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.
Gabby R. Says: What’s the quality of healthcare like in Colombia? IL Contributor in Colombia Michelle Thompson Writes: The quality of care in Colombia is comparable to North American hospitals and clinics. In 2023, the healthcare system in Colombia ranked one point higher than the US on the World Health Organization Healthcare Index, admittedly slipping Read more...: What’s the Quality of Healthcare in Colombia?
Will O. Says: Do you have any advice for finding a place to live in Ecuador? IL Contributor Fiona Mitchell Writes: When it comes to finding housing in Ecuador, the timeless adage of “Location, Location, Location” is closely followed by the advice “Rent, Rent, Rent.” Before you plunk down money on a house or condo Read more...: How can I Find a Place to Live in Ecuador?
Jay P. Says: I see a lot of coverage of Panama as a retirement destination for people with pensions (pensionados). I’m not going to retire anytime soon but would still like to spend time there. What are my options? IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Writes: Hi Jay, Panama isn’t just for retirees, and you don’t Read more...: What are my Options for Visiting Panama?
Dennis F. Says: What’s the healthcare like in Ireland? IL Lifestyle Editor Sean Keenan Says: Hi Dennis, One of the many benefits to living in Ireland is access to high quality, free or affordable healthcare. Thanks to the country’s publicly funded health system, if you are resident in Ireland and require hospital treatment, you will Read more...: What’s the Healthcare Like in Ireland?
Julie F. Says: I’m planning to visit the Amalfi Coast in the spring. I’ve heard that you don’t need to tip in Italy. Is this true? IL Contributor Valerie Fortney-Schneider Writes: It’s no longer customary to tip when you eat out, and many restaurants now already include a service charge as well as the coperto Read more...: Is it True that You Don’t Need to Tip in Italy?
Sheila C. Says: I’ve just joined International Living and love the idea of retiring to Costa Rica. What should I do next? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Sheila, Costa Rica is a beautiful country, with long stretches of deserted and undeveloped beaches… dense jungles teeming with exotic wildlife… towering volcanoes, lush green Read more...: I Just Joined International Living and Want to Move to Costa Rica—What Should I do Next?
Oscar T. Says: I’m looking forward to splitting my time between the US and the South of France in the next few years. One question I had is, how do I pay bills for my second home in France? IL France Correspondent Tuula Rampont Says: Hi Oscar, There are various ways to pay utility and Read more...: How do I Pay Utility Bills in France?
Phil W. Says: Can you give me advice on shipping my household goods to Spain? IL Contributor Marsha Scarbrough Writes: Think carefully before you move your household goods to Spain. International moves—especially trans-Atlantic moves—are expensive, and they can be a hassle. You can buy pretty much anything you’d need in Spain; it’s a First-World country, Read more...: How do I Ship my Household Goods to Spain?
Robert S. Says: How hard would it be for a person using a wheelchair and electric chair to get around Costa Rica? Would it be possible to get a caregiver to help make things easier? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Robert, This depends a lot on the part of Costa Rica you Read more...: How Wheelchair Accessible is Costa Rica?
Desmond M. Says: I’m 73, still working, but plan to retire at the end of this year. I’d like to move to Portugal, close to the coast. But there is so much coast I don’t know where to begin. Where should I visit first? IL Personal Finance Expert and Portugal Resident Jeff Opdyke Says: Hi Read more...: I Want to Live on Portugal’s Coast—Where Should I Try First?