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.
Carolyn A. Says: I would love to move to Portugal but I have a Down Syndrome daughter who would have to move with me. What is the support like in Portugal for people with such a condition? IL Contributor in Portugal Tricia Pimental Says: Dear Carolyn, Thanks so much for your question. Our goal at Read more...: What’s Portugal Like for People with Down Syndrome?
Daniel H. Says: I am a registered nurse and have emergency room and recovery room experience for over 25 years. What are my options for some type of online earning from overseas? Portable Income Expert Winton Churchill Says: Hi Daniel, I have worked with quite a few nurses and other medical professionals over the years. Read more...: How Can I Earn Online as a Nurse?
Ernest P. Says: What are drugstores like in Portugal? Can I get my usual medications from one? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Ernest, That’s a great question and a very important factor to consider before moving overseas. While most, but not all U.S. and Canadian medications are available in Portugal, some go by Read more...: What are Drugstores Like in Portugal?
Lori L. Says: What can you tell me about the coast of Ecuador near Manta? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Lori, Manta is one of coastal Ecuador’s great success stories. Always a prosperous fishing city, with an economy that revolved around the tuna industry (homage is paid with a huge tuna statue in Read more...: What is Manta, Ecuador Like?
Jim C. Says: I’m going to visit Panama for a couple of months to tour around and check it out. Can I use my U.S. driver’s license there? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Jim, Since you’re planning to visit for two months, I imagine you will be there technically as a tourist. Tourists Read more...: Can I Use My U.S. Driver’s License in Panama?
Jackson R. Says: What are dentists like in Ecuador? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Jackson, One of the great perks for U.S. expats in Ecuador is high-quality, low-cost healthcare. And this holds true for dentists as well. Dental care in Ecuador is a bargain, costing 80% to 90% less than similar care in Read more...: What Are Dentists Like in Ecuador?
Beth D. Says: I’d like to “try out” living in Italy for a year or two. So I wouldn’t want to buy a home there. Do you have any advice on renting? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Beth, If you’re thinking of renting for a year or two, you’re probably better off looking Read more...: How Do I Rent Long-Term in Italy?
Emanuel N. Says: I’ve always dreamed of living by the beach in Costa Rica. Would my wife and I be able to get by there on my Social Security of $2,000 a month? IL Latin America Correspondent Jason Holland Says: Hi Emanuel, Costa Rica has a lot going for it as a place to live Read more...: Can I Live in Costa Rica on $2,000 a Month Social Security?
Amy H. Says: I fell in love with Montevideo when I visited some cousins there a few years ago and dream of going back there when I retire. It’s a long way though. How would I get all my stuff there? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Amy, Expats rave about Montevideo, with its Read more...: How Do I Move My Stuff to Uruguay?
Rob R. Says: I’m 57, married and would like a nice second home from which to work remotely, where my wife could enjoy the beauty, yet we’d be a reasonably easy flight back to our home in San Francisco. Any thoughts? Real Estate Trend Alert Founder Ronan McMahon Says: Hi Rob, I have a condo Read more...: Where Can I Buy a With Easy Access to San Francisco?