A Taste of France

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Dear Reader, La vie franaise. Imagine relaxing in the garden of your own French home, a pretty stone cottage set among orchards, vineyards, and flowery meadows. The sun is shining, theres not a cloud in the sky. The only sound is the drone of honeybees and the blissful strains of one of Saties Gymnopdies playing in the background. Youve just returned from the market, and now youre savoring the thought of lunch. Its such a perfect day, you decide to dine picnicstyle, spread out over an old oak table under a shady canopy of trees.

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Freshly baked baguettes, a ripe Camembert cheese, a tangy ratatouille of tomatoes, peppers, and eggplantand dont forget to add those deliciously plump black olives straight from the stallholders barrel. Glass of chilled Chablis in hand, you sit happily planning your next days adventures. Decisions, decisionsit would be fun to go to that truffle festival in the little village perch in the next valley. How about a day trip to the seaside to sample the seafood in the restaurant your neighbors recommended? Or maybe nows the time to go to Paris for a couple of days to check out the new seasons fashions. Then again, you might do nothing more strenuous than get out your newly acquired easel and brushes and meander down-stream to where the ducks are nesting beside the old mill. The light is incredibly clear, and youve always wanted to try your hand at watercolor painting France has all the ingredients we look for at International Living: good food, good wine, haute couture, a good climate, unspoiled countryside, glittering culture, excellent health care, colorfultraditions and history, and, as a bonus, the glamour and sophistication of Paris arguably the worldsmost bewitching capital. And France is more affordable than you thinkif you know where to look. The trickiest thing will be deciding which bit of France holds the most allure for you. It could be the wild, rocky shores of Celtic Brittany, steeped in heritage and traditionor sun-drenched Provence, with its rolling hills and lavender fields, broken by the turquoise sea of the Cte dAzuror the castles and sleepy villages of medieval holdings in the Dordogne If good health care, a relaxed lifestyle, and all the modern comforts you enjoy at home are among your top priorities, then France should be on your radar. Best Regards,

Jackie Flynn Publisher, International Living

Table of Contents
France Fast Facts Communications The Economy in France Where to Buy Real Estate in France

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Buying Real Estate Renting in France France Healthcare Visa Requirements Embassies Retiree Benefits in France Cost of Living in France Financial Matters Moving to France Expat Contacts Travel Info: How to Get to France Making Money in France

History: Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a hybrid presidential-parliamentary governing system resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier more purely

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parliamentary administrations. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January 1999. Location: Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain. France also has a number of overseas regions: French Guiana: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname. Guadeloupe: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Puerto Rico. Martinique: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago. Mayotte: Southern Indian Ocean, island in the Mozambique Channel, about half way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique. Reunion: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. Area: 212,935 square miles (551,500 square kilometers). Slightly less than the size of Texas. Population: 65,312,249 (July 2011 est.) Capital: Paris Geography: France is largest West European nation.
Map Sat Ter Earth

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View France in a larger map

Climate: Generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as mistral. Government: Republic Head of State: President Nicolas Sarkozy (since 16 May 2007) Head of Government: Prime Minister Francois Fillon (since 17 May 2007) Language: French (official) 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects and languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish). Religion: Roman Catholic 83%-88%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim 5%-10%, unaffiliated 4%. Time Zone: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October Electricity: EDF (Electricit de France) and GDF (Gaz de France) are state-owned bodies that operate under a single entity called EGF. The system in France is 220-volt electricity/50-Hz current. Two-pin plugs are the most common, but some fittings take three-pin plugs. You will receive an electric bill every two months.

