Tips for Living in Morocco

Finding a job: I arrived with a job already but I feel that languages especially English, French and Spanish are in demand and you can easily find a job in a language centre. Some of them do not require you to have a teaching certificate, only that you are a native speaker.
Transport is a problem in Morocco, so if you don't drive which is my case, be prepared. Buses are few and far between and very crowded. Taxis are difficult to find too, sometimes the taxi driver takes 2 or 3 passengers that are going in the same direction so don't freak out if this happens. You can also stop a taxi even if it has a passenger in it. They will stop for you and take you if you are going the same way.
Marrakesh was at one time a bargain and it can still be fairly priced, but there has been so much growth there the hotels and souks are taking advantage. You can spend 2 hours bargaining over a single modestly priced item and you can also bargain as well with almost anything including hotels. If you're not successful in the first place, go to another until you can pay the price you feel it's worth.
Moroccans are warm and extremely hospitable. There are many poor poor people and if you have $10 in your pocket, it's $10 more than they have and many times they are hungry. Please try to understand many people are desperate just to feed their family or to buy a tank of gas to heat their home for a very cold night. As Americans, almost none among us can imagine the challenges that face some of the most brillant and loving people on earth.
Speaking of love, a Moroccan's family is their everything. Always remember to ask how each one of them are. Always say you pass your greetings on to them. This is so important to them.
Be prepared for turkish toilets - the hole in the floor. If you travel outside the big cities, there will be many of them. Be sure and wash your hands well and touch as little as possible. Bring some antibiotic wipes from home to cut down on the risk of inviting in some uninvited germs.
There are no English schools unless you are prepared to pay private school prices. I have two kids and they cost about $10k a year in the American School. The French schools are difficult to get into as well.
Cost of Living is high, especially if you intend on shopping in supermarkets. Having said that though, markets are abundant and affordable.

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Tips for Living in Namibia

Have sun Screen
Be creative with entertainment coz there's not much to do, especially outside the Capital.
Be prepared to drive long distances to visit other towns.
Use water wisely!!!
Beware that cellphone & TV networks can be pretty bad in some areas of the country.
Do not hand money street beggers, buy them food instead.
Enjoy the serenity and simple life! :)

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Tips for Living in Netherlands

Do not take everything to heart with the Dutch. They are extremely blunt and say what they mean. It is certainly not meant to be offensive but they see no reason to beat around the bush.
In the big cities of the Randstad drivers do not tend to stop at zebra crossings, despite being obliged to by law. Watch out!
Develop a very thick skin and learn to be self sufficient.
Buy a bike and get to know the cycle lanes, it is a great way to get around. Be very aware of the road/cars/bikes/pedestrians.

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Tips for Living in Norway

Learn Norwegian - it gives insight to the culture.
Learn to Ski - or you're going to hate it here.
Learn to laugh at it all, or you're doomed!!
There is no price regulation in Norway, shop around for everything as the difference in price, even between 2 shops next door to eachother, for exactly the same thing, can be enormous.
The winter is difficult, even in Oslo. On the flip side, the first sunshine is fantastic.
You get 10% off of your tax for the 1st 2 years you are here and you get about 12% of your total earnings for the previous year given to you in June for your summer money.
1. Embrace nature in all of its seasons. Norwegian's get just as cold and just as wet as anyone else would. They just understand that they can't contorl the weather and learn to enjoy it no matter what. Summer days are appreciated here more so than anyplace I have ever been and winter activities are as important a part of life as eating.

