Expat Guide to Living Abroad

Whether you're already living abroad or preparing to move overseas, our Expat Guide to Living Overseas can help guide you. For answers to specific questions, use our Country Forums to talk with other expats and retirees already living abroad.

Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) Program

Spend a year working remotely from the Bahamas with their new Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) Program. Plus, you can apply online and get approved in 5 days.

Croatia's Digital Nomad Visa

Pack your bags, because Croatia's much-anticipated Digital Nomad Visa (aka Temporary Digital Nomad Stay) is now law and the application process is in place. This article provides step-by-step instructions about how to apply for the digital nomad visa. Are you eligible? How do you apply? What documents do you need? What are the costs? Can you bring your family?

2021 Expat Exchange Survey

Please take 10-15 minutes to share your experiences in the 2021 Expat Exchange Survey. 7 participants will be selected at random to win $50 Amazon gift cards.

Living in Merida, Mexico

Merida offers expats just about everything they could ask for... affordable living in a great atmosphere, high quality health care, striking distance to the ocean, and much, much more.

12 Tips for Living in Granada, Spain

Expat life in Granada, Spain sounds pretty great. Granada's wonderful climate, low cost of living, location (45 minutes from skiing, 1 hour from the beach), good hospitals and very low crime rate make it a destination to add to your living if you're thinking about moving to Spain.

A Pedir de Boca

In Cuenca, this is a most welcome place for vegans. All of the dishes from pasta to grain filled burger, sandwiches and soups are served with colorful sliced vegetables, Barely wilted from their raw state. A tasty hummus on the side accompanied each dish with small slices of focaccia. The menus and photos are online at the website: A Pedir de Boca. Details: wine, tea and coffee, Great desserts.

CUISINES: International, Asian, Thai

SPECIAL DIETS: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options.

Expat Health Insurance and Healthcare in Cairo

An expat in Cairo, Egypt says to get doctor recommendations from other expats. He does not have health insurance, but has had a stay in a local private hospital's ICU and been to the ER a few times and is still living to talk about it.

Moving to Palmas Del Mar Humacao , United States

An expat who moved from Seattle to Palmas Del Mar, Puerto Rico talks about finding a condo, learning Spanish, finding a loan through a local bank and more.

Moving to Tokyo, Japan

An expat in Tokyo talks about the high cost of housing, living close to work, property searches and mansion apartments.

Culture Shock in Cozumel, Mexico

An expat in Cozumel appreciates that good friendships feel like family, the community sticks together and the family-oriented culture.

Culture Shock in Beihai, China

Beihai is a large port city on the southwest coast of China with a population of approximately 500,000. An expat who moved to Beihai offers an in-depth view of life in this growing city.

Living in Suzhou, China

An expat in Suzhou, China offers great advice about getting to know other expats in Suzhou, acclimating to a new culture, where to live and more.

Living in Bangalore, India

An expat living in Bangalore for the second time talks about what it's like living there, international schools, Indian weddings, Bangalore's friendly people and more.

Dream vs Reality of Living in Coatepec, Veracruz, Mexico

An expat, who decided to move Coatepec, Mexico, talks about the realities of living there. She chose Coatepec for its climate, because it is in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains.

Retirement in Marseille, France

A retiree in Marseille says that the cost of living is lower than you would think. He rents and housing is his biggest cost. If you try to speak French, you'll find that locals will be friendlier and more welcoming.

More Culture Shock Reports

Culture shock is part of the settling in process. Knowing the different phases of culture shock and how other expats handle it can be very comforting. Below are some of the responses to date:

Submit a Culture Shock Report View All Reports

More Living Overseas Reports

What are people's priorities - work? family? What are the best ways to meet other expats? Are people accepting of racial, cultural and religious differences? Below are some of the responses to date:

Submit a Living Overseas Report View All Reports

More Moving Overseas Reports

What should you take with you when you move? What should you leave behind? What type of housing and neighborhoods are typical for expats? Below are some of the responses to date:

Submit a Moving Overseas Report View All Reports

International School Reports

Reviews and school profiles from expat parents and even a few school administrators. Great place to find insight into school facilities, teachers and curriculum. Below are some of the reviews submitted to date:

Submit an International School Review View All Reports

Dream vs. Reality of Living Abroad Reports

Most expats have have "dreams" (and fears) about the expatriate experience before they move abroad. If you are already living abroad, share how those "dreams" have been fulfilled, and how they have not. Below are some of the reports submitted to date:

Submit a Dream vs. Reality Report View All Reports

Retiring Abroad Reports

Retiring abroad can be a great option for retirees seeking their dream lifestyle at an affordable price. Help other retirees, who are thinking about retiring abroad, by filling out our Overseas Retirement report. Below are some of the reports submitted to date:

Submit a Retire Abroad Report View All Reports

Having a Baby Abroad Reports

How did expats choose their doctors, midwives, hospitals? What is childbirth like around the world? Below are some of the reports submitted to date:

Submit a Having a Baby Abroad Report View All Reports

More Working Abroad Reports

What's it like to find a job abroad? How difficult was it to obtain a work permit? What types are jobs are typical for expats living in various cities and towns around the world? Below are some of the reports submitted to date:

Submit a Working Abroad Report View All Reports

Additional Articles

American Women's Association of Rome: Charity, Connection & Cooking during Pandemic

The American Women's Association of Rome remotely collaborated on a cookbook during the pandemic. It's available now and part of the proceeds are donated to Italy's Protezione Civile, to aid those health professionals who have been on the front lines during the pandemic.

8 Best Places to Live in Croatia

Croatia somehow flies under the radar of people looking to move abroad despite the fact that it has so much to offer in terms of a fantastic international lifestyle. Here are the best options to consider in 2021.

Digital Nomads Village: Madeira Islands

As the growth of digital nomads has exploded in recent years, governments around the world are beginning to understand the potential they present. Madeira Islands is trying to seize this opportunity with its innovative digital nomads village project.

11 Important Tips about Healthcare for Expats and Global Nomads in Greece

If you're moving to Greece, it's important to understand the health insurance requirements when seeking a short or long-term visa, the quality of healthcare outside of Athens including in Greek Islands, vaccines for Greece and more.

Expat Survey: Panama Remains Popular With Expats

Expats remain attracted to Panama for its cost of living, excellent climate and the variety of options available for places to live. Read about how Panama ranked relative to other expat destinations and specific comments from expats themselves.

9 Important Tips about Healthcare for Expats and Global Nomads in Croatia

If you're a global nomad heading to Croatia or an expat living there, understanding the quality and cost of healthcare and medical services in Croatia is important. Additionally, information about COVID-19 testing requirements for entry into Croatia and local testing sites.

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An Expat Talks about Culture Shock & Living in Valencia, Spain

An expat who studied anthropology has adjusted to life in Valencia and talks about his approach to avoiding culture shock.

An expat who studied anthropology has adjusted to life in Valencia and talks about his approach to avoiding culture shock....

An Expat Discusses Living in Huatulco, Mexico

An expat in Huatulco talks about living in this remote part of Mexico, which is a 7 hour drive from the nearest city. He cautions anyone considering a move to be realistic about whether or not they can handle the isolation and remoteness.

Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) Program

Spend a year working remotely from the Bahamas with their new Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) Program. Plus, you can apply online and get approved in 5 days.

Spend a year working remotely from the Bahamas with their new Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) Program. Plus, you can apply online and get approved in 5 days....

Croatia's Digital Nomad Visa