Hola!
The Turtles have been having TOO much fun in Siem Reap! Although the heat and humidity have been a constant obstacle to navigate 🥵
We've already spent 3 days exploring the ruins of the Angkor Archeological Park, which is unbelievably amazing.
Amelia and I are already talking about what we'll see on our next trip here.
And all this fun is almost enough to make me forget that tax season is upon us, but sadly, I have to start that process next week 😫
Since it is that time of year, we're getting more questions about filing taxes, if we still have to file even if we don't live in the U.S., and how do we go about doing that.
First, you have to file taxes even if you move to the first lunar colony. The U.S. is currently one of only 2 countries that taxes its citizens based on citizenship rather than residency.
However, if you stay inside the U.S. for less than 35 days, you might qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, which could slash the amount you owe to zero if you earn less than $124K or so.
Second, the easiest way to file your taxes while abroad is to hire a professional firm that specializes in expat taxes. There are a lot of nuances that most accountants don't understand unless they deal with expats on a regular basis.
We've been using Taxes for Expats for the past several years, and we've been very happy with them. They even helped us refile several years of returns that got us several thousand dollars in refunds due to overpayment for previous years.
If you use our referral link, you'll get a $25 account credit when you sign up (and we get a bonus, too). If they ask during registration, the email on our account is jp@ameliaandjp.com.
We're getting ready to head out to a happy hour with the Turtles down on Pub Street so Amelia is telling me to stop typing and start showering.
So that's all for this week. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to hit the reply button. I read all of them and reply to most 👍
NOTE: If you use a VPN and the links don’t work, try disabling it or switching servers, or visit AmeliaAndJP.com/NewsArchive to view this newsletter in your browser. More and more web hosts are blocking VPN IP addresses these days. Sorry for the hassle.
News for Global Citizens
Here's what we learned about the world this week...
Correction
In last week's newsletter, the article about Thailand's new visa rules was misleading. The length of stay is still 60 days for the time being. Thailand just had elections and the Foreign Minister of the interim government stated that reviewing the current policy is a top priority.
We think it's likely to be reduced back to 30 days, as it was prior to 2024, but it hasn't happened yet. Source
Expat News
The Consequences of Skipping Your Expat Tax Return
For Americans living abroad (or on the moon or Mars), filing a U.S. tax return isn’t optional. Failing to file can trigger penalties, interest, and potential complications that grow the longer you wait. While programs like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and foreign tax credits often reduce or eliminate tax liability, the paperwork still matters. Source
Roatán’s Rise as a Budget-Friendly Caribbean Retirement Spot
Roatán, the Honduran island known for its coral reefs and laid-back lifestyle, is gaining attention as one of the Caribbean’s more affordable places to retire. With comparatively low home prices and manageable monthly living costs, it offers a tropical setting that doesn’t require a luxury-level budget. The island also has a growing expat community and convenient flight connections to the U.S. Source
What It Really Takes to Move to Ireland
Moving to Ireland can sound simple on the surface, but the process involves more than just packing your bags. You need to navigate visa options, residency rules, housing logistics, and the reality of filing U.S. taxes even after settling abroad. For globally minded Americans, the opportunity is real, but success comes down to understanding the paperwork and planning carefully. Source
Mexico Tightens Residency Rules for 2026
Mexico is introducing stricter financial requirements and higher fees for residency applications starting in 2026, raising the bar for foreigners hoping to relocate. The updated criteria are expected to impact both temporary and permanent residency pathways, particularly for retirees and remote workers relying on income thresholds to qualify. While Mexico remains one of the most popular destinations for Americans abroad, the changes signal a shift toward more selective immigration policies. Source
A Fresh Chapter in Panama
One retired American couple moved to Panama expecting a slower pace of life, but found something more. What began as a practical relocation turned into a new creative chapter, including writing projects and deeper involvement in local social groups. Their experience reflects a broader pattern many expats discover: the move abroad isn’t just about lower costs or warmer weather, but about rediscovering purpose and community. Source
Travel News
Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico?
Recent violence following the killing of a cartel leader has spiked concerns about traveling to Mexico. Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta have been particularly hard hit, but even parts of Cancun experienced roadblocks and other types of retaliation. While many tourist zones continue operating normally, these incidents highlight how security conditions can shift quickly and vary by region. U.S. travel advisories remain in place for certain states, and travelers are encouraged to monitor updates closely. Source
Airlines Double Down on Premium Credit Card Perks
Airlines are continuing to expand the benefits tied to their co-branded credit cards, adding lounge access, priority services, and other travel incentives aimed at frequent flyers. As competition intensifies, these cards are becoming less about basic miles and more about bundled lifestyle perks. The shift reflects how airlines increasingly rely on financial partnerships as a major revenue stream, not just ticket sales. Source
AI Is Making Travel Scams Harder to Spot
Artificial intelligence is making it easier for scammers to create convincing fake listings, customer service messages, and even cloned voices tied to travel bookings. As these tools become more accessible, fraudulent websites and phishing attempts are growing more sophisticated, and harder to detect at a glance. Travelers are being urged to double-check booking platforms, verify communications directly with companies, and be cautious with urgent payment requests. Source
U.S. Issues New “Do Not Travel” Advisory for Lebanon
The U.S. government has updated its travel advisory for Lebanon, issuing a “Do Not Travel” warning due to ongoing security concerns and regional instability. Such advisories typically reflect heightened risks, including civil unrest, crime, or potential conflict, and may also limit the ability of U.S. officials to provide assistance on the ground. While travel advisories don’t automatically halt all movement, they can affect insurance coverage and travel planning decisions. Source
Travel in Your 60s Is Shifting Toward Meaningful Experiences
Travel in your 60s is increasingly less about checking off landmarks and more about depth, comfort, and connection. Many travelers in this stage are choosing immersive cultural stays, scenic train journeys, small-group tours, and extended trips that allow time to settle in rather than rush through. With more flexibility and often fewer time constraints, this decade can open the door to slower, more intentional exploration. Source
The Growing Search for Authentic Travel
More travelers are prioritizing places that feel culturally grounded rather than overly curated for tourism. From small historic towns to regions where local traditions still shape daily life, interest is shifting toward destinations that offer genuine connection and a sense of place. The appeal isn’t necessarily luxury or convenience, but immersion into food, language, community, and everyday experiences. Source
That's all for now. Let us know if we can help you in any way by replying to this email.
JP (Amelia Says Hola)
AmeliaAndJP.com
P.S. Want to move abroad without committing to one place right away? Slow travel might be perfect for you and the Turtle Travel Club can help you make it happen. Click here to see how...