Welcome to the International Living mailbag, your repository of questions posed to our expert expats by your fellow subscribers.
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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.
Joseph D. Says: My partner and I live on the Sunshine Coast, a short ferry ride away from Vancouver. We’re very interested in spending winters—perhaps forever—in Belize. We presently live on a wonderful five-acre property in a modest cabin, and we enjoy spending our time outdoors landscaping and gardening. Ideally, we’d love to find a Read more...: Where in Belize is Non-Touristy But Near Water?
John R. Says: Will a previous non-violent felony conviction in the U.S. make it harder for me to move to Costa Rica? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi John, Immigration Law in Costa Rica states that you must have a clean background check when applying for residency. The search is conducted at Read more...: Will a Felony Conviction Make it Harder to Move to Costa Rica?
Mark R. Says: Hello, I loved San Miguel de Allende—I visited there and was so impressed! But can you tell me more about healthcare facilities there? I’d hate to regularly visit Mexico City, though I love that city too. IL Latin America Correspondent Jason Holland Says: Hi Mark, Thanks for checking in. I’ve lived Read more...: What is Healthcare Like in San Miguel de Allende?
Kathy P. Says: I’m interested in renting a 2-bed, 2-bath condo or apartment in Tamarindo, Costa Rica for one month—beginning in the middle of March to the middle of April of 2024. What are your best recommendations? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Kathy, Tamarindo is my home and a wonderful town. Read more...: How Can I Find a 1-Month Rental in Tamarindo, Costa Rica?
Taking pets overseas is a common concern—after all, why would you leave a family member behind? The rules for bringing feathery friends with you are often more complicated than those for furry friends—mostly due to concerns over avian influenza (bird flu).
As for the golf… Mayo is home to 11 parklands and links courses within a 40-mile radius, with membership options from as little as $440 and green fees from an unbelievable $16.50.
With a handful of state-owned banks and around 20 private commercial banks, there’s no lack of options if you’re looking to open a bank account in Costa Rica. All of these banks offer services to foreigners.
I landed here in 1990 without a word of Spanish and, at first, learning it seemed like an insurmountable task. I soon realized, however, that a bit of Spanish would help me make friends and have a richer experience. I also learned that Panamanians love to tease, and so I got comfortable—very quickly—with making mistakes.
First, the cars. With the QRP program, the cars you import have to be no more than five years old. This means your Subaru would qualify, but the Honda would not.
Golf is a key part of why I choose to live on Portugal’s Silver Coast. It’s arguably one of the best golf coastlines in southern Europe.