Hello everyone:

I was born in Germany. I’m a dual citizen of the USA and Germany and my family moved me to the USA when I was 10. Speak both languages - but my English is perfect, whereas my German is conversationally good but writing and reading is not so good. I have earned a Masters degree in the USA that would essentially be worthless in the EU. As far as documentation goes, I’ve got both EU and US passports, so I know I can live and work on both sides of the pond.

In the USA, I own my own home, have a government job (great retirement and health benefits, as well as generous vacation benefits that allow me to visit Europe once a year for weeks at a time, etc.). As an adult in my 30s, I am starting to yearn for a life in Europe, specifically in Amsterdam or Vienna. I love the culture and people there. At present, I have two dogs and don’t plan to leave them behind or take them along, so I know I won’t move anytime soon, but I am thinking of making this part of my five to seven year plan.

My question is, are there any folks on here that are aware of US companies that hire Americans that are allowed to work from remote offices in European countries? For example, I used to work at a big tech company in Silicon Valley as a contractor, and some of their full time employees were fortunate enough to get temporary assignments in foreign countries with work visas, etc. As I wouldn’t need visas or permits, this would be an easier time for me, but I am curious to know how many Americans living abroad are working for American companies.

In my wild imagination, I would be working for a company in a European country speaking English and German (or just English) and conducting work/meetings with international or local clients/business partners in person or remotely.

For context, I currently work in learning & development. Anywho, I am just in the “exploration phase” of my journey and know that I won’t be making any moves for quite a few years but wanted to see what people’s experiences from the USA have been.

Thanks!

I currently live in a house on a 3 acre lot and am only a few minutes from restraunts, stores, etc by car. I'm also only about 30-40 minutes from a major city.

We have been researching places all over the world to move now or retire later on to. From my initial investigations of other countries and cities, it has largely consisted of apartments or places with no yards that are currently for sale (just using as a reference point of costs). This could be because I have mostly just been investigating larger cities as a starting point and maybe that doesn't include the surrounding areas? This is my guess but wanted to see if others had more knowledge on some areas.

So is there a place that I could buy a house with an acre or more for $500k USD (as example) and be somewhat close to a city with stores and restaurants?

Bonus points if it doesn't snow!

The pollen during Fall / Spring here in the US is getting unbearable

I notice a night & day difference from 5 years ago, it's gotten progressively worst

Probably my only option to runaway for allergy season is around the equator? Panama and Costa Rica come to mind, but I have no personal experience

Hello fellow expats,

I am currently in Madrid and although I’ve been living in Spain for almost 10 years, I’m really feeling homesick this holiday season.

I’d love to find either a nice all American restaurant or shop to go have a nostalgic lunch or ideally an expat club or community to join.

I’m a 28F and live in Alcala de Henares. Tbh I just want a southern style biscuit and people to speak English to. :,)

I’ve thought about book clubs/ language exchange but those I’ve found seem to be more for English learners rather than speakers.

Anyways, any recommendations would be nice.

Happy holidays

Hi all! I live in US and am planning to move to Malaysia in a few months. When my kids were younger we lived in Asia 5 years. They’re now grown and independent (25 and 22) While they are supportive of this move, I am worried about leaving them on the other side of the…they are supportive of the. Move.

Hello from Florida! I have 7 months to kill before Fall semester starts up. Living abroad is on the agenda, wondering what recommendations/insight you may have.

About me male, mixed ethnicity, US, but have abroad before (Sweden 4yrs).

US citizen here, own my own biz and can work remote. Have husband and 2 toddlers. We’re just at the start of researching, can someone help me decide between Oviedo Spain and Braga Portugal? We’re going to visit this summer to test it out, do we do one week in each? Or would 2 weeks in one place be better to get a real feel?

How do I find expat groups there to mingle with?

Does anyone know who I could see to help me find what I need to obtain citizenship ?

Hi! American here... Like many others in wondering where I could reside in the world outside of the US. I've been told that Americans don't get to hold dual citizenship while also keeping benefits earned while in America. So I'm curious where to get started to find out where I could live most of the year while also keeping my house and veteran benefits in the US. Any suggestions?

