Tag

Expat Life

All articles tagged with #expat life

Retired Americans Trade Snow for Panama’s Sunshine and Community
world3 days ago

Retired Americans Trade Snow for Panama’s Sunshine and Community

A Michigan couple retired in 2018 and moved to Coronado, Panama, where they bought a $210,000 two-bedroom condo and joined a vibrant arts community. Greg Kitzmiller began writing—publishing a book about retiring in Panama and starting a detective fiction series—while Jen connected with locals and churches. Panama’s Pensionado visa offers perks such as discounts on utilities, medications, and transport, and the country’s use of the US dollar simplifies finances. They stay close to family via video calls and, eight years in, say there’s not much they miss about the US and have no plans to return.

Two Homes, One Heart: An Expat's Honest Irish Life
lifestyle1 month ago

Two Homes, One Heart: An Expat's Honest Irish Life

A Kentucky native moves to Cork to marry an Irish man, and discovers that life in Ireland is not the fairy-tale dream she imagined—facing damp, limited rental options, and deep homesickness (exacerbated by COVID)—yet she remains grateful for their life together, running a home-based business and enjoying meaningful experiences across Europe as she navigates two countries and two homes.

Why We Passed on the $1 Italy Home Offer
real-estate1 year ago

Why We Passed on the $1 Italy Home Offer

A couple in their 30s considered buying a 1-euro home in Italy but opted for a more expensive, move-in-ready farmhouse in Sant'Elia a Pianisi. They found the 1-euro housing program risky due to potential renovation costs and legal stipulations, which are often in Italian. Instead, they purchased a 3,121-square-foot farmhouse for 29,000 euros, enjoying a vibrant community and the flexibility to renovate at their own pace. They recommend hiring a property lawyer for navigating international real estate transactions.

Coping with Loss: My Journey After an Unexpected Tragedy in Dubai
world-news1 year ago

Coping with Loss: My Journey After an Unexpected Tragedy in Dubai

In 2007, an Australian woman living in Dubai faced legal challenges after her boyfriend, Stuart, died in a swimming accident in Fujairah, UAE. Despite the UAE's strict laws against cohabitation and adultery, she navigated a tense legal situation by convincing a judge of her innocence, ultimately avoiding imprisonment. The ordeal highlighted the complexities of living as an expat in the Middle East, where cultural and legal norms can differ significantly from Western countries. The experience led her to leave Dubai, eventually finding a new life and husband in Abu Dhabi.

Coping with Loss: My Journey After an Unexpected Tragedy in Dubai
personal-story1 year ago

Coping with Loss: My Journey After an Unexpected Tragedy in Dubai

Georgia Lewis recounts her traumatic experience in Dubai when her boyfriend Stuart tragically died during a weekend trip to Fujairah. Following his death, she faced a distressing legal ordeal under Fujairah's interpretation of Sharia law, where she had to lie about her personal life to avoid severe penalties. Despite the grief and surreal experience, she eventually moved to Abu Dhabi, met her future husband, and later relocated to London. The incident remains a haunting memory, but it also led to new beginnings in her life.

The Hidden Costs of a Glamorous Life in Dubai
lifestyle1 year ago

The Hidden Costs of a Glamorous Life in Dubai

Jessika Roso Malic, a former Emirates stewardess, moved from Phoenix to Dubai in 2010 for a glamorous job but returned home in 2017 due to burnout and a desire for a more balanced life. While she enjoyed the cultural diversity and travel opportunities in Dubai, the demanding work schedule and lack of personal time took a toll. She missed the variety of activities available in Phoenix and found the city's infrastructure more convenient. Now settled in Phoenix, she works as a communications and events manager at a nonprofit.

