Veedushi Bissessur

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.

Scotland has a modern and developed health system from which you can benefit during your stay (provided you comply with existing conditions). For the most part, healthcare is free to everyone living in Scotland regardless of your nationality — although you will have to pay fees for specialised services. 

One benefit of living in Denmark is having access to the high standard of healthcare. Understanding the healthcare system in Denmark is a priority for expats – here is everything you need to know about the Danish healthcare system. 

Are expatriates eligible to health care services in Egypt? What are the relating conditions and formalities? Find out in this article.

Are expatriates eligible for free healthcare in Poland? What are the relating conditions and formalities? Find out in this article.

Are expatriates eligible to public health care in Ivory Coast? What about the private health system? Find out in this article.

It used to be common advice for any foreigners in Cambodia to simply go to Bangkok or Singapore if they required medical attention. Fortunately, however, medical facilities in the Kingdom of Wonder have improved somewhat in recent years, and you can now receive reasonably good treatment for many conditions in private institutions.

Wondering about health care in Bulgaria? How to access to these and what are the fees applied? Find out in this article.

Moving to a foreign country needs documentation first, especially when it comes to major concerns, such as the health care program. Expats moving to Romania may already know that medical services here have suffered lots of lacking during the years, but slowly, they are aligning to the European standards. However, there are local hospitals and clinics that provide urgent medical consultations, as well as lots of private medical units. 

Are you eligible to public health care in Algeria? What are the conditions and fees applied? Find out the answers to your queries in this article.

Before moving to Cameroon, you should be aware of the country's health care system and on health risks. Here is an overview.

Russia is known to have a two-tier healthcare system. There is a huge gap between those who can access to private healthcare services and those who depend on the public healthcare system. As a result, compulsory health insurance was introduced in 1996. Both expats and Russian nationals have to subscribe to health insurance which provides free healthcare. However, the Russian healthcare system still suffers from a lack of modern equipment and qualified staff.

Ecuador, as a fast-developing nation, has laws that are constantly evolving, but one thing is certain: the ongoing changes are almost always for the better. Here's an overview of how things stand at present.

Belize has a multiple layer healthcare system, including public and private hospitals, as well as regional and rural clinics. Before traveling to Belize, you should seek information on your specific health care concerns. You should also consider subscribing to an expat insurance before moving. Level one trauma care is not available in Belize, and medical evacuation alone is quite expensive.

If you are planning to move to South Korea, you are probably wondering about the local healthcare system. Doctors and hospitals in Korea are very developed and use the most modern technology just like in Western countries. In fact, Korean people take sicknesses so seriously that they even visit a local hospital at the slightest symptom of a cold. Quality healthcare is provided to locals and foreigners alike, and medicine and doctor visits are very cheap. Most doctors in South Korea also speak good enough English to assist you with your problems.

If you are planning to relocate to India, its healthcare system will be one of your prime concerns. There are several healthcare centres in India, including private and public hospitals and clinics. The quality of services may vary from one place to another. In major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi etc., it is easier and convenient for expats to find well-qualified practitioners and access to quality healthcare services.

Job: Check. Accommodation: Check. Visa: Check. How about your finance? Carefully considering your banking options before moving abroad could save you money and time. Depending on your reason for moving abroad and the duration of your stay, you could be tempted to use the bank account from your home country or open a local bank account in your home country. But have you thought of an international bank account? Here is why you should consider it and what you should look out for.

Last week, Thailand's Cabinet approved a draft bill aiming at recognising same-sex civil partnerships. If this bill is passed into law, Thailand would be the second country in Asia to back same-sex unions after Taiwan. Russia, for its part, publicly announced the prohibition of same-sex marriages. But how does it feel to be a same-sex couple abroad? Al, an American expat in Brazil, talks to Expat.com about LGBT rights and his everyday life in his host country.

Born in Newport, Vermont, in the USA, Tamara Jacobi was raised in Canada. Today, she lives in San Pancho, Mexico, where she owns an adventure business, managed by her family, in the heart of nature. An avid writer, she is the author of Wildpreneurs, a guidebook for turning your passion into business. Tamara talks to Expat.com the best ideas to have right now to become a successful expat entrepreneur in the post-COVID-19 era.

Although Nigeria is still a developing country, its economy enjoys good momentum, and it is possible for expats to find a job there.. The oil boom that occurred in the 1970s allowed the oil-rich country to significantly increase its revenues but has also opened it to the world, and large numbers of expatriates work in Nigeria.

India is a vast and growing country that offers a myriad of opportunities and adventures. India can be an interesting country to live in so if you are planning to move to India, finding accommodation will not be a difficult task.

