Community Blogs

Doha, Qatar

• May 5

Qatar English news: The Peninsula, Gulf Times (daily papers), Doha News online, Al Jazeera English. International news via satellite/online. Some content censored. VPNs common.

Ahmed Al-Rashid

31

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• May 5

Register with your local municipality within five days, obtain health insurance within four months, and open a Dutch bank account—these are the critical first steps for new arrivals.

James Van Der Berg

33

Paris, France

• May 5

There’s a good reason why France remains the most visited country in the world. In fact, there are thousands of great reasons to soak up all that joie de viv...

Olivia Martin

42

Pretoria, South Africa

• May 5

Car insurance in South Africa is not legally required but highly recommended due to high accident and theft rates, with comprehensive, limited, and third-party coverage options available.

Rachel Ndlovu

26

London, United Kingdom

• May 5

Top London attractions: British Museum (free, 6M+ visitors), Tower of London (£30), Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey (£25). Need 3 days for highlights, 5-7 for comprehensive visit.

Priya Sharma

28

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• May 4

In the Netherlands, dial 112 for all emergencies requiring police, fire, ambulance, or rescue services, with English-speaking operators available 24/7.

James Van Der Berg

58

Paris, France

• May 4

Foreigners in France can open EUR accounts with banks like BNP Paribas or Credit Agricole, or choose multi-currency accounts from Wise and Revolut for EUR plus 25-40+ currencies.

Olivia Martin

33

Global, Global

• May 4

UK expats must file tax returns if they earn UK-sourced income like rental income or pensions, with deadlines of 31 October for paper and 31 January for online submissions.

The Expat Collective

32

Berlin, Germany

• May 4

Children learn German most effectively through immersive experiences like German kindergartens, playground interactions, and combining structured learning with fun activities.

David Miller

29

Global, Global

• May 4

Maintaining friendships when moving abroad requires proactive communication, using technology to bridge distances, and balancing old relationships with new connections.

The Expat Collective

30

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• May 3

Dutch GPs provide world-class care with conservative treatment approach. Most speak English. Same-day appointments available for urgent issues. After-hours care via huisartsenpost.

James Van Der Berg

36

Bern, Switzerland

• May 3

Switzerland requires no mandatory vaccinations. Recommended: MMR, tetanus, flu (free for 65+), TBE if hiking (CHF 40-60/dose). Child vaccines free, adult partially covered by insurance.

Ingrid Vogler

37

Bern, Switzerland

• May 3

The Swiss healthcare system combines public, subsidized, and fully private schemes to create an extensive network of highly qualified doctors and hospitals. ...

Ingrid Vogler

28

Brussels, Belgium

• May 3

Belgian CVs require professional photo, 2-page max, Europass format. Use French (Wallonia/Brussels), Dutch (Flanders), or German. Cover letter essential.

Sophie Van Den Berg

27

Vienna, Austria

• May 3

Austrian hospitals rank in Europe's top 10 with modern facilities. Public hospitals free for insured patients. English widely spoken in major cities. No referral for emergencies.

Emma Fischer

34