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I wonder if you would cover how mixed-racial couples would fare in various of the popular retirements spots? I know in some places, this is still not an embraced concept. Are there are areas that are popular with Chinese who would like to retire overseas, that is not China? Thanks much! This series sounds awesome, looking forward to it!
Hi @JANISTAN We’ve checked in with Jessica Ramesch, our expert in Panama, to get an answer to your questions. This was her response,
Thanks for your question.
While we can’t guarantee that IL readers will never encounter racism or prejudice abroad, you can rest assured that in many of the countries covered on the International Living website, BIPOC expats report feeling comfortable and welcomed. This is also true for many LGBTQ expats and expats from other minority or marginalized groups that encounter discrimination in the US or Canada. I myself am Asian and feel very comfortable as a single Indian woman living in Panama, which is home to sizeable Chinese, Korean, and Indian communities.
You can find videos of expat interviews on https://www.youtube.com/@internationalliving
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Which countires have the largest communities of expats from the US?
Hi @BCLARKINCO We’ve checked in with Jessica Ramesch, our expert in Panama, to get an answer to your question. This was her response,
Thanks for your question. While this data is not available—countries don’t compile lists of expats—it’s likely that Mexico, which shares a border with the US and has a long history of welcoming US expats, is the frontrunner.
That said, you will find sizeable expat communities in all of the countries featured in the top ten of International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index.
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Where does Panama stand in the list of potential countries: desireablity, popularity, ease, etc.
Hi @GSGILLUM We’ve checked in with Jessica Ramesch, our expert in Panama, to get an answer to your question. This was her response,
Thanks for your question.
International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index https://internationalliving.com/the-best-places-to-retire/ features a wealth of information with a breakdown that shows you the top country’s rankings in categories like the ones you’ve mentioned. Panama has taken the number one spot on the index more times than any other country and thus far has always been in the top five. Follow the link provided above to see where Panama landed on this year’s index and for even more information to go InternationalLiving.com/countries/Panama/.
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One of the places that I am interested in moving is Italy. I am not a city deweler, but would like to live where there there is somewhat of an English speeking expat community. I will not be listening to the event tomorrow, but will lister to it later.
Hi @STADERVETDVM We’ve checked in with Chip Stites, our expert in Italy, to get an answer to your question. This was his response,
That is a great question. First I would google expat groups in the major cities... that is most likely to yield results as large cities are likely to have expat groups, and often the people live outside the city: Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, Bari, Lecce come to mind initially... but there are also other areas that do not big cities that have groups like Expats in Umbria and Lazio.... Start with detailed research and once you have two or three places of interest travel there to see how it feels to you.
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How to move to Italy? Visas, citizenship?
Hi @JANETBLOOM54 We’ve checked in with Chip Stites, our expert in Italy, to get an answer to your question. This was his response,
First, decide where you want to go. One better way is by climate, as Italy has seven different climate zones. What kind of climate makes you the most comfortable? NOw you need to look at your VISAs. Can you become a resident by heritage It's a completely different subject than Residency.... Taxes will differ, getting your or not getting a Permisso di Soggiorno will be different. I cannot tell you what to do, but a bit of research will go a long way to helping you decide. citizenship and living here subjects you to Italian taxes while Visas gives you more choices but can be more problematic.
Here is a name you should talk to M. Grazia Colombo. mgrazia.colombo@leexe.it... she is a lawyer... she will charge for her time but she is also the best place to start your search.
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Can the panel share some of expat groups they belong to or would recommend joing in the Algarve? Looking to join a group, or groups, for advice on finding local amenities, grocery stores, pharmacies, doctors, dentists, etc.
Hi @SARITA-SIMMONS We’ve checked in with Glenda Cole, our expert in Portugal, to get an answer to your question. This was her response,
Expat groups: Afpop is excellent for advice on all fronts. They are throughout Portugal. They also have a website that is very good and they respond to questions.
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Is it recommended to ship a vehicle to Portugal?
Hi @WINTERSVIC We’ve checked in with Glenda Cole, our expert in Portugal, to get an answer to your question. This was her response,
I do NOT recommend shipping a car to Portugal. It is very expensive, and I wouldn’t want my American car here. Expensive to service and frankly, it gets dinged up. Buy a little used car for cash and never word about the dings.
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This probably varies a lot depending on the country and the setting (urban/rural), but how easy or difficult is it to get a drive's license and rent a car?
Hi @BCLARKINCO We’ve checked in with Glenda Cole, our expert in Portugal, to get an answer to your question. This was her response,
Extremely easy to rent a car in Portugal. You do not need an international license, your US license will be fine. It can be very frustrating and difficult to get a drivers license here.
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I would like to ask Xpats how they work out Leaving Family behind?
Hi @TERESALCOWLEY We’ve checked in with Glenda Cole, our expert in Portugal, to get an answer to your question. This was her response,
Leaving family is tough. I have one son I am very close to. I am picking him up in Lisbon today. :-). What’s App is a beautiful tool for free calling. We talk more now than we did when we were both in the States. Everyone wants to visit Portugal. Plan on a lot of company the first few years! I was shocked by how many of my friends made the long trip.
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I'm 72, in fairly decent health and physical condition. is it possible for me to get a mortgage in Portugal or France for 10-15 years at a reasonable rate?
Hi @DTINTERVAL We’ve checked in with Ronan McMahon, our Real Estate Guru, to get an answer to your question. This was his response,
You have options…
1)You can buy a property overseas through your 401k. However this comes with restrictions on personal use. To comply it needs to be an arms length investment
2)RETA deals (that’s my real estate investment advisory service) in Mexico typical come with pre approved developer finance.
3)in France an Portugal mortgages typically need to be paid off by age 75-80. It varies…but an option is to buy the property with a younger family member, maybe a child if you have one, and by having them on the mortgage you could meet the criteria. Of course you would need to be very comfortable with your partner on the deal
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Will this be recorded and available for viewing on demand? It starts at 1AM my time. Thanks!
@LISA-HACSKAYLO Yes, If you miss the live workshop, you can watch it later. The video will remain here and also be available to re-watch on our YouTube channel.
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Unfortunately I will not be available when this workshop is being held because of work reasons. I was wondering if the session is being recorded, and if it is, can I please be sent the recording. I am located in Brisbane, Australia. Many thanks, Mike
@MIKE-WBH Yes, If you miss the live workshop, you can watch it later. The video will remain here and also be available to re-watch on our YouTube channel.
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I hope there's a replay as I will be traveling that day
@PJRICHER-0 Yes, If you miss the live workshop, you can watch it later. The video will remain here and also be available to re-watch on our YouTube channel.
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I will be in classroom teaching at that time. will this workshop be recorded?
@CMAJORCHORD Yes, If you miss the live workshop, you can watch it later. The video will remain here and also be available to re-watch on our YouTube channel.
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I work during the day and this workship is scheduled at 11am my time (EST) Will this workshop be recorded or repeated at other times?
@JEFF-LIPKO Yes, If you miss the live workshop, you can watch it later. The video will remain here and also be available to re-watch on our YouTube channel.