How do I learn a foreign language? It is easy to start, but it is worth learning from those who have done it before to find out what works. We set out our top 10 tips for learning a foreign language. Know why you are learning the language. Make sure that before you start you...

The HSBC Expat Explorer survey provides insights each year into expat life around the world and highlights the locations that expats love.  Overall expats are very positive about the experience and there are lifestyle as well as financial benefits. Financial The economic drivers for moving abroad are highlighted with expats globally having an average gross personal...

Investor visas are a way for those who are attracted to the USA to gain residency rights. The world’s largest economy offers the allure of the American dream and a wide range of different lifestyles across this vast country.  There are different options for entrepreneurs wanting to move to America depending on the circumstances and whether...

Financing is of course a key thing to consider when you are looking to purchase a property abroad. If you are unable to purchase the property from your own funds you will need to identify options to obtain a mortgage. There are basically three options: 1. Remortgage your home – This can be the easiest...

People buy property abroad for many reasons. You may be moving abroad to enjoy a new lifestyle, as part of your retirement planning, as a second home to enjoy for part of the year or simply as an investment. Whatever the motivation you need to be sure you consider your options carefully and understand the...

Establishing credit on arrival in America is vital. The lack of a credit score has implications in many areas as it restricts your ability to set up phone contracts, rent a property, sign up utilities, obtain a credit card and many more key taks when arriving in the US to live. Creditworthiness does not easily cross...

What are the top ten places to retire to internationally? International Living Magazine has published its Annual Global Retirement Index, identifying the best places to retire in the world. They have looked at a wide range of criteria including the ease and cost of buying or renting property, the visa and residence options available, the cost of...

Healthcare in America has a reputation for being amongst the most advanced in the world, but coverage is not universal. For those who can afford it, health insurance gives people access to very sophisticated systems and highly qualified medical practitioners. However, healthcare in America is very expensive and there are many who are unable to...

Once the decision has been taken to move to a new home abroad, the excitement builds and you can begin to make the arrangements. You will arrange to ship your personal belongings and then you need to think about how to get yourself there and where to stay when you first arrive. Advice on getting...

Deciding whether to take your pet with you can be a difficult decision. As part of the family, many want to take them with them, but there can be issues that should be considered.  Questions to ask include: what is the climate and where will you be living (an apartment or a house)? Are there...

When deciding whether to rent or buy property when you move to a new country, your choice will depend on a number of factors. Things to be taken into account include: the expected length of stay; local market factors; whether you are travelling alone, as a couple or as a family; available budget; whether you...

There are many questions when you are moving abroad and for many there is no right answer.  One of these will be whether to take things with you or buy or rent when you get there. The answer is, of course, it all depends… The first point is how long you are going to be...