Many of the S&P 500 are in fact international companies as they both manufacture and sell in foreign countries so investing in a S&P 500 index fund gives one international exposure.
Years ago after a trip to New Zealand I bought a few shares of a telecommunications company down there, SPKKY. It has been no great shakes but pays a decent dividend so I have kept it. New Zealand income taxes are withheld from the dividends paid to me. I imagine foreign taxes are due and likely withheld on interest paid on bonds as well as stock dividends.
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