Sepharad
American expat in France
Forum posts
42
About me
American
Speaks I speak English and some Portuguese
Registration: 31 January 2024
Quality of customer service in France by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Customer service can say a lot about everyday life in France, and for many expats, it’s something that could take time to get used to. In order to help expats and soon-to-be expats to adjust to local expectations, we invite ...
I have found that big companies with multiple employees can be inflexible. They are "rule" oriented, no matter how contradictory or frankly, stupid. No one wants to be the one to break the rule. Think of big box stores and big grocery chains.Some ... Read More
Family moving to Bayonne in need of advice on schools etc by byraskaplig9r
We are moving to Bayonne with kids 16,13 and 10 in August and are currently looking for schools. Has anybody got advice? The children do not speak fluently French and would be in need of extra support. We start looking for schools so we can decide ...
I would enroll your kids in french class now, like right now. Give them a leg up even if it is just 4 months. They will really benefit.Read up on and be prepared for jumping through bureaucratic hoops. They are impressive. They cover things ... Read More
Moving to Toulouse by dpetersen1948
Hello All,My name is Don and I will be moving to Toulouse in mid 2027 as a retiree with my wife Joani and Scottish Terrier named Winston. We currently live in the United States in the state of Arizona. We have traveled throughout Europe quite ...
Greetings. Read up on the challenges of finding a rental. Buying is less of a problem. Also obtaining a phone number and bank account. They are all interconnected. My dog Harriet is from Arizona. We live here in Toulouse and really enjoy it. I ... Read More
Accounting Firms with US CPAs and French expert-comptables by uncaged
Hello, I'm looking for an accounting firm to handle both my US and French taxes, both personal and business. Someone who knows their way around the tax treaty, etc. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks,
I use Jonathan Hadida's Tax firm as well. Not cheap but excellent quality. You won't get an unpleasant surprise a year or two after they have done your taxes. They specialize in US citizens living in France. I learned about them here and am ... Read More
Confusion regarding long term renting in Beziers by cyd2706
Hi guys,My husband Richard and I have been exploring the French rental market, primarily focussing on unfurnished. On one hand it looks relatively straight forward provided that you have found a property, have proof of income and health insurance. ...
I found the French governmental site for assembling your dossier.https://www.dossierfacile.logement.gouv.fr/Being governmental its free and once you assemble it you send it to your potential landlord. Read More
Confusion regarding long term renting in Beziers by cyd2706
Hi guys,My husband Richard and I have been exploring the French rental market, primarily focussing on unfurnished. On one hand it looks relatively straight forward provided that you have found a property, have proof of income and health insurance. ...
My experience was far from simple NicoleI am a dual US/Portuguese citizen. I was well established in Portugal. Phone, bank, apartment, vehicle, license etc.To break my lease and phone I needed to show a lease in France, where I was moving. I remted ... Read More
Leaving France with children by Tara1234
Hi everyone,some advice please if anyone has been in this situation. My husband and I relocated to France with our two little boys aged 6 and 9. I have been commuting for the past year. Now I want to come home and so do the children to school back ...
1) I am not a lawyer. 2) My legal experience was in the U.S.A. not France or the U.K. I cannot and am not, giving you legal advice, but only my ruminations.Complex. 2 countries. Different legal codes. I suspect, but only suspect that both countries ... Read More
New members of the France forum, introduce yourselves here - 2024 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the France forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
I read the bonjour effect and demystifying the french.I found both helpful if slightly dated as things are changing quickly. Read More
Planning a Solo move From US to South of France by gulruu94
Hello Fellow Brave Ones,Trying to arrange for my move to France. Alas, far too many unknowns slowing me down at this point. Therefore, to speed up the process, I am trying to find a reputable, reasonable, fair co/agency/individual to ...
@gulruu94 IF, you are a US citizen and IF you have a USA Pension, You can pay your taxes in the USA. This is HUGE. In my case the difference between 10% and 42%. It makes retirement possible. It all depends on your particular situation. I believe ... Read More
American expats: how do you think the US elections will affect you? by Ameerah Arjanee
Hi everyone. I’m a content writer for Expat Magazine, and we are planning on writing an article about what American expats abroad (and non-American expats living in the US) think about the upcoming presidential elections. How do you think the ...
