Anonymous
map-marker Chicago, Illinois

They Use Unethical Sales Practices: Promise Free Seminar or Book but They LIE

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Intl Living engages in really deceptive sales practices. They publish solely online and send very long emails.

Subject line promises a Free Seminar or book but its just a lie. You have to subscribe again or pay for everything. I attended a 3 day seminar that was expensive. Worst money spent.

They try to sell you crypto and advise dodgy tax schemes. Actual details on taxes abroad were sketchy.

Never could get answers to specific questions. They for sure have watched "Glengarry Glen Ross."

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User's recommendation: Do not give them any money. Read the emails first.

Anonymous
map-marker Seattle, Washington

Until you peel back the actual facts

to begin with Tulum was a great buy in 1995 not now, still advertising as a "great buy", not so.

Seems like they are peddling oversold markets.

Bye Bye !not worth the $$ when you can buy easily info on line.

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User's recommendation: it's ok to move on!

Joel G Nss

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

Terrible ustromer service

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Overall the magazine is ok, but very repetetive for the locations they cover, and they have gone to digital , something I didn't know when I signed up , I really wanted a physical copy to read. The customer service is absolutely non existent.

They say you can ask the staff questions about the articles and get answers about other topics, however they NEVER answer you.

They have facebook pages set up as well for the different locations, but they don't answer comments on those pages either, so trying to get a question answered is pointless. So in my opinion it is for casual reading but you can't really rely on what they write as truth , because they don't really cover the nitty gritty about a p[lace.

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Pros:
  • Casual reading
Cons:
  • No replies to questions
  • Extremely repetitive
  • No customer service

Preferred solution: Apology

User's recommendation: Subscribe for casual reading only, and prepare for repetitive articles, don't expect any answers

Chinedu Aij

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Very poor service and deceptive advertising

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Took advantage of special offer, no issue received so cancelled within two weeks of subscribing. Charge appeared on credit card so I tried to find a way to cancel online which did not appear possible after much looking and being told I could.

Finally got a number and called - put on hold before finally connecting with a live person who told me I couldn't effectively cancel before 2023! Schlock outfit!

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Loss:
$20
Pros:
  • Nice idea
Cons:
  • Read my review

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: Do not patronize

Company responded
Anonymous
map-marker Anaheim, California

Only one magazine issue has arrived to Uruguay in two years.

I was told that my subscription would be extended to compensate for the non delivery of back issues. I havent heard back if this is correct.

Thank you. Bárbara González

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1 comment
Helen D
International Living Response

Dear Barbara, As already advised when you contacted our customer services team, the government put a stop to postage due to COVID 19, which happened in quiet a lot of areas, however my colleague did send you the last 3 years to see if this problem still persists and they advised you of this. The Magazine is all available along with bonus materials in your members area once you log in @ www.internationalliving.com .

If you have any further queries we will be happy to assist.

Use the Contact Us form on the website. Customer Services International living

Anonymous
map-marker Miami, Florida

Edited content, fluffed marketing and poor partnerships

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I used to believe the stories published by International Living. I thought they had integrity and truly wanted to help people move to another country.

Unfortunately, I've learned they grossly reformat actual expat experiences to suit their marketing and on top of it they promote vulturous real estate development companies like Ventana Costa Rica (formerly known as Ventana del Pacifico VDP) via their conferences for their own gain. Moving and investing abroad is a huge decision...always visit the place you're thinking about living and learn from the locals on who to trust.

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User's recommendation: Go, live, love, travel and learn. Don't rely on a website this to tell you how to do it.

Anonymous
map-marker Bellingham, Washington

No guidance

The international living gives no direction or guidance for anyone who is interested in living abroad. No one to contact or anyone to contact for information on what a person has to do to make the move. I am cancelling my subscription.

