Exchanging your current life for a brand-new one in another country is a big decision. For many, moving overseas provides a wonderful adventure with significantly reduced living expenses. Many also experience an overall improvement in lifestyle, but there will be challenges along the way—so it’s best to be prepared.
If you’ve already decided to leave your home country, you’ll soon face many important decisions. Whether you’re retiring on a fixed income or shifting to a traveling digital nomad lifestyle, the number of potential destinations can feel overwhelming.
Your decision likely started as a dream—perhaps picturing yourself on a beach, a golf course, or strolling through cobblestone streets, visiting artisan shops, and enjoying local food. We all have dreams, and they lay the foundation for our plans.
Here are some key factors to consider as you develop your plan to move abroad.
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Where Should You Go? What Country and What City?
Deciding where to go is likely the most important challenge faced by those considering leaving their home country. International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index is an invaluable resource in your exploration.
Future expats often spend months or even years researching—corresponding with those who have already made the move, subscribing to relevant publications and blogs, using online resources, and sometimes spending thousands of dollars visiting potential destinations. In the end, regardless of how much research you do, the only way to truly determine if a country is right for you is to spend an extended period there. A two-week visit is nothing more than a vacation.
And before you begin, understand that no choice will be perfect—so don’t seek perfection. Perfection exists only in your fantasies. Instead, look for the flaws—the “warts”—that exist everywhere. Then, choose the best compromise—the place whose downsides you can tolerate and which comes the closest to meeting your priorities. It may feel like an enormous decision, but what if something goes wrong? You’ll figure it out. You’ll bloom where you are planted. The good will far outweigh any annoyances. After all, plenty of people are already living happy, fulfilling lives there, right? Just don’t forget to bring your own happiness with you.
There is no single, correct way to become an expat. You can do it your way. Many people start slowly, spending just three to six months a year in their adopted country. They keep one foot in each life, gradually spending more and more time abroad. Others jump right in, committing to full-time expat life with no looking back.
If you move abroad and discover it’s not a good fit, you can always move again. Living overseas doesn’t have to be a lifetime commitment—it can be just a chapter in your life if you want it to be. Some expats become “half-pats,” splitting their time between two countries. Others try multiple destinations before finding the right fit. There are no rules.
Certainly, do all the research you need to feel comfortable, but understand that you won’t have all the answers before you go. Moving to another country is a leap of faith—a jump off the bridge where you learn to fly on the way down. The greatest advantage you can have is confidence in yourself—knowing that you will be able to handle whatever challenges come your way. Ironically, it’s often in our later years—when change becomes more difficult—that we decide to move abroad.
If you’re moving with a partner, their support is crucial. This isn’t the time to drag someone along who isn’t on board for the adventure.
Regardless of which country or region you ultimately choose, you are the key to your own success. The country itself won’t be the challenge—your ability to adapt to change will determine your experience.
And when the time comes to celebrate a few years of expat life with new friends, in your new home, you’ll look back and relish the journey. You’ll laugh at your language mistakes and cultural missteps but applaud your decision and the life you’ve built. You’ll take pride in the challenges you overcame and the adventures that shaped you.
You, my friend, are an adventurer.
The First Thing to Do
Unfortunately, some people find a location that seems ideal in every way but fails to meet their visa requirements. Factors such as income thresholds and permitted employment vary from country to country and can change at any time. It is crucial to obtain the most up-to-date visa requirements from an official source (Facebook is not an official source) before making firm plans.
Once you have created a wish list of appealing destinations (three to five locations is a good starting point), your next step is to ensure you qualify for residency in those places. Most countries offer multiple visa options, each with different qualifications and requirements.
Some countries have specific visas for retirees, students, and workers, each with income requirements and other criteria. Others offer digital nomad and tourist visas, which have specific permitted lengths of stay. Many visas also outline employment restrictions, though online work is typically exempt.
Countries like Mexico offer permanent and temporary residency visas with flexible stay options. Others require periodic renewals or exits. Digital nomads and remote workers have different visa needs—some prefer short stays, while others seek long-term residency.
Your New Home: Should You Rent or Buy?
Conventional wisdom suggests that expats should rent for at least six to 12 months before purchasing a home in their new country. The truth is, nearly all expats go through an initial “honeymoon” phase, where they are enchanted by their new surroundings. Compared to life back home, the fruits and vegetables seem fresher, the people friendlier, the landscape more beautiful, and the climate more pleasant—all for a fraction of the cost. What’s not to love?
