Moving overseas, settling in and culture shock are exciting and challenging phases. We've published over 350 articles related to these phases. Some are country-specific and aimed at helping newcomers understand local cultures and lifestyles.
The Australian Immigration system is complex, but works surprisingly well. Applicants are afforded certainty once the threshold conditions
are satisfied. However, unless their occupation is on the Critical Skills List or they can find a State sponsor, applicants will now face a substantial wait
-- at least until prosperous economic times return. Michael's article provides a helpful overview of the different immigration schemes available to expats.
Dave DeWall retired abroad to his wife's homeland of the Philippines. They live in a remote jungle area on an amazingly low monthly budget. Yes, such an adventure comes with cold baths, unwanted lizards on his bedroom ceiling and a few other "perqs", but he definitely doesn't miss the rat race and his old life in the U.S.
Robin Pascoe shares an excerpt from her book "A Broad Abroad: The Expat Wife's Guide to Successful Living Abroad". She offers advice for new expat spouses.
Arrigale explains why he feels that those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the culture while abroad are more likely to have a successful assignment.
Do children benefit from living overseas? Most British expats seem to think so according to a new survey just out from the British bank NatWest and the Centre for Future Studies.
New survey examines UK admissions officers views of the post-16 qualifications on offer in the United Kingdom and highlights university application concerns
When it comes to getting an insider's perspective on expat life in Ecuador, our Ecuador network is the place to post! With hundreds of posts each month, members cover current events, moving and relocation advice and much more!
ith tens of thousands of successful retirees in Vallarta, so too is an abundance of knowledge on just about every subject imaginable. Chances are, no matter what your area of interest might be, there are retirees in Vallarta that possess expertise in that area and are willing and anxious to share it.
Every American has their own idea of what it means to be an American in London. Some Americans, however, have a pretty strong opinion about the "right" and "wrong" way to enjoy the London American experience.
In today's economic climate, when expatriate packages have diminished and sending agencies consider localization when moving families overseas, there is a great deal of confusion about whether education allowances reasonably can be subject to the same type of austerity.
One member shares advice about moving to Vilnius, Lithuania -- from avoiding brand new flats that may be poorly constructed to insisting on a steel door.
If you're a Baby Boomer and haven't yet lost all of your money in your 401k or IRA, it's not too late; come on down to Puerto Vallarta and join the Pre-Boomers.
David Kuenzi addresses the problem of Benefitting from the significant tax advantages of qualified retirement accounts is difficult because of their complexity, especially when the special tax implications of living abroad are factored in.
Romain describes his first days in Costa Rica, "Of course, I haven't yet met any scary snakes or spiders bigger than my hand, but I'm not afraid any more. Do you know why? Because this country gives you confidence. Because people here give you faith in what you can accomplish."
The Obama administration is pushing through legislation and administrative changes designed to increase tax compliance among American citizens living abroad. For most expats who properly file their taxes, the implications are minimal with the exception of taxation on investments of non-US mutual funds, hedge funds and other types of pooled investments.
Casting Call from the popular expat show, House Hunters International. If you're in the final stages of closing on a home or have recently bought property abroad, you could be featured on this hit show!
If you are moving overseas or already have, your outlook on your international living experience is a key determinant to the level of happiness and satisfaction you'll enjoy while living abroad. If you can find some way to focus on your strengths and minimize the time you spend worrying about your weaknesses, you'll be one step ahead of the game.
Michael Wainwright taught primary music and drama to 3 to 11 year olds at the Overseas School of Colombo in Sri Lanka for two years. Here is an account of a typical day there. Michael is now teaching in an international school in Dresden, Germany.
Ron Hoff calls himself a Gringo who discovered that you can make a living and enjoy the good life on a Baja California, Mexico beach. This heartfelt article describes his transformation in his new home on the Baja.
What can you expect from Argentines if you move to Argentina? Here is a great multi-perspective article on what you'll encounter in an incredible, multi-cultural country.
An Expat Exchange parent reviews the American School of Puerto Vallarta. The school has an extremely active parent population and a nice campus, but new students may feel isolated and be treated as 2nd class citizens by their peers.
It seems likely that, with the tax havens capitulating into opening up their books, criminal elements will move their money out, and quickly. But where will they hole it up next: offshore real estate?
Can I afford to retire is the question many retirees are asking, particularly in these days of economic crises. Soho Properties offers advice about QDROPS and retiring abroad.
Expat life in Haiti is a true challenge. Poverty prevails, crime is rampant and expat life there is "unforgiving unless you have existing commitment", explains member whvastine.
Member KLepo shares great tips for living in Pakistan... learning to like spicy food, learning a bit of Urdu, deciding whether to live an expat or local lifestyle and more.
