We have over 5,000 members now, but I know a huge chunk of you are still sitting in the States, scrolling this sub and dreaming of the exit.

What is keeping you from pulling the trigger? Is it worrying about being "alone" abroad? Fear of quitting your job? The feeling that you’re "abandoning" family?

Let us know —the "experts" here might have the answer you're looking for.

I’m planning on doing some slow traveling soon, and the idea of arriving in a new country to an instant community is very appealing. However, most "co-living" spaces look like hostels for 20-somethings.

Are there any members here who are 50+ and currently living in a co-living environment?

• Does it provide community, or do you just feel like the "house parent"?
• Are there specific brands or locations that cater to a more mature, professional crowd?
• Is it better to just get an Airbnb and find community via Meetup or Facebook groups?

I was looking into "the good life abroad" and while that looks interesting, it is also very expensive and I am not sure you get what you pay for.

This sub was started 6 years ago. It took us 5 years to hit 200 members. On March 4th, we reached 3,000 members. Today, 68 days later, we hit 5,000.

At this rate, we are growing by nearly 30% every month. Why are we growing so fast?

* Does it have something to do with the current climate in the USA?

* Is there a need for American topics that other subs are not fulfilling?

* What would you like to discuss next?

* Is there a "hot" topic that is not being discussed elsewhere?

If your Social Security was reduced because you receive a foreign pension, you are in for good news

We have seen that quite a few people are not aware that the Social Security Fairness Act officially repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). This means a significant monthly increase and potentially a lump-sum "back pay" check for benefits missed in 2024 and 2025.

The Essentials:

• The Penalty is GONE: Your US Social Security is no longer slashed because of your foreign pension.
• Retroactive Payments: The repeal was effective back to January 2024. Most eligible expats have already seen these "catch-up" payments hit their bank accounts.
• Check Your Status: If you haven't seen an increase, you should verify your records directly with the SSA.

Official Resource:

Social Security Fairness Act Information (SSA.gov)

Note from the Mods: This post is for informational purposes only. We do not provide financial or tax advice. Please contact the Social Security Administration or a qualified professional regarding your specific case.

If this is news for you, please up vote and comment below so that as many expats as possible will see this.

Work in Progress: Version 1.0

This is the first draft of our guide for managing North American financial logistics from abroad. We know that 2-factor authentication (2FA) and banking residency are some of the biggest "headaches" once you leave.

Have a better way? This is a living document. If you have a better provider or a specific "hack" we missed for the 2026 season, please jump into the stickied Wiki Feedback thread on the front page and let us know!

COMMUNITY DISCLAIMER: This guide reflects common community practices for maintaining North American accounts while living abroad. We are not financial or legal professionals. Banking and residency rules are complex and subject to change; always verify with your specific institution and maintain a backup plan.

1. The 2FA Phone Problem

In 2026, many banks block "VOIP" numbers (like Google Voice) for security codes. You generally need a "Real" mobile line to ensure you aren't locked out of your accounts.

• The Solution: Use a carrier that supports Wi-Fi Calling. This allows your phone to receive texts over the internet as if you were still at home, bypassing expensive international roaming fees.
• Top 2026 US Picks:
  • Tello: (Plans from $5/mo). Note: In 2026, Tello requires initial activation/porting to be done while you are physically in the US. Do not wait until you land in your new country to set this up.
  • Ultra Mobile PayGo: ($3/mo). Great for low-cost maintenance, but check if your device supports their specific Wi-Fi Calling bands.
• 🌎 Regional Variation: Canada If you have Canadian bank accounts (TD, RBC, Scotiabank, etc.), they often refuse to send codes to US numbers.
  • The Pick: Freedom Mobile. Their $99/year prepaid plan is the community gold standard. It supports Wi-Fi Calling, meaning you can receive Canadian bank texts anywhere in the world for $0 as long as you are on Wi-Fi.

2. Expat-Friendly Banking & Transfers

We recommend a "Banking Trio" so you are never stranded:

• Charles Schwab (Investor Checking): Best for ATM Access. They offer unlimited worldwide ATM fee rebates. (Note: They are strict about US residency for domestic accounts).
• Wise: Best for Moving Money. Excellent for paying local rent or utility bills via low-fee transfers.
• SDFCU (State Department Federal Credit Union): Best for Stability. One of the few institutions known to officially allow a foreign residential address on the account for US Citizens who join via the American Citizens Abroad (ACA) organization.

3. The Mailing Address Requirement

Most banks require a Physical Residential Address for your profile (per the PATRIOT Act). They usually also allow a separate Mailing Address for cards and statements.

• Family/Friends: Using a trusted relative's address as your Residential Address is the most reliable and "bank-safe" option.
• Virtual Mailboxes: These services scan your mail to a PDF. Caution: Most banks flag these as commercial locations. Usually, you cannot use a virtual mailbox as your Residential address, only as your Mailing address.

4. 🚫 Why We Do Not Cover Investing

Investing as an expat is a regulatory minefield (PFIC, FATCA, etc.). Because one wrong move can lead to massive IRS penalties, we do not provide investment advice. For anything involving stocks or retirement accounts, we strongly recommend professional guidance.