Telephone system: Highly developed telephone system. Extensive cable and microwave radio relay; extensive use of fiber-optic cable; domestic satellite system. International country code: +33 Cell phones users: 59.543 million (2009) Internet users: 44.625 million (2009) Internet country code: .fr

France is in the midst of transition from a well-to-do modern economy that has featured extensive government ownership and intervention to one that relies more on market mechanisms. The government has partially or fully privatized many large companies, banks, and insurers, and has ceded stakes in such leading firms as Air France, France Telecom, Renault, and Thales. It maintains a strong presence in some sectors, particularly power, public transport, and defense industries. With at least 75 million foreign tourists per year, France is the most visited country in the world and maintains the third largest income in the world from tourism. Frances leaders remain committed to a capitalism in which they maintain social equity by means of laws, tax policies, and social spending that reduce income disparity and the impact of free markets on
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public health and welfare. France has weathered the global economic crisis better than most other big EU economies because of the relative resilience of domestic consumer spending, a large public sector, and less exposure to the downturn in global demand than in some other countries. Nonetheless, Frances real GDP contracted 2.5% in 2009, but recovered somewhat in 2010, while the unemployment rate increased from 7.4% in 2008 to 9.5% in 2010. The government pursuit of aggressive stimulus and investment measures in response to the economic crisis, however, are contributing to a deterioration of France's public finances. The government budget deficit rose sharply from 3.4% of GDP in 2008 to 7.8% of GDP in 2010, while Frances public debt rose from 68% of GDP to 84% over the same period. Paris is terminating stimulus measures, eliminating tax credits, and freezing most government spending to bring the budget deficit under the 3% euro-zone ceiling by 2013, and to highlight Frances commitment to fiscal discipline at a time of intense financial market scrutiny of euro zone debt levels. President Sarkozywho secured passage of pension reform in 2010is expected to seek passage of some tax reforms in 2011, but he may delay additional, more costly, reforms until after the 2012 election. Labor force: 28.21 million (2010 est.) Labor force by occupation: Agriculture: 3.8% Industry: 24.3% Services: 71.8% (2005) Exports:$508.7 billion (2010 est.) Export commodities: Machinery and transportation equipment, aircraft, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceutical products, iron and steel, and beverages. Imports: $577.7 billion (2010 est.) Import commodities: Machinery and equipment, vehicles, crude oil, aircraft, plastics, and chemicals.

Paris What must it be like to be a real Parisian, living among 15 centuries of history, beauty, and romance in arguably the worlds most bewitching capital? Paris is one of the worlds great cities and many expatriates have found a home away from home here. No other city in the world exerts the same charm or sophistication as Paris. Every year more than 80 million tourists come to tread the well-worn cobbles by the Louvre, browse the booksellers wares on the banks of the Seine, or get dazzled by the EiffelTower at night. As well as being known for all things sophisticated, Paris is also notorious for being an expensive place to buy property. But whether you are looking for a second home or an investment opportunity, Paris offers a whole host of property options. Areas like the 10tharrondissement with its covered St.Quentin marketor the artisan quarter of the 12tharrondissementor the18th arrondissement, an area that many see as being the epitome of Paris, all have properties you can buy at very affordable pricesand just because you
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dont live right in the center of the city, doesnt mean that you are missing out. Each arrondissement has its own unique character and with a good transport system, the rest of Paris is very accessible. Property samples in Paris: Whether youre looking to buy or rent, Parisian properties can be affordableprobably a lot more affordable than you imagine. Admittedly it will be small, but you can still buy a place in artsy Montmartre for under $250,000. A 130-square-foot studio in the 12tharrondissemen, near a Mtro station. Although this needs a little work, it is in an up-and-coming area. Price: $152,900. A 200-square-foot studio with lots of charm, sun and unobstructed views near the Abbesses Mtro is on the market. Price: $249,000. Located in the desirable Butte aux Cailles district of the 13tharrondissement, is a sunny one-bedroom apartment of 250 square feet with new parquet. Price: $298,850. Corsica Dramatic, unspoiled, sensual. This is Corsica, Frances ledeBeaut (Isle of Beauty). Anchored 100 miles south off the Cte dAzur, its a mystery island to most North Americans. History buffs may pinpoint it as Napoleons birthplace, but thats about it.French and Italian vacationers have long enjoyed its silver beaches and azure-blue seas. But to the rest of the world, Corsica is so far under the radar that even a travel writer can forget its the western Mediterraneans third-largest island. Corsicas 800-mile coastline is punctuated with small resorts, fishing ports and medieval citadel towns that could have been stolen from Italy. There are orchards, chestnut woods and olive grovesthe balconies of bougainvillea-draped hill villages look out over the sea. Aside from the university town of Corte, most settlements of any size are within 15 miles of the coast. With Italy the nearest landfall, the climate is similar to the Italian Rivieramild winters and hot summers. Corsicas capitalof Ajaccio hasa small Genoese quarter was where Napoleon Bonaparte was born in 1769. Fittingly for an imperial birthplace, the city planners gave Ajaccio an extension of broad avenues, palm-lined squares, parks and a seafront promenade.Cours Napoleon is the main avenue, a mile-long stretch between the center and a large harbor that serves both yachts and ferries from the mainland.Within walking distance of downtown, St Francois Plage is Ajaccios beach area. The views are stunning: sailboats bobbing across the Gulf of Ajaccio; the Old Town framed by distant mountains. Property samples in Corsica: In the east coast town of MorianiPlage, a one-bedroom apartment with a small terrace and sea view. Price: $159,519. Less than half-a-mile inland, two-bedroom houses with a garden in Ste Lucie de Moriani start at $217,289. In the Ajaccios Old Town and along the Route des Sanguinaires (where Ajaccios best beaches lie), studios of around 375 square feet cost from $159,273 to $183,128.

