Lifestyle - Expat Magazine
The Russian government recently took a significant step by introducing a bill in the parliament aimed at raising taxes for Russian citizens working abroad. The draft law, submitted to the State Duma, the lower house of Russia's parliament, proposes a notable tax rate increase for individuals outside Russia and subsequently losing their taxpayer status in the country.
Born in Argentina, Vanessa has always been passionate about her Italian roots. This led her to Rome in 2015, the same year when she met the love of her life. In 2021, she decided to follow him to Barcelona, where they now enjoy a fulfilling expat life. Being a freelance translator, Vanessa shares her story of why she chose to move to Europe and all that comes with it.
Language barriers can be a concern when embarking on an expatriation project or considering a potential stay abroad. Which languages should you focus on when moving abroad, especially if you are going to work? Of course, learning the host country's language is always advisable, but how can you prepare if you are not sure about the host country? Are some languages more influential than others? Should you prioritize specific languages?
Moving abroad comes with a lot of surprises, good or bad, and sometimes unique discoveries when coming from a different culture than that of the host country. This leads many foreigners to film or photograph certain situations or places in their daily lives because "it's funny", and share it on social media. Unfortunately, this is sometimes a very (very) bad idea that can lead to a hefty fine. In this article, we look at the things an expat should avoid posting on social media.
England
The Coronation of the new King of England, Charles III, took place over three days and was celebrated throughout the United Kingdom. The festivities began with a ceremony in Westminster Abbey, which was broadcast worldwide on the internet and television, attracting an estimated 14 million viewers, according to the BBC. Every aspect of the event was meticulously planned to leave no stone unturned. How did expats in London experience the event? Some of them shared their thoughts with us.
Should you wear suits, jackets and ties, wide-legged jeans, slim-legged jeans, trousers, skirts, and dresses, with or without a plunging neckline, with or without printed patterns, with bright or more neutral colors? The matter of dressing in a foreign country is more important than one would have thought. The host country has its own culture and dress codes, which expats need to follow. How to dress outdoors or for work? Let's discover the appropriate dressing habits for expats to avoid any fashion faux pas.
In 2023, the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) persons can no longer be ignored by institutions. Sadly though, many countries still challenge their very existence, questioning their preferences and not respecting their well-being or even their life. In certain places, you can pay a hefty price for just being who you are, a price with fatal consequences in some cases.
This crisis has been lurking for years, but it is rarely discussed. Overshadowed by unemployment, growth, or inflation rates, the demographic crisis is a growing threat to world economies. This is particularly true in the European Union, Australia, Canada, Japan, or South Korea. More than ever, active young populations are needed in order to sustain growth, be it today or tomorrow. In this context, many major powers are competing among themselves to bring in young international talents. Is immigration the key to finding a solution to the demographic crisis?
Since the start of 2023, there have been over 150 shootings in the United States. Some of the biggest ones include the assault at a 16th birthday celebration in Alabama, resulting in four fatalities, the school shooting in Nashville where three children and three adults lost their lives, and the mass shooting in Kentucky that claimed the lives of four individuals.
Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure, but the challenges of adapting to a new culture, language, and lifestyle can also take a toll on an expat's mental health. In this article, we will explore practical strategies for identifying and coping with burnout as an expat, so you can stay healthy and enjoy your international experience to the fullest.
Separation from loved ones, especially family members, can lead to homesickness. Some expats find it so unbearable that they decide to return to their home country. Indeed, the distance can deter your plans, cause distress and lead to an urge to return. Returning expats have shared their expat blues with Expat.com.
China
At the end of March 2022, Shanghai went under a stringent lockdown. Its 25 million citizens were then unaware of what they would endure for more than two months, even when the authorities announced that they had come to terms with the COVID pandemic. It was mostly the morale of the inhabitants that got affected. Among them were expats who were increasingly worried about their future in the cosmopolitan Chinese city. One year later, China is back on the international scene. Tourists are expected to flow in again. But will the expatriates come back to Shanghai? Many observers believe that the wound will be hard to heal.
The journey of an expat is often filled with excitement, adventure, and opportunities for personal growth. However, amidst the allure of new experiences, there is an unspoken challenge that many expats face - the sense of not belonging. As they embark on this global odyssey, expats must grapple with a complex array of emotions and challenges, which include adapting to new cultures, languages, and social norms.
Embarking on an expat journey as a woman can be more challenging than for men. The level of safety and the stubbornness of patriarchal norms varies between countries. When women move abroad, they need to consider how this new country treats women and what gender norms reign in its corporate culture. Networking with both expat and local women can give them an emotional support system to navigate life there.
When considering public holidays, all countries are not on the same page, and expats do not benefit from all of them in the same way. Between religious festivals, national days, commemorations, and lunar or solar calendars, let's explore the countries with the world's highest numbers of public holidays and see where expats can get the most out of these holidays.
Moving to a new country won't solve your problems, but should you do it anyway? Well, it depends. It depends on you and your mindset. It is easy to imagine that relocating overseas will transform us into better versions of ourselves.
International Women's Day, observed on March 8, was yet another opportunity for worldwide mobilization. Spain seized this opportunity to unveil its new bill that aims at accelerating parity at decision-making levels. But what about other countries? Which ones have laws and/or quota systems to promote the presence of women in decision-making instances? Are we moving towards a breakthrough in women's rights? What are the implications for expatriate women?
England
As reported by The Guardian, a recent study of the World Values Survey Wave found that among 24 countries, the UK's population has the most positive view of immigration. 71% of the British population doesn't think that locals should be prioritized over expats in hiring practices. At the same time, part of the UK government is keen on restricting immigration – a position that is in opposition to wider public opinion.
Articles to help you in your expat project
Getting married in Qatar
Getting married in Qatar could be a hassle for newbies. However, knowing the right procedure and information can ...
Marriage in Brazil
Brazil can be a romantic country, and you may want to marry here. Perhaps you even want to remain in Brazil ...
Getting married in Greece
Dreaming of getting married in Greece? Whether you're a foreigner or a Greek citizen, tying the knot in this ...
Getting married in Vietnam
Have you met that perfect someone who you want to spend the rest of your life with? Luckily, getting married in ...
Marriage in Hong Kong
There are many reasons why you may want to get married in Hong Kong. You could be a long-term expat and have ...
Getting married in the Philippines
Getting married in the Philippines provides a backdrop of immense beauty through stunning beaches, tropical ...
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"