American Couple Abandons French Dream for US Return After 'Nightmare' Experience
lifestyle1 year ago

American Couple Abandons French Dream for US Return After 'Nightmare' Experience

Joanna McIsaac-Kierklo and her husband Ed Kierklo, a retired couple from San Francisco, are planning to return to the US after their attempt to settle in France turned into a "nightmare." Despite their initial excitement about living in Nîmes, they faced challenges with French bureaucracy, language barriers, and social integration. Joanna found the French lifestyle difficult to adapt to, missing the familiarity and social connections of her life in the US. Although they enjoyed visiting France, they concluded it wasn't the right place for them to live permanently.

"Life-Changing Move: How Relocating to Mexico Transformed Her Outlook"
lifestyle1 year ago

"Life-Changing Move: How Relocating to Mexico Transformed Her Outlook"

Disillusioned with life in the US, interior designer Marjorie Skouras moved to Mexico after falling in love with the country. She and her husband settled in Merida, where they restored a 19th century ruin and later opened a boutique. They then bought land in Dzemul and launched a nonprofit music school for local children. Skouras, now a permanent resident, is applying for Mexican citizenship and feels deeply connected to the country and its people, with no plans to return to the US.

"Unrest and Violence: The Changing Landscape of Ecuador"
world-retirement-abroad2 years ago

"Unrest and Violence: The Changing Landscape of Ecuador"

Retirees from the U.S. have found affordability and a higher quality of life in Ecuador, but recent drug-fueled violence has raised concerns about safety. Despite the escalating violence, many retirees are choosing to stay, while others are using caution and considering their options. The situation has prompted a reevaluation of the safety of retiring abroad, with experts advising potential retirees to consider countries with a history of stability and to stay informed about local conditions.

Top Cities for Expats in 2023: Africa, India, and Beyond
travel2 years ago

Top Cities for Expats in 2023: Africa, India, and Beyond

Mercer, a global consulting company, has released a report on the best African cities for expatriates to live and work in 2023. The report analyzed factors such as political and social environment, health, education, recreation, and housing. The top 10 cities identified as providing a high quality of living for international employees are yet to be revealed.

American Veteran and Partner Construct Dream Home in Thailand
lifestyle2 years ago

American Veteran and Partner Construct Dream Home in Thailand

Joe Green, a US veteran, and his fiancée, Gift Prakaew, left city life in Bangkok to build their dream home in a seaside town in Central Thailand. After retiring, Green wanted a change of scenery and found Thailand to be an affordable and appealing option. They purchased a plot of land under Prakaew's name and worked with a builder and architect to construct their three-bedroom, 2,000 square feet home. The couple's modern, one-story house, with a white, grey, and black color scheme, cost $188,000 to build and turned out exactly as they envisioned.

The American Migration: Seeking a Better Life in Mexico City
society2 years ago

The American Migration: Seeking a Better Life in Mexico City

The Covid-19 pandemic and the rise of digital nomads have led to a surge in Americans moving to Mexico City for a more affordable and laid-back lifestyle. While many Americans enjoy the communal atmosphere and cultural richness of the city, locals express concerns about rising rent prices, displacement, and the changing fabric of their neighborhoods. Some Black Americans feel safer and more included in Mexico City, but the region still faces high crime rates. The influx of foreigners has sparked gentrification, with rent prices increasing and short-term rentals proliferating. The housing crisis in Mexico City is exacerbated by the need for over 800,000 new housing units annually. The Mexican government is urged to find a way for newcomers and locals to coexist peacefully and responsibly.

From the U.S. to Denmark: A Luxurious and Happier Life in Copenhagen
lifestyle2 years ago

From the U.S. to Denmark: A Luxurious and Happier Life in Copenhagen

A woman shares her experience of leaving the United States to live in Denmark with her husband and son. They rent a two-bedroom luxury apartment in Copenhagen for $2,100 a month, which they find to be a good value for the space they have. The neighborhood is family-friendly with plenty of amenities and outdoor spaces. While the cost of living is high, the woman is happier in Copenhagen due to job satisfaction, better work-life balance, and access to good public transportation. She plans to eventually get more space but wants to stay in the city.