Learn the ins and outs of expat life from our experts.
Expat Matters
Why You Should Consider Moving Your Assets OffshorePosted on February 9, 2012 by Robert Bauman
As a lawyer for many decades now, I know how important it is to read and understand what you read. I also know from experience that Americans have been bombarded for years by class warfare politicians attacking wealthy people as if success in life was a crime.
Enjoy Freedom, Opportunity, and Adventure When You Move OverseasPosted on January 24, 2012 by Glynna Prentice
Five years into my expat life, I look forward to downsizing. In fact, I recently bought a small, manageable, lock-and-leave property in Guanajuato, in the Colonial Highlands. It’s a far cry from what I thought I wanted when I first moved to Mexico… Then, I’d wanted a good-sized house, instead of an apartment as I’d had in the U.S.
The Tips, Tricks and Secrets to Retiring OverseasPosted on January 23, 2012 by Dan Prescher
When my wife, Suzan Haskins, and I moved overseas in 2001, we had no idea how much we didn’t know about living abroad. But we learned quickly. I still remember trying to figure out the nuts and bolts of Spanish hardware…literally.
Get a Safe Deposit Box OverseasPosted on January 18, 2012 by Robert Bauman
A safe deposit box is just a lockable metal box or drawer, inside a bank or private vault, which is used for safely storing your valuables. And the annual rent for a safe deposit box can be as little as $500. On a traditional safe deposit box there are two different keys, both of which must be used to open the box. One key (usually two copies of it) is given to you as the box renter.
Cutting-Edge Wealth ProtectionPosted on January 16, 2012 by Robert Bauman
These islands are an independent country joined in “free association” with New Zealand. It has its own government and court system, the New Zealand dollar is the local currency, and it definitely qualifies as what used to be called a “tax haven,” now replaced by the politically correct term “offshore financial center.” Fifteen in all, their beaches are of white-powdered sands, the waters aquamarine and turquoise, and the climate ideal.
The Best Retiree Benefits in the World in 2012Posted on January 10, 2012 by International Living
There are a number of special benefits, discounts and breaks you can gain access to as a retiree overseas. Some countries stand out for the amount and quality of benefits they offer foreign retirees. Panama tops the category with an organized program of discounts and perks called the pensionado. The program is open to foreigners and there’s no minimum age requirement.
Expat 101: Overseas Finances Made EasyPosted on January 5, 2012 by Suzan Haskins
If you’re a U.S. citizen you’ll never be able to walk away from the dollar completely—even if you move overseas. Likewise if you’re a Canadian or citizen of another country—it’s hard to totally divorce yourself from your national currency. Here are two reasons why…
The World’s Top Retirement Havens in 2012Posted on December 31, 2011 by International Living
Look at the right places beyond our borders today, and you’ll find you have more good choices than ever for a comfortable – even a pampered – retirement. In any one of our top 19 havens for 2012, a lifestyle well beyond your reach in the States could be yours for pennies on the dollar. In this, our annual Global Retirement Index, we bring you the top choices available on the planet today.
Solid Advice About Moving OverseasPosted on December 27, 2011 by Dan Prescher
Years ago we’d talk confidently about the benefits of Mexico versus Argentina…or Ecuador versus Costa Rica. I’m finding that we don’t do that as much these days.
The Problem With These IL Countries is…Posted on December 21, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
It’s impossible to compare and contrast the merits or disadvantages of entire countries. It’s not because there aren’t differences between entire countries… there are obvious and, sometimes, major ones. The visa choices and requirements of Belize may be a better match for you than those of Nicaragua. Panama’s tax laws may meet your needs better than those of Costa Rica right now.
The World’s Best Retirement HavensPosted on December 20, 2011 by anon
Look at the right places beyond our borders today, and you’ll find you have more good choices than ever for a comfortable – even a pampered – retirement. In any one of our top 19 havens for 2012, a lifestyle well beyond your reach in the States could be yours for pennies on the dollar.
The Overseas Cell Phone FixPosted on October 27, 2011 by Lee Harrison
When traveling abroad with an eye toward retiring or buying a second home, you’re going to need a local phone number. This allows you to make inexpensive local calls while you’re overseas. And, just as importantly, it allows local people to call you.
