3 amazing places to retire in 2015 that are beautiful and affordable
<p class="NoteLevel1CxSpFirst">Retirement should be about finally being able kick back and enjoy your newfound freedom surrounded by the facilities, services and activities you want access to. </p><p>However with the cost of living in Australia now presenting a financial challenge for many retirees, the lure of residing overseas is becoming increasingly attractive. And the good news for Australian retirees – whether they’re living it up in Europe or living well on less in Southeast Asia – is that government pensions and super pensions are transportable.</p><p>Reflecting this, the number of age pensions paid to Australians living overseas grew by 30 per cent between 2007 and 2012.</p><p>But there are catches and anyone planning to relocate needs to be aware of them. Any move – a three-month sabbatical, a two-year break or a total relocation – requires careful planning, especially around pensions, super and tax. It also requires consideration of visa and health issues. The following are three examples of amazing destinations that are worth considering.</p><p><strong>Malaysia</strong> – There are plenty of Southeast Asian destinations for retirees to choose from. In Malaysia, for example, costs are anywhere from 50 per to 80 per cent lower than living in Australia. Rent is about 80 per cent lower than in Sydney, the health system is excellent and Malaysia even offers a special visa for foreign retirees called Malaysia My Second Home. Across most of Malaysia, the infrastructure is excellent, healthcare is first world, English is widely spoken, the food excellent and the environment exotic.</p><p>Penang, an island off the north-west coast of Malaysia, is a dynamic and comfortable place for Australian retirees. It is like a less crowded, less congested and greener Hong Kong and is filled with British colonial legacies – the architecture of the Empire. Surrounding the colonial icons is a maze of narrow streets filled with cafes, restaurants, shop-houses, galleries and boutique hotels.</p><p><strong>Thailand</strong> – Retirees seeking a new way of life may also find it in Thailand, with bustling cities, grand temples, delicious cuisine and friendly locals. Cheap property and petrol costs are enjoyed by the 41,000 expats currently living there – just two of the bonuses of living in this beautiful, culture-rich nation. Chiang Mai is a standout destination, in the Western-friendly northern region of the country. Retirees from all over the world are moving there enjoying the cultural delights as well as offerings such as book clubs, wine clubs and movie nights. </p><p><strong>Malta</strong> – Australians love Europe. And while the Continent is in the midst of some serious economic issues, there are many beautiful places to retire to over there. One of the popular retiree destinations, Malta, gets the mix of European benefits, services, facilities and affordable costs.</p><p>If you want to experience the history, culture and sophistication of Europe without having to suffer its climate, Malta is the place. It ticks all the boxes, assuming you don’t mind the trip there from Australia. But once you’re there, you’ve got Europe at your feet. The two islands of Malta are only three hours flight from London, which is the most distant major European capital. </p>
