In my early teenage years, my family moved a few times. With each relocation, I’d lament the loss of my old friends and worry I wouldn’t make friends in my new home town. As adults, that apprehension doesn’t go away. It’s natural to worry if you’ll be able to integrate into your new home overseas. And it’s a concern that goes largely unspoken among would-be expats.
But I’m here to tell you: It’s easier than you think. There’s never been a better time in history to try it—because you have more and better options today for good-value living overseas than ever before. We bring you stories from some of the friendliest spots in this issue—places where getting to know locals and expats is easy (and fun).
Costa Rica’s Central Valley is one of them. IL Editor Jessica Ramesch recently checked out the town of San Ramon and discovered a lively expat community. “Do you long to be more involved in your community? If so, that’s a powerful reason to put San Ramon on your shortlist,” Jessica says. She found expats whose days are filled with charity fundraisers, cooking and painting classes, expat gatherings, and more.
Over in Portugal, Terry Coles and her husband Clyde are no strangers to expat life. They spent five years living in tropical Panama until, a couple of years ago, they fell in love with the idea of living in Europe. “Last year we visited Portugal for the first time…We were sold,” Terry says. The top-notch healthcare, easy residence visa, and breathtaking scenery drew the Coles to Portugal, and they are settling well in their new home. “The Portuguese people are some of the friendliest, most welcoming people we’ve met anywhere in the world,” she says. “And we have made friends with some other North Americans and are living our new life here.”
IL Chiang Mai Correspondent Rachel Devlin discovered her new home overseas when her mother Pam moved there first. By the time Rachel moved to Thailand, Pam already had a busy social schedule. Says Rachel of her mother’s integration into the community: “The thriving Expat Club was a great place to make new friends, she found a fantastic art scene, and she loved all the Thai festivals.”
Welcoming and active expats communities exist all around the globe…read on to explore some of the best…
Earlier this year I had cataract surgery in Mexico. As an expat there on a valid residence visa, I could have gotten the surgery for free through Seguro Popular, Mexico’s national healthcare service. But, because I’d had eye surgery some time ago, I chose to go to the opposite extreme: To get the very best Read more...: Modern, Friendly Care for my Eye Surgery in Mexico
As we sipped wine at the corner café with friends, my husband turned to me with a big smile on his face and exclaimed, “We really live in Europe. Can you believe it?” Just then the waitress came over with the check, which our friend took. “I’ve got this one,” he said. Two wines, one Read more...: From Tropical Panama to Our New Life in Historic Portugal
I’m in the shade of a palm tree, watching three dozen kiteboarders careen across the Bay of Cabarete at full tilt, once in a while lifting on a whitecap and taking flight. The wind picks up in the mid-afternoon. This is something I was curious about when I planned my trip to this small beach Read more...: Affordable Caribbean Beach Living in Fun-Loving Cabarete
Picture an inky night sky filled with floating lanterns swirling haphazardly against a full moon. Or banana leaf krathongs decorated with flowers and candles drifting down a lazy river as the sun sets on a warm evening. Whether you love the energy of a big city or prefer a simpler existence among the green rice Read more...: Asia’s Magical Kingdom—Discovering the Many Faces of Thailand Part 1
Chiang Rai—A City for Nature Lovers The Kok River winds slowly through Chiang Rai, gently supporting wooden long-tail boats. Surrounding it are bursts of luscious vegetation—the natural surroundings are the star of the show in this city. Many of the higher-end restaurants and hotels sit along the river. This is a city that feels spacious Read more...: Asia’s Magical Kingdom—Discovering the Many Faces of Thailand Part 2
“No, I’m definitely not crazy.” My family didn’t look convinced. It was 2004 and I’d just told them I was going to Panama. “Why would you want to go there?” they asked. It was a several hours’ plane ride and somewhere none of them had ever been. At the time, all they knew about Panama Read more...: Panama City’s Next Great Wave of Transformation Is Upon Us
Are you prepared for a significant stock market decline? Is your IRA or 401(k) braced for a bear market? More importantly, are you planning on retiring during the next 10 years and drawing income from your stock and bond portfolio? Last year, the United States officially recorded its longest equity bull market in history, surpassing Read more...: Alternative Investments to Conquer the Next Bear Market
Kenny Guinn loves to laugh, even at himself. The owner of a thriving laundry service in tropical Ambergris Caye recalls telling his friends he’d bought the business: “They pointed out that I’ve never liked doing laundry. My reply was, ‘Yes, but nobody’s ever paid me to do it before.’” Ambergris Caye is a fascinating, fun Read more...: A Determined Expat Finds His Business Niche in Belize
Mike Gagne pretty much grew up on skis. Born and raised north of Ottawa, Canada, he spent his childhood in Edelweiss Valley, ski racing both on the Québec ski team and later as a professional for a short stint. That led to a position as the director of a ski school for several years, until Read more...: Semi-Retired and Living a Full Life in Bangkok
I have been addicted to the internet since I first discovered it some 30 years ago. I don’t recall exactly how I heard, but somehow I learned that there was a way to connect my computer to a worldwide network. My memory is clearer of my husband, David, scooting out of our bed and attaching Read more...: Finding Free WiFi When You’re on the Road