I recently took a trip to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Researching this tiny Baltic country, which had been ruled by the Soviets for over 70 years, I expected a somewhat gloomy city— the kind of place where its dark history still echoes. What I found, instead, was a bright, modern, neat, very pretty European capital.
We all have preconceived notions about the world around us, but when you dig a little deeper—as I did—often what you find is a delightful surprise. Here at International Living, we believe so strongly in the importance of that on-the-ground discovery that we keep a network of expat correspondents employed around the world—pounding the pavement on your behalf.
In our experience, there is opportunity to be tapped almost everywhere, and we’re on a mission to help you do it.
For many, retiring in Southeast Asia wouldn’t feature in their future plans…whether it’s because it’s too far away or because of a preconceived notion that it’ll be too difficult to settle in or too different from home.
But in this month’s feature story, we aim to dispel those notions. Sure, it may require a long plane ride, but what you’ll find on arrival is more than worth the trip. With easy, affordable, luxurious living, and welcoming locals and expats, it’s hard to beat the attractions—and great value—Southeast Asia provides. We explore five spots worth your attention here.
Probably most famous for its beautiful Lake Atitlan, Guatemala is another destination not exactly well trodden by North American expats, at least not yet. But Ontario native Iva Ursano found her happy place in the small town of Panajachel, where a comfortable apartment rents for just $300 a month. Iva says, “The people are happy, friendly and warm…and it’s a wonderful, family-type community here.”
IL Correspondent Sharyn Nilsen and her husband Tim have explored more than 130 countries over the last 10 years. “We’ve learned it’s best not to build up too many preconceptions before we visit a country,” Sharyn says. “That proved difficult for our adventure in mysterious Oman.” Exotic markets, palm-fringed oases, and camel trains across the desert crowded her dreams. Did Oman live up to her expectations? Sharyn shares her adventures from the Persian Gulf here.
It’s a big world out there, with lots of interesting and surprising places to discover. Read on to begin…
You might think that moving away from the U.S. lets you off the hook for U.S. state taxes. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Some U.S. states still want your tax dollars, even when you don’t live there anymore. With some planning, however, you can avoid these additional U.S. taxes, even if you hail from California or Virginia, two of the toughest states when it comes to tax.
My husband Barry and I simply could not decide whether to buy the 150-year-old adobe house in Guanajuato, Mexico we’d found. It was in a perfect location and had many assets, but it would take at least a year, maybe more, to remodel. Back and forth we went, weighing all the pros and cons. We were getting worn out, overthinking...
Folks thinking of a move abroad often wonder about healthcare: They frequently ask about its quality, prices, and prescriptions. My wife Abbe and I asked these very questions when we considered moving to Panama four years ago. We finally moved here in 2016. Since then, we have both received excellent medical care, at very reasonable prices. We’ve tried it here, in all sorts of ways, and we've been pleased with the experience each time...
If you’re like most people, you don’t picture palm trees, surfboards, and languid sea turtles when you think of Peru. The country’s mysterious Inca ruins, spectacular rain forests, and soaring mountain vistas already draw tourists. But its long Pacific coastline is not as well known abroad. I recently took an exploratory trip to the northern beach resort town of Máncora...
There is no man in all the world,” wrote Marco Polo in the late 13th century, “who could tell the truth about all the islands of the Indies.” He was writing from what’s now called Indonesia. And it’s still true to say that Southeast Asia packs an enormous range of sights, sounds, smells, and experiences into life in the region...
Modern yet exotic cities; a kaleidoscope of pagodas, palaces, and Paris-style boulevards; some of the most majestic temples in the world… Geographically and historically, Cambodia is truly the heart of Southeast Asia. What’s more, it’s very good value. “Living in Cambodia has been a game changer for me,” says Paul Howard, 68...
As a real estate scout, I pay attention to a lot of real estate markets in the world…from Europe to Latin America to Southeast Asia. I look for the opportunities where an investor can get in below true value and profit as values rise. Often, that opportunity comes from places that are in crisis…or where an investor can get in ahead of a wave of new interest in a particular location...
Few things are worse than being stuck in a cramped metal box with a few dozen strangers who are as impatient and uncomfortable as you are. You’re all breathing in each other’s breath. Since you’re underground, there’s no way to see anything outside...
It’s been two years since I took the plunge and left Canada for a life of eternal warm weather. I honestly didn’t think I was going to last this long here in Guatemala, but the beauty and charm of the town and the people have kept me here...
As we drank coffee on the terrace of our rental in Girona, Spain, I couldn’t stop looking at the view of the looming 15th-century cathedral and the even older city walls. “It just doesn’t get any better,” I crowed to my husband, Barry. How had we missed this beautiful river town? Like most visitors to the region, we had been in thrall to nearby Barcelona...