I am comfortable for the most part in France. Because of the France/USA tax treaty, retirement in France is quite doable. In the USA, only the Rich can retire. No decent national health plan, few remaining pension plans except for the owners of ... Read More
Vehicle registration in France, recommended auto insurers in France.
How do i tell when my vehicle registration needs renewal? I assume I do this at the tax authority. Exhaustive explanation appreciated.Who are reliable auto insurers in France? Read More
Cluster flies by Frad the lad
Our attic is infested with cluster flies. I hoover them up every time we come.Any advice anyone please?
Hang fly paper or a bug zapper. Calk shut any gaps you can find. They are born outdoors and enter any gaps they can find. Read More
Nursing license by lindie55
Are there overseas nurses and or Americans here who work as a nurse in France? How did you process your license here? Thank you.
@lindie55 except for VERY specific situations, like U.S. military bases, I do not believe a Nursing license from a U.S. based nursing school is accepted in the E.U.U.S. military base nursing opportunities do come up.JonathanRetired Oregon R.N. Read More
Tracing French Pensions by RetiringRoy
Hi All,I worked in France from 1990-2005 before moving back to the UK where I am now based and facing retirement!I would like to ask if anyone can advise how I can trace my Pensions ( both State & Corporate) that are locked somewhere in the ...
Hello Maurice.Each EU country has a different Tax treaty with non-EU nations. France does not tax US citizens with a US pension. Malta and I believe lithuania have the same arrangement. I use https://www.hadtax.com/They specifically deal with US ... Read More
Planning a Solo move From US to South of France by gulruu94
Hello Fellow Brave Ones,Trying to arrange for my move to France. Alas, far too many unknowns slowing me down at this point. Therefore, to speed up the process, I am trying to find a reputable, reasonable, fair co/agency/individual to ...
@gulruu94? ?? ?? ?? ?I am not aware of any all-in-one service.Governmental agencies may or may not provide anything you might describe as assistance.I can recommend a tax agency depending upon your specific nationality and whether you have a ... Read More
Changing carte gris but no longer resident in france by Unchiu Bill
HiThere was a mistake on our carte gris 15 years ago.Vehicle Id number 1 character out.Bike is now in romania, having spent 15 years in a garage in the UK.We have a clear chain of custody showing the bike has been in our ownership since new.ANTS ...
@Unchiu BillI am new to France but can tell you this, calling the ANTS phone number is like yelling into the Grand Canyon. I never once have had a person answer the phone.Apparently in an effort to save money all driving services in France have been ... Read More
ANTES driving me insane. Advice re Exchange of license? by Sepharad
I have been trying to exchange my Portuguese Drivers license for a French one...for MONTHS. I have been sent to the National police, Local police, France Services, 2 different Mairies, the Prefecture and finally ANTS.I had all the forms, had a ...
@nicole8535We definitely are speaking different languages...even when we both are speaking French.My First application was with the grudging help of France services. My documents were posted by them directly to ANTS, who later said that the ... Read More
ANTES driving me insane. Advice re Exchange of license? by Sepharad
I have been trying to exchange my Portuguese Drivers license for a French one...for MONTHS. I have been sent to the National police, Local police, France Services, 2 different Mairies, the Prefecture and finally ANTS.I had all the forms, had a ...
They keep asking for me to MAIL a "signature page" and offer to send me another one.They insist the address is ON the page and then attach no page.All of my online forms have been filed and I have had no response.I have asked specifically for the ... Read More
ANTES driving me insane. Advice re Exchange of license? by Sepharad
I have been trying to exchange my Portuguese Drivers license for a French one...for MONTHS. I have been sent to the National police, Local police, France Services, 2 different Mairies, the Prefecture and finally ANTS.I had all the forms, had a ...
Sadly, there IS no such office. ALL requests must now been made through the ANTES online website.This is an attempt to save money on a national basis. Previously you submitted the documents at the local police station.I have had a native french ... Read More
ANTES driving me insane. Advice re Exchange of license?
