Retire Abroad Glossary: 354 Terms Explained in Plain English

Moving abroad, or just somewhere cheaper at home, comes with its own vocabulary: consulates and apostilles, FBARs and IRMAA, fideicomisos and fiadores. Here are 354 of the terms you will meet, defined in plain English, with a link to the guide that goes deeper when we have one. Rules and fees change, so check anything you plan to act on with the official source.

Passports and travel documents

The documents and entry rules that decide whether you can board a plane, cross a border and stay as long as you planned.

Apostille: Also called: Hague apostille, Apostille certificateA certificate that makes a US public document, such as a birth certificate or background check, valid in another country that belongs to the Hague Apostille Convention. It replaces the older chain of embassy stamps. Federal documents and state documents go to different issuing offices, so find out which applies before you mail anything.
Blank passport pages: Also called: Visa pages, Endorsement pagesSome countries require one or two completely empty pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps or a visa sticker. Pages with only a signature or endorsement note can fail the test. Long-stay travelers fill pages fast, so check the destination's entry requirements and plan a renewal before the pages run out, not after.
Border run: Also called: Visa run, Visa hopLeaving a country briefly and coming back to restart a visa-free or tourist stay. Many countries now cap the number of consecutive entries or flag repeat arrivals, and some limit the total days per year. Immigration officers can refuse a returning traveler who looks like a resident. A proper long-stay visa is the safer route for retirees.
Certified copy: A copy of a document, such as a birth or marriage certificate, that the issuing office stamps or seals as a true copy of the record on file. Many visa and residency offices require certified copies rather than photocopies. They are often needed together with an apostille, so order extras from the county or state vital records office before leaving.
Electronic travel authorization: Also called: eTA, Online travel authorization, e-visaA permission applied for online before travel, tied to your passport and checked at the airline desk and border. Several countries use them for US citizens, including Canada's eTA and similar systems elsewhere. They are cheaper and quicker than a visa but are not residency. Always apply through the government's own site.
Emergency passport: Also called: Limited-validity passport, Emergency travel documentA short-validity replacement passport that a US embassy or consulate can issue when yours is lost, stolen or damaged and you must travel soon. It is meant to get you home or onward, not to serve as a long-term document. Residency offices may ask for a full-validity passport again, so apply for a standard replacement afterward.
Entry stamp: Also called: Exit stamp, Passport stampThe ink mark or sticker an immigration officer puts in your passport showing the date you entered, and the permitted length of stay. Many countries now record entry digitally and skip the stamp. If a stamp or record shows an error in your allowed days, ask the officer to correct it before leaving, since later disputes are hard to win.
Entry/Exit System: Also called: EESThe EU system that registers non-EU visitors at the Schengen external border, replacing manual passport stamping with a digital record. The European Commission says it became fully operational on April 10, 2026. It tracks days spent in the zone, so overstays are easier for border officers to spot. First-time travelers may be asked for a photo and fingerprints.
ESTA: Also called: Electronic System for Travel AuthorizationThe online pre-travel authorization that visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries need to fly to the US. It matters to Americans because a foreign spouse or friend visiting you may need one. CBP says ESTA approval does not guarantee admission, which a border officer decides on arrival. Use only the official CBP site.
ETIAS: Also called: European Travel Information and Authorisation SystemA pre-travel online authorization planned for visa-exempt visitors to Schengen countries, similar in idea to ESTA for the US. It is not a visa. Its start date has been pushed back more than once, so confirm the current status on the EU's official travel site before booking. Only use the official EU site, since lookalike sites charge extra.
Expedited passport service: Also called: Rush passport, Expedite feePaid faster handling of a US passport application, available for an added fee set by the State Department. It shortens processing but does not guarantee a date. It helps when a visa appointment or flight date is close. Check the current fee and timing at travel.state.gov, since both change.
Global Entry: Also called: Trusted traveler program, TSA PreCheckA US program that speeds up re-entry for pre-approved, low-risk travelers using kiosks at airports. It involves an application, background check and interview. Frequent returnees visiting family or doctors in the US may find it useful. It does not replace visas or residency abroad; check the fee on cbp.gov.
Legalization: Also called: Consular legalization, AuthenticationThe older, longer way to prove a document is genuine, used when the destination country is not part of the Apostille Convention. It typically adds steps at the state, federal and embassy level. If your destination requires legalization instead of an apostille, allow extra weeks and check the embassy's instructions first.
Long-form birth certificate: Also called: Full-size birth certificateThe full version of a birth record that lists parents' names and other details, rather than the short abstract or wallet card. Foreign residency and citizenship-by-descent applications commonly ask for it. Order it from the vital records office of the birth state, and expect to need an apostille on top.
Lost or stolen passport: A passport reported lost or stolen is canceled and cannot be used again, even if it turns up. Report it to the State Department right away, then apply for a replacement. Abroad, that means the nearest US embassy or consulate. Keep a photocopy and a phone photo of the photo page in separate places, since it speeds up every step.
Marriage certificate: The official record of a marriage, issued by the county or state where it took place. Residency offices abroad use it to approve a spouse as a dependent, and some countries want it apostilled and translated. The decorative church or ceremony certificate usually will not be accepted. Order a certified copy from the government office.
Overstay: Also called: Visa overstayStaying past the date your visa, permit or visa-free period allows. Penalties range from a daily fine paid at the airport to detention, deportation and a ban on returning, depending on the country. Overstays can also show up when you apply for residency later. Track your exact end date, since the border officer's count is the one that counts.
Passport book: Also called: Regular passport, Blue passportThe standard US passport booklet, accepted for air, sea and land travel to any country that admits Americans. It is the document most visa applications and residency offices expect to see. Retirees planning long stays abroad generally want the book rather than the card, since the card cannot be used for international flights.
Passport card: A wallet-size US passport that works only for entry by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. It does not work for international flights. Handy as a cheaper, smaller ID for border drives and cruises, but useless as the document for a visa application or a flight to Europe or Asia.
Passport photo: A recent photo that meets State Department rules on size, background and expression, required with new passport applications and for most visa filings. Visa photos often follow different specs than US passports, so a consulate may reject a US-format picture. Check the exact size and background color the destination country asks for before getting photos taken.
Passport renewal: Replacing an expiring US passport with a new one. Eligibility for the simpler renewal route depends on how your current passport was issued and its condition, and the State Department lays out the rules at travel.state.gov. Renew well ahead of any visa application or move date, because processing times change and a visa file can stall on an old passport.
Passport renewal from abroad: Also called: Renewing a US passport overseasAmericans living abroad can renew through the nearest US embassy or consulate, or in some cases by mail to a State Department address. Embassy appointments can run weeks out in popular expat cities. Keep your current passport valid through your visa and residency renewals, and start the replacement process early since your passport is out of your hands while it is in transit.
Passport validity rule: Also called: Passport validity requirementMany countries refuse entry, or airlines refuse boarding, if your passport expires too soon after your trip. The required margin differs by country and is listed on each country's page at travel.state.gov and on its embassy site. Check it before booking, and renew early if you plan to apply for a visa, since consulates often want extra margin.
Proof of onward travel: Also called: Onward ticket, Return ticket requirementEvidence that you plan to leave the country, usually a flight or bus ticket out. Airlines check it before boarding, because they can be fined for carrying a passenger who is refused entry. Some countries ask for it even from long-term visitors. A refundable ticket or a cancelable booking is a common workaround; ask the airline what it accepts.
Real ID: Also called: REAL ID driver's licenseA federal standard for driver's licenses and state ID cards. Since May 7, 2025, US travelers need a REAL ID-compliant license, or another accepted ID such as a passport, to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities. It is a domestic requirement; a passport is the document for international travel, and a REAL ID license does not replace it.
Schengen 90/180 rule: Also called: 90 days in 180, Schengen 90-day ruleVisitors without a long-stay visa or residence permit may stay a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area. The 180-day window rolls forward each day, so count back from each date. Residence permit and long-stay visa holders are not under this rule. The EU publishes a short-stay calculator.
Schengen Area: Also called: Schengen zoneA group of European countries that have removed routine passport checks between them, so one entry covers travel across all of them. Stay limits apply to the whole zone rather than per country. Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Greece are all in it, which matters for retirees who want to hop between them.
Six-month rule: Also called: Six months validity, 6-month passport ruleShorthand for the common requirement that a passport stay valid for six months beyond your arrival or departure date. Not every country uses it. Some ask for three months, some for the length of your stay, a few for nothing extra. Airlines enforce the rules at check-in, so a passport that is short can strand you at the airport.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: Also called: STEP, Consular registrationA free State Department service that lets US citizens traveling or living abroad register trips with the nearest US embassy. Enrolled travelers receive security alerts for their destination, and the embassy can reach them or their family in a crisis. Sign up before departure and update your contact details if you move countries.
Tourist visa: Also called: Visitor visaPermission to visit a country for a limited stay without working or settling. Some countries require it before arrival, others grant it at the border or online. Tourist status does not lead to residency in most places, and some countries limit how many times you can renew or re-enter, so it is a poor fit for a permanent move.
Visa-free entry: Also called: Visa waiver, Visa exemptionEntering a country on a US passport without applying for a visa in advance. You get a fixed stay, set by the destination and often 30, 90 or 180 days, and you usually cannot work. It is the normal route for scouting trips before a retirement move, but not a way to live somewhere for years. More in: How long can a US citizen stay without a visa? Country by country for 2026

Visas and residency

The permits, paperwork and ID numbers that let an American live abroad legally for months, years or for good.

