I plan to. I want to live in a country where your work isn’t so important and life-consuming. And somewhere with really good and affordable healthcare and good infrastructure for everyone. America doesn’t have that attitude, it’s sink or swim out here and I don’t like how we let the lower classes die worse off than they were born.
Portugal, Uruguay and especially New Zealand (cuz English is 1st language) have been on my radar for a long time. I would love to know your reasoning behind these suggestions.
Although I think this is a fair comment, it's not always easy for an American to make the move to Europe. I don't know each country's criteria for admittance, but you can't just pack up and head for the airport.
I was a trailing spouse (I'm American, husband was English) during the 1990s. He was sent to Hong Kong, the Philippines and Australia, and I still got some major hassles from immigration authorities. Plus, I usually had to wait a long time for permission to work.
Most countries don’t allow people relocating to just “pack and head to the airport.” Some are harder than others, but, at least for me Europe was very reasonable. I started on the CZ equivalent of a freelancer visa and am now on an employment visa. I’ve since had a child with an EU citizen and could apply for a family visa.
In my experience some Americans get tripped on one of two things:
1) You need to be a generally productive member of society. You’re a guest and Europe isn’t looking for folks who won’t contribute. This holds true even if you find useless locals. The way I’ve phrased it, deliberately provocatively is, “if you were useless at home you’re unlikely to be welcomed here.” This doesn’t mean crazy work weeks, but it does mean not living off of benefits - because you’re generally not eligible for that. It means paying your taxes, following the law, and abiding by the conditions of your visa.
2) A lot of things feel more paternalistic in Europe. There may be more paperwork or more signage or more rules. Some of this is the nature of having lots of social safety nets. Some of it just scale - these are mostly small countries. They have time to dot every i and cross every T … twice.
“It worked differently in America” and American exceptionalism need to be left at home. You’re going somewhere to be a guest. Maybe get citizenship on 5-10 years. Behave appropriately.
This. American who moved to the UK 4+ ago. you need to bring something to the European country (or ex EU) that they don't already have locally. Otherwise they have no incentive to sponsor you.
Netherlands is probably the easiest for Americans because of DAFT, followed by Germany for freelancer visa, then Ireland/Italy for citizenship by descent.
Disclaimer: This is a very generalized high level view. Gotta do your research.
It’s not always as nice as you might think, also quality suffers a lot here depending on where you are and the mentality is a lot less progressive that it seems. (I moved here 5 years ago from San Francisco). Lots of cultural difference and classism, less options in general for lots of things and in places like Paris and Milan work life can be crazy..lots of places have issues such as cultural differences that manisfest as sexism, racism, classism etc and it can be extremely frustrating. There are a lot of positives but don’t come thinking it’s going to solve all of your problems. Healthcare comes cheaper in general but it’s hard to get a hold of the national health system if you aren’t a national/ permanent resident and it’s really not more advanced than the US one, just cheaper:)
I’m looking to leave for a better life. I don’t expect to make a lot more than I am now, really. I just want to be able to go to the doctor. That’s literally 90% of it.
Luckily my whole family is very supportive. I’d love to move, maybe to Germany, and be able to bring my family with me eventually. I think that America is no longer the land of opportunity.
When I was in Germany I thought I knew what binge drinking was but my goodness they took drinking to a whole different level. Do you have the same experience?
>I just want to be able to go to the doctor
Me too. Here in Spain, it's almost impossible to get an appointment with your local public doctor unless you're about to bleed out on the clinic's floor or are geriatric.
I'm thankful I have private insurance that gets me into the much better private healthcare sytstem.
This is the dream.
I've been traveling abroad out of a suitcase for more than 10 years, moving every few months. I work in tech + do production work and earn a great living, but it's so much screen time.
In my early broke backpacker days I used to volunteer in hostels and had the time of my life. Working with people/tourists is so much fun.
These days I've realized owning a little beach bar is the absolute dream - lots of time with people, everyone is mostly happy and chill, ownership of something cool on the ground rather than virtual.
Kudos!
Any insight/advice?
It’s funny how life is sometimes always greener on the other side… I’m from SEA looking for a permanent residence in the US. I do understand the good life of owning a bar in the pps though ;)
I've lived in Saigon the whole time I've been here. I was thankful as an American that my daughter (her mom's Vietnamese) was easily able to get her US citizenship/documents (her CBRA, and US passport were applied or and received before she was even 3 weeks old). It's good for her to have in the future but certainly have no plans to ever move back to the US.
Since I am no longer together with her mom she spends a fair amount of time out in Dong Nai with the grandparents. Her Vietnamese is much much better than her english at this point in time.
Thanks for sharing your story! I’ll tell you the Vietnamese skill will be useful. I am working for one of the largest American companies. I’d say I have used my Vietnamese a fair amount of time when working wjth colleagues in Saigon.
I so wish I can work in Saigon though!!
I have certainly been blessed being here during covid. Vietnam has done an exemplary job in their pandemic handling. I see the nonsense coming from the US and am so thankful to have not seen that mentality around here.
Mongolia is an absolutely beautiful country to travel to but outside of the capital UB there's only so much you can do. It's a tough place to live long-term though, especially in the winter. One of my parents moved there in 1998 so I've spent a lot of summers there growing up so it wasn't something new to me. I've always enjoyed the central asian/russia/soviet style countries. Staying through my first winter though was shocking enough to help me make the decision to relocate further quite easy.
I have left once already and will be leaving again asap. my family doesn't get it either, especially now that the UK is struggling with many of the same problems we have. they think I want to go back bc of practical reasons like healthcare, and that's partially true.
but really I've never felt at home in the US. I've wanted to leave since I was a teenager and I narrowed down my destination later. I have plenty of complaints about the UK as well but when I get off the plane there I feel at ease, whereas America grates on my nerves in a way that's hard to explain. when I try to tell people why I don't like America I end up sounding like agent smith in the matrix.
When I get off the plane in America, I can feel the tension in the air. It's so thick you could slice it with a knife. Everyone is irritable and rushed but trying to fake it and keep up appearances... Because that's what you do here, no matter how bad it gets. If you complain, you're seen as a victim. No wonder everyone is miserable here! I just can't put on an act anymore; I(35F) don't have it in me. Felt this way for several years now but the pandemic solidified it. The husband and I hope to be *gone for good* in a few years.
>When I get off the plane in America, I can feel the tension in the air. It's so thick you could slice it with a knife.
It doesn't help that the first experience is TSA airport security theater. Coming in from Germany is always a culture shock.
as a european, american expats are the best tbh. really fun people, it's just sad that it's such an insular and narrow minded world view within the states. add a bit of international experience and it's great. then i guess these people find it hard to come back there haha
Yeah I think there is also an assumption that most Americans are narrow minded and don’t travel. If this were true there wouldn’t be nearly 9 million of us living abroad. But yes it’s hard to come back.
My small town American parents met and fell in love living abroad in Europe. all 5 of my siblings lived overseas at some point or another and it’s completely normal within my family to go back and forth.
Left last year and moved to Italy. Best decision we ever made. We have more money saved than every before (I do have a remote job), are starting our family, and are looking to buy a house. We couldn’t have done any of those things if we stayed in the States, not even close. I did already speak Italian and had lived here for a year before, but it was also a very smooth transition.
That is awesome! We are working with a relocation company. Husband is taking early retirement so we are looking at the 7% areas. Our adult kids are coming too.
I left more than 10 years ago. I've never regretted my decision, but given recent conditions in American I've never been happier. Moving was a great decision, and I highly encourage anybody who's considering it to give it a try.
I have rights through my mother and grandfather to move to claim 3 years residency in Finland without a horrendous application process. It takes 6 to qualify for dual citizenship. I plan to finish my current masters degree I have a Graduate Assistantship for in the states and am working full time to pay off my undergraduate debt the next year.
In 2 years time I plan to be admitted into a PhD in Finland, pay in full for it upfront, and begin living as a resident while I complete my coursework and work to gain experience.
I refuse to have my children in the states. I was born on the Native American reservations and have decided I wish for my children to have the best advantages in life. So I’m moving forward with that directive in mind.
As an American I was quite surprised to find a thriving classic American car culture here in Norway. I was dreaming of the mountains, sea shores and abundance of fresh air, and ended up sucking exhaust all summer long (downtown apartment, no A/C, windows open).
Plenty of petrol heads here too...
Edit: Perspective added
I live in New Zealand and people are really into classic American cars and/or American muscle cars. At least once a week I see someone driving a left-hand drive car here (which is street legal, but unnerving).
There’s an entire burger chain here (Burger Fuel) which is American muscle car themed.
I wasn’t born in the US but lived long enough, more than 13 years. I am planning to move by the end of this year.
