Expatriate Living
Expatriating to Live Abroad
Published on 01 November 2007
So, you’ve decided to trade in rainy London days for the sunny sands and surf of Dubai? Or, maybe you have chosen to move out of Liverpool for the incredible mountains of Bulgaria. No matter the destination, expatriating to live abroad and moving out of the UK are very big undertakings indeed. There are some things you as an intended expatriate can do to make the transition go a little more smoothly, and it all starts with the packing...
In this article we’ll look at a packing strategy for upping sticks and moving to a foreign destination. When leaving the UK is what’s planned, most moves involve the need for over-water shipping (unless you use the Channel Tunnel!). Making this as affordable as possible is generally a welcomed idea…
What to Think about Before Choosing to Expatriate
Published on 17 October 2007
Thousands of Brits pick up sticks and move abroad to live in new countries every year. The trend is strong, it’s been going on for decades and if anything the number of people choosing to leave the UK is increasing. With fellow British countrymen living as far and wide as Spain, Australia, the Americas, Morocco, Bulgaria and beyond, those Brits who do choose to live abroad often find themselves in good company.
But before you do pack up and head off to be a stranger in a strange land, there are plenty of things to consider. Beyond deciding how to pay for your transition one of the most important considerations to ensure a smooth move is of course related to your country of choice! There are locations all over the world that beckon to Brits but the fact of the matter is not all suit every person who wants to expatriate. Taking the time to do some serious homework before selecting a relocation site is vital to make the experience a good one and in this article we look at what to think about before choosing to expatriate.
Serious Expatriate Healthcare Rule Changes in France and Spain
Published on 24 September 2007
In a dramatic about turn on the rules relating to the provision of free health care to early retirees in France, those expatriates living permanently in France and who have done so for in excess of two years and who are aged under 65 will automatically have their right to free health care terminated from September the 30th this year.
In fact, this is just one of a series of serious expatriate healthcare rule changes in France and Spain and beyond. Are you an expat concerned about your rights, or are you planning on moving to live, work or retire abroad and hoping for free care? You need to get informed about your healthcare entitlement up front and immediately to ensure you’re covered and that if you’re not, that you can pay for any treatment you may one day need…
Living Abroad and Understanding Offshore Banking
Published on 08 August 2007
There is an increasing amount of information available on the internet about banking internationally or managing finances when moving abroad because more and more people are researching their relocation options.
In this article we’ll be looking at living abroad and understanding offshore banking because as an expatriate – or a soon to be expat – you have many more options when it comes to banking internationally, saving tax and gaining flexibility in terms of your finances.
Truth About Overseas Assignments & Expat Relocation Packages
Published on 07 May 2007
I don’t know whether you believe this or not but apparently, once upon a time an expatriate on an overseas assignment for his or her company would receive a generous relocation package as a bonus and a thank you from their employer for making the move abroad. Sounds almost unbelievable in this day and age when most employees are treated as an expendable commodity doesn’t it?
Indeed, nowadays generous expat packages are seemingly a thing of the past and employers have the cheek to assume that relocation abroad is all part of a career enhancing opportunity and that you should actually be thanking them for giving you the chance to work overseas! In this article we examine the truth about overseas assignments and relocation packages for anyone contemplating an offer from their company to work abroad for a period of time. We’ll show you what you need to negotiate for and how to go about it…
So You Want to Emigrate to Live in America?
Published on 06 April 2007
America – a brave new world and the land of the free, where you can live the American dream, where the streets are pretty much paved with gold, the standard of living is amazing and the people are really friendly and oh so welcoming right?
WRONG. So you want to emigrate to live in America? Are you sure? Not only is it incredibly difficult to get a visa, if you base your move on any form of temporary visa and the next year your renewal is rejected (it often happens) then you’re out for the count and you’re potentially homeless! Yes America can be a brave new world for those brave enough to meet the challenges of immigration and relocation head on…but you need to get your head right round the concept that it ain’t gonna be easy! Oh, and getting your visa is only just the start.
The Shocking Truth about Expat Health Insurance
Published on 13 March 2007
A recent British television documentary brought to light the shocking truth about expat health insurance that is little mentioned by insurance brokers, barely touched upon by policy providers and not known about by the vast majority of expatriates moving to live abroad – and that is, many, many policies fall far short of the level of cover required and can leave a chronically ill expat high and dry and suffering abroad.
The documentary in question was called Sick in the Sun and it focused specifically on health care in Spain and health insurance policies particularly for those taking early retirement to enjoy a new life abroad - but the shocking truth revealed actually goes far further than Spain or this particular demographic group…
Financial Advice for Expatriates in Dubai and the Gulf
Published on 03 January 2007
The financial landscape in the Persian Gulf Region is changing for expatriate workers, the majority of whom relocate to countries such as Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Dubai seeking higher salaries than their peers earn back home, as well as a chance to save substantial funds towards their future financial security.
The fact of the matter is, rental rate increases and annual rises in the cost of living in locations from Dubai to Qatar are seriously outpacing wage increases and a growing percentage of expats in Dubai and the greater Gulf Region are failing to save anything at all towards their future. Specialist financial advice for expatriates in Dubai and the Gulf is needed at this point to help those committed to contracts and dedicated to remaining overseas to afford to maintain their lifestyle and be able to set something aside for their future financial security and that of their family.
Expatriate Health Insurance Needs Identified
Published on 02 January 2007
A leading international health insurance provider has carried out a most comprehensive survey relating to expatriate health insurance needs around the world and how they differ greatly depending on the region the expatriate resides in and the length of time they are exposed to different climates, cuisine and even medical practices for example.
The purpose of the survey was to identify expat medical requirements on a region by region basis to enable health insurance providers to hone their insurance products accordingly, and also to allow insurance sales agents to help their clients take out the right level of cover to ensure that their likely medical needs are met in the future. However, the survey results also make interesting reading for expatriates doing their own research into which providers’ products are most likely to protect them fully.
National Insurance Contributions when Living Abroad
Published on 19 November 2006
If you’re going to work overseas do you have to continue to make national insurance contributions when living abroad? If not, should you volunteer to make them anyway? These are simple enough questions, surely? But ones not so simple to answer!
This is a guide to the rules relating to UK national insurance contributions for British expatriates working abroad and also information about when you can and should volunteer to continues to make contributions.