by Kevin Burton
I’ve done it before; I could do it again if I had to. So file this under “just in case.”
The BBC recently published a list of ten best countries for expatriates – people who leave their home country to live abroad – based on a survey by Internations, the world’s largest expat network.
When I was young it was unthinkable that I would ever leave the United States. With experience I learned that people can change and countries can change.
In my 20s I lived for a time in Puebla, Mexico, and got a job teaching English. I never imagined I was there for good and in fact left after about nine months. If I made such a move again, it would probably be for good.
The list of desirable countries starts with Mexico, and includes Spain, Panama, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Costa Rica, Philippines, Bahrain and Portugal.
The Internations survey “ranks the top countries based on 56 aspects of expat life from cost of living to housing to high-speed internet availability,” writes BBC reporter Lindsey Galloway. “More than 12,000 expats representing 171 nationalities and living in 172 countries or territories responded.”
I include here some of what the BBC said about three of the countries I would consider: Since today is Independence Day in Mexico, let’s start there:
Mexico
Mexico, ranked number one in this year’s survey, and has placed within the top five every year since 2014. The country ranks first in the Ease of Settling In index and its local friendliness subcategory, which also results in high scores in finding friends. In fact, 75 percent of expats surveyed said it’s easy to make local friends here, compared to just 43 percent globally.
“The people are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet,” said Dutch expat Aemilius Dost, who has lived in Mexico for a year and a half and blogs at Road to the Unknown. “I thoroughly enjoy the interactions I have while shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables at my local market. The simplicity of the lifestyle is easy for many to adopt.”
Though Mexico’s bureaucracy can be challenging to navigate, it’s also easy to maintain residency if you qualify, and there’s no minimum amount of time you need to stay in the country to keep your visa status. While English is spoken in the most touristy areas, expats will find life easier if they work on their Spanish before they arrive.
Expats also express a deep appreciation for Mexico’s culture and history, echoed in its top ranking in the culture and welcome subcategory. “Close connection to family and tradition are infused throughout Mexican culture,” said Julien Casanova, founder of Oaxaca Travel Tips who has lived in Mexico for five years and is originally from the US.. “I love living in Oaxaca City for this reason. It’s an incredibly festive city with deep roots in its pre-Hispanic past.”
“Mexico has all the landscapes, all the climates, all the gastronomy and culture. And best of all, the warmth and service of the people, the good humour always, the permanent party atmosphere wherever you go. It’s just a matter of connecting with everything,” said Elizabeth Lemos, originally from Uruguay, who has lived in Mexico since 2022.
Spain
Spain has ranked in the top 10 in the survey’s Quality of Life Index since 2014, due to its culture and nightlife, opportunities for recreation and leisure, and its moderate climate and weather.
“Even though it differs significantly from the south to the north of the country, the temperatures are generally mild and pleasant,” said resident Patricia Palacios, co-founder of España Guide, who has lived in Spain for the past decade. She says the weather is one of the main benefits of living here.
“For example, cities such as Valencia and Malaga boast more than 300 sunny days per year and have an average temperature of 18C (65F).” She also loves the food options that the Mediterranean climate provides, and that the landscape and architecture that has been influenced by so many cultures over the years.
Cost of living continues to be less here than in other European countries, which can either be a blessing or a curse depending on your career status, since local salaries tend to be lower. “It would definitely be best if you could work remotely and earn a higher foreign income so that you could have a better standard of living,” advised Palacios. And while the country has a lauded digital nomad visa program, she also says that being a freelancer can come with bureaucratic headaches and a “freelancing fee” on top of your normal taxes.
According to Palacios, locals tend to be easy-going, friendly and welcoming, especially to those trying to learn the language. Nevertheless, she recommends anyone moving here take dedicated Spanish classes. “Only if you speak the language will you be able to make the most out of your new life in Spain,” Palacios said. According to the Internations survey, 80 percent of expats feel at home here, 18 percent higher than the global average.
Panama
This Central American country ranks third in the index thanks to high scores in the ease of settling in, ease of finding friends and the culture and welcome categories. Like Spain, the country has introduced a digital nomad visa, with one of the world’s lowest fees – in fact, expats in the index rank it one of the top-five countries where it’s easiest to get a visa. The climate and weather also help the country’s high placement, ranking 11th overall in that subindex.
“Panama has amazing weather per my personal preference – 75F-85F [24-29C] all year, and a good mix of rain and sun,” said expat Sarah Bajc, owner at the local Camaroncito EcoResort and Beach.
The US-dollar-based economy also makes it easy to handle finances, said Bajc, and allowed her to purchase real estate relatively straightforwardly. Similarly, the Internations survey also found that most expats think housing here is both easy to find and afford. The country ranked eighth overall in the Personal Finance index, with 80 percent of expats reporting being happy with their financial situation.
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