American military nurse Lisa Denmark joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about retiring in Chiang Mai, Thailand — and why she has never looked back. After eight years working for the US military in Germany, Lisa faced a visa deadline that forced a decision: return to the States, or start over somewhere new. She chose Thailand, moved sight unseen, and hasn't left since. Lisa shares how she landed on Chiang Mai, what it was really like to arrive during COVID lockdown, and why the city's calm, small-town feel won her over completely.

Lisa breaks down the real cost of living — from a three-bedroom house in a gated community for 310 euros a month to a full Thai meal delivered for under a euro — and walks through the visa journey from visa-exempt to education visa to retirement visa. She also gets into the wilder side of expat life: finding rentals through word-of-mouth (and one very memorable connection), the challenges of bringing a 40kg service dog to a country that doesn't recognise service animals, several scooter wrecks, and major surgery covered entirely by her Thai health insurance. If you're considering retiring abroad on a fixed income, this episode is packed with practical insight, honest numbers, and a lot of heart.

#ExpatLife #RetireAbroad #LivingInThailand #ChiangMai #ThailandExpats #ExpatFocus

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00:00 Introducing Lisa Denmark

05:29 Arriving in Chiang Mai During Lockdown

06:40 COVID Logistics and Quarantine

07:53 Chiang Mai Cost of Living Breakdown

11:44 Retirement Visa

16:26 Finding Rentals by Word of Mouth

19:04 Bringing a Service Dog to Thailand

21:56 Chiang Mai Expat Scene Today

23:00 Healthcare Insurance and Pharmacies

26:20 Travel Insurance Reality

28:45 Medical Culture Differences

32:41 Scooter Wreck Stories

34:57 Living Without Thai

37:20 Retirement Daily Routine

41:27 Finding Community in Chiang Mai

46:01 Future Plans

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/thailand/podcast/could-you-retire-in-thailand-for-less-than-400-a-month

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Travis Drews, founder of the Global Citizen Hub, joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss an often-overlooked route to moving abroad: student visas. Originally from the US and now based in Berlin, he shares how his own international journey — and a surprising message from family — led him to help others find realistic migration pathways, even without a job offer, investment capital, or a partner overseas. He explains why student visas are among the most accessible relocation options, challenging misconceptions about age limits, work restrictions, and cost.

Travis highlights the wide range of scholarships across Europe, including programs with free or low-cost tuition, and outlines where students can work part-time while studying. He also clarifies which student visas count toward permanent residency and which serve as stepping stones, stressing the need to plan long term from the outset. For those considering a career change or seeking a foothold in Europe, the episode offers practical guidance on selecting programs, meeting language requirements, and using education as a pathway to a new life abroad.

#expatlifestyle #StudentVisa #MoveToEurope #StudyAbroad #EuropeExpats #ExpatFocus

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00:00 Meet Travis Drews: An American in Berlin

03:01 Introducing Global Citizen Hub

05:31 Student Visas: A Pathway to Moving Abroad

09:49 Challenges and Realities of Student Visas

15:36 Scholarships and Affordable Education in Europe

24:05 Finding the Right Study Program

28:01 Conclusion and Contact Information

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast/how-to-move-to-europe-on-a-student-visa-no-job-required

📝 Show Notes

Global Citizen Hub – https://www.theglobalcitizenhub.com

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Australian expat consultant Simone Collins joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about turning a Bali "gap year" into a life-changing two-year relocation — and helping others do the same. Founder of Our Year in Bali, Simone shares how a family experiment became a full-scale move, what daily life in Bali really looks like, and why so many people dream of making the island home.

She explains who Bali is best suited for — from families with young children to digital nomads and retirees — and breaks down practical considerations like schooling, visas, healthcare, housing, and cost of living. Simone also discusses the realities of leasehold property, transport challenges, accessibility for older expats, and how Bali's hospitality-driven culture shapes expat life on the island.

If you're considering moving to Bali — whether for a sabbatical, remote work, or retirement — this episode offers honest insights, real-world budgeting advice, and expert guidance to help you decide if Bali is the right fit.

#ExpatLife #LivingInBali #MoveToBali #BaliExpats #DigitalNomads #RetireAbroad #ExpatFocus

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Simone Collins' Journey to Bali

01:15 Starting 'Our Year in Bali' Consultancy

03:12 Challenges and Decisions in Bali

05:55 Ideal Demographics for Moving to Bali

08:24 Visa Options for Long-Term Stay

12:31 Housing and Real Estate in Bali

16:20 Popular Areas for Long-Term Expats

20:52 Accessibility and Transport Considerations

22:36 Health Insurance Essentials for Expats

26:05 Navigating Language Barriers

27:17 Education Options for Expats' Children

30:56 Community and Cultural Integration

33:57 Cost of Living and Budgeting in Bali

37:58 How to Plan Your Move to Bali

40:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/indonesia/podcast/could-you-live-in-bali-heres-what-its-really-like

📝 Show Notes Our Year in Bali – https://ouryearinbali.com/

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Financial advisor Tom Zachystal joins the Expat Focus Podcast to break down what Americans need to think about financially before moving abroad. As President of International Asset Management — and an expat himself — Tom shares practical guidance based on decades of experience helping US citizens navigate life overseas.

