Lifestyle - Expat Magazine
As Spain prepares to launch its new Digital Nomad Visa, what should you know about moving there in 2023? The country also has a new Startup Act to encourage entrepreneurship, even from expats, and it boasts of the lowest inflation in the EU and multiple new social welfare policies at the moment. Retirees have historically been a big expat demographic in Spain, but there are now increasingly more young expats in their 20s and 30s.
USA
Joe Biden concedes that the latest decisions won't solve the problems undermining the immigration system. However, the American president is optimistic in his belief that these new measures will be of great help to the nation. How, in the context of an inflationary and global economic crisis, can labor shortages be addressed while at the same time firmly addressing the issue of illegal immigration? The American president is trying to reach out to the Republicans without alienating his supporters, which is a risky exercise, even for the most talented of balancers. What can we learn from the Biden administration's new immigration policy?
As 2023 rolls out, moving abroad plans are slowly resurfacing. With the world going through turbulent times since 2020, it looks like everything is working against travel ideas. But at the same time, other indicators suggest that the season of great overseas adventures is indeed picking up again. So, what's the point of moving abroad in 2023? Here are some thoughts and practical advice.
Moving abroad is an exciting decision to take, and it brings a lot of change to expats life: a new city, perhaps a different language and certainly another culture to discover. However, at what point are expatriates prepared to change their drinking habits and dive into another world? It can sound silly, but expats who are used to having their cocktails by the beach and suddenly find themselves with a glass of refined wine during a heavy winter can see the changing of habits as very challenging.
Retiring abroad is a dream for many. In 2022, Thailand, Mauritius, Spain, Morocco, and Portugal were some of the favorite destinations for overseas retirement. But living in another country entails some practical issues for which retirees are not always well prepared. What should you do if the situation changes? How can the home country help? What if the host country changes its laws regarding foreign retirees? Can you appeal to your home country?
Bob moved to Da Nang, Vietnam, four months ago. He left America to spend his retirement days in Vietnam. He enjoys spending his free time meeting people and talking to his family back in the States. Bob shares his experience with Expat.com.
During the early days of the COVID pandemic, some were betting on the end of expatriation. Governments were taking steps to promote the employment of locals, as in Singapore, where companies were encouraged to favor nationals. Did that mean that foreigners were no longer welcome? Did that point to a place where local policies would dictate the future of national economies? Obviously not! Actually, moving abroad plans only changed their form. Digital nomadism, entrepreneurship, professional opportunities, and studying abroad are as many facets of post-COVID moving abroad plans. So, why should you move abroad in 2023, and how?
As expats enter a new year of living abroad and others are considering a move, it's high time to think ahead. Some destinations, for instance, Canada, are predicted to be very popular in 2023 because they appeal to many expats' current priorities. Furthermore, surveys reveal that lifestyle and cost of living are likely to be expats' priorities in 2023. The average age of expats is also predicted to keep getting younger.
Like other festivities, the New Year varies between cultures. In some countries, it is celebrated with pomp and splendor, while in others, the celebrations are toned down or focused on shopping. The Northern Hemisphere is in winter and the Southern Hemisphere is in summer on December 31, which also creates very different experiences. Many non-Western countries use another calendar than the Gregorian one and have another much more culturally significant “New Year” than December 31.
In many EU/EEA countries, there exist cultural integration programs to ensure that long-term expats learn the local language and understand the country well. France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Norway, Sweden and Estonia all offer such programs. Outside of the EU, the Canadian province of Quebec offers a similar program.
Going abroad is exciting, but going green abroad is even better. How about making it your new year's resolution? Expats are increasingly concerned about the environment. But how to adapt your lifestyle in a foreign country? What are the best ways to consume less and in a responsible way? In other words, how to become an eco-expat?
Every expat has probably been surprised or even shocked by some aspects of the way of life in their host country. Food, work relations, culture are some of the small everyday particularities that one needs to learn to live with. But sometimes, some things won't pass... others are incompatible with our values. What should you do when you're not able to downsides of your expat country's culture?
These last two years have been quite challenging for expatriates. Some of them have not been able to return home to celebrate Christmas and the New Year for almost two years. From restrictions in the host country to last-minute cancellations due to the pandemic, expats have not been spared.
With the oil crisis consequently affecting the price of kerosene, a critical factor for air travel, in addition to inflation and new environmental standards, air ticket prices have been soaring to unprecedented heights this year. The situation is as bad around the world, leading to rises in air ticket prices for the end-of-year holidays. To avoid saturation and stress a few days before Christmas, here are some tips to make the most of your flight.
When invited to a dinner party, some questions will inevitably come to your mind. Should you arrive on time, early or late? With or without a gift? Will you be sitting on a chair or on the floor? Shall you eat with your hands? In silence? What to say, what to do, when, how, and in what tone? Presented in this way, a simple meal with all the daunting etiquette that goes with it can become a real brainteaser.
China
When it implemented its zero COVID policy, the Chinese government was confident of its ability to completely eradicate the virus from its territory. Beijing still officially holds this line, despite acknowledging that its policy is unpopular. The three-year isolation has had heavy consequences on both human and political planes and will probably continue to do so in the coming years. The population has been pushed to the very edge. Under pressure from unprecedented demonstrations, Beijing is giving ground for the first time.
Are you planning to study abroad and are not going alone? What status should you and your dependents have? How to plan your move abroad? From choosing a country to sorting out aid organizations and visas, here's a review of all the aspects you need to consider before your move.
New Zealand
New Zealand is actively seeking skilled migrants to boost its economy. Having suffered the consequences of its zero-covid policy, the country officially lifted all restrictions last September. The clock is ticking to revive growth despite inflationary pressures. Why is immigration essential to New Zealand? What measures has the government taken to attract foreign workers?
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