London, United Kingdom Getting your head around the public transport system in a new country can be challenging. Whether you’re catching the bus to work or taking the train for a w...
Priya Sharma 40
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London, United Kingdom Priya Sharma Living as an expat in Singapore
General
Singapore, Singapore Modern, efficient, well-to-do, and cosmopolitan. Singapore has all the trappings of the perfect expat sanctuary. But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll fin...
Kevin Lim 42
Work-life balance in Switzerland
Tips & Guides
Bern, Switzerland In Switzerland, people will expect you to be on time to all meetings because that cliché about punctuality is true. That said, you also won’t leave for your lun...
French culture: social etiquette in France
Expat Life
Paris, France We owe the word etiquette to the French. It’s no wonder that etiquette and manners play a vital role when socializing in France; la politesse reigns supreme in ...
Europe Expect the European Union to continue setting the agenda on environmental and liberal issues. This follows a European election that broke a 40-year centrist str...
The cost of living in Qatar in 2026
Tips & Guides
Doha, Qatar Qatar is certainly one of the more expensive countries in the Middle East. The cost of living – especially in the capital, Doha – is comparable to other major c...
The education system in Luxembourg
Tips & Guides
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg Understanding the education system in Luxembourg can be a daunting task; it can be more difficult if there’s a language barrier. However, you can choose from a ...
Thomas Weber 40
Amsterdam, Netherlands Higher Education in the Netherlands After six years here, I've watched countless international students make the Netherlands their educational home. The country...
Bangkok, Thailand Driving is a great way to explore Thailand’s varied and beautiful landscape. Before you sit in the driver’s seat, you should familiarize yourself with local rul...
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia has 5 official public holidays in 2025: Founding Day (Feb 22), Eid al-Fitr (Mar 31-Apr 3), Arafah Day (Jun 5), Eid al-Adha (Jun 6-8), National Day (Sep 23). Dates based on lunar calendar.
Expats in Germany: 10 questions answered
Tips & Guides
Berlin, Germany 12.9% of Germany is foreign-born. High living standards and strong economy, but locals can be unfriendly. Excellent healthcare, education. High taxes offset by quality of life. HSBC ranks it 27th for expats.
David Miller 33
Pretoria, South Africa SASSA administers social grants in South Africa - 14 million beneficiaries. Foreigners working legally must pay social security. UIF covers unemployment, maternity, illness. Older persons grants available to citizens.
London, United Kingdom UK National Insurance is mandatory social security for employees and self-employed. Covers state pension, unemployment, disability, maternity benefits. Apply online for NI number with passport and proof of address.
Priya Sharma 38
Healthcare and Hospitals in Belgium: Guide for Expats
Tips & Guides
Brussels, Belgium Belgian hospitals need doctor referrals for non-emergency treatment. Belgium has 103 hospitals with 6 beds per 1,000 residents. Health insurance (mutuelle) is required and covers most costs.
Amsterdam, Netherlands Dutch bank accounts are practically essential - landlords and employers need them. ABN AMRO and ING are expat-friendly. You need ID, BSN, and Dutch address. Some banks allow opening before arrival.
