Veedushi Bissessur

Slovenia has a strong banking industry. National and international banks are located throughout the country, along with a large network of ATM machines in most towns, and withdrawals are available from local or international bank accounts. Major banks are more likely to have English-speaker tellers to assist with opening an account, and some banks have websites in both English and Slovenian.

Macau is one of China's most developed regions and a big financial centre. Thus, when residing in Macau, banking should not be a problem. Read on to find out about different banks as well as how to open and manage your bank account in Macau as well as conduct daily financial operations.

Nigeria has a quite developed financial system based on a raft of commercial banks, but expats should be wary of financial fraud when banking in Nigeria, as it is a significant concern in the country.

Guatemala has endeavoured to clamp down on money laundering by implementing stringent control over international capital flows, which has resulted in mounting difficulties for foreigners to open bank accounts and perform basic financial transactions in the country. Find in this articles tips and advice on how to proceed.

On moving to South Africa, whether to work or set up a business, opening a bank account will probably be one of your main concerns. This should not be complicated as the country hosts several banks that provide various services to expatriates. You can choose from 11 national banks such as ABSA, FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank and Capitec, as well as some 50 international banks.

Once you have settled in the Czech Republic, you will probably have to open a bank account, whether you are working or studying. In general, relating formalities are quite simple. Moreover, you can choose from several banks, which provide a wide range of services and facilities to their customers.

Scotland has a long history when it comes to banking — going back more than 300 years. As such, the country's banking system is highly refined and offers unique advantages, like not paying banking fees if you remain within credit on your account. There is a variety of account types to choose from, depending on services offered but also depending on how long you've been in the country for. The process of opening a bank account can be challenging or costly depending on your nationality.

Looking forward to open a bank account in Egypt? Find out how to proceed in this article.

Can foreigners open a bank account in Poland? What are the relating formalities? Find out in this article.

What are the banks operating in Ivory Coast? How to proceed to open a bank account? Find out in this article.

Opening a bank account in Peru may be very helpful for managing your money on a daily basis, especially if you plan to stay in Peru for an extended period, but it can be quite complicated for expatriates. In most cases, non-residents cannot open a bank account in the country, as proof of a resident visa is almost always required.

As a foreigner living in Cambodia, opening a bank account is relatively straightforward and can save you quite a few hard-earned dollars in the long-term.

Do you wish to open a bank account in Bulgaria? Find out how to proceed in this article.

The community of expats in Romania is becoming more and more numerous. Therefore, opening a bank account is mandatory when planning a long stay in this country. The procedures are not that complicated but differ from bank to bank. Here are the general formalities expats need to know, along with the benefits of banking in Romania. 

Do you wish to open a bank account in Algeria? Find out useful information on related formalities in this article.

Procedures regarding the opening of a bank account in Cameroon vary from one bank to another. We are providing you with the details.

If you have decided to settle in Russia, you will probably want to open a bank account, particularly if you are working there. Opening a bank account will not only allow you to receive your salary but also to settle your monthly bills by direct debit. The formalities for opening a bank account in Russia are not too strict and the whole process should not take more than thirty minutes. However, you can give the bank of your choice a ring to find out how long an appointment will take.

A few years back, an expat would just breeze into an Ecuadorian bank, flash their passport and a bank account would be opened for them. Alas, things are not quite as simple anymore due to the many banking regulations. However, you should still be able to open a bank account if you follow our advice below.

Belize was once known to be a real banking haven, a place where banking secrecy was guaranteed. The situation changed somewhat with new banking regulations coming out of the United States in an attempt to curb US tax evasion. Many Belize banking institutions are none too happy about the host of paperwork and reporting now required of them, so the Central Bank has been more hesitant to approve accounts locally, and several of the international banks have left altogether.

There are several branches of international banks in South Korea, including Citibank global network and HSBC. Before moving to South Korea, it is recommended to find out if there are any existing partnerships between your usual national bank and a South Korean bank.