Want to retire in Mexico? Mexico tops International Living's 2008 Retirement Index. Jim Sherrer, real estate expert and expat, shares why Mexico... Puerto Vallarta, in particular, is ones of the best places to retire.
Searching for overseas jobs? Our new FAQ about Overseas Jobs offers advice for people interested in work abroad -- from researching individual country requirements and job markets to networking with family and friends.
From befriending locals to carrying little cash, learning Spanish to photocopying everything, members of Expat Exchange share tips for living in Colombia.
Do you want to retire in Mexico? The Mexican Riviera consists of over 1,000 miles of Pacific coastline including several of the best places to retire in Mexico. Scherrer's article offers great insight for those considering living in Mexico.
Psychological resilience is the focus of a new series on ExpatExchange. This article offers a brief introduction and questions to help you rate yourself.
Despite the Turkish toilets, high cost of living and language barrier, expats in Morocco agree that they love living in Morocco. Members share advice for living in and moving to Morocco.
Unless you're moving to a major US city like New York, you'll be needing a driver's license. Here is an overview of the process involved in obtaining your license in the US.
In Africa, international assignees and their families often face a special security risk simply because they are foreign and, as expatriates, perceived to be wealthy. Keefer offers an overview of the safety of popular cities.
Kathleen interviews Aaron Fisher of Developer Direct about one of Mexico's hottest up-and-coming real estate markets and tourist destinations, Riviera Nayarit. This 100 mile stretch of Pacific coastline north of Puerta Vallarta offers beautiful beaches, great weather, lost cost of living and good investment opportunities.
ExpatExchange's members contributed their tips for living in Portugal. Advice includes shopping at local markets and dining in local, non-tourist restaurants to save money and immerse in the culture!
With the economy in serious trouble, many people are researching new overseas destinations to live out the recessions with a lower cost of living and getter lifestyle. John Williamson explains why Cyprus should be on everyone's shortlist.
Trying to decide where to move abroad, don't overlook Panama! If you're a retiree, Panama has the best incentive program in the world for foreign retirees.
Moving to a new country can be very nerve-racking, as you begin to wonder where you'll find new friends, a job, or your new favorite hangouts. But new technologies and websites can make this transition much smoother...
Singapore's new Personalized Employment Pass is a major improvement over the Employment Pass. If approved, it lasts for 5 years, applies to multiple employers and allows for a 6 month unemployment span rather than the EP's 1 month.
Living abroad teaches us so many things, but the most important are those learned about ourselves. Some would be good to know ahead of time, while others can only be learned through experience.
We're putting together a series of articles, entitled "Top 10 Tips for Living in..." and need your input. We began collecting tips last week and here's a glimpse. Please add your advice!
Your U.S. dollars have more buying power in euro-land right now than they've had in two years. And the market in Paris, for both sales and rentals, is soft, down, and falling.
With its booming economy and increasingly better standards of living, China is a major destination point for expats from all over the world. Author Navjot Singh offers great tips for newcomers to China.
Did you know that some countries court foreign retirees offering discounts on things such as medicines, closing costs when buying property and big tax breaks such as zero tax on foreign-earned income and pension, tax-free imports for household goods -- even cars.
If you're moving to Germany, registering at your town's Einwohnermeldeamt -- Registration Office -- within 7 days of arriving is a must. The Tapxe blog offers helpful advice.
With the global economic crisis, more people are considering moving abroad. If you're thinking about it, Allen offers advice to help you make up your mind - and make the right long-term decision.
Health insurance is a long-term investment, so take the time to find an insurance intermediary you can trust, and a policy which is right for your situation.
Are you facing a personal financial crisis that seems endless and unsolvable? Find a teaching job abroad and go from the bottom of the financial food chain to the to
Most families moving abroad find choosing the right school a major factor in the relocation's success. Yet few know how to begin to approach the school search.
It is going to be interesting to see how this all plays out in Panama. Are the international investors with wounded portfolios going to try and fire-sale their investments in Panama for a cash injection?
With jitters abounding in global property markets Tim Hill, author of Buying Property in Poland, looks at how the reaction of lenders to America's
sub-prime crises may actually cause a boom in Polish real estate.
Under the new agreement for the first five years after becoming a resident of France your wealth tax liability will only be based on French assets, with all other assets outside France not being taken into account.
Cadiz has magnificent beaches, winding streets, beautiful plazas. This charming city entices many of its visitors to make the decision to purchase property there.
The British eloquence and at the same time indirect and polite use of the language can at times be frustrating for cultures that are more forthright and direct.
Moving to Milan? An ExpatExchange member offers a review of American School of Milan - a friendly, welcoming school. To review your child's school, click here.
