Expat interviews
Portugal
Bruno was at the end of his executive career when he decided to leave his province of Padua, in Italy, for Quarteira, located in the Algarve. Although he chose Portugal purely by chance, he says that the country has always been one of his favorite destinations for its climate, tranquility, safety and reasonable cost of living.
Portugal
Christian moved to Portugal four years ago. He left Sardinia to go to work in sunny Lisbon. He had no difficulties adjusting to his new life. He loves spending his free time playing soccer, surfing, meeting friends and exploring the country, which reminds him so much of home.
Montenegro
In recent years, Montenegro has become one of the most popular destinations for Cubans. Why is this so? What are the procedures for moving and settling there for work? Is it hard to adapt there? Yanexis, who recently moved there, tells us about her experience.
Albania
Two years of pandemic and scarce career opportunities in Italy convinced Anna and her husband to move to Durrës in Albania, where they have been living for a few months already. She believes that if she could have gone back in time, she would have made this choice earlier. Anna talks to Expat.com about everything she loves about this beach town.
Martinique
We are in 2018 when Monica and her husband, along with their children, decided to go on a trip. They were both employed in the retail industry in Italy and wanted to take charge of their lives and experience new sensations. So, they moved to Malta, and then to Spain amidst the pandemic. Then, one day, an unexpected opportunity came knocking at their door: a job in Martinique! They didn't waste any time and rushed to this island in the West Indies, a French overseas department.
Portugal
Carla and Walter are an Italian expat couple who now live in Portugal. Retired, they left the gray of Alexandria to settle in Coimbra. They talk to Expat.com about what makes their new home a great place to live in.
Denmark
Eliska is a young expatriate who has been traveling abroad since the age of 18. After staying in London and other countries, she finally moved to Denmark, where she owns a business helping people in their moving abroad plans. She talks to Expat.com about her expat life in this Nordic country.
Portugal
Diva is originally from Milan. After retiring, she moved to Braga, a city in the northwest of Portugal, alongside her partner. “This is a country we've fallen in love with,” she writes, “because life here has a rhythm and flavors which remind us of our youth.” Enjoy the read!
Japan
Raquel is getting ready for her studies abroad in Japan, and her first goal is to learn the language and explore Japanese culture in depth. In this interview, she tells us about her upcoming adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Singapore
Mangla is originally from Malaysia. She has been traveling a lot since a very young age and has lived in Australia and the UK. Today, she's raising her third-culture kids in Singapore. Mangla talks to us about what makes Singapore a great place to live as an expat.
Everyday life
Alex is from Germany, and his wife Alex was born in Brazil. Both had a normal life until they met in the UK and decided to go on an entrepreneurial adventure around the world. Today they live in Argentina and have taken up the mission of empowering other expat micro-entrepreneurs.
Everyday life
Céline and her husband Patrick are from France. In 2014, they decided to settle in Quebec with their two children. Former army officers, Céline and Patrick are now entrepreneurs. Owners of a French creperie, they share their experience with us and their success story despite the recent pandemic.
Everyday life
Originally from the British countryside, Amy spent ten years in London before following her military husband to Brunei for an international assignment. She talks to us about her career conversion into an expat coach after giving birth to her first child and her journey as an expat.
Everyday life
Yasmine has been living in North America for multiple years. She first accompanied her husband to North Carolina, in the US, before recently relocating again to Quebec in the heart of winter. She talks to us about her experience in these two very different American countries.
Everyday life
Nathalie had never thought that one day she would move abroad, and yet she has already lived in more than 5 different countries. Today, she lives in England with her family and tells us about their expat journey.
Lee moved to Mauritius 12 years ago searching for a better quality of life for her family and herself. The real estate consultant talks to us about the real estate market in Mauritius as well as about what she loves about the island life.
Everyday life
After traveling the world with her husband, Marion decided to settle in Bali, where she started a family and opened a shelter to save the many abandoned dogs across the island. Originally from Paris, she shares her adventures with Expat.com.
Everyday life
Haydée moved from Paris with the idea of working in Barcelona. However, things didn't go as smoothly as she expected them to, considering the language barrier. She talks to us about her arrival in Barcelona and what made her want to learn Catalan.
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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