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.
Harry W. Says: What’s the tipping culture in Panama? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Harry, In Panama City, which is a cosmopolitan capital with world-class restaurants, sometimes people will tip 15-20% for an excellent meal, though for most cafeteria-type places 10% is just fine. Outside of Panama City, generally 10% is fine. Restaurants Read more...: What’s the Tipping Culture Like in Panama?
Jim S. Says: Where is the Riviera Maya in Mexico? IL Mexico Correspondent Bel Woodhouse Says: Hi Jim, The Riviera Maya stretches from Cancún to Tulum on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It’s one of the world’s premier beach destinations thanks to its white sands, blue Caribbean waters, and warm weather year round. Plus, thanks to the Read more...: Where is the Riviera Maya in Mexico?
Alec S. Says: Do I need adapters 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 will Read more...: Do I Need Adapters for Appliances in Ecuador?
Lydia P. Says: Are there English-speaking retirement homes in France? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Lydia, France has more than 10,000 retirement homes (maison de retraite), both in the private and public sector. But despite the increasingly large number of English-speakers retiring in France, there are very few options for English-speaking seniors seeking Read more...: Are There English-Speaking Retirement Homes in France?
Jeff G. Says: Do you have any suggestions about the most reliable way to buy a used car in France? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hello Jeff, My husband and I purchased two used cars thanks to the Le Bon Coin website, known as the Craigslist of France. Both have been from individual owners, Read more...: What’s the Best Way to Buy a Used Car in France?
Brian L. Says: What do I need to know about getting a tourist visa for Ecuador? Is there a way to extend its duration? IL Contributor Fiona Mitchell Writes: When you enter Ecuador, you will receive a passport stamp, commonly called a T-3, allowing you to stay in the country for 90 days within a Read more...: How Do I Get a Tourist Visa for Ecuador?
Catherine N. Says: What countries/cities allow you to bring (two little) dogs without quarantine? That’s my biggest concern. IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Writes: Hi Catherine, Each country has its own rules and documents, which can change over time. The best place to start research is at the USDA Pet Travel website, which covers requirements Read more...: What Countries Can I Bring my Dogs to Without a Quarantine?
Rich K. Says: I’m looking to retire to Costa Rica and need to get off square one. I love the mountains and nature, and would like to live in a semi remote region but close enough to medical care and shopping. Do you have any advice? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Rich, Read more...: Where do You Recommend in Costa Rica Close to Medical Care and Shopping?
Joel K. Says: I’m American, born and bred, but one of my parents is English. Does that mean I can get a British passport? Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Joel, Like a surprising number of countries, the United Kingdom’s approach to ancestral citizenship is complicated by numerous legal changes over the years. The Read more...: I’m from the US, but Have One English Parent—Can I Get a British Passport?
James P. Says: I would like to know how much cash I can bring into Costa Rica legally? Does one have to pay taxes on this amount? Thanks and I am excited about attending your conference in October that I have already signed up for. IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi James, How Read more...: How Much Cash Can I Bring to Costa Rica?