Community Blogs

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Mar 24

The Moment Everything Branches OffThe Dutch secondary school system is genuinely confusing at first glance. Having grown up in the British system with its relat...

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Mar 24

The Account That Unlocks Dutch Life Opening a Dutch bank account was among my first tasks upon arriving in the Netherlands, and I quickly learned why: without o...

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...

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

44

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.

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

55

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

47

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...

sglife

101

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 W

66

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

44

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

52

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.

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.

jamesmitchell

83

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

53

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

50