Will M. Says: I like Ecuador as my destination, but I have a medical condition. Where in the country has the best healthcare? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Will, One of the great perks for foreign residents living in Ecuador is high-quality, low-cost healthcare. Bloomberg has frequently rated Ecuador above the U.S. Read more...: Where in Ecuador Has the Best Healthcare?
Neil H. Says: Are there good medical facilities in Costa Rica? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Neil, By almost any standard, Costa Rica has some of the best healthcare in Latin America. Not only that, but the country’s public and private health systems are constantly being upgraded—new hospitals, new equipment, and Read more...: Are There Good Medical Facilities in Costa Rica?
Greg M. Says: How do I find a long-term rental overseas? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Greg, Looking for a rental overseas can seem daunting, but the process in most countries is pretty similar to the way it is at home—albeit using different websites and often a different language. Property management companies Read more...: How Do I Find a Long-Term Rental Overseas?
Driving is a great way to see the Costa Rican countryside, you don’t have to lug your baggage on and off a plane or bus, and you go wherever you want at your own pace.
Taking pets overseas is a common concern—after all, why would you leave a family member behind? The rules for bringing feathery friends with you are often more complicated than those for furry friends—mostly due to concerns over avian influenza (bird flu).
With a handful of state-owned banks and around 20 private commercial banks, there’s no lack of options if you’re looking to open a bank account in Costa Rica. All of these banks offer services to foreigners.
At International Living, we always recommend that you rent before you buy. Before you put down money on a house or condo in a new place, plan to rent first to thoroughly check out the area.
If you want to live within walking distance of the city center and Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife, the hilly parish of São Vicente, full of tiled houses, is a good choice. The main street has a charming collection of local butcher shops, cafés, and fishmongers, as well as a couple of supermarkets.
If you come to Portugal as a visitor, you can drive with your U.S. or Canadian driver’s license for up to six months. But if you plan to settle full-time, you will need to apply for a Portuguese license.
No matter what, you will still pay less in Portugal’s main cities than in, say, Paris, London, or even Madrid. Living in New York City will cost you a whopping 96.73% more than living in Lisbon.