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.
David H. Says: Ronan, I read that you may be doing a deal on a Playa del Carmen condo soon? I’m interested in the Playa del Carmen area. Any idea of when you’ll have that planned so I can get into your RETA? Real Estate Trend Alert Founder Ronan McMahon says: Hi David, I’m always looking Read more...: When is the Next RETA Deal in Playa del Carmen?
Peter C. Says: Hi Ted, I have a great-grandfather who was born a citizen in Ireland. Does that qualify me for an Irish passport? Thanks, and stay safe! IL’s Chief Global Diversification Expert, Ted Bauman Says: Hi Peter, Remarkably, with a population of just under 5 million, Ireland currently has at least 4 million official Read more...: Does My Irish Great Grandfather Qualify Me for an Irish Passport?
John M. Says: Hi Ted, I read your email yesterday and it’s interesting since I have European heritage. But are you sure it’s legal for an American citizen to have a passport from another country? IL’s Chief Global Diversification Expert, Ted Bauman Says: Hi John, Thanks for writing in! I understand your concern. To most Read more...: Is it Legal to Have a Second Passport?
Do I need a lawyer or similar to help me get a second passport?
As a restless 80-year-old who spent last summer in Portugal and loved it, I am curious about the availability of health insurance for a person my age.
Of the destinations we’ve included in this year’s Index, three count English as their official language: Malta, Belize, and Ireland.
We may be spending one or two months in Portugal to see where to settle when my husband finally retires. We have an arctic breed dog (samoyed), will he survive in this climate?
I would like to visit Belize to check it out as a potential destination. Is travel there visa-free? Do I need something on my passport to show this when I arrive?
Thinking strongly that Portugal is where I want to retire. I will be spending about 10 days there in late March. Any Guidance?
Sandy S. Says: Hello, I was wondering if El Salvador is on your list to explore the retirement possibilities? IL Lifestyle Editor Sean Keenan Says: Hi Sandy, I’m delighted that you’ve asked about El Salvador. I visited the country on a scouting trip back in September 2021, and was very impressed by much of what Read more...: What is El Salvador like as a Retirement Destination?