International Living Community

Hi John, thanks for your question. The airline rules are always changing. So what may have been true four years ago is no longer the case, at least not for certain air carriers. For example, the first time I flew overseas with my pet I needed a health certificate (for Delta airlines), which was quite costly. A few months later, Delta no longer required one. But other airlines still did. This is why you always want to call the airline to confirm the requirements stated online. Also, be sure you aren't being quoted "UK" rules for the Republic. I've found that some airline reps don't know the difference. Hope that helps, Stephanie

I too am trying to find a permanent home in Portugal. I have visited many times. The South is probably the nicest area if you like year round sunshine and never too cold. Porto is very nice up north but it tends to get high rainfall in Winter. The south is the most expensive place to buy a property. The silver coast has some interesting coastal towns. Lisbon is probably the cheapest Capital City in Europe to purchase property and is a beautiful city. Good Luck. Ian

There's a lot of variance. It really depends on the town/neighborhood as well as the type of property (apartment or home, luxury or mid-range, etc), so it is important to do your research based on these factors, but note this is definitely not a flipper's paradise. I bought because I wanted to live here. What I like is the stability, we don't tend to have major booms or bubble bursts. I'm confident I'll be able to sell if/when I want to (bought in 2021, planning to keep for 5 years then evaluate whether to sell and buy again). Not expecting a huge profit but I'll come out ahead versus if I'd rented. Mid-range property purchased for under $200k, coveted building with amenities (gym, pool, etc.) on a golf course in a top beach town. One bedroom (admittedly harder to sell than a 2/3 br, but I would have zero trouble renting it out and covering the mortgage and maintenance fee), just over 1,000 sq ft. Best, IL Panama editor Jess Ramesch

Hello, My name is Trina and I'm possibly interested in your request above. Willing to discuss more if the offer is still available. Send me an email to tysgem7@gmail.com. thx Trina NY, NY resident - currently 5pm EST.

looking for non tourist spot in the Carribean

Your link to Ted Baumann is nothing more than link to sales pitch to spend $300 on his research papers. No capability to communicate with him.

Could you be more specific? There are bilateral treaties regarding taxes, Social Security, and for some European countries, for extended stays for US, Canadian, and other citizens.

Hi, Ray. I know that there are tour companies here who specialize in wheelchair tours. They might be able to give you much more insight, and you can also tell be looking at the areas they tour where the most mobility-friendly areas are in Portugal. Here is a link to one of those tour companies: www.adaptedtoursportugal.com. Glenda

I do think the rain is better than snow. I LOVE rainy season. So green and lush. You can find transfers on this page. I often use this company. https://tamarindoshuttle.com/ I also use Cristan for transfers... you can send him a message on WhatsApp: +506 8318 3226 You can also rent a car from the airport. The prices really depend on the season... Oct/start of Nov usually have the btetter prices.

HI Steve, I replied to the same question above. Please see the answer. Chip Stites, Italy Correspondent. IL Magazine.

Steve, I don't know anyone in that area, but a couple of thoughts. First the University should have a list of local housing availability I would go there first. I would also ask them if they have any RE or Rental agents that they use reqularly. In most University towns it is not unusual for signs in RE office windows to list rentals for students. Go into a couple of offices near the university and ask. I am sorry I don't know anyone in that area, we live further south near Reiti, but I hope this information will help you a bit. Chip Stites, Italy Correspondent, International Living Magazine.

Do you know if Portugal will be reinstating the NHR tax system or something similar?

PS: my name is Doug.

Hi Kurt, I love Ecuador and have lived there off and on for many years over the last two decades. I have lots of friends there, primarily in Cotacachi and Cuenca (in the Sierras, yes) who report they feel very safe. I am looking to get back there perhaps in February and I am not concerned. I think things have settled down a lot since the issues of two years ago. I have friends with young kids who live in Cotacachi who regularly vacation on the coast without concern. I guess it all depends on your personal level of comfort but for me, I would feel safe in most of the country right now.

If you haven't already booked, check out La Posada Nueva.

You might try the Lake Chapala Society: https://lakechapalasociety.com And most real estate agents offer a "get to know lakeside" tour...

Hi Lynne, I wrote an article about medical tourism for IL and you can find it here: https://internationalliving.com/medical-tourism-how-insiders-afford-new-hips-hair-plugs-and-facelifts/ A great place in Mexico for cosmetic surgery is Guadalajara. I suggest you reach out to Lori Payne there, who is a healthcare facilitator: https://www.facebook.com/mymedicalconcierge?mibextid=ZbWKwL

It won't attach here. If you want me to send you a list of clinic phone numbers, send me an email here - bbottone@internationalliving.com