Living in France the Expat's Guide

Expats are an interesting yet unusual breed by and large – with people from very different backgrounds absolutely no more or less likely to want to move to live abroad and get away from the UK.  It seems that anyone and everyone has reasons to move overseas and issues to prevent them remaining in Britain, but the one thing that does differentiate between groups of expats is that some research their move and some don’t.

There are of course pros and cons to both approach – for example, if you don’t do much research you’re less likely to begin reading negatives or finding out things you don’t like about your new chosen country, so you’re less likely to give up on your dream before you start!  However, those who do do the research and do have a fair idea of what they’re letting themselves in for are of course better prepared.

In this report we’re going to look at whether you should take your car to France – because if you are thinking about moving to the Continent from the UK and taking your car with you, you could face all sorts of issues, hurdles, disappointments and bureaucracy.  Of course, if you’re the type of would-be expat who doesn’t research their new life abroad you’ll move without reading this!  And maybe you’ll figure it all out on your own, or maybe you’ll begin getting frustrated when you realise that there is no one there to hold your hand and guide you through what is an incredibly complex process of re-registration!

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Most people who think about moving abroad want to know as much information in advance to make sure that their move will be a success.  Therefore people read books, research on the Internet, join expat forums and try and find as much as they can to generally help them prepare properly for the relocation.

Well now, thanks to the likes of HSBC International, researching would-be expats have another way of finding out pertinent information that will help them determine whether or not a) they’re cut out for a new life abroad and b) whether the country they have chosen for their expatriation is right for them.

In a recent survey by HSBC into the lives of their expat customers, there is a very clear and distinct group of people who settle well into life across the Channel.  If you’re thinking that maybe France is the place that you want to settle down, in this article we’ll look at which expatriates make the most of living in France.

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We’ve touched on the concept of Euro-commuting at Shelter Offshore before.  It’s a concept that has become more appealing since the new Eurostar terminal opened at St. Pancras International, and it is now possible to travel to and from France and land up right in the heart of central London with minimum fuss and maximum comfort.

Now it seems as though there has been something of an upsurge in the numbers of us Britons who want to escape all that is wrong with the UK, whilst still enjoying our jobs.  For such individuals, the idea of becoming a Euro-commuter and living in France whilst working in the UK is very appealing indeed.

In this article we look at the realities and practicalities of the idea and speak to someone who is a real life Euro-commuter.  An individual who is living the dream, i.e., living in France and commuting to a very nice job thank you in London!  And if he can do it – why can’t you?

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