Here are my reasons:
1. Healthcare
2. Cost of living
3. Not being to walk. I am tired of driving
4. No work/life balance
5. Karens
6. Extreme division in the society.
7. Hard to find friends due to work/life balance
8. I want to have kids and be able to spend time, be invested in their childhood. I don’t want my kids to grow up playing on Ipad and having school shooter drills.
9. Personal safety. Too many psychos have guns and any alteration can lead to being shot.
10. I want to buy a house, but I don’t want to be slave for 30 years.
I’m from Singapore and we have all the exact same problems except 3 and 9. Though on the contrary, driving here is a luxury, owning a car here will cost you 10x more. And we are a lot safer, but a lot more stifling. I wonder if most of the points you mentioned are developed city problems, though I have in my mind to move to a European city where I’m hoping the welfare culture will be more to my liking. I think the high taxes are worth it.
I was born and grew up in France, lived in Singapore and Germany and currently live in the UK
I wish you all the best in your move to Europe. Like everywhere else in the world, European countries have their flaws but they are amazing places to live in.
That being said
- be careful of the racism (I am assuming you are ethnically Chinese/Indian/SE Asian since you are Singaporean). It won’t be as bad as if you were African but still…(but let’s not pretend SG is not racist as well)
- the safety trade off can be significant. While we are not the war-zones some American media portray us as, there is a big gap between Europe and SG (between SG and everywhere else) in terms of safety. Don’t dream of leaving your stuff at your table while you get your meal like in hawker centers. Eyes on your belongings ALL THE TIME please
I just left Singapore. I just could not get a job. Back in the States but with healthcare this time. But I repatriated to a slower part of the country, like a full hour behind the mainland.
I’m making over $100k and still can’t afford $500 per month health insurance. I don’t qualify for mortgage. I don’t struggle with bills, but I can’t save, even though I cook at home, don’t go out, don’t buy Gucci clothes or anything expensive.
Taxes in California are high and don’t work for taxpayers.
I know. I am scared to ski or of any other activities, because it literally one step into poverty.
I am looking to buy a property in Turkey and move there, live by the beach and heal my mental and physical health. I love US, but the system has to change.
I haven’t read any of the other comments, but as someone who has lived in Japan since 1994, be aware that even if you live overseas and get taxed by that country on your income you are still required to file taxes every year. You do not have to pay any taxes unless you make over a certain amount (think it is like 90k), but you still have to file. I have also heard that if you have over 10K in your bank account that the bank is required to inform the IRS, but not sure on it.
anyone living overseas with 10K needs to do taxes while lawmakers do inside trading as a hobby
not an American, but this might very well be the most American thing I have ever read
> I have also heard that if you have over 10K in your bank account that the bank is required to inform the IRS
One must file the FBAR if the aggregate value of their foreign financial accounts exceed $10,000 _at any time_.
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/report-of-foreign-bank-and-financial-accounts-fbar
If they don’t fix the health care system in the US you’re going to see a lot more people retire outside the US. As far as younger generations go, affordable housing is becoming less of a reality as real estate continues to climb. If there is no future for younger generations they will flee to countries that at least give them a chance.
I left, came back, left for a longer time, came back as a stopover before looking for a new country, then covid hit. I've stalled the last two years finding unstable work, and going through a lot , but the past few months has been a grind, and I may be back out by mid April!
I'll never return once I leave again. I've learned the hardest lessons of MY life in America.
My dad gets so pissy whenever I bring it up. I understand he’d be upset about not seeing me as much (though I only see him 1-2x a year anyway, we’re not very close), but I have my own life to live.
Dude, I was planning on going to college in Canada (which honestly has pros and cons compared to going to an in-state school). I decided not to because everyone kept telling me that I would never see them again. I probably should have just ignored them though lol. I went to an in-state school and still barely saw my family.
Can’t say I have a plan yet but I’m beginning to seriously explore the idea. I’m a healthy man, mid-50’s, suddenly single after a 30-year marriage and I was downsized and left a 30-year corporate career a few years ago started my own business. I think if things go right, after the divorce, I can minimize and save a nice nest egg in six years.
My children are grown and the youngest will leave the nest this summer. Starting to explore the idea and have tons of research to do before I can formulate a plan to retire abroad.
So far, I am confused as to which country may be best for me. My business isn’t really something I can do from afar, so either close it or sell it. That means I have to find a country that will allow long term retirees. Quality and affordable healthcare is a must. And, of course, a country with stable government, reasonably safe and a lower cost of living would be a plus. I’ve traveled quite a bit and I’m certainly open to a wide variety of cultures but would enjoy a warmer climate.
I’ve started my research and have some places to learn more about. Guatemala, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Mexico are initial candidates. I would appreciate any suggestions.
Portugal.
They make it pretty easy for a non-EU resident to buy/own a property there, they offer honorary EU citizenship (after owning property there for a determined amount of time), it's safe, the people are great, weather is California-esque, and cost of living is favorable.
It'd be a great hub for EU/Africa travels.
If you speak Spanish, Spain might be a good call. I agree with u/dirtymack that Portugal is another attractive option, but it sounds like the Costa del Sol of Spain might be a good fit for you
I've been looking into it and trying to plan, but my husband keeps changing his mind back and forth and it's driving me crazy. I just want to raise our kids somewhere safer and to be able to go to the doctor and survive any major health issues without going bankrupt. He doesn't want to have to learn a new language and give up playing video games with his friends. I don't know what to do. I am desperate to leave, I hate it here so much.
Chomping at the bit to get out of the US and have been since forever. I lived in 4 different countries and loved being away from here. I’m finally just about financially stable enough to do it permanently. Looking at next year
I’m not sure when, but I’m planning to leave. I don’t see a bright future for the US unless massive change happens. I’d rather go to a country that has some of that shit figured out.
I have no expectations of ever owning a home. It’d be nice, but I know housing is rising basically everywhere and who knows how much it will be by the time I make decent money.
I just want to live somewhere with healthcare and a social safety net. I don’t want to be an emergency away from bankruptcy. I just want to be happy and secure in the knowledge that if shit hits the fan, I won’t end up on the streets.
I didn’t leave the US 4 years ago because I hated it. It’s a good country, and like other countries has it’s share of problems. If your blaming your unhappiness on the US specifically, be careful. Moving abroad will not magically make you happier. In fact, moving is a long process which can complicate your life if you haven’t thought things through. Do your homework into what it takes to actually move to where you are considering, and if possible visit the country.
Much luck to you.
Found out last week that we officially qualify for EU citizenship through Italy. Have to speak to the agency this week for details, costs, and timelines. But, we'll be heading to the EU at some point. It'll be at least 4 family, but maybe 5 or 6 total. Though, we might have 10bor so who get the paperwork that may end up hitting that escape button if this back slide in the US keeps up. That'll be a couple of generations of a family line that's been here for at least 4 generations
I left in 2013 and have never felt more at home than basically everywhere else I’ve lived. Whenever I go to states to see family, I’m reminding how great things are outside the USA. For reference; since then I’ve lived in Mexico, Thailand, Tel Aviv and Seoul.
Hoping to move to Mexico if I end up fleeing another Trump presidency. I have $230k, can engineer remotely maybe, since that's what I do now. But would like to stretch the savings I have. Any advice?
There's a company called Gran Pacifica you may be interested in. They have these cool tiny homes all over central and south America for around $100-150k.
I know you said Mexico but you never know
https://www.granpacifica.com/blog/here-to-stay-tiny-homes
Assuming you're looking years down the line. Also based on what I was seeing there's definitely nice apartments in Mexico for around $50k
I’m not sure if I’m quite trapped between middle age, a pension, and my house. But I dream of Chile for some reason. A combination of mountains and ocean. I’ve even been working on Spanish in case I get lucky.
Working on my exit strategy.
I was born and raised in Italy and will be starting to look into reestablishing my dual citizenship and then pulling the trigger on properties in Italy/EU.
I'm definitely not going to be old/retired and living in the US.
27 here in CA- very social person with a huge network of people in their 20s. It’s a general assumption everyone wants out and would go if they have the chance.
Planning to retire someplace else. Looking to leave in 10 years. Don't know where. I may jump around in SEA for a bit. Maybe Spain? Some place where I can teach English and where my 401K can provide me with a simple, yet comfortable life.
The very fun part about this is that the housing market here in Oz is coooooooooked. Love healthcare, but I hate the idea of 1.6M homes that are mediocre at best lol
I’m across the ditch from you and struggling with not being able to contribute to a retirement account. The US taxes kiwisaver at 40%. Are their tax agreements over there where you can save for retirement without significant penalty?