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Purchasing Procedure More than 11,000 French agents belong to FNAIM (FdrationNationale de lImmobilier). The organizations website (www.fnaim.org) has a comprehensive listing of agents and a database detailing the properties and member agents available in any given area. House buying in France is not a difficult process, once you are aware of some of the countrys real estate quirks and in most cases, the procedure is completed within two to three months. The agent will draw up an initial contract of sale, or a compromis de vente. Remember, unless you are completely au fait with the process, we recommend that you get your own lawyer and/or an independent notary to look it over before you sign it. Although the compromis de venteis the most commonly used contract, there are other types of preliminary contracts also. It is vital you remember that there is no standard form so you must be sure about what youre signingand especially sure that it contains any necessary conditions suspensives. These are conditions that, if not met, render a contract null and void and entitle the prospective purchaser to recover his/her deposit. For example, the preliminary contract could be conditional upon the prospective buyer being able to arrange a loan to purchase the property. The promesse de venteand promessedachatare two other options, both of which constitute a commitment to sell or buy. In the case of both these contracts the other party is not legally bound. On the other hand, the compromis de venteis a binding agreement that fixes the price and obligates both the vendor and buyer to come to an eventual completion. However, with a promesse de venteor a promessedachat, a buyer who decides to back out wont lose his/her deposit, although they could be subject to a claim for damages. The same applies to the vendor. If he/she pulls out of the sale, he/she can be liable for compensation up to an amount equivalent to the buyers deposit. Buying Restrictions There are no restrictions for foreigners buying property in France.

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A location is a long-term rental, locations saisonniresare holiday rentals, and the word louermeans to rent. Vacation rentals are always furnished. Unless youre looking to rent in Paris, one of the larger provincial towns or cities, or along the Riviera, you might run into a furniture problem with a long-term rental. Generally speaking, long-term rentals in rural France are unfurnished. Although its possible to rent furnished homes in the countryside, the choice is limited. Most furnished rentals are let by the week or month as vacation homes. However, you can sometimes rent holiday homes for longer periods at discount rates during the winter. For longer stays, the best thing to do is to get in touch with an immobilier(sales and rental agency). The FNAIM website carries rentals as well as sales (see www.fnaim.fr). Although most are unfurnished, you can find furnished properties. Each property description lists the relevant realtor with an office address and phone number. Once youve chosen a home, the agent arranges all the rental details with the owner.

