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.
Neil H. Says: Are there good medical facilities in Costa Rica? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Neil, By almost any standard, Costa Rica has some of the best healthcare in Latin America. Not only that, but the country’s public and private health systems are constantly being upgraded—new hospitals, new equipment, and Read more...: Are There Good Medical Facilities in Costa Rica?
Greg M. Says: How do I find a long-term rental overseas? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Greg, Looking for a rental overseas can seem daunting, but the process in most countries is pretty similar to the way it is at home—albeit using different websites and often a different language. Property management companies Read more...: How Do I Find a Long-Term Rental Overseas?
Sandra P. Says: I heard that Mexico has two public healthcare systems. Is that true? IL Latin America Correspondent Jason Holland Says: Hi Sandra, It is true that Mexico has two national healthcare systems, which expats on a valid residence visa can apply to join: IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, or Mexican Social Read more...: Does Mexico Have Two Public Health Systems
Patti B. Says: We’re interested in residing in Panama for part of the year, hoping to explore different locations each year. What kind of visa is required for perhaps a three- to five-month stay? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Patti, If you’ve got a U.S. or Canadian passport, at time of writing Read more...: What Visa Do I Need to Spend 3 to 5 Months in Panama?
Sandra F. Says: I would love to live in Portugal, but may also like to add to my retirement income while I’m there. Is it possible under their visa rules? Global Intelligence Letter Editor Jeff D. Opdyke Says: Hi Sandra, Several European countries, including Portugal, offer “freelance” visas specifically aimed at those who want Read more...: Can I Add to My Retirement Income in Portugal?
Driving is a great way to see the Costa Rican countryside, you don’t have to lug your baggage on and off a plane or bus, and you go wherever you want at your own pace.
Yes, you can bring dogs into Belize. People do it all the time! Belize isn’t a long flight from most U.S. cities, and the paperwork isn’t too complex.
John M. Says: My wife and I love the Caribbean. We are both retired, with a house in Arizona, but we’d like to move somewhere along the Caribbean with great beaches, that is safe and has a reasonable cost of living. Do you have any suggestions? I read online that I would need to buy Read more...: Where in the Caribbean Can We Have a Reasonable Cost of Living?
Danielle C. Says: Hi Ronan, I just read your article on the north of Cabo on the Baja Peninsula. What are your thoughts on San Felipe on the Baja? Real Estate Trend Alert Founder Ronan McMahon Says: Hi Danielle, San Felipe sure is north of Cabo… by about 16 hours. In fact, you could Read more...: What Does Ronan Think of San Felipe, Mexico?
There are more than 1 million Americans and a half million Canadians living in Mexico. Plus, folks from the rest of the world. And there are expat havens all over the country. Generally, any place where expats and tourists go is pretty safe, with people mostly worried about petty crime like pickpockets or car break-ins.