However, after about six months, you may start noticing inconveniences. The power goes out when it rains, the internet service can be unreliable, and the local gas station occasionally runs out of fuel with delayed resupply. Of the three ATMs in town, only one works consistently, and even it sometimes runs out of cash. Then, you may discover that another town, just two hours away, doesn’t have these issues—and suddenly, you’re rethinking your location choice.
Real estate agents and developers may encourage quick purchases, but knowing exactly where you want to live is crucial. Renting first allows you to fully understand your new community before committing financially.
How Should You Manage Your Money?
There are two main options for managing your money when moving overseas. You can either keep your existing U.S. bank accounts, with your monthly income deposited as usual, or open a bank account in your new country and have some or all of your funds transferred there. Each option comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Foreign banks may offer higher interest rates and fee-free local access but may lack U.S.-style deposit protections. Opening an account is often easy, requiring only a passport and modest deposit, though some countries require a residency visa.
Social Security payments and most pensions can be electronically deposited into foreign banks, just as they are with U.S. banks. Many foreign banks also issue ATM and credit cards.
If you decide to keep your U.S. accounts, you can access funds with your current ATM cards, subject to withdrawal limits and fees. For large purchases—such as a car or real estate—you can electronically transfer funds from your U.S. bank to a foreign seller’s account, though additional fees and currency exchange rates will apply. However, major purchases don’t happen often, and for everyday expenses, using a debit card for moderate transactions is a secure and convenient option.
What About My Mail?
If you’ve resisted going digital with your communications and still receive physical mail at home, it’s time to make a change. Go paperless whenever possible. International mail is expensive to send and receive, takes a long time, and can be unreliable, depending on the country.
Despite your best efforts, some government agencies insist on sending official communications via traditional mail. The IRS, Social Security Administration, and Veterans Affairs are a few examples. Banks and credit card companies also send replacement cards by mail, and legal documents often require a physical address. Because of this, you will need to maintain a U.S. mailing address.
Many expats rely on family or a mail forwarding service to scan, shred, or forward important documents.
Leaving Family and Friends Behind
One major reason expats return home is missing family, especially grandchildren. Missing friends and family is a tough issue. When planning your budget, be sure to include an allowance for family visits once or twice per year, or more if your budget permits. And, of course, your family can always come to visit you.
Between visits, video chat services like FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Google Meet help maintain connections.
Video chats, phone calls, exchanging photos, and periodic visits will go a long way in staying connected with those you love, even if they are far away.
Making New Friends Is Easier Than You May Think
Having friends is part of our normal social structure, no matter where we live. Thanks to the internet, you can start building connections before you even arrive in your new country.
During your research, you likely found several Facebook groups made up of expats and locals living in the country—or even the city—where you’re moving. You’ve exchanged messages, gathered information, and found them to be incredibly helpful. These individuals have all been in your position before and can help pave the way for your transition.
When we first landed at Quito airport in Ecuador, we were greeted by internet friends we had been talking to for months. They even arranged our first apartment for us.
These first friends will introduce you to more expats in the area. There will be parties, shared meals, a familiar language, and shared frustrations. Not everyone you meet will become a close friend—just like anywhere else—but you’ll have a network of people to turn to for answers and assistance during your first six months.
It’s normal to gravitate toward fellow expats who speak your language, especially when you first arrive. But try not to get stuck in that rut. Practice your new language with your neighbors, store clerks, and vendors you regularly interact with. Learn their names and ask about their families. They’ll likely be excited to have an expat friend, and before long, you may find yourself invited to a local celebration.
It will all happen in the new language you’re learning, and you’ll struggle with vocabulary and pronunciation—but that’s part of the process.
Despite any initial awkwardness, it’s important to interact, even briefly, with locals in your new country. A local friend can provide cultural and bureaucratic insights that other expats simply cannot. Being immersed in your new language and making mistakes daily will accelerate your learning. Laugh at your errors—they’ll be numerous at first, but they’re part of the journey.
What Do You Do with All Your Stuff?
For most people, deciding what to do with all their belongings is one of the biggest challenges of moving abroad. Many of us grew up in a culture that encourages collecting possessions, so this decision is as emotional as it is practical.
