a musical
academy, a cultural academy, and an arts center.
Also, Portugal’s principal foreign newspaper, The
Portugal News. The musical academy has an active
orchestra with musicians ages 8 to 65.

Throughout the year there are open-air jazz and

classical concerts, most free. Experience jazz at
Lagoa’s Sitio das Fontes and local youth concerts
at the Lagoa Auditorium. The Arade Congress
Centre is the place to come for special events.
From a motorcar launch to a performance by the
Russian ballet… or the finals of the World Dance
Championships.

Retirement (And Sometimes Other)

Income Is Not Taxed
Recent legislation allows resident foreign retirees to
receive pension income in the country tax-free. The
law also provides for reduced taxation on wages,
intellectual property, interest, dividends, and capital
gains under certain circumstances.

Safe Havens - Our Top 3 Picks to Live and Invest Overseas After the COVID-19 Lockdown Ends 7
Thinking bigger picture, Portugal offers two
advantages that make the idea of spending time
here more appealing today than ever.
First, Portugal boasts the most user-friendly
residency options in the Euro-zone. If you’d like to
live in the country full time you can arrange to do
so simply by showing a reliable income of at least
1,100 euro per month. Many countries offer similar
residency programs based on guaranteed income;
however, these are typically targeting foreign
retirees and come with age restrictions.
That is not the case in Portugal. Anyone of any age
who can prove income to meet the requirement
can be granted the right to remain in Portugal long
term. This is the easiest residency hurdle of any
Safe Havens - Our Top 3 Picks to Live and Invest Overseas After the COVID-19 Lockdown Ends
country in Europe and, indeed, one of the easiest of
any country in the world.
The second compelling current advantage of
spending time in Portugal is the relative strength of
the U.S. dollar versus the euro. If you have income
(earned, investment, or retirement) in U.S. dollars,
it goes further in Portugal right now than it has in
many years.
European retirees and sun-seekers have recognized
all that the Algarve has to offer for a long time.
Beyond Europe, the Algarve has been largely
ignored. This is changing. If you’re looking for a
Continental lifestyle and don’t have the budget
for France, Italy, or Spain, you should get to know
Portugal better.
Promenade along Ribeira beach on Passeio Dom Luis I street
8
 2 Mazatlán, Mexico

For decades, Americans have voted Mexico the

world’s best place to live or retire in the way that
really counts—they’ve packed up and moved there.
This country is home to between 1 and 2 million
American expats and retirees, more than any other
country. Its biggest advantage is its accessibility.
Living or retired on Mexico’s Pacific coast, you can
come and go from the United States by car. Moving
to Mexico can be as hassle-free as an international
move gets. Nothing’s as easy as loading up a truck
and driving south. Your entire moving budget could
La Reina de los Mares (Queen of the Seas) statue in Mazatlán
be gas and tolls.

Known as The Pearl Of The Pacific, Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Sinaloa.
Several centuries after the city was founded by Spaniards and settlers, a group of German immigrants
arrived and turned the area into a booming, successful port that is still thriving today. The German influence
in Mazatlan at present is not that prevalent, the most recognized German contribution is probably the very
popular Pacifico beer which is still brewed today in the Cerveceria del Pacifico.

Safe Havens - Our Top 3 Picks to Live and Invest Overseas After the COVID-19 Lockdown Ends 9
Mazatlan has a little of everything: historical
attractions and monuments spread all over the city,
beautiful beaches and islands. a scenic malecón,
an aquarium with over 200 species of fish, a 19th
century opera house which has been renovated
and turned into a theatre, world-class fishing and
delicious street food which the locals know is the
way to go.

Mazatlán is a foodie paradise, with miles of sandy

beaches, a vibrant cultural scene, and excellent
health care facilities similar to what you’ll find in
North America.

Mazatlán’s weather is magnificent during the North

American winter, with warm, sunny, dry days and
cool nights. You can expect highs in the high-70s to
low-80s during the depths of the winter
(25°C to 26°C).

But during the summer, it can be hot and humid,

with temperatures in the 90s (around 34°C).
Mazatlán has a wet and a dry season, with rainfall
generally occurring from June through
August—the rainfall isn’t too heavy though, with
less than 10 inches over the course of the year.
When it does rain, humidity levels can climb to 80%.

Why else does Mazatlan stand out as a top

Plan B option?

Familiarity
From its administrative set-up (the Mexican
government is a stable democracy, with executive,
legislative, and judicial branches functioning in a
similar way to those in the United States) to its big-
footprint shopping, Mexico is familiar and therefore
comfortable. If you’re itching for an adventure in a
foreign land that’s not too foreign, Mexico could be
the experience you seek.

