In Pictures: The Top 10 Best Places to Retire in 2013

• The World's Best Retirement Haven: Ecuador

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  Ecuador—the best retirement haven in the world. Whether you live alongside a gently flowing river in a scenic valley, choose the cosmopolitan lifestyle of cities like Quito or Cuenca, or relax in smaller communities like Cotacachi or Vilcabamba…Ecuador exceeds even the loftiest expectations. And wherever you go, you’ll meet friendly locals who are happy to welcome you to their beautiful country.

  

• 2. Retirement in Panama

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  Panama has the best retiree program in the world. Qualified pensioners get residence fairly quickly. And they are entitled to local retiree discounts…10% to 15% off consultations and medication…25% off at restaurants…and 50% off admission to movies, theaters, and such. Nearly every aspect of life comes with a discount.

  

• 3. Retirement in Malaysia

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  Malaysia’s an easy place to make friends and integrate as English is the unofficial first language. Lots of expats live in Kuala Lumpur and Penang and numerous organizations here can help you get settled and integrated. You’ll also enjoy a very low cost of living here.

  

• 4. Retirement in Mexico

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  For expats, Mexico is an easy, convenient choice…a largely First-World country, at bargain prices, right on their doorstep. No wonder a million or more expats make Mexico their home. Whatever you’re looking for in a retirement haven…in big, beautiful Mexico you’re sure to find it.

  

• 5. Retirement in Costa Rica

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  Expats are attracted to Costa Rica for numerous reasons, which include the low cost of living, excellent health care, modern telecommunications structure, beautiful beaches, rainforests, lush valleys, and cool mountains…not to mention the theaters, art galleries, and fine dining. There are more than 20,000 expats living in Costa Rica and many well-established expat communities.

  

• 6. Retire to Uruguay

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  Uruguay will appeal to people who were ready to retire, invest, or buy a second home abroad, but who were also looking for a country with similar cultural values to their home country. A place with a good infrastructure and reasonable prices, but without the culture shock they might experience in a Third-World venue.

  

• 7. Retirement in Colombia

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  Located at the tip of South America, Colombia is where the Pacific and the Caribbean collide with the Andes and the Amazon. It’s a country that is more beautiful, dramatic, and diverse than nearly any other. It offers sparkling colonial cities in the highlands and world-famous (and safe) resorts along the Caribbean. Cartagena, a walled colonial city on those turquoise shores, is one of Spanish America’s most beautiful enclaves.

  

• 8. Retirement in Spain

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  There’s far more to Spain than golf courses and a concrete sprawl of look-alike apartments. Venture a few miles into the Andalucian hinterland, into the far west, along the Bay of Biscay and along the Costa de la Luz and Costa Azahar. The “real Spain” is waiting for you. Beaches…mountains…fabulous cities…cracking festivals, and, of course, guaranteed sunshine. It’s not surprising that Spain is the most popular country for Europeans seeking a home overseas.

  

• 9. Retire in Thailand

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  Thailand is so much more than an exotic vacation spot. For many expats, the country is paradise found. The good life here can be almost unbelievably inexpensive. The retiree lifestyle is all about exploring new places, playing golf and tennis, swimming, diving, surfing, and sailing—and never having to think twice about being able to afford to dine out. © Iakov Kalinin; Fotolia.com

  

• 10. Retirement in Malta

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  What can Malta offer you as a prospective resident? Well, how about a tranquil way of life and virtually non-existent crime? Year-round Mediterranean sunshine? The opportunity to benefit from a considerable reduction in your tax burden? These are just some of the advantages to living in the Republic of Malta. What’s more, you will not have to learn a foreign language. Everybody on the islands speaks English as a second language.

  

Read International Living’s 2013 Global Retirement Index article here.

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