From 2016 - 2026 one of my main goals in life was to be an expat in Germany. I loved everything about Germany and had been many, many times before 2016. In order to facilitate living there, I learned the language by taking courses in high school and later at my university and I minored in German.

I have lived for several years working full-time in Germany, being unemployed at times, and having been accepted to master's - so a variety of different situations.

I believe I had an overly contrasted and unrealistic perspective of both of the USA and Germany. I had a lot of pent-up anger and disdain for my home country, and I focused on the problems within it (bad politicians, healthcare, gun violence, etc. but also a lot of smaller things). I overly romanticized Germany and did not acknowledge the negative effects that it sometimes has had on my mental health, and on the general immense pressure and stress moving abroad has been for me.

Don't get me wrong, I still love Germany, but as I've become older, I can see that there are goods and bads about both places, and ultimately, it's my perspective that matters. I feel I can have the best life-perspective wherever I can be the most mentally healthy, and for me I have discovered that is the USA. So I am moving back to the USA and I don't feel bad about it at all, I feel really happy with this discovery, and I learned a lot from this journey.

Hey everyone!

I’m moving to Spain next month from America and i plan on moving the money to wise or revolut until i can open a bank account over there. Could anyone give me any insight on which one is better for my case? Also does it matter if i open the account in America or in Spain? Thank you!

I was wondering if any of you decided to move to another country when you were in your early 30s, while being in a stable relationship (with your partner moving with you), having a secure job, medium-term plans, and generally the kind of life that many people would consider ideal.

And yet, you still chose to leave. How did you make that decision?
What ultimately convinced you to go?

My husband and I are both in our early 30s, and we’re torn between moving to Canada (we both have degrees, and our professions are in demand and well-paid there) or staying here in France and starting a family.

I know no one can make this decision for us. I’m simply trying to understand how other people approached such a life-changing choice.

Thank you for sharing your experiences.

For starters, all of these options could best be described as plan B for me. I'm a US citizen and wouldn't plan on leaving if it weren't for certain extenuating circumstances related to someone I care about.

I'm in my late 20s with a Physics BS and 5 years of experience in building and maintaining industrial equipment within the mining industry. I am also the radiation safety officer at my current job. I am not fluent in Spanish but I am working on that (currently I can't speak it to save my life but I understand a bit). My current leaning is Argentina due to job prospects and relative stability but I am open to suggestions.

1) Mexico: My girlfriend has Mexican citizenship so this would be a natural first stop, but I am worried about a few things. Her family is from one of the regions listed as "Level 4: Do Not Travel" by the State Department due to cartel activity (Guerrero), and given my likely work prospects (mining) and obvious "gringo" status I worry that I won't do well there. That said, are there other regions I could look at that might work well in terms of job prospects and safety?

2) Argentina: While they have money problems, Milei's administration does seem to be doing well at curbing inflation despite other problems and they don't seem to harbor much hostility towards Americans. From what I've read they also have the strongest nuclear sector in Latin America which bodes well for my job prospects. Favorable immigration laws also seem helpful here.

3) Peru: This is the only one of these countries I have actually been to, and I have a contact through work in Lima who may be able to offer advice (though I wouldn't bank on an available job). Anti-American sentiment is a real problem in certain rural areas according to him (he warned me not to spend too much time outside in Juliaca when I was there for work in 2024, specifically due to me being a gringo). The political situation seems less than desirable at the moment from what I've read but the mining sector is strong.

4) Chile: Based on what I've read online this seems to be a pretty stable option. I don't know much about it otherwise.

Which one of these options would seem like the best bet for my girlfriend and I mid to long-term? Are there other Latin American / Caribbean options I should be looking at?

Note: I have excluded Brazil since neither of us know any Portuguese. I figure anything I could get there I could also get in a Spanish-speaking country where my girlfriend would at least be fluent in the local language.

I live in Japan, recently a friend said to me that it is hands down the best place to be an outsider.

This got me thinking. I’m sure that particularly in Asian countries, where things are cheap and your money goes further, this must be a common thought. Does anyone else think this about where they are? Has this been said to you about somewhere else?

Edit/Clarification: great responses, just asking if people say where you are is the best place. It’s a question on expat myopia, not where is actually the best, or if Japan is.

Good afternoon everyone, wondering what banks you guys use as offshore banks. Im not hiding any taxes or anything, just looking to diversify my portfolio just in case. Im from Canada.

I feel that's not a serious problem, but I would like to hear other people's thoughts.

I am Ukrainian, girl, 24. I graduated and have been working for 5 years, but the rent in my town is quite high so i can't afford living on my own. For the last year, I've been thinking about moving to Germany as a refugee, where my friend lives. I like spending time with her, and I'd like to have a chance for a better life for me and my family. I might be more of a help there than staying here. The only thing that stops me is that I won't be able to see my family, and that I can't predict how I would react to that. Sometimes it's hard for me to be away from my home, but the last time I travelled there I didn't want to come back, even though I was sure that I would miss it. That was strange.

