Summary of Interview with Jen Maki on Expat Living
This interview features Mark Murphy from TravelTube.com speaking with Jen Maki of Divine Destinations about her experiences as an American expat. Here are the key points:
Jen's Expat Journey
* Originally from Minnesota, Jen left the US during COVID when she realized she could work remotely.
* Her expat path: Minnesota → Puerto Rico → Panama → Mauritius (current location).
* In Puerto Rico, she benefited from a 4% tax rate (no federal income tax) but was required to stay on the island for 6 months yearly.
* In Panama, she lived in Panama City's Trump Tower and enjoyed modern conveniences while taking advantage of the foreign earned income exclusion (staying out of the US for more than 335 days per year).
* Currently lives in Mauritius, a small island in the Indian Ocean that Mark Twain reportedly described as the model for heaven.
Travel and Logistics
* Mauritius is challenging to reach (25-30 hours from the US).
* Flight options include connections through Paris (Air France), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), or Dubai (Emirates).
* In Panama, a 2-bedroom luxury apartment costs around $2,000/month with very affordable utilities ($35/month internet).
* Her phone plan in Mauritius costs only $6/month compared to $100+ in the US.
Benefits of Being an Expat
* Tax advantages through foreign earned income exclusion.
* Lower cost of living.
* Better quality of life.
* As a travel agent, being in a different time zone allows her to work while clients sleep, making her more productive.
* She can assist clients with travel emergencies regardless of time differences.
Research and Resources
* Researched expat destinations through blogs, podcasts, and books.
* Mentioned resources like Nomad Capitalist (Andrew Henderson) and McHale Thorpe.
* Recommends visiting potential destinations first, renting in neighborhoods you might want to live in.
Travel Recommendations
* Highlights Curaçao and the ABC Islands as emerging Caribbean destinations.
* Recommends European river cruises, especially Christmas market cruises.
* Features African safaris paired with Mauritius beach vacations.
* Works with local suppliers like Guiding the Wild in Africa.
Jen can be reached at mydivinevacation.com or bookacallwithjen.com for those interested in travel planning or expat advice.
