11 Must-Know FAQs For Moving Overseas

Hi, welcome to the Live and Invest Overseas podcast. My name is Kat Kalashian. I am based in Paris, France, and I am the Senior Europe Editor for Live and Invest Overseas.

Live and Invest Overseas doesn’t just talk about Paris, where I am based. It doesn’t just talk about France or Europe. We talk about everywhere in the world that might be of interest to any North American—or really anyone from anywhere in the world—looking to live or invest overseas.

Because we cover so many different topics, we receive dozens of questions every day via email or by phone. Some people call our headquarters in Panama, where our office is located. I also lived in Panama for seven years, and I’ve now been in France for about five years.

This year we had our annual customer service report, where we went over all of the major trends and considerations that people are thinking about as they look toward the idea of potentially moving overseas, perhaps retiring overseas, maybe working overseas, or simply making an investment in another country or another currency in order to diversify a portfolio and earn money in another currency. That can be a big benefit, especially if you have other dealings in that country or are living there.

I decided to compile the most frequently asked questions that we receive year after year. I looked at the past three years of our FAQs, and they overlap almost completely. So let’s get right into it.

How Safe Are The Countries You Suggest?

We’re never going to suggest that you move somewhere that’s unsafe. Generally speaking, you could say as a blanket statement that any place we suggest or recommend for living overseas is a safe place to spend time, live, work, and enjoy life.

That said, every place has some darker sides to it. No place is perfect. I can attest to that better than anyone, having lived in many places all over the world. Every place has some amount of crime.

If you’re living in a big, densely populated city or a resort town that receives a lot of tourists every year, there’s going to be a fair amount of petty crime. There may be pickpockets on public transportation. Conversely, if you’re living in a very rural area, isolated from neighbors, you might need to invest in a home security system or simply get a dog. If you’re that remote, your house could become a target for burglary.

Some countries have issues with car break-ins. Others deal with home burglaries. Every place has something to be aware of, but it’s usually limited to specific situations or neighborhoods.

Every city in America has a back alley that you don’t want to walk down alone late at night. Practice common sense wherever you go. Don’t flaunt jewelry in a developing country. Don’t leave your phone sitting on a café table while you’re eating outside. Keep your backpack on your front while riding the metro or the bus. These are simple precautions that help you avoid becoming the target of petty crime.

I will say that, having lived overseas for more than half my life, the only place where I’ve personally been the victim of crime has been the United States. I’ve never been mugged, pickpocketed, or experienced any other kind of crime anywhere else.

I’ll also add—not to stir the pot—that many of the countries we talk about actually warn their own citizens about traveling to the United States. Just as Americans receive government advisories warning about certain destinations, other countries issue advisories warning about concerns such as mass shootings in the U.S. Every place has its own issues.

It pays to be smart. It pays to use common sense. Generally speaking, if we’re talking about a place, it’s because we believe it’s safe to be there.

All of our editors have spent time in the destinations we cover. We’ve put boots on the ground, looked around ourselves, and assessed what it feels like to be there. We also establish local contacts and speak with expats who live there full-time. They share their experiences and concerns with us so we can balance our reporting and make sure you’re aware of any potential downsides.

Is There A Government In Place?

This is obviously a very broad question because people ask it about many different countries. As a general statement, all of the countries we talk about have established governments with democratic elections or long-standing, stable political systems.

We’re not going to recommend somewhere facing political instability that would create unnecessary risk for you.

There are a few caveats. Thailand, for example, has experienced military coups from time to time. However, because we know many people living there and stay in close contact with them, we know these political changes rarely affect the daily lives of residents, especially expats. In fact, many people there say everyday life continues much as before.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. While that may differ from the political structure you’re used to, it has been stable for a long time and presents no meaningful concern for most people considering a move there.

Can You Share Real Estate Information?

People often ask where to buy, where to rent, and how difficult it is to obtain financing from local banks.

Where you should buy or rent depends entirely on the country—and even more specifically, the city and neighborhood—you choose.

Our biggest recommendation is to get to know the country first before looking at housing.

You’re not moving to Spain. You’re moving to Barcelona. In reality, you’re not just moving to Barcelona—you’ll be moving to a specific neighborhood. Beyond that, you’ll be living on a particular street, and even one side of the street may be preferable to the other.

Those details matter more than most people realize, and you can only understand them after spending time there.

That’s why we always recommend renting first. Living in an area for a while allows you to discover things you couldn’t possibly know in advance. One side of a neighborhood may become noisy at night. A nearby street might have loud garbage trucks every morning. These seemingly small details can make a significant difference in your quality of life.

When it comes to financing, some countries do offer mortgages to foreigners, but the terms are rarely as favorable as those found in North America.

There is often a maximum borrowing age—commonly around 73—and loan terms are much shorter. Ten-year mortgages are fairly typical, while 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are generally unheard of.

Mortgage lending overseas works very differently from what most North Americans are accustomed to.