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Tips for Living in Pakistan

You will get foodpoisoned. Fullstop. I have not met a single person from as many as 20 countries (except of India) who didnt have stomach problems after arriving to Pakistan. Ingrediences and ways of making are so different that the only way to prevent is to not eat any local food at all and live only from McDonalds and european restaurants, but even in this case its possible You catch a germ. The easiest is to get ready for it, get sick in the first two weeks, go to doctor and get some antibiotics prescribed and within a week You are ok. Only 10% do not finish with a visit of the doctor. Health care is cheap and easy to find, it works on strict cash basis - You pay and claim from insurance company later.
Pakistani food is amazing! Very spicy (which is something You have to get used to, as everything is spicy), but once You are over it, it's one of the best kitchens in the world. Core is chicken meat and non-fermented bread. Do not expect pork, beef and fish are rather expensive. Its very hard to be vegetarian in Pakistan, chicken meat is omnipresent.
As for language, English is absolutely ok, but knowing basics of Urdu helps in price negotiation and also with work with locals (its good to know what they talk about).
Alcohol is omnipresent but invisible. Most of young people have experience with alcohol, despite it being officially forbidden to Muslims and available only for foreigners and Christians. Local, cheap (very bad tasting) alcohol and foreign, imported, expensive alcohol are available. A combination of cheap and good is not possible. Alcohol is not drunk publicly, only at home and in private circles. A pakistani drinks to get wasted, as there are no places to go while drunk, the fun ends with the bottom of the bottle.
Foreigners are still very rare and Pakistanis are very hospitable. Simple walking the street can bring you lots of people trying to start conversations. In Pakistan is OK to stare... If somebody is staring at You and You try to stare back the person will not feel awkward, s/he will actually feel encouraged to come and talk to You. If You are a man, do NOT stare at women, its an art that only Pakistanis can perfect (both sides look at each other, but it looks like they dont even notice their presence).

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Tips for Living in Panama

Do everything with the help of an attorney. It is well worth it. That includes hiring help of any kind, purchase property, preparing contracts. Lots to know about their rights. If you hire a live-in maid, and you don't have a written legal contract, you could be held liable for her medical and dental and the birth of any children she might have. An attorney could save you a lot of heart ache.
I would buy in a developement, let the developer worry about sub contractors. I understand that if you try to be the contractor yourself, it may take several years to get your house done. Also, checking for leins and clear title to land can be tuff.
Get to know some expats already living in the area you are interested in. They can provide lots of insight.
Make a trip down there before the move and go to local hospitals and clinics and pharmacies so you will have an idea of what type of policy you need to buy. If you are currently on meds write down what you take and make sure it's available in Panama. Or ask your Dr. for a generic name of what you are taking before going down there.

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Tips for Living in Philippines

Have an umbrella handy on your person or in your ride, cuz you never know when you'll get caught in a downpour.
Become an adventurous foodie, because the Philippines is all about food and eating.
Travel the Islands. Get out of the city and see the mountains, beaches, and countryside
RELAX. Filipinos are friendly, generous, and outgoing once you get to know them and they know you.
Be patient, even when you know it can't possibly take that long, it will.
Forget tipping, they don't understand why you would give them a tip and they will be ashamed.
Learn to live without anything of quality. Unless you brought it with you. Things are cheap or inexpensive because you will be fixing or replacing them every couple months...from the smallest fingernail clipper, to the best darn stereo.
Don't forget the mosquito repellant or net.
Remember to wash your hands often.

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Tips for Living in Portugal

Be patient.
Check check, double check and even triple check
Listen to locals, to other foreign expats and let them recommend things.
Enjoy and discover nice and not expensive restaurants away from turistic or foreigner advisers.
Make sure that if you are buying a house, you are working with a legal agent, licensed with INCI (the professional licensing body of estate agents). All legal agents must work from an office. Always check that the AMI (license) number is valid. This can save you a lot of heartache and money!
Consider your car. Importing a car into Portugal is very expensive, and if you don't import it, you risk having it impounded. It may be cheaper to buy out here (though cars are expensive).
Be prepared for EVERYTHING to come to a full stop for the month of August.

