🌎 World Aware

Welcome to World Aware, your weekly roundup of global news and insights that actually matter if you travel internationally, live abroad, or you're thinking about it.

Free Webinar: Ecuador Residency Explained

Join us on Saturday, June 27th for a free webinar about Ecuador residency visas.

Amelia will be chatting with Maite from Gringo Visas about the recent changes to Ecuador's visa application process, different types of visas, current income & investment requirements, application costs, and more.

You'll also be able to submit your questions ahead of time so Maite can answer them during the webinar.

👉 Click here to register for the free webinar...​

Ecuador's SURPRISING Rank on the Peace Index (compared to the U.S.)

Did you see this week's video about where WE would retire on Social Security? This video is the follow-up to the shortlist for our 2nd residency visa that we posted a few weeks ago.

We included Ecuador on both of these lists, and not because we already have permanent residency there.

We included it because we still think it's a great place to consider because it has so much going for it, despite the negative headlines.

You'll probably see another shock story come across your newsfeed about the shooting of a crime boss at the Guayaquil Airport by two teenagers (linked below). Another man was injured in the shooting, but it's unclear if he was connected to the victim or not.

I can't imagine how terrifying that would have been to witness. However, it was a targeted hit, not a mass shooting, and it was over quickly.

A couple of years ago when the Chiefs won the Super Bowl, there was a mass shooting in my hometown during the celebration. It was NOT over quickly.

Neither was the shooting at Uvalde or Sandy Hook or Parkland or Pulse Nightclub or any of the other 170 mass shootings that took place during the 5 months between January 1st and May 31st of this year.

They're so common in the U.S. now that very few make national or international news so it's almost like they didn't really happen.

If a tree falls in the forest and no media agency reports on it, did the tree even exist at all?

But a couple of gang members kill a crime boss in Ecuador, injuring one other person, and it's all over the international news feed.

It's a real head scratcher.

Meanwhile, the 2026 Global Peace Index was just released (also linked below).

Not surprising was the U.S. ranking at 134.

More surprising was Ecuador's rank at 135, which is just one worse than the U.S.

Mexico ranked 139 and Colombia ranked 141, both widely perceived to be safer options (than Ecuador is now) for expats from the U.S.

The notoriously cautious State Department Travel Advisory for Ecuador still sits at a Level 2 with some areas at a Level 3 or 4 (coastal areas we tell people to avoid).

The entire country of Colombia is a Level 3, which means Reconsider Travel, with some areas at a Level 4.

Guayaquil, Ecuador is not a safe city and we encourage people to avoid it just like we encourage people to avoid dangerous areas in other countries.

Cuenca and some of the other mountain cities in Ecuador are still safe compared to other popular expat cities throughout Latin America.

If you're looking at a place to move or travel abroad, don't discount an entire country because parts of it make international headlines.

And if you see international headlines, remember that the news media constructs reality based on the stories they choose to write, and maybe more so by the ones they choose NOT to write.

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Leap Alert: Querétaro, Mexico – Nov 6-20, 2026

We still have 2 spots available for our Leap to Querétaro, Mexico in November.

👉 See all the fun things we'll be doing and submit your booking request here...​

World Aware News

Here's what we learned about the world this week...

Expat News

Ecuador’s Gang Violence Reaches Airport Arrival Halls

A notorious gang leader was shot and killed outside Guayaquil’s international airport. Authorities say the victim led a faction of a criminal organization linked to drug trafficking and extortion, while two teenagers have been detained in connection with the shooting. The attack came just after the government expanded emergency powers to combat rising violence, underscoring the challenges Ecuador faces as organized crime continues to drive record homicide rates. [Source]

2026 Global Peace Index Released

The latest Global Peace Index ranked Iceland as the world’s most peaceful country for 2026 and placed the United States 134th, reflecting concerns about conflict, public safety, and social stability (Ecuador ranked 135 and Colombia ranked 141). The rankings come as more Americans express interest in living abroad, often citing issues such as crime, cost of living, work-life balance, and quality of life. For internationally minded retirees and remote workers, these rankings can offer another lens for evaluating potential destinations beyond taxes, visas, and affordability. [Source]

