Community Blogs

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Feb 13

Complete guide to the Dutch OV-Chipkaart system covering how to buy, load, and use the card across trains, buses, trams, and ferries throughout the Netherlands with costs and money-saving tips.

James Van Der Berg

58

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

• Feb 13

Essential guide to business culture in Saudi Arabia covering working hours, dress codes, etiquette rules, and negotiation strategies for successfully conducting business in the Arab world's largest economy.

Fatima Hassan

70

London, United Kingdom

• Feb 13

SGD accounts in the UK let you hold Singapore dollars, send and receive payments, and spend with multi-currency debit cards. Options include multi-currency services, Revolut, HSBC, and Airwallex for business.

Priya Sharma

50

Worldwide, Global

• Feb 13

Expat children learn languages faster than adults due to brain flexibility and social motivation. Parents should learn alongside their children to maintain family bonds and support language development.

The Expat Collective

57

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Feb 12

Business etiquette in the UAE centers on respect, hierarchy, and personal relationships. Learn dress codes, gift-giving customs, working hours, and negotiation strategies.

Aisha Rahman

59

Canberra, Australia

• Feb 12

Moving to Australia? Learn removal methods, sea/air freight costs, customs requirements, and biosecurity rules. Complete 2025 guide with timelines and budgeting tips.

James O'Connor

63

Bangkok, Thailand

• Feb 12

Thailand offers visa-free entry for many nationalities plus specialized visas for expats, digital nomads, and retirees. Learn about tourist, LTR, and citizenship options in 2025.

Lisa Thompson

50

Berlin, Germany

• Feb 12

Comprehensive guide to property renovations in Germany covering financing options, loan amounts up to 90,000 EUR, government subsidies, and legal obligations under the Building Energy Act.

David Miller

39

Madrid, Spain

• Feb 12

Apply for Spanish permanent residence after 5 years or citizenship after 10 years. Learn eligibility requirements, exemptions, dual nationality rules, and application fees.

Emily Johnson

45

Global, Global

• Feb 11

Globalization is not new to business, and has advanced considerably over the past two decades due to evolutions in technology and quick, cheap transportation.

The Expat Collective

36

Brussels, Belgium

• Feb 11

Over a million Belgian residents are self-employed. Learn the essential steps to start a business in Belgium including permits, registration, taxation, and legal structures.

Sophie Van Den Berg

39

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Feb 11

The UAE offers robust women's healthcare through public and private providers, covering gynecology, maternity, cancer screenings, and mental health services.

Aisha Rahman

80

Paris, France

• Feb 11

To start a business in France as an expat, you need a residence permit or EU citizenship, social security number, and French address—registration takes just four days.

Olivia Martin

30

Pretoria, South Africa

• Feb 11

South Africa's minimum wage is R28.79/hour as of March 2025, while average monthly salary is R28,220, varying significantly by sector and region.

Rachel Ndlovu

80

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Feb 10

UAE women: First in Gulf gender equality but 49th globally. Can vote, drive, own property, work. High education (77% university). Street harassment rare. BUT domestic violence legal; divorce/custody skewed toward men.

Aisha Rahman

68