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Country Guide Template

The following is a suggested template for authors considering contributing a country guide for publication at Expat Focus. It may be added to, of course, and not every question listed here need be answered, although we believe that those listed are likely to be important to prospective expats.

In addition to being comprehensive and well-written, Expat Focus guides must be:

1. Original (i.e. not published elsewhere, including online)

2. Accurate

3. Impartial, Objective and using the 3rd Person

4. Non-Promotional (i.e. not advertising a product or service, although authors may include their own details in the byline of each section)

5. Over 6,000 words in length (minimum 300 words per section)

Overview
What is the capital, population, language, currency, timezone of the country?
Where is it located?
Who are its neighbours?
What kind of government does it have?
What is the geography/landscape like?
Is the country densely populated or are there large rural areas?
What makes the country special?
What is it famous for?
What are the defining aspects of the culture/society? Is it liberal, conservative, etc.?
How many expats live there?
Where are expats mainly located?
What draws expats to the country?
How are expats treated? Are they welcome?

Climate and Weather
What is the climate like?
What is the weather like?
When are the seasons and how do they differ?
How does the weather differ from one region to another?
What are typical maximum/minimum/average temperatures?
What is the typical rainfall? Humidity?
How much sunshine can you expect?
Are there serious weather or environmental risks, e.g. hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes?

Getting There
Where/what are the main airports?
What are the national/main airlines?
What are approximate flight times from major capital cities outside the country?
Are there direct flights or is it necessary to change somewhere?
What are the main road/rail/sea routes into the country?

Speaking the Language
What is/are the official language(s)?
What are the most commonly used languages?
How common is English?
Can an English speaker survive without learning the local language?
How difficult is it to learn the language?
Where can you go to learn the local languages? What are the best schools?

Visas, Residency, Immigration & Documentation
What are the visa regulations for entering the country?
What are the regulations regarding temporary and permanent residency?
Can you search for work if you are not a resident?
Do expats need a work permit?
What are typical waiting times for permits?
Do you need to register with a particular organisation on arrival?
Do you need to apply for an identity card?
What documents will you need to supply to support your application for various permits?
Does your existing passport need to have at least six months (or similar) validity left?
Is there a quota system in place for permits?
Is a medical exam necessary?
Will you need to prove that you can support yourself?
How do you apply for citizenship?
What are the advantages of citizenship?
Will you be required to renounce your existing citizenship or can you maintain dual-citizenship?
Where can you go for reliable information, e.g. government websites?

Currency, Cost of Living and Consumer Issues
What is the local currency?
How does the cost of living compare with other countries?
Do many expats import goods or do they buy locally?
What are shop opening hours?
What is the standard and availability of typical consumer goods?
What rights do you have as a consumer?

Banking
What are the main banks?
Is the banking system reliable, efficient, etc?
How do you open an account?
Are there cash/ATM machines?
Are credit/debit cards and cheques commonly accepted?
Are international banks well represented?

Taxation
What are the tax rules and rates for expats?
Are there any special tax breaks or allowances for expats?
What are the different taxes expats need to consider, e.g. income tax, import tax, property tax, VAT etc.?
Does the country have double-taxation agreements with other countries?
How and when are expats expected to file a tax return?
What is the website of the government tax agency? Is there a section for expats?

Insurance
What types of insurance are generally needed by expats, e.g. health, life, travel, car/auto, household, possessions, third party liability, etc.?
Who are the main local providers?

Healthcare and Medical Treatment
What is the phone number to call for emergency medical assistance?
What is the standard of healthcare in the country?
How is healthcare paid for? Is insurance necessary/recommended? Is emergency treatment free?
What are the rules regarding medical treatment of foreign visitors?
Are inoculations, vaccinations or health certificates required for entry into the country?
Are there any specific health risks?
Where can you go for reliable advice?
Can common medicines be bought over the counter or do they require a presciption?
Should expats register with a doctor/dentist/optician etc. on arrival and, if so, what is the procedure for doing so?

Social Security/Welfare
What are the rules regarding the social security/welfare system and where can you find up to date advice?
Are there any bi-lateral social security agreements between this country and others?
Are expats required to make social security contributions?
Are expats eligible for benefits?
If social security is not available, is private insurance recommended?

Employment
Are foreigners required to secure a job before moving to the country? Are there any exceptions (e.g. EU nationals in EU countries)?
What specialist or professional qualifications and experience are in high demand?
What are the major recruitment agencies and job sites?
Do expats require a work permit? What is the procedure for applying for a work permit?
What is the most common business language?
What impact on job seeking does not being able to speak the local language have?
What is the working culture like?
What are the typical terms and conditions of employment?
What are typical working hours, salary levels, overtime, sick pay, maternity/paternity benefits and holiday entitlements?
How many days of public holiday are there?
What are typical salaries and what is considered a minimum salary for an individual/family to survive on?
What is the retirement age?
Are unions common? Is membership compulsory for certain professions?

