PokerExpats.com

Top 10 Countries for American

Poker Expats

Following Black Friday, many American online poker players have been seeking a new home.  A place where they can ply their trade unhindered by restrictive laws and overzealous prosecutors. So PokerExpats.com has put together this list of the top 10 countries that cater to most American grinders’ needs. Cost of living, proximity to the US, online gaming regulations, weather, hotness of the women–all these factors and more have been taken into account to help you find the poker paradise that’s right for you.

In the coming weeks we’ll be expanding the site to include information on other popular expat destinations as well as travel tips, gaming regulation updates, and more.  So make sure to check back often for the latest poker expat news.

 

10. Spain & Gibraltar

For poker players interested in relocating to Europe, Spain offers many advantages, including warm weather, sunny beaches, great food, and plenty of sangria.

You can stay in Spain for up to 90 days on a tourist visa. All you need is your passport and an airline ticket. The fact is that many people have overstayed their visas and remained in the country long after their 90 days have expired, and have still managed to travel back and forth to the US freely, without any complications. The Spanish authorities are rather lax on this subject, and quite lenient, especially towards US citizens. However, for those who prefer to play it by the book, EU law requires that visitors leave the Schengen Area for 90 days before re-entering and receiving another 90-day tourist visa. This could still work out for somebody who’s also interested in spending some time in nearby non-Schengen countries, such as the UK/Ireland, Morocco, or Romania. [read full article]

 

9. Australia & New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand are two common places that US expats favor when moving away from America. I promise not to mention Mick Dundee or shrimps and barbecues throughout the following article. What will be mentioned is just general travel information and cost of living.

Americans are allowed to stay in Australia for just three months on a tourist visa. However, there’s great news for young Americans who’d like to stay longer. In 2007 the US and Australia signed a working holiday visa agreement which allows Americans aged 18-30 to spend up to 12 months in Australia. Full details and requirements are available here.

Americans moving to Australia can click on the following informative link and learn about the ‘Point System’ and also how to go about opening a bank account in Australia (most of the time you will just need your passport). This fact-filled website also has appropriate information on travel visas. Alternatively, you could also visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (Australian Government) website. [read full article]

 

8. Argentina

Argentina covers a huge area that is rich in diversity. From the northern rainforests with tropical wildlife (that you would normally have to pay to see in a zoo), to the colder regions of Patagonia, which has excellent ski resorts, or the penguin-spotting even farther south. Argentina has so much to explore and each new adventure can be very affordable, as this is one location where the American dollar has good value when exchanged into the local currency (ARS Peso).

Moving to Argentina from the US is a lot easier than you might expect, with the most expensive thing being the air fare – up to approximately $900. US citizens are automatically granted a 90-day visa upon entering the country. Many people simply travel to Uruguay (just next door, to the east), get their passport stamped, and then return to Argentina for an additional 90 days. Uruguay is the easiest country to travel to from the country’s main expat hotspot, Buenos Aires.

Despite the authorities being quite laid back regarding US citizens overstaying their visa, there is still a small fine that you may need to pay, and in the worst case scenario for repeat offenses, you may be denied future entrance into the country. [read full article]

 

7. Czech Republic

Next on our list of popular places for expats to move to from the US is the Czech Republic, located in Central Europe. With an expat community of almost half a million people, this place clearly has something to offer. This beautiful country continues to see a steady rise in net migration as a change in the law in 2006 made it easier for foreigners to reside here. Expats now have fewer obstacles regarding staying in the country full-time since there was a shake-up of the system.

In comparison to most European countries, the cost of living in the Czech Republic is noticeably lower, but people here still live at a standard equal to most Western European countries. US citizens can stay here for a maximum of 90 days on a tourist visa. For those who would like to stay longer, the Czech government offers a couple of options that are much easier and less expensive to obtain than those of most other European countries. The most affordable of these involves getting a Czech trade license, while the other, more expensive alternative requires the applicant to start a business in the Czech Republic. [read full article]

6. Malta

For those who want to escape to a small island retreat, what better place to go than to the center of the Mediterranean – to a tiny little island called Malta.

This little tax haven floating in the med is an ideal sanctuary for online poker players who want to escape it all and taste a bit of the exotic life. The weather is a massive selling point for moving to Malta, as it’s warm and sunny almost all year round – apart from a brief cold snap in the winter. If you want to continue your online poker career, you will be pleased to know that it’s fully legal and tax free here.

You will find that most Maltese (who are friendly people) speak English as well as their own language, so don’t be put off by having to learn a new language. However, the locals will be happy if you try to speak a few words and will really appreciate it if you make an effort.

Sliema and St Julian’s are the two most popular areas for expats living in Malta.  One bedroom apartments in these areas start at round $570 per month.  Silema gets very busy in the summer months and becomes quite lively and loud.  Nearby Paceville is the center of Maltese nightlife, but can be a bit noisy as a place to live.  Those looking for a quieter area might consider the residential community of Swieqi, conveniently located right next door to Paceville.  For something a bit less touristy and more off the beaten path, Gzira is worth checking into. [read full article]

 

5. UK & Ireland

The terrible weather and high cost of living are clearly not the main attraction for these two locations, so why do so many American expats end up living in this small corner of the globe?