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Cons:
  • Il for not providing monthly magazine as purchased
2 comments
Guest

.no body. Can steel like n.l.ing Off the net Thank You

Helen D

Dear Sir/Madame, The Contact Us page on the www.internationalliving.com website homepage gives all details for self service actions, direct email to customer service and the contact numbers also to call. You can reach out and we will be happy to assist you. Warm regards, Customer Service Manger @ International Living

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Matteo C

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Awful value, nothing contained within has any positive benefit

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Updated by user May 14, 2021

Nothing has changed

Original review updated May 14, 2021
International Living is really a scam and an awful value even if you got it for $39 (1 year), almost half of their regularly advertised price. There is absolutely no value or substance in anything they write.

What's worse they print stories that are untrue (I can personally attest to that since I've been to many of the locations they feature). What's worse, they publish their stories multiple times changing each one just a little bit, but no solid information of any value to a traveler or an expat is ever included.
International Living is really a scam and an awful value even if you got it for $39 (1 year). There is no value or substance in anything they write. What's worse they print stories that are untrue (I can personally attest to that since I've been to many of the locations they feature).

What's worse, they publish their stories multiple times changing each one just a bit, but no solid information of any value to a traveler or an expat is ever included.
I personally am a subscriber with a 1-year subscription for which I doled out $39, all I can say is that I would have gotten more out of gambling that amount away in a casino. Don't bother subscribing to this scam magazine, you'd be throwing your money away.

If I could point out at least one iota of value that was contained in this magazine, I would. Unfortunately, as hard as I tried to find a positive point, alas there was none.
My reason for reviewing International Living is to point out the awful value of this magazine with the hope that some savvy readers might save the cost of a subscription and invest their money in a solid alternative they might actually benefit from.
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Loss:
$39
Cons:
  • Pretty much everything contained in the magazine
  • Constant emails
  • Impossible to cancel

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: Steer clear of buying or subscribing to this valueless magazine

4 comments
Guest

I subscribed some time ago and now it has changed to website issues only. The only benefit I can see to having the IL subscription was when it was in paper it could be placed in a business waiting area for the customers to waste their time reading but thinking of exotic locales to visit or at least dream of visiting.

Helen D

Dear Sir, Thank you for your review and feedback. I will be sure to pass along your points to the appropriate departments.

You know we have a cancellation policy in place where you can cancel and we will refund you the pro rated amount, so for the magazines not received.

You can reach out at any time to customer service and we will be happy to assist you. https://internationalliving.com/about-il/customer-service/ Kind regards, Hellen Daly Customer Service @ International Living

Matteo C
reply icon Replying to comment of Helen D

Thank you Hellen for your comment and YES, I would like a refund albeit even a prorated one which is mortre than I've gotten out of this purchase. I will follow up in this venue on the ultimate resolution and just how long it took. Matteo Caprani

Helen D
reply icon Replying to comment of Matteo C

Yes please, if you can fill out the contact us form, it goes straight to the notes section in your account, so i can access the correct account and it is safer for us to refund you there and respond. Thank you for your reply. Helen Daly Customer Service @ International Living

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Anonymous
map-marker Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Not A Scam

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My husband and I have belonged to International Living since 1984! We have gone on unbelievable trips, love the interesting articles from all around the world, and it is my favorite magazine that comes to my home. No matter when you call, they are happy to help in any way.

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User's recommendation: Absolutely a Treat for your Day Dreaming Destinations.

Anonymous
map-marker Montevideo, Departamento De Montevideo

Request for subscription cancelation.

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Everything worked out fine. Subscription was promptly cancelled with no issues. Attendant was very courteous.

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1 comment
Guest

Website for suzy is very confusing. All I want to do is have you cancel my subscription immediately.

If there are any problems I can be reached at jjfike@***.com. Thank you, Julia Fike

Anonymous
map-marker Charkhi Dadri, Haryana

Don't shoping meesho

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Don't shoping meesho

Not setisfy coustomer

Not pick up the return order

Cancel my return order

Don't shoping meesho

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Ron D Nac

I can't access my purchases

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Every time I try to access my account because I forgot my passcode or the passcode is not working it runs me in circles. I follow instructions go to the email hit the link and it Sent me right back to where I was.

