George G. Says: I’m part Mexican, and speak some Spanish. Would this help me in Uruguay, or is it different there? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi George, Spanish is the official language of Uruguay, so your proficiency in the language will most certainly help you there. All official government business is conducted Read more...: Are Mexican Spanish and Uruguayan Spanish Different?
John W. Says: Do I need to learn the language to live in Thailand? How would I go about this? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi John, That really depends on where in Thailand you would like to live, and how integrated with the locals you plan to get. If you’re living in Read more...: Do I Need to Speak the Language in Thailand?
Cheryl F. Says: I’m considering a move to Spain. I’m a vegetarian, what’s the access like to affordable fresh veggies and fruit there? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Cheryl, When most people think of Spanish food, they go straight to the famous jamón ibérico and other cured meats. But you’ll find plenty Read more...: Is Fresh Produce Affordable in Spain?
Elaine K. Says: Which country is the cheapest to live in? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Elaine, Affordability is often the single-most influential factor in choosing an overseas retirement destination. After all, who wants to spend their golden years counting pennies and wondering how far the next Social Security check will stretch? Read more...: Which Country is the Cheapest to Live In?
Gilles R. Says: I’m a 77-year-old Canadian widower. My late wife and I traveled extensively. She was very organized… I am not. I am looking to find somewhere in Europe away from the hustle and bustle to spend part of the year, perhaps even move full-time—I have the budget to do so. My first language Read more...: I’m Unorganized—Where to Start Planning a Trip?
John C. Says: Are there many expats in Ecuador? Where are the popular places? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi John, Currently, it’s estimated that there are anywhere from 20,000 to 35,000 North Americans and Europeans living in Ecuador. The official numbers are hard to come by. Adding to the difficulty is that Read more...: How Many Expats Are in Ecuador?
Susan F. Says: Is two weeks enough time to scout Costa Rica? How do we know where to stay for those two weeks? And how do we find a real estate agent who will be honest, have patience, and truly knows the country? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Susan, You can certainly Read more...: Can I Scout Costa Rica in 2 Weeks?
Rosalind F. Says: What’s the difference between the EU and the Schengen Zone? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Rosalind, When you start researching Europe as a potential overseas retirement destination, you’ll almost certainly run into that phrase: Schengen Zone. And it can be confusing as to what it actually means. The Schengen Read more...: What’s the Difference Between the EU and the Schengen Zone?
Robin G. Says: Is it better to ship my stuff to Italy or buy new when I get there? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Robin, When moving to Italy, it’s good to keep in mind the old phrase—less is more! Italian Customs Officers, Dogane, are very thorough. Every box and every item must Read more...: Should I Ship Goods to Italy or Buy New When I Arrive?
Vonita C. Says: My husband and I are in the beginning stages of gearing up for retirement. We are thinking that over the next five years we would start visiting different countries for a month at a time. What is the best way to go about spending a month in Portugal? Should we rent via Airbnb Read more...: How Do We Spend a Month in Portugal?