Also keep in mind that many residency-by-investment programs require you to purchase property outright. If you’re financing the purchase through a mortgage, it often won’t qualify toward residency requirements.

While financing is available in some places, it’s generally more complicated than it’s worth unless you truly need it.

Can You Suggest A Travel Protection Insurance?

Absolutely. I personally have a travel insurance policy rather than local French insurance or U.S. insurance because I travel all over the world. My policy follows me wherever I go.

If I fall down the stairs in the United States, I’m covered there just as I am here in France, where I’ve gone through a pregnancy while covered under my policy. If I were visiting Panama and got bitten by a snake, I’d be covered there as well. No matter where I am in the world, my insurance travels with me.

A travel insurance policy can be especially useful if you’re planning to move overseas. In many countries, private health insurance is a requirement when applying for residency. Governments want to ensure that new residents won’t become an immediate burden on the public healthcare system.

Once you’re established in your new country, you may be able to switch to a local private policy or join the public healthcare system if you’re eligible. Until then, a travel insurance policy often satisfies the residency requirement.

Travel insurance can provide excellent coverage at a surprisingly affordable price, making it a valuable option for many expats.

Transportation Overseas

People often ask whether public transportation, taxis, and rideshare services such as Uber are readily available and secure overseas.

As with most things, it depends on the country you’re going to. Generally speaking, though, much of Europe has outstanding public transportation. In many cases, it’s better than what you’ll find in the United States.

Here in Paris, I can take a train to practically anywhere in Europe. Flights between European countries are often short and inexpensive, and because Europe is much more compact than North America, many destinations are also within driving distance.

When it comes to Latin America, the picture is a little more mixed. Some cities have excellent public transportation systems, while others are still developing them.

Panama was the first country in Central America to build a metro system. It continues to expand, with additional lines under construction. Building a metro is a massive undertaking, and while construction caused traffic disruptions for years, the system has steadily improved transportation throughout the city.

Mexico City also has one of the most advanced public transportation systems in the world. Many popular beach destinations on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts have reliable buses and shuttle services as well. In more rural areas, however, public transportation may be less dependable.

South America also offers several cities with strong transportation networks. Buenos Aires is well known for its modern infrastructure, and Santiago is another excellent example.

If your goal is to live overseas without owning a car, there are many destinations where that’s entirely realistic.

When it comes to taxis and rideshare services, availability depends not only on the country but also on the specific city.

Paris has numerous rideshare companies, including Uber, along with an excellent taxi system. Panama City also offers several rideshare options, although Uber remains the most widely recognized service internationally.

If you already have an Uber account, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to use it overseas, especially in larger cities. Smaller towns, however, often have few or no rideshare drivers, and taxi service may also be limited.

In much of Latin America, Uber has become a particularly valuable alternative to traditional taxis. Before rideshare services became available in places like Panama City, taxis often had a poor reputation for inconsistent pricing and, in some cases, safety concerns.

Because Uber pricing is displayed in advance and regulated through the app, visitors generally know exactly what they’ll pay regardless of whether they’re locals or tourists.

In many parts of the world, rideshare fares are also remarkably affordable. Visitors are often surprised by how inexpensive an airport ride can be compared with prices they’re accustomed to back home.

Can I Transfer My Social Security Check Into An Overseas Bank?

Yes. You can continue receiving your Social Security benefits after moving overseas, even if you become a resident of another country.

In most cases, those benefits can be deposited directly into a foreign bank account. There are a small number of countries where restrictions exist, generally due to long-standing political issues with the United States, but none of the countries we typically recommend fall into that category.

For the destinations we discuss, having your Social Security payments deposited into your overseas bank account is generally not a problem.

Would I Lose My Citizenship?

No. Simply moving overseas will not cause you to lose your citizenship.

Renouncing your U.S. citizenship—or Canadian citizenship, or that of any other country—is a deliberate legal process. It cannot happen accidentally.

Even if you obtain residency overseas, you’re simply receiving permission to live in another country for a specified period of time. Residency is not citizenship.

Even if you later become a citizen of another country, in many cases you’ll still be allowed to keep your original citizenship.

There are exceptions. Spain, for example, generally does not recognize dual citizenship for Americans. If you become a naturalized Spanish citizen, you may be required to renounce your previous citizenship.

In most countries, however, dual citizenship is permitted. This allows people to hold both an American or Canadian passport alongside a passport from another country.

Having multiple passports can provide significant travel advantages, including easier access to countries that would otherwise require visas and the ability to live in places like the European Union without the normal time restrictions placed on visitors.

Enforcement also varies from country to country.

Singapore, for example, takes the issue extremely seriously and requires new citizens to formally complete the renunciation process.

Panama, on the other hand, technically does not recognize dual citizenship in many cases, but enforcement has historically been very limited. Policies can always change in the future, however, so it’s important to understand the current rules before making any decisions.

Ultimately, the answer is simple: moving overseas does not cause you to lose your citizenship.