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Tips for Living in Qatar

Live close to your work or your kids' school(s). Traffic is abysmal, and it can take forever to get from A to B.
Get your kids on the waiting lists for schools before you come out, if at all possible.
Don't assume that basic things are available, and don't believe claims like "you can find almost everything here". While it's true that you may see your specific item in the store, it may be *months* before you see it again. Ask before you pack!
Don't be afraid to drive. Yes, it can be annoying and the Landcruisers can seem very threatening, but it's not that bad. .. and you'll be much happier if you get out and about ASAP.
Find groups of expats to hang out with as soon as you can. Meet parents at your kids' school(s), find expat groups (there are plenty), enroll in classes, etc. It is easy to become isolated in Doha, but it's equally easy to make heaps of friends.
Don't show your shoulders or your knees. Are there expats who do? Yes, but it is considered to be disrespectful of the local culture.
If you have room in your container, think about bringing "Santa" for your kids for the next couple of years. Toys here are expensive and/or utter rubbish. The toys that are marketed towards kids under three are flat-out dangerous sometimes due to the poor construction and small parts.

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Tips for Living in Romania

Be careful about dogs
Rent is high for the amount of income one is typically able to get.
Always offer food and drink to any guests
If you are going to have a baby, go to a private hospital, do not deliver in the public hospital like I did! It's very bad.
Most things are actually almost as expensive, equally expensive or more expensive than in the prosperous countries since Romania joined the EU.

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Tips for Living in Russia

Moscow is the most expensive city in the world...be prepared to spend.
Traffic is among the worst anywhere I have been in Asia and Europe.
Unless coming to work for a highly paid position that covers car and driver for spouse and schooling for children, then I would not move them to Moscow full time.
It's a great city, lots to do, thousands of restaraunts, parks, museums, clubs etc.
Little English is spoken, which makes things tough sometimes.
Bring all clothing and shoes, bedding that you can, to buy here in Moscow is to pay 5 to 7 times more than you would at home.
Come with patience and an open tolerance to a completely different way of life if you are a westerner.
Buy a metro ticket that gives you 60 trips it works out alto cheaper!
My number one tip to any newcomer (or old timer who hasn't got a copy already!) would be to buy Barbara Spier's "Living in Moscow" relocation book.

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Tips for Living in Saudi Arabia

You can count 30 different names of different Saudi meals. but never feel lost with Saudi food, bcoz any meal consists of only two things... rice and meat... yep, rice and meat "wither chicken/beef".
Eating in Saudi way, means to eat by your hand, no spoons nor forks. only your right hand.
Be very patient.
Obey laws
Get a good compound- that is critical for a decent life.
Join everything and anything- how ever wierd (that was top tip given to me by expat on arrival). I tried ballroom dancing, sewing, tennis etc- I do not pusue those now but made freinds and contacts there.
As a woman get work- you will be bored out of your mind and not meet people if you dont. The main source of employement is western schools- volunteer you will meet other women.

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Tips for Living in Scotland

Learn to like Irn Bru...
Keep waterproof jacket, umbrella, and wellies in your car or back pack... it can be glorious one minutes and pouring down rain the next.
Open yourself to the foods... Haggis, Cullen Skink, pies, neeps and tatties, and of course a great variety of fishes.
Treat all speed camera areas like they have active cameras in them!

Learn to follow a local football team instead of simply Rangers or Celtic. You will get much more respect from locals, you can actually go and enjoy the game and it will be much more affordable!

Enjoy the colloquialisms. Every area of Scotland has different sayings and Scots is a REAL language, not just a strain of English.

If you move to the Highlands, learn a bit of Gaelic. It's a beautiful language and features on many of the road signs, shops and even has it's own tv channel now (bbc Alba)

Learn to take life at a slower pace (unless in Edinburgh and Glasgow) and accept that anything that needs to be done can be done online if the shop or bank is closed.

Tips for Living in Slovenia

The country is so small, that you can drive all over the country in just 4 hours
You can see Mediterranean sea from the Alps
Almost all people speak English or German at sea-side even Italian
It is cool weather over the whole year. in the winter around 3°C and in the summer around 22°C
Most popular places here are: Bled, Ljubljana, Postojna, Bohinj, Ptuj, Pohorje
The main religion is Catholic

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Tips for Living in Sweden

learn the language before you go....U need it....beleive me...many people here do not speak english.....

