Medium

Alex Carter

Featured Book

The 73%: Why Most Americans Who Move to Spain Come Home Within Two Years -- and What the 27% Who Stay Do Differently

The 73%: Why Most Americans Who Move to Spain Come Home Within Two Years -- and What the 27% Who Stay Do Differently

The 73%: Why Most Americans Who Move to Spain Come Home Within Two Years — And What the 27% Who Stay Do Differently

2026

Stories

In

THE BORDERLESS

by

Alex Carter

·

9h ago

The Safest Small Towns in Europe for Americans Over 60

Six towns in six countries, with the official crime figures, the nearest emergency room, what rent looks like, the visa that fits a…

Pastel stone houses and a bell tower above a calm harbor with small boats on the Adriatic coast.

In

THE BORDERLESS

by

Alex Carter

·

1d ago

Moving Abroad With a Dog or Cat: Pet Entry Rules in 8 Countries, From a 5-Day Form to a 180-Day…

Mexico asks for one recent vet form for dogs and nothing for cats. Japan and Australia want a blood test and 180 days of waiting. Britain…

A dog resting beside a travel crate and a folder of papers in a bright apartment with moving boxes.

In

ILLUMINATION

by

Alex Carter

·

1d ago

Buying Property Abroad: The Taxes Americans Pay at Closing in 10 Countries

Singapore charges most foreign buyers 60%. Americans pay what citizens pay. Here’s the buyer’s tax on a $400,000 home in 10 countries, from…

A house key, a small model house and coins on top of printed property papers.

In

THE BORDERLESS

by

Alex Carter

·

2d ago

Working Abroad After 45: The Age Limits and Salary Floors in 8 Countries

A first German skilled-worker permit after 45 needs €55,770 a year. Australia’s permanent employer visa stops at 45, New Zealand’s skilled…

A table by a window with a laptop, a stack of papers and reading glasses, rooftops outside.

In

New Choices

by

Alex Carter

·

2d ago

Healthcare Waiting Periods Abroad

When Public Coverage Starts in 9 Countries

Rows of empty chairs in a bright, quiet hospital waiting room.

In

Illumination: Retirement, Aging & Legacy

by

Alex Carter

·

3d ago

Driving Abroad After 70: License Age Checks and Medical Rules in 8 Countries

Portugal wants a doctor’s note from 60. Japan tests your memory at 75. France asks nothing. What each country checks, how often, and what…

View from inside a car of a hand on the steering wheel and a coastal road curving above a blue bay.

In

THE BORDERLESS

by

Alex Carter

·

3d ago

Americans Living Abroad: Deadlines in 2027 That Cost Money If You Miss Them

IRS filing dates, the FBAR, estimated taxes, Medicare Part B and residence card renewals, with what each missed date costs.

A desk by a sunny window with a paper calendar, a few days circled in red, and rooftops outside.

In

THE BORDERLESS

by

Alex Carter

·

4d ago

Retirement Communities in Europe for Americans: Who Gets In, What It Costs

Senior residences, care homes and co-housing near Lisbon, Paris, Milan, Athens and Madrid, and why almost none of them look like an…

A quiet coastal street with a white tiled building, a small garden and two empty benches.

In

Crow’s Feet: Life As We Age

by

Alex Carter

·

5d ago

Retirement Visa Age Requirements: 8 Countries Where Turning 50 or 55 Matters, and Where It Doesn’t

Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia check your birthday. Spain, Portugal, Panama, and Costa Rica mostly check your income.

An older couple with suitcases walking through an airport terminal.

In

THE BORDERLESS

by

Alex Carter

·

5d ago

Prove Your Income Twice: Retirement Visa Renewals in 8 Countries

What Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Thailand, Costa Rica, Mexico and Panama ask for when your retirement residence comes up for renewal.

A quiet sunlit street of whitewashed houses with balconies and an orange tree.

Alex Carter

Alex Carter

Book Author

I write data-driven articles about expat life, productivity, and money. I'm a data nerd, so I track everything. https://theborderless.substack.com/

Following

Help

Status

About

Careers

Press

Blog

Store

Privacy

Rules

Terms

Text to speech