Is it vital to learn about attack recognition, residential security, emergency planning, surveillance detection, defensive driving, and personal protective measures?
The beautiful lakeside city of Neuchatel, Switzerland is home to many expats, but don't pack up and move before securing a job that you love. Jobs here are highly specialized!
Punta del Este offers a great lifestyle to expats - fresh food, beautiful beaches, welcoming people and luxuries that the average expat could not afford in at home.
The British are very polite; everyone knows that. But, while the British have a sense of humor, it doesn't extend to unintended slights. McBride shares her story.
QDROPS scheme has been specifically designed to enable non-UK resident individuals who have accrued pension benefits in the UK, to transfer these out once they have left the UK.
Many expat families hope that the old saying "out of sight, out of mind" doesn't hold true and grandparents ask, "How can we keep our grandchildren better connected with us?"
Great advice for anyone planning to move to the Monterrey area of Mexico -- everything from bringing warm clothes for the winter to the varying cost of housing.
Driving in France can be a breeze - especially in rural areas. Jeff Seems offers a helpful rundown of legal requirements, safety concerns and other basic advice.
Expats cope with people, places, and things that trigger a stress not dreamed of in their home countries. Is there a magic formula that expats use to handle their stress?
Why go to California when you can fly to Mendoza, drink more exotic and affordable wines, and go horseback riding across the magnificent Andes Mountains?
English teachers abound in Ecuador's capital city of Quito. With great night life, welcoming people, nearby mountains and active expat groups it might be just right for you.
Make progress and keep focus by dividing your emigration into smaller manageable phases. Your emigration becomes a series of simple steps rather than a distant dream.
The French have evolved and streamlined a product that is capable of both protecting accumulated wealth and promoting its development for the future enjoyment of the investor's heirs.
Choosing the right school for your child, on top of everything else, is one of the most important decisions you will make as parents. But what should you look for in a school?
There are tremendous job opportunities in Dubai, but employment may come as something of a shock to expats. Sanderson's article provides a great overview of what to expect!
Our school reviews are a great way to learn about international schools in your future city. One member recently reviewed the Greengates School in Mexico City.
Most people are prepared to experience some effects of culture shock when move abroad, but less are prepared to experience reverse culture shock when they repatriate.
Julia Taylor's book is packed with practical advice and cultural insight and is a must have for expats and anyone preparing to make the move to Mexico.
If only you had bought that fixer upper in Paris or bought land on that great island before it was a popular tourist destination... Kathleen Peddicord discusses how to diversify international real estate investments by region, market, type of investment and currency.
One couple traveled throughout Mexico in search of the perfect place to live - a city with beauty, easy of living and affordability. Tequisquiapan was the answer!
Despite the forecasts, now is a great time to buy says expat author of 2 books on Murcia - Debbie Jenkins. She shares tips on buying in Spain in today's market.
Parents often wonder whether they need a written authorization to travel with a child of their own or with one of their children's friends when traveling overseas. Well, the simple answer is, more often then you might think.
Jacqueline Brown moved to Fiji to teach English. She shares advice about staying in paradise and actively taking part in everyday life. Her insight applies to any expat destination.
An invitation from friends to take a road trip, led Paul Shepard to a life he never could have imagined. That life began when his motorcycle stopped in Costa Rica.
Dubai's booming economy and resort lifestyle appeals to many expats. An expat offers insight into social activities, the shopping culture and hot, hot summers!
Yolanda Solo, Author of "Spain: The Expat Survival Guide" gives relationship-saving advice for people contemplating or preparing to move abroad. While she focuses on Spain, her advice is universal.
An expat's advice about moving to Dublin. For example, when deciding where to live in Dublin, be sure to take traffic and transportation into consideration.
For accompanying spouses, satisfying your professional and career cravings can seem difficult. Use your time abroad to discover your true life purpose.
One of the biggest characteristics of the expatriate experience, and particularly of the repeat expatriate experience, is the necessity of making friends over and over again.
Jeff Seems, author of The French Property Buyer's Guide, is an Englishman whose bought a house in France. Having stumbled over most of the hurdles himself, he shares insight into a few drawbacks to buying property in France and how to overcome them.
A large number of expatriates have accepted assignments to the United Arab Emirates in the last few years. An ExpatExchange.com member provides a report from the field.
One member shares experiences living in Nairobi, Kenya. From the family-centric culture to a lively social scene, Kenya has a lot to offer in spite of its crime and social unrest.
Obtaining work permits can be a complex endeavor for individuals that seek to move to the United Kingdom, and also HR departments deploying employees abroad.
If you are now, or will be, an expat living in London, you have come to the right place. We have pulled together enough information so that, at the very least, you won't feel like you are flying blind after moving overseas.