Has anyone heard about this yet? Sounds like a huge pain, especially if planning on moving in and out of Thailand every few months

https://www.pacificprime.co.th/blog/thailands-new-eta-requirement-what-expats-travelers-need-to-know/?amp=1

We have rights covered by the Withdrawal Agreement (and the circolare INPS 154 del 18-10-2021) until anyone legislates and protocols otherwise (and most laws aren’t retroactive).

Don’t let the bureaucrats bully you, most of the time they don’t know what they’re talking about but they seem to revel in taking proven rights away from you.

All you need is proof of residenza going back to before December 2020.

Anyhow, I have a doctor again, yuhoo! :))

I have a highly international job (think: international organization) and have the opportunity to take a promotion in a non-English speaking Western European country. My spouse and I would have to relocate from the US.

However, he is pretty nervous about having community where we are going. Both of us are extremely active and like to get out so I don’t see us having a hard time making friends. But I come from a family that has a highly international background and he doesn’t so he feels less comfortable about his ability to make friends.

Anyone else had a spouse with similar worries? Any advice or stories to share?

Anyone any experience with them?

Traveling solo to SEA next year possibly permanent and looking into them

Not much about them on Reddit

I'm (42F) looking to move to somewhere along the Pacific Coast of Mexico. It will be me and my 3 large dogs. I work remotely and qualify for the financial side of things.

The reason I'm choosing Mexico is so I can take my dogs with me without having to fly them somewhere, close proximity to the States to see my adult kids and family members, and I have extended family throughout Mexico (though not on the coast) if I really needed some help.

I need to go to Mexico and explore a few areas before deciding where to move. I know that ideally I would spend months doing this, but that isn't possible for me right now. My lease is up in August and I'll need to have things in line by then.

I plan to spend about a month in Mexico and have narrowed it down to Huatulco, Zihua, PV area/Bucerias, and La Paz.

I figure that if I don't like where I choose, I can always move after 6 months to a year since my work is remote.

So here is my question (finally). How the heck do I even get started on this? I know about the paperwork and immigration stuff, but planning the visit and traveling from Texas to Mexico and between places is making me feel overwhelmed. My Spanish is basic at best and I'm in classes now. I know that will make things much easier, but as a solo female traveler (getting divorced) I'm still feeling terrified.

Hi All, I currently live in California, have a B.A. in Environmental Studies and have been working in the environmental compliance field for years as an inspector. I have a broad understanding of environmental issues, ecology, botany, zoology, etc. I am looking to leave the US. So far in my search for work, it looks like IT takes the cake pretty much everywhere. I haven't been able to find many job postings working abroad in my field. I also have years of experience working in emergency medical as a registrar. It looks like Costa Rica might be my best option for environmental work, but thought I'd throw it out here and see if anyone knows of a way to find this type of work abroad. I might not be looking in the right places, or maybe it actually just doesn't exist 😂🤷🏼‍♀️ Thanks everyone!

I'm a mom of 3 kids, and I'm done with the way things are in America. I want so bad to leave since I was 15 years old. I'm 35 now and still want to leave. I never wanted my kids to be stuck anywhere. I want them to explore and see more. I have a work from home job in government, and I have 20k in savings since I was looking to buy a house in America, but now, not so much. I have 401k and a roth. Can someone give me any advice on how to start this expat journey as a single mom? The islands off mainland America are ok too. I can work my job anywhere.

Edit: I have full custody of my kids in general, but I would need permission before taking them out of the country. Which I have now. I'm thinking affordability. I've heard that places like the Philippines and etc are affordable places to live. I'm just looking into something that would help us thrive. My kid's school is online. So, no worries there. I have an address in the US with family that I can use for packages and etc. I know that this will be a lot to research, but I'm ready to save, research, and move forward. Thank you for all of your help! I appreciate it. Also, my job does allow me to travel anywhere.

Howdy y’all. Looking for any tips you have for thriving in Taichung City. Never been to Taiwan.

Thanks in advance!

