Features
Everyday life
Montaigne viewed friendship as a profound union where "souls unite and merge so fully that the seam that once joined them vanishes." Although expats might not seek such intense bonds, forming lasting friendships, especially with locals, can deeply enhance the experience of living abroad. Yet, forging these connections can be challenging. Unseen cultural norms can complicate matters, although making friends doesn't typically demand strict etiquette. Still, what are the faux pas that should be avoided?
Everyday life
An increasing number of individuals are opting to retire abroad, drawn by lower living costs, favorable weather, and a change of pace. However, as they age and become more vulnerable, this dream retirement can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges. A recent testimony highlights the risks involved and underscores the need for careful planning.
Formalities
The justice system is increasingly detailed to enhance the protection of minors. To ensure peace of mind when traveling with your child, familiarize yourself with the relevant regulations in both your home country and the destination. Here are some practical tips.
Accommodation
Despite the global real estate downturn, property investment continues to be popular among expatriates. The enduring need for housing ensures its appeal, with the main question being the investment method. Should you build a custom home or opt for a ready-to-move in property?
Schools & studies
As signs of global inflation begin to wane, expatriate families still find their expenses climbing. The financial strain of educating children intensifies with higher living costs and tax increases due to government reforms. How can you secure a quality education for your children in this challenging financial landscape? What alternatives exist to traditional international schools?
Work
Intercultural training aims to ease the transition into a new work environment abroad, yet many expatriates underestimate the extent of change they will encounter. What aspects of different professional cultures worldwide are most surprising?
Leisure
As the holiday season nears, many expatriates face a common dilemma: should they return home to family traditions or embark on a new adventure? Deciding between the comfort of familiar festivities and the thrill of exploring unknown places is challenging. This article offers insights to help you decide and plan your vacation, even at the last minute.
Everyday life
Housesitting and petsitting have become popular solutions for expats looking to address three common travel challenges: saving money, securing their homes, and caring for their pets. But how do you find the best deals during holiday seasons, and how can you ensure that the person you're entrusting your home and pets to is reliable? Here are some useful tips to guide you.
Pets
Animal defense groups are ramping up their awareness campaigns in response to the harsh treatment some pets endure. Many expatriates, touched by the situation of stray animals, are eager to adopt. However, the complex administrative processes required prospective adopters to be well-informed about the specific procedures in their host countries. Here are some practical tips.
Visas
Many young people are drawn to the idea of living abroad, and it's a great opportunity they should consider. However, securing the right visa can be challenging. A tourist visa won't cover a long stay or allow you to work. The working holiday visa is an excellent option for funding your stay if there's a bilateral agreement between your home country and the host country. If such an agreement doesn't exist, you'll need to explore other visa options.
Work
International careers can only thrive with a commitment to learning. Foreign workers, particularly those navigating careers in countries culturally different from their own, are highly sought after. These cultural differences, evident in varying work philosophies, are not barriers but assets for foreign professionals. By absorbing insights from their colleagues and imparting their own expertise, they craft a genuinely global profile.
Everyday life
Menopause is a natural part of a woman's life, but it is often met with silence and discomfort in many cultures. For expat women, the challenge of navigating menopause can be compounded by the absence of familiar resources and support systems. This can make dealing with the physical and emotional changes even more difficult. What are effective ways to approach this issue?
Work
As global mobility trends for 2025 emerge, reviewing the expatriation landscape of 2024 is insightful. Which countries exhibited the strongest economic performance? What implications does this have for both current and potential expatriates?
Leisure
The year-end rush is here. For expats, this marks the home stretch: buying gifts, traveling home or elsewhere, whether alone or with family. How can you budget for these expenses to avoid unpleasant surprises and a dent in your year-end finances? Here are some practical tips.
Formalities
Administrative formalities upon arriving in a new country can be quite tedious, especially when they must be conducted in an unfamiliar language. Although some countries offer services in English, these can often be more superficial than genuinely helpful.
Everyday life
We're already seeing distinct trends in where expats choose to relocate in 2025. To better understand the driving forces behind these choices, we'll look at how elements such as hospitality, culture, economic stability, and legal environments are influencing decisions for both current and potential expats. What key developments in these countries are impacting expatriate preferences? Join us as we explore the dynamics shaping the global mobility landscape.
Work
Pursuing an international career as a woman presents unique challenges, especially when young children are involved. As an expatriate without the support of your close family, maintaining a high level of organization is crucial, alongside securing flexible childcare solutions. What other obstacles might you face while continuing a career abroad with young children?
Work
The 2024 international labor market is experiencing a persistent labor shortage impacting global economies. The most affected sectors include healthcare, construction, and information technology. Despite these challenges, 2024 has seen substantial investment in artificial intelligence, sparking intense debate about the future of employment. Looking ahead, which sectors will drive economic growth? What professions will be in demand in 2025?
Other Types
Formalities
Latin America as a region has become one of the most popular hubs for expats, digital nomads, and international entrepreneurs. The escalating prices, the rising taxes, and stricter immigration laws in Europe and North America are forcing people to seek alternatives, and many are finding Latin America's relative affordability, vibrancy, and diversity an ideal combination.
Traveling with children—whether for a holiday or a permanent move—comes with unique health challenges. To better understand how families can prepare, we spoke with Dr. Natalie Prevatt, a Consultant Paediatrician and expert in travel and tropical medicine. Dr. Prevatt trained in London and at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, and she has worked across Africa and the Pacific. She now runs NHS clinics in infections and immunity, and a remote travel clinic, The Children's Travel Doc, focused on children and pregnant women. As Chair for Paediatrics at the International Society of Travel Medicine, she helps shape global travel health guidance. In this interview, she shares essential advice on vaccinations, illness prevention, and planning for both short trips and long-term relocations.
England
Commissioned by the government, the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published a report on family visa rules. Its findings show that the current financial thresholds are preventing many applicants from reuniting with their loved ones.
Slovenia
Good news for prospective remote workers: Slovenia is joining the growing list of countries welcoming digital nomads. The visa is expected to launch this autumn.
USA
The Trump administration's latest measures could make daily life harder for foreign residents. International students remain a primary focus, but other expats are also affected. For many, sending money abroad may soon become more complicated.
Portugal
The Portuguese government is set to tighten the rules for acquiring nationality. The Council approved a draft law of Ministers on 23 June, but the reform is not yet final. For now, the measures outlined below remain proposals.
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"