Renting Property
Do most expats live in close proximity to each other (e.g. in certain towns and cities)?
What are typical rental prices?
What is the typical lease term?
What should expats look out for when signing a lease contract?
Is a deposit likely to be required?
What do "furnished" and "unfurnished" actually mean (definitions can vary between countries)?
Is domestic help (e.g. a maid) typical?
Are there any special rules (e.g. recycling) you should obey once you have moved in?

Buying Property
Are there are any restrictions on the ownership of property by foreign nationals?
Are there any legal restrictions on the resale of property within a certain period of time?
What are typical prices, how is the market moving?
What is the house buying/selling procedure?
Are there any pitfalls or problems in the house buying process which expats often encounter?
What are typical taxes and fees involved in house purchasing/selling?
Are there any tax advantages in buying a house?
Do local banks or other lenders issue mortgages to foreign nationals?
What are the insurance requirements?
Do most expats live in close proximity to each other (e.g. in certain towns and cities)?
Is domestic help (e.g. a maid) typical?
Are there any special rules (e.g. recycling) you should obey once you have moved in?

Education and Schools
Are foreign children eligible to enter local schools? Is there a language test?
What is the curriculum in local schools and what qualifications are available?
How is the local school system, especially at secondary level, organised?
Is religious education compulsory in local schools?
Are there any international schools? If so, what curriculum is most commonly in use and what are typical fees? Are there waiting lists?
What is the age at which education becomes compulsory?
What is the standard of childcare? Are there any standards, licensing and certification procedures for pre-school childcare professionals ?

Crime and Safety
Are there any particular risks (environmental, criminal, etc.) expats should be aware of?
How does the crime rate compare with other countries?
How does the justice system operate?
How do you call the emergency services?
Are there any common scams or crimes which expats especially should be aware of?

Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water)
What is the electrical system in use (i.e. voltage, plug type etc.)?
What are the major utility companies? How do you get connected?
Are the utilities national companies or have they been privatised resulting in a choice of suppliers?
Is tap water safe to drink?

Communications (Telephone, Post, Internet, TV)
Who are the major providers of TV, telephone and internet services?
Is broadband internet access available?
What is the procedure for arranging TV/phone/internet connection?
What type of mobile phone networks are in use (i.e. which bands)?
How do public phones work - do they take coins or cards? If cards, what type (phone cards, credit cards)?
How reliable is the postal service?
Does the country have a mail delivery service to every home or might you need to open a post office box (common in some remote areas)?
What is the television system in use (e.g. PAL, NTSC, SECAM)? Is cable or satellite TV commonplace?
Is a television license required?

Driving and Public Transport
What are the rules regarding driving licences? Can foreign nationals use their own licenses indefinitely/for a limited period? Are there any agreements in place which allow licenses simply to be exchanged or is a driving test necessary?
Which side of the road must you drive on?
What equipment are you legally required to carry in your car?
What are common road signs?
What are the laws regarding speed limits, the use of seatbelts, drink driving, etc.?
What should/must you do in the event of an accident?
What is the standard of driving like?
Are there import duties for importing a car?
What taxes are payable on car ownership and what types of driver insurance are required?
What is the registration procedure once a vehicle has been imported into the country?
What are the rules regarding regular vehicle inspection?
Is there any road tax payable?
What is the standard of public transport?
Where can you find information on public transport timetables, ticket prices etc.?

Leisure, Entertainment and Sports
Are there any active expat groups, clubs or societies?
What are the major leisure activities?
Which sports are popular?
Is a licence required to play golf? If so, what is the procedure for obtaining one?
What are the major cultural attractions (e.g. places of interest, museums, theatres etc.)
Are there any laws regarding smoking in bars and restaurants?

Retiring and Pensions
Are there any programmes aimed at attracting foreign retirees?
What is the quality of life like for retirees?
Are there any implications regarding receiving pensions from abroad?

Taking Your Pets
Does the country allow the import of pets?
Is a period of quarantine and import licence required?
Is the country a member of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)?
Is a current health certificate and proof of a current rabies vaccination required? If so, what is the specific rabies vaccination requirement? (it can vary between countries)
Is there a relevant government website which provides useful information?
Do individuals need to obtain a licence for the animal on arrival in the new country and are there are any particular laws regarding pet ownership?
What is the standard of veterinary care?
Are pet supplies readily available?
Are there any cultural taboos or sensitivities associated with different types of animals?