Why I Left the USA And Why I’ll Probably Never Move Back
I’m a proud American.
I was raised in the U.S., believed in the opportunity, and still believe it’s one of the best places in the world to make money.
But after traveling to 27 countries and living abroad for the last 6+ years, I’ve reached a decision I never expected:
I’ll probably never move back to America.
And if you’re even thinking about leaving the U.S., this article is for you.
My Journey: From Curious Traveler to Full-Time Expat
Table of Contents
Like many people, I started traveling just to see the world. But the more I saw, the more I realized I’d been sold a limited version of freedom.
America is great for business. It’s fast. It’s convenient. But the version of freedom we were raised to believe in often comes with burnout, debt, and stress.
As I spent time living in:
- Eastern Europe
- Western Europe
- South America
- Central America
- The Middle East
I noticed something surprising. Many of these countries had better infrastructure, more peace of mind, and a higher quality of life for the lifestyle I personally wanted.
The Freedom Hack: Make U.S. Dollars, Live Abroad
Once I realized I could build an online business, earn in U.S. dollars, and live anywhere, everything changed.
Why settle for high costs, constant grind, and red tape when you could live somewhere safer, calmer, and more affordable?
If you’re serious about moving abroad, here’s what you need to know.
1. Define Your Ideal Lifestyle
Before you chase a passport stamp or buy a plane ticket, ask yourself:
What kind of life do I want to live?
Do you prefer cities or small towns?
Hot weather or four seasons?
Community or solitude?
Fast-paced or slow living?
If the U.S. gives you that already, great. But if not, it’s time to start designing your escape plan.
2. Understand Visa and Residency Options
Every country has different rules. Some are flexible. Others are bureaucratic nightmares.
I currently have a visa that renews automatically every time I leave and re-enter. That’s rare.
In Paraguay, I got legal residency by bringing $10,000 in cash and a few government documents. The process was smooth and efficient.
Pro tip: Hire a local lawyer. It will save you time, money, and stress. They know which office to go to, who to talk to, and how to avoid delays.
3. Consider Citizenship Possibilities
Some countries, like the UAE, make citizenship nearly impossible unless you’re a billionaire or have world-changing talent.
Others, like many in South America and Europe, allow you to apply for citizenship after four or five years of legal residency.
If long-term stability matters to you, make sure the residency you’re applying for leads somewhere.
4. Banking Matters More Than You Think
Having a local bank account isn’t just about convenience. It affects:
- Proof of address
- Setting up utilities
- Business registration
- Local investments
Make sure the country you’re targeting is friendly to foreign banking. Some are. Some aren’t.
5. Can You Actually Own Property?
In some countries, you don’t own the land. You lease it for 99 years.
That’s not real ownership.
If you’re going to invest in property abroad, make sure you have full rights.
Ask: Can I own the land? Can I pass it down? Can I build on it without government interference?
Where you plant your flag matters.
6. Don’t Just Save Money. Reinvest It.
Yes, living abroad is cheaper. In most cities, you can live in a clean two-bedroom apartment for the same cost as a studio in Los Angeles or New York.
But saving money shouldn’t be the goal. Freedom should be.
The point is to lower your overhead so you can reinvest in:
- Cash-flow assets
- Your skill set
- Emergency reserves
- Peace of mind
Use your margin to multiply your opportunities.
It’s Not About Hating America
I want to be clear.
I love America. I’m proud to be American. But for the kind of life I want to live freedom, mobility, calm, and ownership, I’ve found other countries offer more.
And when I get bored, I don’t have to wait. I can take a short flight to Dubai or Italy and get a change of scenery in hours. Try doing that from Kansas or North Carolina.
Watch the Full Video
I break all of this down in a new 6-minute video:
In it, I share the real story of why I left, what I’ve learned, and how you can do it too.
Thinking About Moving Abroad?
If you’re considering making a move or building a location-independent business, drop a comment or reach out.
I’ll be publishing more content on:
- How to get residency
- How to set up banking
- How to earn remotely
- Where to actually live
The freedom you want is real. But no one’s coming to hand it to you. You have to choose it.
Always the best,
Dylan Madden
