Moving - Expat Magazine
Due to the rapid evolution of COVID-19, most countries around the globe had to implement strict border controls. For more than two months, only repatriation and essential commercial flights were authorised. Maritime and land transport were also severely affected – all this having a significant impact on immigration and the global economy as a whole. Today, many countries are preparing to lift border restrictions, but under certain conditions. What does that mean?
When we move to a new country, we hope desperately that everything will work out and that we'll stay for as much as we plan to and maybe more. But unfortunately, things don't always work out. Whether it's due to personal circumstances or the law, there comes a time when some expats may have to either move back to their home country or somewhere else. But when you're dealing with a difficult personal situation, how do you know if you should persevere just a bit longer, or it's actually time to move on? We discuss some important factors to base your decision on.
Home is not a place. It's a feeling. The air smells funny. People drive on the wrong side of the street. Vendors sell bread on the sidewalk. The prices are in local money so quick mental calculations must be made.
Do you want to be an expat? Are you still on the fence about moving to a new country and away from family? Moving abroad can be intimidating because it would mean uprooting the life you have at home and heading off to somewhere completely unknown. It can make anyone anxious but here's the good news: The feeling goes away and once you have settled down the pros outweigh the cons. Here are some reasons why you should take the leap.
A scouting expat trip is a process of testing the waters before making a life-changing decision to move (or not) to a country. At first, it may sound unreasonable to spend all this money and time to visit a place where you are most likely relocating to anyway. But it's actually a wise choice and a thoughtful investment towards your expatriation project. In the long term, it can save you a whole lot of hustle. So, don't take someone else's word for your prospecting expat country; find out for yourself. Here's a primer on how to make the most of your scouting trip.
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Crown Relocations
Whether you're a first time mover or experienced traveller there is always a tip or two to learn before a big move. Which is why Crown Relocations have put together some of their top relocations hacks to make your move easier and take away some of that unnecessary stress.
Expat.com and global research agency, Kantar have teamed up to explore the reasons why people want to move abroad in 2019. The research also unveils countries preferred by expats and expats-to-be and reasons that make said countries attractive.
So, you are moving to a new country? With just three months left before the big event, there are plenty of things to be excited about. With that, as exhilarating as this period may be, it can also get quite overwhelming. With so many things to think about, paperwork to arrange and packing to do, the best thing you can do is keep calm and stay organised.
A bit more than a year after moving back to France, Caroline Szipira tells Expat.com about the process of moving home from living abroad.
USA
Moving abroad on your own is no easy feat. Some might argue that it is particularly hard when you're a woman. So on this International Women's Day, Expat.com celebrates the wonderful women who have made the big move abroad. Here's Lisa… she's a French girl who pursued the dream of studying Film in Los Angeles!
Spending your free time exploring a new country, understanding its culture and mixing with the locals sounds like a dream, right? You have always dreamt of retiring abroad, but you are not ready to spend your lifetime savings on relocating. Understandable. International Living has compiled a list of the five cheapest places where you could accomplish your retiring abroad dream.
Spain
How to traveller is about the life of David, an Irish expat blogger who moved to Spain looking for new pastures. A job opportunity drove him from Malta to Costa del Sol after spending some time in Czechia and Malaysia. To those who are looking to travel or move to Spain, he speaks about his experiences and gives out some tips.
Why should you choose big city life over living in a small town? The choice might not be obvious if you're considering relocating abroad, whether alone or with your family. Over the years, many expats have found it easier to live in a big city for various reasons. Find out, with Expat.com, why you should move to a big city, regardless of your motivations.
For years, many global reports have unveiled some of the world's most expensive cities for expats, regarding rent, leisure and daily expenses in particular. If you're looking to move abroad on a budget, whether you're planning to study, work, set up a business or retire, have a look at some of the world's cheapest cities according to a study by Nomadlist.
Chile
Meet Nina, serial expat who been living out of a suitcase since she was 18. With a background in luxury travel, she was thrilled at the opportunity to move to one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Chile. Here she shares her experiences on expat life in Santiago and beyond.
After a successful and challenging career as a Psychologist in the area of trauma and abuse, and helping others survive their situations, Stefanie met her French husband in her home country Australia and decided to follow him back to Europe. Although excited about the new adventure, the arrival of their 2 children often left Stefanie struggling with missing her career and being a stay-at-home mum, which led her to taking a less stressful and demanding job. Below, she details some of the challenges that people face when sacrificing their careers for their partner and family, whether they changed to a new profession, or stopped working completely.
It's always hard to plan your move as a couple. While you might be excited about taking up new challenges and discovering new things, facing the unknown can also be quite stressful. Would it be wiser to move alone or with a trailing partner? In reality, it all depends on your long-term plans and ambitions. If things are not clear yet for you, Expat.com tells you about the pros and cons of moving abroad with your partner.
If you're passionate about adventure travel, staying in your host country can be a unique opportunity to explore its land and marine biodiversity as well as that of neighbouring countries. During your free time or in the weekend, why not take a few days to hike in the forests or mountains, take a stroll in a national park, or plan a safari? For wildlife lovers, Expat.com has compiled a short list of best destinations around the world to observe fauna.
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