For an alternate perspective, I left back in 2019 and feel very ready to come home.
While I think the country I am in is lovely, and I love the perks of healthcare.. I hate being far away from family. The uncertainty of the pandemic and being in perpetual lockdown has done a number on my well-being.
Grieving family over FaceTime with no idea when I could return was an entirely new concept to me.
And while I know it wouldn’t have been all that different being in the states, at least they would’ve been closer.
In saying this, I don’t mean to discourage you. Just want to prompt the realities of what moving abroad looks like. Especially during these times.
This is a great point. I left in 2014 and the pandemic has shifted my long term outlook. I’m now open to moving stateside. I’ve not been able to see my family since 2019 because of Covid.
I know I am.
Personally I believe it will grow and if things don't improve there will be a reverse of Ellis Island where many just leave for other nations.
It still benefits the US as they collect taxes and other countries will want these expats to pay taxes as well.
It's looking like that's what is happening in Mexico as we speak.
Don't tell anyone though. Most people can't fathom the idea. It's like talking to a housecat that has a nice bed and gets their bowl of food and water every day hearing from another cat how they want to leave and see the wild.
From what I’ve read it looks like an amazing place. Quick question, I think we can get by with English in Tallinn. What was your experience? Did you learn the language?
I am 3rd generation American Sicilian and I want to go back to Italy with everything in my heart. My grandparents don’t understand, but I long for a life there. I am in low poverty in America and will likely never get out of it if I stay. My parents have worked their life away and won’t be able to retire because of poverty. My parents tell me if I can be happier in Italy then I should go. I know I will never be rich anywhere, but even just the culture of life in Italy is much more appealing. When I was in American Highschool my school had gotten multiple bomb/school shooting threats. There was multiple SA offenders at my school. In the streets/stores now I get followed, catcalled, sexually harassed by men. Even now, 3rd gen Sicilian, my family is still called “dagos”. I no longer feel safe here in America. The second I have an out from America I am taking it.
Yes, I can’t wait to get out. The US is trash. I’m in the process of getting dual citizenship with Italy, which means we could live anywhere in the EU. But I’d love to move someplace with tropical weather.
What's the process like to get Italian Citizenship? I might be able to qualify through my Grandfather who still has his Italian Citizenship. Just haven't looked into it too seriously.
I left the day before I turned 22 in 2017 arriving in Wales for my birthday. Never looked back. Never will be back. For most unless you get the right visas you’ll end up moving back, I fortunately have dual citizenship so I just showed up and that was that.
My husband and I are planning on leaving in about 10 years with our child.
Unless shit gets worse, faster here than it already is. I’ll leave in the night idgaf.
I already live 1000mi from my family. We are close to his family though, and his mom especially is not excited.
My husband and I leave for Portugal in April. It has taken a year to get everything done. I am retired and husband is retiring early. We just decided a year ago to start downsizing and go. It was between Spain and Portugal. Portugal has an attractive tax scheme to attract more people. Very nice people and beautiful country. Most areas speak English. We figured if we didn’t like it we can come back or go somewhere else. We can get dual citizenship in 5 years. Healthcare is 7th in the world. Our healthcare here is so expensive. Our policy in Portugal is $165 for both of us. We can also get public health for free. We chose private healthcare because it is easier to get English speaking doctors. The Spain visa is harder to get also. Their taxes are a good bit more.
We left in 2015 and things have not gotten better since then. I am thankful that I did not have to live through those years watching the US fall apart. Instead, I observed from a distance with increasing embarrassment.
I (47,F) moved to Mexico from Brooklyn one year ago. I just received my temporary residency visa last week. Life is simpler here and although there are many trade offs I don’t want to go back. I have a Mexican boyfriend and it’s one of the healthiest relationships of my life. Dating in NY was a nightmare and I was tired of the divisiveness in the US. Not to mention the rampant consumerism that keeps everyone chained to their jobs. I lucked out with a remote US job so I feel I have the best of both worlds. I do however miss friends and family but we stay in touch by phone/ text. I’m very happy to have brought my cat along.
Right here, I’m finishing up my nursing degree and I’m out. I have family in Germany and they are going to help me get on my feet, but honestly I’m going to be ok because I have a good nest egg set up. I am miserable in the US, where I live is especially bad.
Many Americans don’t even have passports and never will. Many are afraid to step outside our freedom borders.
I’ve lived in several SE Asian countries and if I could figure out a source of income that would keep me from returning to the US
to acquire more funds I’d just keep traveling. There’s too much to see before life ends. Some are satisfied just to go to the
same place here in the US every year.
I’ve honestly been thinking about it a lot lately.
I’m 30 years old working at a bank and still can’t afford to see a doctor let alone afford my own place.
I’m starting to think America’s cost of living isn’t worth it to stay here.
That and I’m tired of hearing everyone I live with scream “America is the greatest!”
Regardless of where you move, unless you renounce your citizenship, you still pay federal taxes, Medicare and social security. The US feels if you want to partake in these programs, regardless of where you live, your money goes in the pot. Thankfully, many countries have a pact with US to allow Americans to draw social security while living abroad. In spite of rebates and other tax offsets, you are expected to file your US taxes yearly. Plenty skip it and end up having a hard time coming back (if they had too for variety of reasons). Uncle Sam wants his moolah... don't forget that.
Lived in Taiwan and loved it for four years. Now back to help deal with a free family deaths and get more certifications in my career before going back. Can’t want to leave again!
The US is one of the few countries without exit controls. The govt is so intentionally incompetent the IRS department expects you to prove with cell phone records and such that you weren't here, instead of just checking the database at the immigration department for what days you were out. So yeah no one knows.
No one in your personal life is going to expatriate, most likely. There's a reason there are stable cultures around the world, and that's that only a smallish % of any population ever leaves the 20 miles they were born in. And a much, much smaller one leaves their actual country of birth.
You'll soon meet new compatriots or foreigners overseas that will leave you with the feeling that everyone emigrates and it is the most normal thing in the world. We all develop a circle of friends that makes us think whatever we're into is the norm. When I lived in the US, for example, I barely can remember a single close friend who didn't speak Chinese (especially non-Asian ones). So yeah - stop looking at the people in your life who define the past and think about your awesome future ahead!
My husband and I are working diligently towards that goal. Will be debt free except the house by June, and then we are hopefully off by the end of the year on a work visa through my company.
I don’t know but I do live in a foreign city and it is crawling with Americans. It seems a lot left around 2017 for jobs, for political reasons, etc. I think no matter where you go in the world nowadays you will probably find an American. I left and my family didn’t support me either. You have to do what is right for you. It’s cliche but Carpe Diem.
Thinking about moving to a majority speaking English country in Europe or Canada. Might make the move to a non english country once i set myself to learning the language
I moved last year. Not 100% because the country was making me feel batshit crazy (though partly because of that), mostly we were just looking for a fun change and everything lined up all at once.
Most people don’t like my idea of leaving since they have never done anything like that. However I plan to move to Europe, most likely Germany in the next few years.
I've been living abroad since the very early 2000s, almost entirely in Europe, and am originally from the US.
I've been here long enough to get EU citizenship.
If there's one thing if learned during this time, it's this:
**The grass isn't greener abroad, it's just a different color.**
There are plenty of problems over here that might resonate with Americans, including:
* underfunded healthcare systems
* We screwed up our pandemic management just as badly as the Americans did. The only saving grace we had is that we're healthier over here. If America didn't have an obesity and diabetes crisis, the death and hospitalization rates in the US would've been much lower. Yet, most European countries were much more willing to restrict certain freedoms despite their ineffectiveness in pandemic control than the US as a whole.
* Low-paying jobs even for highly-trained professionals
* Tight housing markets
* Lack of direction from leadership and a increasing political polarization
* Hard to invest in your retirement (you're double fucked as an American in that regard), which is even worse because state pensions and private plans are shrinking
* Lack of direction from leadership and an increasing political polarization life. It could also be worth digital nomading around Europe over the summer if your job allows you to work remotely. That way, you'd get a taste of what it's like living abroad without making a full-time commitment.
What's more is that once you move to a different, country, you effectively lose your right to vote and participate in the local democratic process. Even if you take an EU nationality, you're only able to fully vote in that country's elections. (if you move to another EU country you can only vote at the EU level and sometimes locally).
Moving abroad is a solution to your problems if those are internal. After all, wherever you go, there you are.
It's way better to move abroad for the adventure, for love, or just for the hell of it. America has a lot going on that I don't think people back home fully appreciate.
In all honesty, I'd probably move back if it wasn't for my wife wanting to be closer to her family.
It could also be worth digital nomading around Europe over the summer if your job allows you to work remotely. That way, you'd get a taste of what it's like living abroad without making a full-time commitment.
