South Africa is blerrie awesome, despite what those constant naysayers have to say on Facebook.

You know the ones, sharing every bit of bad news with quotes like ‘we need a militia’ or ‘bring back the death penalty’. That being said more and more South Africans are looking at hanging up their boots overseas, winding down their days in some far flung corner of the world.

Fin24 have hand-picked five options some Saffas may find affordable, even with the rand performing as well as Ruan Pienaar at a breakdown.

The key is to get in on the action early, starting to plan for your financial future BEFORE you’ve started to grey and find wrinkles where there were once none

Let’s check ’em out:

Cotacachi, Ecuador – estimated monthly costs around R21 622 per couple

From the jungle to the beaches, Ecuador features a scenic landscape that can’t be beat. What’s more, the 2014 Global Retirement Index rated it as one of the top countries for quality of life and the World’s Number 1 Retirement Haven. Real estate is a bargain, the cost of living low and there’s a generous array of benefits for retirees. Over-65s get discounts on flights, up to 50% off movies, sporting events, public transport and utilities.

Algarve, Portugal – estimated monthly costs around R23 167 to R30 000 per couple

For the third year running, Algarve, Portugal, has been voted as one of the world’s best places to retire thanks to the low cost of living and real estate, great weather, established expat community, user-friendly and low-cost retiree residency program. Home to more than 100,000 resident foreign retirees you can easily get by just speaking English. The coastline is dotted with gorgeous Blue Flag beaches and the region boasts 42 golf courses.

If you’re going to retire to an island, let it be Mauritius! Located on the Indian Ocean, not far from Madagascar, Reunion Island and South Africa, Mauritius is home to many foreign retirees. It’s built up a top-notch health-care reputation, has a stable and thriving economy, beautiful weather and scenery and a program that grants residency and other perks to financially qualified retirees.

Pau in the Bearn region of France is nestled between woodlands and the Jurançon wine country. More than 50,000 expats, including many retirees, live in Pau and the town has ever-growing infrastructure, amenities and services to support expat living. France is also recognised by the World Health Organisation as having the world’s best healthcare.

One of the most beautiful corners of Italy, the Abruzzo region has managed to keep its old world charm and remains one of Europe’s best bargains. The beaches are golden, the sea turquoise, castles and vineyards abound and the mountains soar above it all….Italy grants residency to foreigners who can prove they can financially take care of themselves and the national health care system provides excellent—often free—care.