I have been trying to exchange my Portuguese Drivers license for a French one...for MONTHS. I have been sent to the National police, Local police, France Services, 2 different Mairies, the Prefecture and finally ANTS.I had all the forms, had a ... Read More
American looking for tax help in Toulouse or Pau for individuals by France7890
I am an American and wanted to get assistance with my taxes (American/France). I found some recommendations at the "Americans in Toulouse" site but these recommendations are for businesses, not individuals. Could anyone recommend someone that ...
Jonathan HadidaHadtax specializes in Americans in France. I am using his firm currently, Danielle Ott is my preparer. He is located in Grenoble, I believe. We do everything online.https://www.hadtax.comJonathan WexlerToulouse Read More
Letter of Invitation by jennymcc5309
Hello, it's my first time posting. I tried searching the group but didn't see this topic. Because I'm staying in a private accommodation in France, I need an invitation letter from the person hosting me, to submit with my visa/residency application. ...
Along with the Attestation d'hebergement you will likely need to attach a photo of the hosts ID card and a utility bill.This is normal here. I believe it is part of the "know your neighbor" system designed to control the flow of money going to ... Read More
Waste Management in France by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As an expat in France, waste management can often pose challenges and requires an understanding of local standards and regulations. Understanding local practices is essential for environmental compliance and seamless integration ...
Electronics and appliances are left on the curb. Paper, food waste and glass, get put in the plentiful bins. Cups, cans and wrappers NOT. I don't get the distinction. Read More
Waste Management in France by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As an expat in France, waste management can often pose challenges and requires an understanding of local standards and regulations. Understanding local practices is essential for environmental compliance and seamless integration ...
It's some sort of cultural thing that I just don't get. They will literally go out of their way, in my town at least, and throw the trash on the ground, or on the window sill NEXT to the trash. I watched a team weed a small planting at the base of a ... Read More
Waste Management in France by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As an expat in France, waste management can often pose challenges and requires an understanding of local standards and regulations. Understanding local practices is essential for environmental compliance and seamless integration ...
I live in a new development in Toulouse. When I say New, I mean as in still being constructed. Each apartment block has a locked room where rolling dumpsters are located. One for "waste" and the other for "recycling". They are rolled out of doors ... Read More
British expats in France: what do you think about voting from abroad? by Ameerah Arjanee
Hello everyone, I'm a content writer for Expat Magazine. We are looking for testimonies from British expats in France about the latest news (concerning voting from outside the UK). What is your opinion about the UK government's decision to allow 3 ...
Why would your absence for any period, deprive you of your franchise? The Franchise is a right of citizenship, not a privilege. You should be able to exercize your right anywhere on the planet. I guess we are spoilt in the US. We have an ... Read More
British expats in France: what do you think about voting from abroad? by Ameerah Arjanee
Hello everyone, I'm a content writer for Expat Magazine. We are looking for testimonies from British expats in France about the latest news (concerning voting from outside the UK). What is your opinion about the UK government's decision to allow 3 ...
I am a us citizen and am registered to vote. I would be outraged to be disenfranchised by politicians because I live abroad. Im frankly shocked that this has been the case for UK citizens. I look forward to seeing the responses that you get. My ... Read More
Moving to Sete April 2024 by anneq100
Hi, I am moving to Sete, France in April and a little concerned how difficultit is going to be to find an apartment and make friends. I speak reasonable french, I paint , I am in my late 50s and am a friendly person. Are there any expats in Sete? I ...
@anneq100 I am Jonathan, a retired Psychiatric RN. Being Irish should significantly improve your ability to rent. I think you may need to run your income through an Irish bank to avoid the "not-EU" taboo. I hope you will send me a message when you ... Read More
Moving to Sete April 2024 by anneq100
Hi, I am moving to Sete, France in April and a little concerned how difficultit is going to be to find an apartment and make friends. I speak reasonable french, I paint , I am in my late 50s and am a friendly person. Are there any expats in Sete? I ...
I am previously from northern Portugal. A sudden change in my tax status required me to void my lease, sell my belongings and move to France. I had visited toulouse several times and found it ticked some of my boxes. Good access to culture, moderate ... Read More
Moving to Sete April 2024 by anneq100
Hi, I am moving to Sete, France in April and a little concerned how difficultit is going to be to find an apartment and make friends. I speak reasonable french, I paint , I am in my late 50s and am a friendly person. Are there any expats in Sete? I ...