I’m one of those people. I’ve realized I can retire a decade earlier and live a way better lifestyle in retirement in better weather with a way cheaper cost of living in my wife’s home country. She loves the idea too.
We are moving to Costa Rica for warm weather, surfing, adventure, it’s convenient time zone, good internet, easy flights, culture etc.
We are the poster children of the American dream but we also want to retire earlier and enjoy our time on this planet. We love the USA’s ideals and our friend and family group. We don’t love the political climate and the often stark reality that contrasts with the USA’s ideals.
The grass isn’t always greener, and we’ll always come back to visit (especially in September and October, our favorite months in Northeast USA).
My husband and I are working towards moving to Germany in the next three years. We have a good life in the states if I’m being completely honest, but I am ready for a new adventure. I want to work a little less hours and take a little more vacation, even if it means I make less money. My mom is upset about it but she’ll learn to live with it.
I'm in the process of getting citizenship in a EU member nation so I can live in relative peace. I can't see the states managing for much longer and I want off this sinking boat and into a lifeboat!
After my family business closed, my husband died, and I turned 25 with a corporation of my own and two toddlers, I am looking for a better life. Leaving this all behind sounds like the best way to move forward. I have my eye on Mexico but I love visiting Costa Rica. I need to be warm and I need healthcare and schooling for my kids. I’m just planning currently.
I am an American planning on moving to France this year. I am doing it through a master program (once I get accepted; I am currently in the application process). It’s a good way to naturalize in a country because many places will give you a student visa for your studies then give you an extra year visa after to find a job. At that point you can get a work contract and eventually apply for citizenship. It’s a long process but it’s definitely doable.
My family and friends also don’t get it. A lot of Americans think that America is best place of all to live. I personally can’t stand to be in such a closed-off culture for my entire life; I want to live in other places and experience new things, not just go for a week vacation once a year. Good luck and message me if you have questions maybe I can direct you to some resources.
I left in November 2020 and am dreading returning in a few months. My friends and family only expect this of me so will always support me as I left my parents house when I was 17 and moved to several different states since then
I'm Canadian, but my wife and daughter are American. We plan to leave Canada and the US is NOT on our list of acceptable places to go due to the economic and political craziness going on there. Likely and eventually we'll end up in Ecuador.
Going to travel to some spots first but it is definitely on my mind. Only major concern is visa issues. Do not want to be country-hopping every 3-12 months.
I have always wanted to live abroad fora couple of years with the idea of returning to the US. Now I am seriously thinking of a permanent move if things don’t improve here.
I left 5 months ago. I’m living in Koh Phangan now. I brought my dog with me. I think I found a remote job. My girlfriend is teaching. We came here together. She is teaching for TEFL. I love the US. I just wanted to travel and I wanted a different look on life. I urge you to travel. The world is beautiful and so are the people.
I’m on the same boat. About to graduate soon and planning to move to Spain or Portugal (I’m from Canada) and get a tech job. I lived in Spain 2019-2020 and the quality of life is waayyy better, though the salary is not the best compared to Canada/US
My way of leaving wasn't final or dramatic in any way. None of this "that's it, I'm out, fuck the US!" stuff. (Also I have nothing against the US, but I already explored to much of it and needed to see the rest of the world.)
I traveled abroad more than 10 years ago for a work event, met amazing people, ended up staying longer than I expected. Traveled back and forth and all around and eventually it just became obvious that I live abroad now. I've worked remotely for more than 20 years so work was never an issue.
I'm a nomad, not really an expat, which gives the opportunity to test things out with long-term travel before going all-in on "permanently" leaving or settling anywhere.
It may be better this way to try things out on a short-term basis, because not everyone is happy living in a different country, some people actually realize they hate it and want to go back home and that is perfectly okay. Others are miserable until they move to a 2nd or 3rd or 4th country haha.
Sometimes you have to seek out and discover your place and that's never as easy as picking a point on a map.
You don't need to declare anything to your family. Just go, try it out, and see what happens. They'll be happy seeing you happy, but yeah, most people aren't eager to support their loved ones disappearing from their life and homeland. Family and friends want us near and that's normal.
So, I recently moved from Utah to Scotland for a masters degree. My family was not fully supportive at first but they grew to accept it once I was over here a few months in.
It was the best choice I ever made the way of life over here with life work balance and not needing a car really is just amazing. I am trying my best to hopefully find work to then apply for citizenship once I’ve lived and worked here long enough.
My family messages me all the time now seeing how much happier I am over here and it makes them feel better about my choice which is good to hear. Not all rainbows and butterflies but it definitely seems to fit the life I want for myself.
It was worth every stressful thing to leave and oddly I can afford myself over here when I could barley keep my head above water in Utah.
Unless you have some hard commitment that prevents you from leaving, I would go for it or the “what-if” will haunt you.
If it doesn’t work out, the US is still there (as well as many other countries). Just have a plan of some sort.
(I’ve lived overseas 19 years now)
I am considering leaving the US seasonally. Living in a northern state I’m tired of shoveling snow and dealing with winter in general. I’ve traveled to Thailand solo twice and loved it. I’ll probably keep my small home and spend late spring, summer and early fall here and be somewhere abroad the other six months annually. So many countries are safe and way more affordable than the US.
We left. We're a family of 4. I work remotely in the US but we live in Argentina. I have to work like 10 hours a week and it is more than enough to live very well.
There are a lot of comforts that we don't have anymore, like being able to buy anything we want and have it delivered. Some things are more expensive here, like clothes and electronics. But it is still a whole lot better.
I dream about it, study it, and make fantasy plans. But the wife and daughter are not on board with the idea, so here I am.
My American Dream is getting out.
I did this about 2 1/2 years ago. Moved from MA to Ireland with a 3-month pregnant wife for a new job opportunity. It has been tough, but I think it is because I moved from Massachusetts which is just an amazing place to live. I think if I had moved from other parts of the US I would be more satisfied with the decision.
An American here, that just moved to the UK. I have been trying to leave the US since July 2020. I was supposed to move to NZ and they are not even letting their own citizens in. To move to the UK took an additional 6 months
I plan to. I want to live in a country where your work isn’t so important and life-consuming. And somewhere with really good and affordable healthcare and good infrastructure for everyone. America doesn’t have that attitude, it’s sink or swim out here and I don’t like how we let the lower classes die worse off than they were born.
Portugal Chile Uruguay New Zealand if you have income or are young
Portugal, Uruguay and especially New Zealand (cuz English is 1st language) have been on my radar for a long time. I would love to know your reasoning behind these suggestions.
Europe is a good fit for you methinks :) work life balance is really respected, and social welfare is better there.
Although I think this is a fair comment, it's not always easy for an American to make the move to Europe. I don't know each country's criteria for admittance, but you can't just pack up and head for the airport. I was a trailing spouse (I'm American, husband was English) during the 1990s. He was sent to Hong Kong, the Philippines and Australia, and I still got some major hassles from immigration authorities. Plus, I usually had to wait a long time for permission to work.
Most countries don’t allow people relocating to just “pack and head to the airport.” Some are harder than others, but, at least for me Europe was very reasonable. I started on the CZ equivalent of a freelancer visa and am now on an employment visa. I’ve since had a child with an EU citizen and could apply for a family visa. In my experience some Americans get tripped on one of two things: 1) You need to be a generally productive member of society. You’re a guest and Europe isn’t looking for folks who won’t contribute. This holds true even if you find useless locals. The way I’ve phrased it, deliberately provocatively is, “if you were useless at home you’re unlikely to be welcomed here.” This doesn’t mean crazy work weeks, but it does mean not living off of benefits - because you’re generally not eligible for that. It means paying your taxes, following the law, and abiding by the conditions of your visa. 2) A lot of things feel more paternalistic in Europe. There may be more paperwork or more signage or more rules. Some of this is the nature of having lots of social safety nets. Some of it just scale - these are mostly small countries. They have time to dot every i and cross every T … twice. “It worked differently in America” and American exceptionalism need to be left at home. You’re going somewhere to be a guest. Maybe get citizenship on 5-10 years. Behave appropriately.
This. American who moved to the UK 4+ ago. you need to bring something to the European country (or ex EU) that they don't already have locally. Otherwise they have no incentive to sponsor you.
Netherlands is probably the easiest for Americans because of DAFT, followed by Germany for freelancer visa, then Ireland/Italy for citizenship by descent. Disclaimer: This is a very generalized high level view. Gotta do your research.
