What is an Expat? What Does it Mean to be an Expat or Expatriate?

By the editors and correspondents of International Living

“Am I really an expat now?”

I remember the first time I heard someone refer to me as an expat. I was standing in line at a pharmacy in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, squinting at a bottle of something I thought might be aspirin. The American couple behind me said with a smile, “You must be new expats here.”

At the time, I laughed nervously and said, “I guess so.” I had no idea what that word actually meant—not really.

Now, years later, with my feet firmly planted in my adopted home, I know exactly what it means.

And I’m not the only one.

At International Living, we’ve helped thousands of people transition from dreaming about life overseas to actually doing it. Our writers—real-life expats—live in the places they write about. From the cobblestone streets of Portugal to the beach towns of Ecuador, their stories answer one fundamental question:

What does it really mean to be an expat?

The Simple Definition of an Expat

Let’s start with the basics.

An expat—short for expatriate—is someone who chooses to live in a country other than the one they were born in.

That’s it. There’s no age requirement, no income threshold, no passport criteria. You don’t need to speak a foreign language fluently or sell all your belongings (although some do). You just need to have made the decision to live abroad.

But beyond the dictionary definition, being an expat means something much deeper.

It’s a lifestyle. A shift in perspective. A conscious choice to explore what life can be like outside the place you’ve always known.

Not Just for the Elite—or the Young

There’s a misconception that expats are mostly high-paid executives relocated by multinational companies, or digital nomads in their 20s hopping from café to café with a laptop and a latte.

Sure, those people exist. But they’re a small slice of the whole pie.

Here at International Living, we hear from:

• Retired couples who’ve found paradise in Panama for a fraction of what they paid in the U.S.

• Single women in their 50s and 60s who’ve built entire communities in Portugal and Costa Rica.

• Remote workers tired of high costs and long commutes, now thriving in Mexico or Colombia.

• Adventurous souls in their 70s, finally living the life they always dreamed of, surrounded by good weather, great food, and welcoming locals.

Take Barbara from Italy, for example. At 67, she moved to a hilltop town in Le Marche with her husband and says, “I’ve never felt more at home. We walk to the market. We drink local wine that costs less than a cup of coffee in the States. We laugh more here.”

That’s the power of expat life—it’s available to anyone willing to explore it.

Expat vs. Immigrant: What’s the Difference?

This is a question we get all the time.

Isn’t an expat just an immigrant with a nicer label?

Technically speaking, both terms describe people who live in a country not their own. But culturally and colloquially, the intent often sets them apart.

• Expats are usually viewed as choosing to live abroad, often temporarily or semi-permanently.

• Immigrants are more often seen as people settling permanently in a new country, often for economic or family reasons.

But the truth is, the distinction doesn’t matter as much as it used to. Many expats eventually become residents or citizens. And many immigrants start their journeys the same way—curious, hopeful, and searching for something better.

“I came to Costa Rica for six months,” says Gordon, one of our longtime correspondents. “That was 14 years ago. My temporary rental is now my forever home.”

What Does It Take to Be an Expat?

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be fearless. You just need to be curious.

Being an expat isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about being open to figuring it out as you go.

The core ingredients?

• Flexibility: Things don’t always work the way they do back home.

• Patience: Bureaucracy can be slow. Learning a new culture takes time.

• A sense of humor: Getting your tongue twisted in Spanish or ordering the wrong meal isn’t a failure—it’s part of the fun.

• A willingness to learn: Every day brings something new. That’s the gift.

The Real Life of an Expat: Not a Vacation—A Life

Let’s be honest. Most people imagine being an expat is like being on permanent vacation.

And while there are cocktails at sunset and breathtaking views, most expats will tell you that daily life still includes laundry, dentist appointments, traffic, and grocery runs.

The difference is… you’re doing it all in a new rhythm. Often at a slower, more intentional pace.

“I used to rush everywhere,” says Karen, an expat in Cuenca, Ecuador. “Now I walk. I take my time. I talk to my neighbors. I actually see the people around me.”

You still have routines. But they’re usually simpler. A morning café con leche in Spain. A trip to the mercado for avocados in Mexico. Picking up fresh bread in Portugal before the baker sells out.

There’s something deeply grounding in creating a new “normal” abroad.

Why People Choose Expat Life

People become expats for all kinds of reasons:

Lifestyle

Many just want a slower, richer life. One with more sunshine, more connection, more joy.

Cost of Living

In much of Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Europe, you can live comfortably on less than $2,000 a month—including rent, healthcare, and dining out.

Healthcare

Believe it or not, some of the best expat destinations offer excellent healthcare—often at a fraction of U.S. prices.

Adventure

Some people crave the newness. They want to learn languages, try different foods, and step off the treadmill of routine.

Relationships

Many follow a spouse or partner. Others find love abroad.

And for some, it’s about reinvention. A second act. A chance to write a different story.

The Challenges—And the Joys

We won’t sugarcoat it. Expat life comes with its own set of challenges:

But over and over again, we hear this:

It’s worth it.

Because once you settle in, something magical happens.

You form community. You gain confidence. You realize you can thrive in a place that once seemed foreign.

And one day, you’ll be the person giving directions in your adopted language. You’ll be the local showing newcomers where to get the best coffee or which days the market has the freshest fish.

That’s when you’ll know: you’re not just living abroad—you’re living fully.

How to Start Your Expat Journey

Ready to explore this life for yourself?

Here’s what we recommend:

• Visit first. Spend 2–3 weeks (or more) in your potential new home.

• Talk to expats. Join Facebook groups. Read our IL reports. Ask questions.

• Research visa options. Many countries have visas designed for retirees or remote workers.

• Budget wisely. Know your monthly income and expenses.

• Stay curious and open. This is about discovering—not having all the answers on day one.

Real Stories from Our International Living Family

“I thought I’d be homesick in Portugal. Instead, I felt more myself than I had in years.” —Shannon, Cascais, Portugal

“My pension goes so much farther in Belize. I have help around the house, I eat well, and I feel healthier than I did in the States.” —Dave, San Ignacio, Belize

“I came to Thailand thinking I’d stay six months. Five years later, I’m still here—and I’ve never looked back.” —Linda, Chiang Mai, Thailand

So… What Is an Expat?

An expat is:

• Someone who’s curious enough to try something new

• Brave enough to step into the unknown

• Smart enough to know that life is short—and the world is wide

You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to ask the right questions.

Like: Could I really do this?

If you’ve read this far, the answer is probably yes.

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