If you’ve ever dreamed of retiring abroad, you’re not alone. With the promise of lower costs, new cultures, and temperate climates, expat retirement is more appealing than ever. But moving overseas permanently is a big leap—which is why many retirees are choosing to “test-drive” the lifestyle first through long-term stays. This approach lets you explore the expat life without committing right away.
Why Test the Waters First?
Spending several weeks or months in a new country can reveal realities that vacation snapshots never show. You’ll get a feel for daily life, understand the cost of living, and find out if the culture, pace, and climate truly suit you. It also gives you time to explore healthcare systems, infrastructure, and how easy (or hard) it is to navigate daily errands in another language.
A test-run is low-risk compared to uprooting your life entirely, selling your home, or shipping all your belongings across the globe. It allows you to make informed decisions with confidence, not guesswork.
Choose a Destination That Balances Comfort and Affordability
Your ideal test location will depend on your interests, budget, and comfort with new environments. Popular retirement havens like Portugal, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Thailand offer expat-friendly infrastructure, affordable healthcare, and welcoming communities.
Start with cities or towns that already have a sizable expat presence. That makes it easier to find English-speaking locals, supportive networks, and resources tailored to retirees. Coastal towns like Lagos in Portugal or San Miguel de Allende in Mexico are great places to start.
Use platforms like International Living and Expat Exchange to research top destinations and read first-hand accounts from expats already living abroad.
Plan a Stay of At Least a Month
To really understand what it’s like to live in a place, aim for a stay of at least 30 days—long enough to settle into a rhythm and spot both the charms and the challenges.
You’ll see how the seasons affect daily life, whether internet speeds support video calls with loved ones, and how your dollars stretch across rent, groceries, transportation, and entertainment.
Visa requirements vary by country. Many destinations offer 30–90 day tourist visas, with options to extend. Some even provide retirement-specific visas with attractive perks for longer stays, like Portugal’s D7 visa or Thailand’s O-A visa.
Rent Like a Local
Skip the resorts and all-inclusives. Renting a home or apartment gives you a clearer view of what life would actually be like. Websites like Airbnb and Booking.com have monthly stay discounts and let you filter by essentials like kitchens, laundry, and walkability.
If you’re staying longer, consider using local rental agencies or Facebook expat groups to find mid-term rentals. This helps you avoid inflated tourist prices and may offer access to more livable neighborhoods.
Make sure the accommodation meets your lifestyle preferences—think about walkability, noise levels, air conditioning, and access to grocery stores and clinics.
Connect with Local Expats
Meeting other expats is one of the fastest ways to get your questions answered. They’ve already navigated many of the challenges you might face—from banking and transportation to finding a doctor or hiring a translator.
Search for community meetups, local Facebook groups, or attend events at expat-friendly cafes or cultural centers. Sites like Meetup and Internations can help you connect before you arrive.
Mind the Money: Banking, Healthcare, and Currency
Living abroad, even temporarily, requires a bit of financial planning. Set up access to your money using global-friendly banking tools like Wise or Charles Schwab (which refunds international ATM fees).
Healthcare is another key consideration. Many countries offer affordable out-of-pocket care, but you may want to purchase travel or expat insurance for longer stays. Providers like SafetyWing and IMG offer flexible coverage for seniors traveling internationally.
Track currency exchange rates and understand how your retirement income will stretch. Some countries require proof of monthly income for extended stays, so check visa guidelines before you go.
Travel Light—But Thoughtfully
When staying abroad for several months, pack smart. Include versatile clothing, key medications, copies of important documents, and a local SIM card or international phone plan. You might not need to bring everything—but it’s important to have the essentials that make daily life easier and more comfortable.
You can also buy basics locally, often at lower prices. Use your first few days to get set up with groceries, SIM cards, and transit passes.
Be Open to Learning
Part of the joy of a long-term international stay is learning new things: language basics, local customs, different foods, and unfamiliar holidays. While some of this can be challenging, embracing the process helps you connect with your new community and enjoy the richness of the experience.
Consider enrolling in a language class or volunteering locally—it’s a great way to feel more at home, even if you’re not staying permanently.
Final Thoughts
Trying out life abroad doesn’t have to mean making a full leap into the unknown. Long-term stays give you a taste of expat life while keeping your home base secure. By testing destinations before committing, you gain the freedom to explore retirement on your own terms—whether you end up across the world or right back where you started, with a suitcase full of stories.