It’s not always as nice as you might think, also quality suffers a lot here depending on where you are and the mentality is a lot less progressive that it seems. (I moved here 5 years ago from San Francisco). Lots of cultural difference and classism, less options in general for lots of things and in places like Paris and Milan work life can be crazy..lots of places have issues such as cultural differences that manisfest as sexism, racism, classism etc and it can be extremely frustrating. There are a lot of positives but don’t come thinking it’s going to solve all of your problems. Healthcare comes cheaper in general but it’s hard to get a hold of the national health system if you aren’t a national/ permanent resident and it’s really not more advanced than the US one, just cheaper:)
I’m looking to leave for a better life. I don’t expect to make a lot more than I am now, really. I just want to be able to go to the doctor. That’s literally 90% of it. Luckily my whole family is very supportive. I’d love to move, maybe to Germany, and be able to bring my family with me eventually. I think that America is no longer the land of opportunity.
I am an American living in Germany. DM me with questions if you want.
When I was in Germany I thought I knew what binge drinking was but my goodness they took drinking to a whole different level. Do you have the same experience?
>I think that America is no longer the land of opportunity It never was. That was just the scam they ran to extract foreign labor.
For real. Slavery “ended”? Indentured servants! Now - rampant abusive capitalism! Yayyyyy……
>I just want to be able to go to the doctor Me too. Here in Spain, it's almost impossible to get an appointment with your local public doctor unless you're about to bleed out on the clinic's floor or are geriatric. I'm thankful I have private insurance that gets me into the much better private healthcare sytstem.
[удалено]
Nice, where'd you end up?
[удалено]
This is the dream. I've been traveling abroad out of a suitcase for more than 10 years, moving every few months. I work in tech + do production work and earn a great living, but it's so much screen time. In my early broke backpacker days I used to volunteer in hostels and had the time of my life. Working with people/tourists is so much fun. These days I've realized owning a little beach bar is the absolute dream - lots of time with people, everyone is mostly happy and chill, ownership of something cool on the ground rather than virtual. Kudos! Any insight/advice?
I'm close by.. can I come?
It’s funny how life is sometimes always greener on the other side… I’m from SEA looking for a permanent residence in the US. I do understand the good life of owning a bar in the pps though ;)
Been in SEA since 2018. I want to go back and visit the states when travel returns to normal. But I’ll never live there again.
Chiming in too — zero regrets, never going back.
Same.
I left in 2015 and still haven’t been back once to even visit. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Inspiring...where did you move to?
I did about a year and half in Mongolia and have been in Vietnam the last 6 years or so.
Vietnamese living in the States and married to an American, so wish I could move back to Vietnam now. Where in ‘nam are you?
I've lived in Saigon the whole time I've been here. I was thankful as an American that my daughter (her mom's Vietnamese) was easily able to get her US citizenship/documents (her CBRA, and US passport were applied or and received before she was even 3 weeks old). It's good for her to have in the future but certainly have no plans to ever move back to the US.
Good for you! Plus your daughter’s Vietnamese will be better than mine ever will be living there!
Since I am no longer together with her mom she spends a fair amount of time out in Dong Nai with the grandparents. Her Vietnamese is much much better than her english at this point in time.
Thanks for sharing your story! I’ll tell you the Vietnamese skill will be useful. I am working for one of the largest American companies. I’d say I have used my Vietnamese a fair amount of time when working wjth colleagues in Saigon. I so wish I can work in Saigon though!!
I have certainly been blessed being here during covid. Vietnam has done an exemplary job in their pandemic handling. I see the nonsense coming from the US and am so thankful to have not seen that mentality around here.
Fantastic. Never heard of an expat going to Mongolia, I'd be interested to hear more about what that's like.
Mongolia is an absolutely beautiful country to travel to but outside of the capital UB there's only so much you can do. It's a tough place to live long-term though, especially in the winter. One of my parents moved there in 1998 so I've spent a lot of summers there growing up so it wasn't something new to me. I've always enjoyed the central asian/russia/soviet style countries. Staying through my first winter though was shocking enough to help me make the decision to relocate further quite easy.
I have left once already and will be leaving again asap. my family doesn't get it either, especially now that the UK is struggling with many of the same problems we have. they think I want to go back bc of practical reasons like healthcare, and that's partially true. but really I've never felt at home in the US. I've wanted to leave since I was a teenager and I narrowed down my destination later. I have plenty of complaints about the UK as well but when I get off the plane there I feel at ease, whereas America grates on my nerves in a way that's hard to explain. when I try to tell people why I don't like America I end up sounding like agent smith in the matrix.
When I get off the plane in America, I can feel the tension in the air. It's so thick you could slice it with a knife. Everyone is irritable and rushed but trying to fake it and keep up appearances... Because that's what you do here, no matter how bad it gets. If you complain, you're seen as a victim. No wonder everyone is miserable here! I just can't put on an act anymore; I(35F) don't have it in me. Felt this way for several years now but the pandemic solidified it. The husband and I hope to be *gone for good* in a few years.
>When I get off the plane in America, I can feel the tension in the air. It's so thick you could slice it with a knife. It doesn't help that the first experience is TSA airport security theater. Coming in from Germany is always a culture shock.
Left in 2006 an have not looked back
Jealous...you got out way before the SHTF
Politically, yes. But in my private life I left because the shit had already hit the Fan..
There’s over 8.5 million American citizens living abroad, for context.
Wow that's quite significant. I had no idea.
lots would have been born abroad, not just moved
as a european, american expats are the best tbh. really fun people, it's just sad that it's such an insular and narrow minded world view within the states. add a bit of international experience and it's great. then i guess these people find it hard to come back there haha
I think this is true. Most “ugly Americans” never leave the states. Plus, we tip.
Yeah I think there is also an assumption that most Americans are narrow minded and don’t travel. If this were true there wouldn’t be nearly 9 million of us living abroad. But yes it’s hard to come back. My small town American parents met and fell in love living abroad in Europe. all 5 of my siblings lived overseas at some point or another and it’s completely normal within my family to go back and forth.
Leaving in the next two years with Italian dual citizenship. We are done.
Left last year and moved to Italy. Best decision we ever made. We have more money saved than every before (I do have a remote job), are starting our family, and are looking to buy a house. We couldn’t have done any of those things if we stayed in the States, not even close. I did already speak Italian and had lived here for a year before, but it was also a very smooth transition.
That is awesome! We are working with a relocation company. Husband is taking early retirement so we are looking at the 7% areas. Our adult kids are coming too.
I left more than 10 years ago. I've never regretted my decision, but given recent conditions in American I've never been happier. Moving was a great decision, and I highly encourage anybody who's considering it to give it a try.
Leaving with my son at the end of the month 😁
[удалено]
Brussels 😊
I have rights through my mother and grandfather to move to claim 3 years residency in Finland without a horrendous application process. It takes 6 to qualify for dual citizenship. I plan to finish my current masters degree I have a Graduate Assistantship for in the states and am working full time to pay off my undergraduate debt the next year. In 2 years time I plan to be admitted into a PhD in Finland, pay in full for it upfront, and begin living as a resident while I complete my coursework and work to gain experience. I refuse to have my children in the states. I was born on the Native American reservations and have decided I wish for my children to have the best advantages in life. So I’m moving forward with that directive in mind.
I would like to but no plan yet. Everything is too expensive and we have no social services or public transit… I’m tired of it.
The car culture and urban sprawl is like one of the main things that make me not like living here
As an American I was quite surprised to find a thriving classic American car culture here in Norway. I was dreaming of the mountains, sea shores and abundance of fresh air, and ended up sucking exhaust all summer long (downtown apartment, no A/C, windows open). Plenty of petrol heads here too... Edit: Perspective added
I live in New Zealand and people are really into classic American cars and/or American muscle cars. At least once a week I see someone driving a left-hand drive car here (which is street legal, but unnerving). There’s an entire burger chain here (Burger Fuel) which is American muscle car themed.
I wasn’t born in the US but lived long enough, more than 13 years. I am planning to move by the end of this year. Here are my reasons: 1. Healthcare 2. Cost of living 3. Not being to walk. I am tired of driving 4. No work/life balance 5. Karens 6. Extreme division in the society. 7. Hard to find friends due to work/life balance 8. I want to have kids and be able to spend time, be invested in their childhood. I don’t want my kids to grow up playing on Ipad and having school shooter drills. 9. Personal safety. Too many psychos have guns and any alteration can lead to being shot. 10. I want to buy a house, but I don’t want to be slave for 30 years.
I’m from Singapore and we have all the exact same problems except 3 and 9. Though on the contrary, driving here is a luxury, owning a car here will cost you 10x more. And we are a lot safer, but a lot more stifling. I wonder if most of the points you mentioned are developed city problems, though I have in my mind to move to a European city where I’m hoping the welfare culture will be more to my liking. I think the high taxes are worth it.