If you ever choose to renounce your citizenship, you’ll need to complete a formal legal process to do so.

It’s also worth noting that the United States continues to tax many of its citizens regardless of where they live, which is one reason some long-term expats eventually decide to renounce their citizenship. That decision is highly personal and involves significant legal and financial considerations.

Do I Need To Get Any Shots?

This depends on the country you’re going to, but any place that we recommend does not require any additional vaccinations beyond the standard ones you would already have.

Things like tetanus and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are common around the world. Nobody is likely to ask when you last had your booster, although it’s always a good idea to keep routine vaccinations up to date.

None of the countries we typically recommend for living or investing overseas require special vaccinations beyond the normal schedule.

That said, if you’re traveling to destinations that we don’t regularly cover—Kenya, for example—you’ll likely want a yellow fever vaccination.

Different regions have different health considerations. Zika, for example, remains a concern in parts of equatorial Latin America. However, it’s primarily a concern for pregnant women. Malaria exists in many parts of the world, while the West Nile virus is present in parts of the United States.

Every destination has its own health considerations, so it’s always worth researching your specific destination and taking appropriate precautions before traveling. In some cases, preventative medications, such as anti-malarial pills, may also be recommended.

Can I Drink The Water?

Again, this depends on exactly where you’re going.

Generally speaking, most major cities around the world have safe, potable tap water.

Paris, for example, has some of the best drinking water in the world. Free drinking fountains are located throughout the city, including sparkling water fountains. Some grocery stores even allow you to refill bottles with still or sparkling water at no charge.

That said, many Parisian buildings are extremely old. Some have plumbing systems that haven’t been updated in decades. Depending on the age of your building, it’s worth finding out when the plumbing was last replaced or inspected.

Water also tastes different from one place to another. Some people are particularly sensitive to those differences. If that’s the case, bottled water is an easy alternative.

One thing that surprises many visitors is how inexpensive bottled water can be overseas. While a single bottle from a convenience cooler costs about what you’d expect, buying larger bottles or multi-packs at the grocery store is often remarkably affordable.

I’ve been talking mostly about Europe. In Latin America, this is something you should pay closer attention to, particularly in rural areas or places that rely on well water.

Large cities such as Panama City, Mexico City, and Buenos Aires generally have safe municipal drinking water, but some people simply prefer bottled water, especially if they have sensitive stomachs.

My mother, for example, always drinks bottled water no matter where she travels. She prefers not to take the risk. While it may not be the most environmentally friendly choice, it’s one of the easiest ways to reduce the chances of getting sick while traveling.

Can I Bring My Pets With Me?

This depends on what you’re planning to do.

If you’re talking about bringing a pet while traveling overseas, every country has its own import requirements, paperwork, and regulations.

If you’re thinking about bringing a pet on a short trip, such as attending a conference overseas, it’s worth considering whether the experience would be worthwhile for the animal. International travel can be stressful, and your pet won’t understand why it’s happening.

Individual hotels also have their own pet policies. Some are pet friendly, while others are not.

Service animals that perform essential functions, such as guide dogs, are generally accommodated. Emotional support animals, however, may not receive the same legal recognition outside North America that they do in the United States.

Beyond the paperwork and expense, it’s also worth considering your pet’s comfort. While you may be excited about spending a week overseas, your pet will likely spend much of that time in an unfamiliar hotel room while you’re away.

It’s certainly possible to travel internationally with pets, but for a short trip, it often isn’t the best experience for them.

How Dependable Are The Mailing And Postal Systems Overseas?

In Europe, postal systems generally work very well. One thing that surprises many newcomers, however, is the customs duties and taxes that can be charged on packages arriving from abroad.

If family or friends want to send you gifts, it’s often better to have them purchase those items from the local version of Amazon in your new country rather than shipping them internationally.

For example, France has Amazon France, Spain has Amazon Spain, and Italy has Amazon Italy. Ordering domestically avoids many of the customs fees and delays associated with international shipments.

Latin America is a different story.

In many countries, it’s best not to rely heavily on the national postal system. As a result, many expats use mail-forwarding services.

These companies typically provide you with a U.S. mailing address—often in Florida. Packages are delivered there first and then forwarded to your local mailbox overseas.

When I lived in Panama, I relied on one of these services extensively. It allowed me to order products from Amazon, receive English-language books and magazines, and have friends and family send holiday cards and other mail.

Many expats have even built successful businesses around providing mail-forwarding services because the demand is so high in certain countries.

Overall, postal reliability varies significantly depending on the country—and sometimes even the city.

Things continue to improve. When I lived in Panama, for example, utility bills weren’t fully digitized. Paper bills were often tossed through the front gate, where weather or other circumstances could easily cause them to disappear. Missing a bill sometimes meant discovering your electricity had been disconnected.

Today, many of those services have moved online. Direct payment options are becoming much more common, especially in capital cities.

Even so, it’s generally a good idea to minimize your reliance on physical mail after moving overseas whenever possible.