Ep 205: Expat life – How to test the waters and decide if you should dive in

This week, we dive headfirst into the very timely topic of expating. Is it just a fantasy fueled by tough times or is there something deeper driving this urge to GTFO? 

In this episode, we're exploring the layers of this question. We break down the different flavors of expating, from slow travel hacks that let you vibe abroad for a few months with zero paperwork (hello, Schengen Zone!) to the allure of Digital Nomad Visas for those of us who can work from anywhere with Wi-Fi and a decent latte. We even get into the semi-permanent options and, for the truly committed, buying your way into citizenship.

Ultimately, this episode isn't about escapism. It's about options, feasibility, and the very real trade-offs you need to consider when contemplating a life lived beyond your current borders. 

We discuss:

• The rise of "Plan B" thinking in the FIRE community and beyond
• Tourist stays and slow travel: Easy ways to get your feet wet abroad
• Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs): Working remotely from paradise (with a minimum income requirement, naturally)
• Extended visas and residency pathways: Semi-permanent solutions for a longer stay
• Naturalization and citizenship: The full commitment, from marriage to ancestry to buying your way in
• The "Split Life" Model: Six months here, six months there (the best of both worlds?)
• The real costs and considerations: Taxes, paperwork, culture shock, currency risks, and that annoying "ideological accent" you didn't even know you had.
• Our rule of thumb for financial feasibility: Is it really worth it?

And if you know someone who's made the leap (or is seriously contemplating it), drop us a comment below! We're always looking for folks to interview for future episodes, especially if they have interesting stories or maybe even went back home after a few years. 

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