Apostilled background check: Also called: Apostilled FBI report, Police clearance apostilleA criminal background check, usually the FBI report, that has been given an apostille so a foreign government will accept it. The apostille on a federal document comes from the US Department of State, not a state office. Time the steps carefully, because the document often has to be recent when the consulate sees it.
Biometrics: Also called: Fingerprinting, Biometric appointmentFingerprints and a photo, sometimes a signature, collected by an immigration office or consulate for your residence file. Many countries require biometrics at the visa appointment, and again once you arrive to receive the residence card. Missing a biometrics slot can delay your permit, so note the deadline in your approval letter.
Citizenship by descent: Also called: Citizenship by ancestry, Jure sanguinis, Right of returnCitizenship claimed through a parent, grandparent or other ancestor born in a country that grants it. Ireland, Italy, Poland and Germany have well-known programs, each with its own limits on how far back and which documents prove the line. It needs birth, marriage and death records, often apostilled and translated. Rules change, so check the current law.
Consulate appointment: Also called: Visa appointment, Consular appointmentA scheduled visit to the foreign consulate that covers your US region to submit a visa application in person. Slots can be scarce, and consulates often serve applicants only from their assigned states. Book as soon as your documents are close to ready. Bring originals, copies and everything on the checklist, since missing items can mean rebooking.
Cédula: Also called: Cedula de residencia, Resident ID card, DIMEXThe Spanish-language word for a national or resident ID card, used in Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama and other countries. In Costa Rica the foreign-resident version is called DIMEX. It is the ID you show at banks, clinics and offices once your residency is approved, and you must renew it when it expires.
D7 visa: Also called: Portugal D7, Passive income visa PortugalPortugal's residence visa for people with regular income that does not come from work in Portugal, such as pensions, Social Security or rental income. Applicants apply at a Portuguese consulate, then complete the process in Portugal. Minimums and document lists are updated from time to time, so check the current figures with AIMA or the consulate. More in: The Portugal retirement visa (D7) for Americans: how to apply from the US
Dependent visa: Also called: Spouse visa, Family reunification, Accompanying family memberA residence permit for a spouse or child that rides on the primary applicant's visa. The partner usually must prove the marriage with an apostilled certificate and have their own health coverage. Rights to work are not always included. If one partner's income qualifies the couple, check whether the other needs a separate application.
Digital nomad visa: Also called: Remote work visa, Nomad visaA residence permit for remote workers employed by or serving clients outside the host country. Requirements usually include a minimum monthly income and proof of remote work. Stays run from several months to a few years, and some countries do not allow conversion to permanent residency. Worth a look for people not yet retired who want a trial run. More in: The cheapest digital nomad visas in 2026, ranked by the income they require
Dual citizenship: Also called: Dual nationality, Double citizenshipHolding citizenship of two countries at once. The US allows it, but some countries make you give up your first citizenship to naturalize, and the US still expects you to enter and leave on a US passport. Dual citizens remain subject to US tax filing. Check the second country's rules on renunciation first.
FBI Identity History Summary: Also called: FBI background check, FBI rap sheet, Criminal record check, FBI identity history checkThe FBI's record of your arrests and federal convictions, widely requested by foreign consulates as a police or criminal background check. Most visa applicants then get it apostilled by the US State Department. Request it well ahead of time; some countries want it dated within a few months of filing. State police checks do not replace it.
Fiscal representative: Also called: Tax representative, Representante fiscalA person or firm in the host country that is registered with the tax authority to represent a non-resident, often needed to obtain a tax number before you have an address there. Portugal commonly asks for one for the NIF. Use a licensed professional, and keep the agreement in writing so you can switch later.
Golden visa: Also called: Investor residency, Residency by investmentA residency program where a foreign investor gets a permit in exchange for a qualifying investment such as real estate, funds or a business. Several European countries have closed or narrowed their programs in recent years, so old blog posts go stale quickly. Expect legal fees and a sizable minimum, and check the government's current rules.
Investor visa: Also called: Real estate visa, Investment visaA residence permit tied to buying property or putting money into a business or government-approved fund. Requirements, minimums and which investments qualify vary by country and change often. Retirees sometimes use them to avoid income tests, but the money may be locked in or at risk. Get advice from a licensed local attorney.
Long-stay visa: Also called: D-type visa, National visa, Type D visaA visa for stays longer than the visa-free tourist limit, issued by a consulate before you travel. In Europe it is often called a D visa and is usually good for entry and a short window to complete residency registration locally. It is the first step to a residence permit, not the permit itself.
Migration agent: Also called: Immigration lawyer, Gestor, DespachanteA professional who prepares and files visa or residency paperwork. Rules on who may do this vary by country, from licensed attorneys to local fixers called gestores. Ask for fees up front in writing, the steps they cover and whether you can reach the immigration office yourself. Avoid anyone who guarantees approval.
NIE: Also called: Número de Identidad de ExtranjeroSpain's identification number for foreigners. It is required to buy or rent property, open a bank account, sign a utility contract and pay taxes. Americans can request one through a Spanish consulate before moving, or at a police station in Spain. It is separate from, but often needed for, your residence card.
NIF: Also called: Número de Identificação Fiscal, Portuguese tax numberThe tax identification number used in Portugal (and a similar one in Spain). A Portuguese NIF is often needed before opening a bank account or signing a lease, and applicants may be required to name a local fiscal representative if they are not yet resident. Many people get it as the first step of a D7 application. More in: The Portugal retirement visa (D7) for Americans: how to apply from the US
Non-lucrative visa: Also called: NLV, Visado de residencia no lucrativaSpain's residency visa for people who can support themselves without working in Spain. Applicants show enough income or savings, health insurance that meets the consulate's rules and a clean background check. Work is not permitted. Documents are strict about dates and translations, so many applicants hire a lawyer or gestor for the paperwork. More in: Spain non-lucrative visa requirements for Americans in 2026
Passive income visa: Also called: Income visa, Proof-of-income visa, Independent means visaA long-stay or residency visa for applicants who live on pensions, Social Security, dividends or rent without working in the host country. The country sets a minimum monthly income, and the consulate wants documents showing it arrives regularly. The Portuguese D7 and Spanish non-lucrative visa are the best-known examples among Americans. More in: The Portugal retirement visa (D7) for Americans: how to apply from the US
Path to citizenship: Also called: Naturalization, Citizenship by residenceThe legal route from residency to citizenship, usually after a set number of years as a legal resident, plus language, integration or residence tests. Time requirements differ by country, and some count only permanent residency years. Residency itself does not make you a citizen, and not all retiree visas lead to naturalization.
Pensionado: Also called: Pensionado visa, Pensioner programThe Spanish-language name for retiree residency in Latin America, best known in Panama and Costa Rica. Applicants prove a lifetime pension of a stated monthly amount, and approved residents often get discounts on things like transport and entertainment. Costa Rica's version is aimed at people with qualifying pension income; Panama's has its own benefit list. More in: Panama pensionado visa benefits: the $1,000 rule and what the discounts are worth
Permanent residency: Also called: Permanent resident permit, Residencia permanenteA residence status with no fixed end date, usually granted after several years as a temporary resident, or immediately for some retiree categories. It generally removes yearly income checks, though the card itself still expires and must be renewed. Long absences can cost you the status, so read the physical-presence rules before leaving for extended trips.
Police clearance certificate: Also called: Police certificate, Certificate of good conduct, Criminal record certificateAn official statement of your criminal history, issued by a police agency. For Americans abroad, a consulate may accept the FBI report, a local police letter, or both, depending on the country. Applicants who lived in other countries in recent years may need clearances from each one. Check which kind your destination wants.
Proof of funds: Also called: Financial solvency, Bank statements for visaEvidence that you hold enough savings to support yourself, shown with bank or brokerage statements. Some visas accept funds in place of monthly income, or in addition to it. Offices often look at balances over several months, not a one-day spike. Moving money in just before applying can raise questions.
Proof of income: Also called: Income verification, Proof of pensionDocuments showing your regular income, typically a Social Security benefit letter, pension statements and bank records. Consulates often want recent statements, sometimes translated or apostilled. Social Security issues a benefit verification letter you can request online or by phone. Get fresh copies close to your appointment date, since old ones can be rejected.
Rentista: Also called: Rentista visa, Rentier visaA residency category for people living on investments, rental income or savings rather than a pension. Costa Rica and some other Latin American countries use it. The applicant shows steady non-work income over a stated period, usually with bank statements. Pension-based retirees often qualify under a different, cheaper category, so compare both. More in: Costa Rica pensionado visa requirements for US citizens: the $1,000-a-month rule and everything after it
Residence card: Also called: Residence permit card, Resident ID, Carta de residenciaThe physical ID issued after a residency visa or application is approved. It is what banks, landlords, utility companies and health systems ask for. Many countries issue it only after you arrive and complete a local appointment with fingerprints. Keep the card valid, and renew before it expires; a lapsed card can put your legal status at risk.
Residency lapse: Also called: Loss of residency, Cancellation of residencyA resident permit can lapse if you stay outside the country for longer than allowed or stop meeting the conditions. Many programs set a maximum number of days away each year. Track your travel days, and ask the immigration office in writing about absence limits before a long trip or a stay in the US.
Residency renewal: Also called: Permit renewal, Visa renewalExtending or refreshing your residence permit before it expires. Most countries expect you to file during a window before the end date, and some require the original conditions, such as income level and insurance, to still be met. Late filing can mean fines or starting over. Mark the deadline on a calendar the day your card arrives.
Retirement visa: Also called: Retiree visa, Pensioner visaA residency permit for people who live on a pension or other steady income and do not plan to work locally. Most programs set a monthly income minimum, ask for proof of health coverage and a clean record, and start as a temporary permit. Rules differ sharply by country, so read the destination's immigration ministry page, not a forum summary.
RFC: Also called: Registro Federal de ContribuyentesMexico's tax registration number, issued by the tax authority SAT. Residents often need it to receive invoices, open some accounts, buy property or run a business. It is separate from the CURP, a population ID that residents get through immigration. Ask a local accountant or notary what your situation requires.
RUT: Also called: Rol Único TributarioChile's national tax and ID number. Foreign residents receive a RUT and use it for bank accounts, phone contracts, health insurance and retail purchases. Chile's retirement visa and residency categories are described in the linked guide. Ask the local registry or tax office for a RUT when you register as a resident. More in: Chile retirement visa requirements: income, documents and timeline
Sworn translation: Also called: Certified translation, Official translation, Traductor juradoA translation done by a translator authorized by the destination country or its consulate, who stamps it as accurate. Spain, Portugal, Italy and other countries commonly require them for foreign documents. An ordinary translation or one from a relative is not accepted. Ask the consulate whether the translation must be done in the US or in the destination country.
Tax identification number: Also called: Foreign tax ID, Local tax IDA government-issued number used to open accounts, sign leases, pay taxes and buy property abroad. Names differ by country, such as NIE or NIF in Spain, NIF in Portugal and RFC in Mexico. You usually get one at a tax office or immigration office, and many banks will not open an account without it.
Temporary residency: Also called: Temporary resident permit, Residencia temporalA residence status granted for a limited term, often renewable. It lets you live in the country and open accounts, rent and often use public services. Mexico's temporary residency, for example, is based on income or savings. Time spent as a temporary resident usually counts toward permanent residency, but check the specific country. More in: Mexico temporary residency income requirements in 2026
Visa denial: Also called: Visa refusal, Application rejectionA decision by the consulate or immigration office not to grant the visa. The most common causes are missing or outdated documents, income shortfalls and dates that do not line up. Most countries give a written reason and an appeal window, and some allow reapplication. Do not rebook before you understand what went wrong.
Visa extension: Also called: Extension of stayPermission to stay longer than your original visa or visa-free period allows, usually filed in person at a local immigration office for a fee. Rules about how many extensions are allowed vary widely. Apply before the original stay ends. Extensions are not guaranteed, and an overstay while waiting can complicate things.
Visa on arrival: Also called: VOAA visa issued at the airport or border on landing instead of at a consulate in advance. Fees are usually paid in cash or by card, and stays are short. Some airlines will not board you without proof you qualify. It is a visitor option, not a path to residency.
Visa sponsor: Also called: Sponsorship, Letter of invitationA person, employer or organization that supports a visa application by vouching for the applicant. Retirement visas usually do not need one, but spouse and family visas do. Some countries want a local sponsor or fiscal representative for certain steps, such as a bank account or a tax number.

Taxes for Americans abroad and in retirement

Moving abroad or to a lower-tax state changes where you file, not whether you file, and these are the terms that show up on IRS forms, treaty pages and expat forums.

183-day rule: Also called: Substantial presence testMany countries treat you as a tax resident once you spend more than half the year there, usually 183 days, though each sets its own test. The US applies a weighted version to foreigners who visit: all days this year, one-third of last year's and one-sixth of the year before, with 183 as the line. Count days carefully, because short trips can reset the tally.
Automatic two-month extension for taxpayers abroad: US citizens and residents living outside the US and Puerto Rico, with their main place of business or post of duty abroad, get an automatic extra two months to file and pay, to June 15 for calendar-year filers. A statement explaining that you qualify goes with the return. Interest still runs on tax paid after April 15.
Bona fide residence test: The other way to qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion. You must be a genuine resident of a foreign country for an uninterrupted period that includes a full tax year. Unlike the physical presence test, it looks at intent and ties, such as a lease, local life and residence status, rather than counting days.
Capital gains abroad: Gains from selling a home, shares or other assets while living abroad. The US taxes them as a citizen, and the country where the asset sits may tax them too. The foreign tax credit can offset double taxation, but the two countries compute gain differently, and currency swings between purchase and sale can create a gain or loss on paper. Keep purchase records in both currencies.
Citizenship-based taxation: Also called: CBT, Worldwide taxationThe US taxes its citizens on income from anywhere in the world, wherever they live. Very few other countries do this. For a retiree abroad it means a US return every year, even when all the income is foreign or already taxed locally. Credits, exclusions and treaties usually cut the actual bill, but they do not remove the filing duty. More in: Do U.S. citizens living abroad pay taxes? What retirees still file
Domicile: Your permanent home in the legal sense: the place you intend to return to and treat as home, even when you are away. States use it to decide residency for income and estate tax. Evidence includes where you vote, hold a driver's license, bank and own property. Changing domicile means cutting those ties in the old state and building them in the new one.
Exit tax: Also called: Covered expatriate, Expatriation taxA tax on people who give up US citizenship and count as covered expatriates. You are covered if your net worth is $2 million or more, your five-year average income tax passes an inflation-adjusted amount ($206,000 for 2025), or you cannot certify five years of tax compliance. Covered expatriates are treated as having sold everything the day before, with a gain exclusion of $890,000 for 2025.
Expatriation: Also called: Renouncing US citizenshipGiving up US citizenship, or ending long-term green card residency, which brings a special set of tax rules. Moving abroad is not expatriation, and a foreign residence permit or second passport does not end US tax duties. Anyone who expatriates files Form 8854 and may owe an exit tax. This is a legal step with lasting effects.
FATCA: Also called: Foreign Account Tax Compliance ActA US law that pushed foreign banks to identify American account holders, and that created Form 8938 for people to report their own foreign assets. It is why foreign banks often ask whether you are a US person and request a W-9. Some banks decline American clients because of the paperwork, so ask before you open an account.
FBAR: Also called: FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial AccountsA yearly report of foreign bank and investment accounts, due when their combined value tops $10,000 at any point in the year. It goes to FinCEN through the BSA E-Filing System, not to the IRS with your return. The due date is April 15, with an automatic extension to October 15. Add up every account, because the $10,000 test is on the total.
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: Also called: FEIE, Form 2555A way to leave part of your foreign work pay out of US income tax, claimed on Form 2555. The cap is set each year by the IRS: $132,900 for 2026, up from $130,000 for 2025. It covers wages and self-employment income, not pensions, Social Security, interest or dividends, so it helps working expats more than most retirees.
Foreign Tax Credit: Also called: FTC, Form 1116A dollar-for-dollar credit against US tax for income tax you paid to another country on the same income, claimed on Form 1116. The IRS says it usually beats taking the foreign tax as a deduction. You cannot claim a credit for tax on income you excluded, so the credit and the earned income exclusion do not stack on the same dollars.
Form 3520: A return for certain foreign trusts and for large gifts or inheritances received from foreign persons. It is filed separately from the income tax return, mailed rather than e-filed, and late or incomplete filings can draw a penalty of the greater of $10,000 or a percentage of the amounts involved. A foreign inheritance may need reporting even when it is not taxed.
Form 8854: Also called: Expatriation Information StatementThe IRS form anyone files when giving up citizenship or long-term residency, certifying that the past five years of US tax obligations were met. Failing to file can bring a $10,000 penalty, and inability to certify can make you a covered expatriate regardless of net worth.
Form 8938: Also called: Statement of Specified Foreign Financial AssetsA form filed with your tax return listing foreign financial assets once they pass a threshold. For people living abroad, the thresholds are $200,000 at year-end or $300,000 at any time if single, and $400,000 or $600,000 if married filing jointly. It is separate from the FBAR, and many expats must file both.
Form W-8BEN: A form foreign individuals give to a US payer to certify they are not a US person and, where a treaty applies, to claim a lower withholding rate. Without it the payer may withhold 30%. US citizens living abroad do not use it, even if they hold a second citizenship. Americans give US payers a W-9 instead.
Form W-9: The form a US person gives a bank, broker or payer to confirm a taxpayer ID number. Americans living abroad still use it, and foreign banks under FATCA often ask for one too. Filling it out does not trigger a tax by itself. It tells the payer you are a US person, so income gets reported to the IRS under your Social Security number.
Home sale exclusion: Also called: Section 121 exclusionLets you exclude up to $250,000 of gain from the sale of your main home, or $500,000 on a joint return, if you owned and lived in it for at least two of the last five years. Renting the house out after you leave can break the two-in-five-year test, so check the clock before you list the home.
PFIC: Also called: Passive foreign investment company, Form 8621A foreign corporation that mostly earns passive income or holds mostly passive assets. Foreign mutual funds and ETFs are commonly PFICs, and US owners file Form 8621 for each one. The tax rules for PFICs are harsher than for US funds. Check that a foreign fund or pension product is not a PFIC before buying it.
Physical presence test: One of two ways to qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion: be in a foreign country for at least 330 full days during any 12 consecutive months. The days need not fall in a calendar year. Trips back to the US reduce the count, so a retiree who visits family often should log every date.
Provisional income: Also called: Combined incomeThe figure the IRS uses to decide whether Social Security is taxed: your adjusted gross income, plus tax-exempt interest, plus half of your benefits. For 2025 returns, a single filer starts owing tax on benefits above $25,000, and up to 85% becomes taxable above $34,000. For joint filers the lines are $32,000 and $44,000.
Required minimum distribution: Also called: RMDThe yearly amount you must withdraw from a traditional IRA or most employer plans starting at age 73. Missing it can mean a 25% excise tax on the shortfall, or 10% if fixed within two years. Roth IRAs have no RMDs during the owner's life. Moving abroad does not pause RMDs.
Roth conversion: Moving money from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA and paying income tax on the converted amount that year. Later qualified withdrawals come out tax-free, and the Roth has no lifetime RMDs. The tax bill is the cost. Some people convert in a low-income year, such as the first years abroad with the foreign earned income exclusion in play. A conversion cannot be undone.
Saving clause: A line in most US tax treaties that lets the US keep taxing its own citizens and residents as if the treaty did not exist, with listed exceptions. It is why a treaty exemption that helps a local resident often does not help a US citizen living there. The exceptions, such as certain pension and Social Security rules, are written into each treaty.
State tax residency: Also called: State residency for tax purposesEach state decides who owes its income tax, usually by where you are domiciled plus how many days you spend there. Moving abroad does not automatically end your obligation to the state you left. Some states keep taxing former residents who keep a home, driver's license or voter registration there. Check the state revenue department's rules for part-year and former residents.
States with no income tax: Also called: No-income-tax statesA handful of states do not tax wage income at all, and some of them still tax investment income or collect higher sales and property taxes instead. Moving to one helps most when your income is large and your other taxes stay low. The list changes occasionally, so confirm a state's current rules before you move for tax reasons. More in: Most tax-friendly states for retirees: compare the whole tax bill
Streamlined foreign offshore procedures: Also called: Streamlined filing compliance proceduresAn IRS program for Americans who live abroad and missed US returns or FBARs without meaning to. You file the missing returns and certify that the failure was non-willful, meaning negligence, a mistake or a good-faith misunderstanding. It is closed to anyone already under IRS exam. A cross-border tax preparer can say whether it fits your situation.
Tax residency: Also called: Tax resident, Fiscal residencyThe country (or state) that claims the right to tax you on your worldwide income, based on its own tests. Two countries can both treat you as a tax resident in the same year. Treaties then use a tie-breaker, often looking at where you have a permanent home. Tax residency is separate from visa residency, so a residence permit can create tax duties even if you never intended them.
Tax treaty: Also called: Income tax treaty, Double taxation treatyAn agreement between two countries that says which one taxes what, so the same income is not fully taxed twice. For Americans abroad, a treaty can cut or exempt foreign tax on pensions, interest or dividends. It rarely reduces US tax on a US citizen, because of the saving clause. Read the pension and Social Security articles in the specific treaty, not a summary.
Taxation of Social Security benefits: Federal income tax can apply to part of your Social Security even when you live abroad. Up to 85% of the benefit is taxable at most, depending on your other income. Many states do not tax it at all. Living in another country does not remove the US tax, though a tax treaty with that country may affect how it is treated locally. More in: States that don't tax Social Security, and the eight that still do
Totalization agreement: Also called: Social Security agreement, Bilateral Social Security agreementA treaty between the US and another country that stops workers from paying Social Security tax to both, and lets time worked in each country count toward benefit eligibility. It matters most for people who still work abroad or who worked in both countries. It does not change income tax on a pension. Whether your destination has one is listed on SSA's international pages.
VAT: Also called: Value-added tax, IVA, Sales tax abroadA consumption tax built into most prices in Europe and many other countries, often shown as IVA in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking places. Rates differ by country and by goods, with food and medicine often lower. For a retiree it is part of the real price of daily life. Some places refund VAT to visitors, but not to residents.
Wealth tax: Also called: Net worth taxAn annual tax on the total value of what you own, not on income. A few countries charge one, usually with a large exemption and with a tax-resident or local-asset test. The US has none at the federal level. If a country on your list has one, read the exemption and whether foreign assets count before you become tax resident there.
Withholding tax: Also called: WithholdingTax taken out of a payment before it reaches you, such as on a pension, dividends or rent. A foreign payer may withhold at a standard rate that a treaty could lower. Keep the statement, because the withheld amount can often be claimed as a foreign tax credit on your US return. Foreign banks and brokers may also withhold if the forms on file are wrong.
Worldwide income: Every dollar you earn or receive, from any country, counts toward your US return. That includes foreign pensions, rental income, interest from a foreign bank and Social Security. Amounts must be reported in US dollars, so foreign-currency income gets converted. Income you exclude, such as under the foreign earned income exclusion, still appears in gross income before the exclusion is taken.

