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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.

Moving to Norway

Expats in Norway report a life abroad in a country to which it can be difficult to adapt. However, if you have the right situation and persevere, the natural beauty and hard won quality friendships can be quite rewarding.

Healthcare in the UK

Expats in the U.K. are able to utilize the public health care system, which is managed by the NHS. Many expats want to have private health insurance to help reduce wait times and several other reasons. Read for more details on how to navigate the system.

Expats in Guatemala: Pros and Cons of Living in Guatemala

Expats are very forthcoming about the pros and cons of living in Guatemala. Pros include the spring-like weather, the low cost of living and the lifestyle. Cons include limited access to quality healthcare (especially outside of Guatemala City), gringo pricing, crime and the reality that the rainy season can be depressing.

Moving to Switzerland

Switzerland is a country rich with tradition, natural beauty and one of the most stable economies in the world. It is, however, also extremely expensive and expats often report difficult settling into the culture.

12 Tips for Living in Angeles City, Philippines

An expat talks about living in Angeles City - the being able to live on a tight budget, Angeles City's large US military retiree population, using jeepneys and trikes to get from place to place, the heat, dining in Korea Town, international schools in Angeles City and 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 Health Insurance and Healthcare in Vientiane

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 Guayaquil, Ecuador

A newcomer to Ecuador offers an honest view of what it's like adjusting to life in Guayaquil. From finding it hard to understand people, because they speak too fast to feeling depressed and thinking about returning home, she is truly in the midst of culture shock.

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.

Living in Merida, Mexico

An expat talks about living in beautiful Merida, Mexico. This modern city of over 750,000 on the Yucatan still retains some of the Mayan culture. Parts of the city have very modern architecture while others have colonial. If you're moving to Merida, prepare yourself for the heat and friendly locals.

Living in Christiansted, United States

An expat talks about life in Christiansted, St. Croix following Hurricane Maria in September of 2017. The oil refinery closed, tourism was down and jobs were hard to come by. But, the situation is improving since refinery has reopened and there are reconstruction jobs. She wouldn't advise someone to move to St. Croix right now unless they don't need to work.

Dream vs Reality of Living in Guilin, China

An expat talks about how his initial life in Guilin, China

Retirement in Tobercurry, Ireland

A expat in Tobercurry talks about how she and her husband chose to retire in Ireland - the more affordable lifestyle (living on less than $2,000 a month), Ireland's public healthcare system, finding a home through an Estate Agent, enjoying walking everywhere and not needing a car, the sense of safety and more. She cannot stress enough that anyone thinking about retiring in Ireland research diligently and seek the advice of other expats.

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

11 Things to Know Before Moving to Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca is Ecuador's third largest city, but still has a small-city feeling. Expats share 11 things they wish they had known before moving to Cuenca from packing sunscreen to being aware of gringo gouging.

Healthcare in Italy

An overview of the healthcare system in Italy - public and private hospitals, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), getting your Tessera Sanitaria (healthcare card), vaccinations for Italy, prescription medication availability and more.

Moving to Barcelona

Expats in Barcelona enjoy a beautiful city on the Mediterranean Sea and one of the most popular cities in Europe. Here is some great advice from expat that already live there.

Moving to Bermuda

Expats in Bermuda offer some excellent advice - and words of caution - about what it means to move to Bermuda. Housing, health care, basic tips and more are covered.

9 Things to Know Before Moving to Scotland

Here are 9 things to know before moving to Scotland from expats who have already moved there. Their advice covers topics such as the NHS, expat health insurance, village vs. city life, the high cost of living in Scotland, visas and much more.

Healthcare in Brazil

Expats in Brazil are able to get excellent health care in and many of the larger cities in Brazil. There is national health care available, but expats still strongly recommend private health insurance while living in Brazil.

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Moving to Norway

Healthcare in the UK

Expats in Guatemala: Pros and Cons of Living in Guatemala

An Expat Shares What it's Like Retiring in Lake Chapala, Mexico

A retiree who has lived all over the world as a house sitter, talks about packing up and making the permanent move to Lake Chapala, Mexico. She had been there many times before and is thrilled she finally made the move - she appreciates the lower cost of living, expat community, close proximity to Guadalajara.

An Expat Talks about 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.