More Americans Abroad Are Renouncing U.S. Citizenship Over Tax Burdens

Interest in renouncing U.S. citizenship is rising, driven less by politics than by the financial and administrative challenges of living abroad. Unlike most countries, the United States taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live, creating ongoing filing requirements and banking complications for many expatriates and dual citizens. A recent reduction in the renunciation fee has lowered one barrier, but giving up citizenship remains a permanent and complex decision that can affect travel rights, financial planning, and long-term residency options. [Source]

Costa Rica’s Cost Advantage Depends Largely on Where You Live

Costa Rica remains a popular destination for retirees and remote workers, but living costs vary widely by location and lifestyle. Inland towns in the Central Valley can still support a comfortable budget of around $1,600 to $2,200 per month for a single person, while popular beach communities often require $3,000 or more. Housing remains the biggest cost difference, while access to affordable healthcare continues to be one of the country’s strongest draws for foreign residents. [Source]

Argentina’s Golden Passport Advances Without Key Details

Argentina is moving ahead with a new citizenship-by-investment pathway that could become South America’s first golden passport program. The legal framework and government agency are now in place, and applications are expected to open in the second half of 2026, but critical details, such as the minimum investment amount and qualifying sectors, have not been published. For Americans considering a second passport or a base in the region, the opportunity remains difficult to evaluate until the government releases the final rules. [Source]

Latvia Remains One of Europe’s More Affordable Investor Residency Options

Latvia’s Golden Visa program continues to attract investors seeking a low-cost route to European residency, with applications rising nearly 35% in 2025. The program offers a five-year residence permit with no minimum stay requirement to maintain status, while investors who relocate can pursue permanent residency after five years and citizenship after ten. With investment options starting at €50,000 for businesses and €250,000 for rel estate, and processing times typically measured in months rather than years, Latvia remains a practical entry point for those seeking greater flexibility within Europe. [Source]

Travel News

Experienced Travelers Avoid Problems Before They Reach the Immigration Desk

Frequent international travelers often learn that successful border crossings depend on more than having a valid passport and visa. Immigration officers pay attention to details such as how clearly you explain your travel plans, whether your documents are organized, and whether your answers match your itinerary. Travelers who understand these unwritten expectations are often processed quickly, while others can face additional questioning or delays. [Source]

Travel Rewards Help Some Families Cut Vacation Costs Dramatically

Credit card reward programs can significantly reduce the cost of international travel for people who carefully manage their finances and pay balances in full. By earning sign-up bonuses and maximizing points redemptions, some travelers offset much of the cost of flights and hotels that would otherwise be out of reach. For financially disciplined travelers, rewards programs can help stretch a travel budget further as airfare and accommodation costs continue to rise. [Source]

Dubai Travel Advisory Eases After Regional Ceasefire

The UK has lifted its advice against travel to Dubai following a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, making it easier for travelers to visit the UAE. Officials caution that tensions in the region could still flare up with little warning, and some airlines have not yet restored normal service. For travelers, the change removes a major planning obstacle, but flight availability and regional stability remain important factors to monitor before booking. [Source]

Retiring at Sea Is Possible, but It’s Rarely the Bargain Many Imagine

Living full-time on a cruise ship can offer freedom from home maintenance, daily chores, and routine living expenses while providing constant travel and built-in social opportunities. However, the financial reality is often more expensive than traditional retirement, with comfortable full-time cruising commonly costing well over $100,000 per year for a couple. Healthcare coverage, medical emergencies, prescription access, and the need to maintain a legal U.S. domicile remain significant challenges. For retirees with substantial savings, good health, and a strong desire for continuous travel, the lifestyle can work, but it requires careful planning and a larger budget than many headlines suggest. [Source]

That's all for this week. Let me know if you have any questions.

Safe travels.

JP (Amelia Says Hola)​
​AmeliaAndJP.com | TurtleTravelClub.com​

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