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.

9 Things to Know Before Moving to China

Expats in China offer tips for newcomers and others considering a move to China. Advice what to bring when you move to China, health insurance and healthcare, finding an apartment, expat banking and more.

Having a Baby in Vietnam

Expats talk about the good and bad experiences they had giving birth in Vietnam. This article is a must read for any expecting expat parents who are considering having a baby in Vietnam.

Healthcare in Vietnam

If you're moving to Vietnam, healthcare and health insurance require careful consideration. This article covers the quality of healthcare at hospitals and clinics in Vietnam, the availability of prescription medications, vaccinations and more.

10 Tips for Living in Spain

Expats Living in Spain offer their advice for others making the move to the nation on the Iberian peninsula. From what to bring, to learning Spanish, culture shock and more, read on to learn how to settle into your new life as an expat in Spain.

12 Tips for Living in Granada, Spain

An expat in Spain talks about what it's like living in Granada. About an hour from the coast and close to skiing and hiking in the Sierra Nevadas, Granada is a university town with a much lower cost of living than many US cities.

Moving to Poza Rica, Mexico

An expat talks about what it's like living in a city in Mexico that's not popular among expats. While the cost of living was extremely low, he advises others to choose cities with a more expats.

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.

Culture Shock in Savusavu, Fiji

An expat in Savusavu, Fiji talks about the realities of living in Fiji. She and her husband quickly realized that being a resident and being a tourist are two completely different things.

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!

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 Medellin, Colombia

A retiree in Medellin talks about loving life in Medellin - it's been a great change of pace for him and his wife. He says that while some expats live on $1,500 per month, others live in $3,000.

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:

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:

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Additional Articles

Banking in Costa Rica

Information for expats living in Costa Rica about banking in Costa Rica, wire transfers, banking fees, banking limitations for those on a tourist visa and more.

10 Tips for Living in Costa Rica

Expats in Costa Rica love the Pura Vita vibe, Costa Rican's focus of family and friendship and being surrounded by nature. Can you live in Costa Rica on $1,000 a month? Is driving in Costa Rica dangerous? Expats share their tips and experiences living in Costa Rica.

10 Tips for Living in the Netherlands

Expats from all over the Netherlands share their advice on what it's like to live there and what it takes to make the move a success.

9 Best Places to Live in Colombia

Here are the 9 best places to live in Colombia according to expats living in Colombia. Expats share why they love living in each city, the climate, cost of living, social activities and more. Don't overlook the comments about heat and humidity in some coastal cities - while these conditions are ideal for some expats, they're oppressive for others.

Cost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to Chile

If you're moving to Chile, this is a must-read article that covers it all - best places to live, healthcare, earthquakes, driving permits, schools and more.

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An Expat Talks about Culture Shock & Living in Savusavu, Fiji

An expat in Savusavu, Fiji talks about the realities of living in Fiji. She and her husband quickly realized that being a resident and being a tourist are two completely different things.

An expat in Savusavu, Fiji talks about the realities of living in Fiji. She and her husband quickly realized that being a resident and being a tourist are two completely different things. ...

An Expat Discusses 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.

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. ...

9 Things to Know Before Moving to China

Having a Baby in Vietnam

Expats talk about the good and bad experiences they had giving birth in Vietnam. This article is a must read for any expecting expat parents who are considering having a baby in Vietnam.

Expats talk about the good and bad experiences they had giving birth in Vietnam. This article is a must read for any expecting expat parents who are considering having a baby in Vietnam. ...