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.
John M. Says: Hi, My wife and I are avid fans of International Living and have been reading for years. We’ve recently decided to take the plunge and purchase a property overseas. Since we don’t plan to use it for another two years, would it make sense for us to buy a place pre-construction? Read more...: Should I Buy Pre-Construction Overseas?
Michael L. Says: If I live overseas part-time, what should I do with my house while I’m away? I will have my stuff and my houseplants there. Should I rent it out? IL’s Go Overseas Mentor Kristin Wilson Says: Great question, Michael. What to do with your house (and stuff) is a big consideration Read more...: What Should I Do with My Home While I’m Overseas?
Marilyn S. Says: Can I claim my Australian pension overseas? Australian Expat Bel Woodhouse Says: Hi Marilyn, The short answer is yes. But you have to have set up certain things before leaving Australia that will allow you to claim from overseas. Below I have outlined the process for claiming before you leave the Read more...: Can I Claim My Australian Pension Overseas?
Janice S. Says: Does Costa Rica allow you to bring your pets? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Janice, Costa Rica is a very pet-friendly country, and you can absolutely bring your pets with you when you move. Bringing your pets to Costa Rica is easier than to many other countries because Read more...: Can I Bring my Pets to Costa Rica?
Charles W. H. Says: I recently read it’s difficult to rent a car in Panama if you have turned 70. Is this true? I’m planning on visiting Boquete, Panama in November and I turn 70 on November 17. Should I make a plan to get an Uber or public transportation from the airport in David Read more...: Is There an Age Limit to Rent a Car in Panama?
David D. Says: I retire this year with a Social Security check of $3,600 a month. I’ve never been to Costa Rica, but many of my friends have. I’d like to retire there too but I don’t know where to start. I want to rent an apartment or condo on the Pacific coast, near the Read more...: How Do I Move to Costa Rica?
James R. Says: I’m receiving a retirement check from Social Security and my railroad retirement. Both are combined into one check once a month. If I moved from the U.S. to Costa Rica, would I lose my retirement check? IL Social Security Expert Steve Garfink Says: Hi James, For anyone eligible to receive Social Read more...: Can I Get My Social Security in Costa Rica?
Dennis K. Says: Dear Ronan: I read your piece on the silver coast of Portugal. What are your thoughts about the Algarve as a place to retire to and rent? I am planning a scouting trip for several weeks in the area. I picked the area due to the sun, few hills, etc. to navigate Read more...: Can you Recommend a Small, Less-Touristy Town in the Algarve?
Steven A. Says: How can I stay safe from cartel violence in Mexico? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Steven, Cartel violence in Mexico occurs mainly in the northern border states. The U.S. State Department regularly issues warnings about areas to avoid in Mexico; these tend to be the areas with cartel violence Read more...: How Can I Avoid Cartel Violence in Mexico?
Mary A. Says: Can you please share the time the Ultimate Go Overseas Bootcamp in Denver will open on day one and close on day three, so I can make plane reservations? Also, I’d like to get a friend to come with me but she hasn’t decided yet. If I book at my price now, Read more...: What Time Does the Ultimate Go Overseas Bootcamp Start?