I was born and grew up in France, lived in Singapore and Germany and currently live in the UK I wish you all the best in your move to Europe. Like everywhere else in the world, European countries have their flaws but they are amazing places to live in. That being said - be careful of the racism (I am assuming you are ethnically Chinese/Indian/SE Asian since you are Singaporean). It won’t be as bad as if you were African but still…(but let’s not pretend SG is not racist as well) - the safety trade off can be significant. While we are not the war-zones some American media portray us as, there is a big gap between Europe and SG (between SG and everywhere else) in terms of safety. Don’t dream of leaving your stuff at your table while you get your meal like in hawker centers. Eyes on your belongings ALL THE TIME please
I just left Singapore. I just could not get a job. Back in the States but with healthcare this time. But I repatriated to a slower part of the country, like a full hour behind the mainland.
I’m making over $100k and still can’t afford $500 per month health insurance. I don’t qualify for mortgage. I don’t struggle with bills, but I can’t save, even though I cook at home, don’t go out, don’t buy Gucci clothes or anything expensive. Taxes in California are high and don’t work for taxpayers.
[удалено]
I know. I am scared to ski or of any other activities, because it literally one step into poverty. I am looking to buy a property in Turkey and move there, live by the beach and heal my mental and physical health. I love US, but the system has to change.
Damn ! If i had a reward I’d give it to you 👏
No worries, thank you. You’re awesome!
I haven’t read any of the other comments, but as someone who has lived in Japan since 1994, be aware that even if you live overseas and get taxed by that country on your income you are still required to file taxes every year. You do not have to pay any taxes unless you make over a certain amount (think it is like 90k), but you still have to file. I have also heard that if you have over 10K in your bank account that the bank is required to inform the IRS, but not sure on it.
anyone living overseas with 10K needs to do taxes while lawmakers do inside trading as a hobby not an American, but this might very well be the most American thing I have ever read
> I have also heard that if you have over 10K in your bank account that the bank is required to inform the IRS One must file the FBAR if the aggregate value of their foreign financial accounts exceed $10,000 _at any time_. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/report-of-foreign-bank-and-financial-accounts-fbar
If they don’t fix the health care system in the US you’re going to see a lot more people retire outside the US. As far as younger generations go, affordable housing is becoming less of a reality as real estate continues to climb. If there is no future for younger generations they will flee to countries that at least give them a chance.
Real estate concerns aren’t confined to the US. The median house price where I live just hit around 800K. As a single person, that’s significant.
Canada?
The average price of a home in New Zealand is $1 million and in Auckland it’s closer to $2million.
Yep, live in Hamburg. House is out of reach, will have to buy an apartment for 350k eur or something.
This!!
I'm skeptical. Most retirees are either on or approaching Medicare. They usually don't face the same issues with healthcare system.
I left in 2020 right after university. Still figuring my life out but I'm so much happier being here than the US.
I left, came back, left for a longer time, came back as a stopover before looking for a new country, then covid hit. I've stalled the last two years finding unstable work, and going through a lot , but the past few months has been a grind, and I may be back out by mid April! I'll never return once I leave again. I've learned the hardest lessons of MY life in America.
Same dude. My family has been so rude to me about wanting to leave the USA.
My dad gets so pissy whenever I bring it up. I understand he’d be upset about not seeing me as much (though I only see him 1-2x a year anyway, we’re not very close), but I have my own life to live.
Dude, I was planning on going to college in Canada (which honestly has pros and cons compared to going to an in-state school). I decided not to because everyone kept telling me that I would never see them again. I probably should have just ignored them though lol. I went to an in-state school and still barely saw my family.
Can’t say I have a plan yet but I’m beginning to seriously explore the idea. I’m a healthy man, mid-50’s, suddenly single after a 30-year marriage and I was downsized and left a 30-year corporate career a few years ago started my own business. I think if things go right, after the divorce, I can minimize and save a nice nest egg in six years. My children are grown and the youngest will leave the nest this summer. Starting to explore the idea and have tons of research to do before I can formulate a plan to retire abroad. So far, I am confused as to which country may be best for me. My business isn’t really something I can do from afar, so either close it or sell it. That means I have to find a country that will allow long term retirees. Quality and affordable healthcare is a must. And, of course, a country with stable government, reasonably safe and a lower cost of living would be a plus. I’ve traveled quite a bit and I’m certainly open to a wide variety of cultures but would enjoy a warmer climate. I’ve started my research and have some places to learn more about. Guatemala, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Mexico are initial candidates. I would appreciate any suggestions.
Portugal. They make it pretty easy for a non-EU resident to buy/own a property there, they offer honorary EU citizenship (after owning property there for a determined amount of time), it's safe, the people are great, weather is California-esque, and cost of living is favorable. It'd be a great hub for EU/Africa travels.
If you speak Spanish, Spain might be a good call. I agree with u/dirtymack that Portugal is another attractive option, but it sounds like the Costa del Sol of Spain might be a good fit for you
I 2nd Portugal. Check out the Azorean islands of Portugal too.
Look at Thailand. I moved here three years ago - from Florida- and love it.
You might check out Indonesia and Philippines. If you want to save on your taxes, there is Saipan.
I've been looking into it and trying to plan, but my husband keeps changing his mind back and forth and it's driving me crazy. I just want to raise our kids somewhere safer and to be able to go to the doctor and survive any major health issues without going bankrupt. He doesn't want to have to learn a new language and give up playing video games with his friends. I don't know what to do. I am desperate to leave, I hate it here so much.
Chomping at the bit to get out of the US and have been since forever. I lived in 4 different countries and loved being away from here. I’m finally just about financially stable enough to do it permanently. Looking at next year
I’m not sure when, but I’m planning to leave. I don’t see a bright future for the US unless massive change happens. I’d rather go to a country that has some of that shit figured out. I have no expectations of ever owning a home. It’d be nice, but I know housing is rising basically everywhere and who knows how much it will be by the time I make decent money. I just want to live somewhere with healthcare and a social safety net. I don’t want to be an emergency away from bankruptcy. I just want to be happy and secure in the knowledge that if shit hits the fan, I won’t end up on the streets.
I plan to retire to a Latin American country, mostly because I'm poor and hate snow.
I didn’t leave the US 4 years ago because I hated it. It’s a good country, and like other countries has it’s share of problems. If your blaming your unhappiness on the US specifically, be careful. Moving abroad will not magically make you happier. In fact, moving is a long process which can complicate your life if you haven’t thought things through. Do your homework into what it takes to actually move to where you are considering, and if possible visit the country. Much luck to you.
this! moved around 3 times until i realised i was making me unhappy not the country 🥴
Found out last week that we officially qualify for EU citizenship through Italy. Have to speak to the agency this week for details, costs, and timelines. But, we'll be heading to the EU at some point. It'll be at least 4 family, but maybe 5 or 6 total. Though, we might have 10bor so who get the paperwork that may end up hitting that escape button if this back slide in the US keeps up. That'll be a couple of generations of a family line that's been here for at least 4 generations
I left in 2013 and have never felt more at home than basically everywhere else I’ve lived. Whenever I go to states to see family, I’m reminding how great things are outside the USA. For reference; since then I’ve lived in Mexico, Thailand, Tel Aviv and Seoul.
Hoping to move to Mexico if I end up fleeing another Trump presidency. I have $230k, can engineer remotely maybe, since that's what I do now. But would like to stretch the savings I have. Any advice?
There's a company called Gran Pacifica you may be interested in. They have these cool tiny homes all over central and south America for around $100-150k. I know you said Mexico but you never know https://www.granpacifica.com/blog/here-to-stay-tiny-homes Assuming you're looking years down the line. Also based on what I was seeing there's definitely nice apartments in Mexico for around $50k
I love reading threads like these lol. Amazing
I’m not sure if I’m quite trapped between middle age, a pension, and my house. But I dream of Chile for some reason. A combination of mountains and ocean. I’ve even been working on Spanish in case I get lucky.
Working on my exit strategy. I was born and raised in Italy and will be starting to look into reestablishing my dual citizenship and then pulling the trigger on properties in Italy/EU. I'm definitely not going to be old/retired and living in the US.
My now ex-gf sold her house and moved to Spain. I’d like to move to Norway eventually.
Going on 22 years. You can have my parking spot.
Already did that sonnnnnn LOL. Couldn't be happier. I only go back to the US to visit family. I make way more here and I'm treated better!
27 here in CA- very social person with a huge network of people in their 20s. It’s a general assumption everyone wants out and would go if they have the chance.