Well there isn’t just one simple answer. It’s more of a collection and variety of reasons that make these two countries ideal to relocate to. People moving to the UK from the US can stay for up to six months on a tourist visa. Those moving to Ireland from the US can stay in the country on a tourist visa for three months.

England has quite a high cost of living, especially in London, but if you move further up north, for example to Manchester, prices are generally considerably lower. If you have enough money behind you to start with, then you can live reasonably well in England, but if you plan to just go with the clothes you are wearing and only a few of the Queen’s pounds, you won’t make it very far, like you could in Thailand.

Here are some of the prices that you can expect when you are there: a one bedroom apartment in London will cost you just short of $2,000 – ouch! For the same sized apartment in Manchester, only half the price, averaging $980. These prices will naturally be lower for both places if you live just outside of the city, and there are more than enough cheaper, suburban places to choose from. [read full article]

 

4. Costa Rica

Costa Rica consistently ranks high on the lists of places that Americans favor most when leaving the US to find another life abroad. Once you have read the following information and done a little bit of research into this wonderful Central American nation, you’ll see why it’s held in such high regard, and why so many poker expats have started moving to Costa Rica, which borders Panama (to the South) and Nicaragua (to the north).

US citizens can initially stay for up to 90 days on a tourist visa here. Many expats just leave the country for 72 hours before returning to stay for another 90 days, and the Costa Rican authorities are quite laid back about American citizens doing this. For further information regarding visas, visit the Embassy of Costa Rica’s website.

Americans living in Costa Rica are able to enjoy the wonderful climate, which can be described as being similar to Mediterranean weather since it has a dry season and a rainy season. The warmest months are March to May, with the coolest months being November through January. The average temperature floats between 70-81F (21-27C) throughout the year. You won’t be wasting any money on heating or air conditioning. [read full article]

 

3. Thailand

Slightly farther afield from the other expat hot spots on our list we find Thailand, in Southeast Asia. This colorful land is around 8,000 miles away from Los Angeles, and flights can take up to 18 hours, so immigrating to Thailand is certainly not for those who are prone to homesickness (or airsickness!).

If you are just planning a short stay in the country, all you will need is an onward or return flight ticket, as well as your passport. This will grant you access for a maximum of 30 days.

It’s also possible to get a 60-day tourist visa (or longer multiple-entry tourist visa) at a Thai embassy in your home country, which can then be extended for another 30 days at a Thai immigration office inside Thailand. When your time is up, you can get another tourist visa simply by leaving the country and returning (even on the same day). However, if you return by land, you will only get an additional 15 days if you initially entered on a 30-day tourist visa. So you’ll have to book a flight, such as on a cheap carrier like Air Asia, in order to get an additional 30-day visa upon re-entry. [read full article]

 

2. Mexico

Moving to Mexico has now become a reality for many US expats. In fact, there is somewhere in the region of one million Americans currently living and working in Mexico.

The culture here is completely different from the US way of life, so you must be willing to fit in by at least attempting to grasp the basics of the language. This will be hugely beneficial for getting by in everyday life. Just by speaking a few words of Spanish in general conversation will be very much appreciated by the locals. You could on the other hand stay closer to the more ‘touristy’ areas, as most of the bar and store workers (as well as many locals) tend to speak English in these places.

If you are worried about learning the lingo, consider areas such as Monterrey, which has a large population of English-speaking residents and a noticeable American influence. This is actually the third largest city in Mexico.

Mexico is the ideal location if you are looking to make your US dollars stretch further. The cost of living is much lower than in America. For example, the average rate for renting a one bedroom apartment in the US costs $900, but relocating to Mexico will mean you only have to pay a much lower average of $330 per month (city prices). Finding and renting an apartment should be the least of your worries, as there are always plenty of rooms available, and the entire rental procedure is easy. Landlords are generally laid back, but on occasion, may require up to three months deposit. [read full article]

 

1. Canada

For most of us, relocating to a new country can be quite a daunting prospect, especially for those brave ones going it alone. Moving abroad doesn’t have to be difficult, and the key to a successful transition is simply being prepared. For many US citizens, the obvious destination will be Canada and there are several important factors that you should understand before taking that bold step.

Canadian and American societies are not too dissimilar, so adapting to this way of life wouldn’t be so drastic. The majority of Canadians are quite receptive towards US citizens, which is always a bonus to know that you will be accepted by the locals, and not feel alienated. Immigrating to Canada means that you are never too far from the homeland, with frequent and regular flights to most major US airports.

Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto have been selected by expats for their affordable cost of living, bustling nightlife, and relative ease of living. The fact that English is the predominant language is also a major benefit.

Opening a bank account or renting an apartment is a simple process for US citizens who are looking to start their new life here. Most banks and apartment landlords will only require proof of address (preferably a bill of some kind), personal identification, and in some cases – previous payslips. [read full article]

 

Considering moving to a country that didn’t make the top 10?  Or are you already there and loving (or hating) it?  Then let us know!  You can give your feedback by leaving a reply at the bottom of this page or by clicking the Contact button in the main menu.  Or join the PokerExpats Forum and get a debate started over there.