Caribbean Beach Bargains in the Dominican RepublicPosted on October 17, 2011 by Len Galvin
Columbus landed in the Dominican Republic in 1492—the same year he “discovered” some of the other Caribbean islands. Like those other islands, the Dominican Republic is ringed by white sand beaches and coconut palms. Unspoiled towns boast stone churches and candy-colored home facades.
Take Back the Retirement You DeservePosted on October 15, 2011 by Len Galvin
Timing is critical when it comes to rescuing your retirement. Now more than ever, hard-working folks just like you are asking themselves: How do I do it? Do I work longer, try to save more… or do I have another option? Our response: You have lots of options.
Shock Announcement About the Easiest Place to RetirePosted on October 10, 2011 by Lee Harrison
Choosing a destination that’s easy to retire in can often mean missing out on the wonder, awe and adventure of a new land and a new beginning.
Spend as Much Time as You Want in Your 2 Favorite CitiesPosted on September 27, 2011 by Marsha Swan
I’ve always loved to travel, so when I had to decide between the freedom of working for myself…and the stability of a full-time job, it was no contest—I quit. Since then, I get to travel more-or-less whenever I want. I’ve spent lots of time in Paris, France and am still based in one of my favorite cities: Dublin, Ireland. (Plus, I only work about 30 hours a week.)
IL’s Calendar of Events: Ecuador…Costa Rica…Las VegasPosted on August 22, 2011 by International Living
Winner of the 2011 Global Retirement Index, Ecuador offers sophisticated historical cities…miles of unspoiled, sun-kissed beaches…fertile farmland…and temperate mountain hideaways…and all of it for pennies on the dollar.
A Victim of My Own AnalysisPosted on August 22, 2011 by Lee Harrison
International Living’s Retirement Index always brings back fond memories of my own analysis that preceded my first move abroad. My means of choosing a country back then was simple. I only studied the categories on the Index that were important to me and threw out the countries that didn’t score well in those areas. Cost of living was high on my list…as were climate and real estate. I didn’t particularly care about the ratings for political stability, or the ability to get half-price movie tickets.
Overseas Retirement Made Easy and AffordablePosted on August 16, 2011 by Eoin Bassett
What makes a place “easy?” First, it’s not too far from home. If you need to get back for an emergency or friends and family want to visit, it’s not a chore. When you can still get many of the same goods and services you’re used to, culture shock won’t disorient you.
Video: Need-to-Know Health Insurance Tips in PanamaPosted on August 10, 2011 by Jessica Ramesch
International Living Panama editor, Jessica Ramesch, talks to Kevin Bradley of Ducruet, who has been an insurance professional in Panama for decades. In this video, he and his business partner Gonzalo discuss health insurance tips that could save you valuable time and money.
Belize Uncensored: The VideoPosted on August 4, 2011 by Len Galvin
International Living editors Dan Prescher and Suzan Haskins have just returned from a two-week, in-depth exploration of Belize. They covered every inch of this English-speaking Caribbean playground, from the mountains to the mainland to the islands. From popular cayes to beautiful, low-cost alternatives. In fact, they’ve been coming to Belize for almost 20 years.
Fund Your Dream Life: Teach English OverseasPosted on July 23, 2011 by Glynna Prentice
Libby Rush is finishing up a year teaching English at a small foreign language school in Campeche, Mexico. It’s been “a wonderful experience,” she says—and she’s already considering where she may teach next. Ecuador, Honduras and Nicaragua are on her short list—as are some other cities in Mexico.
“I Reinvented Myself in Spain…”Posted on July 21, 2011 by Barry OLeary
In 2003 I was working as a sales representative in London, but I was restless and unhappy. Deep down I knew life was about more than just money and I was curious to learn about other cultures so I did a course in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language).
Boca Chica: Panama’s (Still) Hidden ParadisePosted on July 20, 2011 by Dan Prescher
“I had no idea it was like this,” my wife Suzan said. “This part of the coast is like Pirates of the Caribbean!” We were standing on the dock of Seagull Cove Lodge, a tidy little boutique hotel just outside the village of Boca Chica in Panama’s Chiriquí Province.
Is the Easiest Place Really the Right Place for You?Posted on July 20, 2011 by Lee Harrison
I retired abroad almost 10 years ago. And since then, I’ve re-retired and relocated a few more times, just to continue the adventure I started back in 2001. I’ve accumulated a large body of personal knowledge about where to retire…and how to evaluate retirement destinations.