Despite their meat-and-cream-rich diet augmented by alcohol and cigarettes, the French have been living much longer in recent years. Life expectancy now averages 84 years for women and 77 for men. In the past 10 years the number of people living over the age of 100 has doubled, with 15,459people reaching the three-digit mark. The low cost of health insurance and the superb quality of care meant that France romped to victory in the health category of International Livings Quality of Life Index 2011. And the World Health Organization shares our view, naming France number one in their world health report. They say France provides the best overall health care system in the world. And for those who are paying into the French Social Security System, its a lot cheaper than taking out private health care plans (which North American retirees will have to do). Private medical insurance is mandatory for non-E.U. citizens wishing to take up residence in France. Once you move to France, you may be able to transfer your health care plan to a French provider, or even to one of the many British companies that specialize in providing coverage for individual expatriates. This may prove cheaper: Costs depend on age and medical history, but if youre in good health, monthly premiums average $125. Private medical insurance generally covers hospital treatment, but under some plans you must fund the cost of doctors visits yourself. Others will reimburse around 75% of doctors fees. As with household insurance, the consular section of the U.S. Embassy can provide you with a list of English-speaking insurance agencies offering health coverage. You could also join the Association of Americans Resident Overseas (website: www.aaro.org) and buy into their group plan.

For visits of less than 90 days, North American citizens need a passport but not an entry visa. Staying longer, though, means applying for a visa de sjourtemporaire (a residency visa) from your nearest French Consulate in the U.S. or Canada. This isnt something you can
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apply for while youre vacationing in France. The authorities do not allow you to change your status from tourist to resident without jumping through the right hoops. Generally, it isnt difficult for North American retirees to gain long-term residency in France, but you should check out your particular situation before making plans.Plenty of documentation will be needed. The website www.consulfrancewashington.org/spip.php?rubrique gives detailed information about visas.

U.S. Embassy in France, 2 avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris; tel. +33 (1) 4312-2222; website: http://france.usembassy.gov. French Embassy in the U.S.,4101 Reservoir Road N.W., Washington, DC 20007; tel. (202)944-6195; fax (202)944-6166; e-mail: info@ambafrance-us.org; website: http://ambafrance-us.org. Canadian Embassy in France, 35 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France; tel. +33 (1) 4443-2900; fax +33 (1) 4443-2999; website: www.canadainternational.gc.ca/france. French Consulate in Canada, 2 Bloor Street West, Suite #2200, Toronto ON, M4W 1A8; tel. (416) 847-1900; fax (416) 847-1901; website: www.consulfrancetoronto.org.

France doesnt have a retiree program. But it does have benefits that we think more than make up forthatan amazing health care system, stunning scenery, affordable real estate, some of the finest cuisine in the worldthe list is endless.

How much you spend on living costs each month will depend on your own lifestyle and

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where you plan to take up residence. Opting for the highlife in Paris is likely to make larger holes in any budget than modest tranquility in a quiet corner of France, such as the Charentes or the Auvergne. Heres a sample of some monthly costs for running an apartment for two people: Euro Gas for heating and a stove Electricity Monthly telephone rental fee Unleaded gas super 97 per liter Diesel Broadband Internet fee Cable TV Ticket for the movies Lunch for two with wine 55 45 20 1.36 1.17 30 25 12 30 U.S. Dollar $72 $59 $26 + cost of calls $1.76 $1.52 $39 $33 $16 $39

Note: The exchange rate used here is $1.30 = 1 euro.

Anything to do with tax in France used to be horrendously tricky and, of course, depends on your personal circumstances. Increasingly, its possible to file your tax returns and pay most taxes online via the Ministry of Finances tax website: www.impots.gouv.fr. If you spend more than 183 days a year in France, it is, in most cases, safe to assume that you are resident for French tax purposes. But if you spend less than 183 days you may still be considered resident if you have your permanent home in France, conduct your main professional activity in France, or your center of economic interest is in France. In such cases, you may be liable to pay French income tax. Very simply, everyone who is not resident is non-resident. Income tax: Income tax is known as the IRPP (Imptsur le Revenu des Personnes Physiques).A non-resident may be liable to French income tax on all income from a French sourcein particular rental income from a French property and income paid by a French employer. French taxes arent low, particularly if youre single and a high earner. The income of French residents is subject to progressive bands of taxation, ranging from nil to a punitive rate of 53.25% for taxable income in excess of $45,000. Taxation is calculated on the total income of the fiscal household, which includes income from a spouse, children younger than 18, and, in some cases, adult children, too. Almost half of French households do not pay any tax at all. Rental income and property tax: Whether you reside in France or not, you will be liable for tax on any rental income earned from your French property. This is levied at regular income tax rates, but not less than 25% for non-residents. There is also an annual real estate tax, as well as an annual occupancy tax. Usually paid in arrears, the amount depends on the type of residence and location.The rates basically relate

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to the house or apartments size and location. In rural Provence, a village house thats currently on the market is being levied $412 per annum for taxes, water, and waste disposal.

