Welcome to the International Living mailbag, your repository of questions posed to our expert expats by your fellow subscribers.
We’ve spent over 40 years digging deep on the best places in the world to retire. In that time, our editors, correspondents, and longtime contributors have built up a wealth of expertise.
And it’s all at your fingertips, right here, as an International Living subscriber.
Take a look below at the questions we’ve been asked, and the expert responses.
And remember, if you’ve got a question you’d like answered, simply send it to mailbag@internationalliving.com and you could see it featured right here.
Victoria G. Says: I’ve seen talk about a second passport from Ted Baumann, as well as other International Living writers. They’ve stated how easy it is to get one in Portugal after 5 years. However, I’ve also heard you must be no older than 65 to receive such a passport. I am 63 years old. Read more...: Is 65 Too Old to Get a Portuguese Passport?
Dorothy J. Says: I enjoyed Jeff Opdyke’s recent article that explained the reduced tax structure while living for the first 10 years in Portugal. If I’m also a U.S. citizen will I also have to pay taxes in the United States? If I am understanding correctly, I will be paying taxes in two countries but Read more...: Will I Have to Pay Tax Twice if I Move to Portugal?
Owen P. Says: I’m thinking of moving my family to Playa del Carmen. Are there good international schools there where my son could study in English? IL Mexico Correspondent Bel Woodhouse Says: Hi Owen, Playa del Carmen is easily the fastest-growing city in Mexico. And, as you would expect with such a city on Read more...: Are There English Schools in Playa del Carmen?
Sayuri T. Says: I love the idea of Bali’s lifestyle, but as a single woman I worry about safety. How safe is Bali, really? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Sayuri, In general, Bali is a safe destination—as long as you exercise proper caution, just like you would at home. The little precautions Read more...: How Safe is Bali?
Nathan B. Says: I’d like to own a car if I lived in Portugal. But I’ve heard gas is expensive in Europe. Is that true? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Nathan, It’s true, you’ll generally pay more for gas throughout the EU than you would in the U.S. In Portugal, the cost Read more...: Is Gas Expensive in Portugal?
Mike D. Says: Can you point me towards any private health insurance providers in Costa Rica? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Mike, The quality of available healthcare is a major deciding factor when relocating abroad. You can have private insurance in Costa Rica even if you live here part-time. The only Read more...: What Private Health Insurers are There in Costa Rica?
Julie C. Says: We are planning to move overseas in the next year or so and are taking steps to get that started. Do you have any recommendations for how to handle our banking? IL Personal Finance Expert Jeff Opdyke Says: Hi Julie, Thanks for the question. I will speak from experience, since I Read more...: How Do I Handle Banking Internationally?
Gary S. Says: I’m planning a visit to Lima, Peru. What do I need to know about using taxis there? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Gary, Great choice on visiting Lima. It’s Peru’s business, culinary, and retail hub and is also home to the country’s largest concentration of expats. Using taxis overseas Read more...: How Do I Use Taxis in Lima, Peru?
Mildred A. Says: Where could I live on my Social Security of $1,500 a month? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Mildred, There are destinations on our beat where you can not just get by on $1,500 a month, but live well. Of course, it depends on the lifestyle you choose. As a Read more...: Where Can I Live on $1,500 a Month?
Alec S. Says: Do I need adaptors for my appliances or power tools in Ecuador? Are there places like Home Depot or Lowe’s down there? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Alec, Ecuador uses 120V supply voltage and most devices come with 2-pin plugs just as in the U.S., so all your devices Read more...: Do I Need Adaptors for Appliances in Ecuador?