Social Security, Medicare and US benefits

What the US government pays and covers once you retire, and what changes when you live in another country.

Cost-of-living adjustment: Also called: COLAThe yearly raise in Social Security and SSI payments, tied to the rise in the consumer price index (CPI-W). The 2026 COLA was 2.8%, announced in October 2025. It applies to beneficiaries abroad too, but your costs may move with a local currency, not the dollar.
Delayed retirement credits: Also called: DRC, Delayed claimingExtra benefit earned for each month you wait past full retirement age to claim, up to age 70. For people born in 1960 or later the credit is 8% a year, so waiting until 70 pays 124% of the full benefit. Credits stop at 70, so there is no gain from waiting longer.
Direct Express: A prepaid debit card from the US Treasury that some federal benefit recipients use instead of a bank account. It works abroad, but purchases and cash withdrawals outside the US carry extra fees set out in the card's fee schedule, on top of any ATM owner's surcharge. It can be an expensive way to spend benefits in another country compared with a bank deposit.
Divorced spouse benefit: Also called: Ex-spouse benefitA divorced person can claim on a former spouse's Social Security record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, and generally if they have been divorced for at least two years the ex does not need to have claimed yet. SSA pays the higher of your own benefit or the divorced-spouse amount, not both.
Early retirement: Also called: Claiming at 62, Early claimingYou can start Social Security as early as 62, but the check is permanently smaller. For someone born in 1960 or later, claiming at 62 pays about 70% of the full benefit, 75% at 63, 80% at 64, and about 87% at 65. Living abroad does not change the reduction. A smaller check for life is the trade for getting paid sooner.
Federal Benefits Unit: Also called: FBU, SSA at US embassiesA small office inside some US embassies and consulates that handles Social Security business for people abroad. SSA has no offices outside the US, so it relies on the State Department's posts. Only FBUs may use certain alternative signature methods on SSA's foreign forms. Contact SSA or the nearest FBU if an expected form does not arrive. More in: How to collect Social Security abroad without missing a check
Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire: Also called: SSA questionnaire for beneficiaries abroad, Form SSA-7162, Form SSA-7161A form SSA mails to beneficiaries living abroad to confirm they are alive and to ask about events that could change benefits. Form SSA-7162 goes to those without a representative payee. Frequency depends on age, country and benefit type. Payments can be suspended if the form is not returned, so keep a current mailing address on file.
Foreign travel emergency (Medigap): A benefit in most Medigap plans that pays 80% of billed charges for medically necessary emergency care abroad after a $250 yearly deductible, up to a $50,000 lifetime limit. It covers care that begins in the first 60 days of a trip, and only when Medicare does not otherwise cover it. It is for travel, not residents.
Full retirement age: Also called: FRA, Normal retirement ageThe age at which you get 100% of your Social Security retirement benefit. It is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later and slightly lower for earlier birth years. Claiming before it permanently shrinks the monthly check, and claiming after it raises it. Your personal figure and date are on your my Social Security statement.
General Enrollment Period: Also called: GEPThe yearly window, January 1 to March 31, when you can sign up for Part B and premium-Part A if you missed your Initial Enrollment Period and have no Special Enrollment Period. Coverage starts the month after you sign up, and a late penalty may apply. This is the fallback for people who delay Medicare.
Government Pension Offset: Also called: GPOA former rule that cut spousal and survivor Social Security benefits for people with a government pension from work not covered by Social Security. It was repealed along with the WEP. The change covers benefits payable for months after December 2023, and SSA paid a one-time retroactive amount to affected beneficiaries.
Initial Enrollment Period: Also called: IEPYour first chance to sign up for Medicare: a seven-month window that starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after. Coverage always starts on the first of a month. Signing up in this window avoids any late penalty. Enrolling from overseas is possible, but coverage there will still be limited.
International direct deposit: Having Social Security deposited into an account at a bank in your new country. SSA can send payments to a financial institution in a country that has a direct deposit agreement with the US. Where there is none, benefits can go to a US bank account instead. Confirm the details with SSA before closing your US account. More in: How to collect Social Security abroad without missing a check
IRMAA: Also called: Income-related monthly adjustment amountAn extra monthly charge added to Part B and Part D premiums for higher-income people. SSA uses your tax return from two years earlier. For 2026, a single filer pays only the standard Part B premium at $109,000 of income or less, with higher brackets above that. A big one-time gain, such as selling a home, can push you into a bracket.
Medicare coverage outside the US: Also called: Medicare abroadOriginal Medicare generally does not pay for health care or supplies you get outside the US, except in limited situations. Travel insurance or a Medigap foreign travel benefit can add short-trip coverage. Anyone who lives abroad needs separate health insurance for daily care. More in: Does Medicare work overseas? Almost never, and here is what to do about it
Medicare Part A: Also called: Hospital insuranceMedicare's hospital coverage: inpatient stays, skilled nursing after a hospital stay, hospice and some home health. Most people pay no premium because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes long enough, generally at least 10 years. Part A is tied to US facilities, so it gives little help to someone living abroad.
Medicare Part B: Also called: Medical insuranceMedicare's coverage for doctor visits, outpatient care and preventive services. The standard premium is $202.90 a month in 2026, with a $283 deductible, and higher-income people pay more. Some retirees abroad keep Part B just to avoid a late penalty if they return, while others drop it, so check the rules and the cost of coming back first. More in: Does Medicare work overseas? Almost never, and here is what to do about it
Medicare Part C: Also called: Medicare AdvantagePlans sold by private insurers that bundle Parts A and B, usually with drug coverage, into one plan. They are built around US provider networks and local plan areas. Ask the plan in writing whether anything is covered outside the US before you leave, because most routine care abroad is not. More in: Does Medicare work overseas? Almost never, and here is what to do about it
Medicare Part D: Also called: Prescription drug coverageMedicare's drug coverage, offered through private plans. Skipping it when first eligible can bring a lifelong late penalty, so people who leave the US without it should learn the rules for coming back. Ask the plan whether any prescription can be filled abroad.
Medigap: Also called: Medicare Supplement InsurancePrivate insurance that pays some of what Original Medicare leaves, such as copays and deductibles. Plans are standardized by letter. Most letter plans, including C, D, F, G, M and N, offer a foreign travel emergency benefit. It is a trip benefit, not a way to live abroad on Medicare.
my Social Security account: Also called: mySSA, ssa.gov/myaccountA free online account at ssa.gov where you can see your earnings record and estimated benefits, apply for benefits and manage your payment details. Open one before you move, since some services, such as changing direct deposit, are not available from outside the US.
Original Medicare: Also called: Parts A and B, Traditional MedicareThe federal health plan for people 65 and older, made up of Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical). Original Medicare pays for care inside the US and its territories, and in most situations does not pay for care outside the US. Anyone planning to live abroad should treat Medicare as a US-only plan. More in: Does Medicare work overseas? Almost never, and here is what to do about it
Part B late enrollment penalty: Also called: Part B penaltyAn extra 10% of the Part B premium for each full 12-month period you could have signed up but did not, paid for as long as you have Part B. Two years late means 20%. A Special Enrollment Period or a Medicare Savings Program can avoid it.
Part D late enrollment penalty: Also called: Part D penaltyA penalty added to your Part D premium if you go 63 days or more in a row after first becoming eligible without Part D or other creditable drug coverage. It is 1% of the national base premium ($38.99 in 2026) for each full month without coverage, and it generally continues while you have Part D. People who get Extra Help do not pay it.
Six-month rule for noncitizens: Also called: Six full calendar months ruleA noncitizen who gets Social Security generally stops being paid after six full calendar months outside the US, unless an exception applies, such as certain treaty rules or long US work history. It does not apply to US citizens. Check SSA's screening tool for your citizenship and destination before you leave.
Social Security Fairness Act: A law signed January 5, 2025, that repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. SSA began adjusting payments in February 2025 and sent one-time retroactive payments back to January 2024. People who had not applied for benefits still must file, and the law did not change how far back an application can reach.
Social Security payments outside the US: Also called: Payments abroad, Receiving Social Security abroadUS citizens can generally receive Social Security in most countries. Payments cannot be sent to a short list of countries, including Cuba and North Korea, with limited exceptions. SSA's Payments Abroad Screening Tool shows the rules for a given country. Noncitizens face an extra residence test after six months away. More in: How to collect Social Security abroad without missing a check
Special Enrollment Period: Also called: SEPA set time to join Medicare Part B outside the usual windows, without a late penalty, after certain events. Medicare lists examples such as ending employer-based coverage, losing Medicaid and volunteering abroad, each with its own deadline. Miss the window and you generally wait for the next General Enrollment Period.
Spousal benefit: Also called: Spouse's benefitA benefit paid to the husband or wife of a worker who has claimed, worth up to half of the worker's full-retirement-age amount, with a reduction if claimed early. If you qualify on your own record too, SSA pays the higher of the two, not both. It lets a spouse with little work history draw a check on the other's record.
SSI abroad rule: Also called: 30-day rule for SSISSI generally stops when you are outside the US for a full calendar month, and in practice leaving for 30 days or more ends payments. Eligibility can resume only after 30 days back in the US. This is why SSI recipients cannot retire abroad on it, unlike regular Social Security.
Supplemental Security Income: Also called: SSIA needs-based federal payment for low-income people who are 65 or older, blind or disabled. It is separate from Social Security retirement and is not earned through work. SSI is paid only while you are in the US, and the SSI definition of the US covers the 50 states, DC and the Northern Mariana Islands. More in: How to collect Social Security abroad without missing a check
Survivor benefit: Also called: Widow's benefit, Widower's benefitMonthly pay to a surviving spouse based on the deceased worker's record. At full retirement age or later it is generally 100% of the worker's benefit. Claimed from age 60, it is reduced, to as little as 71.5%. A divorced spouse can qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. Report the death to SSA promptly, including from abroad.
TRICARE For Life: Also called: TFLMedicare-wraparound coverage for military retirees and eligible family members, which pays after Medicare and requires both Part A and Part B. Medicare covers only the US and its territories, so in other countries TRICARE is the primary payer, with its own deductible and cost-shares. You must keep Part B to stay TRICARE-eligible if you live overseas.
VA Foreign Medical Program: Also called: FMPA VA program that pays for care abroad for service-connected conditions. It covers treatment for a VA-rated disability, a condition that worsens one, or care under Veteran Readiness and Employment. Any licensed provider in the foreign country can be used. It is not general health insurance for non-service-connected care.
Windfall Elimination Provision: Also called: WEPA former rule that reduced Social Security benefits for people who also got a pension from work not covered by Social Security. The Social Security Fairness Act repealed it. The repeal applies to benefits payable for months after December 2023. Anyone who earned such a pension should check their statement.

Banking, money transfers and currency

The bank, card and currency words that show up when your pension and savings have to reach an account in another country.

