The term “expatriate” or the abbreviated “expat” can signify various meanings based on the individual it refers to. Prior to the advent of the internet, most expatriates were either working overseas or enjoyed retirement. The rise of remote work and online entrepreneurs has significantly expanded the number of individuals residing outside their native country.
Often, these [individuals are digital nomads and could be residing anywhere](https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2020/10/21/location-independent-people-live-anywhere-they-want/), while in other instances, they are situated where they are due to someone significant in their lives, be it a partner, spouse, or family member. Some individuals dislike the label “expatriate” and argue that anyone living abroad should simply be referred to as an immigrant, believing the former term to be pretentious or indicative of privilege. However, in my perspective, the terms are not truly interchangeable.
The distinctions lie in choice and permanence. An expat is *electing* to live abroad and typically maintains connections to their home country. An immigrant generally relocates due to challenges in their home country or in search of enhanced economic opportunities. Immigrants usually have no plans to return.
Certainly, exceptions exist for both definitions, so in a Venn Diagram, there would be some overlap. I may never return to the USA, so feel free to label me an immigrant. A Mexican working in Texas for a year to save money, without plans to remain, is an expat.
Here are several expat categories that can significantly influence your eventual location and lifestyle. There are three primary factors that contribute to [selecting a destination for relocating abroad](https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2019/03/29/choosing-where-to-live-abroad/), but the priorities in all three scenarios will vary depending on your circumstances.
### The Digital Nomad Expatriate
If you’re utilizing a laptop and can travel lightly, you can embrace the [digital nomad lifestyle](http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/meet-the-new-digital-nomads) and not be overly concerned with complicated visa regulations and long-term housing solutions. Provided you don’t have children, schooling is not a factor, allowing many parts of the world to be viable options.
As a digital nomad, you could spend over three months in a variety of countries on just a tourist visa. Nowadays, numerous countries provide a digital nomad visa that permits you to stay for a year or two temporarily.
One host of the Tropical MBA podcast estimated he could reside anywhere globally for $2,500 a month or less, excluding a few high-cost cities like New York, Tokyo, and Zurich. Based on my personal experiences living in four different countries, I would concur. In many places, you could manage it for less than half that. Just secure an apartment (or long-term hotel accommodation) with reliable internet, [eat like a local](https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2019/10/07/eat-local-drink-local-travel/) and shop for groceries where locals do. When you reach the [tourist visa](https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2016/05/25/where-can-you-live-more-than-3-months-on-a-tourist-visa/) limit in your current location, simply pack your belongings and move on.
### The Expat Family Abroad
I have written a few articles and have been frequently quoted in the media regarding living abroad affordably as a family. Our family lived in Mexico for a total of three years before my daughter moved on to college. (Now I fit into the “empty nester couple who is not yet retired” category.)
Numerous families engage in this lifestyle across all continents, but it’s often not as straightforward for them as it is for individuals. Initially, consider your plans for education, particularly if your children are beyond elementary school where requirements are less stringent and testing back home is minimal. Also, think about how you will manage language options. (Will it be full immersion? An international school using English? Home schooling?) Then refine your potential locations to those where you’ll feel both secure and mentally stimulated.
Some parents opt to home school their children, which is far more manageable now due to the vast amount of online resources available. Others have established alternative education options within their community if there is sufficient parental involvement.
Given the need to consider education and social activities for the children, expat families have fewer choices compared to retirees in the next category and significantly fewer than digital nomads, particularly if they are not home schooling.