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.
Richard C. Says: What sort of requirements do Costa Rica’s government require to move there? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Richard, Costa Rica’s immigration laws offer prospective residents a wide range of options. Expats typically apply for residency through one of three main programs. The Pensionado Program Among the five categories of Read more...: What Requirements Do I Need to Meet to Live in Costa Rica?
Sharon R. Says: I am retired with $2,200 Social Security income. I’m interested in moving to Costa Rica with my 42-year-old daughter and 8-year-old grandson. My daughter will work and help provide. We would have an income of around $2500 a month. Could you recommend a safe area in Costa Rica where we could live Read more...: Can You Recommend a Safe Place in Costa Rica to Live on $2500 a Month?
Greta S. Says: Can you explain Greece’s Financially Independent Persons program and how it affects people from the US? Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Greta, I wrote about the Greek Financially Independent Persons (FIP) program in my most recent Global Citizen service report. Here’s a recap. The FIP is designed for—you guessed it—people Read more...: Can you Explain Greece’s Financially Independent Persons Program?
Joe D. Says: What are the firearms laws like in Spain? IL Contributor Marsha Scarbrough Writes: Gun ownership in Spain is highly regulated. The bearing of arms by civilians is not considered a right but a privilege that may be granted by the government if legal conditions are met. Guns are regulated by the Ministry Read more...: What are Spain’s Firearm Laws?
John C. Says: We’re planning a one-week Costa Rica vacation in July. Four adults, three teenagers. What inoculations are recommended? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi John, No vaccines are required when entering Costa Rica from the US, Canada, or Europe. The CDC recommends hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, and rabies Read more...: Do I Need to Get Vaccines to Visit Costa Rica?
Ted J. Says: What is the current minimum monthly pension income amount required to qualify for long-term living in Mexico? IL Mexico Correspondent Bel Woodhouse Says: Hi Ted, To be eligible for permanent residency in Mexico, you need to show income, or pension, in at least six months of bank statements with a balance of Read more...: What is the Minimum Pension Income to Live in Mexico Long-Term?
R.M. C. Says: What is the best way to invest in bitcoin? Personal Finance Expert Jeff Opdyke Says: Thanks for the question. This is a great time to be getting into bitcoin! We’re currently in the early stages of a third bull market for crypto, as you’ll know if you’re a regular reader of Read more...: What’s the Best Way to Invest in Bitcoin?
Julie D. Says: Are there retirement homes in Ecuador? IL Contributor Fiona Mitchell Says: Hi Julie, Although Ecuador has a large population of citizens and expats in the “tercer edad” (third age—meaning 65 and over), the idea of assisted living facilities as they exist in North America has been slow to catch on. You can Read more...: Are There Retirement Homes in Ecuador?
Mike R. Says: I’m thinking about visiting Costa Rica, and I know you can’t bring a firearm into the country. Are you allowed to carry a stun gun legally in Costa Rica? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Mike, Stun guns are widely available for purchase by the general public in Costa Rica, Read more...: Am I Legally Allowed to Carry a Stun Gun in Costa Rica?
Paul D. Says: What’s the best way to land housesitting gigs overseas? IL Roving Correspondent Jim Santos Says: Hi, My wife and I are looking into pet/house sitting overseas as part of our slow travel life we are starting later this month. We’ve registered with trustedhousesitters.com to look for opportunities. So far we’ve applied for several, but Read more...: What’s the Best Way to Land Housesitting Gigs Overseas?