World Aware is a weekly newsletter from Amelia And JP about moving abroad, expat life, and the realities of building a life outside the United States.
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Popular Expat Countries You CAN'T Move To 🤷♂️
Published about 2 months ago • 4 min read • World Aware
🌎 World Aware
by JP Stonestreet
Welcome to World Aware, your weekly roundup of global news and insights that actually matter if you travel internationally, live abroad, or you're thinking about it.
This is a new Leap format. It's for 7 nights (instead of 14) and allows you to bring-your-own-lodging so you can stay where you want and use your points (if you're a points person).
We'll gather each day for a group activity so you'll still get to experience the Leap magic. You'll just have more flexibility.
Every year, InterNations releases its annual survey of 8,000+ expats living in 160+ countries, and every news outlet reports on the "top 10 countries for expats."
There's just one catch: You can't move to most of them!
Countries like Austria, Denmark, Belgium, etc. simply don't have a path to residency that will work for most of us non-traditional expats.
When we talk about expats in our videos and this newsletter, most of you probably assume we're talking about older or retired expats.
That's a valid assumption, especially since most YouTube channels, blogs, and newsletters are also about moving abroad for personal reasons rather than employment.
However, the term "expat" or "expatriate" was originally used almost exclusively to describe people who move abroad for a job; not for retirement.
And that's the frame of reference you need to have when you look at the InterNations survey.
We've been to several InterNations events in several countries, and while they welcome retirees, we've found that most people who attend those events fall under the traditional definition of "expat."
They still work. They're not retired. And many are locals who attend the events for networking reasons.
Every year when I see news outlets like Forbes, CNN, Business Insider, and all the others report on this annual expat survey, I get a bit annoyed.
It's frustrating to see a list of great places for expats that most of us "expats" can't move to.
If you're looking for a new country to call home, don't rely too heavily on this survey unless you plan to work abroad at a qualifying job.
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World Aware News
Here's what we learned about the world this week...
Expat News
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18 Countries Offer Citizenship Through Family Ancestry
A growing number of countries allow people to claim citizenship through grandparents or, in some cases, great-grandparents, provided they can prove an unbroken family connection with official records. Eligibility rules vary widely and can change, with some countries recently tightening their requirements. [Source]
Italy’s Most Practical Places for Foreigners to Live in 2026
A new guide highlights Italian cities that may make everyday life easier for foreigners by focusing on practical factors such as housing, public transport, job opportunities, access to services, and language support. Cities including Milan, Turin, Bologna, Rome, Bari, Lecce, Bolzano, and Cagliari each offer different strengths depending on your priorities. If you're planning a move to Italy, comparing daily living costs and local infrastructure—not just scenic appeal—can help you choose a location that better fits your budget and lifestyle. [Source]
Nauru's New Golden Passport
Nauru, a South-Pacific island nation, is raising money for climate adaptation by offering citizenship for a $90,000 contribution through a "golden passport" program. The country says the funds will help relocate most of its population and infrastructure to higher ground as rising sea levels threaten the island, while applicants gain visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 85 destinations after passing background checks. [Source]
Travel News
Payment Scam in Europe Could Increase Your Credit Card Costs
Travelers using credit cards in Europe are being warned about Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which lets merchants charge you in your home currency instead of the local one, often at a worse exchange rate. Some payment terminals now add a second confirmation screen that can make it easier to accidentally accept the conversion even after choosing the local currency. When paying abroad, selecting the local currency and rejecting currency conversion can help you avoid unnecessary fees. [Source]
Travel Fraud Rises at Popular Tourist Destinations
Mastercard data shows travel scams increase significantly during peak vacation seasons, with fake travel agencies, sightseeing tours, taxi services, and accommodation listings among the most common schemes. While some destinations report more travel-related fraud than others, scammers also target travelers before they leave home through fake booking links and misleading discounts. Double-checking tour operators, booking through trusted platforms, and being cautious of unusually cheap offers can help you avoid losing money and disrupting your trip. [Source]
Travel professionals say travelers who have already visited Paris or Rome should consider exploring lesser-known European cities that offer rich culture, distinctive food, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Destinations such as Budapest, Tallinn, Sopot, and others are highlighted for their local character, historic landmarks, and generally lighter crowds than Europe’s busiest capitals. [Source]
That's all for this week. Let me know if you have any questions.
P.S. Please do us a huge favor and make sure you're still subscribed to our YouTube channel. For whatever reason, YT has been unsubscribing our loyal viewers en masse. Thanks for checking 😊
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