Some people leap into the unknown, while others take a methodical approach. I fall somewhere in between. When we first started considering the possibility of living in Europe permanently, my curiosity led to dozens of questions. They ranged from straightforward ones like “Which countries could I see myself living in?” to more complex considerations like “What are the tax implications of running a company in X country?”

Ralph and I had many discussions about our options. He was keen on moving to Portugal, particularly because of their “Golden Visa” program, which at the time offered an accelerated path to citizenship through various means, including property investment. However, as I delved deeper into the details, I became less sure. Eventually, the visa requirements became more restrictive, and the tax incentive program was canceled. Even before these changes, I found myself drawn to France based on my research – not just because of the food and culture, but also because France happens to have the strongest bilateral tax treaty with the United States. In practical terms, this means that the pensions and social security we earned through decades of working in the US will not be taxed by France. I can’t emphasize the importance of the research phase enough. It’s easy to be swayed by glossy reports on expat life, but you need to dig deeper to find the reality.

For those who have never lived abroad, the idea of relocating to a completely different country can be overwhelming. You have the questions you know to ask, and then there are those you haven’t even thought of yet! The “what-if’s” can be paralyzing, but with thorough research, you can anticipate potential challenges, narrow down your options, and eventually move forward with confidence. For me, this involves joining Facebook groups, reading books, and exploring useful websites and blogs. These resources are invaluable starting points for your journey, and you can access them wherever you are in the world!

Facebook Groups: A Treasure Trove of Insights

Let’s start with the Facebook groups. They’re easy to join and require little active participation. Posts on random expat-related topics pop into your feed daily so you can passively scroll through and dig deeper when the mood strikes. You’ll learn from other people’s lives and choices and read between the lines of what they choose to share. Happy updates, questions asked anonymously, and cautionary tales…on any and all topics! Seriously – from inheritance taxes to what to do if a Brit in your village has it out for you, it’s there. Thread by thread, you start to grasp the magnitude of ways life can be different than what you’ve experienced. I’m no stranger to culture shock after living in Germany for the last three years, but not a day goes by when I don’t uncover new subjects to explore!

Here are some of the groups I belong to:

• Americans in France: American-focused expat group
• Expats living in France: There’s a split between UK, American, and other English-speaking expats here
• Americans Retiring in France: Focused on Americans retiring in France living off passive income
• Strictly Legal France: For all your legal questions – this one is heavily moderated, no anecdotal evidence allowed
• Americans Driving in France: Only 18 states have reciprocity with France! The rest of us have to take the test…

Over time, I’ve left some groups (real estate groups, for example) and joined others (more localized groups in the Bordeaux area). Sometimes there’s a bit of drama, but more often than not, you’ll find friendly people willing to tell you about their journey. I’ve had a few very helpful conversations via chat and even Zoom calls with people I met online!

Note: while these groups are all focused on life in France, you can find similar groups for other countries – just search. 😉

Diving Deeper: Books and Cultural Understanding

To truly understand a culture, it’s essential to look beyond expat communities. My reading list has gradually shifted to French-themed books, which, while less mentally taxing than organizational behavior research, are immensely satisfying. There’s a level of detail that you just can’t get from short-form resources. Eventually, I’ll need to transition from reading about the French (in English!) to reading in French, but for now, here are a few of my favorites:

• The Bonjour Effect by Julie Barlow and Jean-Benoît Nadeau: Who knew saying “bonjour” was so important?
• Demystifying the French by Janet Hulstrand: The things I’ve learned have already come in handy…
• I’ll Never Be French by Mark Greenside: A light and funny read, but filled with insights into life in a small village
• Foolproof French Visas by Alison Grant Lounes: A practical guide for understanding the various visa types

From design inspiration to travel guides to first-person misadventures, there’s an angle, an idea, or a laugh-out-loud moment behind every page. I switch it up depending on my mood or interest. I’m already planning on stacking all of my France-related books in my guest bedroom. Who knows – maybe they’ll inspire some of our friends and family to join us in France?

Websites: An Endless Source of Information

Surprisingly (to me) I’ve spent the least time on websites. It’s likely because I usually have to have something specific I’m seeking out. For example, when I was in the house-hunting phase, I’d look up the Wikipedia entry for the town of every house that caught my eye. I’d want to know the population, what it was known for, and all the usual statistics. I’ve also found good info from law firms and other establishments that cater to expat issues. But just as with anything you see on the internet, you have to be willing to do a bit of critical thinking and fact-checking. As I mentioned earlier, you will undoubtedly run across enticing ad campaigns that leave out important information about the realities of living abroad.

Still, from the official French visa website to blogs like mine, you can find some real gems!

• The American in Paris: Obviously Paris-focused, but I found some great info on Profession-Libérale visas
• Lost in Bordeaux: I’ve been saving many of these posts for ideas on what to see and do in our new location!
• The Local.fr: An English-language site devoted to topics of concern to expats

So that’s it – that’s how I got started getting smart about this big move of ours! What questions or topics about life in France come to mind for you?