Community Blogs

Washington, United States

• Aug 21

Non-residents can open US business accounts but it's challenging. Mercury, Relay accept non-residents without SSN. Need EIN, business docs, US address, passport.

Lisbon, Portugal

• Aug 21

Portugal is Western Europe's most affordable country. Lisbon/Porto 30-40% cheaper than Paris/London. Budget €1,200-€2,000/month comfortable living. Braga/Coimbra cheapest cities.

Vienna, Austria

• Aug 21

Starting business in Austria: EU citizens need just resident card. GmbH requires €35,000 capital (€10,000 upfront). Corporate tax 24-25%, VAT 20%. German highly recommended.

viennalife

Rome, Italy

• Aug 21

Italian international schools cost €8,000-€25,000/year. Rome/Milan most expensive (€15,000-€25,000). Offer IB, British, American curricula. Italian language classes included.

Marco R

Paris, France

• Aug 21

French is moderately difficult for English speakers. FSI estimates 600-750 hours to proficiency. Essential for daily life in France outside Paris touristy areas.

olivia

Berlin, Germany

• Aug 21

German citizenship takes 8 years residence (6-7 with integration). Dual citizenship allowed since 2024 reforms. Costs €255 plus tests. B1 German and citizenship test required.

David Miller

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

• Aug 20

Luxembourg home insurance: Tenant liability €50-€150/year (often required by landlords). Comprehensive homeowner policies €300-€800/year depending on property value.

Thomas W

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

• Aug 20

Moving to Saudi Arabia requires understanding strict Islamic laws. Alcohol illegal, dress modestly. Women can work/drive since 2017 reforms. Very safe, low crime rates.

Fatima Hassan

Europe

• Aug 20

US credit cards mostly work in Europe with EMV chips, but some merchants require chip-and-PIN. Notify bank before travel. Contactless payment helps avoid PIN issues.

The Expat Collective

Canberra, Australia

• Aug 20

GBP accounts available in Australia via Wise, Revolut, OFX. Traditional bank FX fees: 2-4% plus $20-30 per transfer. Fintech services charge 0.4-0.7% total with mid-market rates.

James O

Bern, Switzerland

• Aug 19

Switzerland is 30% foreign-born, one of Europe's highest rates. Four official languages: German (63%), French (23%), Italian (8%), Romansh (0.5%). English widely spoken.

Ingrid

Madrid, Spain

• Aug 19

Spanish is one of easiest languages for English speakers. FSI estimates 600-750 hours to proficiency. Conversational fluency achievable in 3-6 months with immersion.

Emily Johnson

Brussels, Belgium

• Aug 19

Belgian car insurance mandatory. Third-party averages €400-€800/year, comprehensive €800-€1,500+. Brussels costs 30% more than rural areas. EU Green Card works temporarily.

Sophie

Bangkok, Thailand

• Aug 19

Thailand rent: Bangkok studios 8,000-15,000 baht/month ($230-$430), Chiang Mai 30-50% cheaper. Furnished common. Utilities typically separate (1,500-3,000 baht/month).

Global, GLOBAL

• Aug 18

Easiest entrepreneur visas: Estonia (€5,000-€10,000), Dubai, Portugal (€5,000+). Requirements vary: €5,000-€600,000. Most lead to permanent residence after 3-5 years.

The Expat Collective