If you’re one of those doom and gloomers taking in your daily dose of pessimism porn, then you’ve likely considered what you might do at the onset of an economic, political or societal collapse. For most, the plan is to either bunker down at your current location, or if you have the means available, to bug out to a rural area away from the zombie mass attacks.

Those with limited resources at their disposal must plan on making do right here in the US as the SHTF.

But, as we previously pointed out, there are many a millionaire (and billionaire) out there that are also preparing in the event the worst happens. To set the record straight, so that we focus on the issue at hand as opposed to the class warfare often resulting from pointing out that the rich are planning their getaways, roughly 80% of millionaires are self made. That means 8 out of 10 made their money the hard way as opposed to acquiring it via an inheritance, so they are more or less just like us (except with lots more money).

And just like the rest of us, they want to protect their families and their wealth in the event of a serious catastrophe. In a recent article brought to our attention by 20smoney, the author asks When will the U.S. go the way of Rome?

In it, the author discusses the challenges facing our nation and points out an interesting topic of discussion amongst friends:

The other day while out to dinner with a number of tech investors and entrepreneurs the conversation turned to a disturbing subject. “What is your back-up country?” These people weren’t kidding. Property was being purchased. Contingency plans were being made.

Those with foresight are preparing now. Many sense something is amiss and if it means spending a portion of their wealth on contingency plans to ensure their survival, they’ll do it.

As we pointed out in What are the safe haven nations?, your choices for where to go if you plan on leaving the U.S. are pretty limited.

According to Gerald Celente, Australia, Canada and New Zealand may sustain the massive global hit that’s coming our way. Prices in these countries are comparable to the US though, so you’ll need to have a pretty penny saved up in order to create a decent back up location if you don’t plan on outright moving there as a primary residence.

Other countries that have been thrown into the mix by various individuals like Doug Casey, Marc Faber and Jim Rogers include Argentina, Singapore, Costa Rica, Panama and other countries in the Caribbean and South American regions. The Southern and Central Americas, it seems, remain as safe havens today just as they did prior to World War II when Jews who had a sense of what was to come emigrated from Germany to safer locales.

One benefit of looking south as opposed to north or at Australia/New Zealand is the cost of living. Though some countries have experienced their own real estate appreciation, asset prices are nowhere near as over-blown as they are in what are considered “western” nations. In addition, the cost of living for essentials like food, energy and medical care are significantly lower in countries like Costa Rica and Panama, plus you can get a killer view of the ocean for a decent price.

Though no country is perfect, and many will likely be victims of the global depression, if you have the means available, considering an international exit should be at the top of your list if you’re worried about a massive US collapse. Don’t worry, you won’t be the only doomer looking for a way out.

If you are interested in international bug out plans or primary residences and businesses outside of the US, take a look at the following web sites.

Sovereign Man provides news, lifestyle tips, emigrating offshore and business information.

International Living is well known for those looking to go global. We highly recommend and can attest to the quality of their “Owners Manuals” for countries like Ecuador and Costa Rica. (Just do a search for the “owners manual” for your country of choice)

Well known investor Doug Casey can be of assistance if you are interested in Argentina and surrounding areas.