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Tips for Living in Switzerland

We moved to Switzerland 2.5 years ago with our 3 children. It is an expensive country particularly for service and repair calls.
The supermarkets are very good but do not offer the wider range that the German ones do. However most foods can be easily bought.
There are a lot of rules and not much leaniency shown eg. speeding fines even when doing only a few kms over the limit.
The medical facilities are good as are the roads. Public transport is clean and efficient and I would recommend taking advantage of the many offers that particularly, the rail networks provide.
Also when leasing a house or apartment, there is an inspection done when moving in and when vacating. The moving out one is expensive as professional cleaners are recommended. Where there are double windows, the outer pane is removed and must be cleaned between the two panes..things like this.
I know a lot of people have problems with their landlords and complaints from neighbours about noise. Use of washing machines, flushing toilets is restricted after certain hours in some complexes so be prepared to live within those boundaries. Living in a house is more autonomous.
Switzerland is breathtakingly beautiful in any season and Zurich is a lovely city. However, graffiti is a problem which is a shame.
Alcohol can be consumed at 16 which I think is too young. Smoking is unfortunatley popular but as of recently, is now banned in Zurich restaurants. We were surprised this had not been done years ago.
The Swiss have this tendency to stare for longer than (to me) seems socially acceptable! Everyone notices it so it's not just me but it happens and can be a little intimidating. In general, they are very polite and greet you at all opportunities. English is quite widely spoken although not one of the 4 official languages.
The pre-schools encourage independence by having children walk to and from school unaccompanied but wearing a fluroscent vest. This is the Swiss local schools, not international ones. It's a nice idea but fraught with potential problems I would think and I know a lot of foreigners don't feel comfortable with letting very young children out on their own.

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Tips for Living in Thailand

Do respect the Thai Royal Family – not only is it a criminal offence to talk of the Royal Family in a negative way, but Thai people will feel affronted by your comments as the King is held in universal high regard.
Do respect Buddhism - although Thais are very tolerant of all religions, they are by and large Buddhist. Phrases such as "Buddhism is not a recognised religion where I come from" may be factually true, but they will not endear you to your hosts.
Do dress appropriately - appearance is important in Thailand and you'll be expected to dress "professionally".
Do try to carry a photo copy of your passport, rather than your actual passport, with you at all times - while it is a legal requirement to carry your passport a photo copy will suffice.
Do get a Thai driver’s licence if you want to drive in Thailand - you may not be able to hire a car without one. An international licence is only valid for visitors, not for long term residents.
Do expect Thais to speak directly regarding some issues. Although Thais try to avoid confrontations, they also have a habit of speaking directly. For example, if you put on weight, expect Thais to comment on it.
Do try some of the local cuisine. Although this may sound strange, it is now possible to exist in Thailand without having to eat Thai food and if you do not try it, you will have missed out on a very important part of Thai culture.
Don't touch any Thai on the head - the head is the highest part of the body and as such is revered.
Don't put your feet on anything (especially the table or a pillow). The feet are the lowest part of the body and, as such, are seen as "dirty". This “don't” should also be a caveat not to pass anything with the foot: something as innocent as closing a door with the foot may be seen as an affront. As shoes are generally not worn inside the house, a place to take off and keep shoes at the front door is a good idea.
Don't forget that it can take a long time to get a Thai's trust, but it can take 5 seconds to lose it if you say the wrong thing (usually something critical of Thailand)! It is, therefore, very important that you give very careful consideration to what you are going to say before you say it - you can be assured that the Thais have considered their words carefully.
Don't expect to be treated as a citizen, unless you become one. Generally you will always be an outsider, but that enables you to cut across all levels of Thai society and gives you more mobility than most Thai have.