Mumbai is the capital city of Maharashtra, as well as the commercial and financial capital of India. It is one of the biggest metropolitan cities and is densely populated. It also has a lot to offer and a lot to explore.  People from across the country as well as from different parts of the world throng to the city to explore the marvels and opportunities available here.

Bangalore, officially known as Bengaluru is the capital of Indian state of Karnataka. A highly vibrant and lively city, Bangalore is the third most populous urban city. The city's fast growing economy with developed infrastructure, ample job opportunities and a cosmopolitan culture,  has made it one of the most desirable destinations for Indians and expats alike.

Hyderabad is the joint capital of the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. One of the biggest cities in Southern India, Hyderabad boasts of a prosperous economy with several tourist spots, good connectivity and strong infrastructure. Over the years the city has attracted many foreigners from different parts of the world. In fact, its population, to date, consists of numerous expatriate communities from Gulf countries.

Ahmedabad, located in the north-west region of India, is the state of Gujarat's largest city. Erstwhile capital of Gujarat, the city is also one of the country's biggest cities with modern facilities and amenities. Over the years it has emerged as an economic and industrial hub, contributing significantly to the national economy.

Pune is the second biggest city of the State of Maharashtra, after Mumbai. A thriving, vibrant metropolis, the city has witnessed considerable growth, with a population expected at 6,4 million in 2020. Pune is a centre of diverse and exciting opportunities and a good option for professionals hoping to move to India.

Kolkata is one of the major metropolitan cities of India. Capital of West Bengal state, the city is densely populated with nearly 5.3 million inhabitants in 2019. Extensive and diverse opportunities offered by the city have attracted many people from across the country as well as abroad. Kolkata is a popular expat destination due to its growing economy and affordable cost of living.

Located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is one of the most developed cities of South India and is considered one of the top Indian cities for quality of living. Owing to its extensive and diverse opportunities, good infrastructure, unique and ancient-style architecture and museums, the city attracts many people, including expatriates.

Pondicherry is one of the most developed cities in the state of Tamil Nadu. Stretching over some 19,46 km² in Southeast India, it offers a unique historical background, cultural heritage and serene environment. Over the years the city has attracted people from different origins, especially French. Hence, the total population of the city also includes expatriates in good numbers. If you are moving there, finding accommodation in Pondicherry should not be too much of a challenge.

The capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is one of the top destinations in India in terms of quality living and culture, infrastructure and opportunities. Also known as the Pink City, Jaipur is equipped with all the necessary facilities, including strong transportation network, several universities and higher educational centres, good healthcare facilities and widely-available accommodation.

Panaji is the small capital city of Indian state of Goa. Located on the left bank of the River Mandovi, the lively city is placed on the island of Tiswadi. The administrative capital of Goa, it still bears evidence of Portuguese colonialism. The city is inhabited by the Goanese people, who speak English, Hindi, Konkani and Marathi. Christianity is one of the dominant religions followed in the region. 

Buying a property in India could be a good idea if you plan to move there permanently. The process of buying property will not be easy, as there are several requirements and formalities that you will need to fulfil. It's important to note that foreign nationals are not allowed to own a property in India unless they possess a resident permit. The buying procedure involves legal technicalities, so it is highly recommended that you hire an experienced and reliable lawyer before proceeding.

India has been a hub of diverse employment opportunities, attracting several expatriates from different parts of the world. The economy of India is quite diverse and a multitude of international companies have set up their branches in the country, thus widening job opportunities in the country. There are also multinationals headquartered in the country.

India is one of the developed countries with a fast developing economy and has diverse job opportunities. People who wish to come and work in India find the open labour market welcoming. For those who wish to explore India and can adapt to the culture and lifestyle of the country, working there can be a great opportunity. There are several major cities, including Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bangalore and Pondicherry, that host expatriate communities.

Mumbai is the capital city of the State of Maharashtra and is India's wealthiest city. As of 2018, it was the world's seventh-most densely populated city with a population of around 19.98 million. Known as the commercial and entertainment capital of India, this mega city has been a popular destination for foreign nationals to work in Mumbai.

Bangalore, officially known as ‘Bengaluru', is one of the most progressive cities of India. Located on a plateau, the city is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. With a population of over 10 million, the city is the third most populous city and fifth-most populous urban agglomeration in India. Good quality of life, pleasant weather and ample career opportunities lead both people living in other parts of India and those from further afield to find a job in Bangalore.

Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Rated as the fourth largest city in India, the city is also the leading commercial centre of South India. It's an important metropolitan city that is well-connected to all of India's other major cities and enjoys major economic, financial and trade benefits. Expats in India should certainly consider finding a job in Chennai.