"I only miss two things — people (friends and family) and Mexican food."
If you live in the US and have ever wondered what it would be like to move abroad, you've come to the right place.
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In one Reddit thread, Americans who permanently moved to another country are reflecting on their decisions, and I've compiled the most insightful stories of the bunch here (let's just say, I'm checking Google Flights every day now).
Here are 18 honest experiences spanning 16 different countries:
1. "US to Germany in 2017. Never going back. Our work-life balance is incredible. We travel, have time for our kid, public healthcare, free daycare, free college for our son, reliable public transportation, and we can bike everywhere in the city. Cost-of-living is lower, quality-of-life is higher."
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"There is VERY little violent crime, and we live 2 km from a lake, at the midpoint between several large public parks, within walking distance of about 12 grocery stores, hundreds of restaurants, and a major hospital with cardiac and children's specialty departments. We're 20 minutes from the central train station by bus, and about 25 minutes from the heart of the city by subway. My kid's school is in a brand new building. They have tons of field trips and after-school activities (that are also free), two tram stops or a 15-minute bike ride from our home. He's native bilingual in German and English (I'm conversationally fluent in German and native English), and he will start a third language in a couple of years. It's not easy, but it's been infinitely worth it for us."
2. "We moved to Stockholm, Sweden in 2017. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. The quality of life is incredible. So nice not to be dependent on an automobile. Stockholm is an incredibly beautiful city, built on a bunch of islands connected by bridges. There's water, parks, and nature everywhere. Great bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Tons of great bars, restaurants, and cafes. Easy access to museums, concerts, theater, and sporting events. What’s not to love?"
3. "I''ve been in Japan for 15 years now. Hopefully, this sums up how I feel about my choice: every time someone asks me, I say I only miss two things — people (friends and family) and Mexican food. For me, everything else is better here."
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4. "I have been living abroad for eight years and in Spain for five. I cannot overstate how much better my quality of life is here. Cheap healthcare. Affordable food. Affordable rent. I feel very safe, very relaxed, and I nap every day (as is customary). Amazing restaurants, kind people."
"Walkable (I didn’t have a car until this year). Lots of holidays. I am so grateful to be here, every single day, and I work hard to integrate into the community to thank them for their kindness. Cons: I miss having a clothes dryer (I could buy one but I rent), and sometimes I get tired of not speaking really good Spanish, like in hospitals or government-related situations. Visas suck and for some people it’s not easy to pick up and move, but there are a few different options like the digital nomad visa or a work visa. When it comes down to it, the US hasn’t been home to me for a long time, and won’t be again."
5. "US to Portugal, definitely worth it and highly recommend. Pros: relaxed atmosphere, friendly people, cost of living, work-life balance, healthcare, and great wine! Cons: The bureaucracy is tedious, and things happen more easily if you’re well-connected. Still, absolutely love my life!"
6. "I moved to Australia, and it was the best decision I have ever made. No way I would go back to America now…no school shootings, no reckless tyrants ignoring the law, almost no hostility between fellow citizens based on political leanings. Sure, there are exceptions, but this is how it’s supposed to be."
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7. "US to Argentina. I speak the language at a near-native level and live in the interior. Once you get used to the idiosyncrasies inherent to Argentine culture (economic and social), it’s 100% recommended. I used to miss home, but that’s waned over the years and completely disappeared in the last few months."
8. "US to UK, and it was the best decision we ever made. We were broke and didn't see a future there, and our kids were still young: 8, 7, and 2. We used our tax return and made the leap. Hubby's parents live here in the UK, so we came for a holiday, finished up hubby's citizenship, and voila. Would never live in the US again. My kids are so much more cultured, we get to travel more, and I can work again. We have a home and a simpler, quieter life."
9. "US to the Netherlands. Yes, it's better. Do it when you’re older and have saved some money in the US — the wages are lower in Europe, but the work-life balance is better, and of course, health insurance."
10. "Moved to Denmark in 2017. Never ever going back. US society is sick, and I don't see it changing any time soon. Here we have better (and free) healthcare, better (and free) schools, my kids (8 and 10) walk or bike to and from school or friends' houses on their own. I have an actual work-life balance. We don't have gun problems, and our society isn't hopelessly corrupt. The only thing I miss about the US is the National Parks. Let's see how long they will be there for now."
