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.
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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.
Laura H. Says: We are purchasing a home in Portugal and need to transfer $200,000 to our bank there. What is the best way, economically, to do this transfer? Personal Finance Expert Jeff Opdyke Says: Hi Laura, Great question! I actually move money back and forth between Europe and the US regularly since I’m a Read more...: What’s the Best Way to Transfer Dollars to a Portuguese Bank Account?
Jim S. Says: I suppose tipping in the United States might seem weird and complicated to foreign visitors. Well, unfortunately, it’s the same for Americans traveling abroad. There is a fine line between expressing appreciation with money and being an offensive American. Can you shed light on this very confusing subject with regards to Europe? Read more...: Should you Tip in European Restaurants?
Mark I. Says: What are the estimated monthly payments for healthcare in Ireland? IL Lifestyle Editor Sean Keenan Says: Hi Mark, All persons who are considered “normally resident” in Ireland are entitled to receive healthcare through the public healthcare system, which does not have any monthly costs. However, the public system often involves long waiting Read more...: What are the Monthly Payments for Healthcare in Ireland?
Mark I. Says: What are the estimated monthly payments for healthcare in Costa Rica? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Mark, If you are a legal resident you will be required to join the national healthcare system, Caja. That cost typically runs 7% to 11% of your stated income on your residency application. Read more...: What are the Monthly Payments for Healthcare in Costa Rica?
Geoff J Says: Could creating a corporation, in Montenegro or some such locale, serve as a workaround to allow me to stay in the EU longer than 90 days without having to do the “Schengen Hop” or obtain a European passport? Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann Says: Hi Geoff, Most European countries offer long-term residency Read more...: Can I Stay in Europe Longer Than 90 Days if I Set Up a Corporation?
Roger W. Says: I am single with no dependents and want to know how much I would need to live in Costa Rica. I am 78 so would have to have decent health coverage. Costa Rica Expat John Michael Arthur Says: Hola Roger! This is a great question, but one that is always subject Read more...: How Much Money Do I Need a Month to Live in Costa Rica?
Jon C. Says: Would love to make the move to Portugal. My challenge is that I have an 80 lb. dog and I would never let him fly in cargo. Any advice? IL Contributor Terry Coles Writes: Although Portugal accepts pets in-cabin, as checked luggage, and in cargo, that does not mean that all airlines Read more...: How Can I Bring my Dog to Portugal—Without Putting Him in the Cargo Hold?
Al M. Says: If I move overseas to a country that uses a different currency but my Social Security is paid in dollars, what’s the best way to convert it? Social Security Expert Steve Garfink Says: Hi Al, The good news is that in this day and age converting your money is more efficient and Read more...: How do I Convert my Social Security into Local Currency Overseas?
Ron R. Says: What can you tell me about living in the Dominican Republic? IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says: Hi Ron, The Dominican Republic is home to thousands of expats; attracted by the weather, scenery, and low cost of living. With 1,000 miles of coastline and some of the most beautiful beaches in Read more...: What’s Life Like in the Dominican Republic?
Alan W. Says: My wife and I are headed to Akumal, Mexico at the end of February for 10 days, looking forward to a laidback vacation. The last time we were in the Riviera Maya was a trip to Cozumel in 1984. We might also pop over for a visit. I’m sure it’s changed a Read more...: What is There to Do in Cozumel?