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.
Pete S. Says: I have a great grandfather who was a citizen of Ireland (born there). Does that make me eligible for a second passport? IL Chief Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Pete, Irish nationality law is exceptionally friendly to members of its diaspora. Entitlement to citizenship is automatic to people whose Read more...: Does My Irish Great Grandfather Make Me Eligible for a Passport?
Roger H. Says: Is there much crime in Panama? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Roger, Whether you’re comparing crime statistics, tourist guides, or travel advisories for the region’s different countries, you’ll find that Panama is one of the safest countries in Latin America. In fact, Panama ranks at number 68 in World Read more...: Is There Much Crime in Panama?
Patrick K. Says: What are the rules governing the amount of time one can spend in France? I am a Canadian and am wondering if I can visit for six months at a time. IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Patrick, For visits of shorter than 90 days, Canadian citizens need a passport Read more...: Can a Canadian Stay in France for Six Months?
Carmel F. Says: I plan to visit Portugal this year and would like some information about a place to stay for two or three weeks. I would like to stay in a residential area, where I can explore the possibility of moving there in the future. IL Managing Editor Declan Aylward Says: Hi Carmel, Read more...: Can You Recommend a Residential Neighborhood in Portugal?
Janice P. Says: When I retire, I want to use my time to give back to the community I live in. Are there many opportunities for volunteering like this in Spain? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Janice, There are lots of opportunities to give back to your community in Spain through volunteer Read more...: What Volunteering Opportunities Are There in Spain?
Carl G. Says: A friend told me you can get cheap land in Mexico by buying something called ejido land. Is this true? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Carl, This is technically true, but not something I’d recommend. Ejido land was established in 1917 as a result of the Mexican revolution. It’s Read more...: Should I Buy Ejido Land in Mexico?
Chance D says: My wife and I are about to be empty nesters and we are currently researching living in Belize. We’re still relatively young—I’m 50 and she’s 42—and wish to seek work once there. I’m a HVAC technician by trade. Is there a demand for such services in Belize? IL Belize Correspondent Shane Read more...: Can I Work as a HVAC Technician in Belize?
Tracey F. Says: What is private healthcare like in Spain? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Tracey, Private Spanish hospitals are often affiliated with private insurance companies. For example, if you have Sanitas insurance, a subsidiary of BUPA International and one of Spain’s larger private insurers, you will go to a Sanitas hospital Read more...: What is Private Healthcare Like in Spain?
Zebo L. Says: Can you give me a rough estimate of the cost of living in Portugal? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Zebo, Portugal offers the lowest cost of living in Western Europe, where a couple can live nicely on $2,500 to $3,000 a month outside of the major cities. Bump that Read more...: What’s The Cost of Living in Portugal?
Jane C. Says: I’m interested in moving to Mexico very soon. I’m retired and have Medicare and a medi gap policy. I’m aware these will not cover me in Mexico. Do you have any suggestions for affordable healthcare in Mexico for a U.S. citizen? IL Latin America Correspondent Jason Holland Says: Hi Jane, It’s Read more...: Can I Get Affordable Healthcare in Mexico?