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.

12 Best Places to Live in Italy

Italy is beloved by expats, global nomads and retirees. We've compiled a list of the 12 best places to live in Italy based upon expats' recommendations. They include Liguria, Puglia, Rome, Le Marche, Abruzzo, Sicily and more.

Expat Survey: Ecuador Highly Rated By Expats

Expats have loved living in Ecuador for a long time, and that trend continues according to expats who responded to our "Best Places to Live in 2020" survey. Read on to see how satisfied and read some quotes about what it's like to live there.

Estonia's Digital Nomad Visa

Launched on August 1, 2020, Estonia's digital nomad visa allows people to live and work remotely in Estonia for up to 12 months. You'll need to apply at your Estonian Embassy or Consulate and the process takes 15-30 days.

Work from Bermuda Certificate

Bermuda introduced the Work from Bermuda Certificate on August 1, 2020. They are inviting people to spend up to a year working remotely from the island.

12 Tips for Living in New York, , US

New York is a love it or hate it city. I love it for so many reasons - the grittiness, the green spaces, the people. New York has something for everyone. If you're moving to NYC, this is a great starting point for expats.

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 Healthcare & Health Insurance in Montanita

An expat in Ecuador says that it's worthwhile to sign up for IESS insurance, that most medication is available over the counter and that there are world class doctors in Ecuador.

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

Expat Survey: Expats in Portugal Are Loving Life

Not surprisingly, expats in Portugal are very happy with the quality of the expat experience they enjoy on the Iberian Peninsula. Read on to see how satisfied and read some quotes about what it's like to live there.

Healthcare in Estonia

Medical care in Estonia is no up to Western standards, but is best in Tallinn, Tartu and Parnu. Our Estonia Healthcare Guide covers health insurance, finding an English-speaking doctor, best hospitals and more.

10 Tips for Living in Estonia

Estonia has a lower cost of living, welcoming locals and rich traditions. As of August 1, 2020, they're also making it easier for global nomads to spend up to a year working remotely from Estonia. What to pack? Bring your warm, reflective clothing to prepare for the long winter.

10 Tips for Living in Pakistan

Expats talk about what it's like living in Pakistan and cover topics like healthcare, expat lifestyle, typical clothing, locals view of foreigners and much more.

11 Tips about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Bermuda

If you're planning to move to Bermuda or spend a year there, it's important to understand the healthcare system, doctors, hospitals and emergency care. Here are 11 tips about healthcare and health insurance in Bermuda.

7 Best Places to Live on the Beach in Central America

Want to live on the beach without breaking the bank? Central America is home to dozens of beach towns and cities beloved by expats and global nomads. From Belize down to Panama, we explore 7 of the best places to live on the beach in Central America.

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Expat Survey: Ecuador Highly Rated By Expats

12 Best Places to Live in Italy

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....