Plenty of expats love their lives abroad and wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. There are challenges, opportunities, and new friendships abound...
Blog posts in Global
Foreigners can marry in Italy with Nulla Osta certificate. Civil ceremonies €200-400, full destination weddings €20,000-50,000. Process takes 2-4 months. Legal worldwide.
Qatar has modern roads and short distances making driving essential. Expats from 80+ countries can convert licenses without tests. Fuel is cheap at $0.50/liter.
Austrian social security covers healthcare, pensions, unemployment (55% salary for 20-52 weeks). Child benefits €120-165/month. Pension age: 65 men, transitioning to 65 women by 2033.
Portugal is a parliamentary republic with semi-presidential system. President (5-year term) + Prime Minister + 230-seat Assembly. Major parties: PS, PSD, Chega. Stable democracy since 1974.
Swiss grocery shopping costs 50-80% more than neighboring countries. Main chains: Migros, Coop. Stores closed Sundays except train stations. Weekly shop CHF 80-120/person.
Foreigners can marry in Japan via municipal office registration (free). Traditional weddings cost ¥3-5 million ($20,000-35,000). Need Certificate of Legal Capacity from embassy.
Fortunately for expats living in Switzerland, the country’s social security system offers a broad spectrum of protection for all residents living and working...
South Africa utilities R1,700-3,000/month ($95-170). Electricity R2.50-3.50/kWh but severe load shedding requires backup power (R15,000-200,000). Stage 4 = 12 hours daily outages.
Bargaining is expected at European flea markets with 10-30% negotiation room. Best markets in Paris, London, Brussels, Berlin, Madrid. Avoid bargaining at food markets.
For most people, pets are as much a part of the family as any other member. And when preparing to move abroad with your family, your to-do list will undoubte...
Germany's €49 Deutschland-Ticket offers unlimited regional trains, S-Bahns, U-Bahns, trams, buses nationwide. Single tickets €2.90-3.50. Reliable with 95%+ punctuality in cities.
Register with your local municipality within five days, obtain health insurance within four months, and open a Dutch bank account-these are the critical first steps for new arrivals.
Maintaining friendships when moving abroad requires proactive communication, using technology to bridge distances, and balancing old relationships with new connections.
Major Luxembourg supermarkets include Cactus (local), Delhaize (premium), Aldi/Lidl (discount, 30-40% cheaper). Groceries 20-30% more expensive than Germany/Belgium; weekly shopping €80-€150. Most closed Sundays except Howald Belle Etoile (Sunday mornings). International foods in Gare district Asian markets and hypermarket international sections.