Just returned from Panama what a nice country and people. Looking to retire there since I’m afraid of what is to come and feeling forced to exit my home country the USA. 😥 I have Obamacare not 65, which will prob go away and social security which will probably go away too. That’s leaves a measly 401k and money from selling my home. Any advice on moving to Panama? And anyone else feeling devastated and feels forced to leave? Thanks.

29F, born, raised and still living alone in her hometown in the southern U.S. I have for a while now known that I wanted to live abroad at least for some time, possibly permanently. It is something I absolutely want to do no matter what.

My reasonings have been shifting lately though; I have been emotionally exploring why I hate coming home from trips, even if they are short or not at all restful. I think I’m extremely lonely despite the following:

• I have friends and family all around, who have shared interests and history.
• I have pets who I love who keep me company.
• I have no issues going out and making new friends when I want to, I especially enjoy solo traveling for all the people I get to meet.

But day to day, I am miserable here. I have come to believe I am feeling lonely due to how my environment and society are set up; I have all these friends and family within driving distance, but everyone is busy and hanging out requires a lot of planning.

I am wondering if any of you have experienced a positive change in feeling less lonely once you moved to walkable, neighborly communities abroad?

I want to make this move but I have a fear of jumping from the frying pan and into the fire in this aspect, as obviously moving abroad will mean I know nobody at all around me. I have no qualms about my ability to build community and will do my research toward places where I can do that (I’ll add that I’m a Black woman so I have to think hard about places I’ll be accepted). But I’m curious if this has worked out this way for others. Any advice or experience is greatly appreciated!

Edit: thank you all for sharing your opinions and experiences, I want to emphasize that I believe my loneliness is a cultural issue more so than a fear of being alone. I’m already alone, even with friends and family around, and that’s okay with me. The frustration lies in also being lonely purely because seeing and interacting with my community on a daily basis is near impossible due to the culture and infrastructure of the U.S.

I checked previous posts and didn't quite see what I was after.

I'm 31M from the UK. I've lived overseas working as an International school teacher for the past 10 years and know that I won't be settling in the UK.

I'd love to look at buying a property, but I'm confused with where and the money I'd realistically need to make this happen.

I'll be working in the UAE from January, and salaries, although tax-free, are not substantial to truly save a lot, very quickly.

Without posting figures and specifics, I'm hoping for general information, someone to point me in the right direction to start this process or anyone's stories of how they went about owning property overseas.

I hope this post makes sense, I can give further clarity if needed. Please and thank you!

Hi everyone!

My girlfriend and I are exploring the idea of moving to Hong Kong, and I’d love some advice or insights from people with similar experiences.

I have a degree and plan to work as an ESL teacher in Hong Kong. My girlfriend, however, does not have a degree but has extensive childcare experience, including work as a nanny in Australia. She’s a native English speaker (Australian) and loves working with kids.

We’re curious about the following:

1. Are there opportunities for nanny or au pair work in Hong Kong for someone without a formal degree but with solid childcare experience?
2. What’s the best way to navigate visa requirements? For example, would agencies like Rent-A-Mum sponsor her for a visa?
3. Has anyone gone through this process? If so, what challenges or tips would you share?

We’d appreciate any information, especially about balancing our different career paths while moving abroad together. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone, I’m from Italy (40m) and I’m seriously thinking about moving to Canada or northern USA. I’m a digital artist, and 3D animator. I admit it it’s a combo of “I always dreamt about” and “my country lacks the basic understanding of the quality of my jobs” (which seems extreme as a sentence, but trust me is not) Looking for a skilled jobs could be overwhelming, specially living thousands of miles away from where I want to go, and I’m looking for any good suggestions here. I’m very sad and disappointed of what my country as became ( racisms, unemployment, corruption - thanks Berlusconi, that’s your beautiful legacy-, healthcare system collapsing exc) Italy is no more the beautiful country that used to be, and I’m sick of it. Plus I’m that kind of guy whom find himself comfortable either hiking in the snow or fix my own pc

Expecially I would like to know areas where my job skills could be useful and appreciated Web sites suggestions and such are also appreciated

Sorry I know this post can sound a bit generic, but I had to start somewhere

Thanks to everybody who can give me any info

Cheers and ciao ☺️

Hi everyone, not sure where else to post this kind of thing but I figured this would be a good sub for it.