Safe Havens - Our Top 3 Picks to Live and Invest Overseas After the COVID-19 Lockdown Ends 10
Language
All the North American attention from both expats
and tourists means that many Mexicans, especially
in the service industry, speak English. This can make
things like navigating the residency process at the
immigration office and managing the real estate
purchase process with your attorney much easier.

Property Markets
Property markets in many areas of Mexico are soft Colorful old city streets in historic city center

and growing softer thanks to current global events.

In addition, the U.S. dollar is at an historic high
against the Mexican peso, meaning you having
supercharged buying power in those Mexican
markets where real estate trades in pesos.

Easy Residency
Automatic six-month tourist stays and easy and fast
immigration make it possible to come and go and
spend as much time in the country as you’d like. You
can maintain a second home here (a place you rent
out when you’re not using it yourself, say) without
Mazatlan main avenue called Malecon
having to bother with the expense of obtaining
formal resident status.
The Cost Of Living
Keep Your Medicare
While the living is not as cheap as it was in the
Living in Mazatlan, you could return easily to the
United States to use Medicare. If you’re considering 1970s when Americans began migrating to Mexico
this move as a retiree, nearing or over the age of 65, in volume, it’s a global bargain and more of a
this can be Mexico’s most compelling advantage. budgeter’s delight right now than it’s been in a long
Mexico offers excellent health care, but Medicare time thanks to the U.S. dollar’s strength.
won’t pay for it—with limited exceptions, Medicare
doesn’t cross any border. However, if you retire in In some parts of the country, this translates to super
Mexico, you’d be only a drive or quick flight away real estate deals. But even where real estate trades
from accessing your benefits.
in U.S. dollars, the strong dollar makes everything
else—from a liter of gasoline and a week’s worth
This means keeping and continuing to pay for
Medicare coverage in addition to any other health of groceries to a suite of bedroom furniture and a
insurance you might opt for. This can be a good night out on the town—a bargain. Two can dine five
strategy for a Medicare-eligible retiree moving to stars, enjoying three courses and good wine, for less
any foreign country, a safety net. than 50 bucks.

Safe Havens - Our Top 3 Picks to Live and Invest Overseas After the COVID-19 Lockdown Ends 11
There are a few large superstores you may recognize
from home but certain products like electronics
and name brand clothing will be more expensive.
Generally though, cost of living is considered to
be low.
Infrastructure
Mazatlan has an international airport and also
ferry service from La Paz. Although it is commonly
known as a beach resort town, it’s prosperous port
supports an industrious city that could survive
independently of the tourism industry. The port
is soon to undergo an upgrade to modernize and
expand it to further accommodate the needs of
the region.
Pacifico beer is not the only important export,
Safe Havens - Our Top 3 Picks to Live and Invest Overseas After the COVID-19 Lockdown Ends
Mazatlan has the largest shrimp fleet on the pacific
coast of Mexico.
The north of the city is called the Zona Dorada, or
Gold Zone, and is where most of the tourist action
takes place. The southern part is the city center,
the downtown. The two areas are connected by a
scenic esplanade called Avenida del Mar.
Culture And Entertainment
This city offers everything a truly First World city
should offer by way of cultural entertainment.
There’s an active live music scene, which is a great
way to enjoy time with your friends and neighbors,
as well as classical music, theater, and art, all
popular with and well-attended by expats. You’ll
find wine shops and cafés in every neighborhood.
View of the Mazatlan Old City
12
 3 Cayo, Belize
CC BY 2.0 CJUNEAU

Belize remains off the world’s radar. Nobody is

targeting or intent on stirring up trouble in this
little country that’s part Caribbean, part Central
American. Most people don’t give Belize a second
thought. In today’s world, that’s a plus.

The country is one of the most important members

of the Caribbean Community, thanks to its arable
land and agricultural capacity. It helps provide food
security for CARICOM, an international community
of primarily small English-speaking island nations.
Xunantunich archaeological site of Mayan civilization in Belize

Belize has pristine marine, rainforest, and environments

and a small population, so, in addition to being food secure, it is a great vacation destination and an ideal
place to live.

Cayo is the breadbasket of Belize principally because of the industriousness of the Mennonites of Spanish
Lookout, a booming town with thriving businesses and a back-to-basics, traditional way of life.

Safe Havens - Our Top 3 Picks to Live and Invest Overseas After the COVID-19 Lockdown Ends 13
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that
the average American meal travels 1,500 miles from
farm to market. The movement is toward sourcing
food from within 100 miles. In Cayo, your food
could be sourced within 10 miles. Living here, you
could even enjoy a Zero Mile Diet. Imported foods
are available if you want them, but it’s possible in
Cayo to be food secure and not dependent upon an
elaborate, vulnerable, and costly global
supply chain.

