Which countries you should move to an as expat right now

Fancy taking the plunge and joining the global expat community? Do you spend your free time gazing wistfully at the envy-inducing Instagram feeds of adventurous travel bloggers? Perhaps you’ve been offered an opportunity overseas, and you are currently unsure if a move makes sense for you and your family. Or maybe you’d like to join the ever-growing number of retirees who choose to head for sunnier climes, or for destinations with a better quality of life and lower living costs. If you are still at the dreaming stage when it comes to upping sticks and making a move, and you aren’t exactly sure where you want to go, read on for some inspiration.

Over the last few years, digital nomads and freelancers galore have flocked to Bali, which has seen a recent boom in coworking spaces. Canggu is a particularly popular beachside location where you can rent a desk on a monthly basis, and literally swap your laptop for a surfboard come lunchtime.

For something a bit less polished, head for Punta Uva in Costa Rica. The pristine beaches here are still relatively untouched, and you can even swim out to a coral reef. This tiny town, just south of Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast, with its quaint dirt roads, exudes a kind of laidback charm. The only interruption will probably be the occasional squawk of a green macaw.

Living in Europe and don’t want to head for such faraway shores? Why not consider Portugal? The Algarve is a gorgeous beachside destination, and the summers are hot and long. To escape the tourist crowd, head for the eastern end, to spots such as Tavira, where you’ll find centuries old fishing villages and secluded beaches.

Berlin, Germany is always a favourite among expats wanting to experience big city living. Berlin has undergone a sort of cultural renaissance since the wall fell nearly 30 years ago. The influx of people moving to the city from all over the globe, the burgeoning start up scene, and the city’s own process of self-reinvention makes it an exciting place to live right now.

Madrid, Spain, is another sure-fire destination for those craving city life and culture. Despite being a highly modern metropolis, the whole place still oozes quintessential Spanish charm. And when it comes nightlife, Madrid’s fiery passion for partying is second to none.

For city living in the Southern Hemisphere, head down under to Sydney, Australia. Most are familiar with the iconic shell shaped opera house, but it’s not just a renowned destination for music. This major international hub is bursting with things to do and see.

Alongside long-time European favourites such as Italy and France, there’s a vast array of food destinations worth considering. One example is Mendoza, Argentina, where dining opportunities are ample and varied, and range from bodegas to vineyards. Specialities such as asado and empanadas will please every palette.

It’s not just fish and sushi lovers who should have Tokyo in Japan firmly on their radar. There’s food here for all budgets and tastes, from tangy and spicy bowls of noodles, to sumptuous meat skewers (yakitori) and vegetable or meat hotpots (chankonabe).

South Africa is well known for its diverse natural beauty. The main draw for many tourists and expats is the chance to go on safari through the South African bushveld.

Latin America, is also teeming with spectacularly diverse wildlife and nature. Dive with whale sharks in Belize, be deafened by the screeches of howler monkeys in the Costa Rican jungle, and marvel at the sheer diversity of creatures which inhabit Brazil’s vast savannahs and wetlands.

In Southeast Asia, nature lovers should consider heading to the depths of Borneo. In the rainforest on this very special island, you’ll encounter bearded pigs, mischievous orangutans and amorous hornbill birds.

Adventure junkies will be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding where to travel and live. Our top picks include Ecuador, where you can speed down the Cotopaxi volcano on a mountain bike, go river-rafting and tubing, and hike or horseback ride through the mountains.

Of course, New Zealand has long been a top choice for adrenalin fuelled trips, and with good reason. You’ll have the chance to try jet boating, ice climbing, white water rafting, skydiving and paragliding. The country is also a good place to travel on a budget, as there are plenty of places to camp and wild camp on both islands.

For those seeking adventure travel in Europe, Bulgaria boats paragliding, kayaking, rafting, snowshoeing in the winter months, and wreck diving in the Black Sea.

This first pick may come as a surprise for some, but Thailand is highly popular with retirees looking for the perfect destination. It’s rich in natural beauty, has a laid-back atmosphere and a low cost of living. The infrastructure is quite developed, and the healthcare, especially in Bangkok, is excellent. It’s best suited to those who love fragrant, spicy Thai food, and can get by without regularly drinking alcohol or eating too many international products, both of which can be expensive.

As far as Europe in concerned, it’s no secret that both France and Spain are highly popular destinations for retirees. Both offer affordable property prices, hot summers and mild winters. There’s a staggering range of property types, prices and locations on offer, too. Whether it’s a quaint rural retreat, a mountain hideaway or a luxury beach villa you are after, expats are sure to find something they love.

For US expats, Mexico is perhaps top of the pile, with its comparatively relaxed immigration processes, cheaper cost of living and miles of tropical beaches.

If you are looking for somewhere a little bit off the traditional beaten track for expats, Nairobi, Kenya is an up-and-coming expat destination. It boasts world

famous wildlife viewing parks, a mild climate, and white sandy beaches on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Potential drawbacks could include the somewhat uncertain political situation and fears over personal safety issues, but expats have reported positively on their experiences in this city.

The expat population in Colombia is growing steadily, with international arrivals lured in by the scenic diversity and low cost of living. Although safety and security issues are still a consideration, the situation has been improving of late. There’s a huge variety of outdoor activities and cultural experiences on offer here, from visiting coffee plantations, to mud bathing, wild swimming and trekking.

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