Expat interviews
Malaysia
Andy describes himself as a third culture kid, born in the Philippines to Scottish and Filipino parents. He grew up in Saudi Arabia and studies in Scotland, and then went to teach in Vietnam following his studies. Nowadays, he lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Japan
Rey comes from New Jersey but has lived in different States. Following his retirement, he moved to Yokohama three years ago with his Japanese wife. Nowadays, he enjoys writing and publishing his articles about Japan online.
Thailand
Expat in Thailand since 14 years, John decided to live far from the coast and set his luggages next to River Kwai, in Kanchanaburi. In this interview, he gives us his feelings about living as an expat in this country where culture and way of living are completely different.
USA
Karin was born in Germany but traveled the world with her parents during her childhood. Many years later, she met an American national to whom she got married. Both now live in Fort Wayne where she works as a Senior Programmer Analyst.
Spain
Since she was 13 and her first trip in Europe, Heather knew that she will live on the old continent. She's now living in Galicia, Spain, with her boyfriend, teaching english and living. She gives us her US expat feelings about this delicious country.
Ecuador
Danica comes from Canada. She has stayed in the USA and in Mexico for several years before traveling Europe. Retired, she now lives in Ecuador with her husband. In this Interview, she talks about her everyday life in Cuenca.
Oman
Phillip comes from South Africa. He moved to Muscat four years ago following a job offer. In this Interview, he talks about his everyday life in Oman and shares his passion for traveling and photography.
United Arab Emirates
Emma and her husband landed in Dubai since one year. Working in the airline industry, this Australian expat gives us her sincere testimony about a country in constant evolution.
India
Karen was born in Ireland but has lived for long in Stratford upon Avon, England. She moved to India, 18 months ago, with her husband following his job posting. Nowadays, she teaches voluntarily in Pune.
Myanmar
Indonesian and married to a Burmese man met in U.S, Jane decided to live in Myanmar with him. From the economical capital, she gives us her vision of this multicultural country and unfortunately too much unknown.
Türkiye
Jane comes from Sydney. Married to a Turk, she has been visiting their family in Turkey for years before finally deciding to move to Mersin in 2012. In this Interview, she tells us about her daily life in her new home.
Germany
Teacher and researcher in one of Bremen's universities, but also blog writter, Mandi lives in Germany since 2008. She gives us her vision, as an American expat, about the country of Goethe.
Canada
Hayley comes from Townsville, Australia. Following her trip to Canada back in 2013, she moved to Vancouver a month ago. She works in the hospitality sector and is a part-time journalist.
Czech Republic
When he arrived in Czech Republic from Canada, where his girlfriend lives, Kevan didn't know that the country will be his new home. Living there since 2004, now in Brno, the second largest city, the canadian gives us his vision of this country of Central Europe.
France
Tim comes from the USA where he used to be a development and finance specialist. In 2005, he moved to France with his partner Michael. He settled in Nice in 2013 after spending a few years in Paris.
Fiji
Rebecca discovered Fiji Islands during her honeymoon and fell literally in love with this paradise on earth. Since 20 years, she lives there, on Taveuni, the third largest island over the 300 that compose the country. She gives us her expat testimony through this interview.
Spain
"Slow-travel" lover since more than 10 years and expat since 2000, Ina lived in seven different countries! Now, she set her luggages in Barcelona with her boyfriend, learning spanish and writing for her blog. She gives us her feelings about how a serial-expat way of life looks like, between France, UK, Ireland, Spain and Australia.
China
Lisa comes from South Africa where she worked as a teacher. In 2013, she was offered a new job in China. She stayed in Rizhao for three years until she moved to Shenzhen recently.
Other Types
Tax
Living in a country without paying taxes: a dream for many expats who choose their destination specifically based on its tax policies. But does a truly "zero tax" country for foreigners actually exist? And what hidden financial risks should you watch out for?
Transport
"Once this war is over, fuel prices will collapse," Donald Trump declared. The U.S. president believes he has "very good chances" of reaching a deal with Iran, while also stating he is prepared to take military action if talks fail. In the meantime, prices at the pump continue to break records worldwide, with variations from country to country. How are expats coping with this situation? How are they managing their daily commutes and travel? The Expat.com community shares its experiences.
Banks and finance
Online banks and neobanks market themselves as the perfect solution for expats: open an account in a few clicks, fully digital, accessible from anywhere… at least in theory. What are the real advantages and limitations of these banking options? And what should expats watch out for?
Everyday life
For decades, the traditional idea of retirement was simple enough. You work until a certain age, then stop. The assumption was that a workplace pension, a state pension, or a private pension, and perhaps a little nest egg, would provide sufficient income to enjoy a good quality of life. However, for some, the new retirement reality is much more complex.
France
This quiet reform barely made a ripple in France's political debates, yet it slipped through largely unnoticed and will tighten the rules for those who combine work and retirement.
Work
Cold emails are a powerful way to show your drive and determination, provided you know how to stand out and reach the right person. Which countries are most receptive to unsolicited job applications? And how do you capture the attention of a foreign company?
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
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