4 Reasons Not to Live Overseas

When my wife Christie and I decided to take early retirement and set off overseas, it was far from a madcap, spur-of-the-moment decision. For about a year beforehand, I'd been busy doing my research. I poked around on the internet, found International Living, and discovered there was a whole world of like-minded souls out there, looking for—and finding—ways to live overseas and save money while doing it.

So, for us, it was the smart move. It made good sense. And not just financially. We'd be opening ourselves up to new cultures and experiences, meeting new people, and exploring corners of the world we'd dreamt of seeing for years. But when we broke the news to friends and family, a lot of them thought we'd thrown all common sense out the window.

We've since explored Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and Europe. And friends and family can now see we weren't so crazy after all.

Of course, we're so happy we had the courage to pursue our live-overseas dream, but the truth is there was a time when even we questioned our decision and mulled over reasons not to go. So, if you're asking yourself the same things I once was, I hope this will help…

Reason 1: "I'm just not the type…"

What? Me? Yes, you. You might imagine the sort of people who choose to move overseas are bold, adventurous types who wouldn't think twice about having boiled scorpion for breakfast.

Of course, they exist, but the expats we've met are much more normal: teachers, homemakers, office administrators. Mostly, they're quiet sorts—they enjoy a beer or two, a good chat, a nice meal, nothing too flashy. They'd rather relax on the beach with a good book than bungy-jump off a bridge with it.

Many have worked hard all their lives. They've scrimped, saved, gone without, and at some point have come to the realization that even all that hasn't been enough to provide them with a comfortable retirement in their home country; rising living costs, fickle government policy, perhaps an unplanned expense, has stolen it from under their noses.

And they've thought, "That's just not good enough."

So they've acted, researched, planned… planned some more, and then taken a leap. Now, the income that would barely sustain them back home is providing them with a life of enjoyment, ease, and even luxury.

They're not societal leftovers, ignored because they no longer have any significant spending power; they're valued and acknowledged. Now they're doing the sorts of things they dreamed about doing, the sort of things they thought they'd never be able to afford.

They're smiling quietly to themselves, feeling the tiniest bit rebellious, realizing they've made a very good decision, and that small risk they took has paid off big-time.

They're enjoying their day in the sun—literally.

Reason 2: "I couldn't possibly afford it!"

Prepare for a pleasant shock.

When I first thought about living overseas, I almost immediately discounted it as being too expensive. I'd seen the figures claiming how cheap it was and had imagined it must have meant a lot of scrimping and saving.

But that's because I was thinking about it in terms of vacationing. Living overseas (I mean staying in one place for weeks or months, rather than days) is a whole different game.

Renting an apartment longer-term is, of course, a lot cheaper than a hotel and even homestays can be surprisingly cheap if you're prepared to negotiate a longer stay. Staying in one place longer means you won't be sightseeing every day, so there's a big saving. And once you pause for more than a few days, you start to work out where the cheap and tasty dining options are.

It usually doesn't take long to find fellow travelers who are happy to share their knowledge and money-saving tips. Moving around a lot costs money, traveling slowly is the key.

Sit down and work out the figures (or talk to one of the experts at the Ultimate Go Overseas Bootcamp). My guess is you'll be in for a pleasant surprise.

Reason 3: "I'd never find enough to do all day…"

Friends back home often ask us, "What do you do all day?" And you know what? I don't need to do anything—and I've now developed the skill to do that all day if I want! Living overseas will provide you with the chance to do… nothing. And isn't that why you've worked so hard?

You'll need some challenges, of course, and many make use of their skills and experience helping others through charity work or even starting a business. We've met people writing books, running bars or accommodation, working on their health and fitness, learning an instrument, and indulging in those hobbies and interests they never had enough time for back home.

It takes some adjustment, but you'll find that just hanging out, enjoying the day, people-watching, and chatting with folks from other countries will take up a lot of your time.

Doesn't that sound like the kind of life you've dreamed of?

Reason 4: "I'd have to give up pork sausages!"

Yes, you might—after all, you're living in a different country now, so things will be different, and if you resist that change, it will get you down.

Favorite things are sometimes hard to get. For me, it's pork sausages—I love 'em! For some, it's crisp toast bread or a slice of gouda, a dollop of crunchy peanut butter, or a decent Cabernet Sauvignon at a reasonable price.

You will almost certainly be living a simpler life overseas.

You won't need as many clothes when dressing for dinner means putting on a fresh t-shirt. We don't own or rent a car and wouldn't bother having one when taxis are so cheap, and many places are a brief and interesting walk away. While we're traveling around the world, we've chosen not to saddle ourselves with souvenirs as we don't want to be lugging them with us.

But it's not a one-sided trade. After a time, many of those things you thought you simply couldn't do without cease to matter.

As that happens, you realize you're losing other things as well. Like stress, and the little things that used to wind you up.

Another thing you'll lose is weight; many just naturally eat better and find that even without trying, they're slimming down. We've met people who were suffering ailments—both trivial and more serious—back home, but have found a simpler life means they're healthier and can even chuck their medications.

And as for those favorite tastes from home, all is not lost. Technology means you don't have to be without your favorite music, TV shows, or publications. Or lose touch with people.

I've turned my passion for pork sausages into a game searching for "The Holy Grail of Sausage". You can get good wine if you look hard, then when you find it, it's that much more special.

The hardest part of living overseas is the decision to do it. So, if you're realizing that retirement nest egg just isn't going to cut it or that dream job has become a parched landscape of pointless meetings, research your options. There are scores of countries to choose from, hundreds of great towns and cities, and thousands of choices. And it can be as easy as getting on a plane…