Balmy breezes, a secluded beach, inexpensive household help, great golfing, and no income tax . . . this is Paradise, right? The dream of perfect retirement, right?

Well, maybe.

Just about anyone who has taken a vacation to an exotic locale and reveled in sunsets that bathe the world in neon while cabana boys bring drinks with umbrellas has probably fantasized about spending her, or his, golden years in such a state of bliss. For those of us who see the magic double digits that start with a 6, meaning retirement is getting close, there are many factors to consider, and retirement to a foreign country can be an appealing possibility.

Retirees who intend to move within the United States contemplate where to live post-employment based on a number of factors, including where their retirement income will stretch the farthest. They consider housing prices and the costs of goods and services as well as tax policies and the availability of medical care. Thinking outside the box, or in this case, outside the borders, needs the same attention to those same details.

A number of foreign countries, particularly those with warmer climates, offer lower living costs and a chance for retirees to conserve their retirement income. But don’t be in a rush. Take your time to study the possibilities, evaluate your resources, emotional as well as financial, and then decide if you have what it takes to become an expatriate in your later years.

First off, to retire abroad “takes an intrepid spirit,” said Barry Golson, online travel editor for Forbes Magazine and author of Gringos in Paradise and the recently released Retirement Without Borders. If you don’t know whether you’re that intrepid, he advised, “move for six months, soak up the scene, and decide then.”

In a poll of expats taken a couple of years ago, Golson said, the question was asked, “Why did you move here?” While the pollsters expected that the allure of Latin America might have been the lower cost of living, retirees who went south gave the same answer as those who had moved to Europe: “For the adventure!” If you’re planning to make the move with a spouse or partner, it’s crucial that you both have kindred adventuresome spirits and a willingness to take risks. Then consider family obligations. Are you both willing to be away from family members, including grandchildren, for, possibly, years?

Once you have decided on your adventure quotient, your second consideration should be what sort of environment you are looking for. Do you want four seasons or warm weather year round? How do you feel about humidity, wind, or a months-long rainy season? Can you deal with unpaved roads, unusual and possibly pesky critters, no supermarkets, and sporadic telephone service? How concerned are you about your physical safety? Are you willing to at least try to learn a “foreign” language?

Dian Eversole, an American who has moved permanently to Costa Rica, suggested asking yourself, “What makes me happy?” As she was contemplating a move, her son reminded her that her two great environmental loves were beaches and sunsets, and with that in mind she set about looking for a place that would offer both.

Life outside the United States will not be the same. A love of adventure and your perfect environment may seem like frivolous beginnings when thinking about a foreign retirement, but if those two considerations are in place, you’ll be motivated to do the hard work of figuring out the rest of the requirements to make your fantasy come true.

You need to consider how you want to live in your new country. Do you want a gated community of expatriots with familiar amenities, or do you want to settle into a neighborhood of locals? Do you want seaside living, a mountain view, a bustling city, a quiet small town, an apartment, a house? Do you want to be near a cultural center, medical facilities, an international airport?

Financial resources pops up quickly on the list of concerns, and it is a multi-faceted challenge. You need to research costs for all your options and compare them with your anticipated retirement income. If you have family, friends, business obligations or medical concerns that will require trips back to the U.S., be sure you budget for travel expenses as well as living expenses. And if frequent travel is part of the package you need also to budget travel time. Will you, or guests who come to visit, have a couple of extra days to get from the nearest airport to your secluded Shangri-la?

Do some careful calculating to determine whether your financial assets will support the lifestyle you desire in your chosen country. You’ll need to find out whether your U.S. pension, social security and investment income will be taxed, and, if so, to what degree. If you plan to purchase property, how expensive are property taxes? Will you be able to earn income in your country of choice if the need arises? Spend some time consulting with a tax professional who has expertise in international affairs. You will most likely need to file tax returns both in the U.S. and in your country of residence, so you may need a CPA or the equivalent in both countries.

Medical issues are likely to be one of your concerns, and you need to take into account both access to health care and how to pay for it. Many countries that appeal to retirees offer excellent medical care that is much less expensive than it would be in the U.S., but you may have to settle in or near a large city to have it available. Medicare, if you qualify, will pay only for care you receive in the U.S. As a resident of a foreign country, you might be covered under a national insurance plan, but you will need to purchase additional coverage for when you are traveling, even back to the United States.

Carefully investigate the residency requirements of the country in which you want to live. You will most likely retain your U.S. citizenship and voting rights. While some countries are actively recruiting foreign retirees, others are notoriously strict in their residency requirements. For a long term stay you will almost certainly need a visa, and it will have to be renewed from time to time. The embassy of your host country can inform you of costs and policies, and you should begin exploring visa regulations early during your planning so that you can achieve the correct immigration status. Many countries insist you provide evidence of financial security. Some countries will require you to travel outside their borders for a short period of time and reenter to extend your visa.

Think of how you want your life to change. Retirement means you won’t be working at a familiar job any more. But do you want to continue many of the activities you did while you were still working–involvement in church or community groups, for example–or do you want to take up something entirely new?

“The years 60 to 70 are great years to be immersed in something new,” Golson said. “It puts a little grit into the mix at a time when you’re tempted to go into cruise control.” He advises expat retirees to get involved as volunteers in their new countries. Opportunities abound, ranging from teaching conversational English at a local school, to helping at an animal shelter, to becoming a museum docent or a champion of environmental concerns.

Eversole, who had a whirlwind social and professional life in the U.S., said that she “was ready for the next phase, to be quieter, more removed, make time for my own needs.” She has made an effort to integrate with her surrounding small blue collar community, volunteering at the local elementary school teaching English and getting together with other adults for English/Spanish lessons.

“Becoming part of the community makes it easier to live in the community,” she said. “The hardest adjustment was not speaking the language and being able to develop close friendships initially. The second was recognizing that my relationships with old friends was going to change.”

When it comes to investigating countries in which you may wish to live, the Internet and local public library are both valuable resources. Google “Retiring Abroad” and you will find websites to keep you busy for weeks. Expat forums on the Internet will give helpful clues about customs, regulations, and the experiences of other folks who have relocated abroad. But absolutely be sure to visit the country where you intend to live before you pack up and move there.

One of the biggest mistakes people make, Golson said, is falling in love with a place while on vacation and rushing into the purchase of property. Renting for six months or a year, or even longer, is likely to be less expensive and offer you more options.

In moving abroad, “you leave your comfort zone,” Eversole said. “It is important to understand what your risks are and what the worse case scenario is, and if it happens can you deal with it.”