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      Whether you’re looking for fun and sun, a peaceful retirement, or the chance to earn some extra income, you’ve got a real world of opportunity open to you… In short, we’ve done our best to narrow down your best options, but only you can decide the right country for you.

      • Spain
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      • Browse All Countries

      Best For:

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    • Budgets

      How Much Will It Cost You To Live Overseas?

      The only honest answer is, we have no idea. And neither does anyone else. The only one who can answer that question is you. Here’s the most important thing to understand about budgeting your new life overseas…

      Super Cheap

      • Chitré, Panama
      • Santa Marta, Colombia
      • Phuket, Thailand
      • Dumaguete, The Philippines

      Cheap

      • Medellin, Colombia
      • Boquete, Panama
      • Kyrenia, Cyprus
      • Hua Hin, Thailand
      • The Algarve, Portugal

      Affordable

      • Valencia, Spain
      • Cascais, Portugal
      • Las Terrenas, The DR
      • Pisa, Italy
      • La Rochelle, France
      • Mazatlán, Mexico

      Luxury

      • Ambergris Caye, Belize
      • Kotor, Montenegro
      • The Panama City Beaches
      • Paris, France
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      • Home
      • Countries

        Top Destinations:

        Whether you’re looking for fun and sun, a peaceful retirement, or the chance to earn some extra income, you’ve got a real world of opportunity open to you… In short, we’ve done our best to narrow down your best options, but only you can decide the right country for you.

        • Spain
        • Portugal
        • Panama
        • Belize
        • Colombia
        • Cyprus
        • Mexico
        • France
        • Montenegro
        • Browse All Countries

        Best For:

        • The Best Places To Retire
        • Health Care Abroad
        • Cost Of Living
        • Investing in Real Estate
        • Establishing Residency
        • Gun Laws In The World
        • English-Speaking Countries
        • Safest Places For Retirement
        • Best Places In Latin America
      • Budgets

        How Much Will It Cost You To Live Overseas?

        The only honest answer is, we have no idea. And neither does anyone else. The only one who can answer that question is you. Here’s the most important thing to understand about budgeting your new life overseas…

        Super Cheap

        • Chitré, Panama
        • Santa Marta, Colombia
        • Phuket, Thailand
        • Dumaguete, The Philippines

        Cheap

        • Medellin, Colombia
        • Boquete, Panama
        • Kyrenia, Cyprus
        • Hua Hin, Thailand
        • The Algarve, Portugal

        Affordable

        • Valencia, Spain
        • Cascais, Portugal
        • Las Terrenas, The DR
        • Pisa, Italy
        • La Rochelle, France
        • Mazatlán, Mexico

        Luxury

        • Ambergris Caye, Belize
        • Kotor, Montenegro
        • The Panama City Beaches
        • Paris, France
      • Resources

        Global Living

        • Living & Retiring Overseas
        • Raising A Family Abroad
        • Foreign Residency & Citizenship
        • Offshore & Diversification

        Making Money

        • International Real Estate
        • Banking
        • Employment
        • Investing

        Follow Us:

        • Meet Our Experts
      • Real Estate

        Join our Weekly Newsletter
        Overseas Property Alert

        Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive expert insights on the best international real estate investment opportunities.






          We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.

          Buying Real Estate For Cashflow

          • Discover tips and strategies used by global property investing veterans

          Explore Our Latest Posts

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          Go To The Overseas Property Alert Site

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          • Explore Our Events Site

          International Property Summit

          Caribbean Virtual Conference

          Live and Invest In Spain Conference

          PANAMA CITY, PANAMA

          June 18-20, 2025

          VIRTUAL

          July 17-19, 2025

          Valencia, Spain

          Sep. 17-19, 2025

          LEARN MORE
          LEARN MORE
          PRE-REGISTER
          LEARN MORE
          PRE-REGISTER
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          Toll-Free U.S. and Canada:
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          Reach us with your questions by email at: events@liveandinvestoverseas.com

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          overseas living letter offers affordable retirement guidance
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        THE 10 BEST PLACES TO RETIRE IN 2025

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          Home Lifestyle

          Our Top FAQs About Retiring Overseas Answered

          Answers To Your 24 Top Retire Overseas FAQs

          by Kathleen Peddicord
          Mar 08, 2022
          in Lifestyle
          0 0
          FAQ's LIOS

          Adobe Stock/patpitchaya

          As we’ve returned this year to in-person events…

          With our Live And Invest In Belize Conference in January…

          Our Live And Invest In Panama Conference in February…

          And our Live And Invest In Colombia Conference taking place in Medellín later this month…

          We’re being reminded of just how many questions arise as you work through the process of identifying where and then developing a plan for how to reinvent your life somewhere sunny, safe, welcoming, beautiful, affordable, and adventure-filled…

          One objective here at Live And Invest Overseas is to provide constant support… and answers to every one of your how-to-retire-overseas questions.