Account freezes and closures for overseas customers: Also called: Account closure, debanking, dormant accountSome US banks restrict or close accounts when a customer's address moves abroad, when a mailing address can't be verified, or when the account sits idle. Reasons vary by bank and are set in the account agreement. Keep a valid contact method, read the terms about foreign addresses, tell the bank you are moving, and keep a second account at a different institution.
ACH: Also called: Automated Clearing House, ACH transfer, direct depositThe US network that moves batches of electronic credits and debits between banks. Payroll, Social Security payments and tax refunds travel this way, along with automatic bill payments. It is cheap but not instant, and it runs only inside the US system, so it does not reach a foreign account directly. A foreign address can complicate how a payer sends you money by ACH.
ATM operator fee: Also called: Foreign ATM fee, ATM surchargeThe charge the ATM's owner adds when you withdraw cash, separate from anything your own bank charges. Overseas it often appears as a flat fee on the screen before you confirm. Read the screen, and cancel if the fee looks high. Some US banks refund these fees or belong to partner networks abroad; others charge their own out-of-network fee on top.
ATM withdrawal limits: Also called: Daily cash limitThe most cash a single ATM or your bank will give you per transaction or per day. Both your bank and the local machine set caps, and local machines are often lower than a US retiree expects. If rent is paid in cash, a low cap means several trips and several fees. Ask your bank to raise the limit before travel and carry a second card from a different bank.
Brokerage account restrictions for nonresidents: Also called: Brokerage restrictions abroad, residency rules at brokersSome US brokerages limit or close accounts when the customer's address moves outside the US, because local securities laws and tax rules apply. Others allow existing holdings to stay but block new purchases of certain funds. Rules differ by firm and country. Read your account agreement before changing your address and ask in writing what is restricted.
Cash-based economy: Also called: Cash culture, cash onlyA place where rent, tradespeople, markets and small shops expect banknotes rather than cards. Many popular retirement towns still work this way for rent and services. It means regular ATM runs, so ATM fees and daily limits matter more. Keep cash in more than one place, avoid carrying large amounts, and ask landlords whether bank transfer is possible.
Chip and PIN: Also called: EMV, chip cardA card system where a chip is read by the terminal and you confirm with a PIN rather than a signature. Much of the world works this way. US cards with a chip but a signature-only setup can fail at unattended terminals such as train ticket machines and fuel pumps. Ask your issuer to set a PIN for the card before you leave, and carry cash as backup.
Contactless payment: Also called: Tap to pay, NFC paymentPaying by tapping a card, phone or watch on a reader without inserting the card. It is routine across most of Europe, parts of Latin America and much of Asia, and often capped at a small amount per tap before a PIN is requested. Fees and limits are set by the card network and local rules. A tap on your own phone also hides the card number from the cashier.
Currency controls: Also called: Capital controls, exchange controls, foreign exchange restrictionsGovernment limits on buying foreign currency, sending money out of the country or bringing it in. Some countries run multiple exchange rates, an official one and a street one. Controls can change fast, and they affect what a retiree can do with local-currency savings. Before moving a large sum, check the country's central bank pages and the State Department's country information.
Currency hedging basics: Also called: Peso risk, euro risk, exchange-rate risk, FX riskReducing the damage from currency swings when income arrives in dollars but bills are in euros or pesos. Simple methods include moving money in several smaller transfers, holding a local-currency buffer, and matching the currency of big expenses to income. Formal hedging products exist but suit companies more than retirees. A fee-only adviser can explain options for your situation.
Debit card vs credit card abroad: Also called: Debit versus credit overseasA debit card pulls money straight from your checking account and is the main way to get local cash from an ATM. A credit card is better for hotels, car rentals and large purchases, since a dispute does not tie up your own cash. Many people carry one of each, from different banks. Check each card's foreign fee and how fraud claims are handled.
Dynamic currency conversion: Also called: DCC, pay in dollarsA card terminal or ATM offering to charge you in dollars instead of the local currency. It sounds helpful, but the merchant's or ATM's rate is usually worse than what your card network would apply. Decline and pay in the local currency. The prompt appears most often at hotels, restaurants, airports and some ATMs.
Exchange rate spread: Also called: FX markup, currency markupThe gap between the rate a provider gives you and the market rate, and the main hidden cost of moving money abroad. A service can advertise "no fees" and still keep a few percent in the spread. Compare the amount that actually lands in the destination account, not the headline fee. Banks tend to charge wider spreads than specialist transfer services.
Foreign transaction fee: Also called: Foreign exchange fee, FX feeA percentage some US card issuers add to purchases made abroad or with a foreign merchant. It stacks on top of the exchange rate. Some cards charge none, which matters more once you live overseas and use the card weekly. Check your card's fee schedule before you leave, and note that the fee often applies to online purchases from foreign stores too.
Fraud alert and travel notice: Also called: Travel notification, card blockA bank flag that tells the card issuer you are abroad, or that blocks transactions it judges suspicious. Many banks no longer need a travel notice, but a card used in a new country can still get frozen. Save the issuer's collect-call or international number, enable app alerts, and carry a backup card so one freeze does not leave you without cash.
IBAN: Also called: International Bank Account NumberA standardized account number used in Europe and many other countries. It packs the country, bank and account into one string, with built-in check characters that catch typing errors. US accounts do not have one, but a bank in Portugal, Spain or Italy will give you an IBAN to hand to anyone who pays you. Send IBANs by copying and pasting, never retyping.
Inflation and devaluation: Also called: Currency devaluation, currency depreciationInflation is a general rise in prices; devaluation is a drop in what a currency buys against others. Together they can cut the value of local-currency savings, while a retiree paid in dollars may gain buying power when the local currency falls. Moves in the other direction raise costs. Keep several months of local-currency cash for bills, not years.
Joint account and survivor access: Also called: Joint tenancy, payable on death, POD accountWays to make sure a spouse or heir can reach funds after a death. A joint account usually keeps working for the survivor, while a payable-on-death designation passes the balance to a named person. Overseas accounts follow local succession law, which can freeze a deceased owner's account until probate finishes. Ask the local bank how a death is handled.
KYC: Also called: Know your customer, customer due diligence, CDDThe identity checks a bank must run before and after it opens your account. Under FinCEN's customer due diligence rule, US banks identify and verify customers, understand the purpose of the relationship and monitor accounts for suspicious activity. Overseas banks run similar checks. Expect requests for a passport, proof of address, source-of-funds papers and sometimes a tax number.
Local bank account: Also called: Resident bank account, foreign bank accountAn account at a bank in your new country, usually in the local currency. Many landlords, utilities and residency offices want one, and it avoids repeated conversion fees on daily spending. Rules differ by country: some banks open accounts for tourists, others require a residence card or a tax number first. Opening one can take several visits, so allow time.
Mid-market rate: Also called: Interbank rate, real exchange rateThe midpoint between the buy and sell prices of a currency pair on the wholesale market. Consumers rarely get it, but it is the fairest yardstick for judging a quote. Look up the mid-market rate on a rate site at the moment you transfer, then measure how far your bank or card network falls from it. The distance is the true cost.
Mobile wallet: Also called: Apple Pay, Google Pay, digital walletAn app on your phone that stores card details and pays by tap or in-app checkout. Abroad, it works only where the terminal and your card issuer support it. Some countries also run their own wallet or instant-payment apps, such as bank-to-bank QR payments, which need a local bank account. Add your US cards before leaving, and verify that your issuer allows them overseas.
Money-transfer service: Also called: Remittance provider, FX transfer serviceA company that moves money across borders outside the traditional bank wire system, such as Wise or Remitly. Fees and rates are usually shown up front, and the cost is often lower than a bank wire. For US-to-abroad transfers over $15, the CFPB says providers must give you the fees, taxes and exchange rate before and after you pay, and a short free cancellation window.
Multicurrency account: Also called: Multi-currency account, borderless accountAn account that holds balances in several currencies, each with its own local account details. It lets you receive euros or pesos without converting, and convert when the rate suits you. Not all providers hold dollars and euros at full banking protections, and some offer less deposit protection than a bank, so read how funds are safeguarded before leaving a large balance in one.
Power of attorney for finances: Also called: Financial power of attorney, POA, durable power of attorneyA legal document that lets a named person handle your money and property if you can't, or while you are away. Many retirees abroad keep one with a trusted person at home to sign papers and deal with banks. Banks have their own forms and may refuse an outdated or unfamiliar one. Have an attorney draft it, and check whether the foreign country needs it notarized or apostilled.
Proof of address: Also called: Utility bill, comprobante de domicilioA document that links your name to a street address, which banks, residency offices and phone carriers ask for. A utility bill or rental contract is the usual choice, often dated within the last few months. New arrivals hit a loop: the bank wants an address document, and some utilities want a bank account. A signed lease registered locally often breaks the loop.
Remittance transfer rights: Also called: Remittance rule, international money transfer protectionsUS consumer protections for electronic transfers of more than $15 sent from the US to someone abroad. The provider must disclose fees, taxes and the exchange rate before and after you pay, allow cancellation for a short window unless the money is already picked up, and investigate errors you report within 180 days. The rule covers sending, not receiving, money.
Routing number: Also called: ABA number, routing transit number, RTNThe code that identifies a US bank or credit union for checks, direct deposit and ACH payments. It sits on the bottom of your checks and in your online banking profile. Banks often use a different routing number for wires than for ACH, so ask which one a payer needs. Overseas banks cannot use it alone; they want a SWIFT code or IBAN.
SEPA: Also called: Single Euro Payments AreaA set of rules that makes euro payments between participating European countries work like domestic ones. It covers credit transfers, direct debits and instant transfers, and includes EU members plus a few others such as Monaco and San Marino. A retiree with a euro account in Portugal or Spain can pay rent or utilities across the area without wire-style fees. SEPA does not cover dollar payments.
Source of funds: Also called: Source of wealth, proof of fundsPaperwork showing where the money in your account came from, which banks may ask for on large deposits or when you open a foreign account. Pension statements, a home sale closing document and brokerage statements are typical proof. Keep clean, dated copies, because the request often arrives after the money has already moved and can hold up access until answered.
SWIFT code: Also called: BIC, Bank Identifier Code, SWIFT/BICThe code that identifies a bank in international payments. Overseas banks ask for it alongside the account number when money comes in from the US, and your American bank asks for the receiving bank's code when you send. A wrong or missing code is a common reason a wire is delayed or bounced. Copy it from the receiving bank's own paperwork rather than a third-party website.
US address requirement: Also called: US mailing address, domestic address on fileA rule at many US banks, brokers and card issuers that you keep a US address on file. Some accept a mail-forwarding service or a family member's address; others do not, and a foreign address can trigger restrictions. Brokerage firms often add legal limits of their own. Ask each institution before updating your address, and put the answer in writing.
Wire fraud and bank impersonation scams: Also called: Romance scam, payment scam, authorized push payment fraudSchemes in which a stranger or a fake bank worker talks you into sending money by wire or a transfer service. Because wires are final once processed, the funds are rarely recovered. Real banks do not ask you to move money to a "safe account." Slow down, hang up and call the number on your card, and talk to someone you trust before sending.
Wire transfer: A bank-to-bank payment sent on request, usually the way large sums cross borders. Domestic wires on the Federal Reserve's Fedwire system are immediate, final and irrevocable once processed, so a wire sent to the wrong person or to a scammer is very hard to pull back. Banks charge a fee on one or both ends, and intermediary banks can take their own cut. Confirm account details by phone before sending.

Health care and insurance abroad

The insurance and health-system words you meet when you price coverage or look for a doctor in another country.

Advance directive: Also called: Living will, health care proxy, medical power of attorneyA legal document stating your wishes for medical treatment and naming someone to decide if you can't. A US directive may not be honored automatically abroad, because hospitals follow local law. Retirees often keep a US copy, a translated copy and a local version drafted with a local attorney. Give copies to your proxy, your doctor and a hospital contact.
Annual benefit limit: Also called: Maximum benefit, lifetime limit, coverage capThe most a plan pays in a year, or over your lifetime, for covered care. Some international plans set caps per category, such as a lower limit on cancer care or dental. A serious illness can eat through a low cap fast. Compare the limit with real hospital costs where you will live, and ask whether the cap is per condition or per person.
Carrying prescription medicine: Also called: Traveling with medication, medication import, personal-use quantityKeep medicines in their original labeled containers, in personal-use quantities, with a copy of the prescription or a doctor's letter. Some countries restrict or ban common drugs, especially controlled substances, and the US limits what individuals may import from abroad. Check the destination country's embassy page and the FDA's traveler guidance before packing.
CCSS: Also called: Caja, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, La CajaCosta Rica's public social security and health system, known as the Caja. Legal residents can usually enroll and pay a monthly contribution tied to their income, and residency programs may link to it. It covers care in public clinics and hospitals. Waits for specialists can be long, so many residents also hold private insurance. More in: Costa Rica pensionado visa requirements for US citizens: the $1,000-a-month rule and everything after it
Coinsurance: Also called: Co-payment, copay, cost-sharingYour share of a covered bill after the deductible, usually a percentage. With 80/20 coinsurance, the plan pays 80 percent and you pay 20 until you hit the out-of-pocket maximum. Some plans use flat copays per visit. Coinsurance often differs for hospital stays and outpatient care, and for the US versus the rest of the world.
Deductible: Also called: Excess, policy excessThe amount you pay out of pocket before the insurer starts paying. Outside the US the same idea is often called the excess. A higher deductible lowers the premium but raises what you owe after a hospital stay. Check whether the deductible applies per claim or per year, and whether it resets if you change countries.
Direct billing: Also called: Cashless claim, direct settlement, guarantee of paymentAn arrangement where the insurer pays the hospital or doctor directly, so you do not front the money. It usually works only at network providers, and large procedures may need pre-approval. Without it, you pay first and file for repayment. Ask the insurer which hospitals near you accept direct billing, and carry your member card and policy number.
EPS: Also called: Entidad Promotora de Salud, Colombian health planIn Colombia, an EPS is the health insurer through which residents join the national system. Members pay contributions based on income and are assigned a network of clinics and doctors. Foreign residents with a qualifying visa can usually join, though service quality varies by insurer. Many retirees add a private prepaid plan (medicina prepagada) for faster appointments and private hospitals. More in: Colombia retirement visa requirements for US citizens in 2026
Expat health insurance: Also called: Expatriate health insurance, expat medical planEveryday name for private medical cover sold to people living abroad for a year or more. Plans differ on whether they include routine care, dental, maternity and drugs, and on whether the US is covered. Some countries accept a private plan as proof of coverage for a residency application; others have their own rules. Read the policy wording, not the brochure. More in: The best health insurance for expats in Portugal: local plans, international plans and Medicare
Generic drug: Also called: Generic medication, medicamento genérico, active ingredientA medicine sold under its active-ingredient name rather than a brand, with the same active ingredient as the brand version. Many countries encourage generics, which can cost far less than US brand prices. Brand names differ by country, so list the generic name for every drug you take. Ask your doctor whether a local generic is an acceptable match.
Guaranteed renewal: Also called: Lifetime renewability, renewal termsA promise that the insurer will keep renewing your policy regardless of how many claims you made, though it can still raise the price for everyone in your age band. Not every international plan offers it, and some can drop a plan or leave a country market. Ask whether renewal is guaranteed and what happens if you move countries.
IMSS: Also called: Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexican Social Security InstituteMexico's large public health and social insurance institution, mainly for private-sector workers and their families. Some foreign residents can enroll voluntarily, which attracts retirees. Care happens in assigned clinics, with referrals to hospitals, and waits for appointments can be long. Many expats keep private insurance alongside it. Confirm current voluntary-enrollment rules at an IMSS office. More in: The cost of retiring in Mexico: city budgets and what a good life costs
International private medical insurance: Also called: IPMI, international health insurance, global health insuranceA private plan meant for people who live outside their home country, covering care in many countries and often at private hospitals. It is the usual choice for retirees who are not part of the local public system. Prices rise with age, the countries covered (the US is often the costly add-on) and the deductible. Compare what is excluded, not just the premium. More in: Health insurance for nomads over 40: which plans still take you, and what they cost
JCI accreditation: Also called: Joint Commission International, JCI-accredited hospitalA quality and safety accreditation awarded by Joint Commission International to hospitals and other care organizations outside the US. Hospitals use it to signal that they meet recognized standards, and medical travelers often use it as a screening filter. It is a useful clue but not a guarantee of care for any one procedure. Check the hospital's own listing on the JCI site.
Long-term care abroad: Also called: Assisted living abroad, nursing home abroad, elder care, in-home careOngoing help with daily living, from in-home aides to assisted living or nursing homes. In many popular retirement countries paid help costs far less than in the US, but standards, licensing and English-speaking staff vary widely. Standard health insurance often excludes custodial care, and Medicare generally does not pay for care abroad. Visit facilities in person and check what a policy truly covers. More in: Assisted living costs abroad: Mexico, Thailand, Portugal and Costa Rica vs the US
Maximum entry age: Also called: Age cap, age limit, entry age, renewal ageThe oldest age at which an insurer will start a new policy. Some stop accepting new members in the 60s or 70s, and others allow renewal for life once you are in. Premiums also step up by age band. Because the entry age is a cliff, retirees who wait to buy a plan can find fewer choices and higher prices. Check both the entry age and the renewal terms.
Medical evacuation: Also called: Medevac, air ambulance, emergency transportTransport to a better-equipped hospital, sometimes by air ambulance, when local care cannot handle an emergency. Many standard health plans, and Medicare in most cases, do not pay for it, and a flight can cost tens of thousands of dollars. It is often sold as a stand-alone add-on or bundled in international plans. Check the policy's destination hospital rules and who decides when to move you.
Medical records abroad: Also called: Health summary, medical history translation, patient recordsA portable file of your history, medication list, allergies and test results, kept so a new doctor can act quickly. Include generic drug names and key diagnoses, and consider a translated summary in the local language. Ask US providers for copies before you leave, since getting records from a distance is slow. Store digital copies where family can reach them.
Medical tourism: Also called: Health tourism, medical travel, dental tourismTraveling to another country for planned care such as dental work, joint replacement or cosmetic surgery, mainly for lower prices or shorter waits. Many retirees try it on a trial stay. Complications after returning home are not always covered by US insurance, and follow-up care can be costly. Check the surgeon's credentials, the hospital's accreditation and what happens if something goes wrong.
Out-of-pocket maximum: Also called: Out-of-pocket limit, annual limit, stop-lossThe most you pay in a policy year for covered care, after which the plan covers 100 percent of covered costs. It caps the risk of a catastrophic bill. Premiums, non-covered services and amounts over the plan's price limits usually do not count toward it. Compare it with any annual or lifetime benefit cap, which limits what the insurer pays.
Pharmacy rules abroad: Also called: Over-the-counter medicine, prescription-only drugs, farmaciaRules on which drugs need a prescription differ from country to country. Some medicines that need a prescription in the US are sold over the counter elsewhere, and the reverse also happens. Names and strengths may differ. Take the generic (active ingredient) name from your prescription and bring a doctor's letter for any controlled medicine. Ask the pharmacist before substituting.
Pre-authorization: Also called: Prior approval, pre-approval, pre-certificationInsurer approval you must get before a planned procedure, scan or hospital stay, or the claim may be reduced or denied. Emergency care is normally exempt, but you may need to notify the insurer within a set time. Call or message the insurer before scheduling, and keep the approval reference in writing.
Pre-existing condition: Also called: Pre-existing medical condition, PECA health problem you already had or sought treatment for before a policy started. Insurers abroad may exclude it, charge extra, or ask for a medical questionnaire. Rules differ by insurer, and they differ from US plans. Answer application questions fully, because a missed condition can lead to a denied claim. Ask whether the exclusion is permanent or lifts after a set period.
Private hospital: Also called: Clinica, private clinic, hospital privadoA hospital run for profit or by a private group, paid by insurers or by patients directly. Retirees often use them abroad for shorter waits, English-speaking staff and private rooms. Prices vary by country and city, and many ask for a deposit or insurer guarantee before admission. Quality varies, so look at accreditation and ask local residents which ones they trust. More in: The cheapest countries to retire with good healthcare, and what a doctor visit costs
Public health system: Also called: National health service, universal health care, public health insuranceGovernment-run or government-funded care for residents, paid for through taxes or payroll contributions. Many countries let legal residents enroll, sometimes for a monthly fee, but access for foreigners and retirees without local work history varies. Waiting times for non-urgent care can be long. Check enrollment rules with the health ministry and any residency conditions.
Reimbursement claim: Also called: Claim form, pay and claim, out-of-network claimThe process of paying a provider yourself and then sending receipts to your insurer for repayment. Keep itemized invoices, proof of payment and any medical report, often with a translation. Insurers set deadlines for filing, and approval can take weeks. Exchange rates, deductibles and price limits determine how much comes back, which is often less than you paid.
Repatriation of remains: Also called: Repatriation benefit, return of remainsPaperwork, transport and fees involved in sending a person who has died abroad back to their home country for burial. Costs and local rules vary widely, and the process can take weeks. Many international and travel policies include a repatriation benefit, but the limit differs. Families should know whom to call and keep copies of insurance and passport information in an easy place.
SNS: Also called: Sistema Nacional de Salud, Spanish national health system, Servicio Nacional de SaúdeShort for the national health system in Spain (Sistema Nacional de Salud), and for Portugal's SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde). Access for foreign retirees depends on residency type and contribution history. Some visa types ask for private insurance instead, so being a legal resident does not always mean public cover. Check with the regional health authority. More in: Private health insurance for expats in Spain: what retirees pay and which plans pass the visa
Travel medical insurance: Also called: Travel health insurance, trip medicalShort-term cover for emergencies during a trip, usually priced per day. It is meant for visits, not residence, and most policies stop at a maximum trip length. It often limits pre-existing conditions and routine care. People on long trial stays sometimes buy it as a stopgap before a longer plan starts. Check the trip-length cap and whether renewals are allowed.
Travel vaccines: Also called: Travel immunizations, yellow fever vaccine, hepatitis A vaccineShots recommended or required for certain destinations, on top of routine vaccines. The CDC says to see a provider at least 4 to 6 weeks before leaving, since some vaccines need several doses. Yellow fever can be recommended or required depending on the destination, and must be given at an authorized center. Bring your immunization records with you.
Waiting period: Also called: Qualifying period, deferred coverTime after a policy starts before certain benefits can be used, common for maternity, dental, chronic care or pre-existing conditions. Emergency care is often covered from the first day, but not always. If you are replacing one plan with another, ask the new insurer about credit for time served on the old one, and avoid a gap in cover between the two.