India's banking system has undergone a significant change over the past few years. The banking network and its operations have become more inclusive, comprehensive and efficient. While the RBI is the supreme banking authority, issuing major economic and financial policies, there are several private sector and public sector banks for consumers.

Depending on your situation in Argentina, you will probably have to open a local bank account to pay for rent, bills, etc. Banks charge high fees for foreign ATM withdrawals or transactions so the sooner you open your account, the better.

Anna was born in Ireland but spent many years abroad, including in Europe and Asia. She currently lives in Botswana, where she followed her husband who got a job offer there. Anna talks to us about her life experiences and challenges of relocating overseas and adapting to a new culture.

Originally from Spain with German roots, Anja has been travelling since her early childhood. Growing up in Kenya, she studied in the UK before relocating to Chile, a country she had good memories from. Today, Anja von Dessauer is an Expat Life and Mindset Coach. She talks to us about culture shock and the challenges of making a new country your home.

Athul is originally from Kerala, India. After working for a few years in Bangalore, he flies to Italy for a business project. Years later, a new opportunity leads him to Belgium, where he currently lives with his wife and daughter. He talks to us about his journey.

For those planning an international relocation, quality of life is a crucial element to consider. But how important is it to you, and how do you know when it's time to pack your bags and leave? Expats and future expatriates have shared their thoughts with us.

Navine Eldesouki is the amazing soul behind Coffee with Expat Women, a group providing support to expat women around the world. As an expat woman who built her life and family in different countries, leaving Australia at the age of 20, she is more than aware of the challenges faced by expat women around the world. So she decided to create a space where they can express themselves, share experiences, and get support and advice. 

Helen is a happy wife and mum of two grown-up children and has always been passionate about travelling. But it's only in 2020 that she could make her dreams come true despite the pandemic. With her husband Adrian, he now lives in the rural countryside of Central Portugal.

The pandemic has made living abroad even more challenging for trailing spouses. Many of them are still struggling with their daily stay-at-home routine and lockdown restrictions, while their significant other is having an almost regular routine. Here's what Kate, an expat coach in the USA, has to say to trailing spouses.  

Andre calls himself a wanderer. His experience of travelling in more than 50 countries and living in some of them turned him into an author recently. He talks to us about his book and gives out some tips for growing into your best self as an expat.

Claudia is originally from Potsdam, Germany, where she was the chief editor of German movie website. Today, she is a relocation agent in Paris, the French capital that became her new home in 2014. Claudia talks to us about her love for Paris and the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on everyday life, housing, etc.

Things seem to be getting worse for British expats within the European Union. Following the Brexit, many of them are losing jobs and are being denied healthcare, higher education and even bank accounts, according to international media. But here's what the Withdrawal Agreement, which came into force on February 1, 2020, says about all this.

Marina is an adventurous expat from Russia. Mum of two bi-cultural children, she has travelled and lived in many countries before relocating to French Guiana in January 2021, amid the pandemic. She talks to us about her quest for a better life for her family and herself.

Sheila, a young Mauritian, has always been passionate about poetry. A former teacher, she now works in finance in Toronto, Canada. Sheila recently released a new French single “T'es un homme exceptionnel”, and talks to us about being an artist abroad.

A former high school teacher from the US, Kelly recently went back to school to study marketing. Mum of two and married to a Dane, she currently lives in a small town in Denmark. Here's her story.

Shahin and Sarah are a young French couple. Their curiosity and thirst for new cultures led them to Iran, where they are currently studying calligraphy, poetry and the Persian language. Originally from Reunion Island, they talk to us about how and why they made Iran their new home.

Her Excellency Dr Kate O'Shaughnessy is the fifth consecutive female Australian High Commissioner to Mauritius and Seychelles and Ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros. On the occasion of International Women's Day 2021, we asked her thoughts about women in the diplomatic world and in decision-making.

