The term “expatriate” or its abbreviated form “expat” can signify numerous interpretations based on the individual it describes. In the era prior to the internet, the majority of expatriates were employed abroad or enjoying retirement. The rise of remote work and online entrepreneurs has significantly expanded the population of those residing outside their native country.
Often, these [individuals are digital nomads who can choose to live anywhere](https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2020/10/21/location-independent-people-live-anywhere-they-want/), but sometimes their location is influenced by significant others in their lives, such as a partner, spouse, or family member. Some individuals prefer not to use the term “expatriate,” believing all individuals living abroad should simply be referred to as immigrants, arguing that the former suggests pretentiousness or privilege. However, in my opinion, the terms are not truly synonymous.
The distinctions lie in choice and duration. An expat is *deciding* to reside abroad, usually while maintaining connections to their home country. Conversely, an immigrant typically relocates due to circumstances compelling them to leave their native land or in pursuit of higher earnings in a location with improved economic prospects. Immigrants generally do not plan to return.
Clearly, there are exceptions in both definitions, so a Venn Diagram would illustrate significant overlap. For instance, I might never return to the USA; thus, you could label me an immigrant if you wish. Conversely, a Mexican working in Texas for a year to save money, with no intentions of remaining, would be classified as an expat.
Here are several expat categories that can greatly influence your eventual location and lifestyle. Three primary factors contribute to [making a decision on where to move abroad](https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2019/03/29/choosing-where-to-live-abroad/), but in every case, the priorities will differ according to your personal circumstances.
### The Digital Nomad Expatriate
If you are working remotely from a laptop and can pack light, you can embrace the [digital nomad lifestyle](http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/meet-the-new-digital-nomads) without much worry about troublesome visa regulations or long-term housing concerns. Assuming you’re without children, you can consider many places globally as potential homes.
As a digital nomad, you can spend extensive periods, often three months or more, in numerous countries using just a tourist visa. Nowadays, many nations offer digital nomad visas that allow temporary stays of one or two years.
One of the hosts from the Tropical MBA podcast estimated that he could live anywhere around the globe for $2,500 monthly or less if he excluded certain high-cost cities like New York, Tokyo, and Zurich. Based on my own experiences residing in four different countries, I concur. In various locales, you could manage for less than half that amount. Just secure a place (or a long-term hotel stay) with reliable internet, [consume local food](https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2019/10/07/eat-local-drink-local-travel/), and shop in local markets for groceries. Once you reach the [limit of the tourist visa](https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2016/05/25/where-can-you-live-more-than-3-months-on-a-tourist-visa/) in the area, simply gather your belongings and relocate.
### The Expat Family Abroad
I’ve written several articles and have been mentioned in the media a lot regarding living abroad on a budget as a family. We spent a total of three years as a family in Mexico before my daughter went off to college. (Currently, I fall into the category of the “empty nester couple who isn’t retired yet.”)
Numerous families are doing this across every continent, but it often proves more challenging than it is for an individual. Start by figuring out what you will do regarding education, especially if your children are beyond elementary school where flexibility exists and testing requirements at home are minimal. Consider the language options as well. (Total immersion? International school offering English? Home schooling?) Then narrow your potential list down to places where you will feel both secure and intellectually stimulated.
Some parents opt to home school their children, which is increasingly feasible now thanks to the abundance of online resources available. Others have created alternative educational options in their communities if enough parents are willing to contribute.
Since you need to consider schooling and social engagements for the children, expat families often have fewer options compared to retirees and significantly fewer than nomads, especially if they are not home schooling.