downtime - Expat Network

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Working Hours Not Key To Expats’ Improved Work-Life Balance

New research by Axa – Global Healthcare suggests that for many expats other factors, including the way in which they spend their downtime has more impact on their work-life balance than the prospect of working shorter hours. New research by AXA – Global Healthcare reveals that nearly half (46%) of expats feel their work-life...

Downtime In New Zealand

If you move to New Zealand there is no shortage of places to visit when you get a spare moment and even if you are not living there these highlights make it well worth the trip. Milford Sound Milford Sound is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular sites in New Zealand. The dark blue of...

Downtime In The Middle East

If your expat assignment takes you to the Middle East, why not travel to these recommended places in your time off? Get away from your work assignment and truly explore your new environment, its culture and unique sights. Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dubai is a cosmopolitan oasis, a futuristic cityscape that towers over the Arabian...

Downtime In Europe

If your expat assignment takes you to Europe, why not travel to these recommended places in your time off? Get away from your work assignment and truly explore your new environment, its culture and unique sights. Istanbul, Turkey Europe and Asia meet in Istanbul, where breathtaking ancient architecture coexists with modern restaurants and nightlife. The...

Downtime In Asia

If your expat assignment takes you to Asia, why not travel to these recommended places in your time off? Get away from your work assignment and truly explore your new environment, its culture and unique sights. Siem Reap, Cambodia When the morning light washes over the overgrown temples and ruins of Angkor Wat, a simple...

Downtime In South America

If your expat assignment takes you to South America, why not travel to these recommended places in your time off? Get away from your work assignment and truly explore your new environment, its culture and unique sights. Buenos Aires, Argentina The birthplace of the tango is, like the dance itself, captivating, seductive and bustling with...

Downtime in the USA

If your expat assignment takes you to USA, why not travel to these recommended places in your time off? Get away from your work assignment and truly explore your new environment, its culture and unique sights. Charleston, South Carolina Charleston is known for great food (you won’t find better grits – ground-corn porridge – on...

Moving Abroad Checklist

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.