The Expat 3 Count, where we bring you 3 stories that you shouldn’t miss.

1. Expat Challenges: 3 Things Surveys Never Tell You About Being an Expat

First Up: Though you might dream of fun and adventure as an expat overseas, there are a few things you might wish someone would have told you before you packed up and left.

Becoming an expat is a challenge. Here are three expat tips to keep in mind when making the move overseas:

• It’s wise to create an income source before you leave your home country.
• Plug in to the local community of expats.
• Finally, get a major credit card.

There are many reasons to make the move to be an expat, and if you make it prepared, it will be a rewarding and thrilling experience.

2. Yes, Expats Are Entitled to Refunds from the IRS

Americans living abroad may not believe this, but filing their U.S. tax return could mean cash in their pockets.

Greenback expat tax services points out that if you earn income anywhere in the world, as a U.S. citizen, you will likely be obligated to pay American taxes as well. The U.S. is one of the only nations in the world that requires its citizens to file taxes on money earned while living in another country.

But this is not a bad option, as many expats could be entitled to a tax refund. As the Internal Revenue Service pointed out in a recent memo to expats, ‘even if you are not required to file a tax return, you may still want to file. You may get a refund if you’ve had too much federal income tax withheld from your pay or qualify for certain tax credits.’ It’s worth checking out.

You too can find work as an expat.

3. The Best Ways to Find Work When You Want to Be an Expat

Finally: More than 6 million Americans call themselves expats, the largest number ever recorded, and more are waiting in the wings to start a new life abroad. Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua are expat hotspots for those seeking a tropical lifestyle while still remaining employed.

It’s not hard to understand why so many Americans are considering becoming expats as the current job market in the U.S. is highly competitive. Meanwhile many countries, such as Panama, are booming. Interestingly enough, many of these jobs are a direct result of American companies expanding their overseas branches.

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  Tame Opens Quito-Lima Route

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  Starting November 2012, Ecuadorian airline Tame will open its new Quito-Lima route. The route adds additional tourism expansion and connectivity for Tame which currently offers

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  Panama 3 Count: Bocas del Toro, Panama: The Laid-Back and Easy Way

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  The Panama 3 Count, where we bring you 3 Panama stories that you shouldn’t miss. Photo Credit: Conde Nast Traveler 1: Bocas del Toro, Panama:

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  Is Panama’s Golden Moment Over? Country’s Investment Climate Deteriorating

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  Panama’s recent political and social confrontation, along with an unsustainable increase in public spending could cause a revaluation of the country’s investment grade. President Martinelli