Currency and exchange: France uses the euro. Opening a bank account: If you have a French residential address and a residency permit, youll be able to open both checking and savings bank accounts in France. You do not need to be permanently resident in the country. Depending on your situation, it may be more tax beneficial for you to have a non-resident rather than a resident account. Speak with an attorney and an international tax accountant. To open a bank account, you have to produce the following documents: Valid passport Carte de sjour(residents permit) Proof of address such as a telephone or electricity bill, rent receipt, etc. ATMs: ATMs are widespread. Rather than a magnetic strip, French debit cards contain a chip, containing the ID information. Foreign credit cards with magnetic strips are equally valid, but are not always easily read by machines in shops, restaurants, gas stations, etc.

Moving your household goods: If you are relocating to France on a permanent basis and you have been living outside the European Union for the last 12 months, you may import a number of items free of duty and tax. Personal items include clothes, jewelry, hunting and fishing equipment, and similar effects. Household goods include furniture, carpets, dishes, linen, books, pictures, and other household furnishings. Moving with your pets: France has no quarantine and you are allowed to bring certain types of petslizards and rats includedinto the country, providing you follow correct procedures. Travelers may bring their dogs and cats from the U.S. into France under the following conditions: Each family is limited to three animals, only one of which can be a puppy or akitten (under six months of age). Dogs and cats have a rabies vaccination certificate signed by a legally practicingveterinarian in the U.S. This certificate must be presented at the port of entry inFrance and must accurately identify the pets. Someone must be in charge of the pet(s) for the duration of the trip and also at theairport (owner, representative of the airline, etc.). Firearms: France has stringent regulations on firearms and ammunition. As a rule, firearms which have no legitimate sporting or recreational use are not permitted entry into France. For more information, see the French Embassy website: http://ambafrance-us.org

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/spip.php?article777.

When you move, or if youre just thinking of moving, somewhere new, its a good idea to talk to people who have already done what youre about to. Get in touch with expats in France, theyll be able to help you with any questions or concerns you might have and youll be able to compare notes on moving here. Here are some resources you might find helpful: International Living Facebook Europe page: www.facebook.com/InternationalLivingEurope. This is a great place to meet other like-minded, France-bound expats and get advice. The Association of Americans Resident Overseas (AARO), 34 avenue de New York, 75116 Paris; tel. +33 (1) 4720-2415; fax +33 (1) 4720-2416; website: www.aaro.org. American Library in Paris, 10 rue du GnralCamou, 75012 Paris; tel.+33 (1) 5359-1260; fax +33 (1) 4550-2583; e-mail: alparis@americanlibraryinparis.org; website: www.americanlibraryinparis.org. This library contains over 100,000 English language books. The library also has a modern research center with CD-ROM indexes and a periodicals collection, a special CAPES/ Agregation section, a Childrens Services Department with a weekly story hour on Wednesdays, and a monthly evening With an Author. This lecture series is free and open to the public. Association of American Wives of Europeans (AAWE), 34 avenue de New York; 75116 Paris; tel. +33 (1) 4070-1180; e-mail: aawe@wannadoo.fr; website: www.aaweparis.org. This organization is for American women married to Europeans and living in Europe but who wish to maintain American links.

As a major European hub and as one of the most visited cities in the world, Paris is served by many domestic and international airline carriers. Budget carriers, particularly coming from other European destinations, have increasingly more frequent service into Paris, making for competitive fares from many major airlines. Most of the worlds major carriers serve Paris. American airlines that fly into Paris: American Airlines (website: www.aa.com) United Airlines (website: www.united.com) Delta Airlines [partner of Air France] (website: www.delta.com) Continental (website: www.continental.com) US Airways (website: www.usairways.com) International airlines that fly into Paris: Air Canada (website: www.aircanada.com) Air France (website: www.airfrance.com) British Airways (website: www.ba.com)

