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.
Edwin S. Says: I’m a vegetarian and considering a move to Portugal. Is it easy and/or cheap to buy plant-based foods there? What about the availability of organic produce? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Edwin, While Portugal cuisine does feature a lot of meat, you’ll find it easy to buy low cost, Read more...: Can I Get Organic Veg in Portugal?
Ally A. Says: We are spending a week in Marbella, on Spain’s Costa del Sol this September. We are deciding whether to buy a vacation home here or Málaga. Any advice? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Ally, Marbella is one of Spain’s most upscale beach towns and perhaps its most stunning. This Read more...: Should I Buy in Marbella or Málaga?
Stella B. Says: My husband and I have always dreamed of restoring an old farmhouse in the Italian countryside. Do you have any advice on this? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Stella, That’s a wonderfully romantic dream to have. And not as unattainable as you might think. Italy abounds with farmhouses for Read more...: How Expensive is it to Restore an Old Italian Farmhouse?
Charmaine B. Says: Do I need a lawyer to get Costa Rica residency? And can I start the process in the U.S. or do I need to be in-country? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Charmaine, In my opinion, working with a lawyer is valuable when figuring out residency, especially if you’re Read more...: Do I Need a Lawyer for Residency in Costa Rica?
Janette G. Says: This might sound like a basic question but… how do I get to Portugal? I want to visit, but not sure what the best way to fly there is. Any help would be appreciated. IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Janette, No question is too basic when it comes to Read more...: How Do I Fly to Portugal From the U.S.?
Paul G. Says: My wife and I will be going to France soon to scout potential retirement destinations. Do you have any recommendations for areas to visit? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Paul, The trickiest thing about France will be deciding which part of it holds the most allure for you. It Read more...: Where Should I Visit in France?
Ruth K. Says: Hi Jeff, I’ve often taken your advice on various investments, and read today’s Field Notes, hoping you might suggest where we could put our Bitcoin these days. Mine is with BlockFi, mostly in the Wallet part, and I know I’ll soon have the option of moving it, but where do you suggest Read more...: Where Should I Put my Bitcoin?
Quentin P. Says: How can I get set up with a phone if I move to Ecuador? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Quentin, Most expats in Ecuador rely on cellphones, either using monthly plans or by putting credit onto the phone as needed. The actual phones may cost a little more than Read more...: What Are My Phone Options in Ecuador?
Carrie D. Says: I am currently looking at some lots for sale in Long Caye, Belize. It seems to be an island for diving and fishing, as opposed to a residential island. I am surprised to see there are so many lots available for sale. Do you have any insight on buying property there? Read more...: Should I Buy on Long Caye, Belize?
H. Asanté S. Says: I am planning to move to Costa Rica, but I will start kidney dialysis soon. What are my options for this in Costa Rica? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Asanté, The first thing to consider is that getting your residency in Costa Rica is a process, and you are Read more...: Can I Get Kidney Dialysis in Costa Rica?