11. "Originally came to Finland on a one year consulting contract. Been here 11 years now. I'm originally from the Northwest, so the cold doesn't bother me, and summers are AMAZING. I can lay out in the sun at 10 p.m. I took an $8,000 pay cut (in the beginning) but honestly didn't even feel it. Rent is more than half of what I was paying in San Diego."
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"Internet is a RIGHT, so it's free in my apartment. Healthcare is completely free through my employer. I walk to work and take the excellent public transportation if I want to go somewhere. I also have access to the company car if needed. Utilities fluctuate but are still way cheaper than in the States. The work-life balance is insane here. My current contract says I can't work more than 37.5 hours per week, and if I do, it gets calculated into my yearly bonus and/or vacation days. I also get five weeks of vacation per year and I'm FORCED to use them. And I have a blonde, Swedish GF, and I'm learning the Finnish language so I can apply for citizenship (probably next year). Having a Finnish passport means I can move to work anywhere in the EU, and travel to more places without a visa."
12. "Moved to Norway. Peaceful, the raw nature is quite beautiful. So much fresh air. Healthcare is really good. I just started my maternity leave, which covers 100% of my salary and I don't go back until January 2026."
13. "From the US to China. I make good money in a career that pays pennies in the US, and I’m way more physically healthy. On the other hand, healthcare can be a bit hit or miss, and you’re never not a foreigner here. For me, I like it. I’ve been here about eight years, have lost a ton of weight, gotten two master's degrees, and gotten married out here. It works, but it isn’t for everyone."
14. "US to Taiwan in 2013. It's significantly better in just about every aspect. Not living paycheck to paycheck (and generating some considerable savings on a teacher's salary, all while being able to travel extensively) and a social healthcare system are probably the two greatest improvements. Obviously, the region's geopolitics is a constant shadow in the background. Moving here was the best decision I've ever made, 加油台灣"
15. "US to New Zealand in 2018. I would 100,000% do it again. Truly so happy to live in this tiny little country at the end of the earth. Endlessly beautiful, kiwis are a kind bunch, and the work-life balance is phenomenal. I’m now a permanent resident and am a few years away from citizenship. Won’t ever go back."
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16. "I moved to London and have since moved back. For anyone not in the top 10% of earners, leaving the US is the best thing you can do. If you’re a high earner, though, your earning potential in the US is just so much higher. For me, it just makes more sense to tough it out in the US and then retire out of the country."
17. "I've lived in Scotland since 2005. My life isn't perfect. Moving abroad didn't solve my problems, and in fact introduced some new ones. For a long time I considered moving back, but that fades significantly after the first 10 years."
"I am personally doing better than I probably would be in the US. My husband earns enough that I've been able to pursue personal passions instead of working an office job. We own our house, mortgage entirely paid. I can't drive, which was impossible to navigate in the US, but not really a problem here. Not to mention healthcare. Just be prepared that if you do move overseas, your family will never visit you. They'll say, 'Oh, now I have a great excuse to visit (wherever you live),' but they won't. Maybe once or twice, but you'll forever be the one expected to buy plane tickets and do all the traveling. Even calling you on holidays will be treated like a chore and you will always have to be the one calculating the time difference for phone calls even after 20 damn years in the same place. Maybe your family is better than mine, but that has been my experience."
18. "Moved from Colorado to Croatia last year. It's waayyyy better. Basically everything everyone else said, plus...it’s incredible not having to worry about getting shot at work (I'm a teacher) or at the supermarket."
"It’s wild, you don’t really realize how high your baseline stress level is in the US until you’re out for a while and your body sort of readjusts. I can’t fathom having to go back. It makes my body tense up even thinking about it, LOL. I also love not having to own a car. Being able to walk to run errands has been such a nice shift for my body. And the food (especially produce) is so great. Overall, I just feel so much healthier. To each their own, but I’m completely disillusioned with the US and will not be going back. Highly recommend."
If you've moved abroad and have your own thoughts to share, comment your experience below!
Note: Responses have been edited for length/clarity.