          Here are 24 of the most frequently asked questions I’ve received over the past 35 years I’ve been covering this beat:

          1. If I move overseas, could I ever return home?

          Yes, of course.

          Living overseas, even full-time, even as a legal resident of another country, affects your ability to spend time in your home country not at all. You’re still an American (or Canadian or British or Australian, etc.) citizen, after all.

          You can come and go as you please.

          2. Living overseas, would I lose my original citizenship?

          Again, no, your residency status abroad has no effect on your citizenship.

          Remember: Residency and citizenship are two different things. If you’re a U.S. citizen, the only way to lose your U.S. citizenship is to renounce it formally. This is a serious step that you can’t take accidentally.

          In other words, there’s no chance you’d lose your U.S. citizenship without realizing it. Renouncing it requires a formal application and at least one interview with the FBI. Once your application to renounce your citizenship has been approved, you then must appear again before federal authorities to relinquish your blue passport with the eagle on the cover. The United States doesn’t want to lose you as one of its citizens, for, as long as you carry U.S. citizenship, no matter where you roam, you are obliged to report your income and earnings to Uncle Sam.

          3. Do I need a passport to retire overseas?

          You need a passport to travel anywhere in the world, no matter how long you intend to stay.

          4. Do I need to let my home government know that I’m leaving the country?

          No. If you’re an American, for example, you can register your presence in your new country with the local U.S. Embassy if you like, but you are not obligated to do so. In my experience, most retirees overseas don’t register.

          5. What happens if I die while living in a foreign country?

          Someone should inform your country’s local embassy and consulate. The consulate will help organize the repatriation of your remains (if that is your wish). If that is your wish, be sure to include repatriation as part of your international health insurance policy. Shipping remains home can be expensive.

          6. What happens if I get arrested in another country?

          When in a foreign country—as a tourist, a resident, a retiree, etc.—you are subject to its laws. If you are arrested for breaking one of them, get a local lawyer quick. Your consulate, for example, likely will not be able to help much, other than perhaps to make a local attorney recommendation.

          My best advice on this point is, don’t get arrested. Know the laws of the country where you’re living and respect them. “That isn’t a crime back home” isn’t a reasonable defense.

          7. Do I need any vaccinations?

          It depends where you’re going.

          Some countries require you to have specific vaccinations before you’ll be permitted to enter. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has a good section on its website discussing the question of which vaccinations might be advisable, depending on your current state of health and where in the world you intend to spend time.

          Take a look.

          8. Can I drink the water?

          Again, it depends where you’re going.

          The tap water is potable in France, for example, of course, but it tastes funny because of the chemicals it’s treated with. The tap water is generally not potable in Ireland, but it is in Panama City and other parts of Panama. The easiest strategy (the one I follow) is to drink bottled water everywhere.

          9. Is it really safe?

          Yes, every country I recommend to you in these dispatches is generally safe.

          That is not to say no one ever does anything he or she shouldn’t do in any of these places. Nowhere in the world is 100% crime-free. Use your common sense. Lock the front door to your house. Don’t leave the keys in your car. Don’t wear flashy jewelry on the street.

          But, in all the places I suggest you think about retiring overseas, don’t worry about violent crime either.

          10. Are there bugs or snakes?

          Yes, there are mosquitoes, gnats, sand flies, cockroaches, and spiders nearly everywhere. You’ll find snakes in the jungle and other rural areas, including, sometimes, venomous ones. It’s easy enough, though, to educate yourself on which varieties of creepy crawlies you might encounter in your new home once you decide where you’re moving. Note that every state in the United States except Hawai’i has snakes, too.

          11. Are there earthquakes or hurricanes?

          Could be. Depends where you’re talking about. Panama, for example, sits outside the hurricane belt, but, down here in the Hub of the Americas, sometimes, the earth does quake.

