Community Blogs

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

• Mar 14

A Playa del Carmen local's guide to tipping in Mexico, how much at restaurants, all-inclusive resorts, and how to spot tips already included on your bill.

Sofia M

Vienna, Austria

• Mar 13

Austrian primary school starts at age 6 for 4 years. Public schools are free and teach in German. International schools offer English instruction. School day runs 8 AM to 12-1 PM.

viennalife

Lisbon, Portugal

• Mar 13

For expats in Portugal, choosing the right credit card is an important step in managing day-to-day expenses and building financial stability. There is a wide ra...

Ottawa, Canada

• Mar 13

This guide walks through some important things to think about including how to choose a Canadian credit card, and how to improve your credit score as a new arri...

Nathan H

Warsaw, Poland

• Mar 13

Unregistered business in Poland risks 100-300% tax fines, criminal charges, and income confiscation. All freelancers must register as działalność gospodarcza (~60-100 PLN) and pay ZUS. Authorities actively enforce.

jamesmitchell

Rome, Italy

• Mar 13

Whether you’re looking for a job in Italy or starting your own business, it helps to understand the norms and practices regarding business culture and etiquette...

Marco R

Brussels, Belgium

• Mar 13

Belgium’s healthcare system makes accessing doctors easy and efficient, whether you need a quick consultation or a specialist’s expertise. From choosing the rig...

Sophie

Warsaw, Poland

• Mar 13

Pendolino trains: Poland's fastest at 200 km/h. Warsaw-Kraków in 2.5 hours. Tickets 50-150 PLN (2nd class) or 100-250 PLN (1st class) when booked ahead. Tilting technology, WiFi, power outlets.

jamesmitchell

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

• Mar 13

Best PDC day trips: Tulum Ruins (40mi, 90 peso entry), Cozumel (ferry), Chichen Itza (2.5hr). Central location puts ruins, islands, cenotes within 1-2 hours.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Mar 13

Why Learn Dutch? Beyond the Practical Necessity When I first arrived, I thought I'd get by on English alone, everyone speaks it here, after all. But I quickly ...

Tokyo, Japan

• Mar 13

If you’re living and working in Japan, you’ll probably want to know how much of your income and assets you must hand over to the government. Do you even need to...

tokyolife

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Mar 13

The Netherlands' Progressive Approach to Sexual HealthAfter six years in the Netherlands, I've witnessed firsthand the country's forward-thinking approach to se...

Berlin, Germany

• Mar 12

Foreigners working in Germany can choose from a wide selection of German banks, online banks, and international banks. This guide gives an overview of what to e...

David Miller

Madrid, Spain

• Mar 12

Knowing which insurances are mandatory in Spain and tackling the paperwork to get Spanish insurance can be a challenge for those relocating to Spain. This artic...

Emily Johnson

Warsaw, Poland

• Mar 12

A1 Motorway Poland: 560km Gdańsk-Kraków toll highway. viaTOLL required (0.05-0.08 PLN/km). Speed: 140km/h cars, 100km/h trucks. Warsaw-Kraków 300km (3-3.5hrs). Rest areas every 50-100km.

jamesmitchell