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.
Aaron K. Says: Will my U.S. bank cards work when I visit Thailand? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Aaron, Your existing credit and debit cards will likely work in Thailand, but using them can be costly. When you withdraw cash using a foreign card, you’ll be charged an ATM fee of about Read more...: Do U.S. Bank Cards Work in Thailand?
Joe T. Says: My husband and I are interested in Colombia. What is the attitude there to same-sex couples? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Joe, Colombia legalized same-sex marriage in April 2016. Same-sex couples married abroad are now entitled to the same visa, healthcare benefits, and inheritance and pension rights as heterosexual Read more...: Is Colombia Friendly to Same-Sex Couples?
Raymond F. Says: What’s the situation with dental care in France? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Raymond, France has a modern and sophisticated dental system. You will find dentists in practically every town of any size, all of whom are well trained. Basic dental care is efficient and by world standards very Read more...: What is Dental Care Like in France?
Michael H. Says: I really enjoy reading your articles and always dream about spending quality time in the towns and villages you write about. I’m curious how someone would locate a vacant and furnished apartment in any one of these towns—especially Setubal, Braga, Coimbra, or Barcelona. IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Michael, Read more...: How Do I Find a Rental in Portugal?
I was just chatting with our Events Director Niamh Daly about our 2024 schedule. The Ultimate Go Overseas Bootcamp that just took place in Denver was our biggest and best event yet—but Niamh has even more plans for next year.
Joan P. Says: I’m going to Italy next year. Can I use dollars or do I need to get Italian money? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Joan, Exciting news for your trip to Italy! You won’t be able to use dollars there, like you can in much of the Caribbean or Latin Read more...: Can I Use Dollars in Italy?
To qualify for Ireland’s free public healthcare system, you must show that you are “ordinarily resident” in Ireland. This means that you’ve been living in Ireland for at least a year, or that you intend to live there for at least a year.
Getting residency can be a big job, involving different governmental agencies. It's possible to go through the residence process on your own. But most of the government officials you will interact with will not speak English.
You don’t actually need to be a resident to purchase property in Roatán, as long as it’s less than 0.72 acres. If you wish to purchase a larger property, or to purchase more than one property, you’ll have to obtain residence.
Over 200,000 expats have made their home in the Philippines. It’s an easy transition because almost everyone has some English and is keen to practice what they’ve learned.