5. The "Two-Bank" Rule (Redundancy)

Never rely on a single bank. If your primary card is swallowed or your account is frozen, you need a backup.

• Carry cards from at least two different banks.
• Keep your backup card in a separate location (e.g., in a hotel safe).

📋 The "Before You Fly" Porting Checklist

If you are moving your current $100/mo number to a $5/mo service, follow these steps before you head to the airport:

1. Unlock Your Phone: Call your current carrier and ensure your device is "unlocked" for other networks.
2. Get Your Details: You need your Account Number and a Transfer/Porting PIN (this is different from your login PIN).
3. Port Early: Start the porting process at least one week before your flight. If there is a technical glitch, you want to be able to walk into a physical store to fix it.
4. Test Wi-Fi Calling: Turn on Airplane Mode, connect to Wi-Fi, and try to send a text. If it works, you’re ready for the move.

Need a Correction?

See something we missed? Comment below. After 3 drafts, we will add this guide to our permanent collection of resources.

I was in Hanoi recently and hated it, mostly because walking was so difficult. The sidewalks were packed with vendors and parked motorcycles forcing pedestrians to walk in the streets which was extremely dangerous. HCM was much better. But how can anyone consider Hanoi to be "among world’s top 100 walkable cities"?

What am I missing?

Today, Schwab is hosting an online seminar series, for free. I see them offered quite frequently and have never attended any. Mostly, I don't see the need, but maybe others do?

Are there any you would recommend? Which ones and why?

⚠️ Disclaimer: Informational purposes only. Not legal, tax, or financial advice. Regulations and international treaties change frequently; always verify your specific situation with a qualified professional before making a move.

1. The Functional Difference: Travel vs. Global Health

Most 2026 visa rejections occur because an applicant submitted a "Travel" policy for a "Residency" visa.

• Travel/Nomad Insurance (e.g., SafetyWing Essential, World Nomads)
  • Purpose: Built for unforeseen accidents and emergencies during short-term trips.
  • Limit: Usually requires you to return to the US for any long-term treatment (cancer, chronic illness, or physical therapy).
  • Usage: Best for tourism and short-term nomad stays (under 90 days).
• Global Health Insurance / IPMI (e.g., Allianz, Cigna, Genki Native)
  • Purpose: Provides comprehensive, long-term medical care similar to the health insurance you have at home.
  • Coverage: Includes routine checkups, specialists, prescriptions, and ongoing treatment for chronic conditions while abroad.
  • Usage: Necessary for those living, working, or retiring in a foreign country.

>

2. The "Medicare Part B" Lifetime Trap

If you are 65+ (or approaching it), this is your most critical financial decision.

• The Reality: Medicare does not cover you outside the US. If you drop Part B while abroad and return to the US later, you face a permanent 10% penalty for every 12-month period you weren't enrolled.
• 2026 Costs: The standard Part B base premium is $202.90/month.
• 💡 The High-Earner Calculus: The 10% penalty is only calculated on the base premium ($202.90). If you are a high-income earner paying an extra surcharge (IRMAA), the penalty does not apply to that surcharge. For high earners, the penalty is a smaller percentage of the total bill, which may change the math on whether "skipping" Part B is a viable financial risk.

3. "Worldwide Excluding USA" (The Money Saver)

• The Strategy: Selecting "Excluding USA" on your global health plan can save you 30–50% on premiums.
• The Gap: You will have no medical coverage during trips back home to the US.
• The 2026 Fix: For visits home, buy a standalone "Inbound to USA" travel policy for those specific dates. It is significantly cheaper than carrying US coverage year-round on your primary plan.

4. 2026 Provider Shortlist

The following providers are commonly used for residency applications because they offer "Zero-Deductible" certificates:

• Allianz Care: The gold standard for European residency; known for high coverage limits and an efficient digital claims process.
• GeoBlue (BCBS): A top choice for Americans wanting a familiar US-style provider network.
• Cigna Global: The most flexible option; you can add or remove modules (Vision, Dental) to fit your budget.
• Genki: A top 2026 choice for younger expats. Their "Native" plan is true long-term insurance with competitive pricing.

5. The "Critical Three" Checklist

Before finalizing a policy, verify these three points:

1. Direct Billing: Confirm the insurer pays hospitals directly so you aren't paying $20,000 out of pocket and waiting months for a check.
2. Medical Evacuation: Ensure it covers "Bed-to-Bed" transfer to a major medical center, not just the nearest local clinic.
3. Repatriation of Remains: Essential for expats. Shipping remains back to the US in 2026 can cost $15k–$20k without this coverage.

Final Review Phase

This is Version 3 of the guide. We have moved this to the permanent Subreddit Wiki.

Any minor tweaks or shared experiences will be considered for future updates.

We’ve talked about dating, family and retirement. Now for the reality check.

This week: Expectation vs. Reality.

The Schedule:

• Tue: The Budget
• Wed: The Bureaucracy
• Thu: The Career
• Fri: The Friendship Gap
• Saturday: The location
• Sunday: THE BIG REGRETS.

What was your "Welcome to Reality" moment? Is your expat experience better or worse than you thought it would be? What disappointments have you experienced? What would you do differently?