If a friend were to suggest that you retire to Cuba would you think that person was kidding?
They probably wouldn’t be, as Cuba has become an excellent destination for US retirees.
Cuba – A country that time forgot?
It is the largest island in the Caribbean and a land of infinite beauty. You could think of it as an unspoiled paradise or a land that time forgot. When you spend time in Cuba, you may even feel that you’ve gone through some sort of a time warp but a very enchanting one. Cuba pulsates with sensual music, an endless variety of sandy beaches, a fascinating culture, old-world architecture and delicious food.
Unique wildlife
The main island plays home to more than 6700 species of plants, 14,000 species of invertebrates and 650 species of vertebrates. It has beaches, mountains and lush plains that offer a wide variety of wildlife that’s unique to that part of the world. This makes it a hiker’s dream as it’s winding trails can expose you to more than 350 species of birds. In addition, Cuba has four mountain ranges with the highest at 6,476 feet, making it a trekker’s pleasure.
The island also boasts 2000 miles of coastline, several very cosmopolitan cities and quaint, old colonial towns. There are more than 300 unspoiled beaches, inlets and bays surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean.
Great healthcare at bargain basement prices
There is basically no crime in Cuba. Even foreigners receive excellent medical care at a price lower than anywhere else in the world. In fact, a large number of foreigners travel to Cuba specifically for medical treatment as they can receive “first world” care at “bargain basement” prices. The country’s health-care system is first rate and includes doctors who provide innovative treatments for many different conditions. Cuba’s longevity rate is as high as that of most developed countries and is actually one of the healthiest countries in the world.
Cuba has a sort of weird economic system. It functions on what is known as a 2-tier pricing system. There is one price for foreigners and another for Cubans. Its goal is earn Cuba some much-needed hard currency.
A safe place to live
Despite what you may have heard about life in Cuba, there are many expatriates living there. It is one of the safest places in the world to live and is extremely private. Assuming you are not a spy or doing something that would be harmful to the country, you’ll be totally unmolested by the Cuban authorities.
The police in Cuba are very helpful and Cubans are extremely friendly. You will never be harassed by the police or have to worry about rape, racism or armed robbery.
Women are actually moving to Cuba and so are wealthy people who are operating their businesses from Cuba, enjoying more privacy than they would find anywhere else. And believe it or not, here are also good business opportunities in Cuba.
The cost of living in Havana, Cuba
For an example of what it would cost a retiree to live in Havana, you can buy a nice dinner for two at a mid-level restaurant for about $30. Milk generally costs $1.90 a liter and a loaf of fresh, white bread, $0.66. Electricity, water, gas and garbage pickup costs about $1.31 a month. You can have the Internet at 6 Mbps, flat rate, plus cable with ADSL for $394.35 per month. Or you could belong to a fitness club for a monthly fee of about $59.15 and go to the movies for $.04. A one-bedroom apartment can be purchased at a cost of $131.45 per square meter in the city center and outside of the city center for $394.35 per square meter.
Even more good news – there is plenty to do in Cuba. There is swimming, fishing, hiking, diving and dancing. In fact there is something for just about everyone. It’s also a very healthy place to live as it offers 300 days of sunshine and a very wholesome climate.
As you can see there is so much to learn about living and retiring to Cuba. Learn more about traveling, living and possibly retiring in Cuba:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1097.html
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2886.htm
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/cuba
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html