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Tips for Living in Uganda

Learn the language Luganda
For every price you are quoted divide by 4 and do not go any higher
Drive as the locals do not give way and use your horn
Get the latest (free!) copy of "The Eye" magazine at your hotel, or at Rancher's in Garden City Mall
If you want to learn the streets of Kampala, use a "special hire" taxi for the first few forays - better than getting lost, and only about US $10 per hour
If you do get lost (and are driving your own vehicle) find a motorcycle taxi (picky-picky) and pay him to lead you to your destination - shouldn't be more than a dollar or so if your destination is nearby, and would be around $10 if your destination is on the other side of town
If you're moving to a smaller town, like Jinja or Mbale, find out where the expats congregate and meet them - not only will you find good friends, but also you'll get great tips on things like good mechanics, doctors, dentists, etc.

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Tips for Living in United Arab Emirates

The UAE is a relatively tolerant country, but this does vary from emirate to emirate. Remember that this is not your home country. Just because you see another expat wearing hot pants and a spaghetti top doesn't mean that this is acceptable attire for shopping malls and other public places.
Try and embrace all the different cuisines available in the UAE. You will not find all your favourite foods, but you will find fantastic new dishes and spices.
Make every attempt to learn Arabic. It's difficult to use Arabic in your day-to-day activities since many people in the service industry are not Arabic speakers. That said, you will find that many Emiratis (and other Arabic speakers) truly appreciate your attemps to learn the language (and the customs).
There are a slew of cultures coming together in the UAE; each with its own individual norms and expectations. Try to appreciate the diversity rather than dividing everyone by nationality.
Prior to taking the job offer, research your expat package offer to make sure it is financially affordable for housing cost, education cost if you have school age children, have a CV done by someone from this area who knows how they look and view CV's. It can be quite different than your own country. They are big on seeing education, continuing education etc.
Depending on which emirate you move to, find forum friends from there to learn alot of the information your looking for.
Don't assume you need to bring your car and furniture over, it might be cheaper for you to rent or buy a car and buy furniture here due to shipping cost.
2nd hand cars here are very reasonable because they are usually 2 to 3 y/o cars that previous expats are selling after their contract expires. Also, some cars from other countries such as the US don't have good enough A/C or radiators to keep up with the heat.
Expect to pay up front for your housing for 1 year plus a 5% commission to the broker who finds it. Some landlords will allow you to write post dated checks quarterly.
Download Skype prior to arriving. if you don't, UAE will block it and you won't be able to make calls out. Download Hotspot prior also, it makes skype work. Watch what electronics you bring with you, some just won't convert. Might be cheaper to buy them here.
You can only purchase medical insurance from an authorized UAE provider. The UAE has very strict insurance regulations. Know before you go. Visit the US consulate website or feel free to email me for more information.
Don't just research the country, research the emirate that you will be living in as they are all different. For some emirates do not even think of bringing your family here until you have secured permanent accomodation and researched schools. School places for a european/american style education can be hard to find in some places.
Immense patience is a necessity as nothing will go to plan. Flexibility is likewise a virtue as plans will change by the second.

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Tips for Living in United Kingdom

When I first started researching my move, all the information I found from Google said UK required a 6-month quarantine for pets. I was prepared to give my pets away when I talked to another expat who said that has changed. Info can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/index.htm. Hope that helps!
The 6 months still must be done, either before you arrive or after you arrive. The scheme, PETS, requires every pet to serve the quarantine time. The scheme allows that time to be served in your home country (if you qualify). It's a very specific situation that requires a lot of work - if you don't do things according to PETS, you'll find your pet in quarantine quickly. Also, if you're coming from a country not on the list (certain European countries on 28 February 2000, extended to Cyprus, Malta and certain long haul countries and territories on 31 January 2001. Bahrain joined on 1 May 2002. Mainland USA and Canada joined on 11 December 2002) then you'll have to serve the quarantine within the UK.
Don't show up to the UK with a pet without having proof that you've complied with PETS. We did this with 2 90 pound labradors. It's not simple.

