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.
Nadia F. Says: I like the idea of moving to Panama City. I have a few words of Spanish from high school, but I’m a bit nervous about living somewhere people speak it all the time. Do you have any advice? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Nadia, I landed here in 1990 without Read more...: Do you Need to Know Spanish to Live in Panama City?
Gordon & Tanya B. Say: We’re interested in relocating from Canada to Belize. We’re looking at driving our cars down and shipping a contained of household goods—we have a 2011 Honda Ridgeline and a 2022 Subaru. What are our options? Should we apply for temporary residency then permanent after 50 weeks or use the QRP Read more...: Can I Import my Car to Belize?
Jay G. Says: I have heard that Huatulco, Mexico is a beautiful area of Mexico. Can you provide some insights on Huatulco and what makes it such a desirable destination? IL Contributor Jason Holland Writes: Huatulco is a small town in the Mexican state of Oaxaca that in many ways is still emerging as a Read more...: Why is Huatulco, Mexico, Such a Desirable Destination?
Angela A. Says: My husband and I have plans to move to Portugal when he retires. He will be turning 71 and I will be turning 64 this year. How does he receive his Social Security once he retires? Social Security Expert Steve Garfink Says: Hi Angela, First and foremost, you indicated your husband is Read more...: Moving to Portugal—How Do We Receive our Social Security?
Rick S. Says: I’m 71, retired & soon to be single. What locations might be better or someone like me? I like warm weather. Author of Single and Ready to Move Overseas, Jessica Ramesch Says: Hi Rick, I’m single myself. I began writing about life in Panama for International Living shortly after I moved to Read more...: I’m 71 and Single—Can you Recommend Some Warm Locations?
Caitlyn O. Says I’m planning to move to France. Do you have any advice on finding a long-term rental? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Lucy, French real estate agents (immobiliers) are strictly regulated. They must be in possession of what’s called a carte professionelle, which can be issued only by the agent’s Read more...: Who Can Help Me Find a Rental in France?
Sheila C. Says: Where is a great place to live in Costa Rica? I’m retired and just want to wake up to beautiful scenery and meet a few people. Can you give me some insight where to relocate? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Sheila, Costa Rica has so much to offer, and Read more...: Where is a Great Place to Live in Costa Rica?
Angela A. Says: My husband is turning 71 and I will be turning 64 this year. We are in good shape so far. We are planning to move to Portugal, but want to know about our Medicare and how to use it. Do you have any advice? Medicare Expert Ron Elledge Says: Hello Angela, Let Read more...: How Can We Use Our Medicare in Portugal?
Paul W. Says: I am looking to move to the Toulon area of France. I was wondering how the tax rate is. IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Paul, Taxes in France really depend on your residence status. If you don’t work in France, which represents a large portion of people who come for Read more...: How do I Handle my Tax in France?
Deb S. Says: I’m interested in becoming a snowbird and spending my cold winter months in beautiful Mexico. I don’t want the hassle of dealing with property and only intend to rent for five to six months each year. Airbnb and VRBO would be too expensive for this length of stay. How do the locals Read more...: What’s the Best Way to Find Rentals in Mexico?