The Cayo District is the best place for a self-

sufficient life in Belize. Although tourists come here
to visit the Maya ruins, the rest of the region is quiet
and sparsely populated.

Many houses in Cayo are designed for an off the

grid lifestyle. With a little preparation, you can easily
create a perfect bolt-hole to escape the Coronavirus
or any other global emergency.

Solar panels will take care of your electricity needs.

You can even combine this with a petrol backup
generator and be sure of having power under
any circumstances. Most houses here are built to
make use of the prevailing winds. These winds will
keep the house cool and avoid the need for air
conditioning. You will find that you use very little
electricity here.

Large water tanks and purifying kits can provide

enough water for months. In some areas, you can
dig a well to source an endless supply of fresh
drinking water.

Cayo is Belize’s breadbasket. A huge variety of fruit

and veg grow here. The tropical climate with lots of
sun and water means that you don’t have to be a
great farmer to reap a substantial harvest.

Belize is also close to the United States. You can

even drive here should the need arise. This could
be an important option to have in the case of a
major emergency.

Safe Havens - Our Top 3 Picks to Live and Invest Overseas After the COVID-19 Lockdown Ends 14
Here are some more reasons Cayo, Belize, is an ideal
option for a self-sufficient, resilient, sustainable,
neighborly, and fun life...
Reliable Water Sources
Residents of Cayo catch, store, and filter rain water,
and ground water is likewise in abundant supply.
The rivers in this area are known for providing an
alternative for garden irrigation and an everyday
option for fishing.
Energy Independence
Living off-grid with solar and rain-catchment
doesn’t have to mean giving up the amenities of
the modern world. In Cayo, you can live a fully self-
sufficient life that includes high-speed internet,
modern appliances, and all other comforts of the
21st century.
Low Population Density
During a disruption in the supply chain, as we are
seeing now, it’s good to be a safe distance from
big, dense cities. Belize has a population density of
just 37 people per square mile. The whole country
feels like a small town. The small population makes
it easy to become part of the community, and
both locals and expats who’ve settled here are
welcoming and willing to lend a hand or make an
effort for a neighbor.
English Speaking
As a former English colony (and still a part of the
English Commonwealth), Belize is the only officially
English-speaking country in Central America. One of
the biggest challenges you can face when making
Safe Havens - Our Top 3 Picks to Live and Invest Overseas After the COVID-19 Lockdown Ends
San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize
a move to a new country is communicating with
your new neighbors. Anywhere you might think
about moving, including Belize, you’ll have to learn
to overcome and adapt to cultural differences. A
language difference makes that and everything
else, from giving directions to a taxi driver and
filling a prescription at the pharmacy to getting
your broken hot water heater fixed and negotiating
for the purchase of a new home, more difficult. In
Belize, you don’t have to worry about learning a
new language if you don’t want to.
Great Weather
The country is blessed with abundant year-round
sunshine. Rainy season extends from June to
November, but, even during those months, skies are
sunny more than they’re not. The reliable sunshine
makes for happy, healthy living and also a great
growing environment.
Little Crime
Some small areas of Belize City suffer from a
drug trade, gangs, and the activities that come
with those cultures. However, those are localized
neighborhoods. Avoid them. Otherwise, Belize is
one of the safest places on earth and far removed
from 21st-century troubles.
15
 Keeping up with current world events can be exhausting and overwhelming.

But it needn’t be paralyzing.

You do not need to defer or delay your thinking and planning for realizing the new life
you’ve been dreaming about overseas. The world remains alive with opportunity and
options for living better and retiring well.

Indeed, diversifying your circumstances to embrace them is a more important agenda today
than it’s perhaps ever been.

It’s times like these when a diversified lifestyle and a truly globally diversified portfolio of
hard assets really pay off.

3 Next Steps to Take - Right Now

So here’s my advice today…

Set the worrying aside. It won’t help. It drains your energy and slows your progress.

Focus instead on the possibilities. Because many remain. Times of crisis can present the greatest
moments of opportunity for those clear-headed and brave enough to remain open to them.

We’ll continue doing what we do… and sharing our best ideas and recommendations for living
better, retiring well, and thriving no matter what this complicated, complex world of ours continues
to serve up.

And then we’ll provide all the support we can muster to help you follow through on the ideas and
recommendations that make sense to you.

1. Subscribe to our free Overseas Property Alert newsletter to continue receiving up to

date information on the best global real estate opportunities. Click here to sign up.

2. We’d also like to invite you to join our online community of LIOS members living
around the world. Our Facebook group Overseas Living Clubhouse is full of members
with experiences to share and information to learn from. This is a great resource to
have at your disposal. Currently this group is free to join. To join our Clubhouse just
follow this link.

3. Become a subscriber to the Overseas Living Letter to let us bring you the best
research so you’ll be ready to act when the time is right.
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