Expat Focus

Social networking websites crucial to expat life in China

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:05:14 GMT

The difficulty in accessing popular networking and blogging sites such as Facebook and Twitter is affecting more than just the social lives of foreigners - local businesses are also missing out on an effective marketing tool. People have found Facebook and Twitter blocked since the July riot in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. It was rumored restrictions would be relaxed after the National Day holidays but access is still restricted... More (China Daily)

50% of new expats leave China early

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:26:04 GMT

Almost half of new expatriates leave China early because they have difficulty adjusting to the lifestyle, a consultancy firm said. China Transition Institute (CTI) president David Israel-Rosen said most foreigners are unprepared for what life will be like when they arrive in China... More (asiaone)

Can you help near Bordeaux?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:22:26 GMT

A request for help from one of our members: "Are there two fit men near Bordeaux able to help us with a once-only problem? Our 21-year-old son was knocked down in a hit-and-run incident 6 weeks ago and has been in the Pellegrin Hospital since. His bones are mending and he is out of a coma, but weakened and unable to walk. We need to get him home and expect the doctors to sign him off as fit to fly on or soon after 6 November. We just need to get him to Bordeaux Airport, where ground attendants will take over. So it is just a question of lifting him, all 6 ft-plus of him, from a wheelchair at the hospital, into a car or people carrier, and driving him with my wife, who has been with him all this time, to the airport. We'll gladly refund fuel costs. We'd use a private ambulance but the lad had inadvertently let his travel insurance expire. Please ring me, James Darley, on 020 7939 7979 (office), 01494 484414 (home) or my wife Crissy on 07906 218783."

Increase of UK Sun-seekers Perusing Property Abroad

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:02:37 GMT

A leading property website has revealed that there has been a 32 per cent increase in searches on its site for overseas property this summer, including the highest overall volume of searches since August last year . In reaction, the Post Office is warning second home seekers of extra charges that traditional high-street banks may legally impose on foreign money transfers to foreign banks, especially when paying mortgages or down payments on property overseas.

Secrets of a successful expat life revealed

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:39:47 GMT

"My departure time has come and it's zaijian Beijing and gidday to my hometown of Sydney, Australia. But before I go, lend me your ears so I can tell you valuable advice learnt during my three years three months in the Middle Kingdom..." More (China Daily)

Surviving urban China: an expat's story

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:53:40 GMT

As an American expat in China, James Fallow wondered “how much long-term damage foreigners do themselves” by living in “smoky, urban China.” He decided to find out... More (examiner.com)

Medicare Savings: Is the Answer in Mexico?

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:11:35 GMT

The words Medicare savings are a red flag to some and a carrot to others; depending on where you stand on the issue of health-care reform, the label is code for cuts or a promise to root out fraud and save billions. But far away from the debates in Washington, a group of expatriate baby boomers point to one place they believe real Medicare savings could be realized: Mexico... More (Time)

France 'offers best lifestyle'

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:23:26 GMT

Those looking to move overseas will find the best quality of life in France, according to a new survey. The uSwitch.com Quality of Life Index measured ten European countries for a range of indicators and placed the country at the top of the list, followed by Spain, while Britain came at the bottom... More (PropertyShowrooms.com)

Condemned Spanish apartments advertised to UK buyers

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:55:05 GMT

'This development, being built by one of the largest and most distinguished development companies on the Costa del Sol, is just a three-minute walk from Marbella town centre. The apartments in Banana Beach consist of one, two, three and four bedrooms, fitted to the very highest standards possible." Sounds great doesn't it? You'd never guess from this glowing description that the Banana Beach development was built illegally and has been condemned to demolition. Despite this, the properties are being advertised on websites targeting UK buyers... More (Guardian)

Property overseas: at home in a riad

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:20:55 GMT

Traditional riads in Marrakesh are popular with British second home owners. Victoria Elliston from London bought a riad two years ago and has been slowly restoring it. "It has cost just over £200,000 including renovation," she says... More (Telegraph)