Leave the US!! -The Ultimate Guide to Leaving America (And Never Looking Back)

I did it and so can you!

You can listen to the author read this article with plenty of extra ad-libbing and info on the podcast here!

I keep breaking away from our regularly scheduled series of “Why I Left the US and Will Never Return” because every time I look at US news, there’s another devastating and unbelievable story. I don’t want to waste time here on polytix. If you want, you can read how I feel here.

Disclaimer: this article in particular is stirring up a lot of emotions, but here’s the thing: people are commenting without reading it. They’re simply responding to my obviously click-bait title… and this article (none of my articles, nor my podcast) are written to make anyone do anything they don’t want to do! That would be a superpower I would not wish to have! Everything I do is for people who WANT to leave their home country, not those who don’t! But… I’m leaving all the weird comments anyway because it helps the algorithms, yay!

I know a lot of people want to leave the US right now, perhaps you are one of them, but it feels so overwhelming and daunting.

I’m here to tell you it can be done!! I won’t say it’s easy but nothing worthwhile ever is. However, it is completely doable. I did it, solo, without ever visiting the country I moved to. And yes, it was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life—and I’ve done a lot of really cool things.

The reason I even started writing on Substack is to encourage others to move abroad and this was before the nightmare of 2025—which I did see coming :(

There are Solutions!!!

While my solution is not the only way, it’s what I chose to do, and I’m assuming you’re reading this because you too are interested in leaving the United States of HiTruMuskLer.

I’ve written a series breaking down how to move abroad. You can find it here.

I offer inexpensive coaching/consulting options to help you one-on-one if you want that.

I have an affordable class (it’s not quite finished, but I’m quitting my full-time job in 3 weeks to finish it!!), if you’d rather do it that way.

But let’s break it down here:

1. Figuring out where you want to go. This is the fun part! While I can help you with this in my class and coaching, you can absolutely do it yourself! I did!!

   1. Do some research and make a list. Your list can focus on places close to the US because you may need to get back quickly or often to help your adult child or aging parent. Your list may focus on weather or places you qualify for a visa. Your list may be focused on an area you love (ie: Europe or South America) or have to do with a language you already speak. (Don’t let the lack of speaking a language stop you!)

   2. Make a list of several options, unless you’ve already done this and have your heart set on one particular place.

   3. Figure out which places have which visas you may qualify for.

      1. Passive Income Visas: Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Panama, Costa Rica, Thailand, Mexico, Malaysia, Belize, Bali, Uruguay (and more) all have passive income visas where you need to show you earn a certain amount of money a month to qualify.

      2. Retirement Visas: the same countries as above + France, Philippines, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Colombia (and more).

      3. Getting your passport in another country through ancestry.

      4. Golden Visas: Buying property in another country such as Greece or Turkey to name a few.

      5. Family Reunification visas: if your spouse has another passport, EU for example.

      6. Digital Nomad Visas: These are not long-long term but they can help you move forward now, check out a few different places and decide where you may want to remain.

      7. Border Runs: this allows you to stay in a country long term by leaving and coming back. There are many places where this is feasible and you can even rent an apartment (in say Mexico for example), leave every 6 months and return.

      8. There are places like Cambodia and Thailand that allow you to easily renew your visa each year without leaving the country.

2. Research the healthcare options in each country (or city) you’re considering. This may not always be 100% accurate unless you talk to people who are living there. For example, I knew healthcare was rumored to be good in Portugal but until I moved and experienced a major trauma (broken bones), I didn’t know for sure. Read more about how great it is here. I recently spoke to a woman, Reenie, living in Panama who reports the healthcare there is fantastic too. But do your own research by scouring Facebook groups (search: digital nomads or expats + the place you want to live), Reddit or Substack!

3. Research the social climate for marginalized groups. If you’re Black, Brown, LGBTQ+, or part of any other underrepresented community, it’s important to research how people like you are treated in the country you’re considering. Laws, cultural attitudes, and social acceptance can vary widely from one place to another. Look into the experiences of expats or travelers who share your identity, join relevant forums or social media groups, and check resources that track issues like racial equity or LGBTQ+ rights. This will help you find a place where you can feel safe, supported, and able to thrive. Specific resources listed below.

