Anyone with ideas for retirees willing to move away from US?

[P00057870]

I have friends who are asking questions about Costa Rica and other places, like Brazil, to retire to as their limited fixed income will not go very far.

Can anyone share knowledge on these areas -- as far as cost of living, safety, medical care, etc.

Any other places to suggest.

Thinking some who have served in the military may have traveled enough to have some input.

Someone said Brazil has some nice areas once away from big cities, but want $2000 per month per person income proven before giving a 'retiree's visa'. Someone else said Uraquay it is $500 and they don't have income tax if you decide to work, but Brazil does.

I haven't a clue about any of this.

All I think of is reports of many of the South American and Central American countries having problems, at least in the past, with crime and abduction of Americans.

Can anyone enlighten us?