Hey, I’m 67 and just retired with my wife.
A few months ago we moved from the UK to Morocco, and honestly, we weren’t quite sure what to expect, but it’s been brilliant. We managed to buy a 2 bedroom flat by the beach in the north for £43k and another 2 bedroom apartment in Marrakech for £60k, both far cheaper than anything back home. The cost of living is low too, we’re getting by comfortably on about £500 a month, and that covers pretty much everything. The weather’s lovely, the people are friendly, and life just feels a lot slower and easier. Takes a bit of getting used to, like sorting out local paperwork and services, but if you’ve ever thought about retiring somewhere new with your partner, Morocco is definitely worth a look.
2 Likes
Is this an ad for Morocco looking for oldies wanting a property portfolio?
Hello Morocco
3 Likes
Take Me to Your Kasbah…Oh…I see You’re married…never mind 
Welcome to the OFC.
2 Likes
Hmmm…well He is 67…dunno…do You think He could handle the both of Us?
2 Likes
Well I’m a pushover … mind you, he’s gone very quiet.
We’ve overwhelmed him haven’t we with our natural bashfulness.
2 Likes
Oh no, not at all! I’m just sharing my own experience.
1 Like
Glad it has worked out well for you. Morocco is an unusual choice. I trekked up Mount Toubkal some years ago, which was quite an experience. I found Marrakesh overwhelming in parts. The old town is lovely of course, but the noise, traffic and day to day life outside that area didn’t seem very relaxing.
My main concern about moving abroad later in life would be healthcare provision and healthcare funding. The NHS is by no means perfect, but it does have extensive service provision and you don’t have to worry about the cost of treatment.
2 Likes
Would you know we’re riding on the Marrakesh Express?
Would you know we’re riding on the Marrakesh Express?
They’re taking me to Marrakesh
All aboard the train, all aboard the train
I’ve been saving all my money just to take you there
I smell the garden in your hair 
1 Like
My retirement is next year, 12 months to be exact, I couldn’t see myself moving abroad as we are not sun/heat lovers, good luck to you gentlemd, I hope it works out for you…
1 Like
1 Like
Hi, it is really nice to meet you here on this forum
I enjoyed reading about your move to Morocco and it sounds wonderful to live by the beach and also have a place in Marrakech
The way you describe the slower life and friendly people makes me smile and feel calm just by imagining it
Thank you for sharing your story and I am happy we met here
1 Like
One thing that may be something worth thinking “and checking up on” about before moving abroad. That is the UK state pension may not increase annually . It may well remain static at the time of the move. not so bad if you make the move early in life and able to get a pension from the country you move to. It is a different matter if already of pensionable age with a fixed UK state pension for the rest of your life. Then thee is the language problem making yourself understood. The english language has so many words that can be interpretated in differnt ways, S you might well say one thing and the person you are trying to talk to takes it to mean something else.
Then there are the laws in the country one may decide to move to let alone religion.
Wife beating may be allowed in Morocco for example. Then what about the drinking water?? what about medical needs ? if you become seriously ill will treatment be free or cost all your savings?
It is not just a question of lets go and move to ******* but a lot more issues to be considered first.
then transport I learnt to drive a car and too old to learn how to ride a camel and look after it. 
For me definately not, I start getting home sick after a two week holiday abroad. I happen to love the country I was born and bought up in, even with the troubles within the UK at the moment
2 Likes
I thought that was challenged and found to be illegal if you’ve paid enough in to qualify for a full pension. But I’ve no idea how it was re-introduced if it was revoked. Edit - you are right for countries outside the EU and for those countries with an agreement with the UK (mainly commonwealth countries and the US). So not revoked and still the case that your pension freezes if you retire to any other country. And clearly wrong.
The points you raise about language and culture are important. I am dismayed about how many Brits living in France have little or no French language skills. You don’t need to be super fluent but surely its a major problem if you are only able to order a beer in the local language?
Morocco is a brave but potentially inspired move. If property costs are low and cost of living is low (and the weather is good) then it might be an excellent choice. I’d presume that you would need private medical insurance as there may not the reciprocal agreements in place for getting into the local health care system (assuming that the local system was good enough). However that private insurance could be affordable if other costs are low.
1 Like
happy retirement.
We would really like to go live in Spain but the cost of healthcare and the language barrier are two reasons that stop us. I guess it’s ok whilst we are still in reasonable health but when the poor health comes as we age that is when we would worry.
Good on you for braving it, may you have many happy years in the Sun, lucky you 
2 Likes
Neither of these should be insurmountable obstacles. If you become a tax paying resident then you are able to apply to join the Spanish national health system. That would mean your first year or so, until you have long term residency approved, you will need private medical cover. But after that you will be in the Spanish equivalent of the NHS.
As for learning the language - getting a decent basic comprehension is not as difficult as you might expect. But it does require jumping in fully and making personal effort. Definitely start with simple apps like DuoLingo but the best way is face to face classes. Start now whilst still in the UK, invest a few hours effort a week, and you’ll get acceptable competency within months. One trick is to be prepared to feel like an idiot for a bit as you learn, which is easier for some than others.
1 Like
Welcome to the forum Gent, it’s nice to hear from people who have made the shift to other parts of the world, the pros and cons…
So thanks for joining us, and hope to see you contributing to the forum, it helps to make it interesting and just a bit addictive…Alright then…A lot addictive… 
The only thing that would worry me if we moved abroad, would be if one of us died and left the other on their own. With all our money committed into our new life it would be virtually impossible to return home, back to the support of friends and family.
Alone in a foreign country having just lost your spouse of over fifty years would be devastating.
2 Likes
How are the black pudding eatery’s by you ?
1 Like