Expatriate Living
Expatriates Living and Working Abroad are Wealthier and Happier
Published on 15 April 2008
It’s official, expatriates living and working abroad are wealthier than their peers in the UK and happier than they were before they moved overseas according to the latest findings of surveys from The Sun newspaper, The Telegraph and NatWest International Personal Banking division.
Although we can’t say we’re really surprised, it is interesting to have factual evidence to back up a feeling we have long held; and in this article we can reveal to you just how much more contented and better off British expats generally are.
Cut Tax Ties Properly When You Retire Abroad
Published on 07 April 2008
There’s more than one difference between expatriating to live and work abroad and moving overseas to retire. Clearly the first alternative requires you to work each day whilst the second will allow you to enjoy a more relaxed life of luxury! But beyond these obvious differences there are some very important ones relating to your taxation treatment in the UK.
If you move abroad to work it is far simpler to prove residence in another nation almost straight away to the Great British taxman, however, you have to ensure you cut tax ties properly when you retire abroad otherwise you could end up in all sorts of trouble!
What to Expect from Expatriation
Published on 03 April 2008
So your husband has come home and announced that his company is relocating him to Singapore. So you’ve been offered a job heading up a team in Dubai and you need to inform your husband and children of that fact that you want to move. Or perhaps you’re a singleton and have been looking for work abroad and have just landed that perfect career enhancing job posting in Paris?
Whatever your personal job situation, if you’re about to move abroad for the first time I am pretty certain you’re actively wondering what to expect from expatriation! There are many bonuses to living and working abroad and there are also a few pitfalls that you should really be aware of if you want to thrive on the journey rather than barely survive the move.
Had Enough of Living Abroad. The Realities of Repatriation
Published on 04 March 2008
There was a fascinating comments thread on an article about returning to live in the UK on a popular expat site on the internet. Rather than being filled with helpful comments from repats (those who have repatriated to the UK after living abroad) – it was full of a combination of fairly vicious and incredulous comments from both those still living in the UK and expats happy to remain overseas. The UK residents seemed incredulous that anyone would want to return, and the expats abroad seemed harshly judgemental of those who wanted to go ‘home’!
Anyway, the fact of the matter is, almost as fast as we’re leaving the UK, some of those who have expatriated before us choose to return home. And if you’ve had enough of living abroad, this article about the realities of repatriation should get you set on the right path to a smooth transition home.
Repatriation Shock Returning to the UK
Published on 16 January 2008
Thanks to some Shelter Offshore readers who have shared their stories with us after recently repatriating and returning to live in the UK after 10 years abroad in France, Austria, Germany and Cyprus, we can bring you the truth about repatriation shock and returning to the UK.
It seems that in just 10 short years (!), life as we knew it before we left the UK has changed in many ways – in some ways for the better – though oftentimes for the worst!
Living Abroad and Meeting Other Expats
Published on 02 January 2008
Moving to live abroad is an incredibly exciting undertaking. Many retirees and families pick up sticks with the notion of completely soaking in the culture and learning to live as the natives do in their country of choice. Whilst this sounds wonderful on the surface, reality can often present itself in the form of a few roadblocks.
It does not matter how well acclimated a person becomes to their new country, its people, language and culture, a degree of homesickness is likely to settle in. Even if one has a handful of friends and close acquaintances in their new homeland, the familiarity of their native soil will sometimes be missed terribly. Whilst it might be tempting to pack it all in if the homesickness blues become too strong, there are ways for retirees and expats to combat the issue. One of the best is learning how to reach other to other expats in their new country or even those living elsewhere.
Living Abroad Educating Children at Home
Published on 06 December 2007
Living aboard and bringing children along can prove to be an incredible experience for the entire family. To say the prospect isn’t without its serious challenges however, would be a big fib! Perhaps one of the trickiest areas that would-be expats face is in determining how best to educate their children in their new country of choice.
Whilst most international destinations do have public schools expat children can attend and American and British schools available for those who can fee pay, these options do not work for all families. In some cases, home school is deemed the most suitable road to take. In this article we look at living abroad and educating children at home.
Expatriate Essentials Living Abroad and the British Consul
Published on 21 November 2007
With well over 5 million Brits living abroad, the jobs of British consuls in foreign countries have become quite demanding. If picking up sticks and moving to Belize, Italy, Bulgaria or some other exotic destination is to your liking, it pays to know what these officials can and cannot do for you.
In this article we’ll explore some expatriate essentials when living abroad – and in particular the British Consul and the role of the British Embassy. Understanding what they can or cannot do for you can very much ease your transition into expatriate living and help guide you on when to call on their advice.
Living Abroad and Acclimating to a New Community
Published on 14 November 2007
If you have decided to expatriate abroad for a short while or even for the long haul, you are no doubt entering into one of the most exciting and fascinating periods of your life. Living in a strange land, learning about the culture, navigating the world and seeing new sights is terribly appealing to many. Getting along well once you arrive, however, will likely depend on how quickly you acclimate to your new environs.
Even if you are moving to a country where they speak the same language and share many of the same customs and traditions, it is hard not to feel like a stranger in a strange land. Learning the ropes of fitting in doesn’t have to be impossible. In this article we’ll take a look at living abroad and acclimating to a new community and we’ll highlight some tips that can help you no matter where you decide to hang your hat. From Belize and Canada to France and Dubai, when the right steps are taken, expats can feel a part of the community in no time.
Expatriating Essentials - Don’t Forget to be a Tourist
Published on 11 November 2007You’re fed up with the same scenery day in and day out. You long for something different – a new pace of life. Just like thousands of your fellow Britons, the idea of expatriating to an exotic destination really appeals. Your finances are in place, you’ve chosen a destination country and you think you’re all ready to go and make a new start of it. Are you really?
In this article we’ll explore some expatriate essentials such as the benefits of taking the time and effort to really tour a destination before settling on it. Even after your mind is made up and you’ve picked up sticks to settle in a new location, continuing to cast yourself in the role of a tourist can enhance your decision and help keep the charms of your new country alive for you.