February 8, 2022

In preparation for getting ready to go to Portugal in a couple of months I thought I would begin to resurrect this blog.  I’m back!

I just returned from a conference in Las Vegas sponsored by the International Living organization.  International Living is a monthly publication that was founded in 1979 and since that time has grown to an organization with writers spread all over the world.  In addition to the monthly publication, they sponsor conferences, meetings, publish area specific guides and have associated organizations and individuals who specialize in various specific areas such as real estate, offshore banking, and other topics of interest to those contemplating a life overseas.

The conference in Las Vegas had speakers from various countries ranging from Mexico, France, Portugal, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Panama and beyond.  All of these individuals are actually ex-pats living in these various places so they can talk with some authority about the pros and cons of moving to and living in various places.  Many of these individuals have lived in various countries before deciding to settle in their current locale.  As one individual put it, they viewed themselves as ‘serial relocators.’  The bottom line is that there are many options out there for someone looking to spend some time overseas whether that be to move permanently or just spend several months a year in a different place.

Many will ask the question, “Why would you move overseas?”  There are many different answers to that question.  Many people, often retirees, choose to move overseas because of economics.  They find that they can live much better and on less money than if they were to stay in the United States.  Housing in some of these markets is far more affordable than in the States whether you rent or buy.  Healthcare is another huge factor in many people’s decision.  Many of these countries have world class health care that is far more affordable than in the States once you establish residency.  And residency can often be established in a relatively short amount of time.

The woman who spoke about Spain related how she picked up and moved to Spain when she was 70 years old and that was five years ago.  She now lives in Madrid on a budget of $2,500 or so per month and is having the time of her life.  She said that one of her only regrets is that she didn’t do it sooner.   She feels perfectly safe walking around Madrid, has no car because the public transportation is so good and inexpensive, and has a very active life.  And, if you have ever been to Spain, you will know the food is outstanding.  What’s not to like?

For me, I have been fortunate enough to have lived overseas before – once in France and once in Kuwait.  And, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to a lot of different countries.  Each of those experiences have been enriching in some way.  Some of the places I’ve been have been better than others but I wouldn’t trade any of it.  The people, the cultures, the food, the experiences – it all just enriches one’s life in my humble opinion.

Many people ask about ‘safety’ in some of these countries.  While it is a given that it is always incumbent upon anyone to be aware of their surroundings, the fact is, many of these countries are far safer than the United States.  For example, Portugal is ranked the 4^th safest country in the world – the United States ranks 122!! 

Another thing that concerns people about moving overseas is being far away from friends and family.  My response to that is, “That is what airplanes are for.”  And in today’s world with Zoom being used regularly, a person can keep in touch quite easily.  Right now, my daughter is in Boston and it takes almost the same amount of time and effort for me to get from Bozeman to Boston and is does to get from Europe to Boston. 

Most of these countries have solid infrastructures and robust internet services.  You can operate from almost anywhere.  In fact, many of these countries actually have special visas for ‘digital nomads’ who choose to work remotely.

For me, the conference was a weekend well spent.  Yes, there was a lot of ‘fluff’ in the conference but I did learn some things that will be of value to me in the months and years ahead.  In addition, I have a lot of contacts that will be helpful.  I have the contact info for the correspondent from Portugal and will try to have lunch with she and her husband when I’m there in a couple of months so I can further pick their brains.

There are many reasons that I am contemplating moving abroad but I just look as it as another adventure.  I don’t know if I will plant in one place or just become a nomad.   It’s a big world.  It’s like a buffet.  And, instead of asking the question, “Why?”, it seems to me the better question is, “Why not?”  Stay tuned.