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.
Kevin P. Says: Hello, I want to explore the expat life in Costa Rica, but I’m not sure where I want to go. Is there a good tour or recommended way to explore various places? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Kevin, There are a few main areas to choose from when Read more...: Where Should I Explore in Costa Rica?
Robert S. Says: What is Portugal’s D8 Digital Nomad visa and how does one get it? Global Intelligence Letter Editor Jeff Opdyke Says: Thanks for the question, Robert. The D8 Digital Nomad visa is a new visa Portugal launched in fall 2022. It provides Portuguese residency for one or two years, depending on Read more...: What is Portugal’s D8 Visa?
Brett H. Says: I’m interested in a move from the U.S. to Portugal. How difficult is it to obtain dual citizenship? IL’s Chief Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Brett, The difficulty or ease of obtaining dual U.S.-Portuguese citizenship depends on your background and status. There are five main ways to become a Read more...: How Hard is it to Obtain Dual U.S.-Portuguese Citizenship?
Gilles R. Says: I’m a 77-year-old Canadian widower. My late wife and I traveled extensively. She was very organized… I am not. I am looking to find somewhere in Europe away from the hustle and bustle to spend part of the year, perhaps even move full-time—I have the budget to do so. My first language Read more...: I’m Unorganized—Where to Start Planning a Trip?
John C. Says: Are there many expats in Ecuador? Where are the popular places? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi John, Currently, it’s estimated that there are anywhere from 20,000 to 35,000 North Americans and Europeans living in Ecuador. The official numbers are hard to come by. Adding to the difficulty is that Read more...: How Many Expats Are in Ecuador?
Susan F. Says: Is two weeks enough time to scout Costa Rica? How do we know where to stay for those two weeks? And how do we find a real estate agent who will be honest, have patience, and truly knows the country? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Susan, You can certainly Read more...: Can I Scout Costa Rica in 2 Weeks?
Rosalind F. Says: What’s the difference between the EU and the Schengen Zone? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Rosalind, When you start researching Europe as a potential overseas retirement destination, you’ll almost certainly run into that phrase: Schengen Zone. And it can be confusing as to what it actually means. The Schengen Read more...: What’s the Difference Between the EU and the Schengen Zone?
Patrick B. Says: I have a question regarding Jeff’s recent column Why Bitcoin Will Save the Western World—about the dollar decline and possible government peg to bitcoin and gold. Since it’s been reported over 70% of bitcoin is under a long term buy and hold strategy, will that help the value due to increasing Read more...: How Will People Holding Onto Bitcoin Affect Its Future?
Allan P. Says: What is Portugal like for people with mobility issues? IL Contributor Terry Coles Writes: When we first moved to Portugal, we rented a house in the country on the Silver Coast. Often, we would see old men or women hobbling along the roadside with walkers, canes, or even wheelchairs. Some were Read more...: What is Portugal like for People with Mobility Issues?
Jim F. Says: My wife and I are moving to Costa Rica this winter. We’ve heard cars are expensive down there. Should we ship our car or buy one when we arrive. (We’re moving to Atenas in the Central Valley.) IL Contributor Kathleen Evans Writes: The choice of whether to bring a car is Read more...: Should We Ship Our Car to Costa Rica?