          Start Your New Life Today, Overseas






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            12. Can I still receive my U.S. Social Security payments?

            Yes. If you’re eligible for U.S. Social Security, you can even have your monthly check direct-deposited into your account in some countries.

            See this link for a list of countries where this is possible.

            13. Will Medicare cover me living overseas?

            No. No exceptions. As an American abroad, you need to make another plan for covering your medical expenses overseas. I recommend, though, keeping your Medicare as a major medical backup.

            14. Will my computer work in another country? My cell phone?

            Your laptop computer will work anywhere, as all laptop AC adapters should be dual current, meaning they should work with 110V and 220V electrical systems. You may need a plug adapter to be able to plug your computer cord into the outlet, depending on where you’re going to be spending time. Most of Central and South America uses the U.S.-type plug. In Europe, Asia, and Argentina, you’ll need a plug adapter. You can find adapter sets in shops in most international airports.

            Your cell phone may or may not work. First, find out if your current carrier has coverage where you’re traveling. Second, check with your carrier to find out if your account allows roaming in the country where you’re going. Even if they do, roaming is an expensive option. The solution is to buy a local SIM card, which is easy in most of the countries we recommend and typically costs less than US$10.

            15. Can I drive on my home country’s driver’s license?

            Yes, typically for the first 30 days to one year that you’re resident in a new country. After this time, most countries require you either to qualify for a local driver’s license or to have your home license validated locally.

            16. Do I really need to learn the local language?

            No. You could get by most places I recommend in these dispatches speaking English only. I don’t recommend it, though. You should learn at least the basics of the language of the country where you’re moving.

            17. Is there Burger King?

            It depends where you’re thinking about retiring. The sorry truth, however, is that, yes, fast food has gone global. You can buy Coca-Cola almost anywhere on earth, and McDonald’s, et al., are to be found except in the most remote regions of the planet.

            Belize stands out in this regard. This country is home to not a single foreign franchise. It’s one of the things I most love about it.

            18. Can I get a job?

            Probably not. To work in a foreign country, you’ll need a work visa. This is not easily obtained unless you’re sponsored for a job by an international employer and relocated to the country with their help. The one exception to this general rule right now is Panama. This country’s Friendly Nations visa program bundles the possibility of a work permit. Ecuador and the Dominican Republic allow you to work by just obtaining legal residency. Belize allows you to work if you go the permanent residency route rather than applying for residency as a QRP.

            You can, though, many places in the world, start your own business. Easiest is a laptop-based enterprise.

            19. Can I vote in local elections?

            No, not as a foreign resident. To vote in government elections, you’d have to become a citizen of the country. Again, remember, residency is not the same as citizenship.

            20. Will my credit and debit cards work overseas?

            Yes, they should. Before you use them, though, research what fees you’ll be charged. Some credit card companies impose such onerous fees when their cards are used in foreign countries that it can be worth switching to another group before you move. Charles Schwab, Capital One, and Chase, for example, all offer cards with zero foreign transaction fees.

            21. How will my friends and family be able to stay in touch with me?

            Email, Skype, WhatsApp, etc. The Internet Age has made it possible to retire overseas and still communicate with friends and family on a daily basis.

            22. Can I bring my car with me?

            Yes. Normally, I don’t recommend it.

            23. How much does it cost to move overseas?

            How long is a piece of string?

            If you pack up a couple of suitcases and head on out, your total cost could be as little as the cost of your plane ticket.

            If you’re moving to Mexico, your total cost could be gas and tolls.

            However, if you want to establish formal residency in a country, you should expect to spend US$1,000 to maybe US$4,000 per family member (between attorney and government fees) for your resident visas, and, if you decide to ship a container-load of your household goods, figure another US$10,000, more or less, depending where you’re moving from and to.

            The real cost of your move can be the cost of the research and travel involved if you have a long list of countries you want to check out.

            24. Can I continue to vote in my home country elections from overseas? Does my vote count for less?

            Yes, you can vote in your home country elections while living overseas. If you’re an American, go here to learn more about how to vote in U.S. elections while residing outside the country.

            And, no, your vote doesn’t count for any less. One vote is one vote, no matter where it’s cast.

