This step is crucial because, once you have done everything in this phase, you are compliant and will have more of a sense of belonging. These are the registrations, tasks and paperwork that you will have had as long as you can remember back home and perhaps even have taken for granted. Sharon Swift continues...

Any substantial journey involves planning and paperwork. An international relocation is infinitely more complex than a domestic move. I would suggest treating the move like any large project. You will ultimately need a list of actions, each allocated to a responsible party, with an expected timeline for each task. Sharon Swift shares her experience of...

The prospect of moving to a new country can be exciting and daunting in equal measure. Australia has the benefit of being English speaking with a seemingly similar culture to the UK or USA, but the distance is a huge drawback. Will this hold you back from the opportunity of a lifetime? Sharon Swift shares...

Almost three quarters of expats wait until after relocating to purchase health insurance cover, with 54 per cent doing so within two months of arriving and 17 per cent doing so only after experiencing the healthcare facilities available locally. Five per cent of respondents to a survey by AXA’s international healthcare business said that they...

If you are considering working overseas you should find out before you go how far your salary is going to stretch. Luckily there is new research showing the relative cost of living in major cities worldwide. Singapore retains its title as the world’s most expensive city for a fourth consecutive year in a top ten...

Many people on the verge of retirement see a change of scenery abroad as the perfect life move, when relaxation and indulgence take over following long careers that may have spanned over 40 years. While retirement options differ from person to person, the general consensus is that ending your working commitments and retiring abroad is...

The UAE government has approved a new visa system designed to attract top foreign talents in fields such as medicine, science and research to the country, Bloomberg reports Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as saying. “The United Arab Emirates is the land of opportunities,” Sheikh Mohammed said after a cabinet meeting. Attracting...

When moving to a new country it is important to understand your options – where you are going to be living and in what type of accommodation. While you find the solution there are a number of options: Traditional hotels – This can be an option if the transitional period is going to be short. ...

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...

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...

If your expat assignment takes you to Africa, 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. Marrakech, Morocco The Travellers’ Choice #1 Destination in the world, Marrakech is a magical place, brimming with markets, gardens,...

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...