I am living in Toulouse, about 2.5 hours from Sete. I am going to have to explore the gulf of Lion and look for a moorage for my boat. I would be happy to explore the nearby harbors and socialize with you. I have recently been traumatized by the ... Read More
Planning to move to South or Southwest France by ainoboyer
Hi all! My name is Aino. I am originally from Finland, currently living in Oregon. I am looking to relocate back to Europe, ideally South or Southwest France with my husband and our two kids. We lived in Copenhagen 2019-2021 and deeply miss being in ...
If you are EU citizens you do not need a visaI recommend you use Dossier Facile, a French governmental agency, to assemble your required documents.It tells you what you will need to get a place and helps you assemble it into an easily transmitted ... Read More
Cost of living in France in 2024 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience regarding the cost of living in France, and if possible, in the specific region or city where you live. This will help members who are planning to relocate in France. Here ...
Broken tooth! Dental consult 30€ including simple xrayPanoramic xray, remove remaining amalgam, prepare and coat surface, cast a mould, manufacture fake tooth, glue in fake tooth 686.86€No idea about insurance, I pay cash. Read More
Cost of living in France in 2024 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience regarding the cost of living in France, and if possible, in the specific region or city where you live. This will help members who are planning to relocate in France. Here ...
Air bnb studio apartment in Minimes, Toulouse, just over 1000€ per month Read More
Cost of living in France in 2024 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience regarding the cost of living in France, and if possible, in the specific region or city where you live. This will help members who are planning to relocate in France. Here ...
Eggses my precious!In Toulouse :at the weekly outdoor market 6 eggs in your own carton, 1.70€.at Coop market 6 eggs in your own carton (extra large) are 1.90€6 pre-packaged organic eggs can be 2.70€A pretty big price spread.I buy ... Read More
French Driver's License by jayinoregon
Hi All,I am considering retiring in Normandy and was wondering about driver's licenses. I have heard that the driving test (both written and practical) are difficult. Does anyone have any experience in taking the practical test in a rural area, such ...
Thank you. A swap is in order. Read More
US trained nurse seeking to move to France by mlazarre
Hi all: I am new to this forum. I am a nurse trained in the US who now wishes to work and live in France. I am finding it difficult to find information about how to get an equivalent diploma to work in France. I guess I would also need a "permis de ...
While this topic is old, I think its important that US nurses really grasp what people are saying. You will earn as much as a McDonalds worker in the US while paying up to 48% tax. Food is about double. 5 years ago I earned $75,000 as an RN in ... Read More
French Driver's License by jayinoregon
Hi All,I am considering retiring in Normandy and was wondering about driver's licenses. I have heard that the driving test (both written and practical) are difficult. Does anyone have any experience in taking the practical test in a rural area, such ...
I have a Portuguese drivers license, does that make things simpler? Do I just keep renewing my portuguese one or is there a simple exchange? Read More
Cost of living in France in 2024 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience regarding the cost of living in France, and if possible, in the specific region or city where you live. This will help members who are planning to relocate in France. Here ...
Metro, bus and parking cost in ToulouseMetro is 1.80€ for 1 hour in one direction, you can buy 10 rides for 15€. Busses are the same cost. You can buy a monthly pass for about 69€ or a senior pass for 35€ but getting one has ... Read More
Cost of living in France in 2024
Commercial realtors (or their customers) all seem to use General Liability Insurance. General Liability insurers REFUSE to cover any loss if the realtor/owner leases to a person with a non-EU income stream. I do not know if they refuse foreign EU ... Read More
Opening a French bank account from outside the country by GuestPoster5109
HiHas anyone any knowledge of opening a French bank account from outside the country? I'm looking at Bunq and similar entities at the moment. Are they safe?Is it a useful thing to do? Or should we wait until were in France to open a bank ...
First you have to find a bank WILLING to open your account. If your income stream is from outside the EU and definitely from the US, they have to do WORK. Namely FATCA reporting. Most do not LIKE WORK and just turn you down. They are not required by ... Read More
New members of the France forum, introduce yourselves here - 2024 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the France forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Jonathan, New to toulouse. I am always looking for advice on where to find the best source for all sorts of things and places to go in and round the city. I enjoy rides out into the countryside to visit other places of historicl nd cultural ... Read More