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.
Craig S. Says: How do most expats handle converting their Social Security or pension income to euro, to deposit into their European (in our case Spanish) account? Social Security Expert Steve Garfink Says: Hi Craig, The good news is that in this day and age converting your money is more efficient and less costly than Read more...: How do Expats Convert Their Social Security to Euros?
Jason G. Says: Can I get English-speaking healthcare in Uruguay? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Jason, Technically, the answer is yes, you can find English-speaking doctors and healthcare professionals in Uruguay. But the situation is a little more complex. Aside from the British Hospital in Montevideo, where about 25% of the doctors Read more...: Can I get English-speaking healthcare in Uruguay?
Victoria K. Says: My husband and I have decided to move to Portugal but are not sure what area is the best for us. We are on the older side in age, he is 84 and I am 76. We are not sure whether we would like to get a car in Portugal. Since our Read more...: Where in Portugal Can We Rent for $900 to $1100 a Month?
Richard M. Says: If Portugal votes on July 20 to terminate the golden visa plan, when would that become effective? IL Chief Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Richard, Before we address the question of timing, let’s be clear about what’s changing. Most people think of Portugal’s golden visa program in terms of the Read more...: If Portugal Terminates it’s Golden Visa, When Will Those Changes Come Into Effect?
Donatella G. Says: I was thinking of moving to Portugal after reading your articles about it. I have Italian and American passports. Should I use the Italian one in order to live in Portugal? Would it be easier? IL Chief Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Donatella, Happy to hear that you are Read more...: Can I Move to Portugal with an Italian Passport?
Jeffrey D. Says: Hi Ron, Are the same Medicare Advantage plans available in every state? Medicare Expert Ron Elledge Says: Hello Jeffrey, I’m happy to answer your question but I may take a long road to get there… Bear with me. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance carriers and are primarily funded Read more...: Are the Same Medicare Advantage Plans Available in Every State?
Raymond K. Says: I am a C5-C6 quadriplegic, in an electric chair, and would like to live overseas. I’m 64 and would love to live in warm weather year-round on $2,000 a month. Can you help? IL Contributor Tony Boatright Says: Hi Raymond, Moving to a foreign country is an adventure. Having a disability adds Read more...: What Steps Should a Disabled Person Take When Moving Overseas?
Charles R. Says: I am the primary caretaker for my Alzheimer’s-afflicted wife. Finding reliable round-the-clock or (preferably) live-in caregivers is increasingly difficult and expensive in the U.S. Is such help more readily available today in places like Costa Rica, Panama, or Ecuador? IL Senior Editor Suzan Haskins Says: Hi Charles, Thanks for the important Read more...: Can I Hire Caregivers in Costa Rica, Panama or Ecuador?
Mary C. Says: I was thinking of moving to Mexico, somewhere in the mountains with a nice climate. I live on social security and a small pension. Can you recommend a town that is safe? IL Latin America Correspondent Jason Holland Says: Hi Mary, Great to hear from you. And great to hear about Read more...: Could You Recommend a Mountain Town in Mexico?
Robert M. Says: As a Canadian, do I need a visa to travel to Mexico? IL Mexico Correspondent Bel Woodhouse Says: Hi Robert, Citizens of Canada do not need a visa to enter Mexico. You only need two things: The first is your Canadian Passport, which has to have at least six months validity Read more...: As a Canadian, Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Mexico?