London, United Kingdom UK weddings require 29 days notice at Registry Office, cost £17,300 on average, and offer both civil ceremonies (82%) and religious options for couples.
Priya Sharma 77
Expat Life
Showing 15 of 359 blogs
London, United Kingdom Priya Sharma 
Mexico City, Mexico Mexican etiquette: cheek kiss (women), handshake/abrazo (men). Arrive 30-60 min "late" socially. Say "buen provecho" to people eating. Use "usted" with elders.
Miguel Hernandez 189
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates UAE divorce: 3-6 months (uncontested). Sharia courts for Muslims, home law option for non-Muslims. Costs: AED 2,000-5,000 court, AED 10,000-50,000+ lawyer. Visa implications: 30-day grace.
Aisha Rahman 72
The meaning of flowers around the world
Expat Life
Global, Global Flower meanings vary globally. Red roses=love, but red/white=death in China. Yellow=friendship (West), jealousy (France), death (Mexico). White lilies=purity (West), death (Asia).
Madrid, Spain Spain has Europe's 2nd longest high-speed rail, 12 commuter networks, 3 metros. Buses €1.40-€2, metro €1.50-€2.50. Kids under 4 free on trains, under-14 40% off.
The top must-have apps in Italy
Expat Life
Rome, Italy Essential Italy apps: Trenitalia (trains), Free Now (rides), Il Meteo (weather), Doctolib (health), N26/Revolut (banking), Duolingo (Italian), Just Eat (food).
Marco Rossi 88
Mexico City, Mexico Mexico living costs: $1,200-1,800 USD monthly (budget), $2,000-3,000 (comfortable), $3,500-5,000+ (premium). Housing $500-1,800, healthcare 70% cheaper than US with doctor visits at $30-60 USD.
Miguel Hernandez 124
Lisbon, Portugal Choose electricity/gas providers (EDP, Gold Energy, LUZiGAS) but not water (municipal). Need NIF, ID, bank account, proof of address. 220V AC, Type C/F plugs.
Maria Santos 56
Drugs and alcohol in the UAE
Expat Life Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates The UAE has strict zero-tolerance drug laws and controlled alcohol regulations—recreational drugs are illegal while alcohol requires licenses and is only permitted in licensed premises.
Aisha Rahman 41
Worldwide, Global Supporting friends back home while abroad requires using technology, visiting when feasible, offering perspective, and releasing guilt—distance is challenging but manageable.
Registering at your address in Switzerland
Expat Life
Bern, Switzerland You must register at your Swiss address within 14 days—it is essential for banking, working, renting, and becoming a legal resident with fees of CHF 100-400.
Vienna, Austria Living sustainably in Austria includes using green energy (36.4% renewables), public transport (€365/year in Vienna), thrift shops, composting, and comprehensive recycling.
Emma Fischer 56
Rome, Italy Setting up Italian utilities requires contacting separate providers for electricity, gas, and water. You need a codice fiscale, proof of residence, and bank details.
Marco Rossi 56
Spanish culture: social etiquette in Spain
Expat Life Madrid, Spain Spanish etiquette: "mañana culture" values relationships over punctuality, late meals (lunch 2-4 PM, dinner 9-11 PM), two-kiss greetings, elegant dress for outings.
Emily Johnson 105
International, Global First-time expat success requires mental prep (managing expectations/culture shock), thorough research (housing/schools/laws), and community building over isolation.