Tom explains why Americans can never fully "leave" the US tax system, how citizenship-based taxation, FATCA, and FBAR reporting affect expats, and why many banks now hesitate to work with Americans living abroad. He also explores common banking challenges, transferring money internationally, and misconceptions around cash limits when crossing borders.

If you're an American planning an international move — whether for work, retirement, or lifestyle — this episode offers clear, experience-backed advice to help you avoid costly mistakes and plan with confidence.

#ExpatLife #AmericanExpats #MovingAbroad #USExpats #ExpatFinance #ExpatFocus

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:49 Tom's Background and Expertise

02:18 Financial Steps for Americans Moving Abroad

03:09 Banking Challenges for US Expats

13:33 Understanding FATCA and FBAR

16:35 Health Insurance Considerations

23:09 Currency Fluctuations and Financial Planning

25:31 Emergency Liquidity and Financial Planning Apps

28:41 The Role of Financial Advisors

33:24 Conclusion and Contact Information

🎥 Video & Transcript

https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast/financial-planning-essentials-for-americans-living-overseas

📝 Show Notes

IAM Advisors – https://iamadvisors.com/

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What does moving to Spain really look like for non-EU nationals? And how can you tell if it's the right move for you? In this episode of the Expat Focus Podcast, James Blick, founder of Spain Revealed, joins host Carlie Bonavia to share what life in Spain is actually like — beyond the beaches and tapas.

James explains why your vision for life in Spain matters more than the visa paperwork at the start, and how getting clear on your desired rhythm — your day-to-day pace and priorities — can make or break your relocation. He discusses lifestyle differences across regions, common misconceptions about Spanish life, popular visa options (including updates to the Digital Nomad Visa), and practical tips on choosing where to live, budgeting, and building community.

Whether you're planning to retire early, work remotely, or simply embrace a slower lifestyle, this episode offers the clarity you need to move to Spain with confidence.

#MoveToSpain #LivingInSpain #SpainRevealed #DigitalNomadVisa #ExpatLife #ExpatFocus

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Guest Introduction: James Blick

01:09 James' Journey to Spain

02:24 Founding Spain Revealed and Devour Tours

03:21 The Impact of the Pandemic and Pivot to Relocation

04:31 Top Nationalities Moving to Spain

06:12 Misunderstandings About Life in Spain

10:08 Choosing the Right Location in Spain

16:00 Key Considerations for Moving to Spain

19:57 Digital Nomad Visa Updates

27:21 Navigating Spanish Bureaucracy

27:45 Healthcare Requirements for Non-Lucrative Visa

29:23 Common Pitfalls in Moving to Spain

32:12 Cultural Adjustments and Expectations

36:46 Finding Your Rhythm in Spain

41:56 Building Community and Seeking Advice

45:12 The Importance of Learning Spanish

48:30 Resources for Moving to Spain

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/spain/podcast/what-is-life-in-spain-really-like-for-expats

📝 Show Notes

Spain Revealed – https://social.spainrevealed.com/i_IP

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Data-driven relocation consultant Vasily Yurenkov joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss how numbers — not just gut instinct — can guide your move abroad. When political turmoil forced him to leave Russia, Vasily and his wife used his analytical model to decide where to rebuild their lives. Now based in Amsterdam, he helps others choose their ideal destination by comparing 600+ data points across countries and cities.

In this episode, Vasily explains why most expats make relocation decisions emotionally rather than logically, what happens when data contradicts "dream destinations," and how personal values and cultural fit factor into his analysis. He also shares why some clients end up staying put after all, and how to avoid falling into an "abusive relationship" with your new country.

If you're planning an international move — or questioning if your adopted country is truly right for you — this conversation offers a fascinating, evidence-based perspective on finding your best fit abroad.

#ExpatLife #MovingAbroad #Relocation #ExpatFocus #DigitalNomads #LivingOverseas

👉 Visit Expat Focus: https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:42 Vasily's Relocation Journey

02:26 Choosing Between the UK and Amsterdam

03:47 Challenges with UK Visa and Final Decision

07:18 The Five-Month Road Trip

08:51 Importance of Data in Relocation Decisions

18:26 Client Profiles and Data-Driven Approach

20:08 Common Misconceptions About Moving to Italy

20:24 Surprising Results from Data-Driven Analysis

21:12 Practical Tips for Testing Your Top Destinations

21:56 Deciding Not to Move After All

24:06 The Role of Personal Values in Choosing a Country

32:15 The Importance of a Fresh Perspective

35:44 The Limitations and Pitfalls of Data

38:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/international/podcast/how-to-choose-the-best-country-for-your-move-abroad

📝 Show Notes Greener Relocation – https://greener.im

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Relocation concierge Ashley Sourci joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about moving to France — and tackling the country's infamous bureaucracy. Originally from California, Ashley shares how she fell in love with French life, the challenges she faced setting up on her own, and why she now helps others navigate the endless paperwork and catch-22s of settling in.

