Hi Brian

How spooky is that then my wife also agreed to moving abroad too. She will consider Bulgaria, Greece ( not sure yet whether island or mainland ) and possibly the Canaries. Found a couple of sites in the Daily Mail last weekend so we will start there along with a book from Smiths that she has seen and see where it leads.

Anyone already done it? All help appreciated

Don and Rosemary

Hello Brian,

Sorry not to answer your two questions ... but would strongly suggest you concentrate on Spain rather than Bulgaria. It is far easier to learn to speak Spanish, it is closer to the UK (elderly relative problems etc) and there are plenty of English speakers who can help ease you into life there. I think that your wife might get very lonely in Bulgaria, the fact that not all important medicines and medical procedures are not available there and ....

You are a well-travelled man of the world, and I'm sure your missus is similarly experienced, but we ladies do tend to suffer from depression (even if it is well disguised, or even denied) away from home if we do not have the possibilities of enough cultural and emotional similarities (eg Church, British TV, cinemas, foodstuffs). Please talk this through extensively between yourselves, and I wish you both all happiness in your new location whichever you choose.

why not Malta ?

no tax on capital brought in, and English speaking (ease of finding job depends on type of job - need a visa, and that can be easy or impossible, the more highly skilled , the easier it is). Ignore this if no interest, but otherwise ask any questions you want

Don,

If you have the cash go to Spain. It's sunnier and more established than Bulgaria. If you want cheaper + capital gains then BG is a better choice. Medical care is OK there but only in the cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna,, if you are far out in the country emergency or regular care can be tough.

Any questions ,, let me know.

Best luck
Sam