Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER 6
Residing Abroad
AT ANY GIVEN TIME, there are more than 1 million American citizens
living in foreign countries. Many in the expatriate community
are working for American companies with interests in countries all over
the world. They live on the local economy and reside in local neighbor-
hoods. Many are retired Americans who have moved back to their family's
country of origin or have decided to live in a country that will allow them
to enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle on their limited resources. Hundreds
of thousands of other Americans live abroad while working for the fed-
eral government.
Those Americans living abroad while working for the U.S. government
have the luxury of having security guidelines for government-provided
housing. Security officers at the local embassy do their best to make sure
that residential housing complies with those security guidelines. Private
citizens, however, do not have that luxury. Often they are left to deal with
these issues on their own. This chapter provides a checklist for those living
abroad of minimum standards that all housing should meet.
CHOOSING A PLACE TO LIVE
Long before your actual move, you will need to make many plans con-
cerning your new life abroad. Where will you live? Will you buy a private
home or condominium, or will you be a renter? How about your furniture?
Take it with you or buy locally? Do you intend to bring a vehicle with you
from home or buy one locally? Where will you educate your children, or where
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