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.
Giovanni F. Says: How can I get a residence visa in Portugal? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Giovanni, If you want to reside in Portugal long term, you’ll need to apply for a residence visa, a process that begins in your home country. If you are already an expat living abroad and have Read more...: How Can I Get a Residence Visa in Portugal?
Jason P. Says: I have been looking into the possibility of getting a second passport. Is it true that getting one from Uruguay doesn’t make me a citizen? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Jason, Great idea to look into a second passport. The freedom and flexibility it offers you makes living internationally so Read more...: Does a Uruguayan Passport Make Me a Citizen?
Rebecca C. Says: I’d like to move somewhere that the climate could help with my chronic pain from failed spinal surgeries. Where could I go that would help with this and I could live on my Social Security of $2,400 a month? IL Senior Editor Suzan Haskins Says: Hi Rebecca, Without knowing more about you Read more...: Where Can I Live on $2,400 a Month with a Climate Good for Chronic Pain?
Nickie M. Says: What are some areas in France with a warm climate and cultural activities to retire on a modest budget? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hello Nickie and thank you for your question. By far the best weather in France can be found in the southeastern part of the country, encompassing the Read more...: Where Should I Move to in France?
Carol S. Says: My husband and I are thinking of going to Mexico in October 2023 but can’t decide where to try. Neither of us wants a big city, and I like the idea of San Miguel but think it might be too touristy. My husband is thinking Ajijic/Lake Chapala, but we want someplace with Read more...: Should I Move to San Miguel de Allende or Lake Chapala?
Sidney V. Says: Hi Terry, I read with interest your reply to Victoria L., “Can I move to Portugal on $27,000 a Year?” I have a question in a similar vein with respect to “top-up” health insurance for persons over 75 years. Is “top-up” or “supplemental” private health insurance available in Portugal for persons aged Read more...: Can I Get “Top-Up” Health Insurance Over 75 in Portugal?
Robert O. Says: I don’t have the patience at 70 to learn Spanish. Are places like Ecuador, Panama, Belize and Roatan mainly English-speaking? IL Senior Editor Dan Prescher Says: The need to learn a new language can seem like a real roadblock to moving abroad, but it really isn’t, for a couple of reasons. First, Read more...: Do I Need to Learn Spanish to Move Overseas?
While I don’t think you should try to talk anybody into doing anything they don’t want to, there are some things you can do to get your partner on board with the idea if they are a little hesitant.
Spending six months or a year slow traveling Europe is a lovely idea. Dining at French restaurants, sipping wine on Italian piazzas…all while keeping an eye out for your ideal retirement haven. The good news is that it’s entirely possible. If just a little bit complicated.
By almost any standard, Costa Rica has some of the best healthcare in Latin America. Not only that, but the country’s public and private health systems are constantly being upgraded—new hospitals, new equipment, and improvements in staff training. Despite the advancements, costs are low in comparison to those in the U.S. and even some European countries.