Introduction

Many expats enjoying life in paradise regret not relocating earlier, so don’t waste time! Decide what you want to do - and do it! Most successful expats stress the importance of sound preparation and research before relocating overseas. This book has been written to enable a smooth transition for escape artists the world over. This book will save you thousands of dollars, many hours of your time and headaches too.

Breaking Down The wall of Fear

You want to make a massive lifestyle change but your friends and family say you are crazy. Why give up a perfectly good life? Of course it would be difficult to get on the career and property “ladder” again. The media constantly warns us about political instability, terrorism, health issues and safety concerns in those disorganized “undeveloped” nations. How will you support your new life in paradise?

The truth is that most of the above fears are based upon myth. Many people relocate to the tropics, where healthcare is incredibly cheap, to improve their health. In Thailand, for example, it is as safe, or safer, than most places in developed countries. Most expats enjoy a much superior quality of life than their compatriots living in America or Europe. In this book you will find answers to your concerns about how to survive in your chosen destination.

Quality of Life

The main benefit of living overseas is enhanced quality of life. Many expats do not need to get involved with routine domestic chores such as cooking, washing clothes and cleaning because local domestic services are affordable. Most expatriate businesspeople do not require much time to commute to the work. The result is more quality time for leisure and creative pursuits.

Having more time available is beneficial when used appropriately. It suits disciplined writers, artists, researchers and creative people. Moving overseas may facilitate career changers and people experiencing crisis or stress. Retirees living on a limited income will enjoy an enhanced standard of living in many overseas nations. The happiest expats tend to enjoy blending into the local culture and keeping actively involved in healthy activities and projects.

Who This Book Is For?

This book is for anyone considering or planning a new life overseas. The enclosed step-by-step roadmap to freedom will be of particular benefit to anyone on a budget or looking for ideas to earn a living overseas. This book also provides valuable information for businesspeople, volunteers, retirees, artists and adventurers.

Inside the following pages you will find lists of golden rules for escape artists and ways to maximize your chances of making a good living in paradise. In the chapter “Preparing for the Escape” we reveal the most effective ways to prepare for relocation. The chapter covers money matters, visas and passports, inoculations, cultural adjustment and the research you need to do to “land on the ground running”.

Some tips in this book are so critically important, they are highlighted in bold. This publication will potentially save you thousands of dollars, many hours of your time and numerous headaches too.

Where is Paradise?

The guidance in this book applies to wherever you call “paradise”. It is assumed that the economy in your paradise is weak compared to your home country, which means that your home currency will buy much more.

The question ”Where is the most beneficial place to stay?” is examined in chapter 1.

Your 4 Key Options

Unless you have sufficient investment income, or a pension, to live on, you have 4 main options to make a good living in paradise. Your options are:

Teaching English is a practical way of starting out overseas because schools all over the world are desperately looking for native-American and English speakers to teach. You can learn the local language and research other opportunities while earning a living as a teacher.

Buying an existing business or franchise, requires some investment capital, typically US$3,000 to US$250,000. Chapter 3 explains about investment budgets, how to source suitable businesses for sale, business evaluation, how to buy the business and how to check out the business seller’s financials. I highlight the usual pitfalls of buying an existing business and how to avoid them.

Working freelance, which is covered in chapter 5, usually demands more time and skills than money. Knowledge and networking skills are all-important. Some freelancers invest nothing more than in a box of business name cards and a SIM card for their mobile phone. Most freelancers meet their clients in cafes and restaurants so no office is necessary. This type of business can be truly mobile.

Alternative approaches to earning a living are limited only by your creativity and motivation. These options are examined in chapter 6. If you have a sound business idea, why not conduct some research and draft a business plan to present to potential investors? In paradise there are many retirees with pots of money they don’t know what to do with! Present your idea at a local expats’ club and you may find yourself running a business without needing to invest any money.

The 12 most popular ways for expats to make a living in paradise are included in chapter 7. Each avenue is summarized, and annexed with sources of further information wherever possible.

Disclaimer

Although the author has been diligent in his research of this book, readers are advised to double-check information before acting upon it. The author and the publishers cannot accept liability for any losses or damages resulting from the guidance contained in this book.

Good Luck!

We hope you enjoy this book and benefit from the information it offers. Don’t forget there are over 6 million of the best Americans living overseas and thriving in many ways. When you leave America you will enrich your life, learn about new cultures, make new friends and have amazing adventures. If anything goes wrong, or you don’t enjoy the experience, America will always be there to return to, if necessary!

Good luck with your adventure!