Retiring Abroad: How to Maintain a Permanent Phone Number as a Globetrotting Senior
January 13, 2026How I Solved My Frozen Bank Account Nightmare While Traveling Abroad (Expat’s Step-by-Step Guide)
January 13, 2026“`html
Why Airbnb Isn’t Always Your Best Bet for Retiring Abroad (And What Works Better)
Look, dealing with bureaucracy is tough enough without housing headaches complicating your golden years. As a retirement planner who’s helped hundreds relocate internationally, I’ll let you in on a secret: your housing choice can make or break your entire retirement budget.
While many retirees default to Airbnb for transitional housing, I’ve discovered – through both professional experience and countless coffee chats with expats – there are smarter options for long-term stays. Let’s talk about what really works when healthcare access, tax implications, and senior-friendly living matter.
My Field-Tested Approach to Finding Retirement Housing Overseas
After years of trial-and-error (mostly my clients’ errors!), here’s my step-by-step playbook:
1. Match Housing to Healthcare Needs
Picture this: You’re in beautiful Portugal, but your new apartment is an hour from the nearest major hospital during an emergency. Not ideal. Always verify proximity to medical facilities first.
That’s why in Lisbon, I steer clients toward platforms like Uniplaces despite recent hiccups – their 28-day minimum rentals are perfect for neighborhood test drives. Just triple-check that hospital commute!
2. Don’t Let Taxes Sneak Up On You
Here’s a shocker I see too often: Retirees score cheap housing through TrustedHousesitters (£90/year), then discover their sweet house-sitting gig doesn’t count for tax residency requirements. Always confirm your housing solution qualifies for local tax programs like Portugal’s NHR regime.
3. Accessibility Isn’t Optional
That gorgeous 3rd-floor walkup in Taipei? Less charming with arthritic knees. In Taiwan, URHouse became my go-to because they actually filter for elevator buildings and ground-floor units – something Airbnb often overlooks.
4. Banking Compatibility Checks
Pro tip: Test payment methods before committing. Learned this the hard way when a client’s Uniplaces booking failed because their US card was declined. Meanwhile in Taiwan, you’ll often need a local bank account (CTBC Bank is expat-friendly).
Real Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Pay
- Uniplaces (Europe): €400-600/mo + sneaky €150-200 service fee + deposit. Watch those fees!
- UK House Sitting: £15-90/year = crazy savings, but remember it’s temporary
- URHouse (Taiwan): 20-30% cheaper than Airbnb for long stays – if you navigate the local portal
Non-Negotiables for Retirement Housing
Beyond visa paperwork, your checklist must include:
- Healthcare within 30 minutes (drive time, not crow-fly distance!)
- Lease terms that satisfy residency requirements (many need 1-year contracts)
- Step-free access – make them send photos of elevators/ramps
- Expat community proximity – isolation is the silent retirement killer
5 Costly Mistakes I’ve Watched Retirees Make
- Hidden fee blindness: Like Victor’s €200 Uniplaces “cleaning fee” surprise
- Deposit amnesia: Budget for 1-3 months’ rent as security – it’s non-negotiable
- Isolation infatuation: That charming village is less magical when you need weekly dialysis
- Lease length oversight: “Month-to-month” sounds flexible until you need residency paperwork
- Referral code FOMO: Verify promos – some “discounts” are outright scams
The Bottom Line From Someone Who’s Been There
Airbnb has its place, but for 6+ month stays? You’re better off with local platforms and house sitting. The sweet spot? Balancing cost savings with healthcare access, community, and daily living needs.
My parting advice: Always visit properties personally if possible. And consult a retirement planner before signing anything – housing choices ripple through your taxes, healthcare, and overall quality of life. Your golden years deserve golden housing choices!
“`