Post: #1

I am a U.S. citizen and I am planning on living abroad indefinitely. I am self-employed and am looking for any advice on people who have experience doing this.

-How do I handle health insurance? I figure buying the standard travel insurance for the serious emergencies would be enough since healthcare is so inexpensive abroad. But what happens when I am back in the U.S. for short visits?

-Are there any tax benefits for living abroad even though all my income is earned from customers mostly living in the U.S.? I suppose I can ask my accountant this but any information is welcome.

-How did you make friends? I have many ideas about how to make a good group of friends but would like your personal experience.

-Is there anything important regarding the logistics of doing this that I should know that is not so obvious?

Post: #2

Where you headed to?

1. Pay as you go. I think to get health insurance in a country you have to have documents. You could also get travelers insurance but that's more major accidents/surgeries.

2. Other than writing off regular business exemptions, I don't think so.

3. Good question. It can be a lonely existence outside of your social network. I meet people in university cafeterias and bars. Couchsurfing is worth a shot too.

4. Have someone at home that can send you things every 6 months, like books. Also filing taxes abroad will be interesting for me come april.

Post: #3

"I am a U.S. citizen and in about 4 months I am planning on living abroad indefinitely. I am self-employed doing all of my work through the internet."

Congratulations.

Which country are you going to?

- MPM
The Guide to Getting More out of Life
http://www.thegmanifesto.com

Post: #4

What I am most worried about are the short visits to the U.S. to visit friends and family where I won't be covered (travel insurance does not work when in the US). Maybe someone knows about some temporary health insurance that is available for 2 weeks periods?

It's a good tip about having someone to mail me stuff and I think my Dad would gladly do that.

I am almost positive that my first destination will be South Africa where I would live there for 5 months.

Post: #5

(08-21-2009 07:38 PM)jmb Wrote:  What I am most worried about are the short visits to the U.S. to visit friends and family where I won't be covered (travel insurance does not work when in the US). Maybe someone knows about some temporary health insurance that is available for 2 weeks periods?

It's a good tip about having someone to mail me stuff and I think my Dad would gladly do that.

I am almost positive that my first destination will be Colombia where I would live there for 5 months (have to return to the US for a wedding in May). It's naturally my #1 choice for many reasons and logistically works out perfectly in terms of being close to the U.S. I would much rather pay the $150 one way flight back to the US come May, rather than a $1000 one way flight from some place in Asia for instance. But after the wedding I think i'll move down to Israel since I will have a free flight and 2 week vacation there anyways...

But at the same time I have been applying and interviewing for full-time jobs so that in 4 months I have as many options as I can to choose from. I think that is the best way to do it.

As far as taxes go, stay away from the Swiss banks. Look to the islands.

Aloha!

Post: #6

I've been in Brazil since April, and plan to be outside the US for a while - indefinitely?

1. I don't have health insurance. I only had insurance when I was employed by another co. When I was self-employed I never got it.
I figure I'm young and don't really need it, so I pay as I go.

2. No idea.

3. I actually ended up making some really close friends via couchsurfing and jiu jitsu (all foreigners incidentally) so we have a nice group here.

4. Yes, my family is in US, so they can send me stuff as needed. I also ask friends that come down to carry some stuff for me.

Post: #7

JMB-

Congratulations man! You're going to live the 4-hour workweek life (even if you're working more than 4)!

I myself am also planning to live abroad indefinitely starting in January (Argentina probably) but I'm going to Medellin in 2 weeks to scout.

Why else are you so positive about Colombia besides the proximity to the US? I'm curious because I want to choose the best location for spending serious time, not just a vacation.

Post: #8

Yeah, I was going to say the four hour workweek.

I am sure you have read it, but if you haven't check it:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307353...ive=380601

Lots of good info for what you are going to do.

- MPM
The Guide to Getting More out of Life
http://www.thegmanifesto.com

Post: #9

Thanks for the tips elguapo, kona, and thegmanifesto.

I heard a lot about that book but never bothered reading it. From what I heard about it seems like I am already doing a lot of what he wrote but it may be worth reading to see what I may have missed.