I'm Filipino/white and have lived in Guam my whole life, having mid-length stays on the west coast about twice ever since 2021 or so? I'm moving permanently to a place I had previously stayed in for a month, so I know my way around quite a bit, but I'm nervous about adjusting. The move is pretty much due to circumstances out of my control, and I don't really know what to expect. I will have enough money saved up from my current job to get by while I job hunt, but I'm just nervous about acclimating in general, getting a new job, and replacing my car here in Guam that I got quite attached to tbh. All my American friends are in the midwest as well so I can't exactly meet anyone right away.

I just wanted to ask for general advice because I struggle with anxiety and have been thinking of the worst case scenarios.

I a a 2024 Janus 500cc bike w/o ABS, is there any exemption that would permit me to register it in France, or any other EU country, if I bring it over when I emigrate? I know there is a duty exemption, but this is about registration.

OK, so we're getting down to the wire and I'm getting nervous. So, just seeing if anyone has done this before to give some advice.

I have my temp visa to move to the US and I have until May to do so. The biggest concerning factor of my move is my two cats.

I have done research for months on what is needed. Finally we are down to a month out from when I will move, so I started making the necessary vet visits. At this first visit where my cats had their microchips checked and their rabies shots, I was told that the vet needs an "import permit number" to proceed with their "export health certificates." Now I'm confused.

According to the US, my cats only need a Fit to Fly certificate, rabies shots, and be in good health.
According to my state (Massachusetts), same thing.
According to the airlines, same thing.

So, now what is this UK export health certificate? Is it needed if my cats are traveling WITH me as carry-on?
I am not using one of the extortionately expensive transport companies.

EDIT: I spoke with this author today and they confirmed no import number needed to take cats out of the UK. They detailed their travel very well.
https://www.reddit.com/r/AmericanExpatsUK/comments/1azmmf3/took_my_cats_back_to_america_klm_ama/

Hello Im currently taking a German immersion course in Munich and want to take my next one in Vienna. Can I apply for a visa within Europe or do I have to return to Chicago, apply for the visa and fly back for the course. I can’t find any answers anywhere no matter if I contact border police, US embassy, or local authorities.

Only confirmation I have is that German border control told me over the phone twice I can reset my 90 days by leaving and recentering Germany. But that’s just for Germany as far as I’m concerned.

Hello,

So, I got into retirement because of health reasons. My Swiss pension is very low and won't be enough to support my life in Switzerland (around 2k+ in USD). I'm in my 30s.

Now I'm looking into a destination to migrate to permanently, but I'm willing to try out a few locations. I'm super willing to learn cultures and languages (as I don't have anything else to do anyway).

So I'm now looking for a nation where I can get a visa without working or studying (all legally). As this has proven to be quite difficult. Obviously, I only have around 2k USD to support my life there. Also, I would ideally live in a city, as I can't drive anymore and need food delivery and public transport.

So far, I've checked Japan and Thailand, but the question of acquiring a visa has proven difficult.

Can anyone recommend me any nation? Thanks

Hi all

I've just been given an offer and wanted to see if this is considered "good" in comparison to other expats and for the cost of living in the KSA?

Basic Salary 38,000 SAR per month (456K SAR per annum)

Mobile Allowance 1,500 SAR per month

Relocation Package 75,000 SAR One-off lump sum 60 days accommodation on arrival

Others VIP Medical Insurance Life Insurance Gym allowance 1 x Business flight back to UK per year

Any advice on negotiations and thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

So we are thinking about moving from the United States to New Zealand with our kids in tow. we need this change and are looking forward to a great adventure. We think this would be phenomenal for our kids as well as our lives. A giant life change- but the biggest hurdle in this whole process, however, will be the two sets of parents we would leave behind in the United States. Understandably, they will both be fairly upset if we decide to go through with this. Can anybody speak about how they handled this with their parents and any tips on how to make this less painful?