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.

Pros and Cons of Living in El Valle, Panama

We are grateful that Jon, an Expat Exchange member living in Panama, took the time during the pandemic to submit an article about the the pros and cons of living in El Valle. Thanks, Jon!

How are Expats Preparing for the Coronavirus Pandemic?

We asked expats what they are doing to prepare in case the coronavirus situation deteriorates in their location to develop a sense of how expats are handling the situation and help expats share ideas and glean critical insight at a time of need.

Are Expats Returning Home due to the Coronavirus Pandemic?

We surveyed expats and asked if they are returning home or making plans to repatriate due to the coronavirus pandemic. The majority of expats said that felt safer staying put or were unable to repatriate due to travel restrictions.

Expats Report Experiences Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Expats are reporting their experiences abroad amid the coronavirus outbreak and, as always, demonstrating the inherent resilience that imbues the expat spirit.

12 Tips for Living in Paysandu, Uruguay

An expat talks about living in Paysandu, Uruguay. Topics covered include public vs. private hospitals, petty crime, applying to residency, nightlife and restaurants (pizza parlors are everywhere), golf clubs, international schools and much more.

Vieux-Port Steakhouse

High end steakhouse in Old Montreal. Great wine list, very dimly lit, nice ambience. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Live music, outdoor terrasse surrounded by ivy-covered walls make for a wonderful dining experience during warm-weather months. Good for business dinners.

Expat Healthcare & Health Insurance in Paros

An expat on Paros Island in Greece offers insight about the quality and availability of healthcare on an island in Greece. Expats should be aware that there are no true hospitals on Paros Island.

Moving to Porto, Portugal

An expat talks about moving to Porto, Portugal - moving costs, renting a condo, the lower cost of living in Porto and more.

Moving to San Pedro, Belize

An expat talks about moving to San Pedro, Belize on Ambergris Caye. For $400 per month she lives steps from the beach on the outskirts of town.

Culture Shock in Hannover, Germany

Do you need to learn German before moving to Hannover? What are Germans like? An expat talks about living in Hannover, the cultural stereotype about German people being rude, healthcare in Germany and more.

Culture Shock in Montezuma , Costa Rica

An expat talks about what it's like living in Montezuma, Costa Rica. The challenges he found in Montezuma where terrible roads, power outages, the language barrier and the prohibitively high cost of shipping into the country.

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.

Living in Ao Nang (Krabi), Thailand

Can you move to Thailand without a job? Is it easy to work remotely? An expat in Ao Nang answer these questions and has a lot more advice about living in Thailand.

Dream vs Reality of Living in Quindio, Colombia

What's it like living in a small town in Quindio department of Colombia not far from Armenia? A expat retiree and his Colombian wife have found their dream destination. But, life in Colombia does come with challenges - bureaucracy being a big one.

Retirement in San Isidro de Heredia, Costa Rica

Why retire in San Isidro de Heredia, Costa Rica? Can you live on $1,000 or $2,000 a month? How difficult is it if you aren't fluent in Spanish when you first arrive? A retiree who arrived in Costa Rica a month ago answers these and other questions.

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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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Additional Articles

Healthcare in Austria

Expats in Austria have access to highly respected private and public hospitals, English-speaking doctors and more.

Health Care in New York City

New York City is widely regarded as one of the best places in the world for specialized health care. Here are some important medical resources for expats living in New York City.

Costa Rica Residency

Applying for residency in Costa Rica can be a daunting process. Which type of residency is right for me? Do I need an attorney? Do I have to leave the country every 90 days? What is a cedula? This article answers these and many other questions.

Healthcare in Boston

Expats in Boston have access to excellent healthcare and hospitals attached to the best medical schools in the world. As with other parts of the U.S., it's imperative to know your coverage before you access any kind of care or purchase prescription medication.

Healthcare in Washington, DC

Expats in Washington, D.C. have access to excellent healthcare. As with other parts of the United States, it's imperative to know your coverage before you access any kind of care or purchase prescription medication. Lists of D.C. hospitals and pharmacies included.

Moving to Sweden

Our guide to Moving to Sweden offers tips from expats in Sweden about housing, healthcare in Sweden, making friends, best places to live and more.

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Expatriate Health Insurance

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Are Expats Returning Home due to the Coronavirus Pandemic?

Expats Report Experiences Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Expats are reporting their experiences abroad amid the coronavirus outbreak and, as always, demonstrating the inherent resilience that imbues the expat spirit.

Expats are reporting their experiences abroad amid the coronavirus outbreak and, as always, demonstrating the inherent resilience that imbues the expat spirit....

An Expat Shares What it's Like Retiring in San Isidro de Heredia, Costa Rica

An Expat Talks about Moving to Porto, Portugal

An expat talks about moving to Porto, Portugal - moving costs, renting a condo, the lower cost of living in Porto and more.

An expat talks about moving to Porto, Portugal - moving costs, renting a condo, the lower cost of living in Porto and more....