Just thinking at the moment.

[SLB_SA]

I made an error in my post about Ecuador and have learned some additional information.  Let me provide some disclaimers.  First, I am not a financial, travel or emigration expert; do your own research and do not automatically trust my statements before you act on anything I say (or anyone on CRVL says).  Second, moving overseas is not for everyone and possibility not for anyone.  The Professional Visa in Ecuador only requires a modest digital income ($400/month I recall but verify my figures), the Retirement Visa requires $800/month in income (like social security and a letter from SSA but check my figures), etc.  The idea of moving to Ecuador rather than van dwelling is related to my son's health and the difficulty/pain being a nomad might cause him; I may not change anything about my current living situation.  I don't know if anyone reading CRVL would benefit from living in a country which is inexpensive, uses the US$ and has good healthcare.

What was my error?  The COSEDE (Ecuador's FDIC) only insures $32,000 per financial sector.  There are three financial sectors, essentially (i) public banks (ii) private banks (iii) credit unions.  So a maximum of $96,000 can be protected by the COSEDE.

According to this 2020 blog, the 5% withdrawal fee for taking money out of Ecuador expires in 2023 and no fee will exist after that.  You should read the blog; he mentions the different CD rates in banks and credit unions (as of 2020) and notes that credit unions pay a higher interest rate.

 

[JasonMcD]

I suppose its all a matter of contrasting your lack of wanting to be in the desert with your ability to handle colder weather. If Florida isn't in play for you, the weather in South Carolina and Georgia is not as extreme in the winter as in some areas..although it will get below freezing sometimes. I think that the area in Northern Georgia near the appalachian trail (Dahlonega) is some of the best boondocking on the east coast, but since its a bit higher in elevation, the weather can be colder. That is where i would boondock on the east coast if i ever needed to.