Expatsi

The Expatsi Blog

Guides, research, and firsthand reporting on moving abroad from the US.

How Can You Escape Medical Debt in the US?

Uncategorized ·

How Can You Escape Medical Debt in the US?

The U.S. leads the world in several key economic areas but not for the reasons we’d like. For example, we spend about 20% of gross domestic product (GDP) on healthcare—more than any other country in the world—but lack universal healthcare. This makes America the leader in another unfortunate category: bankruptcy from medical debt. Here’s some

The World’s 20 Least Religious Countries

Uncategorized ·

The World’s 20 Least Religious Countries

If there’s one thing we can learn from recent event, it’s this: religious violence has no place in society. It destroys lives and communities, drives political decisions, and slows social progress. Our global community deserves better. You may be looking for where you can be safe from such violence. Consider these least religious countries where

What’s Your Favorite Pantone Color of the Year?

Uncategorized ·

What’s Your Favorite Pantone Color of the Year?

Have you ever wondered where all those colors of the year come from? Who decides, and how do they come up with them? The concept was originated by Pantone, the undisputed king of color and creators of the Pantone Matching System. When you work in industries like advertising or printing, you buy big, expensive books

Safe Countries for Transgender Kids

LGBTQIA ·

Safe Countries for Transgender Kids

Trans kids are increasingly at risk in the U.S., battered by anti-LGBTQ legislation in any number of states. If you're searching for a new home abroad that supports your child's gender-affirming care, consider these safe countries for trans kids.

Best Countries for Seniors & End-of-Life Care

Healthcare ·

Best Countries for Seniors & End-of-Life Care

In the U.S., the end-of-life system is designed to bankrupt you and your family while providing dismal care. If someone is living on a limited income but would like to live in a country that provides affordable senior care with dignity, where can they go? Duke University created a study on end-of-life care and published

Join the Club: You Can Shop at Costco in These 13 Countries

Shopping ·

Join the Club: You Can Shop at Costco in These 13 Countries

In addition to the United States and Puerto Rico, here are countries where you can find the $1.50 hot dog meal and the brand’s signature bulk values. According to Costco Connection magazine, they also each stock unique local favorites. When you move to a new country, it can be comforting to find familiar products and

Surprise! Americans Are Moving to These EU Countries Instead of Portugal

Data ·

Surprise! Americans Are Moving to These EU Countries Instead of Portugal

Americans are widely reported to be leaving the United States in greater numbers than ever before. Media outlets claim gigantic leaps in the number of Americans moving to Portugal, but it isn’t even in the top five most popular countries in the European Union. So where are Americans going? Many move to neighboring countries: 800,000

Best Beach Towns for Retirement Abroad

Best Of Lists ·

Best Beach Towns for Retirement Abroad

For a majority of Americans, reaching retirement age means an opportunity to break away from their old life. Empty nesters might seek a permanent vacation after decades spent raising children. Single seniors are looking for a fresh start in a laid-back locale. For those retirees and more, we’ve gathered the best beach towns for retirement

Overdose Deaths by Occupation: Is Your Job Killing You?

Uncategorized ·

Overdose Deaths by Occupation: Is Your Job Killing You?

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), drug overdose deaths increased 14% from 2020 to 2021. They increased again in 2022, with more than 109,000 drug deaths. A recent National Vital Statistics Report outlined one of the best predictors of overdose deaths: your job. Here are drug deaths by occupational categories,

20 Best Places for American Retirees

Best Of Lists ·

20 Best Places for American Retirees

More Americans are looking to retire abroad in this decade than any one before it. Their reasons for leaving America vary widely: adventure, less political division, better healthcare, lower cost of living, sunny beaches, slower pace, etc. Best of all, they’re finding all of these features and more on their expat journeys. From south of

14 Things Other Countries Do Better Than the U.S.

Uncategorized ·

14 Things Other Countries Do Better Than the U.S.

Certain groups of Americans tend to proclaim that the U.S. is the best country in the world, without exception. In reality, this assertion falls apart as soon as one starts considering the concept. Was America ever all that great to begin with? Historically, the U.S. could better serve its citizens in a number of different

The Ultimate Guide to Paying Expat Taxes

Uncategorized ·

The Ultimate Guide to Paying Expat Taxes

Do expats pay taxes abroad? The U.S. has tax treaties with lots of foreign countries. These treaties can lower or eliminate the taxes that people from other countries owe to the U.S. on certain types of income. The specific rates and exemptions vary depending on the country and the type of income, such as employment

12 Steps to Convince Your Spouse to Move Abroad

Relationships ·

12 Steps to Convince Your Spouse to Move Abroad

Are you planning to move abroad but need help convincing your spouse? Moving abroad is indeed an exciting adventure, but it comes with significant risks with potential pros and cons. Convincing your spouse feels like a daunting task. However, you land the ball in your court with the right approach and a sprinkle of patience.

10 More Countries with Better Healthcare Than the US

Healthcare ·

10 More Countries with Better Healthcare Than the US

Americans continue to get the squeeze when it comes to healthcare. Despite paying more per capita than any other nation on Earth, the healthcare system continues to fail us. We previously covered 14 other countries in this vein. Perhaps that’s because the U.S. doesn’t view public healthcare as a human right. It allows a significant

Expat Story: Amy Moves to France

Retirees ·

Expat Story: Amy Moves to France

I recently completed my move from Kansas City, MO to a village in southwest France! I’ve wanted to move abroad since taking French in junior high; after a lifetime spent in service work, I finally got the opportunity to go in 2023. Like many American expats, I left the U.S. seeking a better life. For

A Doggone Shame: Countries Where Pit Bulls Aren’t Welcome

Legalities, Rights, & Freedoms ·

A Doggone Shame: Countries Where Pit Bulls Aren’t Welcome

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently announced an upcoming ban on the breed of dogs called American Bully XL. According to the Independent, the American Bully Kennel Club defines the American XL bully as a crossbreed of the American pit bull terrier, olde English bulldogge, English bulldog and the American bulldog, while the American Dog

The 7 Safest Cities in Mexico, According to Expats

Best Of Lists ·

The 7 Safest Cities in Mexico, According to Expats

For those looking for a change of pace, many immigrants and retirees have been drawn to Mexico in recent years. With beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and a much lower cost of living than many other countries, it’s no wonder why so many people are choosing to move to Mexico. However, safety is an important consideration

Europe Is Desperate for New Residents: Here Are the Best Incentive Programs

Cost of Living ·

Europe Is Desperate for New Residents: Here Are the Best Incentive Programs

The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a double whammy to areas in Western Europe already struggling with negative population growth from emigration or declining birth rates. Some countries and cities are offering appealing incentives to move there to work, refurbish properties, or raise families. If you’re considering a move abroad and need that last little push to

20 Best Countries for Women Who Want to Leave the U.S.

Women ·

20 Best Countries for Women Who Want to Leave the U.S.

American women who want to move abroad gather in hundreds of Facebook groups that target female expats. Some of those groups include Mexico Wild Women Expat Community (18k members), Black Women Expats in Panama (2.1k members), and Coffee with Expat Women (4.3k members). They’re excellent resources for meeting other women who’ve emigrated from the United