Housing, renting and buying property

Lease, ownership and closing terms you meet when you rent or buy a home outside the US.

Capital gains tax on property: Also called: Plusvalia, Gain on sale, Home sale taxTax on the profit from selling a property. A home sold abroad can be taxed by the local country and also reported to the IRS, since US citizens are taxed on worldwide income. The home-sale exclusion and foreign tax credits may apply, but local rules vary and some countries have their own plusvalía-style charges. Ask a cross-border tax preparer before you sell.
Closing costs: Also called: Settlement costs, Purchase costs, Gastos de escrituracionThe fees paid on top of the purchase price to complete a sale: taxes, notary, registry, legal and agent charges. In the US the CFPB calls them the upfront costs of getting the loan and transferring ownership. Abroad the total is often a noticeable share of the price and is mostly paid by the buyer. Ask your lawyer for an itemized estimate before making an offer. More in: Buying property in Portugal as an American: the real costs of a sea-view home
Condo fees: Also called: HOA fees, Maintenance fee, Administracion, Cuota de mantenimiento, Strata levyA monthly charge paid by owners (and sometimes passed on to tenants) for shared costs such as security, elevators, pool and building repairs. In Spanish-speaking countries it is often called the administración or cuota de mantenimiento. Fees can rise or come with special assessments for big repairs. Ask for the budget, the reserve fund balance and recent meeting minutes before you buy a unit.
Condo insurance abroad: Also called: Home insurance, Renter's insurance, Contents insurance, Seguro de hogarCoverage for the building, contents or your liability as a tenant or owner. Availability and cost vary, and standard policies may exclude flood, earthquake or hurricane damage. Landlords sometimes insure the structure but not your belongings. Ask what a policy excludes, who pays the claim in local currency, and whether it covers long absences.
Cost per square meter: Also called: Price per square meter, Precio por metro cuadrado, Prix au m2Listing price divided by floor area in square meters, used to compare homes across neighborhoods and countries. It only works when areas are measured the same way. Some listings count balconies, terraces or shared walls (gross area) and others count only the livable floor (net area). Ask which one a listing uses before you compare two homes.
Costa Rica corporation ownership: Also called: Sociedad anonima, S.A., Property-holding companyA common way to hold property in Costa Rica is through a local company (sociedad anónima) that owns the title, with the foreign buyer as shareholder. Foreigners may also hold titled land in their own names outside the maritime zone. A company adds yearly filing duties and fees. Dormant or late-filing companies can run into penalties, so budget for an accountant. More in: Can Americans buy property in Costa Rica? Yes, and here is how it works
Deed: Also called: Escritura, Escritura publica, Title deed, Acte de venteThe legal document that transfers ownership. In many countries it is a public deed signed in front of a notary and then filed in the property registry; ownership is not secure until it is registered. The deed (escritura in Spanish) should list the correct owner, legal description and price. Get a certified copy and confirm the registry shows your name.
Ejido land: Also called: Ejidal land, Tierra ejidal, Communal landMexican communal farmland held by a rural community, with members holding use rights rather than normal title. It cannot simply be sold to a foreigner and often has to be converted to private title through a formal process first. Ejido plots are sometimes sold as bargain "land" with unclear paperwork. Have a Mexican attorney confirm the title is fully private before you pay. More in: What is a fideicomiso in Mexico? How Americans own an ocean-view condo
Escrow: Also called: Depositary, Trust account, Cuenta de custodiaA neutral account that holds buyer money until the sale conditions are met. Escrow is routine in the US but less so abroad, where buyers may pay a deposit straight to the seller or agent. Without escrow, a failed sale can mean a long fight to get the deposit back. Ask your lawyer to hold deposits in a lawyer or notary trust account if escrow is not available.
Fideicomiso: Also called: Bank trust, Restricted zone trust, Fideicomiso de zona restringidaA bank trust used in Mexico so a foreigner can hold residential property inside the restricted zone. The bank is the legal owner on paper; the buyer is the beneficiary with the right to use, sell, rent and leave the property to heirs. Setup involves permits, trust fees and annual bank fees. Confirm the current fees and terms with a Mexican notary before you rely on any estimate. More in: What is a fideicomiso in Mexico? How Americans own an ocean-view condo
Foreign ownership limits: Also called: Alien land law, Restrictions on foreign buyersRules that cap or bar land purchases by non-citizens. They vary widely: some countries treat foreigners like citizens, others limit land, border zones, condo shares or farmland. Common workarounds are leasehold, a local company or a trust, each with its own risk. Check the rule for the specific property type and location, not just the country, and read the current text, since laws change.
Freehold: Also called: Fee simple, Full ownership, Dominio pleno, Propriedad plenaFull ownership of a property and the land under it, with the right to sell, rent or leave it to heirs, subject to local law. It is the closest equivalent to a US home purchase. Some countries restrict freehold for foreigners in certain zones or property types, so a property may be sold as something less. Confirm the registry says freehold before you sign. More in: Should you rent or buy when retiring abroad? Rent first, then run the numbers
Furnished vs unfurnished: Also called: Amueblado, Sin amueblar, MeubléA furnished rental comes with beds, sofa, table and often kitchenware and linens; an unfurnished one may lack even light fixtures or a stove. In some countries "unfurnished" really means bare walls. Furnished units cost more per month but save the expense and shipping of moving household goods. Ask for a written inventory with photos, since it is what the deposit refund gets checked against.
Guarantor: Also called: Fiador, Co-signer, AvalA person or company that promises to pay the rent if the tenant does not. Landlords in Mexico, Spain and parts of Latin America often ask for a fiador who owns local property, which a new arrival rarely has. Common substitutes are paying several months of rent in advance, a bank guarantee, or a paid guarantee service. Ask what the landlord will accept before you view the unit.
Home-sharing rules: Also called: Short-term rental license, Airbnb rules, Vacation rental registrationLocal laws that limit or license renting a home to visitors on platforms such as Airbnb. Many cities and some condo buildings now require a registration number, cap nights per year, or ban the practice. If you plan to rent a place out to cover costs, check the building bylaws as well as the city rules before you buy.
Lease break clause: Also called: Early termination, Clausula de rescision, Break clauseA lease term that says how and when a tenant can leave early, usually with notice and sometimes a penalty such as one or two months of rent. Rules differ by country; some countries give tenants strong exit rights, others little. If you are testing a town, negotiate a break clause or a shorter first term and get it in writing.
Leasehold: Also called: Long lease, Concession, Usufruct, Derecho de superficieThe right to use land or a building for a fixed number of years, while someone else owns the underlying land. Many foreigners use leaseholds in countries that bar them from owning land. The key questions are how many years remain, whether the lease renews, and what happens at the end. A leasehold with few years left loses resale value fast, and banks may not lend against it.
Long-term lease: Also called: Annual lease, Residential lease, Contrato de arrendamientoA rental contract usually running six months to a year or more, often with a lower monthly rate than short stays. Many residency programs ask for one as proof of address. Landlords abroad commonly expect a deposit and first month up front, and some index rent to inflation each year. Read the clause on early exit and rent increases before signing, and get a copy in English if the original is not. More in: How to find long-term rentals abroad for far less than Airbnb
Maritime zone: Also called: Zona maritimo terrestre, ZMT, Concession landIn Costa Rica, the 200-meter strip along the coast measured from the high-tide line. The first 50 meters are public and cannot be owned or leased; the remaining 150 are managed by municipalities and used through concessions, not full ownership. Concessions carry conditions on who may hold them, which can exclude newly arrived foreigners. A beachfront listing may be a concession, not a titled lot. More in: Can Americans buy property in Costa Rica? Yes, and here is how it works
Notary: Also called: Notario, Notaire, NotaioIn most civil-law countries, a state-licensed legal officer who drafts and certifies the sale deed, checks the title and collects taxes. This differs sharply from a US notary public, who mostly witnesses signatures. In Mexico a notario público is a senior lawyer. The notary works for neither side in the legal sense, so many foreign buyers also hire their own independent attorney.
Philippines land ownership rule: Also called: Philippines foreign ownership, Condo foreign ownershipThe Philippine Constitution reserves private land for Filipino citizens and corporations qualified to hold public-domain land, with an exception allowing former natural-born citizens to receive private land within legal limits. Foreigners cannot hold land, but condominium units and long leases are separate matters governed by statute. Check the current condo and lease rules with a Philippine lawyer before paying. More in: Philippines retirement visa for Americans: what the SRRV costs and gets you
Power of attorney for property: Also called: Poder notarial, Procuracao, PoderA signed document that lets someone you trust, often a lawyer, sign the purchase or sale on your behalf. Foreign buyers use it to close without traveling. It can be abused, so limit it to one named transaction and set an end date. Some countries require it to be notarized in the US and apostilled before it is accepted.
Pre-construction purchase: Also called: Off-plan, Pre-sale, Preventa, Pre-ventaBuying a unit before the building is finished, usually at a lower price with staged payments. The risk is that the project stalls, changes, or never gets built, and your money may not be protected in an escrow or guarantee. Check the developer's record, the permits and where the deposit is held. Visit finished projects by the same builder before paying.
Property manager: Also called: Administrador de propiedades, Letting agentA local person or company that rents out and looks after a home while the owner is away: finding tenants, collecting rent, arranging repairs. Fees are usually a share of rent or a flat monthly charge. Owners abroad rely on this role heavily, so check references and see how the manager handles funds. Keep the rent account in your name, not theirs.
Property tax abroad: Also called: Predial, Council tax, IMI, Municipal taxA yearly tax on real estate owned in another country, often called predial in Latin America and IMI in Portugal. It is typically levied by the city or region on an assessed value, and often is far lower than US bills, but not everywhere. Unpaid property tax can attach to the property and pass to the next owner. Ask the seller for proof that the tax is current. More in: Property taxes in Mexico for foreigners: what the predial really costs
Property transfer tax: Also called: Stamp duty, Impuesto de transmision patrimonial, Impuesto de adquisicion, IMTA one-time tax paid to the government when property changes hands, usually by the buyer and often a percentage of the price or assessed value. Names and rates differ by country and sometimes by city or region (stamp duty, IMT, ITP). The percentage can differ for foreigners or for new versus resale homes. Get the exact rate from your notary or lawyer rather than a listing page. More in: Buying property in Spain as an American: the steps, the taxes and the yearly bill
Rent indexation: Also called: Rent increase clause, Ajuste de renta, Annual rent adjustmentA lease clause that raises the rent each year, often tied to an inflation index or a fixed percentage. In some countries the law caps annual increases; in others the landlord sets them freely. A cheap first-year price can climb quickly. Ask how and when rent changes, and which currency the rent is set in.
Rental agent fee: Also called: Agency fee, Broker fee, Finder's fee, Comision inmobiliariaA charge paid to the agent who finds or handles a rental. Who pays varies by country: the tenant in some places, the landlord in others, and the cost is often tied to a month of rent. Ask who pays before an agent shows you anything, and get the fee in writing. A listing with no agent fee usually means you are dealing with the owner directly.
Restricted zone: Also called: Zona restringida, Mexico coastal stripIn Mexico, the strip within 100 kilometers of international borders and 50 kilometers of the coast, where Article 27 of the Constitution bars foreigners from acquiring direct title to land. Foreigners hold residential property there through a fideicomiso or a Mexican company. Many popular beach towns fall inside it. Inland cities such as Guadalajara or San Miguel de Allende sit outside it. More in: What is a fideicomiso in Mexico? How Americans own an ocean-view condo
Security deposit: Also called: Deposito de garantia, Caution, Damage depositMoney a landlord holds against unpaid rent or damage. Abroad it is often one to three months of rent, and in some markets landlords ask for more from foreigners. Amounts and refund deadlines are set by local law or custom, so ask what they are. Photograph the unit on move-in day and get the deposit terms in writing, because getting money back from overseas is slow.
Short-term rental: Also called: Vacation rental, Airbnb-style rental, Holiday letA furnished stay of days to a few months, usually booked through a platform and priced per night or week. It suits a trial stay before you commit to a lease. The monthly cost is typically higher than a long-term lease, and the stay may not count as a residence for visa paperwork. Many cities now cap or license these rentals, so confirm the listing is legal. More in: Slow travel retirement: how to run a 1 to 3 month trial stay before you move abroad
Square meters to square feet: Also called: m2 to sq ft, Metric floor areaMost of the world lists floor area in square meters; the US uses square feet. One square meter is about 10.76 square feet, so a 60 square meter apartment is roughly 646 square feet. Use the same unit when comparing to a US home, and remember that a modest metric apartment can feel smaller than the number suggests.
Thailand condo quota: Also called: 49 percent foreign quota, Foreign quota unitThai condominium law lets foreigners own units freehold, but no more than 49 percent of the total space of each building. Foreigners cannot own land outright. When you buy, the building's juristic person must certify that foreign ownership stays within the limit, and funds usually must come from abroad in foreign currency. Buy in the foreign quota or you risk an invalid deal. More in: Can foreigners buy a condo in Thailand? Yes, and here is how it works
Title insurance abroad: Also called: Seguro de titulo, Owner's title policyA policy that pays if a defect in ownership turns up after you buy, such as a forged signature or an old lien. It is standard in US sales, but many countries rely on a notary and a government registry instead and offer little or no title insurance. Where it is sold, it is usually a one-time premium at closing. Ask your lawyer whether a policy exists locally and what it excludes.
Title search: Also called: Property title check, Due diligence search, Estudio de titulosA check of public land records to confirm who owns a property and whether it carries liens, mortgages, unpaid taxes or legal disputes. Skipping it is one of the commonly cited mistakes in foreign purchases. A local lawyer or notary normally orders it from the registry. Do it before you pay any deposit you cannot get back, and keep a copy of the result.
Utilities included: Also called: Bills included, All-in rent, Gastos incluidosA rent price that already covers electricity, water, internet and sometimes gas. It makes budgeting easy but can hide high usage, so ask whether there is a cap. If utilities are separate, expect to set up accounts or pay the landlord for each bill. Air conditioning can double an electric bill in hot climates, so ask to see a typical summer statement.

