Community Blogs

Madrid, Spain

• Feb 8

One of the best things about Spain is its varied landscape and climate. It’s not just sun, sand, and sea. For example, you could cross arid deserts or cruise al...

Emily Johnson

20

London, United Kingdom

• Feb 7

Whether you’re a US citizen living in the UK, or a UK citizen or resident traveling to the US frequently, a USD account can be a handy tool to make cross curren...

Priya Sharma

24

Bern, Switzerland

• Feb 7

Switzerland’s multilayered government is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. But whether you’re voting, following the news, or just wondering what is up wi...

Ingrid Vogler

27

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Feb 7

UAE job recruitment takes ~35 days. CVs must include professional photo, use English, font 10-12, 2-3 pages. Dress formally: suits for corporate, modest clothing. Research company thoroughly before interviews.

Aisha Rahman

22

Paris, France

• Feb 7

French higher education is known for its top quality, ranking fifth best in the world in 2021. This is one of the main reasons why the country is among the t...

Olivia Martin

23

Lisbon, Portugal

• Feb 7

Whether or not you’re a resident in Portugal, you’ll need a tax number – or Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF) – if you’re carrying out any official or leg...

Maria Santos

24

Brussels, Belgium

• Feb 7

Belgium expat life: 1.4M expats (13% population). High living standards, excellent healthcare, strong work-life balance. Brussels rent over 1,000/month. Top 10 global quality of life.

Sophie Van Den Berg

25

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Feb 7

No federal income tax in UAE. Corporate tax 9% (profits over AED 375,000). VAT 5%. Property tax 5% in Dubai. 193 Double Taxation Agreements protect expats.

Aisha Rahman

29

Berlin, Germany

• Feb 6

Germany offers free state schools (Gymnasium, Realschule, Hauptschule, Gesamtschule) and private options. International schools cost 14,000-20,000 yearly. Abitur exam qualifies for university.

David Miller

25

Tokyo, Japan

• Feb 6

Japan's health insurance is mandatory for residents staying over 3 months. Public insurance costs ~5% income (¥17,500/month for ¥350,000 salary). Private insurance adds ¥25,000-65,000/month.

Sarah Tanaka

21

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Feb 6

Dutch healthcare costs 158.72 euros monthly with 385-euro annual deductible. GP visits free. Ranked 4th globally for innovation. Government regulation ensures universal coverage and patient choice.

James Van Der Berg

24

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Feb 6

The UAE has no official minimum wage. Average 2025 salary is AED 13,450 (US$3,663), but varies widely by industry. Top management earns AED 37,882 while general labor earns AED 10,083 monthly.

Aisha Rahman

29

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Feb 6

UAE healthcare system offers public coverage for nationals and private insurance for expats. Learn about costs, facilities, and emergency services.

Aisha Rahman

28

Bangkok, Thailand

• Feb 6

Find doctors, GPs, and specialists in Thailand. Learn about costs, opening hours, how to register, and emergency procedures for expats.

Lisa Thompson

24

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Feb 6

The Netherlands offers free vaccinations for children protecting against 12 diseases. Learn about schedules, travel vaccines, and the national program.

James Van Der Berg

24