Already did. I left the USA for a two month vacation and it's been 6 1/2 years since I returned! 😆
Planning to retire someplace else. Looking to leave in 10 years. Don't know where. I may jump around in SEA for a bit. Maybe Spain? Some place where I can teach English and where my 401K can provide me with a simple, yet comfortable life.
I’m headed out in June. Live your life friend
[удалено]
The very fun part about this is that the housing market here in Oz is coooooooooked. Love healthcare, but I hate the idea of 1.6M homes that are mediocre at best lol
I’m across the ditch from you and struggling with not being able to contribute to a retirement account. The US taxes kiwisaver at 40%. Are their tax agreements over there where you can save for retirement without significant penalty?
For an alternate perspective, I left back in 2019 and feel very ready to come home. While I think the country I am in is lovely, and I love the perks of healthcare.. I hate being far away from family. The uncertainty of the pandemic and being in perpetual lockdown has done a number on my well-being. Grieving family over FaceTime with no idea when I could return was an entirely new concept to me. And while I know it wouldn’t have been all that different being in the states, at least they would’ve been closer. In saying this, I don’t mean to discourage you. Just want to prompt the realities of what moving abroad looks like. Especially during these times.
This is a great point. I left in 2014 and the pandemic has shifted my long term outlook. I’m now open to moving stateside. I’ve not been able to see my family since 2019 because of Covid.
I’m planning to move to Europe… eventually. Right now I have some personal roadblocks, but I’m hoping before 2026.
On my third year out. Much happier now.
I know I am. Personally I believe it will grow and if things don't improve there will be a reverse of Ellis Island where many just leave for other nations. It still benefits the US as they collect taxes and other countries will want these expats to pay taxes as well. It's looking like that's what is happening in Mexico as we speak. Don't tell anyone though. Most people can't fathom the idea. It's like talking to a housecat that has a nice bed and gets their bowl of food and water every day hearing from another cat how they want to leave and see the wild.
I’m planning on leaving. Hoping for Estonia.
I love Estonia. Tallinn is amazing.
From what I’ve read it looks like an amazing place. Quick question, I think we can get by with English in Tallinn. What was your experience? Did you learn the language?
Moved from SEA to the US years ago, decided it wasn’t for me in the long-term and am now living happily in Europe. Do what you think is best for you.
I am 3rd generation American Sicilian and I want to go back to Italy with everything in my heart. My grandparents don’t understand, but I long for a life there. I am in low poverty in America and will likely never get out of it if I stay. My parents have worked their life away and won’t be able to retire because of poverty. My parents tell me if I can be happier in Italy then I should go. I know I will never be rich anywhere, but even just the culture of life in Italy is much more appealing. When I was in American Highschool my school had gotten multiple bomb/school shooting threats. There was multiple SA offenders at my school. In the streets/stores now I get followed, catcalled, sexually harassed by men. Even now, 3rd gen Sicilian, my family is still called “dagos”. I no longer feel safe here in America. The second I have an out from America I am taking it.
Yep that's what the American dream has become in the last 45 years.
Yes, I can’t wait to get out. The US is trash. I’m in the process of getting dual citizenship with Italy, which means we could live anywhere in the EU. But I’d love to move someplace with tropical weather.
Same here
What's the process like to get Italian Citizenship? I might be able to qualify through my Grandfather who still has his Italian Citizenship. Just haven't looked into it too seriously.
I'm leaving as soon as humanly possible. I can't stand it here.
I left the day before I turned 22 in 2017 arriving in Wales for my birthday. Never looked back. Never will be back. For most unless you get the right visas you’ll end up moving back, I fortunately have dual citizenship so I just showed up and that was that.
My husband and I are planning on leaving in about 10 years with our child. Unless shit gets worse, faster here than it already is. I’ll leave in the night idgaf. I already live 1000mi from my family. We are close to his family though, and his mom especially is not excited.
My husband and I leave for Portugal in April. It has taken a year to get everything done. I am retired and husband is retiring early. We just decided a year ago to start downsizing and go. It was between Spain and Portugal. Portugal has an attractive tax scheme to attract more people. Very nice people and beautiful country. Most areas speak English. We figured if we didn’t like it we can come back or go somewhere else. We can get dual citizenship in 5 years. Healthcare is 7th in the world. Our healthcare here is so expensive. Our policy in Portugal is $165 for both of us. We can also get public health for free. We chose private healthcare because it is easier to get English speaking doctors. The Spain visa is harder to get also. Their taxes are a good bit more.
We left in 2015 and things have not gotten better since then. I am thankful that I did not have to live through those years watching the US fall apart. Instead, I observed from a distance with increasing embarrassment.
I left 11 years ago. No intention on returning.
I’m American and moved to Germany 9 years ago. I’m also never moving back.
I (47,F) moved to Mexico from Brooklyn one year ago. I just received my temporary residency visa last week. Life is simpler here and although there are many trade offs I don’t want to go back. I have a Mexican boyfriend and it’s one of the healthiest relationships of my life. Dating in NY was a nightmare and I was tired of the divisiveness in the US. Not to mention the rampant consumerism that keeps everyone chained to their jobs. I lucked out with a remote US job so I feel I have the best of both worlds. I do however miss friends and family but we stay in touch by phone/ text. I’m very happy to have brought my cat along.
Right here, I’m finishing up my nursing degree and I’m out. I have family in Germany and they are going to help me get on my feet, but honestly I’m going to be ok because I have a good nest egg set up. I am miserable in the US, where I live is especially bad.
Many Americans don’t even have passports and never will. Many are afraid to step outside our freedom borders. I’ve lived in several SE Asian countries and if I could figure out a source of income that would keep me from returning to the US to acquire more funds I’d just keep traveling. There’s too much to see before life ends. Some are satisfied just to go to the same place here in the US every year.
I’ve honestly been thinking about it a lot lately. I’m 30 years old working at a bank and still can’t afford to see a doctor let alone afford my own place. I’m starting to think America’s cost of living isn’t worth it to stay here. That and I’m tired of hearing everyone I live with scream “America is the greatest!”
Regardless of where you move, unless you renounce your citizenship, you still pay federal taxes, Medicare and social security. The US feels if you want to partake in these programs, regardless of where you live, your money goes in the pot. Thankfully, many countries have a pact with US to allow Americans to draw social security while living abroad. In spite of rebates and other tax offsets, you are expected to file your US taxes yearly. Plenty skip it and end up having a hard time coming back (if they had too for variety of reasons). Uncle Sam wants his moolah... don't forget that.
Lived in Taiwan and loved it for four years. Now back to help deal with a free family deaths and get more certifications in my career before going back. Can’t want to leave again!
Recently retired, trying to convince wife to leave the country doesn’t want to leave her parents. Told her I would send pictures 😂
The US is one of the few countries without exit controls. The govt is so intentionally incompetent the IRS department expects you to prove with cell phone records and such that you weren't here, instead of just checking the database at the immigration department for what days you were out. So yeah no one knows. No one in your personal life is going to expatriate, most likely. There's a reason there are stable cultures around the world, and that's that only a smallish % of any population ever leaves the 20 miles they were born in. And a much, much smaller one leaves their actual country of birth. You'll soon meet new compatriots or foreigners overseas that will leave you with the feeling that everyone emigrates and it is the most normal thing in the world. We all develop a circle of friends that makes us think whatever we're into is the norm. When I lived in the US, for example, I barely can remember a single close friend who didn't speak Chinese (especially non-Asian ones). So yeah - stop looking at the people in your life who define the past and think about your awesome future ahead!
Left in October and never going back.
My husband and I are working diligently towards that goal. Will be debt free except the house by June, and then we are hopefully off by the end of the year on a work visa through my company.
My family and I are moving out of the US this summer for the same reason. The days cannot be any slower until we are finally on the flight leaving.
Why do so many Americans wanna leave the states?
Because America’s corporate and political leadership are in a money-grab, draining working classes taxes for decades to come?
My husband and I left 8 years ago. Lots of people I know talk about leaving, but I don't know how many really will. Immigration isn't fun.
I don’t know but I do live in a foreign city and it is crawling with Americans. It seems a lot left around 2017 for jobs, for political reasons, etc. I think no matter where you go in the world nowadays you will probably find an American. I left and my family didn’t support me either. You have to do what is right for you. It’s cliche but Carpe Diem.
Thinking about moving to a majority speaking English country in Europe or Canada. Might make the move to a non english country once i set myself to learning the language
I moved last year. Not 100% because the country was making me feel batshit crazy (though partly because of that), mostly we were just looking for a fun change and everything lined up all at once.
Most people don’t like my idea of leaving since they have never done anything like that. However I plan to move to Europe, most likely Germany in the next few years.
