Ecuador ranked top nation for U.S., Canadian retirees

[Judi Lynn]

Ecuador ranked top nation for U.S., Canadian retirees
4, 2013, 5:41 am

By Patricia Reaney

NEW YORK (Reuters) - With its low cost of living, balmy climate and cheap property prices, Ecuador has been ranked the top foreign retirement destination for North Americans for the fifth consecutive year.

The South American nation bordered by Colombia and Peru scored the highest marks in InternationalLiving.com's annual ranking of the best places to retire.

With monthly estimated living expenses ranging from $900 to $1,400, Ecuador surpassed Panama, Malaysia, Mexico and Costa Rica, which rounded out the top five countries.

~snip~
A large part of Ecuador's appeal is how inexpensive it is for retirees. A beer costs just 85 cents. A doctor's visit is $25, roughly the same price as a one-hour massage.

"Seniors resident in Ecuador qualify for half-price entertainment and local transport, discounted airfares and refunds of sales tax," Prescher added.

More:
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/offbeat/15763095/

[loudsue]

1. sign me up!

Sounds pretty good.

[Bacchus4.0]

2. Cuenca is the big destination in Ecuador

a 22 ounce beer is anywhere from $1.50 to $2.50 at a bar. I don't know where that 85 cent number came from. Its usually at least $1 in a bar for a 12 oz. bottle and of course much cheaper at the supermarket for a six. a decent rum is $5 a fifth. Good food. Good coffee. they use the dollar.