Community Blogs

Doha, Qatar

• Feb 8

As an expat, you will find opening a bank account in Qatar relatively easy. The country’s high expat population means that local banks understand the needs of f...

Madrid, Spain

• Feb 8

One of the best things about Spain is its varied landscape and climate. It’s not just sun, sand, and sea. For example, you could cross arid deserts or cruise al...

Emily Johnson

London, United Kingdom

• Feb 7

Whether you’re a US citizen living in the UK, or a UK citizen or resident traveling to the US frequently, a USD account can be a handy tool to make cross curren...

Priya

Bern, Switzerland

• Feb 7

Switzerland’s multilayered government is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. But whether you’re voting, following the news, or just wondering what is up wi...

Ingrid

Mexico City, Mexico

• Feb 7

Build expat community by hosting parties-person who hosts controls social life. Start with 4-6 person dinner parties, simple food, low stakes. Regular hosting builds reputation as connector and creates friendships.

sarah

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Feb 7

UAE job recruitment takes ~35 days. CVs must include professional photo, use English, font 10-12, 2-3 pages. Dress formally: suits for corporate, modest clothing. Research company thoroughly before interviews.

Paris, France

• Feb 7

French higher education is known for its top quality, ranking fifth best in the world in 2021. This is one of the main reasons why the country is among the t...

olivia

Lisbon, Portugal

• Feb 7

Whether or not you’re a resident in Portugal, you’ll need a tax number, or Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF), if you’re carrying out any official or leg...

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

• Feb 7

Playa del Carmen offers quality private healthcare at 30-60% lower costs than the US. Major facilities include Hospiten Riviera Maya, Costamed, Amerimed, and Hospital Joya. Verified English-speaking doctors include Dr. Luis Medina, Dr. Bernardo Diaz, and Dr. Eduardo Roviroso.

carlosmendoza

Mexico City, Mexico

• Feb 7

CDMX living: Choose neighborhood carefully (Roma/Condesa $800-1500/mo but touristy, Coyoacán authentic). 2,240m altitude causes breathlessness first month. Spanish fluency non-negotiable. Tacos <$2.

sarah

Brussels, Belgium

• Feb 7

Belgium expat life: 1.4M expats (13% population). High living standards, excellent healthcare, strong work-life balance. Brussels rent over 1,000/month. Top 10 global quality of life.

Sophie

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Feb 7

No federal income tax in UAE. Corporate tax 9% (profits over AED 375,000). VAT 5%. Property tax 5% in Dubai. 193 Double Taxation Agreements protect expats.

Berlin, Germany

• Feb 6

Germany offers free state schools (Gymnasium, Realschule, Hauptschule, Gesamtschule) and private options. International schools cost 14,000-20,000 yearly. Abitur exam qualifies for university.

David Miller

Tokyo, Japan

• Feb 6

Japan's health insurance is mandatory for residents staying over 3 months. Public insurance costs ~5% income (¥17,500/month for ¥350,000 salary). Private insurance adds ¥25,000-65,000/month.

tokyolife

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Feb 6

Dutch healthcare costs 158.72 euros monthly with 385-euro annual deductible. GP visits free. Ranked 4th globally for innovation. Government regulation ensures universal coverage and patient choice.