There are two main approaches when it comes to handling your belongings:
1. Bring everything to your new country.
2. Sell everything and relocate with only the essentials that fit in your suitcases.
For many, cost is the deciding factor. Moving furniture and personal items overseas typically costs thousands of dollars—often far more than it would cost to buy new essentials once you arrive. Some countries allow household goods to be imported tax-free, while others impose high tariffs and fees. Importing goods can be complicated, so be sure to research regulations in your new country before making a decision.
Many expats take a middle-ground approach—bringing a few extra comfort items that will help them feel at home. If you’re considering this, check your new country’s tariffs and fees on imported goods. Understanding these rules and costs will help guide your decision.
My advice? Sell it all. Take only what fits in your airline luggage allowance. You can buy everything you need once you arrive in your new home, and in doing so, you’ll save thousands of dollars.
Surrendering Your Brand Loyalties
Madison Avenue has spent decades and billions of dollars ensuring that you stay loyal to the brands you use. And let’s be honest—you’ve been influenced. We all have. But moving abroad will require you to break up with many of your favorites.
Your go-to peanut butter, coffee, beer, or ketchup—if available—will likely cost far more in your new country than a local brand. The same applies to personal hygiene products like soap, shampoo, and makeup. Even if you find your preferred brands, they may be two or three times the price of locally produced alternatives.
So, here’s what you do: Six to eight months before you leave, start buying off-brand products in every category. Wean yourself off Skippy and Jif, Budweiser, and your usual morning cereal. Walk past your usual choices and try different brands.
And while you’re at it, start using your non-dominant hand as much as possible—it’s good for the brain. Also, consider taking language classes. Your new life is all about adapting to change, and it’s never too early to start.
Learning the Language of Your Adopted Country
Learning a new language should be near the top of your priority list—it will likely be your greatest challenge but also the most impactful part of your new life. You must become functional in the language of your new country.
Imagine living in the U.S. or Canada without speaking a single word of English. While you don’t need to achieve fluency immediately, you must be able to communicate your needs and wants—and understand responses.
It’s not necessary to understand every word or speak with perfect grammar. That won’t happen for a while. You can get by speaking in simple, broken sentences. “Tarzan Talk” is perfectly acceptable at first, and locals will appreciate your efforts.
Simple phrases—even if grammatically incorrect—will help you navigate daily life. Being able to say “Me hungry. Want food.” will get things moving in any restaurant.
My wife, Diane, and I have tried nearly every learning method while working on our Spanish. After 14 years in Latin America, we’ve used online courses, private lessons, group classes, and daily conversations with locals. Diane loved private tutoring, but for me… not so much.
When it comes to learning a new language, one size does not fit all. Find what works for you and stick with it.
Digital Nomads and Remote Workers
Remote work peaked during the COVID-19 crisis, when many employers were forced to adopt remote work arrangements. Millions of workers worldwide transitioned to working from home, and after the pandemic receded, many chose to continue working remotely. Before long, working from home became working from anywhere with an internet connection.
Employers were divided on this shift, and that division remains evident today.
Many workers who successfully adapted to remote work realized they could work from virtually anywhere, so they packed up and left.
Here are a handful of top destinations favored by these digital nomads:
Thailand – Affordable cost of living, rich culture, and incredible food. Chiang Mai is a major digital nomad hub.
Portugal – A welcoming expat environment with a Non-Habitual Residence (NHR) visa program and pleasant climate.
Mexico – Warm climate, vibrant culture, and flexible visa options. Tourists can stay up to 180 days without a visa. A Temporary Resident Visa is required for longer stays.
Indonesia – Bali is a hotspot for nomads, offering beautiful beaches, wellness retreats, and a low cost of living.
Costa Rica – Known for lush rainforests, exotic wildlife, and a relaxed lifestyle.
Finally…
Do not let fear be the thief that steals the life you could have.
The World’s Best Retirement Havens for 2025
The World’s Best Retirement Havens for 2025
20 Countries Compared, Contrasted, Ranked, and Rated. You don’t have to be rich to enjoy a pampered retirement, you just need to know where to go. With our 34th Annual Global Retirement Index, our experts hand you a detailed roadmap. Details—and a Special Offer—Here
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to IL Postcards and special offers from International Living and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.