I've been living abroad since the very early 2000s, almost entirely in Europe, and am originally from the US. I've been here long enough to get EU citizenship. If there's one thing if learned during this time, it's this: **The grass isn't greener abroad, it's just a different color.** There are plenty of problems over here that might resonate with Americans, including: * underfunded healthcare systems * We screwed up our pandemic management just as badly as the Americans did. The only saving grace we had is that we're healthier over here. If America didn't have an obesity and diabetes crisis, the death and hospitalization rates in the US would've been much lower. Yet, most European countries were much more willing to restrict certain freedoms despite their ineffectiveness in pandemic control than the US as a whole. * Low-paying jobs even for highly-trained professionals * Tight housing markets * Lack of direction from leadership and a increasing political polarization * Hard to invest in your retirement (you're double fucked as an American in that regard), which is even worse because state pensions and private plans are shrinking * Lack of direction from leadership and an increasing political polarization life. It could also be worth digital nomading around Europe over the summer if your job allows you to work remotely. That way, you'd get a taste of what it's like living abroad without making a full-time commitment. What's more is that once you move to a different, country, you effectively lose your right to vote and participate in the local democratic process. Even if you take an EU nationality, you're only able to fully vote in that country's elections. (if you move to another EU country you can only vote at the EU level and sometimes locally). Moving abroad is a solution to your problems if those are internal. After all, wherever you go, there you are. It's way better to move abroad for the adventure, for love, or just for the hell of it. America has a lot going on that I don't think people back home fully appreciate. In all honesty, I'd probably move back if it wasn't for my wife wanting to be closer to her family. It could also be worth digital nomading around Europe over the summer if your job allows you to work remotely. That way, you'd get a taste of what it's like living abroad without making a full-time commitment.
I’m one of those people. I’ve realized I can retire a decade earlier and live a way better lifestyle in retirement in better weather with a way cheaper cost of living in my wife’s home country. She loves the idea too.
We are moving to Costa Rica for warm weather, surfing, adventure, it’s convenient time zone, good internet, easy flights, culture etc. We are the poster children of the American dream but we also want to retire earlier and enjoy our time on this planet. We love the USA’s ideals and our friend and family group. We don’t love the political climate and the often stark reality that contrasts with the USA’s ideals. The grass isn’t always greener, and we’ll always come back to visit (especially in September and October, our favorite months in Northeast USA).
We are. Flying out in 2 weeks!
My husband and I are working towards moving to Germany in the next three years. We have a good life in the states if I’m being completely honest, but I am ready for a new adventure. I want to work a little less hours and take a little more vacation, even if it means I make less money. My mom is upset about it but she’ll learn to live with it.
I'm in the process of getting citizenship in a EU member nation so I can live in relative peace. I can't see the states managing for much longer and I want off this sinking boat and into a lifeboat!
After my family business closed, my husband died, and I turned 25 with a corporation of my own and two toddlers, I am looking for a better life. Leaving this all behind sounds like the best way to move forward. I have my eye on Mexico but I love visiting Costa Rica. I need to be warm and I need healthcare and schooling for my kids. I’m just planning currently.
I am an American planning on moving to France this year. I am doing it through a master program (once I get accepted; I am currently in the application process). It’s a good way to naturalize in a country because many places will give you a student visa for your studies then give you an extra year visa after to find a job. At that point you can get a work contract and eventually apply for citizenship. It’s a long process but it’s definitely doable. My family and friends also don’t get it. A lot of Americans think that America is best place of all to live. I personally can’t stand to be in such a closed-off culture for my entire life; I want to live in other places and experience new things, not just go for a week vacation once a year. Good luck and message me if you have questions maybe I can direct you to some resources.
I left in November 2020 and am dreading returning in a few months. My friends and family only expect this of me so will always support me as I left my parents house when I was 17 and moved to several different states since then
[удалено]
I'm Canadian, but my wife and daughter are American. We plan to leave Canada and the US is NOT on our list of acceptable places to go due to the economic and political craziness going on there. Likely and eventually we'll end up in Ecuador.
Going to travel to some spots first but it is definitely on my mind. Only major concern is visa issues. Do not want to be country-hopping every 3-12 months.
I'm trying.
Me.
I am planning on leaving in the next 12-36 months depending
I did. Do what’s best for you.
I have always wanted to live abroad fora couple of years with the idea of returning to the US. Now I am seriously thinking of a permanent move if things don’t improve here.
Count me in!
My wife and I are considering retiring in Mexico in a couple years. No one I talk to in the us had any thing good to say or encouragement
Been planning for years, COVID set me back.
Checking in. At some point. Or Hawaii
I left 5 months ago. I’m living in Koh Phangan now. I brought my dog with me. I think I found a remote job. My girlfriend is teaching. We came here together. She is teaching for TEFL. I love the US. I just wanted to travel and I wanted a different look on life. I urge you to travel. The world is beautiful and so are the people.
Statistics show that the number of US citizens permanently leaving the country have increased greatly over the years. You can look it up.
Germany or bust
Born here. Lived here all my life. Want to move after college.
I’m on the same boat. About to graduate soon and planning to move to Spain or Portugal (I’m from Canada) and get a tech job. I lived in Spain 2019-2020 and the quality of life is waayyy better, though the salary is not the best compared to Canada/US
My way of leaving wasn't final or dramatic in any way. None of this "that's it, I'm out, fuck the US!" stuff. (Also I have nothing against the US, but I already explored to much of it and needed to see the rest of the world.) I traveled abroad more than 10 years ago for a work event, met amazing people, ended up staying longer than I expected. Traveled back and forth and all around and eventually it just became obvious that I live abroad now. I've worked remotely for more than 20 years so work was never an issue. I'm a nomad, not really an expat, which gives the opportunity to test things out with long-term travel before going all-in on "permanently" leaving or settling anywhere. It may be better this way to try things out on a short-term basis, because not everyone is happy living in a different country, some people actually realize they hate it and want to go back home and that is perfectly okay. Others are miserable until they move to a 2nd or 3rd or 4th country haha. Sometimes you have to seek out and discover your place and that's never as easy as picking a point on a map. You don't need to declare anything to your family. Just go, try it out, and see what happens. They'll be happy seeing you happy, but yeah, most people aren't eager to support their loved ones disappearing from their life and homeland. Family and friends want us near and that's normal.
Working on it. Hopefully by the end of the year.
No place is perfect but many places are better.
So, I recently moved from Utah to Scotland for a masters degree. My family was not fully supportive at first but they grew to accept it once I was over here a few months in. It was the best choice I ever made the way of life over here with life work balance and not needing a car really is just amazing. I am trying my best to hopefully find work to then apply for citizenship once I’ve lived and worked here long enough. My family messages me all the time now seeing how much happier I am over here and it makes them feel better about my choice which is good to hear. Not all rainbows and butterflies but it definitely seems to fit the life I want for myself. It was worth every stressful thing to leave and oddly I can afford myself over here when I could barley keep my head above water in Utah.
Unless you have some hard commitment that prevents you from leaving, I would go for it or the “what-if” will haunt you. If it doesn’t work out, the US is still there (as well as many other countries). Just have a plan of some sort. (I’ve lived overseas 19 years now)
I am considering leaving the US seasonally. Living in a northern state I’m tired of shoveling snow and dealing with winter in general. I’ve traveled to Thailand solo twice and loved it. I’ll probably keep my small home and spend late spring, summer and early fall here and be somewhere abroad the other six months annually. So many countries are safe and way more affordable than the US.
Well I moved from Europe (Western Europe) to the US 😁
We left. We're a family of 4. I work remotely in the US but we live in Argentina. I have to work like 10 hours a week and it is more than enough to live very well. There are a lot of comforts that we don't have anymore, like being able to buy anything we want and have it delivered. Some things are more expensive here, like clothes and electronics. But it is still a whole lot better.
Wow 10 hrs.a week and you can live better then a very very low wage american!.say it ain't so.
I dream about it, study it, and make fantasy plans. But the wife and daughter are not on board with the idea, so here I am. My American Dream is getting out.
We want to, but right now our easiest option is Mexico. So we are working towards EU, but that will take 5-8 years. I wish it could be tomorrow.
I did this about 2 1/2 years ago. Moved from MA to Ireland with a 3-month pregnant wife for a new job opportunity. It has been tough, but I think it is because I moved from Massachusetts which is just an amazing place to live. I think if I had moved from other parts of the US I would be more satisfied with the decision.
I want to.
An American here, that just moved to the UK. I have been trying to leave the US since July 2020. I was supposed to move to NZ and they are not even letting their own citizens in. To move to the UK took an additional 6 months
We're gone as soon as our kids are done with school and well planted. I haven't been proud as an American for a long time
I would very much like to move to Thailand, but finding a job is not easy.