Cars, driving and getting around

Licenses, car permits, insurance and the public transport options you meet when you live abroad.

Car import duties: Also called: Vehicle import tax, Customs duty on cars, Impuesto de importacionTaxes and fees charged when a car is brought into a country permanently. Rates, age limits and emissions rules differ and can be steep, in some places a large share of the car's value. Many retirees sell their US car and buy locally instead. If you plan to ship, ask the destination customs authority for a written estimate and check whether residents get any relief.
Car insurance abroad: Also called: Auto insurance, Seguro de coche, Seguro de autoCoverage that pays for damage, injuries or theft when you drive in another country. Your US policy usually does not apply abroad, and the minimum coverage and rules are set locally. Residents often must buy a local policy. Compare liability limits, deductibles and whether the insurer handles claims in English, and ask whether the policy covers a car you rent or borrow.
Car-free living: Also called: Living without a car, Car-liteGetting around by foot, transit, taxis and ride-hailing instead of owning a vehicle. It removes insurance, registration, parking and repair costs, and works best in dense, walkable towns with decent transit. Plan for hauling groceries, medical visits and bad weather. Price out a month of ride-hailing plus transit against car ownership before you decide to sell. More in: The best walkable cities to retire abroad: sell the car, keep the money
Colectivo: Also called: Shared taxi, Dolmus, Marshrutka, Songthaew, JeepneyA shared van or small bus that runs a set route and picks up passengers along the way, often leaving when full. Names vary: colectivo in Latin America, dolmuş in Turkey, songthaew in Thailand, jeepney in the Philippines. Fares are low and posted or paid to the driver. Ask a local for the usual fare, since foreigners are sometimes quoted more.
Domestic budget flight: Also called: Low-cost carrier, Regional airline, Cheap domestic flightA no-frills airline running routes inside a country or region, often cheaper than a long bus or train ride. Base fares are low, with fees for bags, seats and sometimes printing a boarding pass. Compare the full price against bus or rail, and add airport transfer cost. Check baggage allowances closely, since limits are often smaller than on US flights.
Driving on a US license as a tourist: Also called: Foreign license validity, Visitor drivingMany countries let visitors drive on a valid foreign license for a limited stay, often with an IDP or an official translation. The length varies, and residents usually must switch to a local license. Rental firms and insurers can set stricter terms than the law. Check the country's official tourist page and the rental contract, and keep your passport copy and entry stamp with the license.
Ferry and island transport: Also called: Passenger ferry, Water taxi, Inter-island ferryBoats link many islands and coastal towns and can be the only practical option or a cheap alternative to flying. Schedules shift with weather and season, and some routes take cash only. Book ahead for peak holidays and for car spaces, and ask about sea conditions if you are prone to seasickness. Check the last departure time before planning a day trip.
Intercity bus classes: Also called: Luxury bus, First-class bus, Executive coach, Primera clase, PullmanLong-distance buses are often sold in tiers. Economy buses are cheapest and may stop often; first-class or executive coaches add reclining seats, air conditioning and fewer stops; sleeper buses have lie-flat beds. In many countries the better tiers rival a US flight on comfort for far less money. Book the premium class for overnight rides and check the terminal your bus leaves from.
International Driving Permit: Also called: IDP, International driver's permitA booklet that translates your US license into several languages. AAA says it is only a translation of the license, not a license to drive, so you carry both. In the US, AAA and AATA are the issuers, and AAA will not issue one without a valid US license. Some countries and rental companies require it; others do not. Beware of websites that sell IDPs, since no one else is authorized.
Left-hand traffic: Also called: Driving on the left, Right-hand drive, RHDIn some countries, such as the UK, Thailand, Japan, Australia and South Africa, traffic keeps to the left and the steering wheel is on the right. Plan on a few days of adjustment, with roundabouts running clockwise and the turn signals on a different side. Rent an automatic and avoid long drives right after a long flight. Choose a quiet town for your first week on the road.
Local driver's license exchange: Also called: License conversion, License swap, Canje de licenciaThe process of trading a US license for a local one after you become a resident. Some countries swap it with a form and a medical check; others require a written test, a road test or classes. Rules depend on the country, and sometimes on the US state that issued yours. Ask the local licensing office or your embassy what is accepted, and how long a foreign license stays valid after you settle.
Metro pass: Also called: Transit card, Travel card, Monthly pass, Tarjeta de transporteA reloadable card or monthly ticket for subways, trams and buses. Monthly passes can cut costs sharply compared with single fares, and in some cities they cover a whole region. Residents sometimes get a cheaper pass than tourists, which may require registration. Compare the monthly pass with pay-as-you-go for your trips, and keep the card in a place where you can swipe it easily.
Mexican auto insurance requirement: Also called: Seguro de auto Mexico, Tourist auto policyThe US Embassy in Mexico says US auto insurance is not enough for driving in Mexico and you must have a separate Mexican policy, and many companies sell short-term tourist policies. Buying before you cross the border is simple online. After a crash, drivers may be held until damages are settled, so keep your policy documents in the car.
Motorbike license: Also called: Motorcycle endorsement, Scooter license, Class A licensePermission to ride a motorcycle or scooter, often a separate class from a car license. Many insurers and countries treat riding without the right class as unlicensed, which can void coverage after a crash. A US car license alone usually does not cover a motorbike. Check the engine-size classes and ask whether your IDP lists the motorcycle category before renting a scooter.
Parking permit: Also called: Resident parking, Zona azul, Blue zone, Parking discA local permit or pay system for parking on city streets. Some historic centers restrict cars to residents, and paid zones may require an app, a ticket machine or a disc on the dashboard. Fines and tow fees add up fast. Ask your landlord whether the building has a garage space, and learn the street rules before you leave a car overnight.
Rail pass: Also called: Eurail, Interrail, Regional rail card, Seniors railcardA ticket that covers many train trips in a country or region for a set number of days. It pays off if you travel often; for a few trips, point-to-point tickets booked early may be cheaper. Many national railways have senior cards. Add up your planned trips before buying, and check whether seat reservations cost extra on fast trains.
Rental car insurance abroad: Also called: CDW, Collision damage waiver, Excess waiver, Super CDWCoverage offered at the rental counter to limit what you owe if the car is damaged or stolen. Basic rates often carry a large deductible (the excess), and extra waivers cut it. Some credit cards cover rentals in some countries but exclude others, and mandatory local liability cover may be separate. Ask your card issuer in writing, and photograph the car at pickup.
Ride-hailing: Also called: Uber, Grab, Bolt, DiDi, Ride-sharingBooking a car through an app, with the price shown before you ride. Brands vary by country; Uber, Bolt, Grab and DiDi are examples. It often costs less than street taxis and avoids haggling or language problems. Rules differ, and in some cities the service is restricted or drivers ask you to sit in front. Check the plate and driver photo before you get in.
Senior driver license renewal: Also called: Older driver testing, Medical certificate for license, Age limits for drivingSome countries ask older drivers to renew more often, pass a medical exam or a vision test, or submit a doctor's certificate once they reach a certain age. Rules vary widely and may apply to residents who exchanged a US license. Ask the local licensing office what is required at your age, and what paperwork a US doctor needs to supply.
Senior transit discount: Also called: Senior fare, Concession fare, Tarifa para adultos mayoresA reduced or free fare for older riders on buses, metros or trains. Age cutoffs and residency rules vary: some cities give discounts to any visitor over a certain age, others only to registered residents or citizens. Carry your passport or residency card for proof. Ask the transit agency whether a US passport qualifies before assuming you will get the lower price.
Taxi meter vs negotiated fare: Also called: Metered taxi, Fixed fare, Official taxi rankIn some cities taxis run a meter set by the government; in others the driver quotes a price before the ride. If there is a meter, ask for it to be turned on. If not, agree on the fare and currency before getting in. Airports often post fixed prices or use prepaid taxi counters, which is safer than a street pickup after a long flight.
Temporary vehicle import permit: Also called: TIP, Permiso de importacion temporal, Banjercito permitA Mexican permit that allows a foreign-plated car to be driven past the border zone. Banjercito, the army's bank, issues it and holds a refundable deposit, and the permit must be canceled before you leave Mexico or the deposit is lost. Do not sell or leave the car in Mexico while the permit is active.
Third-party liability: Also called: Liability insurance, Responsabilidad civil, Compulsory insuranceInsurance that covers damage and injuries you cause to other people and their property, not your own car. It is the legal minimum in many countries. Limits can be low compared with US norms, so a serious accident could exceed them. Ask what the limit is in local currency, whether passengers are covered, and what happens if the other driver is uninsured.
Toll tag: Also called: Electronic toll tag, TAG, Via Verde, Telepeaje, TransponderA sticker or small device on the windshield that pays highway tolls automatically, as E-ZPass does in the US. Several countries run their own systems, such as Via Verde in Portugal, and some tolls accept only tags or cards, not cash. Rental cars may come with a tag that bills you later with a service fee. Ask at pickup how tolls are charged.
Tuk-tuk: Also called: Auto-rickshaw, Three-wheeler, Mototaxi, BajajA small three-wheeled taxi common in South and Southeast Asia and parts of Latin America. Fares are usually negotiated before you get in unless a meter or app is used. Rides are open to heat, dust and traffic. Agree the price and destination up front, and use a ride-hailing app in cities where tuk-tuk drivers have a reputation for overcharging.
Vehicle inspection: Also called: Roadworthiness test, MOT, ITV, Verificacion vehicularA periodic check of a car's brakes, emissions, lights and tires, required by law in many countries. The first test often falls a few years after purchase and then happens every year or two. Passing is needed to renew registration or insurance. Know the date your car is due before buying a used one, and budget for the retest if it fails.
Vehicle registration: Also called: Car registration, Matriculacion, Tarjeta de circulacion, LogbookThe official record that links a car to its owner and plate. A foreign resident usually must register a car in the new country within a set time, with proof of address, ID and insurance. Buying a used car needs a transfer of title at the registry or with a notary. Check the seller's name matches the registration and that there are no unpaid fines.
Walkability: Also called: Walk Score, Walkable neighborhood, Pedestrian-friendlyHow many daily needs, such as groceries, pharmacy, cafes and a clinic, you can reach on foot. Walkable neighborhoods let retirees live comfortably without a car and often cut transportation cost. Check hills, sidewalk quality and summer heat, not just distance on a map. Spend a few days in the area walking your actual routes before you sign a lease. More in: The best walkable cities to retire abroad: sell the car, keep the money

Phones, internet and tech

The phone, data, power and online-access terms that decide whether life abroad runs smoothly from the first week.

