I think about it every hour, man. 
until my parents are in a good spot, it’s not a reality for me.
until my parents are in a good spot, it’s not a reality for me.
Thinking of leaving Canada. Anyone else?
- Thread starter TORONTOlooking
- Start date
I have already decided to live in TO moved into a condo down by the lake cashed out nicely on the house.
When I was looking at places I really only considered TO, South Western Ontario and Niagara Peninsula.
Ottawa is pretty nice I lived there for three years early in my career.
I did not consider it as a "final destination" thinking hospital access in Eastern Ontario is really not excellent (just my opinion here).
In TO there is no concern, both South Western and Niagara have top tier hospitals (Western & McMaster). Additionally both have easy access to USA (taking the current situation out of the equation for now) for potentially lower cost flights.
Those were the considerations I had, additionally my children are here in TO that was, in the end, the real deciding factor.
LOTS to think about and consider as we age
Just retired April 25 2024. It's been a new learning curve ever since.
Like many I to am contemplating leaving Canada for parts unknown. It is unsettling navigating change; but like you, it seems necessary to do so for various reasons, many of which we share. I'm exploring, currently doing in in 6 month stints. Out for winter, back in spring. Basically keeping the ability to access current programs and future programs till I make the big change to full time living outside Canada.
So far I've spent 5 months in Thailand (4) and one in the Philippines (1). Of note I travelled from November to April. Keep in mind this was during their winter which is considered much cooler compared to the rainy or hot season. I can't say I have anything bad about Thailand. I live in both Bangkok and Pattaya. I learned that large city life was not for me. Pattaya is much smaller, has an expat community, has many amenities, great health care and cost of living was between a third and half of Canada. The only issue I had was the ability to interact with the thais at a reasonable level. They have some English skills but not enough to have a thorough and meaningful conversation. So learning thai is a must if you want to interact beyond just having basic needs fulfilled. Healthcare is great and you could be on par with Canada perhaps even better as since you will be going through insurance or cash as a foreigner. Example. I had slice open my ankle quite badly on a sea crustacean while climbing over rocks in the ocean. After 45 min I had been stitched up given meds and out the door for 60 CAD. That was in a public hospital, double for a private. Insurance is possible however increases as you age and eventually they will cut you off at over 75. Possibly better to have a significant cash reserve instead or insurance.
I stayed in Cebu Philippines. Cebu has the poor areas and rich areas. Poverty is on a whole different scale. Cost of living is half of Canada. English is spoken. Medical through private insurance or cash at private hospitals. I didn't care for Cebu but will be checking out general santos next.
Basically it comes down to running the numbers, access to amenities and whether I can live there and have an enjoyable and meaningful life.
As far as taxes and financial. You have the option to become a non tax citizen or not. The difference between the two is complicated and seek professional help if you choose that option. You can still live outside of Canada year round but you need to file your taxes. You will lose access to health care and you will no longer accrue time towards the 40 years needed to get the full OAS benefit.
I could write so much about this topic because I have been trying to understand and execute a plan for myself, but it's a lot of leg work exploring and learning the ins and outs of other countries, cultures, languages and ramifications of living overseas. I still have to explore South America but have been proactively learning Spanish.
I am liquid. I sold my house when I retired. I stored my stuff and slowly have been downsizing to smaller units every six months. The things you own will anchor you to Canada, and its also a lot of money storing stuff as the fees increase at the will of the storage facility. Hence why I down size and prepay for 6 months to lock in their promotional rates and shrink everything to basics and if I leave Canada to nothing. After storing things for a couple of years you basically buy all new stuff with the amount of rent you pay.
Coming back to Canada for 6 months is a pain since I don't have a home. So I rent a room from a friend or whomever. It's been a nomadic life so far which I have enjoyed more that being stuck in a house I owned. I paid more to operate my house than renting an all inclusive room in Pattaya. I had a good life and routine there, which is why I am partial to returning; however, there are many places in the world that could be like Pattaya so I'm not quite ready to settle yet.
Like many I to am contemplating leaving Canada for parts unknown. It is unsettling navigating change; but like you, it seems necessary to do so for various reasons, many of which we share. I'm exploring, currently doing in in 6 month stints. Out for winter, back in spring. Basically keeping the ability to access current programs and future programs till I make the big change to full time living outside Canada.
So far I've spent 5 months in Thailand (4) and one in the Philippines (1). Of note I travelled from November to April. Keep in mind this was during their winter which is considered much cooler compared to the rainy or hot season. I can't say I have anything bad about Thailand. I live in both Bangkok and Pattaya. I learned that large city life was not for me. Pattaya is much smaller, has an expat community, has many amenities, great health care and cost of living was between a third and half of Canada. The only issue I had was the ability to interact with the thais at a reasonable level. They have some English skills but not enough to have a thorough and meaningful conversation. So learning thai is a must if you want to interact beyond just having basic needs fulfilled. Healthcare is great and you could be on par with Canada perhaps even better as since you will be going through insurance or cash as a foreigner. Example. I had slice open my ankle quite badly on a sea crustacean while climbing over rocks in the ocean. After 45 min I had been stitched up given meds and out the door for 60 CAD. That was in a public hospital, double for a private. Insurance is possible however increases as you age and eventually they will cut you off at over 75. Possibly better to have a significant cash reserve instead or insurance.
I stayed in Cebu Philippines. Cebu has the poor areas and rich areas. Poverty is on a whole different scale. Cost of living is half of Canada. English is spoken. Medical through private insurance or cash at private hospitals. I didn't care for Cebu but will be checking out general santos next.
Basically it comes down to running the numbers, access to amenities and whether I can live there and have an enjoyable and meaningful life.
