Community Blogs

Rome, Italy

• Mar 22

Italy uses color-coded recycling bins with strict sorting rules. Improper disposal fines: €25-500. Requires biodegradable bags for organic waste. Check local comune rules.

Marco R

112

Singapore, Singapore

• Mar 22

If you are an international resident or new citizen in Singapore, you may want your spouse or children to immigrate and live with you long-term. Your family mem...

sglife

99

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

• Mar 22

Call 112 for all emergencies in Luxembourg (police, ambulance, fire). English operators available. Healthcare covered by CNS insurance with 80-88% reimbursement.

Thomas W

66

Vienna, Austria

• Mar 21

Austria offers stunning destinations from Hallstatt's lakeside beauty to Vienna's imperial grandeur. Best visited spring-autumn. Moderate costs, excellent public transport.

viennalife

47

Global, Global

• Mar 21

CV vs resume depends on country: US prefers 1-2 page resumes, UK/Europe uses 2-3 page CVs. Photo requirements vary. Match format to target country expectations.

The Expat Collective

42

Global, Global

• Mar 21

Living abroad affects children through transience, educational gaps, language barriers, and identity challenges. Benefits include adaptability, multilingualism, global perspectives.

The Expat Collective

47

London, United Kingdom

• Mar 21

Only 20% of Britons live in the countryside despite 80% dreaming of it. Village life is warm, eccentric, centered on pubs and post offices. Expensive property.

Priya

52

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Mar 21

Dutch children start primary school at age 4, with compulsory education from 5. Eight-year cycle through multiple pedagogic approaches. Free state-funded education.

Bern, Switzerland

• Mar 21

Yes, foreigners can open Swiss bank accounts with proper documentation. Standard accounts cost CHF 5-15/month. Process takes 1-4 weeks. Easier to open in person.

Ingrid

51

Madrid, Spain

• Mar 21

Yes, foreigners can marry in Spain with proper paperwork. Average cost: €22,000. Timeline: 1-4 months. One partner needs Spanish citizenship or 2-year residency.

Emily Johnson

65

Paris, France

• Mar 21

Yes, pets are welcome in France with proper documentation: EU pet passport or health certificate, rabies vaccine, and microchip. No quarantine required if compliant.

olivia

56

Canberra, Australia

• Mar 21

No, Australia doesn't have inheritance tax, but estate taxes are paid before distributions. Expats may owe taxes in their home country on Australian inheritances.

James O

46

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Mar 20

The Cost Challenge Global costs have risen significantly in recent years, and the Netherlands is no exception. Inflation has stabilized around 3% but remains el...

Brussels, Belgium

• Mar 20

A GBP account can be useful if you’re paid in pounds, need to support family in the UK, or want to hold GBP alongside euros. Belgian banks and international pro...

Sophie

51

Tokyo, Japan

• Mar 20

If you live in Japan, whether on a work visa, with permanent residency, or as a naturalized citizen, you may want your family to join you indefinitely. If they ...

tokyolife

64