4. Apply for your visa if you’re going somewhere you need the visa for, prior to moving (Portugal for example).

5. Pack up your stuff! I know this seems like the hardest part for most people, it certainly was for me too. But once I got into it, it became super fun! Check out my minimizing articles here. I have several articles and a Google doc with helpful links!

6. Tell your friends and family (or not). This was challenging for me because some (not all) of the people in my family were unsupportive but I did it anyway!

7. Buy your plane ticket and go, go, go!!!

I know I’ve made it sound way easier than it is, but there really are just a series of steps you will need to take.

Conclusion

Moving abroad might feel like an impossible dream, but it’s absolutely achievable with the right mindset, research, and preparation. While the process may seem overwhelming at first, breaking it down into manageable steps can make it feel much more approachable. Remember, this journey doesn’t have to be perfect, and it’s okay to feel nervous or unsure along the way. The most important thing is to take that first step toward creating the life you want.

For those who are Black, Brown, LGBTQ+, or part of other marginalized communities, it’s especially important to research the social climate of the country you’re considering. Laws and cultural attitudes can vary significantly, so take the time to understand how people like you are treated. While there isn’t currently a centralized resource like Equaldex (LGBTQ+) for BIPOC individuals, sites like The Black Expat, Travel Noire, and expat forums can help you gather insights. Joining online communities and reading personal stories can also provide a clearer picture of what to expect. Your safety, acceptance, and comfort are just as, if not more important as visas and logistics. But I will say that when I talk to people abroad who are part of marginalized groups, everyone has reported feeling safer outside of the US.

Whether you’re driven by a desire for adventure, a better quality of life, or simply a fresh start, there are countless opportunities waiting for you outside the United States. With planning, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace change, you can make your dream a reality. If you need guidance, I’m here to help—through my articles, podcast, coaching, or class.

Take a deep breath, start small, and trust that you’re capable of more than you realize. The world is bigger—and more accessible—than you might think. So, what are you waiting for? Begin your adventure today!

Resources Mentioned in the Article

• Equaldex (safe travel for LGBTQ+)

• TravelNoir

• The Black Expat

• Nomadness Travel Tribe

Check out my Website for More Resources and Info

I keep my articles and podcast free so I can help people like you move abroad on a budget! If you find my content valuable, you can always become a paid subscriber, which is a donation or buy me a coffee! Regardless, I truly appreciate your time and thank you so much for being here!

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I’m open for consultations/coaching. Schedule a video call with me to see if I can help with your move abroad!

• Consulting Information: what I can help you with.

• Work with me! I offer á la carte consults and crazy affordable packages!

• My Class: Walks you through ways to move abroad on a budget!

—If you’re interested in learning another language before you embark (or after) on your new adventure, I highly recommend the platform Preply! It’s what I use to learn Portuguese and it’s also the platform I teach on. Please use my referral code for $17 off your first lesson!

—I use Wise to transfer money internationally between bank accounts and they also offer a free ATM card that can be used worldwide without fees. Please use my referral code for a free transfer of up to $600.

—I’ve started using Kindred Home Exchange in order to secure affordable accommodations! If you’re interested and want to sign up, you will get five nights with my referral code!

—I use Safety Wing for my travel medical insurance abroad. You can check them out here.

—For travel hacking I use my Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card. I earn enough points by using the card regularly (with no foreign transaction fees) to get a “free” RT ticket from Europe to the US at least once a year.

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How to Move Abroad Articles are here.

• Part 1—Want to move abroad? Start here!

• Part 2—Conquer your fears about moving abroad!

• Part 3—12 Minimizing Mistakes Part 1

• Part 4—12 Minimizing Mistakes Part 2

• Part 5—A Personal Case study (re: Minimizing)

• Part 6—Your Move Abroad: The Ultimate Checklist

• My Class: teaching you how to live abroad on a budget for under $1,000 a month or under $2,000 a month is here!

Thank you so much for reading! If you don’t want to become a paid subscriber (my articles are free) but enjoyed this article, please consider a one time donation below.

If you’re on a budget (as am I) please like by clicking on the heart below and share this article with a friend. 

Your support (in all ways) is greatly appreciated! 

—Expat on a Budget AKA Living Abroad on a Budget and My Unknown Adventure by Kimberly Anne

*** This article contains a few affiliate links. Using my affiliate links is not required and does not cost you anything extra but I greatly appreciate it, if you do. It’s a (free to you) way to help support my writing.