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: Expats Give Italy High Marks

Expats in Italy report loving their lifestyle and experiences in the Mediterranean nation despite the challenges of a slow-moving bureaucracy.

Managing Expat Stress During Covid

During the Covid-19 pandemic, it's vitally important that expats take the time to manage their stress level at a time when it's so easy to become overwhelmed. Here are some helpful ideas to get you started.

Expat Survey: Mexico Still Popular Among Expats

Expats in Mexico continue to rate the country highly. Even though there are always security concerns, expats who prepare properly enjoy excellent weather in close proximity to the United States and at a much lower cost of living.

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.

Tips for Buying Propery in Jinotepe, Nicaragua

An expat talks about buying property in Nicaragua. He covers the good areas to buy property -- and advises others to rent for a year before you buy so that you're sure you like living in Nicaragua.

Le Lapin Sauté

Le Lapin Saute is a charming restaurant located near the bottom of the funiculaire in Old Town Quebec City. It's a tiny restaurant that's big on character. Feeling adventurous? Try the rabbit poutine.

Expat Health Insurance and Healthcare in Cuenca

An expat in Cuenca, Ecuador talks about the great care he received at Santa Ines Hospital, the low cost of high quality healthcare in Ecuador and the availability of most common prescription medicines (usually available without a prescription).

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:

Submit a Living Overseas Report View All Reports

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:

Submit a Moving Overseas Report View All Reports

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:

Submit an International School Review View All Reports

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:

Submit a Dream vs. Reality Report View All Reports

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:

Submit a Working Abroad Report View All Reports

Additional Articles

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.

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.

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Expat Survey: Expats Give Italy High Marks

Expats in Italy report loving their lifestyle and experiences in the Mediterranean nation despite the challenges of a slow-moving bureaucracy.

Expats in Italy report loving their lifestyle and experiences in the Mediterranean nation despite the challenges of a slow-moving bureaucracy....

Managing Expat Stress During Covid

Expat Survey: Mexico Still Popular Among Expats

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....