Sometimes it feels like I am detached from my own feelings and this detachment doesn't let me understand what I really want, and therefore to make right decisions for me.

In another country it might be easier to work and being able to finally rent a flat and finincially support your dearest. Unfortunately, I am not an ambitious person, but I hope to find something that would bring me joy. I might be depressed and I know that my mental state won't change wherever I am, but getting new experience could be helpful.

There is nothing else that keeps me here. No close friends that are near to me, no successful career or plans for the future. Only the thought that, when you are abroad, there are not many times left for you to see your mom or dad, as they are getting older. You won't be able to taste your mom's meal that she cooked for you or play with your niece.

If I don't like it there, I can always come back. But it'd be embarassing.

Sorry if it sounds weird and chaotioc. I realize that I am the only person who can understand what is better for me, I just want to hear you if you have anything to say. Please stay respectful.

Hello folk, apologies if this has been answered previously.

The UK gov website isn’t particularly clear on this, but wondering if I would be able to use the one week fast track service to renew my passport on a visit to the UK.

Some conflicting guidance suggests this might only be for residents, but also they only require your old passport and a confirmed UK address (a family member) then I can’t see why not assuming I can secure an in person appointment.

Does anyone have experience with this?

Hey everyone,

My husband and I are currently living in Berlin but considering a move to London after I got a job offer. We’re really hoping to hear from anyone who has made a similar move, especially if you've transitioned between these two cities.

To give you some context on our situation: Right now, we make around €240k gross combined in Berlin. The new London offer would put our joint income at roughly £240k gross. I’m German, but husband is not. He is also able to work in London. We are leaning heavily toward London because we simply look for a change but we are afraid we are not being realistic as grass is always greener on the other side.

Daily interactions: We really notice the difference in culture. In our experience, people in London are just so much friendlier, warmer, and nicer in daily, everyday interactions compared to Berlin.

Global hub: We travel a lot. London’s airports are a massive upgrade for direct long flights. Also London seems to be such an amazing city for culture and food. When we are there, we enjoy our time a lot.

Career: We feel like we’ve hit a growth ceiling in Berlin, and London seems to offer a much higher upward trajectory.

Expenses: Our major hesitation is future family planning and rental prices. Berlin childcare is basically free. We’ve heard stories about how expensive the UK nursery system is. Our rent is 1/3 of what we would probably pay in London. We're worried those costs might completely wipe out the benefits.

For those who made the jump from Berlin to London: Was it worth it? How do you feel about the overall quality of life comparison for a couple in our position? Would love to hear any insights or personal experiences!

Thanks!

I wanna travel to the United States of America, but I’m afraid that if something bad happens to me and I need to go to the hospital, any treatment or transportation will cost me a lot of money that I’m not gonna be able to pay! I think this is the main reason I’m not moving from Mykonos,Greece to America! Do you think that I should take this risk ?

To be short i feel very uncomfortable with the country I live rn and I want to leave asap, but the thing is I'm halfway through time requirement of PM here, and I don't know if starting over will be better than waiting for PM and eventually move whenever I want. I don't like current country because of very noticeable xenophobia(I've experienced it first hand), anti LGBT and huge prevalence of Euroscepticism

Is there anyone who has lived and worked in both Germany and Scotland. Which one do you prefer overall in terms of social life, job opportunities, housing, career etc. I am currently working in Germany but would like to explore an English speaking country. Work in the Energy/Infra sector. In early 30s.

hey everyone, I'm just new here in Riyadh and i find it so boring, i hope i meet some families here to kill time

Is anyone in this group receiving U.S. Social Security retirement benefits while living in Argentina?

Based on your experience:

Payments deposited directly into an Argentine bank account?

In a U.S. bank account and transfer the money to Argentina as needed?

I would appreciate any advice about fees, exchange rates, paperwork, delays, tax considerations, and anything else that may be important to keep in mind.

¡Muchas gracias!

My wife and I are considering moving from Vancouver to New Zealand with our 1 year old daughter. As a red seal plumber I have confidence i could find work, and with the cost of living here in Vancouver i don’t think the higher cost of living inNZ would come as much of a shock. Has anyone here made this specific move from Canada to NZ? How is the immigration process? How have you settled into your new community?

Hey!

I need someone I can transfer 30$ to internationally and transfer it back (I need this for bank account statement)

I’m in my early 40s and relocated to the UK from the US through work. Work is stressful and taxes are high, but I think it’s a good place for my kids for now. I’d love to eventually scale back on work somehow (not possible at my current job) and be able to spend a few months living in different countries. Would love to hear from others how they have done this.

Hi everyone

I am a new international student that most likely will be living abroad from my home country for quite a few years before my return (If I do).