As far as taxes and financial. You have the option to become a non tax citizen or not. The difference between the two is complicated and seek professional help if you choose that option. You can still live outside of Canada year round but you need to file your taxes. You will lose access to health care and you will no longer accrue time towards the 40 years needed to get the full OAS benefit.
I could write so much about this topic because I have been trying to understand and execute a plan for myself, but it's a lot of leg work exploring and learning the ins and outs of other countries, cultures, languages and ramifications of living overseas. I still have to explore South America but have been proactively learning Spanish.
I am liquid. I sold my house when I retired. I stored my stuff and slowly have been downsizing to smaller units every six months. The things you own will anchor you to Canada, and its also a lot of money storing stuff as the fees increase at the will of the storage facility. Hence why I down size and prepay for 6 months to lock in their promotional rates and shrink everything to basics and if I leave Canada to nothing. After storing things for a couple of years you basically buy all new stuff with the amount of rent you pay.
Coming back to Canada for 6 months is a pain since I don't have a home. So I rent a room from a friend or whomever. It's been a nomadic life so far which I have enjoyed more that being stuck in a house I owned. I paid more to operate my house than renting an all inclusive room in Pattaya. I had a good life and routine there, which is why I am partial to returning; however, there are many places in the world that could be like Pattaya so I'm not quite ready to settle yet.
Hospitals was a factor for me. I saw Ottawa Hospital was ranked 11th in the nation. I also considered that between the Fed Govt and all the embassies they probably had decent services there. Both me and my SO have no family histories to worry about and long lived relatives. So I'm not as worried over cetain accesses.
Access to USA to me would always be flights. And way further south. So a transfer is not a big deal twice or three times a year.
Ottawa seems to have a sleepy govt feel, decent transit, decent weather in summer, easy access to Quebec, Montreal, and a few trips to Toronto as needed. The real estate pricing looks good.
We are planning a trip next summer there to do the tourist/museum, art gallery thing and will drive around a few neighborhoods. If you have any recommendations that would be great.
I suggest you downsize to what your kids will store for you. Likely you can take it down to family heirlooms. Digitize photos(what else have you got to do?). As well ask your kids what they want. You will likely find they want little. Give it to them now.
Fuck all the furniture. Just get rid of it.
Yup, we are in a similar spot. We at least finally got a home reserved now. On the list. That convincing alone was huge. It's not about forgetting about them but 24/7 care is inevitable and tough to manage.I think about it every hour, man.
until my parents are in a good spot, it’s not a reality for me.
Where can you move to that is better than Canada in term living in addition to availablty of sps of different ethic and colors to hobby with ?
Complicated topic. I was going to write something but then decided to lie down.
Anyways, TLC has some Match Me Abroad repeats starting at 4:00. Matchmaker Dolly is so cute.
Anyways, TLC has some Match Me Abroad repeats starting at 4:00. Matchmaker Dolly is so cute.
I don't have kids. All my stuff is tools which I have been selling off. It's changing personal behavior as far as letting things go. heck just changing my behavior from a saving mindset to spending is difficult. I appreciate the advice though.
Ottawa winters are significantly worse than Toronto
Um, so then the question is ehat will you do with your time? Honestly if you are a builder of things you might want to reconsider selling the tools and the space to use them. Especially if they are a part if your core identity.
It was passably ok until Trudeau and his pack of gremlins expedited the controlled demolition of this once decent country. It feels like the tap of wealth has been turned off for all but the Laurentian Elite and according to our own government if current trends keep up we'll all be foraging for squirrels in parks to survive by 2040.
I would think money is the main reason.
A lot cheaper to live in some countries esp with the Canadian dollar exchange rate but I will have to talk to a tax lawyer to be sure
My other big concern is WTF do you do ?
Okay, some clarification. As I stated in my original post, I retire in three years; I am just starting the process. The intent of my post was to discuss the why and where. I felt my post was already long enough, so left the how mostly out. I first went to Hua Hin for two weeks last February and I am going for a month next February. I first went to see if it was even a place I could consider. Next, is to find what it is like longer term. In '28, I plan to visit for five months during rainy and extreme heat seasons. I am not cutting ties right away. I will most likely be doing the snow bird thing for a couple of years first before committing. Hua Hin is about three hours from Bangkok and is on the Gulf of Thailand. I like this place because it has an older expat community and is a more chill place. Bangkok would be too busy and Pattaya or Phuket would be too many drunk tourists and too many temptations. There is entertainment in HH if you are looking for it. I went looking and it was a good night. It is true that eventually health insurance will be too costly and it is then that perhaps I would return. As for what I would do? I like hiking and photography. Massages, yoga, meditation. Also discovering my potential new home and learning a new language. The truth is, there is a lot of stuff I won't know until I am in it. But, that is what kind of makes it so appealing. There is a thrill in taking a risk. In reality, not much risk at all. At worst, I eventually, I spend five months on vacation in Thailand. I met many Snow birds from Quebec. I wanted a discussion about places and instead, it became a discussion about logistics. I don't like winter, I do like my dollar going farther than it does in Canada. A beer and a beach. Is it such a crazy idea?
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As much of this thread is full of wise advice, it's still funny to read about fleeing Canada. If you lived where I live in Unsettling States, you'd all me like me: dying to MOVE to Canada.
Sounds like you are putting together a thought out plan, seems Thailand has mild to wild. I`d keep the connection to Canada and split for the winter months, as I age, I`m 68, I really dislike winters now. Perhaps downsize to a condo here, out of the GTA, with lower monthly costs, that you can lock and leave for the winter months. Thanks for starting this topic, you struck a chord with a lot of guys here, it`s been informative and helpful. Thailand would be my pick, any info is a plus.
