International Living Community

Most banks will require that you be a legal resident for a short period of time before opening a local account so most expats do get their residency visa first, operating via home credit/debit cards in the interim until they can get a local account set up. Having a local account makes many things (like paying for local utility bills) easier. Though there are some expats who don't open a local account, it's recommendable to do so. Best, IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

Hi CSNOOKY1A, It's good to get your message. In Uruguay, you have a number of private health providers. Each sets their own acceptance standards. The British Hospital is the most strict, in that it does not take new members over 60. (I started with the British Hospital when I was still in my 40s.) One of the most popular private health care providers among expats over 60 is Asociaón Española. I know people who were accepted as new members into their late 60s. Here is a link to an article I wrote going deeper into the range of healthcare options available in Uruguay. https://internationalliving.com/countries/uruguay/health-care/ Let me know as additional questions about Uruguay come up.

Yes I can. His name is Christian Gulizzi. He is both a CPA and a Commercialista so he can give you comparisons of US and Italian Taxes. Here is his email address: please tell him I gave you his name an address. christian.gulizzi@gulizzi-consulting.com Good luck and we are excited to welcome you to your new home! Chip Stites, Italy Correspondent, IL Magazine.

I am in Guanacaste. Let me know if you are in my area and we can try to meet up. I also suggest joining Facebook pages in the areas you are interested in to get more info and connect with people. And hopefully people here will comment and share their experiences in CR.

Is it required to buy the CDW insurance they tell you That You HAVE to purcahse at the car renatl place? And if so Which insurance is best? I was there in December for 3 weeks and my car rental was only around $400 but with the ins. it was another $30 a day so another $630. They told me at the counter it is mandatory? Thank you.

Thank you

Hi AD1452, A scouting trip to Portugal sounds like a good plan. A tip: You might try leaving your question under the Portugal category of this Internatillnal Living Community section. A lot of people go straight to the country section they are interested in or know about.

In general, I suggest spending a month and staying in each of the places to really get a feel for them and check out the vibe for yourself. But heading to different areas to get a feel for them is a great first step. I don't have anyone in particular that i can recommend for tours.. but I met this man on an editorial trip and he is starting a group to help people- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574689898866&rdid=q4twgfg5Z2gaIxih&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1B6pbpgsTY%2F# The best healthcare is in the Central Valley, so keep that in mind. The best equipped hostpitals and most specialists are there. Often times, a specialist will visit a clinic in Guanacaste once a month. So it isn't as conveninet. An important factor to consider is the weather. What temperatures do you prefer? It rains everywhere, yet some places have more rain than others. The beaches Hot and humid, and I love them! Guanacaste is the driest part of Costa Rica. The Central Pacific receives more rain. Lake Arenal Cooler (temperature) than the beach. Nuevo Arenal gets about 50% more rain than Tronadora, located just across the lake. Tronadora is much windier. La Fortuna and the surrounding towns like Chachagua are drier and warmer. The Central Valley Cooler temperatures - especially from the variety of elevations available. I always recommmend reaching out to FB groups and asking questions. I use those groups to learn about differnt areas and connect with new people all of the time. FB groups are very active here and worth using as a resource. These FB pages might be a good start: Arenal https://www.facebook.com/groups/712758082803982 https://www.facebook.com/groups/270122543035935 Guanacaste https://www.facebook.com/groups/297720547030161 https://www.facebook.com/groups/3442610169117243 Jaco https://www.facebook.com/groups/290260966853843 https://www.facebook.com/groups/711552235579574 There are lots of expat groups too: search 'Expats in... ' This group posts about a women's would be a great place to get insider info for Guanacaste. https://www.facebook.com/groups/663758784658197 Many people find staying in an Airbnb a good way to check out a community, more so than a hotel. I talked with Nick when in Nuevo Arenal and he rent out an Airbnb. https://internationalliving.com/from-deaths-door-to-thriving-in-lake-arenal-costa-rica/ (https://www.airbnb.ie/rooms/40036748?source_impression_id=p3_1719933875_P3ic3CyJiPWB-oYF) Good luck on your travels. Let me know if you have any more questions. I have 2 contacts for Real Estate in the Central Valley Carol Prado - KW | Costa Rica. You can send him a message on WhatsApp message (‪+506 6345 7251‬) or email (Carol.prado@kwcostarica.com) to connect with him. And Brooke Bishop +506 8311 5336. And Mariana with KW in Tamarindo +506 6155 5265.

I am following your exact road actually just 6mo to a year behind. Due to the government instability particularly for science work she might be laid off soon and is a year from early retirement. I am already effectively retired waiting for her. Spain and Portugal were on the top of our lists

Hey, Raine, I just singned up, as well. It was kind of annoying with all the sales pitches. Then, I didn't get my sign in credentials and had to reset my PW to actually get into the site for the first time. I am just now exploring and I hope there is more substance than all the fluff I've seen so far. It seems that everything leads to another upsell. Mike

Hi Ken, Costa del Sol is a great choice! I'm sorry to hear you're not eligible for EHIC coverage, which means you’ll need to take out private health insurance plan. And, it’s true that many private insurers in Spain have age caps, often around 74. That said, you should still be able to find a plan. There are brokers who specialize in finding coverage for expats in exactly your situation. I recommend checking out Gidea–Insbrok. They’re an expat insurance broker in Spain and can often help find plans even for those over 75 or with pre-existing conditions. You can get a free quote through my link: https://insbrok.com/shehitrefresh/ Also, once you’ve been living in Spain for over a year and have been registered with your local town hall (‘empadronado’), you may be eligible to apply for the public health insurance scheme called the Convenio Especial. This is a monthly paid plan through the Spanish public system that gives you access to healthcare regardless of age. Details and applications are handled by your regional health authority, so be sure to check their website. I hope this helps! Best, Cepee, IL Correspondent - Spain

Hi Ted, Thanks for your post on April 9 recommending a Portuguese tax attorney. My wife and I are going to Portugal this summer, with a hope of applying for a D7 retirement visa when we come back to the U.S. Would you recommend Ms. Jardim to help us with this, as well? We are looking around Vila Real, in the north of the country, if that gives you any guidance about recommending someone we can work with in that part of Portugal. Thanks so much! Charles Harmon

Hi again, this David Hammond. I am writing to let you know they've just added a new Uruguay category to the International Living Communitry page.

Hi Ilkka, For private health insurance, the most popular private health insurance providers are: Sanitas Adeslas Asisa DKV Assa You can often request a quote on their respective websites or speak to someone on the phone to discuss the right plan for you. Coverage will depend on the plan you select. I am from the US and reside in Spain and I have a private plan with Sanitas. If you have any questions just let me know. Cepee Tabibian, IL Correspondent - Spain