Welcome to the International Living mailbag, your repository of questions posed to our expert expats by your fellow subscribers.
We’ve spent over 40 years digging deep on the best places in the world to retire. In that time, our editors, correspondents, and longtime contributors have built up a wealth of expertise.
And it’s all at your fingertips, right here, as an International Living subscriber.
Take a look below at the questions we’ve been asked, and the expert responses.
And remember, if you’ve got a question you’d like answered, simply send it to mailbag@internationalliving.com and you could see it featured right here.
H. Asanté S. Says: I’m planning to move to Costa Rica, but I will start kidney dialysis soon. What are my options for this in Costa Rica? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Asanté, The first thing to consider is that getting your residency in Costa Rica is a process, and you are not covered Read more...: Where can I get Kidney Dialysis in Costa Rica
Rob A. Says: A while ago one of your columnists suggested purchasing Swiss francs as a hedge against volatility with the US dollar. How would one go about that? What are the tax implications? Would you keep assets in Swiss accounts? Purchase stock in Swiss companies? Personal Finance Expert Jeff Opdyke Says: Hi Rob, That Read more...: How can I Purchase Swiss Francs?
Bob S. Says: I’m thinking of selling my home in North Carolina and moving to Panama. I will only have the proceeds from the house and my Social Security. What type of taxes would I have to pay? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Bob, Panama actually doesn’t tax savings or your foreign income. Read more...: What Taxes Will a US Citizen Have to Pay in Panama?
Eny L. Says: My partner and I have been together for over 30 years. We would like to know if being a gay couple would cause an issue in Belize. IL Belize Correspondent Shane Kenny Says: Hi Eny, In the more popular expat areas of Belize general acceptance of the LBGTQ+ community is growing… thanks Read more...: Would a Gay Couple Have Issues in Belize?
Jonas B Says: How safe is it in Panama? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Jonas, Whether you’re comparing crime statistics, tourist guides, or travel advisories for the region’s different countries, you’ll find that Panama is one of the safest countries in Latin America. In fact, Panama ranks at number 68 in World Population Read more...: How Safe is it in Panama?
Mark F. Says: I have lived overseas in Grand Cayman for five years. However, I don’t think I can acquire citizenship there. Would you point me to any countries that may have easier entry requirements? Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Mark, You are correct. The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory. Although Read more...: Which Countries are the Easiest to get Citizenship In?
Rob J. Says: What would you recommend for the top five Caribbean islands to live on and why? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Rob, Mention the word Caribbean and most people think of Barbados, Puerto Rico, Antigua… crystal clear waters and white sand beaches. Great for a vacation, but moving there… just too Read more...: What Would you Recommend for the Top Five Caribbean Islands to Live On and Why?
Sally N. Says: What proof do you need to show grandparents were from another country? And who do you submit it to for a second passport? Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Sally, Every country has its own rules about ancestral citizenship. Most countries grant citizenship to children born to one or more of Read more...: How do I Prove my Grandparents Were From Another Country?
Linda S. Says: We’re two California seniors who would like to retire in Ireland. We already know most of the requirements, but we have one question we just can’t seem to find the answer to. The question is: Assuming we’re granted residency and fulfill the first year requirement of 183 days in the country, are Read more...: If I get Residency in Ireland, can I Stay in Europe with a US Passport?
Darren R. Says: Will you offer either a recording of the Belize Now event? I know several friends who are interested in the information (myself included) yet lack the availability to attend your session on February 7. IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Darren, Of course. Your ticket for our Belize Now online seminar Read more...: Will your Belize Now Seminar be Recorded?