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Lufthansa (website: www.lufthansa.com) KLM (website: www.KLM.com)

Getting a work visa Without very specialized skills that a French employer is crying out for, North Americans will find it very difficult to find legal salaried employment in France. Unless youve been a legal resident in France for at least the past three years, and have thus acquired a carte de rsident, youll find a well-paid job with legal status hard to come by. A prospective employer must obtain authorization from the Ministry of Labor. It is unlikely this will be given if there are French citizens who could do the same job. The unemployment rate in France right now is just under 9.1%. Furthermore, citizens of the other E.U. member states have priority over you in the European job market. Setting up your own business If you want to establish a company in France youll need to be in possession of a carte de commercanttranger (a foreign traders card for the self-employed), regardless of whether you intend to live in France or not. The card is issued by the local authorities via the prfecture once a visa de long sjour (visa for a period longer than three months) has been issued by the French Consulate in the persons country of residence. Once the application is completed, the file is sent to the French Trade Commission for the signature of the French Trade Commissioner, then to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and finally, the regional authorities or prfecturebefore it is returned to the consulate. Making money overseas If youre interested in finding a way to fund your life overseas, there are a whole host of jobs that you can do from anywhere in the world. These are jobs that you can do from the front porch of your beach housejobs that allow you to work in the morning, leaving the afternoon free for relaxing, reading, snorkeling, sailing These days, the world is more interconnected than ever and the possibilities for a portable paycheck are almost never-ending. You dont need an MBA or thousands upon thousands of start-up cash to create a business for yourself that can easily fund your life overseas. Here are just some of the ways you can do that. Travel writing: Of all the kinds of writing you can dofiction, academic, marketing, technical, etc.travel writing is the most funand the most rewarding. Perhaps you already took a long vacation this year. You might find it hard to explain to that voice in your headthe one that monitors your bank accountthat youre going to take another. But if you can make enough money selling a story about your trip to cover its costor at least defray, say, the cost of the airfarewell, then, that is not such a bad arrangement. Take Sandra Kennedy. She retired from teaching and wasnt sure how shed keep myself busy. But now here she gets paid to travel, take pictures along the way, and write about what
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she recommends other people do and see. She finds it hard to believe its even a real job! Sandra has stayed at lavish haciendas, eaten the freshest foods in Ecuador, gotten to know the smiling, helpful locals. Shes been to a Shaman healing ceremony, rode horses in the Andes and learned to weave. And then she sat sipping fresh mango juice, relaxing by the pool. Sandra takes notes and photos along the way and spends a few evenings writing up her impressions while theyre fresh in her mind. Once shes back home, she puts them into proper sentences and then finds an editor who will pay her for them. Five-years on, and Sandras portfolio is filled with travel articles and photographs from Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Portugal, Uruguay, Argentina, Alaska, Maine, Oregon and Washington. And many of those articles came out of trips she enjoyed for next-to-nothing or even free. An online business: Did you know that theres a great way to make money from the comfort of your own home anywhere in the world, doing exactly what youre doing now? When Larry and Beatriz visited Medellin, Colombia they fell in love and knew they had to live there.Luckily for them, they were easily able to use their existing skills to create a business opportunity that translated from Coral Springs to Colombia. At first, it was every two months. Then once a month. But that wasnt often enough for Larry Snyder. So in 2008 he packed his bags, and he and his German shepherd, Hans, took a one-way flight to Medellin, Colombia. I started traveling to Colombia with my girlfriend Beatrizwhos now my wife. She was making frequent trips for her clothing business in Florida. My work as a nurse in the Coral Springs E.R. meant I could schedule six days back-to-back and then take eight days off, Larry says. Beatriz started her own clothes manufacturing company in Colombia and Larry had an online business offering continuing education to nursessomething he could run from anywhere. So he went back to America and cleaned out the house.As a registered nurse, Larry knows about health care and hospitals so he turned his existing skills into an online business he can run from anywhere. And he couldnt be happier. Photography: Walk into your back yard, kneel down, and snap a photo of a flower in your gardenor capture a shot of your grandchildren playing with a football. Did you know that these photos could earn you $25$50even $150 or more for each one? Imagine if, every time you went on vacation, with your camera in tow, you could make up to $800 for those pictures you snap.There is no great secret to breaking into photographyeven if you have no experience and only use a simple point-and-shoot camera, it can still be a way to fund a new, more relaxed, and fun lifestyle. Photos are used everywherenewspapers, magazines, billboards, websites, technical manuals, and almost any published material. Someone has to take those pictures. Why shouldnt that someone be you? Take David Morgan. He wasnt any hot-shot photographer when, with a Vivitar camera in hand, he traveled across Asia for six months. He dined with the Privy Counsel to the King of Thailandmet the late Mother Teresaand shook hands with the Dalai Lama. He took a week-long, four-wheel-drive journey across Tibet. He went trout fishing in a pristine