Authenticator app: Also called: TOTP app, Two-factor appA phone app that generates six-digit login codes that change every 30 seconds, with no text message needed. It works offline and abroad, so it beats SMS for travelers. The codes live on the phone, so a lost or broken phone can lock accounts. Save each service's backup codes, or move the app's data when changing phones.
Backup power: Also called: UPS, Battery backupA battery unit that keeps essentials running when the grid fails. A small uninterruptible power supply (UPS) keeps a router and laptop alive for minutes to hours. Larger inverter systems can carry lights and a fridge. In places with frequent outages, many residents pair a UPS with a router, so video calls and remote work survive a short blackout.
Data cap: Also called: Fair use policy, ThrottlingA limit on how much data a plan delivers at full speed each month. After it, speeds drop sharply or extra charges start. Home internet abroad is often uncapped, while mobile plans may advertise "unlimited" with a fair-use ceiling. Video calls with grandchildren use more data than most people guess, so compare plans by gigabytes at full speed.
Dual-voltage device: A device built to run on both US and foreign voltage, shown on its label as a range such as 100-240V. Phone chargers, laptops and many camera chargers qualify, and only a plug adapter is needed. Heating appliances and motors usually do not, so most expats leave them behind and buy local ones, which also avoids a bulky transformer.
eSIM: Also called: Embedded SIM, Digital SIMA SIM built into the phone and activated with a QR code or app instead of a plastic card. Travelers can add a local or regional data plan before landing, and the home line can stay active on the same phone. Only newer phones support it, and the phone must be unlocked. Keep the QR code or confirmation email, since some providers will not reissue it for free.
Fiber, DSL and cable internet: Also called: Fiber to the home, FTTHThree common ways a home gets wired internet. Fiber runs light through glass and is usually fastest and most reliable. Cable shares a TV line with neighbors and can slow at peak hours. DSL uses old phone wire and slows as the distance from the exchange grows. Many cities abroad have excellent fiber, while rural areas may only have DSL. Ask the landlord for the speed in writing.
Geo-blocking: Also called: Geo-restriction, Region lockA website or service limiting content or logins based on the country your internet address points to. It is why a US streaming library or bank site can look different, or refuse access, from overseas. A VPN is the usual workaround, though a service's terms may forbid it. Ask the bank about access before leaving.
International roaming plan: Also called: Roaming, Travel passAn add-on from a US carrier that lets the phone use foreign networks, billed as a daily pass or a bundle of data. It is the easiest choice for a short trip and the most expensive for a long stay. Several US carriers also limit how long a line may roam, so a permanent move usually needs a local plan.
Inverter: Also called: Power inverter, Solar inverterA device that converts battery or solar direct current into household alternating current. In regions with unreliable power, homes often have an inverter and battery bank. A "pure sine wave" model runs sensitive electronics more safely than a cheap modified one. Sizing depends on the appliances you run, so ask a local electrician for a load calculation.
Local SIM: Also called: Prepaid SIM, Tourist SIMA prepaid SIM card from a carrier in the country where you live, giving a local number and local data prices. It is usually far cheaper than keeping a US plan abroad. Some countries require a passport, a residence address or registration of the phone before the line works, so buy it at a carrier shop rather than a street kiosk when you plan to stay.
Mobile hotspot: Also called: Tethering, Pocket Wi-FiA phone or small device that shares its cellular data connection with a laptop or tablet. It is a common backup when home internet fails, and a primary connection in short-term rentals. Many plans cap hotspot data separately from phone data, so read the limit before relying on it for video calls or streaming.
Number-parking service: Also called: Number parking, Low-cost holding planA cheap monthly plan that keeps a US number alive without a full phone plan. The number can ring through an app or forward to a foreign line. Some carriers and VoIP providers offer these. Check whether the plan still receives texts from banks and government sites, because some park voice only and drop short-code messages.
Plug types: Also called: Plug adapters, Outlet typesThe shape of the prongs and sockets used in a country, labeled with letters such as A, C, G or I. The US shape is not the standard in most of the world, and the UK, much of Europe and Thailand each use different ones. A plug adapter only changes the shape; it does nothing about voltage. Buy the right adapter for the country, or simply swap cords locally for a few dollars.
Porting a US number: Also called: Number portabilityMoving a phone number from one carrier to another while keeping the digits. Retirees abroad often want to keep the US number for bank texts and old contacts. Port or park it before closing the US account, and do not let the line lapse, since a released number can be reassigned to a stranger who then receives its texts.
Power surge: Also called: Voltage spike, BrownoutA short jump in voltage that can damage electronics, and its opposite, a brownout, a dip that stresses motors and fridges. Both are more common where the grid is older or storms are frequent. A surge protector blocks small spikes but does nothing for a long dip, so pair it with a voltage regulator for expensive equipment.
Router and mesh Wi-Fi: Also called: Wi-Fi extender, Mesh networkThe router creates the home Wi-Fi from the internet line. Thick stone or concrete walls, common in older buildings abroad, can leave dead zones, which is where a mesh system with several linked units helps. Ask whether the provider's router is rented or owned, and who to call when it fails, since support may be only in the local language.
Satellite internet: Also called: Starlink-style internet, Low-earth-orbit internetInternet delivered from satellites to a small dish at the house, useful where cables do not reach. Newer low-orbit systems are much faster than older satellite service, but they cost more than fiber and need a clear view of the sky. Check that the provider is licensed to sell service in the country, since rules vary by country.
SMS two-factor codes abroad: Also called: Text verification codes, SMS 2FAOne-time codes sent by text to confirm a login. They fail when the US number is off, in the wrong country or blocked by roaming rules, which locks people out of bank and brokerage accounts. Before leaving, switch each important account to an authenticator app or security key, and keep a paper copy of backup codes in a safe place.
Streaming abroad: Watching US streaming services from another country. Most services check the account's home region and the connection's location, so catalogs shrink or change, and some services stop working after a long stretch outside the US. Local streaming and a legal VPN fill part of the gap. Check each service's travel terms before counting on a favorite show.
Unlocked phone: A phone that accepts SIM cards from any carrier, not just the one that sold it. Abroad, it lets a retiree drop in a cheap local SIM or load an eSIM instead of paying roaming rates. Many US phones sold on payment plans stay locked until the balance is paid, so ask the carrier to remove the lock before leaving, while US customer service is still easy to reach.
VoIP: Also called: Voice over IP, Internet callingPhone calls carried over an internet connection rather than a cell network. Apps and services with a US number let relatives call at domestic rates while the retiree sits anywhere with decent Wi-Fi. Quality depends on the connection. Many banks refuse to text verification codes to VoIP numbers, so keep a real mobile number for those.
Voltage and frequency: Also called: 120V vs 230V, 50 Hz vs 60 Hz, Voltage converterElectricity abroad often differs from the US standard, with higher voltage and a different frequency (50 hertz versus the US 60). Check the label on each device. A range such as "100-240V" means it handles both, which covers most chargers and laptops. Hair dryers, kitchen appliances and clocks often do not, and a wrong plug can burn one out.
Voltage regulator: Also called: Automatic voltage regulator, AVR, StabilizerA device that smooths out rising and falling line voltage before it reaches your equipment. Residents in places with unstable power use them on refrigerators, computers and TVs. It must be rated for the load, so check the wattage of what it protects, and buy locally if possible, where service and replacement are easy.
VPN: Also called: Virtual private networkA service that routes internet traffic through a server in another place, encrypting it on the way. Retirees abroad use one on public Wi-Fi and to appear as if browsing from the US. Some US banks flag logins from foreign addresses, and a few countries restrict VPNs, so check local rules and tell the bank where you will be.
Wi-Fi calling: A phone feature that places calls and sends texts over Wi-Fi instead of the cell tower. Abroad, it can make a US number work with no roaming charge as long as the carrier allows it. Emergency calling works differently over Wi-Fi, so learn the local emergency number and how your carrier handles location before relying on it.

Moving, mail, pets and daily life

The mail, shipping, pet, lifestyle and climate terms that come up once the visa is settled and the packing begins.

Altitude: Also called: Elevation, High-altitude living, Altitude sicknessHow high a town sits above sea level. Mountain towns such as Cuenca in Ecuador or parts of Colombia and Mexico have mild temperatures but thinner air. Headaches, poor sleep and breathlessness are common in the first days, and heart or lung conditions can make it harder. Ask your doctor before choosing a high-elevation town, and visit before moving.
Consolidated freight: Also called: LCL shipping, Shared container, Less-than-container-loadShipping that shares a container with other customers' goods, billed by volume. It suits a retiree moving a few boxes and a bit of furniture. It is cheaper than a private container but slower, and goods are handled more times at both ends. Ask what happens if the shipment is held at customs, since storage charges can add up quickly.
Cost of living index: Also called: COL index, Cost of living comparisonA score that compares the price of everyday spending in one city against a baseline city. Websites build them from user-submitted prices, so the numbers are rough and often miss rent. Use one to rank places, then build a real monthly budget from current rent, utilities and groceries in the town itself. More in: How to compare cost of living for retirement, step by step
Culture shock: Also called: Adjustment period, Honeymoon phaseThe stress and homesickness many people feel in the first months in a new country, often after an excited honeymoon stretch. Slow paperwork, language gaps and missing routines pile up. It usually eases with local friends, a regular routine and a visit home on the calendar. A trial stay shows how you react before you sell a house.
Customs broker: Also called: Despachante, Customs agentA licensed professional who files import paperwork and pays duties for a shipment. Several countries require one for household goods, and a good local broker knows the residency-based exemptions. Ask for a fee quote, what documents they need from you and how long clearance takes. Do not hand original passports or residency cards to anyone without a receipt.
Digital nomad: A person who works remotely and moves between places, often on a short stay or a dedicated remote-worker visa. Some countries sell these visas with an income minimum. Retirees sometimes borrow the lifestyle, living in one place for a few months before moving on. Pensions and Social Security are not usually counted as work income, so check the visa's definition. More in: The cheapest digital nomad visas in 2026, ranked by the income they require
Duty-free allowance: Also called: Personal exemption, Customs allowanceThe value or quantity of goods a traveler may bring into a country without paying duty. It applies to the US when returning and to other countries when entering, and each country sets its own limits for items like alcohol, tobacco and gifts. Declare anything near the limit. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) page says undeclared agricultural items can bring a civil penalty.
Expat: Also called: ExpatriateSomeone who lives in a country other than the one they hold citizenship in, often for a chosen stretch of years. Retirees abroad use the word loosely, whether they hold a long-term visa or full residency. It carries no legal status, so rules on visas, taxes and healthcare depend on the permit you actually hold, not on being called an expat.
Geographic arbitrage: Also called: Retiring cheaperMoving to a place where a fixed income buys more. A retiree keeps US-dollar income and spends in a cheaper economy. It works until local prices rise or the dollar weakens. Build a budget with a cushion, and check what healthcare, flights home and imported goods cost, since those do not drop with rent.
House sitting: Also called: Pet sitting, Home sittingLiving in someone's home and looking after it, and usually their pets, while they travel, in exchange for free lodging. It cuts the cost of a long stay and gives a trial run of a neighborhood. Agree on duties, utilities and dates in writing, and check that your visa or entry stamp allows the length of stay. More in: House sitting for retirees: how it works, what it costs and when to skip it
Hurricane season: Also called: Tropical storm season, Typhoon seasonThe yearly window when tropical storms are most likely. The Atlantic season, which covers the Caribbean and Gulf of America, runs June 1 to November 30. The Eastern Pacific season, along Mexico and Central America's Pacific coast, runs May 15 to November 30. Storms occasionally form outside these dates. Check a home's flood and wind risk, and ask about insurance and shutters.
Language exchange: Also called: Tandem partner, Conversation exchangeA swap where two people practice each other's language, usually half the time in each. It is free, builds local friendships and teaches the everyday vocabulary that classes skip. Libraries, expat groups, university boards and meetup apps help find partners. Meet in a public place for the first few sessions, as with any new acquaintance.
Local market vs supermarket prices: Also called: Mercado prices, Wet marketFresh produce, bread and meat at a street market or neighborhood stall usually cost less than at a chain supermarket, and the food is often fresher. Imported items, like US cereal, peanut butter and brand-name cleaning products, cost much more in either place. A budget that leans on local food stays far lower than one built around imported favorites.
Mail forwarding: Also called: Forwarding service, Mail dropSending mail from one address to another. The US Postal Service forwards to US addresses, but its forwarding does not go to most foreign ones, so many expats use a commercial forwarder that ships a batch abroad on request. Change the address on every account that matters, because forwarding is a stopgap, not a plan.
Menaje de casa: Also called: Household goods exemption, Duty-free household goods importA Spanish term used in Mexico, Costa Rica and elsewhere for a residency benefit that lets a new resident import used household goods duty-free, usually once and within a set window after getting residency. Each country has its own paperwork, inventory format and deadline, and some require a customs broker. Do not ship until the exact rule is confirmed in writing.
Microchip standards: Also called: ISO microchip, 15-digit microchipMany countries accept only microchips that follow the international ISO standard, and some require the chip to be placed before the rabies shot. A US pet with an older, non-ISO chip may need a new one, or the owner must bring a compatible reader. Ask the vet to scan the chip and write its number on every document.
Moving company quote: Also called: Binding estimate, Cubic feet estimateA written price for a move, based on a survey of your belongings. International quotes are normally priced by volume, and cheap ones may exclude port fees, customs clearance or stairs at delivery. Ask whether the quote is binding, what is excluded and how damage claims work. Many retirees sell most furniture and move only what cannot be replaced.
Pet import permit: Also called: Import permit for pets, Pet entry requirementsOfficial permission to bring an animal into a country. Some require an advance permit, some only a health certificate, and a few place the animal in quarantine. Start months ahead, because the steps run in order and a missed deadline can restart the clock. Rules differ by species, and by where the pet has been, so read the destination ministry's page. More in: How to move abroad with pets: the steps, the paperwork and what it costs
Purchasing power parity: Also called: PPP, Purchasing powerAn economic measure of how much a currency buys in its home market, compared with the dollar. A place can have a low exchange rate and still be pricey, or the reverse. For a retiree, the practical test is simple: how many dollars of income cover rent, food and healthcare there, which can swing as exchange rates move.
Rabies titer test: Also called: Rabies antibody test, FAVN testA blood test that measures whether a dog or cat has enough rabies antibodies after vaccination. Some destinations require it, with a waiting period before entry, and some accept only certain approved labs. A pet that passes early can still be refused if the dates are wrong, so a USDA-accredited veterinarian should check the destination's timeline before the blood is drawn.
Rainy season: Also called: Wet season, MonsoonThe months of heavier rain in a tropical or monsoon climate, with the pattern differing by country. Rents and flights are often cheaper then, but roads flood, humidity and mold rise and some beaches or mountain roads close. Spend one rainy season somewhere before committing to a lease, because a place that looks perfect in the dry months can feel very different.
Residency-based discounts: Also called: Resident prices, Local rate, Pensioner discountsLower prices some places charge residents or seniors for transit, museums, utilities, healthcare or national parks. They often require a residency card or local ID card, and a few apply only to citizens. Ask after residency is granted, since the discounts may not be advertised.
Shipping container: Also called: 20-foot container, 40-foot container, Door-to-door shippingA steel box shipped by sea and priced by size, with 20-foot and 40-foot boxes the common ones. A full container is worth considering only for a full household of furniture. Quotes should list origin fees, ocean freight, destination fees, customs clearance and delivery, so get itemized bids from at least three movers, and ask for each one's insurance terms.
Siesta hours: Also called: Midday closing, Lunch break closureA midday break, common in Spain, Latin America, Portugal and parts of the Mediterranean, when small shops, banks and offices close for two or three hours. It shapes errands: government offices may be open only in the morning. Plan bank visits, immigration appointments and utility visits for early in the day, and expect dinner to run late.
Slow travel: Also called: Trial stay, Long-stay travelStaying a month or more in one place instead of changing hotels every few days. It lowers the daily cost, since monthly rentals are cheaper than nightly ones, and it shows what everyday life is like. Many retirees use two or three slow stays as a trial before signing a long lease or buying anywhere. More in: Slow travel retirement: how to run a 1 to 3 month trial stay before you move abroad
Storage and consolidation: Also called: Warehouse hold, Storage-in-transitHolding goods in a warehouse before they ship or after they arrive. A mover may keep boxes until the new home is ready or a container fills. Storage often bills by the week after a free period, and customs holds can trigger extra days. Get the free-period length in writing, and photograph the goods when they are packed.
Tipping norms: Also called: Gratuity, Service chargeTipping customs differ widely by country. Some add a service charge to the bill, some expect a small tip in cash, and in parts of Asia and Europe it is rare. Over-tipping at US levels can distort local prices, and under-tipping may be rude where wages depend on it. Watch what neighbors do, or ask a local friend.
US domicile address: Also called: Domicile mailing address, Legal addressThe US address tied to your legal residence for state taxes, voter registration, a driver's license and some banking. Americans abroad often keep one in a state with no income tax or in a place where family lives. Which address qualifies, and what it means for state taxes, varies by state. Confirm the rules with that state's revenue department or a tax preparer before relying on one.
USDA APHIS health certificate: Also called: USDA-endorsed health certificate, Export health certificateA pet health certificate completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and, for many destinations, endorsed by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). APHIS says to contact an accredited vet as soon as you decide to travel. The certificate has a short validity window before arrival, so line up the vet visit with the flight date.
Virtual mailbox: Also called: Digital mailbox, Scan-my-mail serviceA US street address where a company receives your paper mail, scans the envelope and lets you choose to open it, forward it or shred it. It suits retirees abroad who still get bank statements, tax forms and jury notices. Pick a provider that offers a real street address rather than a PO box, since some banks reject boxes.

Retiring somewhere cheaper in the US

The housing, tax and senior-care terms that matter when the plan is a cheaper state or town instead of a new country.

