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.
Gary H. Says: How do I vet moving companies for a move to Mexico? IL Mexico Contributor Wendy Justice Says: It’s easier to move your belongings to Mexico than it is to many other countries, since it shares a land border with the U.S. Any company with a truck could drive from one country Read more...: How Do I Vet Moving Companies to Mexico?
Cynthia F. Says: My question is where could a senior citizen live in Europe for under $1,500 a month and have a decent apartment and medical facilities? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Cynthia, While many people in the U.S. might think living in Europe is expensive, this doesn’t have to be the Read more...: Where in Europe can I live for $1500 a Month?
Aaron P. Says: What is the humidity year-round in Costa Rica? Is the central valley drier than the coast? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Aaron, While Costa Rica does generally have a high level of humidity, it’s also host to a number of microclimates, so the humidity level varies significantly from Read more...: What’s the Humidity Like in Costa Rica?
Owen C. Says: I’m thinking about moving to Belize. I’ve seen you mention the Qualified Retirement Program there as a good way to stay in the country. However, I’ll still have some income from back home. Can I make use of this program? IL Belize Correspondent Shane Kenny Says: Hi Owen, Happy to hear Read more...: Can I Use Belize’s Qualified Retirement Program if I’m Not Retired?
Josh V. Says: My wife and I are planning a vacation to Dublin, Ireland soon—a place I have always wanted to see. One of my friends told me that you’re not supposed to tip there. Is this true? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Josh, It’s true that tipping is not mandatory Read more...: Should I Tip in Ireland?
Marianne C. Says: I love the romantic idea of retiring to the South of France. But what’s the climate like there? I hear it described as sunny, but would like to know some specifics. IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Marianne, The South of France rejoices in hot, dry summers—and it’s usually very mild Read more...: What’s the Climate Like in the South of France?
Bailey M. Says: How can I get a digital nomad visa for Costa Rica? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Bailey, If you’re considering moving to Costa Rica for a year or two and working remotely, the new Digital Nomad Visa is for you. Obtaining this visa means you don’t have to Read more...: How Can I Get a Digital Nomad Visa for Costa Rica?
Allen O. Says: Does Thailand have good healthcare? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Allen, Along with being a low-cost tropical haven, Thailand has some high-quality healthcare options. In fact, the “Land of Smiles” is ranked among the world’s 50 best healthcare systems by the World Health Organization. In Bangkok and Chiang Mai’s Read more...: Does Thailand have good healthcare?
Sally-Anne P. Says: What countries are safest for a single woman? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: I would rather advise you on the safest “communities” than countries. Every country on the IL beat is safe for single women, though ideally you will want to read about towns in the country you like best and choose Read more...: What Countries Are Safest for Single Women?
Jordan M. Says: Do I need malaria or yellow fever vaccinations to travel to Panama? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Jordan, Many expats travel to Panama without getting any specific vaccinations, as the city and other developed areas of the country have a history of being classified as low-risk for tropical ailments Read more...: Do I Need Malaria or Yellow Fever Vaccination for Panama?