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.

Expat Survey: France Ranks Highest Among Expats

Surveys and reports conducted by Expat Exchange, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicate that expats in France are more satisfied with their expatriate experience than any other country in the world.

10 Best Countries for Expats

Expats around the world shared their opinions of what it's like to live overseas in our Best Places to Live 2020 Survey. Here are the 10 countries that came out on top. It's a must-read for anyone thinking about moving overseas or becoming a global nomad.

10 Tips for Living in Panama

Expats, global nomads and retirees are drawn to Panama's ease of residency, low taxes (Panama does not tax on worldwide income), friendly Panamanians who always put family first, inexpensive healthcare and laid back lifestyle. Like any country, life in Panama does come with a few challenges. This articles covers all of these topics and more.

Coronavirus Updates from Expats (October 2020)

Expats share updates on the Coronavirus pandemic in their areas such as Italy, Colombia, Belgium, Ecuador, Brazil and the US.

12 Tips for Living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

An expat in Kuala Lumpur talks about the cost of living there, international schools, visas, restaurants and much more.

Blue Sail

Outdoor covered dining right on the beach, Friendly atmosphere, good food, superberb view and a selection of flavored mojitos and wine. This is a great hangout to get a meal and enjoy the beautiful view at sunset or during the day when the sun is shining on the beach.

Expat Health Insurance and Healthcare in Granada

Moving to Palmas Del Mar Humacao , United States

An expat who moved from Seattle to Palmas Del Mar, Puerto Rico talks about finding a condo, learning Spanish, finding a loan through a local bank and more.

Moving to Tokyo, Japan

An expat in Tokyo talks about the high cost of housing, living close to work, property searches and mansion apartments.

Culture Shock in Beihai, China

Beihai is a large port city on the southwest coast of China with a population of approximately 500,000. An expat who moved to Beihai offers an in-depth view of life in this growing city.

Culture Shock in Valencia, Spain

An expat who studied anthropology has adjusted to life in Valencia and talks about his approach to avoiding culture shock.

Living in Bangalore, India

An expat living in Bangalore for the second time talks about what it's like living there, international schools, Indian weddings, Bangalore's friendly people and more.

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.

Dream vs Reality of Living in Coatepec, Veracruz, Mexico

An expat, who decided to move Coatepec, Mexico, talks about the realities of living there. She chose Coatepec for its climate, because it is in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains.

Retirement in Cuenca, Ecuador

A retired couple who landed in Cuenca, Ecuador with plans to rent a while and move from place to place is very happy with the decision to move to Ecuador. They appreciate the low cost of living in Cuenca, access to quality healthcare, clubs and activities. The one challenge has been the ever changing residency rules.

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

Panama's Pensionado Discounts

Panama's pensionado discounts are available to legal residents (55+ for women, 60+ for men). These generous discounts include 25% off airline tickets, 25% at restaurants, 50% off at hotels during the week, exemption on import tax for up to $10,000 household goods and much more.

Panama's Pensionado Visa

Panama's Pensionado Visa offers retirees with a retirement income of at least $1,000 an easy way to become legal residents of Panama and includes many perks.

Panama Visas & Residency

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama. How long you can stay in Panama without a visa (or on a tourist visa depending upon your citizenship)? What are the advantages of becoming a legal resident of Panama? Would I qualify for the Friendly Nations Visa? How old do I have to be to qualify for the Pensionado Visa? How do I apply for a work permit in Panama? It also addresses how and why some expats choose to become citizens of Panama.

Panama's Friendly Nations Visa

Panama's Friendly Nations Visa was introduced in 2012 and enables immigrants from 50 nationalities to easily obtain residency and a work permit.

Best Banks in Panama for Expats and Global Nomads

Expats share their recommendations for the best banks in Panama for expats and global nomads.

How to Open a Bank Account in Panama

How to open a bank account in Panama from the expat perspective: covers what documents you'll need to open a bank account, key criteria when choosing a bank, opening a bank account before you obtain residency and more.

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Expat Survey: France Ranks Highest Among Expats

10 Tips for Living in Panama

An Expat Shares What it's Like Retiring 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.

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....