The Small Luxuries That Buy You Time (and Sanity) Overseas

Imagine never needing to clean or cook again.. oh the things you could do.

Jul 17, 2025

Hey Folks,

One of the best-kept secrets about geo-arbitrage isn’t just the cheap rent or $2 lunches — it’s the affordable help that can dramatically improve your quality of life.

In Panama and Colombia, I’ve hired a cleaner for between $20–$40 USD to come in and deep clean the entire apartment. I’m talking floors mopped, windows polished, sheets washed and bed remade, bathroom spotless, plants watered — the works. And it smells amazing when they’re done. I’d have this done every week and honestly, it felt like magic. I’d tip her and sometimes leave little treats from the fridge, and in return, she gave me back hours of my week. I didn’t lift a finger, and my place looked like a hotel suite. That kind of service back in New Zealand would’ve cost a fortune.

Local bands and a cheeky pint in Medellin

A personal chef anyone?

Once I had cleaning sorted, the next thing I outsourced was food — and it changed everything. For around $40–$60 USD, you can find a local cook who’ll create a custom meal plan (based on your macros, allergies, or if, like me, you're trying to undo the cake damage from my last visit to New Zealand 😂). They send you a shopping list — you grab the ingredients — and then they come over and cook everything. Lunches and dinners for 5–6 days. All labeled, portioned, and packed into containers. They even clean up the kitchen after. And just like that, your week is sorted. It’s like meal prep meets luxury, and again, I’m saving a ridiculous amount of time.

With no cleaning to do, making time for hike in Medellin was too easy. Those views though.

Let’s talk healthcare.

In Panama, I’ve got a brilliant sports doctor I see for about $50 USD per visit. He’s helped me prep for some big hikes and patch me up when I limped back from them. But here’s the real perk — I can message him directly on WhatsApp. I’ve sent him photos/voice notes of my issue and he has diagnosed me right there and then, no clinic visit needed. That kind of direct access? Forget it in New Zealand. You’re usually waiting a week or two just to get an appointment, and you definitely don’t get your doctor texting you back the same day.

From one of the hikes that left me broken. The Wales Coastal Path, a 1400k stroll.

These small things — a cleaner, a cook, a trusted doc on speed dial — are all affordable here, and they have a massive impact. They give me back time. Time I can spend writing, trading options to fund my next trip, or just doing stuff that actually makes me happy. And by stacking these services, you can make huge changes to your week and save enormous amounts of time. Life becomes lighter, smoother, and a lot more yours.

This isn’t about living like royalty. It’s about reclaiming your time, energy, and headspace — and living on your terms. Geo-arbitrage doesn’t just stretch your dollar. It stretches your freedom.

Curious what other time-saving, life-upgrading perks you can access overseas?
👉 Join our free community of 2,500+ future early retirees using geo-arbitrage to design a life they don’t need a vacation from.
Subscribe to the 60 Seconds to FIRE newsletter and get weekly, actionable tips on how to live better for less — straight from the road.

Want to fund your retirement, travel more, or simply upgrade your lifestyle — just like I’ve done?

If you’re curious about learning how to trade options to create consistent income and more freedom in your life, comment “COURSE” down below and we’ll reach out.

The first course is launching very soon — and spots are limited. Don’t miss your chance to learn the exact strategies I use to fund my early retirement lifestyle.

Discussion about this post

Ready for more?