Community Blogs

Lisbon, Portugal

• Feb 5

Open a USD account in Portugal to manage dollars without conversion costs. Compare multi-currency services, banks, and fees for expats.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Feb 5

UAE education system offers public and private options with international curricula. Learn about costs, visas for students, and school selection for expats.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Feb 5

Navigate mandatory Dutch health insurance with expert tips on coverage options, costs, deductibles, and how to register as an expat.

London, United Kingdom

• Feb 5

The UK tax system may seem complicated to newcomers. However, once you know which taxes you may need to pay, the process becomes much simpler. Read on to lea...

Priya

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

• Feb 5

Best PDC beach clubs: Mamitas for parties, Kool for families, Encanto for relaxation. Day passes $30-100 with food minimums. Book weekends in advance.

carlosmendoza

Mexico City, Mexico

• Feb 5

Check Mexico City hotels for bedbugs: 2-minute inspection before unpacking-leave luggage in bathroom, pull back sheets checking for live bugs (apple seed-sized, reddish-brown), black specs (waste), white eggs, rusty stains. Check mattress seams, box spring, behind headboard.

sarah

Pretoria, South Africa

• Feb 5

Learn how to write and execute wills in South Africa. Discover inheritance laws, estate planning, and tax requirements for expats with assets.

Vienna, Austria

• Feb 5

Austria offers top-tier universities with affordable tuition for international students. Explore programs in Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, and specialist schools.

viennalife

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Feb 4

Expat entrepreneurs in the Netherlands can maintain their tax benefits while launching a business. Learn how to structure your BV to keep the 30% ruling.

Europe

• Feb 4

Learn how to vote in European Parliament elections as an EU citizen living abroad with country-specific requirements and procedures.

The Expat Collective

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

• Feb 4

5th Avenue north of 38th Street reveals authentic Playa: artisan markets like Rosalia Mercado, local cafes, Mexican galleries, with 30-50% lower prices than tourist areas.

carlosmendoza

Mexico City, Mexico

• Feb 4

Tec Santa Fe has no on-campus housing (find via university office), brutal traffic (1.5-3 hrs rush hour), elite student body. New Jan 2026 train (Observatorio-Santa Fe-Toluca) makes central neighborhoods viable with ~1hr predictable commute. Contact exchange office for housing/buses.

sarah

Mexico City, Mexico

• Feb 3

Teotihuacan during 13-hour layover: doable but risky (land <9am, Uber $30-50, 2-3 hours at site, 2.5+ hour return). Alternative: Templo Mayor, Museum of Anthropology.

sarah

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

• Feb 3

Best cheap eats in Playa del Carmen: authentic tacos $1-3 at El Fogon and El Nero, complete meals under $12, with local spots offering 50-70% savings versus 5th Avenue.

carlosmendoza

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Feb 3

Your complete guide to all taxes in the Netherlands, from income tax to property taxes and everything in between