Community Blogs

Bern, Switzerland

• Feb 21

Switzerland has strict quotas for foreign workers moving to the country, although one option is to become self-employed as a freelancer, sole trader or director...

Ingrid Vogler

8

Ottawa, Canada

• Feb 20

As an expat your life insurance needs may look a little different to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Your decisions may be dictated by how long you p...

Nathan Hargrove

19

Rome, Italy

• Feb 20

Italy’s enduring appeal, photo opportunities, and tranquil pace of life are enough to make anyone think about emigrating there permanently. Italians take the ti...

Marco Rossi

10

Vienna, Austria

• Feb 20

Getting your money to the right place at the right time might be easier than ever in today’s high-tech world, but it is still important to know your options whe...

Emma Fischer

11

Brussels, Belgium

• Feb 19

The Belgian healthcare system provides free vaccinations in Belgium, although the system for getting these vaccinations can be somewhat confusing if you are unf...

Sophie Van Den Berg

18

Lisbon, Portugal

• Feb 19

Whether you want to learn Portuguese before or after you relocate to Portugal, having a good grasp of the language will help make your transition into local lif...

Maria Santos

12

Bangkok, Thailand

• Feb 18

Ever wondered how Thailand manages to keep life so relaxed, even when it comes to taxes? While the rules may be different from what you’re used to, once you kno...

Lisa Thompson

16

Vienna, Austria

• Feb 18

Austria levies tax on all income above a €13,308 threshold from residents and non-residents living and working in the country. The government divides earning...

Emma Fischer

17

Global, Global

• Feb 17

Malta ranks #1 for LGBTQ+ expats with 87% Rainbow Map score. Netherlands legalized same-sex marriage first in 2001. All 10 countries allow same-sex marriage, adoption rights, and anti-discrimination protections. Thailand became first Southeast Asian country to legalize in 2024.

The Expat Collective

11

Pretoria, South Africa

• Feb 17

No restrictions on foreigners buying South African property. Cape Town: 2-10+ million rand. Johannesburg: 1.5-5 million rand. Additional costs: 5-10% (transfer duty, attorney fees). Foreign buyers typically need cash as local financing limited.

Rachel Ndlovu

15

Bangkok, Thailand

• Feb 16

Foreigners can get Thai driving licenses with non-immigrant visa/work permit. Process: medical exam, driving school, theory and practical tests. Takes 2-4 weeks, costs 2,000-5,000 baht. Some nationalities can convert home licenses.

Lisa Thompson

15

Brussels, Belgium

• Feb 16

Belgian secondary education has four streams: general, technical, vocational, and artistic. State schools teach in Dutch, French, or German and are free. International schools offer global certificates in English but charge fees.

Sophie Van Den Berg

14

Washington, United States

• Feb 15

If you travel to the UK frequently, send payments abroad, receive a salary in British pounds, or want to diversify your savings and investments, a GBP account i...

Diego Esperanza

11

Bangkok, Thailand

• Feb 14

Thailand offers a wealth of public and private maternity care options for parents-to-be. However, navigating them can feel overwhelming if you are unfamiliar...

Lisa Thompson

14

Vienna, Austria

• Feb 14

If you are planning to move to Austria, one of the most important items on your moving checklist is working out the best way to transport your precious belon...

Emma Fischer

19