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.
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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.
Melanie R. Says: Is David, Panama getting an international airport? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Writes: We’ve contacted airport officials more than once, and they continue to say the same thing: no comment. But the airport has undergone a very public expansion that, among other things, lengthened the runways to allow for the larger Read more...: Is David, Panama Getting an International Airport?
Josie P. Says: I heard people don’t get regular mail in Costa Rica. So how do you receive and pay utility bills? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Josie, It’s true that bills are usually not sent to your home in Costa Rica. So, it’s your responsibility to find out the bill Read more...: How Do I Pay Bills in Costa Rica?
Robin G. Says: Is it better to ship my stuff to Italy or buy new when I get there? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Robin, When moving to Italy, it’s good to keep in mind the old phrase—less is more! Italian Customs Officers, Dogane, are very thorough. Every box and every item must Read more...: Should I Ship Goods to Italy or Buy New When I Arrive?
Vonita C. Says: My husband and I are in the beginning stages of gearing up for retirement. We are thinking that over the next five years we would start visiting different countries for a month at a time. What is the best way to go about spending a month in Portugal? Should we rent via Airbnb Read more...: How Do We Spend a Month in Portugal?
David R. Says: What’s the best way to exchange money in Mexico? IL Latin America Correspondent Jason Holland Says: Hi David, Your ATM card is likely to give you pesos at the most favorable exchange rate. But before you leave for Mexico, call to tell your bank that you’ll be in Mexico and to Read more...: What’s the Best Way to Exchange Money in Mexico?
Wendy W. Says: My husband and I plan to retire to Costa Rica. How is Costa Rica affected by and responding to climate change? Thinking about climate change, are there areas that are best to avoid or best to choose as our new home? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Wendy, Costa Read more...: How is Climate Change Affecting Costa Rica?
Trudi O. Says: Is it hard to get access to alternative healthcare options in Italy? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Trudi, You won’t have any trouble finding alternative medicine in Italy. Many Italians swear by their homeopath or acupuncturist. Erboristerie (herbal medicine shops) are practically everywhere, and the staff can put you in Read more...: Is It Hard to Access Alternative Healthcare in Italy?
Doris S. Says: I am looking to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in the Algarve for February and March, 2024. I love tennis and my husband golfs. What should I know before renting and who should I contact to rent? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Doris, Great choice to spend two months visiting Read more...: Where Should We Rent for 2 Months in the Algarve?
June R. Says: My fiancé and I would love to get married in France. What do we need to do? Can the U.S. embassy help or would it need to be a priest? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi June, Congratulations on your marriage plans! If you plan to get married in France, Read more...: How Can We Get Married in France?
Greta M. Says: Is the Spanish spoken in Spain different from Latin American Spanish? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Greta, There are some differences to European Spanish and Latin American Spanish, but nothing insurmountable. If you know anything about Spanish as it’s spoken in Spain, you probably think of the famous lisp. Read more...: What’s the Difference Between European and Latin American Spanish?