Dreaming of spending your golden years abroad?
A new study from International Living has revealed the world’s safest places for retired expats – and they all rank higher than the USA on the Global Peace Index.
Jennifer Stevens, executive editor of International Living, says: ‘Our international correspondents and regular contributors live in and regularly visit the places we recommend.
‘From village life in Portugal to city strolls in Malaysia, we’ve found that safety isn’t just possible – it’s expected.
‘If we don’t feel a place is safe for a “regular person” to go about their “regular life” day-to-day, then we don’t recommend that place.’
While the UK fails to rank in the top 10, find out where retired expats can expect to feel safe in 2025…
Portugal
‘Portugal’s calm atmosphere and inclusive culture make it a reassuring haven for retirees,’ says International Living.
Terry Coles, a U.S expat who has lived in Portugal for seven years, claims that ‘violent crime is virtually unheard of’.
‘Portugal’s calm atmosphere and inclusive culture make it a reassuring haven for retirees,’ says International Living
She reveals: ‘There’s a sense of security here that wraps around you like a warm blanket – steady, comforting and always present.’
The expat, who says she’s ‘never once felt unsafe’ in Portugal, adds that the country’s population ‘skews older’ with nearly a quarter of residents aged over 65.
‘From our apartment, we often see a steady stream of elderly locals walking past, some with canes or walkers, others enjoying dinner or wine at nearby cafes,’ says Terry.
Malaysia
Keith, who lives in Penang, says: ‘I lock my door at night – most of the time. But even in the early hours, I’ve never felt vulnerable
Expat Keith Hockton has lived in Malaysia for 16 years and reveals: ‘I can say with confidence, I’ve never felt safer.’
He lives in Penang, a popular tourist destination in northwest Malaysia.
Keith says: ‘I lock my door at night – most of the time. But even in the early hours, I’ve never felt vulnerable.
‘Some of my most peaceful moments have been spent here, lingering over a late-night coffee or strolling through a night market.’
Although gated communities exist, Keith says he feels no need to live in one. He claims: ‘Safety here isn’t about high fences or patrols. It’s about cultural norms. Malaysians are courteous, respectful and quick to lend a hand.’
Ireland
International Living’s editors explain that Ireland’s ‘low crime rates’, ‘stable government’ and ‘strong sense of community’ make it ‘ideal for retirees’
Ireland ranks highly on the list due to its second place position on the Global Peace Index.
International Living’s editors explain that the country’s ‘low crime rates’, ‘stable government’ and ‘strong sense of community’ make it ‘ideal for retirees’.
The editors reveal: ‘For many expats, one of the most reassuring aspects of Irish life is the community itself.
‘People are friendly, interested in newcomers and eager to offer help or conversation.
‘It’s easy to become a “regular” and even easier to feel like you belong.’
Spain
Marsha claims: ‘I feel much safer in Spain than I did in the U.S. and I am. When I first visited Spain, friends assured me it was safe to walk home alone at night
Marsha Scarborough, a U.S. expat who moved to Spain in 2017, says she ‘enjoys the ultimate luxury – complete personal safety’.
She claims: ‘I feel much safer in Spain than I did in the U.S. and I am. When I first visited Spain, friends assured me it was safe to walk home alone at night.
‘I was skeptical. But when I did, I found streets filled with friendly faces. Women can ride the metro and buses without fear of being groped or harassed.’
The 2024 Global Peace Index ranked Spain as the 23rd safest country in the world while the USA finished in 132nd place.
Marsha’s adds that Spain’s strict gun laws increase her feeling of safety as no one ‘feels the need to carry’ a gun.
Italy
Chip reveals that he has lost his wallet three times in Italy but each time got it back ‘with nothing missing’
‘After eight years of living in Italy, I can honestly say I’ve never once felt threatened,’ says Chip Stites, a U.S expat.
The expat reveals that he has lost his wallet three times in Italy but each time got it back ‘with nothing missing’.
He claims: ‘That kind of experience reflects Italian values. People here take pride in their communities. They’re less focused on possessions and more on relationships and culture.’
The expat adds that Italy’s murder rate is 12 times lower than the USA’s with twice the police per capita.
Chip adds: ‘Life in Italy is relaxed, connected and safer.’
Greece
Lynn says the country’s tradition of ‘philoxenia’ – literally ‘friend to strangers’ – means that Greece has a hospitable and inclusive environment
Lynn Roulo moved to Athens from San Francisco and reveals: ‘I feel safer in Athens than I ever did in San Francisco.’
She explains that ‘violent crime is rare’ in Greece and that Athens has a ‘visible police presence’.
Lynn says the country’s tradition of ‘philoxenia’ – literally ‘friend to strangers’ – means that Greece has a hospitable and inclusive environment.
Although she reveals that she has suffered a break-in while living in Greece, the expat says that her daily life ‘feels secure and grounded’.
She adds: ‘Strangers offer help readily, and neighbours look out for one another, fostering a natural sense of community.’
Vietnam
For Sharyn, Vietnam’s ‘everyday sense of security’ is one of her favourite parts of living there
Expat Sharyn Nielsen relocated to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam from Australia in 2011 with her husband.
She reveals: ‘We feel safer on the streets here than we did back home. We’ve never been robbed or threatened.’
For the expat, Vietnam’s ‘everyday sense of security’ is one of her favourite parts of living there.
‘We’ve walked through parks at night, an unthinkable act in some Western cities’, says Sharon.
She adds: ‘Locals even look out for you, we’ve had strangers politely suggest we keep our phones tucked away in cafes or tourist spots.’
Costa Rica
Bekah says: ‘I’ve always felt secure in our community. I’ve never questioned my choice to raise my two children in Costa Rica’
A single mother, Bekah Bottone chose to raise her two children by the beach in Costa Rica.
She says: ‘I’ve always felt secure in our community. I’ve never questioned my choice to raise my two children in Costa Rica.
‘I’m thankful my children have grown up on the beach, immersed in nature’s playground.
‘Life here is lived outdoors – relaxed, joyful and connected to the environment.’
Uruguay
David says: ‘Uruguay consistently ranks among the safest countries in Latin America, and after nearly 20 years living here, I agree’
David Hammond has lived in Uruguay for nearly 20 years and is based in Montevideo, the capital city.
He says: ‘Uruguay consistently ranks among the safest countries in Latin America, and after nearly 20 years living here, I agree. I’ve found life in Uruguay to be low-stress, welcoming and secure.’
The expat adds that driving in Uruguay is ‘optional’ and he’s able to do ‘most of his errands on foot’.
‘I take the bus for longer trips, which is much less stressful than navigating U.S traffic’, says David.
He adds: ‘Uruguay offers a secure, serene lifestyle that many expats find safer than home.’
Bali
Roland says: ‘The Balinese are deeply reliant on tourism and expat communities, and as a result, you’re treated with kindness, respect and genuine hospitality’
Having lived in Bali for over four decades, Roland Dalton has decided that it’s ‘one of the safest and most welcoming places in the world for expats’.
He says: ‘The Balinese are deeply reliant on tourism and expat communities, and as a result, you’re treated with kindness, respect and genuine hospitality.’
And the expat reveals that many people feel so secure they don’t even lock their doors.
Roland says: ‘In traditional villages inland, it’s still common to leave your car unlocked and your villa open. ‘
He adds: ‘With a little common sense and guidance from the community, you’ll feel more secure here than in many Western cities.’
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .