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.

8 Things Expats Wish They Had Known Before Moving to Hungary

Expats share 8 things they which they had known before they made the big move to Hungary - from what to bring to finding a good bank, healthcare to deciding where to live.

Living Abroad: Digital Nomads in Dublin

The number of people interested in becoming a digital nomad continues to grow, and those that are interested in a thriving metropolis as a destination would be wise not to scratch Dublin - and other cities in Ireland - off your list.

Expats in Costa Rica: Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica

Expats in Costa Rica offer some advice on the pros and cons of living in the Central American country. Topics covered include the health care system, where to live, and also some general information about the natural beauty of Costa Rica.

9 Healthcare & Health Insurance Tips for Expats in Jamaica

Expats in Jamaica share tips and advice about healthcare and health insurance in Jamaica. Advice about private hospitals, leaving the country for surgery, the Zika virus, the availability and cost of prescription medicines and more.

Tips for Renting Property in San Ignacio, Belize

Macarena Rose with Keller Williams Belize offers tips for expats renting homes in Belize. Expats should use a lawyer at all times, work with a vetted leasing agency and more.

Moving to Playa del Carmen, Mexico

A retiree who visited Playa del Carmen and then returned a month later to rent for a year is very happy with her decision. She's living 3 blocks from the beach and paying a third of what she'd be paying in her home country.

Moving to Davao , Philippines

An expat in the Philippines talks about what it's like moving to Davao City. He wishes he had brought his golf clubs and shoes and left his scuba gear at home (no fish, no corals). He offers great advice about the pros and cons of typical types of expat housing.

Culture Shock in Perugia, Italy

An expat talks about living in Perugia, Italy where locals aren't glued to their cell phones and family values are important. He also talks about the challenges of learning the language, obtaining a drivers license and more.

Culture Shock in Puerto Penasco, Mexico

An expat in Puerto Penasco, Mexico appreciates the lower priced food and rent. She loves seeing the fishermen repair their nets on her street preparing for the next day of fishing. She advises newcomers to use your Spanish, even if you make mistakes, and eat the delicious street food.

Living in Montezuma, Costa Rica

An expat in Montezuma, Costa Rica talks about learning to live more simply, let go of material things and enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and life. But, you'll also have to adjust to living without Starbucks, driving on very bumpy roads, lots of insects and rainy season.

Living in Moieciu de Jos, Romania

An Irish expat in Moieciu, Romania shares his insight into life in his new found home - a rural village in the mountains of Transylvania. Read about job opportunities, language advice and more.

Dream vs Reality of Living in Lisbon, Portugal

A New Yorker talks about moving to Lisbon in hopes of finding a slower pace of living, shorter commutes, more friends, better food, better weather and access to more affordable culture events.

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

Living Abroad: Digital Nomads in Portugal

The ranks of digital nomads are swelling across the globe, and Portugal, Lisbon in particular, is one of the hottest locations anywhere.

5 Expat Moms Talk about Having a Baby in Italy

5 expat moms offer candid insight into what it's like giving birth in Italy - from bringing towels and toilet paper with you to the hospital to being refused pain medication. And, like most advice in Italy, word of mouth is the best way to find a good OB/GYN.

Moving Abroad: Boating, Sailing and Yachting in Monaco

Expats in and around Monaco have access to one of the best playgrounds in the world for those that love life on the water. And if you're lucky enough to have a sailboat or yacht and want to sail up and tackle some of those amenities on land, Monte Carlo and Menton are just for you!

Expat Banking: Tips for Expats in Colombia

Expats in Colombia face unique and inconsistent challenges in managing their finances, and that means persistence is needed. Here are some basic tips from expats living in Colombia - their insights are based on their actual experiences managing their finances while living there.

22 Expats Talk about What It's Like Moving to the Colombia

If you're moving to Colombia, read these tips from expats living Colombia. From what to bring to Colombia, hiring a lawyer for visa issues, buying vs. renting, health insurance and hospitals, the frustrations of using Amazon in Colombia and more.

Expat Banking: Tips for Expats in Panama

Expats in Panama face unique challenges in managing their finances while living there, and that always starts with settling on the right expat financial services. Here are some basic tips from expats living in Panama - their insights are based on their actual experiences managing their finances while living there.

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