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.
Maya F. Says: Hello Jessica, Can you please tell me the rent for a one-bedroom place in David, Panama? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hello Maya, While two- or three-bedroom homes are popular in David, you can find a one- or two-bedroom long-term rentals for around $500 a month. Going 20 minutes outside the Read more...: What is the Rent for a 1-Bed Home in David, Panama?
My wife and I would like to move to the area in France where IL’s France Correspondent Tuula Rampont lives. We would like to get a place with two bedrooms and two baths. Is this possible in this part of France?
If you start collecting Social Security after your Full Retirement Age (FRA: an age between ages 66 and 67, depending on your birth year), then your benefit payments will not be affected no matter how much you earn.
Robert Says: I’ve heard that you can no longer get coastal properties in Portugal and the D7 visa is only available as long as you don’t live on the coast. Is this true? International Real Estate Expert Ronan McMahon Says: Hi Robert, There are no restrictions on where you live with Portugal’s passive income (D7) Read more...: Can I Still Buy Coastal Property in Portugal?
Peter M. Says: I’ve always liked the idea of retiring to Ireland (where my people came from originally). What are my options to get residency there? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Peter, Ireland is a place that’s close to my heart as well (I go there regularly to check in with our IL Read more...: How Do I Get Residency in Ireland?
Robin M. Says: Can you get private healthcare in Costa Rica if you only live there part time? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Robin, Yes, you can have private insurance in Costa Rica—even if you live here part time. And there are many excellent options for private insurance. The only tricky part Read more...: Can Part-Time Residents Get Private Healthcare in Costa Rica?
Wayne E. Says: My wife and I are planning a three-month scouting trip through Portugal this summer. How will this work in terms of visas? IL Contributor Tricia Pimental Says: As a visitor from the U.S. or Canada with a valid passport, you’re permitted to remain in Portugal for 90 days without obtaining a visa. Read more...: What Visa Do I Need to Spend Three Months in Portugal?
This really depends on which countries you’re entering and exiting. Every country in the world requires that people who hold that country’s passport enter and exit the country on that passport. Entering or leaving the country on another country’s passport is typically a crime.
Keith L. Says: I have read about migrants passing through Costa Rica from South America, which could present a risk to residents. Any thoughts? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Rebekah Bottone Says: Hi Keith, I understand your concern, especially given the media coverage that South America’s migrant crisis gets. Like any country in this part of Read more...: What is the Situation with Migrants Passing Through Costa Rica?
Joel P. Says: Can I bring my guns with me to Spain? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Joel, Many European countries have much stricter gun control laws than those in the U.S.. It’s important to understand the lay of the land locally before you go. Spain has strict laws regarding the possession and Read more...: Can I Bring My Guns to Spain?