Got a story about your life abroad?

Whether you’ve been soaking up the sun on a tropical island, navigating a bustling city as a new local, or figuring out the quirks of rural life overseas, International Living wants to hear from you.

This long-running magazine and digital platform will actually pay you to share your adventures — up to $350 for a well-written article.

Whether it’s a heartfelt story, a helpful guide, or just a snapshot of your day-to-day life as an expat, there’s room for your voice.

In this guide, you’ll find out what kinds of stories they’re looking for, how much they pay, and how to send your pitch their way.

Let’s get started. 

What is International Living?

International Living is a long-running magazine and digital publication that helps people discover how to live better, for less, in countries around the world.

It was founded in 1979 by Bill Bonner, a visionary entrepreneur who believed that life abroad could offer more freedom, better health, and greater value than many Western lifestyles.

Since then, International Living has grown into a trusted resource for anyone curious about retiring overseas, investing in international real estate, or simply experiencing a different pace of life.

Their content covers everything from where to find the best beach towns and affordable healthcare, to what it’s really like adjusting to a new culture.

They publish both print and digital issues, run a robust website filled with guides and how-tos, and send out a free Daily Postcards newsletter to more than 185,000 readers worldwide.

Whether you’re sipping espresso in a tucked-away Italian village or building a new routine on a beach in Belize, International Living wants to hear your take on what it means to live well abroad — and they’ll pay you for it.

What kind of content do they accept?

International Living accepts stories that paint a real picture of life overseas.

They’re not looking for glossy travel blogs — they want pieces that go deeper, offering readers useful tips and honest insights.

Here’s what they publish:

• Magazine articles: Longer, story-driven features focused on retirement, real estate, investments, and life abroad.
• Daily Postcards: Short, personal glimpses into expat life — think of it like writing to a friend back home.
• Website articles: Helpful how-to guides, listicles, travel tips, and firsthand advice that answer real questions.

Popular topics include:

• Cost of living in your area
• Access to affordable healthcare
• Adjusting to culture shock or local customs
• Moving tips and relocation advice
• Retirement planning overseas
• Hidden gems and lesser-known places

Keep it personal and practical — stories that offer value and a glimpse into everyday life abroad.

If you’ve got a fresh perspective and real-life experience, that’s exactly what they’re after.

What are their writing guidelines?

The key is to be real and helpful.

International Living isn’t looking for polished travel brochures or dreamy lists of tourist attractions — they want grounded, personal stories filled with useful detail.

Here’s what they’re after:

• Voice: Conversational, like you’re talking to a friend. Keep it clear and approachable.
• Structure: Don’t start slow — jump right in with your insight or story.
• Length: Daily Postcards should be at least 600 words. Magazine and website pieces vary, usually up to 1,600+ words.
• Originality: Share specific, practical advice that comes from firsthand experience. If it can be Googled, it’s probably too generic.
• Clarity: Clean writing matters. Edit your draft and read it out loud before you hit send.
• Photos: Not required, but high-quality, original photos can help your pitch stand out.

Before submitting, browse their recent content to get a sense of tone, format, and the kinds of ideas they haven’t covered yet.

Who can write for International Living?

You don’t need to be a professional writer to contribute.

What matters most is your experience and your ability to share it in a compelling, helpful way.

• Magazine & website: Open to contributors worldwide. If you have a unique story or useful advice about life overseas, you can pitch.
• Daily Postcards: Reserved for U.S. or Canadian citizens currently living abroad.

Writers of all backgrounds are welcome, from retirees and digital nomads to part-time expats.

If you’ve been there and done it, they want to hear from you.

How much do they pay?

Rates vary depending on the type of piece, but historical payouts include:

• Magazine articles: $225 for 900 words, $350 for 1,600 words
• Daily Postcards: $100 flat rate (photos included)
• Website articles: $100 for 1,000 words, $150 for 1,500 words, and so on
• Photos: $50 for one-time use if your article includes an accepted photo

All payments are made upon publication.

For magazine pieces, International Living buys all rights.
For other formats, terms are one-time use only.

Note:
You do not get paid just for submitting.
You get paid if your piece is accepted and published.

Why should I write for them?

Because you’ve got something worth sharing — and someone out there is waiting to hear it.

Writing for International Living is a chance to turn your expat experience into something that helps others.

Maybe your story will make someone laugh, feel less alone, or take the first step toward moving abroad themselves.

It’s also a great portfolio piece.
International Living has a long-standing reputation, and being published by them can open doors to more writing gigs in the travel and lifestyle space.

And yes, you get paid — sometimes quite well — for telling a story you already lived through.
It’s a win-win.

More than anything, it’s about joining a global network of people who believe life can be different — and better — outside the usual path.

How do I get started?

Getting started is easy — and pitching doesn’t need to be scary.

Just follow these simple steps:

1. Get familiar: Read their Daily Postcards, scroll through recent website articles, and see what kind of stories they love.

2. Pick your angle: Come up with one clear, specific idea. Make sure it’s personal, useful, and something you’ve actually lived.

3. Pitch it: Send your idea to the right editor:

• Magazine: submissions@internationalliving.com
• Daily Postcards: postcards@internationalliving.com
• Website: digitaleditor@internationalliving.com

4. Be patient: They get a lot of submissions. You might not hear back unless your pitch is accepted — but that’s okay. Keep trying!

Even one good idea could be the start of a writing opportunity that pays off — and inspires others.

Ready to submit your story?
Head over to their website to get started.

WRITE FOR IL ➤

Final thoughts

International Living isn’t just another publication.
It’s a space for real stories, practical insights, and everyday experiences that matter to people dreaming of a life abroad.

Maybe your story is funny.
Maybe it’s inspiring.
Maybe it’s just honest and helpful.

That’s what they want — truthful accounts that readers can connect with, learn from, or be motivated by.

You don’t need to write like a pro or have some epic life transformation.

If you’ve been through something abroad — big or small — that taught you something, it might just help someone else.

So if you’ve got something to share, why not give it a shot?

International Living is open to your voice — and they’re happy to pay for it, too.

Looking for more sites that pay you to write?

Here’s a curated list of sites that pay writers.

You’ll find magazines, websites, and platforms in all kinds of niches, from poetry, fiction, and greeting cards to travel, lifestyle, parenting, and more.

Each site includes everything you need to know — from the type of content they’re looking for, to how much they pay, to how to submit your work — so you can confidently land your next paid writing gig.

SEE THE FULL LIST ➤