            Sincerely,
            Kathleen Peddicord signature
            Kathleen Peddicord
            Founding Publisher, Overseas Opportunity Letter

            Tags: 'Expat Life''how to retire overseas''retirement'expatsLive abroadlive oversasretire abroadretire overseas
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            Kathleen Peddicord

            Kathleen Peddicord

            Kathleen Peddicord has reported on opportunities for Americans to live, retire, and do business overseas for 40 years. She has traveled to more than 75 countries, invested in real estate in 24, established businesses in 7, renovated and built properties in 6, and educated her children in 5.

            Kathleen has moved children, staff, enterprises, household goods, and pets from the east coast of the United States to Waterford, Ireland, then to Paris, France, and finally to Panama City, Panama, where she has based her Live And Invest Overseas business. Peddicord and her husband, Lief Simon, now divide their time between Panama and Paris.

            Peddicord was a partner with Agora Publishing’s International Living group for 23 years. She opened, staffed, and operated International Living publishing and real estate marketing offices in Waterford, Ireland; Panama City, Panama; Granada, Nicaragua; Roatan, Honduras; San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; Quito, Ecuador; and Paris, France. Peddicord launched Live And Invest Overseas group in 2008 and has built it into a successful multimillion-dollar business. Today, she shares her firsthand experience of expat life with more than 500,000 readers of her publications, including Overseas Opportunity Letter and Overseas Living Letter.

            Kathleen has been featured often in The New York Times, MSNBC, AARP, CNN, Bloomberg, CNBC, and more and writes monthly about expat matters, international real estate, and offshore diversification for Forbes and U.S. News.

            Kathleen has written several books including the memoirs “At Home In Ireland” and “At Home At Los Islotes” and her latest title “At Home Abroad,” all published by Lahardan Books. Her best-selling "How To Retire Overseas: Everything You Need To Know To Live Well (For Less) Abroad” was published by Penguin Random House in 2018 and her “Buying Real Estate Overseas For Cash Flow (And A Better Life)” was published by Wiley in August 2020.

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                  HOME

                  Top Countries

                  • Spain
                  • Portugal
                  • Panama
                  • Belize
                  • Colombia
                  • Cyprus
                  • Mexico
                  • France
                  • Montenegro

                  Best For:

                  • Health Care Abroad
                  • Retirement Living
                  • Cost Of Living
                  • Investing in Real Estate
                  • Establishing Residency
                  • Gun Ownership
                  • English Speakers
                  • Safety
                  BROWSE ALL COUNTRIES

                  Budgets

                  How Much Will It Cost
                  To Live Overseas?

                  Super Cheap

                  • Chitré, Panama
                  • Santa Marta, Colombia
                  • Phuket, Thailand
                  • Dumaguete, The Philippines

                  Cheap

                  • Medellin, Colombia
                  • Boquete, Panama
                  • Kyrenia, Cyprus
                  • Hua Hin, Thailand
                  • The Algarve, Portugal

                  Affordable

                  • Valencia, Spain
                  • Cascais, Portugal
                  • Las Terrenas, The DR
                  • Pisa, Italy
                  • La Rochelle, France
                  • Mazatlán, Mexico

                  Luxury

                  • Ambergris Caye, Belize
                  • Kotor, Montenegro
                  • The Panama City Beaches
                  • Paris, France

                  Resources

                  Global Living

                  • Living & Retiring Overseas
                  • Raising A Family Abroad
                  • Foreign Residency & Citizenship
                  • Offshore & Diversification

                  Making Money

                  • International Real Estate
                  • Banking
                  • Employment
                  • Investing
                  Meet Our Experts

                  Real Estate

                  Overseas Property Alert 

                   

                  How To Become Independently Wealthy And Fund The Lifestyle Of Your Dreams

                  VISIT SITE

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                  READ MORE

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                  Learn how to invest and purchase property abroad…

                  EXPLORE

                  Conferences

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                  MORE EVENTS

                  Contact Our Events Team:

                  Toll-Free U.S. and Canada:
                  1 (888) 627 8834

                  From Outside North America:
                  1 (443) 599 1221

                  Working Hours
                  Monday – Friday 08:00 am – 17:00 pm EST.

                  Reach us with your questions by email at: events@liveandinvestoverseas.com

                  Store

                  Overseas Havens Reports

                  • Expats' comprehensive destination guides

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                  • Hours of coverage  from our latests conferences

                  Lahardan Books

                  • Titles on living and investing around the world

                  Services

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                  VISIT OUR STORE

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                  THE 10 BEST PLACES TO RETIRE IN 2025

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