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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.

Moving to Dublin

Expats are moving to Dublin in increasing numbers. Over the course of the last few decades, Ireland has emerged as a formidable economic force, and Dublin has benefited greatly. Here are some basics for those expats considering moving to Dublin.

Moving to Prague

Expats have been arriving in Prague in ever increasing numbers for years. It's still regarded as an amazing city for expats, but it's popularity is starting to catch up with it. However, the scare housing and higher cost of living isn't keeping others from making a move to Prague.

Healthcare in Hungary

If you're moving to Hungary or an expat living in Hungary, understanding the Hungarian healthcare system in important. This article offers an overview of the national healthcare system, private hospitals and healthcare, private health insurance for expats in Hungary, clinics with English-speaking doctors and the quality and cost of medical care in Hungary.

Living in Budapest

If you're moving to Budapest or a newcomer living in Budapest, here are 14 things to know about life in this beautiful city - from the best districts for expat families and single expats, hospitals in Budapest, international schools, expat clubs and organizations and more.

12 Tips for Living in Pedasi, Panama

An expat in Panama talks about what it's like to retire in Pedasi. He discusses applying for the Pensionado visa, nearby hospitals in Las Tablas and Chitre, the cost of living in Panama. If you're planning to visit Pedasi stop by Smiley's on Sundays to watch football and meet expats.

Sapristi

There are two Sapristi locations in Quebec City and we enjoyed both of them. Sapristi is located in Upper Town (Haute-Ville) and Sapristi Champlain is located in Quartier Petit Champlain. Both are very touristy areas, but have outdoor seating, delicious food and are very accommodating to gluten free diners. With 2 Celiacs in our family, our dining choices are always narrowed down for us. Sometimes this crosses all Italian food off the list, but Sapristi really came through for us.

Expat Healthcare & Health Insurance in Bordeaux

An expat in Bordeaux talks about hospitals, the importance of supplementary health insurance, the need to keep your own medical records since doctors don't keep them and prescription medicine costs and availability.

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.

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.

Culture Shock in Tokyo, Japan

An expat talks about adjusting to life and working in Japan. She appreciates the kindness and generosity of strangers, but says that not being able to speak Japanese can be isolating.

Culture Shock in Guayaquil, Ecuador

A newcomer to Ecuador offers an honest view of what it's like adjusting to life in Guayaquil. From finding it hard to understand people, because they speak too fast to feeling depressed and thinking about returning home, she is truly in the midst of culture shock.

Living in Taguig, Philippines

An British expat talks about spending winters in Taguig, Philippines with his Filipina wife of 25 years. He does miss chatting with other English speakers and hopes to find some expat clubs in Bonifacio Global City.

Living in Cuenca, Ecuador

An expat offers an immensely helpful view of what it's like living in Cuenca, Ecuador - from expat clubs to job opportunities.

Dream vs Reality of Living in Paros, Greece

A British expat talked about leaving the UK for better weather and less political correctness for Paros, Greece. She enjoys the weather, swimming at the beach, walking in the countryside, having time to relax, learning new hobbies and the friendliness of the people.

Retirement in Clapham Ridge, Barbados

An expat talks about what it's like living in Barbados. He appreciates the good quality of life, active expat community, beautiful weather and friendly Barbadians.

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 in Jamaica: Pros and Cons of Living in Jamaica

People from all over the globe have found their way to Jamaica to live as an expat in the Caribbean Sea. Expats already there are quick to point out that it's not a vacation every day on the island!

Moving to Germany

Expats in Germany share 10 things they wish they had known before moving to Germany - from the importance of learning German to residency permits to understanding the culture and more.

Moving to Norway

Expats in Norway report a life abroad in a country to which it can be difficult to adapt. However, if you have the right situation and persevere, the natural beauty and hard won quality friendships can be quite rewarding.

Healthcare in the UK

Expats in the U.K. are able to utilize the public health care system, which is managed by the NHS. Many expats want to have private health insurance to help reduce wait times and several other reasons. Read for more details on how to navigate the system.

Expats in Guatemala: Pros and Cons of Living in Guatemala

Expats are very forthcoming about the pros and cons of living in Guatemala. Pros include the spring-like weather, the low cost of living and the lifestyle. Cons include limited access to quality healthcare (especially outside of Guatemala City), gringo pricing, crime and the reality that the rainy season can be depressing.

Moving to Switzerland

Switzerland is a country rich with tradition, natural beauty and one of the most stable economies in the world. It is, however, also extremely expensive and expats often report difficult settling into the culture.

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An Expat Talks about Culture Shock & Living in Savusavu, Fiji

An expat in Savusavu, Fiji talks about the realities of living in Fiji. She and her husband quickly realized that being a resident and being a tourist are two completely different things.

An expat in Savusavu, Fiji talks about the realities of living in Fiji. She and her husband quickly realized that being a resident and being a tourist are two completely different things. ...

An Expat Discusses Living in Merida, Mexico

An expat talks about living in beautiful Merida, Mexico. This modern city of over 750,000 on the Yucatan still retains some of the Mayan culture. Parts of the city have very modern architecture while others have colonial. If you're moving to Merida, prepare yourself for the heat and friendly locals.

Moving to Dublin

Moving to Prague