expat network

Moving to France – What You Need to Know

So, you are moving to France!

Whether you are emigrating, taking a short term assignment or joining family in France we have put together the information you will need to make your move a smooth one.

Get our FREE Destination Guide to France!

Moving Abroad For Work? Five Tips To Help You Settle In Quickly

Moving abroad for work can be an exciting but also challenging experience, and settling into a new country and adapting to a different culture can take time. However, there are several things you can do to help make the transition smoother. Here, the overseas property experts at Property Guides have revealed their top tips for…

Managing Foreign Exchange When Buying Property Overseas

We are pleased to introduce you to Regency FX, our forex and international payments partner. They are able to assist you in all your requirements for all aspects of managing your foreign exchange risks and international payment requirements. Here they outline the assistance they can provide when you are buying a property abroad. Regency FX…

Young Expats Struggling The Most With Mental Health – Is Social Media The Cause?

Research by AXA has revealed that as many as two in five (41%) young expats aged 18-24 are negatively impacted mentally by social media and tech addiction. AXA – Global Healthcare has reviewed the Mind Health Index, looking at how young expats are affected by social media. The research found that those who report a negative…

Britons Willing To Overcome Brexit Barriers And Retire Abroad Again

New research from overseas property consultants highlights that Brits are coming to terms with post-Brexit restrictions, applying for visas and retiring to favourite European destinations in ever greater numbers. Your Overseas Home have released new data which shows a return to pre-Brexit levels of interest in retiring to Mediterranean and southern European hotspots. After ‘freedom of…

6 Essential Tips For Developing A Personal Website As An Expat Living Abroad

Living abroad as an expat is an exhilarating adventure. You’re navigating new cultures, embracing diverse perspectives, and expanding your horizons. But amidst the excitement, it’s important not to overlook the value of establishing and maintaining a strong digital presence. Having a personal website can be a game-changer, helping you showcase your skills, connect with a…

How Fluctuating Exchange Rates Can Affect The Price Of An Overseas Property

The foreign currency market is the largest and most traded financial market in the world, with more than $6 trillion traded each day, and over 80% of the foreign currency trading is for speculation purposes. The main drivers that influence exchange rate movements are economic and geo-political events, and technical trading by investment banks. These…

5 Essential Tips For Expats Starting A Freelancing Career Abroad

As an expat starting a freelancing career abroad, you may feel overwhelmed by the many challenges that come with this lifestyle. Freelancing requires self-discipline, the ability to manage your time, and a commitment to developing a robust network of clients and contacts in your new country. However, with proper planning and execution, you can create…

New Data Dispels ‘Brits Abroad’ Cliché As More Expats Look For Richer Cultural Experiences

A new survey conducted by overseas property consultants at YourOverseasHome.com reveals that prospective expats are looking to embed themselves in the culture of their new home country, as most want to live amongst the locals abroad and learn the language of the country they’re buying in. The survey gained over 4,000 responses from people who…

How To Streamline The Process Of Moving To A New Home

Moving to a new country across the world can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience. From packing up your belongings and saying goodbye to friends and family, to filling out all the paperwork for transferring utilities — the process of moving internationally can become quite complicated. However, being organized ahead of time can make…

Researching Life Abroad: Why Reviews From Local Expats Can Help

Moving abroad is an exciting adventure that captures the imagination. The lure of exotic new lands, fascinating cultures and a life less ordinary is tempting. Who hasn’t daydreamed about leaving routine behind for something new? However, transforming a dream into reality requires some careful research beforehand. Diving into life in a new country without truly…

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.