Community Blogs

Washington, United States

• Feb 15

If you travel to the UK frequently, send payments abroad, receive a salary in British pounds, or want to diversify your savings and investments, a GBP account i...

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

• Feb 15

Yes, Playa del Carmen is safe for expats/tourists. Petty theft (pickpocketing, beach theft) is common but violent crime rare. Playacar is safest.

carlosmendoza

Warsaw, Poland

• Feb 15

Polish vodka culture involves sipping premium brands like Żubrówka, Chopin, and Belvedere with the same respect as fine whisky - never shooting. Learn the 600-year history, proper drinking etiquette, and social traditions from an expat perspective.

jamesmitchell

Singapore, Singapore

• Feb 15

Dating in another country can be exciting. This is especially true in a place like Singapore, which is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and traditions. Iro...

sglife

Amsterdam, International

• Feb 14

Expat children gain language fluency within 6-12 months through playground interactions and social connections. Parents must learn alongside children to maintain family bonds and avoid cultural distance. Bilingual upbringing provides cognitive advantages.

The Expat Collective

Warsaw, Poland

• Feb 14

3 Israeli Prime Ministers born in Poland: Ben-Gurion (Płońsk, 1886), Begin (1913, Nobel 1978), Peres (1923). Max Factor & Helena Rubinstein revolutionized cosmetics from 1872.

jamesmitchell

Lisbon, Portugal

• Feb 14

Top Portuguese foods include bacalhau (salted cod with 365 recipes), pastéis de nata (custard tarts from 1837), caldo verde soup, cataplana seafood stew, cozido à Portuguesa meat stew, and chargrilled sardinhas. Rich culinary heritage.

Bangkok, Thailand

• Feb 14

Thailand offers a wealth of public and private maternity care options for parents-to-be. However, navigating them can feel overwhelming if you are unfamiliar...

Vienna, Austria

• Feb 14

If you are planning to move to Austria, one of the most important items on your moving checklist is working out the best way to transport your precious belon...

viennalife

London, United Kingdom

• Feb 14

Understanding the national minimum wage and average salaries is an important part of finding a job in the UK. Firstly, all employees over the school leaving ...

Priya

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

• Feb 14

Essential Playa del Carmen rental amenities: AC (30-35°C temps), water pressure, hot water, quality locks, appliances (fridge, stove), and laundry access.

carlosmendoza

Tokyo, Japan

• Feb 14

Foreigners can buy property in Japan with no restrictions. Houses typically depreciate while land appreciates. Average costs: ¥36-44 million for houses, ¥45 million for condos. Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya have highest prices.

tokyolife

Rome, Italy

• Feb 14

Italian festivals include Venice Carnevale with elaborate masks (Jan-Feb), Battle of Oranges in Ivrea (Feb), Palio di Siena horse race (Jul-Aug), and La Biennale art festival (May-Nov). World-famous celebrations of culture and history.

Marco R

Bern, Switzerland

• Feb 14

Switzerland’s high quality of life, excellent healthcare system, and beautiful natural landscapes make it an extremely appealing destination for expats. However...

Ingrid

Vienna, Austria

• Feb 13

Austrian public health insurance covers sexual healthcare including free STI tests, cancer screenings, and gynecologist visits. Contraception is partially subsidized (€4-€15/month for pill). Abortion legal since 1975, costs €300-€800 out-of-pocket.

viennalife