Steps you can take now at home -- Step 1: know yourself -- Step 2: budget your new life overseas -- Step 3: take out a map -- Step 4: research residency options -- Step 5: get good tax advice -- Step 6: shop for health insurance -- Step 7: learn the local real estate market (for both sales and rentals) -- Step 8: figure out what to do with all your stuff -- Step 9: set up a virtual home office -- Step 10: consider part-time retirement overseas -- Looking for something specific -- Cheap living -- Luxury living on a budget -- Retire to the beach -- Escape to the mountains -- Top choices with school-aged children -- Entrepreneurs welcome -- Best health care -- Great weather -- No language barrier -- Part-time retirement overseas -- Easy access to home -- Tax-friendly place -- Established expat community -- Fully wired location -- Special benefits for foreign retirees -- The world's fourteen top retirement havens -- Argentina -- Belize -- Croatia -- Dominican republic -- Ecuador -- France -- Ireland -- Italy -- Malaysia -- Mexico -- Nicaragua -- Panama -- Thailand -- Uruguay -- Settling in -- Renting, renovating, or building your new home -- Setting up: furnishing your home and finding household help -- Establishing an administrative infrastructure : opening bank accounts, arranging utilities, paying bills, and filing tax returns -- Getting around : owning a vehicle and obtaining a driver's license -- Becoming part of your new community : learning the language and making friends -- How to make the most of your new life -- Overcoming challenges and cultural differences -- Margarita madness -- The language barrier -- The hassle factor -- Managing your expectations -- The manĚana factor -- Handling panic -- Frequently asked (and not so crazy) questions -- Conclusion: the two most valuable things I've learned as an American abroad.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.