Community Blogs

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Mar 24

Why Retire in the Netherlands? The Netherlands might not be the obvious retirement choice – sunnier neighbors like Spain, Portugal, and France typically attract...

James Van Der Berg

89

Berlin, Germany

• Mar 23

German life insurance costs €10-50/month for term coverage depending on age and health. Essential for dependents. Term life (Risikolebensversicherung) vs whole life options.

David Miller

22

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Mar 22

13% of Dutch births occur at home, highest in developed world. Safe for low-risk pregnancies under midwife supervision. Transfers happen in 15-20% of first births.

James Van Der Berg

70

Bern, Switzerland

• Mar 22

The Switzerland of today might be known for its banking industry and favorable tax system, but the country’s wealth is actually rooted in innovation. Still, ...

Ingrid Vogler

25

Paris, France

• Mar 22

The Dordogne, in the southwest region of Aquitaine, has been attracting expats ­since the 1960s – not just vast numbers of les Anglais (hence the ‘Dordognesh...

Olivia Martin

22

Singapore, Singapore

• Mar 22

If you are an international resident or new citizen in Singapore, you may want your spouse or children to immigrate and live with you long-term. Your family mem...

Kevin Lim

38

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

• Mar 22

Call 112 for all emergencies in Luxembourg (police, ambulance, fire). English operators available. Healthcare covered by CNS insurance with 80-88% reimbursement.

Thomas Weber

39

Global, Global

• Mar 21

CV vs resume depends on country: US prefers 1-2 page resumes, UK/Europe uses 2-3 page CVs. Photo requirements vary. Match format to target country expectations.

The Expat Collective

26

London, United Kingdom

• Mar 21

Only 20% of Britons live in the countryside despite 80% dreaming of it. Village life is warm, eccentric, centered on pubs and post offices. Expensive property.

Priya Sharma

31

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Mar 21

Dutch children start primary school at age 4, with compulsory education from 5. Eight-year cycle through multiple pedagogic approaches. Free state-funded education.

James Van Der Berg

37

Warsaw, Poland

• Mar 21

Renting an apartment in Poland typically costs 2,500-4,500 PLN/month for a 1-bedroom in Warsaw, with security deposits of 1-2 months rent and an additional monthly czynsz (maintenance fee) of 400-800 PLN separate from rent.

James Crawford

45

Bern, Switzerland

• Mar 21

Yes, foreigners can open Swiss bank accounts with proper documentation. Standard accounts cost CHF 5-15/month. Process takes 1-4 weeks. Easier to open in person.

Ingrid Vogler

24

Canberra, Australia

• Mar 21

No, Australia doesn't have inheritance tax, but estate taxes are paid before distributions. Expats may owe taxes in their home country on Australian inheritances.

James O'Connor

22

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Mar 20

The Cost Challenge Global costs have risen significantly in recent years, and the Netherlands is no exception. Inflation has stabilized around 3% but remains el...

James Van Der Berg

23

Brussels, Belgium

• Mar 20

A GBP account can be useful if you’re paid in pounds, need to support family in the UK, or want to hold GBP alongside euros. Belgian banks and international pro...

Sophie Van Den Berg

28