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.
Alan F. Says: I have always loved Greek history and culture. What are my options to get a residency visa in Greece? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Alan, Greece is a beautiful European country with a rich history and a welcoming culture. In fact, we just added it to our Annual Global Retirement Read more...: What Are My Visa Options for Greece?
Orlando C. Says: We are considering a trip to Lisbon in April of this year and wondering if you have any suggestions on a good area to stay. We have been hearing a lot about the city center, but after reading your articles, it sounds like we could be better off staying in different area. Read more...: Where Should We Stay in Lisbon?
Curry G. Says: Hi Ted, Which country do you suggest for a second passport? Which one did you choose and why? IL Global Diversification Expert Ted Bauman Says: Ah, that’s the $64,000 question, as they used to say! There are so many variables involved. It depends on your goals and eligibility. In fact, that’s going Read more...: Which Country Do You Suggest for a Second Passport?
Linda L. Says: What is involved in establishing an overseas savings or checking account and what are the ramifications stateside? IL Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Normally, to open a bank account in a foreign country you must have an ongoing connection with that country, typically some form of property ownership or residence. (Ironically, Read more...: How do I Open an Overseas Bank Account?
Joe G. Says: Hello, I am thinking of going to the Algarve region in Portugal the last week of April to see if I might like to move there. Do you know of any US expats in the Algarve region that would be willing to give me their insights on the area? IL Contributor in Read more...: Can You Give Me Some Insights on the Algarve, Portugal?
Brian G. Says: Do you have to be vaccinated to travel and/or live in Madeira, Portugal? IL Contributor in Portugal, Tricia Pimental Says: Thanks so much for your question. Here’s the current situation: as of July 1, 2022, passengers entering Portugal—including the Azores and Madeira—are no longer required to present proof of a test with Read more...: Do You Have to Be Vaccinated to Go to Madeira, Portugal?
Jaqueline S. Says: I love the idea of retiring to a little cottage somewhere in Ireland with my dogs. How hard would it be to bring them with me from the U.S.? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Jaqueline, Ireland is a great choice for a retirement destination. It’s a place I love to Read more...: How do I Bring my Dogs to Ireland?
Maria B. Says: I’ve decided to retire in France and understand the requirements: my question is, can I apply [for a visa] in France or do I need to do something ahead of time in the U.S.? I would also like some help with handling finances. IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hello Maria, and Read more...: Do I Need to Apply for a French Visa in the U.S.?
Glenda B. Says: Hi, we want to rent a furnished property in a Portuguese beach town on the Atlantic for six to 22 months out of Australia. How do we go about doing that? IL Contributor in Portugal Terry Coles Says: Hi Glenda, Thanks so much for your interest in Portugal and for writing to International Read more...: How Can We Rent Long-Term in Portugal?
David D. Says: We lived in Hawaii and visited Portugal last summer. What should we do and need before we move there? We’re both retired (not married) and I’m U.S. Army retired. IL Contributor in Portugal Tricia Pimental Says: Dear David, Lucky you, living in Hawaii. I’m sure you found notable similarities between it and Portugal, Read more...: How Do We Move From Hawaii to Portugal?