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.

Healthcare in Turkey

An overview of healthcare in Turkey. Topics include: health insurance requirement for residence permit, hospitals in Turkey, quality of medical care and more.

Moving to Turkey

If you're moving to Turkey, read this guide to get advice from expats living in Turkey about making the move.

8 Best Places to Live in Mexico

Expats from the United States and Canada often choose to move to Mexico or retire there. Here are some of the locations that they recommend most to others considering living in Mexico.

12 Best Places to Live in Portugal

Portugal is a safe, expat-friendly country with stunning beaches, cities, popular beach towns and sleepy fishing villages. We've compiled a list of 12 of the best places to live based upon expats' recommendations. They include Lisbon, Cascais, Lagos, Tavira, Ericeira, Caldas da Rainha, Tomar, Nazare, Coimbra, Porto, Guimaraes and Braga.

9 Tips for Buying Property in Jaco, Costa Rica

An expat in Costa Rica offers incredible insight into buying a home in Jaco, Costa Rica. She also talks about the best places in Costa Rica to invest in real estate at this time.

Moving to Scholcher, Martinique

An expat talks about moving to Martinique. She advises that newcomers take traffic into account when deciding where to live. With 7 kids, this expat ended up picking a place near the grocery store to make life easier.

Moving to Paradise Island, Bahamas

An expat talks about making the move to The Bahamas. He wishes he'd brought cooler work clothing and tech-friendly items. Plus, be prepared for higher utility bills, such as a $500 to $750 a month power bill.

Culture Shock in Hastings, Barbados

An expat in Barbados talks about what it's like living on this beautiful island. Adjusting to a more laid-back lifestyle isn't always as easy as you'd think, but can be liberating. Friday nights at the Oistins fish fry are a must!

Culture Shock in Piriapolis, Uruguay

An American who retired to Uruguay talks about why he moved to Piriapolis. He offers incredible insight into culture shock, how the challenges of living in Uruguay gradually wore on him and what he appreciated about the culture in Uruguay.

Living in Santiago, Chile

An expat who has lived in Santiago, Chile for 23 years talks about how the city has changed due to immigration and the fact that fewer people are religious.

Living in Playa Miramar, Nicaragua

An expat in Nicaragua talks about life in the small fishing village of Playa Miramar. The village has 5 surf camps and about 1000 locals. If you're considering a move to Playa Miramar, you may want to start a business or non profit that gives back to the community.

Dream vs Reality of Living in Mal Pais, Costa Rica

An expat in Costa Rica compares what she expected life in Mal Pais would be like compared to the reality. She had hoped the move would renew her marriage and it has!

Retirement in Escazu, Costa Rica

An expat talks about being retired in Escazu, Costa Rica. She appreciates leaving the rat race behind, meeting others through expat groups and volunteering, that buying a property is much easier than selling one, the need for private health insurance in Costa Rica and more.

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

Pros and Cons of Living in the Philippines

The Philippines attracts the interest of expats from all over the world - truly has a lot to offer for a variety of different people. However, it's also important to understand the pitfalls that can be avoided with appropriate homework and preparation.

Healthcare in Malaysia

Expats in Malaysia recommend that newcomers talk to friends and learn about the best hospitals, clinics and doctors in their area before a medical emergency arises. Plus, obtaining expat health insurance is recommended.

Moving to Malaysia

Expats are attracted to Malaysia's lower cost of living, bustling cities, multicultural vibe, climate and proximity to Singapore. Mant expat retirees take advantage of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program. For others who don't qualify, visa runs become a inconvenient part of expat life that often dissuade them from staying in Malaysia long-term.

Pros and Cons of Living in Belize

Anyone thinking about moving to Belize should carefully consider the pros and cons of expat life in Belize. The article includes insight from expats about the cons (crime, limited healthcare, poor road conditions and more) and the pros (beautiful beaches, friendly people, low cost of living and more).

Healthcare in India

An overview of healthcare in India - the quality of hospitals, prescription medicine in India, vaccinations, finding an English-speaking doctor in India and more.

Moving to Saudi Arabia

Expats who want to move to the Saudi Arabia should fully explore what it means to move and live there. Read a lot of comments from people who live in Saudi Arabia, and have for a number of years.

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An Expat Talks about Culture Shock & Living in Perugia, Italy

An expat talks about living in Perugia, Italy where locals aren't glued to their cell phones and family values are important. He also talks about the challenges of learning the language, obtaining a drivers license and more.

An Expat Discusses Living in Buenos Aires, Argentina

An expat in Buenos Aires, Argentina talks about what it's like living in this bustling city in a time when its hard for expats and locals to get by financially. Many expats work remotely and at odd hours, which contributes to a lot of late-night diners at the city's many restaurants.

8 Best Places to Live in Mexico

Expats from the United States and Canada often choose to move to Mexico or retire there. Here are some of the locations that they recommend most to others considering living in Mexico.

Expats from the United States and Canada often choose to move to Mexico or retire there. Here are some of the locations that they recommend most to others considering living in Mexico....

Moving to Turkey

If you're moving to Turkey, read this guide to get advice from expats living in Turkey about making the move.

If you're moving to Turkey, read this guide to get advice from expats living in Turkey about making the move. ...