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.
Michelle N. Says: I was born in the U.S. (1st generation) to two German immigrant parents and my entire lineage is German. I am 59 years of age now, but have never been allowed a German passport because my father became a U.S. citizen the year before I was born. Will I be entitled to Read more...: Can I Get a German Passport Through My Father?
Paula M. Says: I’ve read a lot of your articles about Panama’s Chiriquí province, and I like the idea of retiring to Boquete. I read recently that the airport in nearby David might start serving international routes to the U.S. Is that true? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Paula, Boquete is a Read more...: Will the Airport in David, Panama Become International?
Belkys B. Says: My husband was born in the Azores, Portugal. He came to the United States as a child, and became an American Citizen. We would like to retire to the Azores. Is my husband automatically a dual citizen or does he have to apply? What about me, as his spouse, and our kids Read more...: Can I Get a Portuguese Passport Based on My Husband?
Matt W. Says: How does Costa Rica feel about service dogs? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Matt, Service dogs are not common in Costa Rica. On the beach, you see regular dogs everywhere, as practically everything is open air. And when you do enter a building, such as a supermarket, it’s Read more...: How Does Costa Rica Feel About Service Dogs?
Scott. R. Says: Can I open a bank account in Ecuador as a resident, or do I need to be a citizen? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Scott, You don’t need to be a citizen to open a bank account in Ecuador. In fact, opening a bank account is relatively simple if Read more...: How Do I Open a Bank Account in Ecuador?
Paul G. Says: My wife has MS, very much under control for the past 18 years, but it still raises concern, so we are hesitant to head to a foreign country and drop our current medical coverage in the States. Do you have any advice? IL Senior Editor Dan Prescher Says: Hi Paul, My Read more...: My Wife Has MS, Where Would Suit Us Overseas?
Shawna P. Says: I want to move overseas, but I’m not ready to retire. What advice can you give for finding a job overseas? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Shawna, Tracking down the ideal overseas job isn’t quite the same as finding a job in the U.S. It will involve more effort, Read more...: How Can I Find a Job Overseas?
Paul W. Says: What can you tell me about buying a house in France? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Paul, The first rule of property buying in France is: Don’t rush in. Unless your heart is set on a home in the more popular areas of Provence or in Paris, there are Read more...: How Do I Buy a House in France?
Kerry B. Says: I plan to go to Panama from January to March, 2024. Is it cost effective to buy a cheap car and resell it when leaving? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Kerry, This is not unheard of in Panama, expats often source and sell their cars through the expat grapevine. Read more...: Should I Buy a Car While Visiting Panama and Resell It?
Glynn A. Says: I can’t afford long-term assisted living in the U.S., but my husband has dementia so we need a place that has affordable facilities. We’re interested in Costa Rica, because we think the transition to that country would be the smoothest at our ages. Can you offer any advice? IL Latin America Read more...: What Assisted Living Options Are There in Costa Rica?