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mountain stream in Bumburet, a hidden valley in the Hindu Kush. He also got to see secret religious ceremonies rarely witnessed by outsiders. The icing on the cake was that he found a textbook publisher who needed the photos from his trip. Not only did his connections save him money, but he actually made money over $6,000! Whats more, a few years later, the publisher offered to pay him again when the book went to a second edition. Photography really can open up the world to you. As a working photographer, you can pickup-and-go any time you chooseget on a flight to any number of far-flung destinationsand enjoy the freedom of the photographers life. A money-making website: A few years ago I decided to try my hand at creating a website that would make me some extra money.My idea was simply to create an informational site that would make money through people clicking on ads and other money-making links. When it comes to retirement income, I want the money coming in, regardless of where I live. Having a money-making website gives me that flexibility.I can do this from anywhere in the world. All I need is a laptop and an internet connection.If I choose to retire abroad permanently, I just have to make sure I have internet access.And if I decide to spend a year or more traveling the world, I can just plug in at hotels or cafes along the way. I didnt want to go into business and have to source and ship products, or deal with customers. I just wanted to write informative pages, and make some money with ads. The site I created was CoffeeDetective.com. As its name suggest, its about coffee. Im not a coffee professional, and have never worked in the coffee business. I just like coffee. I wanted to write about something that interested me, and see if I could make some money along the way.Well, the site has been up for almost five years. It now gets over 3,000 visitors a day. And this month it looks like the site will be making me about $6,000. Copywriting: Why exactly did you buy a whole caseload of nutritional supplement made from the oils of mold-infested Bolivian tree bark? Spend $3,000 to drink foul-tasting mares milk whilst undergoing the Spartan regime of a yoga retreat in Outer Mongolia? Undoubtedly, it was because some devilishly clever person persuaded you to. It was something that you simply had to have...had to experience. The big earners of the writing market are copywriters. Effectively dream sellers, many of them can earn fantastic money. By writing letters for the direct mail market (you and I might call it junk mail or spam), they persuade consumers to buy companies productshealth products, financial products, self-improvement products, and travel products. You name it, and you can bet theres a copywriter involved somewhere along the line. Hospitals use copywriters, charities use copywriters. Whenever a business or organization needs to pro-mote itself (through a press release, leafleting, online, a newsletter, or other forms of media), it also generally hires a copywriter. Paul Hollingshead went from making $6.50 an hour stacking shelves in a grocery store to making $400,000 a year as a copywriter. Paul works a few hours a day. He writes one, maybe two letters a month. Recently, he moved with his family to a little historic town in the Vermont countryside. He has no bosses, no commute. He writes from a little cottage steps from his house, where he is surrounded by peace and quiet. For a break, he says hell walk
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A Taste of France

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over to the old Inn across the street for lunchgrab a coffee at the local market... A top-notch copywriter can easily command $8,000 per letter. Imagine getting $96,000 in fees each year just for writing 12 letters. But thats only the start of things. But, before you get carried away, note that not all copywriters earn quite as much. To get a six-figure income, youll first need to establish a track record. Of course, there are many countries in the world where that kind of money goes a long way. And again, its another wonderful career you can do from anywhere in the world.

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Copyright 2012, International Living Publishing Ltd., Elysium House, Ballytruckle, Waterford, Ireland. All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced by any means without the express written consent of the publisher. The information contained herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Registered in Ireland No. 8285214I.

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