the majority of locations, it is not English. Sure, you can master enough of a new 

language to buy groceries and get directions. But the level of communication 

that is the foundation for deep friendship and intimacy? The ability to respond 

quickly and coherently to all types of emergencies from medical to plumbing? 

That can take years to develop. So, unless you’re planning to reside in an expat 

mecca and spend most of your time with other Americans (and if you want 

to spend most of your time with Americans, then why not stay in America?), 

you owe yourself an honest assessment of your fluency in the destination-

country’s language.

4)  Be prepared to miss Kansas.

Homesickness is inevitable. There is comfort in the familiar, from favorite 

foods to transportation to having things run on time. It’s nice to have electricians 

come at almost the same time they promised (even more basic, it is nice to 

have predictable electricity—something not guaranteed at every popular expat 

retirement spot). Cultural differences that seem charming on vacation might 

annoy when they are a part of daily life. 

5)   Say “bye-bye” to some safety nets.

Unlike Social Security, which can follow you anywhere (and is taxed 

regardless of where you live), Medicare does not travel. Some countries have 

good health care for very low costs, but you may need to live close to a major 

hospital. What we take for granted, such as ambulances arriving promptly for 

emergencies, might not exist. (Having a woman die down the hall from me 

in a pricey Panama high-rise last February—and waiting 40 minutes for an 

ambulance—made that particular issue appallingly clear.) Yes, some countries 

have national systems that cover foreign residents—but do not just assume 

that is the case. Know how you will be covered and what the coverage entails 

before you relocate.

6)  Gauge affordability. 

Living overseas, once the move is accomplished, can certainly be less costly 

than living in the U.S. And domestic help may be much more affordable. But 

the fantasy often exceeds the reality, and a drastic move to save $500–$1,000 

a month can end up costing more than budget-trimming measures could 

accomplish. Read up on the experience of current expats in the area you are 

considering before you evaluate the costs of relocating.

7)  Try before relocating. 

The best advice? Try it out first. Rent a furnished place to start. Do nothing 

permanent until you’ve lived somewhere for a full year, through all the seasons. 

What you may discover is that you love a particular place, but seasonally. 

And where am I now in the retirement conundrum? I look forward to having 

the time to savor and experience all that living in Kansas has to offer. But I still 

want to live in, not just visit, other countries and cultures. I want immersion, 

and I want to come home. So I guess I’m going to be a part-time expat. If and 

when I finally get to retire, of course.  

27

Topeka SR