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Tips for Living in United States

Build Credit History. Upon getting a SS Number, talk to your bank or financial institution about doing a secured loan. This is a loan against some savings that you deposit. This can help you get a credit score and history so that 6-9 months down the track you can look at getting loans and financing for major purchases.
Driving Licence. The mostly commonly used from of ID, it can also help you when looking to set various things up if you don't have a social or only recently just got one.
If you drive in your country, get your driving record and a letter from your insurance company stating that you did not have any accidents (assuming it is true). If you have over 3-4 years of driving experience that will reduce your insurance payments drastically.
Bring notarized translations of everything you may ever need.
Remember that there are no immigration etc organizations that will help you there, you need to be able to resolve any issues that you may face alone. Try to find people that you can go for help if needed.
You will need references for work and apartment etc so it will be very helpful if you have some acquaintances.
If you do not speak English you need to learn ASAP and language schools in USA are very expensive and not very well regulated. I recommend going to a state college and studying. You can go to a community college and get a certificate degree, this way at least after 1 year or so your English will improve and you will have a US degree at hand.
Get yourself a library card. You can use the internet for free when you first get here.

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Tips for Living in Uruguay

One tip is the most obvious. Know Spanish enough to have a conversation with someone.
Another tip I have is to have an income of a good amount of capital if you plan on living there.
Forget western notions of efficiency, organization, cleanliness and customer service. Having said that, the Uruguayans are great folks. Don't plan on eating supper at 5:30 or 6 if you're definitely learn the language dining out, most places start serving at 8 pm.
Accessing your cash: talk to your bank, or get a new one that won't charge you $5 on every withdrawal.
Pay attention to the signs that say drive with your lights on! I got a ticket for that one! You really don't want to deal with the ticket!
Buy the local Tannant wine! It is REALLY cheap and VERY good!
Watch your hot water consumption. I got nailed for some SUPER HIGH electricity bills mainly from hot water use!!
My 5 year old daughter came down with a double ear infection, emergency visit to a clinic, 2 prescriptions, a second doctor came in who was on call and the cost for all of this........$52.00 US!! Incrediblly good care and great doctors who treated my family very well!!
Security, house got broken into during carnival- tore the safe out of the wall(it was bolted down) gone in 60 seconds. House did have an alarm that was armed!! Thieves have some skill! If you plan on staying long try to open a bank account so you can get a safety deposit box!
One thing to remember is; always try to keep small bills on you (in pesos)... Pesos come in denominations of: $2, $50, $100, $200, $500, $1,000, $2,000. It's best to keep as many $20s and $50s as you can. Most small stores and markets, even restaurants have a hard time breaking anything above a $500.
Using an ATM to withdraw pesos... NEVER put $2,000 or any common denominator of $2,000 or you will receive the dreaded $2,000 bill. We typically withdraw $1,900. The $2,000 bill will bring you eye rolls and looks of disgust when you attempt to use it while the clerks ask you "tienes mas chico?" (do you have smaller)
BTW, cab drivers more often than not have a hard time breaking a $100.
You can check out more tips like this at our blog - Exploring Uruguay

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Tips for Living in Vietnam

To absorb Vietnamese culture fully, take early morning walks around a real neighborhood. Vietnamese people are out and about early in the day, shopping, eating, playing badminton, and taking their kids to school. Get out at least one or two mornings a week, and you will become much better acquainted with the culture. And grab a Vietnamese breakfast of warm "xoi" while you're at it!
If you are a new expatriate, then make sure your comfortable with the local medical care.
Gather and bring any and all personal documents you can: diplomas, certificates, licenses, even a document from your local police department that says you aren't wanted for anything. The Vietnamese still love their documents and red stamps, though procedures in general have been made much more streamlined in recent years.

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Expat Advice: Tips for Living Abroad (Part 2)