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.

Now is the Time To Dream of Living Abroad

People all over the world dream of being an expat. Living in another country is an experience unlike any other, and now is definitely the time to explore what it would mean to take the plunge.

Expats Talk About The Biggest Challenges They Face Living in Latin America

Expats talk about some of the biggest challenges they've faced living in Latin America. Whether you're moving to Panama City or Punta del Este, this article is a must read to help you prepare (hint: you'll be much happier if you learn the language) and adjust your expectations (realities: the roads are rough, the pace of life is slower and bureaucracy is unavoidable). Despite all of the challenges, the list of what expats like about life in Latin America far exceeds the challenges.

Cost of Living: Costa Rica vs. Panama

People considering a move to Central America often narrow down their list to Panama and Costa Rica. Expats talk about the cost of living in Panama and Costa Rica - housing costs, gas, car, electric, internet, groceries, budgets for various lifestyles and more.

Healthcare in the Czech Republic

Important information about healthcare in Czech Republic, including health insurance requirements, quality of healthcare and more.

12 Tips for Living in Epinal, France, France

An expat talks about life in Epinal, France, a historic city in northeastern France on the Moselle River. Epinal isn't an expat enclave, but has a lot to offer - low cost of living and lots of clubs and cultural activities. Have a pint at Epinal's Irish Pub and you'll get a feel for the local scene.

A Pedir de Boca

In Cuenca, this is a most welcome place for vegans. All of the dishes from pasta to grain filled burger, sandwiches and soups are served with colorful sliced vegetables, Barely wilted from their raw state. A tasty hummus on the side accompanied each dish with small slices of focaccia. The menus and photos are online at the website: A Pedir de Boca. Details: wine, tea and coffee, Great desserts.

CUISINES: International, Asian, Thai

SPECIAL DIETS: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options.

Expat Health Insurance and Healthcare in Arezzo

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.

Moving to San Pedro, Belize

An expat talks about moving to San Pedro, Belize on Ambergris Caye. For $400 per month she lives steps from the beach on the outskirts of town.

Culture Shock in Hannover, Germany

Do you need to learn German before moving to Hannover? What are Germans like? An expat talks about living in Hannover, the cultural stereotype about German people being rude, healthcare in Germany and more.

Culture Shock in Montezuma , Costa Rica

An expat talks about what it's like living in Montezuma, Costa Rica. The challenges he found in Montezuma where terrible roads, power outages, the language barrier and the prohibitively high cost of shipping into the country.

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.

Living in Ao Nang (Krabi), Thailand

Can you move to Thailand without a job? Is it easy to work remotely? An expat in Ao Nang answer these questions and has a lot more advice about living in Thailand.

Dream vs Reality of Living in Salinas, Ecuador

An expat in Ecuador talks about what she had expected life to be like vs. the reality of living in Salinas. She enjoys like in Salinas and appreciates the family-oriented culture, the beautiful weather and running her own business. Salinas has a small town feel where everybody knows what's going on in your life, but the positive side of that is that 15 people jump in and help if you are sick or need help.

Retirement 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.

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

Expats Talk About The Biggest Challenges They Face Living in Europe

Living in Europe can be a dream realized for many expats, but that doesn't mean that adjusting to life there comes without its challenges. Expats share some of the biggest challenges they've faced from learning the language, making friends and dealing with the bureaucracy are some of the most common.

10 Expats Share Tips for Moving to Costa Rica

Expats in Costa Rica answer the question: If a friend of yours was thinking of moving here, what other advice would you give them. One expat summed it up perfectly when he said not to let your desire to live in paradise get in the way of thinking about the logistics. Here's what other expats had to say.

How are People around the World Handling the Pandemic?

Expats talk about how people in their countries are handling the pandemic. In some places, it hardly seems like people know that there is a pandemic, while people in most other countries are complying with the stay-at-home orders.

Expat Entertainment: Travel Movies

If you're looking for a short list of travel related films to fill the need for some escapism, look no further! Here's an international list of gems that will leave you thirsting for more.

Are Expats Running Out of Supplies?

We surveyed expats and asked if they are running low on supplies abroad. The responses are varied and seem closely tied to the progression of the pandemic in each country.

How to Immigrate to Spain: A Guide for First Movers

An overview of how to move to Spain and immigration options for non-EU citizens. Covers different long-term visa options.

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Expatriate Health Insurance

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Now is the Time To Dream of Living Abroad

People all over the world dream of being an expat. Living in another country is an experience unlike any other, and now is definitely the time to explore what it would mean to take the plunge.

People all over the world dream of being an expat. Living in another country is an experience unlike any other, and now is definitely the time to explore what it would mean to take the plunge....

Expats Talk About The Biggest Challenges They Face Living in Latin America

Cost of Living: Costa Rica vs. Panama

An Expat Shares What it's Like Retiring 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.

An Expat Talks about Moving to Salinas, Ecuador

An expat talks about moving to Salinas, Ecuador - the lower cost of living, beach life and what to bring to make it feel like home.

An expat talks about moving to Salinas, Ecuador - the lower cost of living, beach life and what to bring to make it feel like home....