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.

Cost of Living in Costa Rica

If you're moving to Costa Rica, you'll want to understand the cost of living in Costa Rica. Lifestyle, location and health insurance are part of the formula. Expats talk about real estate prices, rents, international school tuition, travel expenses and the fun stuff - travel, dining out and more.

Health Insurance Guide for Expats in France

Expats often ask if health insurance is free in France or if you need health insurance to go to France. Here is basic information about the French healthcare system.

Moving to Ecuador: 14 Things to Know Before Moving to Ecuador

Expats in Ecuador offer advice to newcomers and people considering a move to Ecuador about clothing, sunscreen, renting before buying, gringo pricing, Ecuadorians politeness and much more.

Living Abroad: Digital Nomads in Bangkok, Thailand

Digital nomads flock to Thailand for a variety of reasons, and Bangkok is one of the most popular options. Plentiful co-working spaces, good wifi, and amazing food are at the top of the list.

12 Tips for Living in San Clemente, Ecuador

An expat in Ecuador talks about why expats move to San Clemente - with it's laid back beach lifestyle, low cost of living, hot & dry climate and low crime rate. There are a few things that San Clemente is missing.

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.

Moving to Boquete, Panama

An expat who moved to Boquete, Panama talks advises newcomers to find a short-term rental to have time to explore without committing to one place. She has found that rental prices in Boquete are about a fourth of what they are in the US.

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.

Culture Shock 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.

Living in Tijuana, Mexico

An expat in Tijuana, Mexico talks about what it's like living in a border city, locals focus on family, athletic activities and more.

Living in Ajijic, Mexico, Mexico

An expat in Ajijic, Mexico offers a lot of information about the many expat clubs and volunteer organizations that thrive in the Lake Chapala / Ajijic area.

Dream vs Reality of Living in Lisbon, Portugal

A New Yorker talks about moving to Lisbon in hopes of finding a slower pace of living, shorter commutes, more friends, better food, better weather and access to more affordable culture events.

Retirement in Odessa, Ukraine

A retiree in Odessa, Ukraine talks about the lower cost of healthcare in Odessa, bustling city life and much 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

Living Abroad: Digital Nomads in Prague, Czech Republic

Digital nomads are drawn to Prague for a wide variety of reasons: cost of living, nightlife, food and beer. This is a primer that will be continuously updated.

11 Tips for Living in Prague

Expats in Prague offer advice to newcomers about living in Prague. Topics covered include international schools, best neighborhoods for expats, clubs for expats and more.

7 Healthcare & Health Insurance Tips for Expats in the Dominican Republic

Expats share tips and advice about healthcare and health insurance in the Dominican Republic. Advice about private hospitals, Zika and Chikungunya in the Dominican Republic and much more.

Living Abroad: Digital Nomads in Budapest, Hungary

Expats and Digital Nomads say Budapest has "a richness of stimuli of every sort" and is a "city both gorgeous and ALIVE." It's no wonder why it's become such a popular location for digital nomads.

11 Healthcare & Health Insurance Tips for Expats in The Bahamas

Expats in The Bahamas share tips and advice about healthcare and health insurance in The Bahamas. Advice about emergency services on smaller islands, flying to Florida for care, ambulance services, prescription medicine and having a baby in the Bahamas.

Living Abroad: Digital Nomads in Medellin, Colombia

Expats in Colombia have taken full advantage of this South American nation's miraculous comeback after decades of chaos. Digital nomads have also found there way to Medellin, its second largest city, for a wide variety of reasons.

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An Expat Talks about Culture Shock & Living in Puerto Penasco, Mexico

An expat in Puerto Penasco, Mexico appreciates the lower priced food and rent. She loves seeing the fishermen repair their nets on her street preparing for the next day of fishing. She advises newcomers to use your Spanish, even if you make mistakes, and eat the delicious street food.

An Expat Discusses Living in Ajijic, Mexico, Mexico

An expat in Ajijic, Mexico offers a lot of information about the many expat clubs and volunteer organizations that thrive in the Lake Chapala / Ajijic area.

An expat in Ajijic, Mexico offers a lot of information about the many expat clubs and volunteer organizations that thrive in the Lake Chapala / Ajijic area. ...

Health Insurance Guide for Expats in France

Expats often ask if health insurance is free in France or if you need health insurance to go to France. Here is basic information about the French healthcare system.

Expats often ask if health insurance is free in France or if you need health insurance to go to France. Here is basic information about the French healthcare system....

Cost of Living in Costa Rica