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Cons:
  • Customer service

Preferred solution: Deliver product or service ordered

1 comment
Helen D

Dear Customer, Please email me directly as i cannot see your details to check your log in for you. hdaly@internationalliving.com Kind regards, Customer Service Manager @ IL

Anonymous
map-marker Portland, Oregon

It's just a mechanism to get you to buy more....

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Do NOT subscribe to International Living Magazine. It's just one great big advertisement for other companies.

They tease you with videos, articles, and email postcards without giving you the needed information.

After reading the article or listening to the video, they don't ever tell you the end of the story; you have to subscribe to some other periodical, service, or workshop/seminar to get the "secret" information. Save your money and your frustration and do not subscribe to this periodical which is no more than an infomercial.

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User's recommendation: Do not subscribe

3 comments
Guest

I also found that I am just receiving a constant barrage of "opportunities" to enroll in expensive forums or meetings after being teased with "free seminar" tantalizers. Funr to read some of the travelogs and expat reviews however do not expect any real help or guidance. I have owned property in other countries (Canada ski resort and Costa Rica beach community) and have traveled fairly extensively in Asia, Africa and Europe with limited exposure to Caribbean and Central America

Helen D

Hi, There is lots of free reports and information available for free postcard subscribers, and always the offer to sign up as a paid member. You can go to www.internationalliving.com and there are free reports available for you. Thank you for the feedback Customer Service @ International Living

Guest

I have had frustration with International Living emails as they always turn into a long winded informercial ending with a requirement that I subscribe to obtain true secrets.

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Anonymous
map-marker Kelowna, British Columbia

Pass on my experiences about magazine and website

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Have had a subscription for probably 10 years. Always look forward to the magazine articles.

I realize they push their seminars, etc but have provided a great deal of travel information referring to places I would not be aware of such as Puerto Armeulles Panama, etc. I think the magazine is good value.

BGH

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User's recommendation: Have referred it to many of my friends. They are still friends:)

1 comment
Helen D

Thank you for your feedback. I will pass this on to all at International Living Customer Service Manager @ International Living

Anonymous
map-marker Miami, Florida

International Living gave us a start to Belize

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We did not want to retire in Arizona, Florida or Texas. I am a SCUBA diver.

International Living pointed us to Belize.

We now own a condo. We are quite happy

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1 comment
Helen D

Thank you for your feedback - we really appreciate it. Kind regards, IL Customer Service Manager

Mark J Adq

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Victoria, Victoria

Belize email address isn't working

Hi there,

I'm currently attempting to connect with Lora/Laura who's your agent in Belize after watching one of her videos.

However, despite many attempts I keep receiving this message:

Delivery incomplete

There was a temporary problem while delivering your message to belize@***.com. Gmail will retry for 21 more hours. You'll be notified if the delivery fails permanently.

LEARN MORE

The response was: The recipient server did not accept our requests to connect.

Can you please advise or assist?

Yours faithfully

MV James

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User's recommendation: International Living could supply an email address that's easier to locate on the website.

1 comment
Helen D

Dear Mark, I emailed you about this on 11th January. I hope you have got it fixed now. Kind regards International Living CS

About

Related Companies

The Agora, Agora Financial, Money Map Press, Stansberry Research, Bonner And Partners

Summary

International Living is a monthly magazine that tells about places in the world to live, retire, travel and invest. It was founded by Bill Bonner in 1979. International Living is published by International Living Publishing Ltd. based in Waterford, Ireland. International Living offers daily insights from all over the world about real estate, travelling, investing, retiring and more in free e-letters and International Living Postcards. The magazine also provides information about conferences and events, real estate services, and local contacts. A number of reports and guides are available to consumers in the International Living online bookstore. All subscribers can ask for the International Living’s Ironclad Guarantee.

International Living reviews and complaints

International Living is ranked 257 out of 4284 in Periodicals & Publishing category

Area Served

Australia, USA

Payment Methods

VISA

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