expat network

Moving To Portugal – What You Need To Know

Portugal Discovery Tours 2022

Enjoy a tailored tour with someone who knows the area inside out to help you decide the right location for you, who can assist you in planning your move and answer your questions.

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…

Getting Connected in Portugal

How to get telephone and internet connections in Portugal. Telephone The main provider of telephone lines in Portugal is the formerly government-owned Portugal Telecom. Most other providers of telephone and internet services run their service through Portugal Telecom’s lines. Portugal Telecom will provide a telephone line or if one is already in place you will…

European Workation: The Best European Beach Cities To Live And Play In This Summer

Europe’s gorgeous beaches, stunning architecture, rich history and delicious cuisine have always been main points of attraction for travellers from America. Researchers at CoworkingCafe wanted to find the best European beach cities for American remote workers and digital nomads to work and play in this summer. To find the best destination for a European workation,…

The Expat Identity: Finding Your Own Path

Venturing into new lands, embracing unfamiliar cultures, and adapting to diverse work and lifestyles – the life of an expat is an intriguing blend of challenge and excitement. But while this unique journey brings immense personal growth and global perspectives, it also beckons to a question of identity. Who are you in this new space,…

Master The Art Of Safe Vehicle Shipping: 8 Insider Tips For A Stress-Free Journey

Are you looking to ship a car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle? It’s an exciting time that can be filled with stress and worry. After all, it’s not every day you entrust your prized possession to the care of strangers. But don’t worry – with some helpful tips and tricks from experts in the field….

Expats And Health Insurance: The Essential Guide To Moving To Europe

In recent years, an increasing number of people have thought about relocating to Europe to live, work, or retire. Europe has a lifestyle that many people find appealing because of its temperature, varied cultures, and rich history. If you’re considering moving to Europe, your top concern should be determining the kind of healthcare you and your…

Why Hiking And Fishing Are Must-Try Activities For Every Expat

The experience of living in a foreign country can be exhilarating yet daunting for expatriates. It offers a unique chance to immerse oneself in a new culture and way of life. However, it also comes with challenges like homesickness, language barriers, and cultural adjustments. One of the best ways to sooth these feelings and embrace…

Empowering Tips For Solo Female Expats

Stepping into the realm of solo female expats is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It’s about defying societal norms and embracing independence on your terms. Firstly, cultural differences may seem daunting initially, but you’ll thrive with an open mind and respect for local customs. Secondly, building a strong support network is vital, connecting you…

Portugal’s Golden Visa: The Door Remains Open (Sort Of)

The Portuguese government announced – rather unexpectedly – that its Golden Visa (GV) programme was to be completely closed with immediate effect on 17 February. ‘Immediate’ in Portugal doesn’t typically mean the same as in other countries. Indeed, a further announcement was made shortly after, which stated that applications for GVs would continue to be…

What Should You Take With You When You Relocate – and What Should You Leave Behind?

Whether you are making a trip across town, or heading towards a new life with a trip across the world, you are faced with a massive problem… what exactly are you supposed to take with you, and what do you want to leave behind? It can be a much harder choice than many people think,…

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.