Judith P. Says: I’m going to spend a few months in Cuenca, Ecuador as a test-run. I’ve rented an apartment in the downtown area. What can I expect living there? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Judith, Congratulations on your upcoming trip to Cuenca. It’s a smart idea to spend a few months Read more...: What’s Downtown Cuenca Like?
Sayuri T. Says: I love the idea of Bali’s lifestyle, but as a single woman I worry about safety. How safe is Bali, really? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Sayuri, In general, Bali is a safe destination—as long as you exercise proper caution, just like you would at home. The little precautions Read more...: How Safe is Bali?
Nathan B. Says: I’d like to own a car if I lived in Portugal. But I’ve heard gas is expensive in Europe. Is that true? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Nathan, It’s true, you’ll generally pay more for gas throughout the EU than you would in the U.S. In Portugal, the cost Read more...: Is Gas Expensive in Portugal?
Gary S. Says: I’m planning a visit to Lima, Peru. What do I need to know about using taxis there? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Gary, Great choice on visiting Lima. It’s Peru’s business, culinary, and retail hub and is also home to the country’s largest concentration of expats. Using taxis overseas Read more...: How Do I Use Taxis in Lima, Peru?
Mildred A. Says: Where could I live on my Social Security of $1,500 a month? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Mildred, There are destinations on our beat where you can not just get by on $1,500 a month, but live well. Of course, it depends on the lifestyle you choose. As a Read more...: Where Can I Live on $1,500 a Month?
Alec S. Says: Do I need adaptors for my appliances or power tools in Ecuador? Are there places like Home Depot or Lowe’s down there? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Alec, Ecuador uses 120V supply voltage and most devices come with 2-pin plugs just as in the U.S., so all your devices Read more...: Do I Need Adaptors for Appliances in Ecuador?
Aaron K. Says: Will my U.S. bank cards work when I visit Thailand? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Aaron, Your existing credit and debit cards will likely work in Thailand, but using them can be costly. When you withdraw cash using a foreign card, you’ll be charged an ATM fee of about Read more...: Do U.S. Bank Cards Work in Thailand?
Joe T. Says: My husband and I are interested in Colombia. What is the attitude there to same-sex couples? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Joe, Colombia legalized same-sex marriage in April 2016. Same-sex couples married abroad are now entitled to the same visa, healthcare benefits, and inheritance and pension rights as heterosexual Read more...: Is Colombia Friendly to Same-Sex Couples?
Raymond F. Says: What’s the situation with dental care in France? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Raymond, France has a modern and sophisticated dental system. You will find dentists in practically every town of any size, all of whom are well trained. Basic dental care is efficient and by world standards very Read more...: What is Dental Care Like in France?
Michael H. Says: I really enjoy reading your articles and always dream about spending quality time in the towns and villages you write about. I’m curious how someone would locate a vacant and furnished apartment in any one of these towns—especially Setubal, Braga, Coimbra, or Barcelona. IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Michael, Read more...: How Do I Find a Rental in Portugal?