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.
Arnold U. Says: I want to move overseas soon, but I’m not quite at retirement age. Can I keep earning after I move? What’s the best way? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Arnold, If you still need to generate an income while living abroad, you’ll have to keep in mind that most countries Read more...: Can I Keep Earning After I Move Overseas?
Tom C. Says: In a recent letter, Dede Fulk mentioned, “I have a list of criteria that I looked for in a property manager, and I found one through referrals.” It would be great if Ronan could give a list of criteria for good property managers. Real Estate Trend Alert Founder Ronan McMahon Says: Hi Read more...: How Do I Find a Good Rental Manager?
Jaye F. Says: What are the roads like in Italy? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Jaye, Italy has a good road infrastructure, with more than 400,000 miles of roadway. Almost 4,000 miles of them are autostrade (motorways)—the equivalent of the German Autobahn. Italy was the first country in the world to start building Read more...: What Are the Roads Like in Italy?
Al B. Says: Can I use my U.S. driver’s license in Spain? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Al, Great question about your driver’s license. Rules about driving vary a lot from country to country, and it’s always important to make sure you comply with local laws. Once you become a resident of Spain, Read more...: Can I Use my U.S. Driver’s License in Spain?
Daniel P. Says: Can I get my mail forwarded to my new home in Costa Rica? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Daniel, While Costa Rica’s postal service (Correos de Costa Rica) leaves much to be desired in terms of reach and reliability, it is still entirely possible to receive mail there without much Read more...: Can I Get Mail in Costa Rica?
Belinda F. Says: I’d like to retire to Ecuador and am planning to learn Spanish before I do. Is the Spanish spoken there different to “regular” Spanish or the same? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Belinda, Congratulations on your decision to retire to Ecuador, and on your commitment to learning Spanish. I’m a Read more...: Is Spanish Spoken in Ecuador Different?
Claire E. Says: Hi I am traveling with my son to Panama in March. Obviously, it would be prudent of me to check it out for retirement—what do you suggest I could do while there? IL Panama Correspondent Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Claire, It’s a great idea to take advantage of your time here to Read more...: Where Should I Scout in Panama?
Alba V. Says: We would like to spend two weeks in May 2023 touring Portugal to find a place where we could retire for a few years and enjoy the beautiful and affordable spots, cobblestone villages or non-tourist beach areas. Can you offer some ideas on where to go? IL Portugal Correspondent Terry Coles Says: Read more...: Where Should I Scout in Portugal for Two Weeks?
Sal T. Says: I am a single person aged 71. What are the places that have established senior communities of expats where I can meet people? IL Panama Correspondent Jessica Ramesch Says: Dear Sal, It’s a great idea for you to focus on established expat communities. That’s generally my recommendation for singles of all ages—I Read more...: Where Can I Find Established Expat Communities?
Caitlin M. Says: This might be a bit basic, but I am just starting to think about moving overseas and want to know where on earth do I start? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Caitlin, Congratulations on making the first step in deciding to find a better life for less overseas! I know Read more...: How Do I Start Planning My Move Overseas?