Features
Everyday life
You may take for granted things you encounter in everyday life that seem to be the norm. However, it is only when you go abroad that you can see just how different mundane, daily tasks and interactions can be. We've compiled some of the unique aspects of different countries that newcomers may find surprising.
Work
Business leaders are looking to emerging markets as the next frontier, with a wealth of potential and opportunity to take their business to the next level. However, to do so is no easy feat, and requires leaders to be, at their heart, highly adaptable. There will be new challenges that haven't been encountered before, with solutions that are likely different to those that have been previously applied to the more developed territories.
Work
International companies are keen on hiring employees to work abroad on long-term contracts or specific projects, and the response they receive from the candidates is rather engaging. But what are multi-national businesses looking to achieve with this practice? And why are people willing to go through the inconvenience of relocation for work? AXA, a global insurance company with 107 million customers all over the world, has asked these and more questions to senior directors in charge of global mobility at 250 multi-national companies in eight countries and to 372 people in 11 countries who are working on international assignments. Expat.com discusses the findings of this survey on global mobility.
Health system
Healthcare is an important consideration if you are thinking about moving abroad, and it is nice to know there is a good system in place, should anything untoward occur. The Commonwealth Fund has assessed the healthcare systems of eleven developed nations in order to compare the top ten with last place US.
Everyday life
Are you planning to move abroad for work or change your lifestyle, or is it that you are looking for a destination to visit? Depending on your motives, Expat.com takes a closer look at the results of IPSOS's 2017 survey which asked three questions to 18,557 international adults: Which city do you think is the best to live in? Visit? Do business in? Have a read and find out whether your favourite city is featured.
Work
The term emerging markets is often used to cover countries classified as either emerging or frontier markets. There are countries from different regions and continents in each classification, from Europe to Asia, opening their doors to investment opportunities from everywhere in the world.
Moving
The idea of starting over can be daunting, and the idea of starting over in an entirely different country even more so. However, having the right attitude and approach to moving can make all the difference – particularly when challenges present themselves. No matter what your reason for moving, adopting the right attitude can make all the difference on your success as an expat.
Everyday life
If you're planning to move to the other side of the world, you better be aware of the physical risk factors and precautions to take in case of a natural disaster. Some countries are more likely to be hit by cyclones, earthquakes, floods, and wildfire, and other are more susceptible to be affected by the hazards of such phenomena. As we like to say "hope for the best, prepare for the worst".
Everyday life
The meaning of power has changed through time, and nowadays, in the era of digital diplomacy, in which diplomatic objectives are achieved through the internet, the stronger country is the one that collaborates, builds networks beyond geographical borders, and influences others.
Everyday life
On International Nelson Mandela Day, we are taking action and contribute our part to the world by making an impact — on our neighbour's child, our community, country, or, why not, in a different country. For 67 years, Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected president of post-apartheid South Africa, was advocating human rights, defending peace, and promoting social justice. In recognition of Mandela's heroism, simplicity, and resistance, Expat.com explores the opportunities of charitable work around the world, and ways to pass the messages of reconciliation and peace through actions. From making a new friend abroad to serving a humanitarian cause, “it always seems impossible until it's done”.
Work
The MSCI classification of frontier, emerging, and developed markets helps investors and entrepreneurs identify the next upcoming market and the markets with the most potential for growth. As more countries step up to the plate (with Pakistan most recently moving from a frontier to emerging market classification), there is a sea of possibilities for those looking to dive in ahead of the curve.
France
Commemorating the French National Day, July 14 is a public holiday in France. So if you have just landed in France, you would not want to miss the fireworks – which by the way are quite impressive – or the massive military march. What could be a better way to discover the French way of life than mingling in the celebrations, just like the French do?
Leisure
While some people may be seeking the biggest and most modern cities to relocate to, other expats are searching for a different kind of city life — one that allows them to step back in time. If you are looking for a city with an enticing past to discover, as well as museums and ancient ruins to wander around, look no further. We have put together some of the most historical cities, where you can experience the past while living in the now.
Thailand
If you are a tea aficionado in Thailand, fear not, as it turns out Thailand has a unique tea culture — from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, there is no shortage of places and types of tea to experience. As the adoration of tea is spreading worldwide, popular culture has come to embrace teas such as the matcha green tea and the Taiwanese speciality bubble tea-based beverage. John, an American expat in Thailand, guides us through Thailand's tea culture and gives us tips on where to find the finest teas in the country.
Leisure
There is nothing worse than packing an oversized and heavy suitcase during a trip. Whether you are trying unsuccessfully to fit your luggage into the overhead compartment on your 30-minute flight, pulling a clunker of a suitcase with broken wheels through the hotel lobby, or trying to carry that same suitcase in your hands as if it were an outsized toddler, not packing correctly can lead to some serious discomfort.
Germany
Thinking about moving to Germany? You have probably started your research about the country already — the climate, the job market, the formalities, and the leisure activities. But here's some fascinating information about Germany that you may have missed (and will boost your decision making).
Work
Where is everyone moving to, and why? Anyone thinking of moving abroad will, of course, have their own reasons for moving – according to MoveHub's report on global moving trends, 30% of respondents think that cost of living is the most important thing to consider before moving, with 50% claiming they moved for better employment opportunities. We look at the most popular destinations to move to.
Work
Europe is full of cities on the move, be it improving infrastructure, to heightening inspiration. Savills Investment Management's measure of the most dynamic cities in Europe highlights the cities with the best prospects for commercial investment, though it is a good indicator of a city's development for anyone hoping to move there. London topped nearly all five of the metrics used by Savills to take the overall top spot, and the UK as a whole features strongly across the different categories.
Other Types
Sponsored
JJ Associates
If you've been searching for a stable, profitable, and strategically located country to grow your business or diversify your investment portfolio, Panama should be at the very top of your list. Panama is not just a country with a famous canal. It is one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America, a regional financial hub, and a proven gateway for companies looking to expand across North and South America. With a dollarized economy, a territorial tax system, world-class logistics infrastructure, and investor-friendly immigration policies, Panama offers a unique combination of advantages that few countries in the world can match.
Everyday life
Moving abroad is often associated with adventure, discovery, and new opportunities. While it can be a deeply enriching experience, there is often a less visible reality behind the excitement of starting a new life abroad: exhaustion. In my consultations, expats sometimes describe a fatigue that never seems to lift, unusual irritability, a sense of disconnection, or the feeling that they are no longer quite themselves. What I have also observed is that this distress is rarely confined to one person. In expat families, when one parent begins to struggle, the entire family often has to adapt. Partners may feel isolated or lose their sense of direction, while children can pick up on their parents' stress, worries, or emotional fatigue, even when these feelings are never openly discussed.
New Zealand
Since June 1, foreign workers seeking certain work visas in New Zealand have been subject to new English language requirements. The government says the changes are intended to improve migrant integration and help prevent workplace exploitation.
Sweden
Since June 1, Sweden has tightened its work permit regulations. The new rules introduce higher salary requirements, stricter conditions for seasonal workers, mandatory health insurance in some cases, and increased scrutiny of employers.
Belgium
Belgium's latest reforms, which took effect on June 1, bring greater flexibility to the labor market in an effort to support job creation. At the same time, the government has introduced stricter requirements for non-European students.
United Arab Emirates
Foreign residents in the United Arab Emirates should take note: under UAE regulations, residence visas are generally canceled if the holder remains outside the country for more than 180 consecutive days. In most cases, affected residents must apply for a new visa before returning. However, several categories of expatriates are exempt from this rule and can retain their residency status despite an extended stay abroad.
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"