55+ community: Also called: 55-plus community, Age-restricted community, Retirement communityA neighborhood or development where most residents must be at least 55. Homes are often single-family or townhouse style, with a homeowners association (HOA), shared amenities and rules on guests and children. Monthly fees vary widely and can rise, so ask for the fee history, the reserve fund status and the age rules in writing before buying. More in: How much do 55+ communities cost? The full price, not just the home
Active adult community: Also called: Lifestyle community, Over-55 resort communityA retirement neighborhood marketed to healthy, independent older adults, with clubhouses, pools, golf or social calendars. Residents own or rent their own homes, and no care is provided. Fees fund the amenities, not nursing help. If you may need care later, check what the nearest assisted living and hospital options are. More in: How much do 55+ communities cost? The full price, not just the home
Aging in place: Staying in your own home as you grow older instead of moving to a care community. It often means adding grab bars, a step-free entrance or a first-floor bedroom, and hiring help as needs grow. Retirees who pick a cheaper town sometimes choose a single-story house for this reason. Also price the cost of in-home aides, which can exceed a care community.
Area Agency on Aging: Also called: AAA, Aging and Disability Resource CenterA public or private nonprofit agency that a state designates to address the needs of older people in a city, county or group of counties. Area Agencies on Aging coordinate services such as home-delivered meals and homemaker help. The federal Eldercare Locator, at 1-800-677-1116, will point to the one nearest a town you are considering.
Area median income: Also called: AMI, Median family incomeThe midpoint household income in a metro area or county, which HUD publishes each year. Housing programs use it to set income limits, such as "low-income" or "very low-income" as a percentage of AMI. Because the figure is local, the same retirement income can qualify in one county and not in another.
Assisted living: Housing with help for daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, medication reminders and meals, for people who do not need nursing-home care. Rules and licensing are set state by state, so services and prices differ widely. Ask each community what is billed monthly, what costs extra, and what happens when care needs increase.
Continuing care retirement community: Also called: CCRC, Life plan communityA single campus that offers independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing, so a resident can stay as needs change. Most charge an entrance fee plus a monthly fee, and contracts vary on how much future care is prepaid. Have a lawyer or elder-law adviser read the contract and review the community's financial statements first.
Cost of care: Also called: Long-term care costWhat it costs to pay for help with daily living, whether in-home aides, assisted living or a nursing facility. Prices differ by state and even by city, so a cheaper town may save substantially on care too. Ask local facilities for current rate sheets.
Cost of living index (US): Also called: COLI, Cost of living calculatorA score that compares everyday costs in one US city with another, from housing and groceries to utilities and healthcare. Private sites build them from surveys or user prices, so results differ. Treat the number as a starting point, then price an actual rental or home, car insurance and property taxes in the town.
Domicile change: Also called: Change of domicile, Establishing residencyDeclaring a new state as your permanent home for tax and legal purposes. States look at where you vote, hold a driver's license, register a car, own or rent a home and spend most days. Leaving a high-tax state takes real ties moved, not just a mailing address. Keep records, because a former state may audit.
Downsizing: Moving to a smaller, cheaper home and getting rid of belongings. It frees equity, cuts taxes, insurance and upkeep, and makes a move easier. The work takes longer than people expect. Start with the rooms you use least, set a firm date for donations and sales, and keep a short list of items to ship or store. More in: How to downsize your home in retirement, step by step
Entrance fee: Also called: Buy-in fee, Refundable entrance feeA large upfront payment to join a continuing care community, often six figures. Some contracts refund part of it to the resident or heirs, and others refund little or nothing. The fee usually secures a home and access to care. Compare the refundable and nonrefundable versions, and ask what happens to the fee if the community closes or you leave early.
Home insurance and flood zone: Also called: FEMA flood zone, Flood insuranceA cheap house can carry high insurance in places exposed to storms, wildfire or flooding. Standard home policies generally exclude flood, which needs a separate policy. A lender may require flood coverage in mapped flood zones. Get insurance quotes for a specific address before making an offer, because premiums can change the whole budget.
Homestead exemption: Also called: Homestead tax creditA state or local tax break that lowers the taxable value of your primary home. Many states offer one, and some give more to seniors, disabled owners or veterans. Rules differ on age, income and how much value is exempt, and you usually must apply with the county. A new owner often does not get it automatically, so file soon after buying. More in: Property tax exemption for seniors by state: how the breaks work and how to claim them
HUD Section 202 housing: Also called: Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly, HUD senior housingA program of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that funds affordable apartments with supportive services for low-income older adults. Properties are run by nonprofit sponsors, and applicants apply to each property directly. Waiting lists can be long, so apply to several. Check the property for HUD's current age and income rules.
Independent living: Also called: Senior apartments, Retirement apartmentsApartment-style housing for older adults who need no daily help, usually with meals, housekeeping, transportation and activities in one monthly fee. Ask what is included, how rent increases are set and what happens if your needs grow. Independent living is not licensed to give hands-on care, so you may have to move if help becomes necessary.
Manufactured home and lot rent: Also called: Mobile home park, Land-lease communityA factory-built home that you own, often placed on land you rent from a park owner, so you pay lot rent each month. Purchase prices are low, but lot rent can rise, and moving the home may be costly or impossible. Ask about the lease terms, rent-increase history and whether the park could be sold. State laws protect residents differently.
Medicaid long-term care: Also called: Medicaid nursing home coverage, Home and community-based servicesMedicaid is the joint federal and state program that pays for long-term care for people with limited income and assets. It can cover nursing facility care and, in many states, services at home. Eligibility, asset limits and waiting lists are set by each state. Medicaid planning rules are complex, so consult an elder-law attorney or the state Medicaid agency before moving or giving away assets.
Memory care: A secured part of an assisted living community, or its own building, for people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia. Staff are trained for it, and doors and grounds are built to reduce wandering. It costs more than standard assisted living. Ask about staffing ratios at night, how behavior changes are handled and what triggers a move to nursing care.
Property tax deferral: Also called: Tax deferral program, Senior deferralA program that lets some older or low-income homeowners postpone paying property tax until the home is sold or inherited. The county usually puts a lien on the property, and interest may accrue. It eases the monthly budget but reduces what heirs receive. Read the state's rules, including interest, and compare it with an exemption or freeze. More in: Property tax exemption for seniors by state: how the breaks work and how to claim them
Property tax rate: Also called: Millage rate, Mill levy, Effective tax rateThe rate local governments apply to a home's assessed value to produce the annual tax bill. Rates are often quoted in mills, where one mill is $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Compare the effective rate (tax paid divided by market value), not just the posted one, because assessment practices differ by state and county.
Regional price parities: Also called: RPP, Cost of living by stateA federal measure of how much prices differ from one state or metro area to another. The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) expresses each as a percentage of the national price level, so 100 is the national average, and a value below 100 means prices are lower than average. It includes rent, which many online indexes skip. Use it to compare places before looking at listings. More in: How to compare cost of living for retirement, step by step
Reverse mortgage (HECM): Also called: Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, Reverse mortgageA loan, available to older homeowners, that turns home equity into payments or a credit line with no monthly mortgage payment. The loan grows over time and is repaid when the borrower sells, moves out or dies. The FHA-insured version is called a HECM. This is a definition only, not advice. Talk to a HUD-approved counselor before considering one.
RV living and domicile states: Also called: Full-time RVing, Domicile for RVersFull-time RVers still need a legal home state for taxes, a driver's license, registration and mail. Many choose a state with low or no income tax that also lets residents use a mail service address. Insurance and healthcare must work across states. Check each state's rules on residency, because some require a physical presence. More in: What does full-time RV living cost in retirement?
Sales tax: A percentage added to purchases, set by the state and often by cities and counties as well. A few states have none, but rates and what is taxed differ (groceries and prescriptions are often exempt). For a retiree, sales tax adds up on cars, furniture and dining out, so total it with income and property taxes when comparing states.
Senior center: Also called: Community senior center, Older adult centerA local hub, often run by a city, county or nonprofit, with meals, classes, exercise, trips and information about benefits. Many are free or low-cost to use. A visit to a senior center in a town you are considering shows what the community offers and who your neighbors might be. The local Area Agency on Aging can list them.
Senior property tax freeze: Also called: Assessment freeze, Tax freeze for seniorsA program in some states or counties that holds a senior homeowner's property tax bill or assessed value at a base amount, even if values rise. It usually has an age or income test, and a few apply only to the school or county portion. Check the state's revenue page or the county assessor, since a move to a new state typically starts over. More in: Property tax exemption for seniors by state: how the breaks work and how to claim them
Snowbird: A person who spends winter in a warm place and summer in a cooler home state. Snowbirds keep one legal home state and rent or own a second place, so they need to track days in each state for tax purposes. Some states count a fixed number of days as residency. Insurance, healthcare and voting follow the domicile, not the winter address.
State income tax on retirement income: Also called: Retirement income exclusionA state may tax some, all or none of your pension, IRA withdrawals and Social Security. Rules differ widely: some states have no income tax, and others exempt certain retirement income up to a limit or at a set age. Look up each state's revenue department page for the current year, and remember that property and sales taxes can offset a tax-free income. More in: Most tax-friendly states for retirees: compare the whole tax bill
Veterans housing and benefits: Also called: VA home loan, State veterans homesVeterans may qualify for property tax breaks, VA-backed home loans and state veterans homes in many states. Rules and amounts vary by state and by disability rating. A county veterans service officer can explain what applies locally and help file the paperwork at no charge, so ask before choosing a town.

All terms, A to Z

183-day rule
55+ community
Account freezes and closures for overseas customers
ACH
Active adult community
Advance directive
Aging in place
Altitude
Annual benefit limit
Apostille
Apostilled background check
Area Agency on Aging
Area median income
Assisted living
ATM operator fee
ATM withdrawal limits
Authenticator app
Automatic two-month extension for taxpayers abroad
Backup power
Biometrics
Blank passport pages
Bona fide residence test
Border run
Brokerage account restrictions for nonresidents
Capital gains abroad
Capital gains tax on property
Car import duties
Car insurance abroad
Car-free living
Carrying prescription medicine
Cash-based economy
CCSS
Certified copy
Chip and PIN
Citizenship by descent
Citizenship-based taxation
Closing costs
Coinsurance
Colectivo
Condo fees
Condo insurance abroad
Consolidated freight
Consulate appointment
Contactless payment
Continuing care retirement community
Cost of care
Cost of living index
Cost of living index (US)
Cost per square meter
Cost-of-living adjustment
Costa Rica corporation ownership
Culture shock
Currency controls
Currency hedging basics
Customs broker
Cédula
D7 visa
Data cap
Debit card vs credit card abroad
Deductible
Deed
Delayed retirement credits
Dependent visa
Digital nomad
Digital nomad visa
Direct billing
Direct Express
Divorced spouse benefit
Domestic budget flight
Domicile
Domicile change
Downsizing
Driving on a US license as a tourist
Dual citizenship
Dual-voltage device
Duty-free allowance
Dynamic currency conversion
Early retirement
Ejido land
Electronic travel authorization
Emergency passport
Entrance fee
Entry stamp
Entry/Exit System
EPS
Escrow
eSIM
ESTA
ETIAS
Exchange rate spread
Exit tax
Expat
Expat health insurance
Expatriation
Expedited passport service
FATCA
FBAR
FBI Identity History Summary
Federal Benefits Unit
Ferry and island transport
Fiber, DSL and cable internet
Fideicomiso
Fiscal representative
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire
Foreign ownership limits
Foreign Tax Credit
Foreign transaction fee
Foreign travel emergency (Medigap)
Form 3520
Form 8854
Form 8938
Form W-8BEN
Form W-9
Fraud alert and travel notice
Freehold
Full retirement age
Furnished vs unfurnished
General Enrollment Period
Generic drug
Geo-blocking
Geographic arbitrage
Global Entry
Golden visa
Government Pension Offset
Guaranteed renewal
Guarantor
Home insurance and flood zone
Home sale exclusion
Home-sharing rules
Homestead exemption
House sitting
HUD Section 202 housing
Hurricane season
IBAN
IMSS
Independent living
Inflation and devaluation
Initial Enrollment Period
Intercity bus classes
International direct deposit
International Driving Permit
International private medical insurance
International roaming plan
Inverter
Investor visa
IRMAA
JCI accreditation
Joint account and survivor access
KYC
Language exchange
Lease break clause
Leasehold
Left-hand traffic
Legalization
Local bank account
Local driver's license exchange
Local market vs supermarket prices
Local SIM
Long-form birth certificate
Long-stay visa
Long-term care abroad
Long-term lease
Lost or stolen passport
Mail forwarding
Manufactured home and lot rent
Maritime zone
Marriage certificate
Maximum entry age
Medicaid long-term care
Medical evacuation
Medical records abroad
Medical tourism
Medicare coverage outside the US
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part C
Medicare Part D
Medigap
Memory care
Menaje de casa
Metro pass
Mexican auto insurance requirement
Microchip standards
Mid-market rate
Migration agent
Mobile hotspot
Mobile wallet
Money-transfer service
Motorbike license
Moving company quote
Multicurrency account
my Social Security account
NIE
NIF
Non-lucrative visa
Notary
Number-parking service
Original Medicare
Out-of-pocket maximum
Overstay
Parking permit
Part B late enrollment penalty
Part D late enrollment penalty
Passive income visa
Passport book
Passport card
Passport photo
Passport renewal
Passport renewal from abroad
Passport validity rule
Path to citizenship
Pensionado
Permanent residency
Pet import permit
PFIC
Pharmacy rules abroad
Philippines land ownership rule
Physical presence test
Plug types
Police clearance certificate
Porting a US number
Power of attorney for finances
Power of attorney for property
Power surge
Pre-authorization
Pre-construction purchase
Pre-existing condition
Private hospital
Proof of address
Proof of funds
Proof of income
Proof of onward travel
Property manager
Property tax abroad
Property tax deferral
Property tax rate
Property transfer tax
Provisional income
Public health system
Purchasing power parity
Rabies titer test
Rail pass
Rainy season
Real ID
Regional price parities
Reimbursement claim
Remittance transfer rights
Rent indexation
Rental agent fee
Rental car insurance abroad
Rentista
Repatriation of remains
Required minimum distribution
Residence card
Residency lapse
Residency renewal
Residency-based discounts
Restricted zone
Retirement visa
Reverse mortgage (HECM)
RFC
Ride-hailing
Roth conversion
Router and mesh Wi-Fi
Routing number
RUT
RV living and domicile states
Sales tax
Satellite internet
Saving clause
Schengen 90/180 rule
Schengen Area
Security deposit
Senior center
Senior driver license renewal
Senior property tax freeze
Senior transit discount
SEPA
Shipping container
Short-term rental
Siesta hours
Six-month rule
Six-month rule for noncitizens
Slow travel
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
SMS two-factor codes abroad
Snowbird
SNS
Social Security Fairness Act
Social Security payments outside the US
Source of funds
Special Enrollment Period
Spousal benefit
Square meters to square feet
SSI abroad rule
State income tax on retirement income
State tax residency
States with no income tax
Storage and consolidation
Streaming abroad
Streamlined foreign offshore procedures
Supplemental Security Income
Survivor benefit
SWIFT code
Sworn translation
Tax identification number
Tax residency
Tax treaty
Taxation of Social Security benefits
Taxi meter vs negotiated fare
Temporary residency
Temporary vehicle import permit
Thailand condo quota
Third-party liability
Tipping norms
Title insurance abroad
Title search
Toll tag
Totalization agreement
Tourist visa
Travel medical insurance
Travel vaccines
TRICARE For Life
Tuk-tuk
Unlocked phone
US address requirement
US domicile address
USDA APHIS health certificate
Utilities included
VA Foreign Medical Program
VAT
Vehicle inspection
Vehicle registration
Veterans housing and benefits
Virtual mailbox
Visa denial
Visa extension
Visa on arrival
Visa sponsor
Visa-free entry
VoIP
Voltage and frequency
Voltage regulator
VPN
Waiting period
Walkability
Wealth tax
Wi-Fi calling
Windfall Elimination Provision
Wire fraud and bank impersonation scams
Wire transfer
Withholding tax
Worldwide income