Originally from Russia, Pyotr has been travelling the world since he was a baby. Today, he lives in the US after visiting some 80 countries around the world. What's special about Pyotr is his concept of sustainable living as an expat.

Thilini is originally from Sri Lanka. Despite a thriving financial career in her home country and in Australia, she was looking for a change. Today, Thilini lives in Mexico with her partner and is pursuing her dream as a writer and remote entrepreneur. She talks to us about her journey and her struggles to find inner and outer freedom as an expat.

Candice Smith is originally from Ohio, in the US. Her journey as an expat started at a very young age. Since then, she has been travelling the world, exploring cultures and learning languages. Today, she lives in Istanbul with her mum and daughter, with a rich career as an entrepreneur and beauty professional. She is also the author of two published books "The Black Girl's Guide to Being Blissfully Feminine" and "A Girl's Guide to Being A Lady in Waiting". Meet this passionate and determined Afro-American expat woman.

If you are thinking of moving to Cyprus, then understanding how the healthcare system works, and if you are entitled to healthcare, is crucial. The healthcare system in Cyprus underwent a complete overhaul in 2013 to be more in line with EU standards and has improved drastically since then. However, many people still prefer private healthcare especially expats.

Whether you are travelling to the Maldives for a short or long term, staying healthy and having access to quality medical care will surely be on the list of your priorities. Wondering about health care quality and cost in the Maldives? Learn about the countrys hospitals, social security and insurance in this article.

Kenya is a country of great disparity, especially when it comes to healthcare. Access to clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and basic health services are problems for millions of Kenyans, especially in rural areas, as the public healthcare system is overburdened. However, wealthy Kenyans have access and means to purchase private health care and receive better quality treatment. Here is an overview of Kenyas healthcare system.

In contrast to other countries such as Finland, where the healthcare system is municipal, Estonians have opted for a solidarity-based social insurance system. This means that healthcare services in Estonia are for everyone according to the individual needs. It also means that you can expect the same kind of quality treatment to be available across the country, no matter which region you're currently in.

Ask any Finn for the cure to whatever ails you, and they will all probably make the same suggestion; go to a sauna. Indeed, that Finnish invention may have something to do with the fact that life expectancy in this country is among the highest in the world. But what happens when you require something a little bit stronger than a steam bath? Finland's healthcare system is municipal, which means that the quality of treatment you'll be getting may vary greatly depending on the city you're in. If you're a Nordic or EU citizen you should have no real problems navigating it.

Slovenia has a nationalised public healthcare system which provides a high-quality level of care to citizens and residents. All employees and businesses contribute to the system through tax, and healthcare is available to all citizens and long-term residents. The programme is coordinated by the National Health Insurance Institute. Residents and citizens are given a medical card, which they show when undergoing treatment. Even under public care, some doctors and specialists may charge an additional out-of-pocket fee for some services. However, medical care for children is generally not subject to additional charges.

When planning a lengthy stay in a foreign country, the question of staying safe and healthy naturally comes up. If you are moving to Macau, you're in luck as the region has a well-developed system of public and private medical facilities. What's more, with Hong Kong just a short ride away, you will have even more options when it comes to healthcare.

Nigeria is exposed to a number of serious epidemics, and the national network of healthcare facilities exhibits uneven quality standards, hence the importance of well investigating the available healthcare options to best prepare your move to Nigeria. Health insurance is a necessity.

Guatemala's public health system benefits from a well-established legal framework, a long-standing institutional history, and dedicated and experienced health sector workers. However, the system is fragmented, with significant disparities between urban and rural areas, both in terms of level and of quality.

When relocating to South Africa, healthcare will be one of your main concerns. Since its advent to democracy, South Africa's healthcare system has become more accessible. Medical faculties of major, internationally rated universities offer sought-after and rigorous medical training. Additionally, many new medical centres have been set up across the country and you are likely to find more hospitals in large, urban centres and tourist areas.