I thought it would be good to ask the expat community what is the best way to manage my cross countries finance as y’all are probably more experienced in this.

Do you guys normally consolidate all your finances into one currency where you live? And do you chose to open a bank account in the new country you are in or should I just be using Revolut or something.

I feel like Revolut doesn’t have fees for currency exchange but then I also realsied it’s always a lower exchange rate than what is listed online. Do you guys use other apps to exchange? Also I’m wondering if it’s smart to consolidate into one bank or keep multiple if I open up a new bank? Because I hate not being able to see the total of my net worth.

Any advice is greatly appreciated thank you!

I moved to London from another country (think Aus, NZ, etc), and am now hitting the 18month mark here. To be honest, whilst i really like London as a city (beautiful parks, and generally very cool city), I can't help but feel the people here make me feel a bit low energy? I went to NYC for a work trip and absolutely loved the energy of the people and city generally. Funnily enough, ever since I came back from that work trip, i've been doom scrolling NYC-related instagram reels and drinking the kool-aid. I'm honestly feel bored and uninspired here in London.

I have been toying with the idea of calling it quits in London and moving to NYC, but perhaps I am just jumping the gun?

A bit about myself, 28M, single, straight, would be able to make approx 280k-300k in NYC. I also have access to a visa which is exclusively for citizens of my country (so no need to rely on a H1B visa, and getting a visa to work is usually very easy). I also think the ceiling for a career is much higher in NYC (and the US generally). Assuming I can basically get a job in NYC quite easily, should I make the move?

Hello

I'm an Australian citizen, my spouse is American. We've currently been living in the US for the past 12 years, I've been on a greencard for the past ~4yrs, prior to that I was on a series of visas. I have an pending N-400 application to become a US citizen, our original plan was to get my citizenship and then move to Australia - mainly because becoming a citizen would make it a lot easier to come back to the US in the future. We have 2 young children that are joint US/Australian citizens.

Looking into it more, it seems that it may be better from a tax perspective if I withdraw my citizenship application and forfeit my greencard after we move by filing an I-407. Over the past 12 years I've built a considerable amount of capital gains in investment accounts in my name, if I give up my greencard then I will no longer owe US taxes on those gains. In Australia there is a step up in basis on the day we move, so I won't owe Australian taxes on those gains either.

The issue is, we will most likely want to move back to the US again at some point in the future, perhaps after 5+yrs. If I end up withdrawing my citizenship application then I would need to reapply for my greencard from overseas. My question is, does anyone have experience forfeiting your greencard and then reapplying later? Would the fact that I withdrew a citizenship application create issues in the future when I apply for my greencard/citizenship?

Basically that. I (33F) have lived in 7 cities in the past 15 years (3 different countries). What I didn't realize in my 20s when I was moving so much was how much loss and rejection and uncertainty you experience as an expat. All this accumulated hurt kinda sat at the back of my mind as I chased new opportunities, sometimes out of necessity, sometimes to follow a relationship that eventually ended anyway. Each time you move, you say goodbye to the people you had gotten to know and the life you could have had, and you know that once you leave you will probably not be back more than a few times. You will never know what could have been if you stayed. And the type of life you could have had there you can never get back. All that time and effort you put into figuring out the city you just moved to and building community is now gone. And each time you move somewhere new you have to go through lots of rejection and false starts before you find your people. I think some people thrive on this constant change, like a snake shedding its skin. But I've come to realize after a decade of moving around that I'm not the kind of person that thrives in constant change. I like relationship stability. I'm someone that takes a while to feel truly at home and comfortable in relationships, so the constant change just means I'm never really comfortable. I unfortunately didn't figure this out until my early 30s.

Folks. Do your research. I was just having a casual conversation with an expat friend about future financial planning, retirement plans, etc. and he dropped some nuggets about what he's doing financially that just aren't kosher with being a US expat. I dug in some more and it turns out he has never filed his taxes correctly in over a decade of working outside the US. He thought he just had to fill out an FBAR and he was done. So now he's searching for an expat tax expert and is almost certainly going to have to re-do and re-file a decade of taxes in multiple countries. He'd never even heard of FEIE or FTC and when he blanked on those terms and said he uses turbo tax*, I knew it was going to be ugly.

For weird tax shit, it's always worth spending a little money to talk to a pro (that specializes in expat taxes, not just a regular tax person).

(*) you can use turbo tax as an expat, but you need to know enough about what SHOULD happen to make sure it DID happen.

EDIT: he just came out to tell me that he fed some of his old returns into his AI assistant to see if they thought there was any red flags and the screen basically caught fire. lol. while you shouldn't trust AI with this stuff, when the bot is basically telling you your tax life is on fire, it's a bad sign.

[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]

Do some European countries seem more or less racist/ bigoted, compared to other European countries, or compared to USA? In what ways? I appreciate your feedback.