Save a Lot of Money on Health Care in Costa Rica…and Have a Great Vacation, TooPosted on July 18, 2011 by Nancy French
We had traveled extensively in Mexico and Central America, but had missed out on Costa Rica. We decided this would be our opportunity to explore the country as well as take care of my husband Alan’s dental needs.
It’s Easy To Make New Friends in Costa RicaPosted on July 7, 2011 by International Living
We first visited Costa Rica when our cruise ship docked in the country’s Pacific port of Caldera in 1994. From then on we visited as often as we could, taking relocation tours and thoroughly exploring the country. We wanted to stretch our small Social Security income and knew that retirement in the U.S. was out of the question.
The Best Places to Make Money as a Travel Writer in PanamaPosted on July 7, 2011 by Jessica Ramesch
I’ve been writing for International Living for about five years. At seminars, attendees often tell me they’d love to have my job. But anyone who enjoys writing can take a stab at it.
Gringo Price in Panama: $250k…Local Price: $105kPosted on July 4, 2011 by Jessica Ramesch
I was sitting across from a young go-getter at a trendy sushi spot in the cool part of town. Let’s call him Bob. “I’ve been looking for a condo—as an investment and to live in for a while,” said Bob. “I think I may have finally found the right one.”
Unpatriotic?Posted on June 30, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
“I don’t like being called an ex-patriot,” my friend Jack said. He’s a former elected official and about as red-white-and-blue as they come. His wife is a former trial judge. But now that they’re retired they’ve chosen to live in Ecuador…for the adventure, the pleasurable lifestyle, and definitely for the lower cost of living.
IL Radio Episode 19: American Family Open Popular Sports Bar in Corozal, BelizePosted on June 29, 2011 by Dan Prescher
Scott and Nancy Rifenbark and their kids had a dream… to someday live and work in a tropical paradise. They found the answer to that dream faster than they thought…in Belize.
Move Overseas: Why You Should Focus on Specific LocationsPosted on June 29, 2011 by Dan Prescher
My wife Suzan and I have been living abroad for so long in so many places now that we’ve almost stopped talking about the merits or disadvantages of entire countries.
How to Avoid Paying $500 a Month for Health InsurancePosted on June 27, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
Health insurance costs are far more affordable in many countries outside the U.S. Find out how from IL’s Suzan Haskins.
3 Retirement Secrets: Swiss Pensions, Brazilian Banks, Solo 401kPosted on June 24, 2011 by Len Galvin
Subscribers to International Living magazine regularly learn of little-known retirement and investment opportunities, like the ones I’m about to reveal—straight from the current issue of the magazine…
The Best Restaurants in Panama City: Exotic, Exciting and ElegantPosted on June 23, 2011 by Jessica Ramesch
Today, the best restaurants in Panama City aren’t necessarily the fanciest (and the most pretentious tend to have impressive “barks” but may fail to deliver when it comes time to bite).
A Road Trip To Find The Best Places to Live in Costa RicaPosted on June 23, 2011 by Dan Prescher
As we drove around last month on our latest reconnaissance trip, we were happy to find that Costa Rica still offers great value as an affordable retirement and second-home destination…along with some of the most beautiful scenery and forward-looking ecological policies anywhere on earth.
IL Radio Episode 18: Safe and Happy in Merida, MexicoPosted on June 22, 2011 by Dan Prescher
The life paths of Kate Barron and Gary DeRose were about as far apart as they could be…until they crossed in Merida, Mexico. In this weeks’ episode, they tell us what brought them to Mexico’s beautiful and historic Yucatan capital and how they’ve made themselves at home there.
The Cheater’s Guide to Funding a Life Overseas…Posted on June 22, 2011 by Maryann Ullman
We’ve all gone on vacation and fallen in love with a place. You promise yourself you’ll visit again…but you really wish you never had to go home at all. Well you don’t, necessarily. You can figure out a way to stay. I did…
Ecuador Crafts – a Buy and Sell GuidePosted on June 21, 2011 by Jessica Ramesch
We are in Cotacachi, Ecuador, for the day. Here, one long road I’ve dubbed Leather Lane makes up the main drag…as far as shopping goes, that is. The street smells heavenly—of good quality, new leather. I could find something to please every single person I know here.
7 Work-from-Anywhere TipsPosted on June 20, 2011 by Adrian Leeds
For almost 17 years Paris has been my home, and for all that time I’ve worked from my portable U.S. office… living the dream I had for so many years to be rooted in the City of Light.