She explains what a relocation concierge does, the difference between standard relocation services and her high-touch "handholding" approach, and why even locals struggle with French administration.

Ashley also breaks down typical costs, the realities of official translations, and how to avoid common pitfalls like stalled bank accounts and driver's license delays.

If you're considering a move to France — or already drowning in French paperwork — this episode offers practical insights, real-life experiences, and advice to make your transition smoother.

#ExpatLife #LivingInFrance #MoveToFrance #FrenchBureaucracy #FranceExpats #ExpatFocus

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:56 Ashley's Journey to France

04:40 Challenges of Relocating to France

07:24 Role of a Relocation Concierge

14:52 Pricing and Client Involvement

19:56 Documentation and Language Barriers

25:29 Finding the Right Relocation Service

27:48 Ashley's Personal Reflections and Contact Information

30:33 Final Thoughts

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/france/podcast/untangling-french-bureaucracy-how-a-relocation-concierge-can-help

📝 Show Notes

Ashley's Website – https://chezmoialsace.com

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American blogger Kirsten Raccuia returns to the Expat Focus Podcast to share her experiences with healthcare in Mexico. After relocating from Malaysia with her husband, Kirsten has navigated everything from pharmacy visits to surgery — and she opens up about the realities of medical care as a foreign resident.

She explains why Mexico is a hub for medical tourism, how costs compare with the USA, and what expats should know about insurance and out-of-pocket expenses. Kirsten also highlights cultural differences in patient care, the role of word-of-mouth in finding trusted doctors, and the surprising accessibility of treatments.

If you're considering a move to Mexico — or curious about how healthcare abroad stacks up — this episode offers candid insights and practical advice.

#ExpatLife #HealthcareMexico #LivingInMexico #MedicalTourism #MexicoExpats #ExpatFocus

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🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/mexico/podcast/why-expats-trust-mexico-for-affordable-modern-healthcare

📝 Show Notes Kirsten's Blog – https://sandinmycurls.com

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Jordan Giberson joins the Expat Focus Podcast to share her journey from Austin, Texas to London, and the lessons she's learned along the way. From turning down a safe job offer at home to pursuing her dream of living in the UK, Jordan talks about navigating visas, surviving lockdown as a new arrival, and adapting to British culture.

She opens up about the challenges of residency rules, what Americans should know about healthcare in the UK, and how her perspective has shifted after nearly six years abroad. Jordan also reflects on cultural quirks, why she feels more at home in London now, and what she loves most about her expat life.

If you're an American considering a move to the UK — or simply curious about life on the other side of the pond — this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

#ExpatLife #MovingToTheUK #AmericansAbroad #BritishCulture #UKVisas #HealthcareUK

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Jordan's Journey to the UK

03:38 Settling in During the Pandemic

07:16 Visa Challenges and Advice

14:28 Cultural Differences and Adaptation

20:15 Returning to Texas During COVID

21:31 Healthcare Differences: USA vs UK

24:33 Visa and Residency in the UK

28:44 Considering Other European Countries

31:36 Adapting to British Culture

36:24 Benefits of Living Abroad

38:14 Where to Find More Information

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/italy/podcast/living-in-london-how-one-american-made-it-work

📝 Show Notes Jordan's Website - https://jordangiberson.com

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Barbara Boyle joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss her move from a high-flying advertising career in the US to a tranquil life in Monforte d'Alba, a small town in Italy's Piedmont region. Barbara shares what it was like to renovate a 300-year-old stone barn with zero Italian, embrace the local slow food culture, and become part of a tight-knit rural community.

She also opens up about her breast cancer diagnosis and why she returned to the US for treatment, and reflects on the joys and challenges of expat life. Her new memoir, 'Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse', captures the essence of her Italian adventure. If you've ever dreamed of moving to Italy, this one's for you.

📘 Order Barbara's memoir: https://www.barbaraboyleauthor.com/

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#ExpatLife #Italy #SlowLiving #PinchMe #FarmhouseRenovation #MovingToItaly

00:00 Introducing Barbara Boyle

00:51 Barbara's Writing Journey

03:26 Barbara's Advertising Career

06:25 Falling in Love with Montfort

09:06 The Slow Food Movement

11:39 Renovating the Barn

14:26 Challenges and Community Support

17:35 Learning Italian and Cultural Integration

20:56 Adjusting to a Slower Pace of Life

21:17 Nostalgia and Simplicity of Life in Silicon Valley

21:53 Adjusting to a Slower Pace in Italy

22:26 Balancing Busyness and Retirement

23:38 Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Journey

28:52 Comparing Healthcare Systems: Italy vs. USA

32:07 Building Community and Friendships in Italy

34:42 Joining Local Activities and Clubs

38:54 Advice for Aspiring Expats

40:41 The Perfect Italian Dish

41:36 Final Thoughts