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.
Linda R. Says: I’ve heard the cost of living is rising in Costa Rica. Is this true? Are there still parts where it is affordable? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Linda, The cost of living can vary a lot here in Costa Rica. It depends on many factors, such as the Read more...: Is the Cost of Living Rising in Costa Rica?
Bruno L. Says: I’ve heard healthcare in Portugal is free for expats. Is this true? IL Contributor in Portugal Tricia Pimental Writes: The Portugal National Health Service, Serviço Nacional de Saúde, is available to all full-time residents who have registered with the Segurança Social. This can be done as soon as you receive your Read more...: Can Expats get Free Healthcare in Portugal?
Joe E. Says: As a member of IL, can you guide me about the dos and don’ts visiting Costa Rica? Our objective for this trip is purely to relax, eat well, enjoy the weather. IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Joe, I’m excited that you’re planning a trip to relax, eat well, Read more...: What are the Dos and Don’ts When Visiting Costa Rica?
Marilyn A. Says: Could I live in Greece, and still keep receiving my Australian full pension? IL Correspondent and Australian Citizen Bel Woodhouse Says: Hi Marilyn, Good news! Yes, you can receive your Australian Pension while living abroad. To receive the pension, you have to meet the Australian residency rules which you can find here. Read more...: Can I Receive My Australian Pension in Greece?
Lydia P. Says: Can I use American dollars in Ecuador? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says Hi Lydia, Yes, you can certainly use American dollars in Ecuador. Not only are they accepted, they’re official currency for the country. This makes it very easy for American tourists because there’s no currency exchange and no wondering if Read more...: Can I Use U.S. Dollars in Ecuador?
Mark G. Says: Are there ATMs in Panama? How can I get money while visiting? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Mark, In Panama City and other hubs like David, Santiago, Chitré, Penonomé, and Coronado, you will find plenty of ATMs. After all, Panama has one of the largest banking districts in the Read more...: How Can I Access My Money in Panama?
Mark K. Says: As a retired couple, can you direct us to a source that will tell us the basics of what we need to do to become residents and citizens of Spain? IL Chief Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Mark, You have a number of options available to get Spanish residency Read more...: How Do I Get Residency and Citizenship in Spain?
Craig S. Says: We’re about to move overseas. How do we handle our U.S. mail after we move? The Postal Service won’t forward it overseas and we don’t want to burden friends or family back home. IL Latin America Correspondent Jason Holland Says: Hi Craig, Congratulations on the move! Mail is certainly a concern Read more...: How do I Handle U.S. Mail When I Move Overseas?
Julie K. Says: We’re planning to rent an apartment for six months in Paris. Do you have any advice? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Julie, Finding an apartment in Paris can be a daunting task, but the advent of short- and mid-term rentals, plus the wide reach of the internet, has made Read more...: How Do I Rent an Apartment in Paris?
George R. Says: I’m currently thinking about a possible move to Medellín, Colombia. I’m retired, single, and budgeting about $1,900 monthly. Could I find a place for about $600 to $800 monthly? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi George, One of the main benefits of living in Colombia is the low cost of Read more...: Can I Find Somewhere to Rent in Colombia for $800?