Expat Focus

Preparing to move abroad: Finances

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:07:12 GMT

Living abroad is not just for the rich and retired anymore. More and more students and families are living the expat life. Average American families who you might find living in a small house in an older neighborhood; recent graduates of graduate school, children, and living on little more than a teacher's salary while student loans loom over their heads are taking jobs wherever they can get them... More (examiner.com)

Expats in Asia best paid, but U.S. and UK-based suffer

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:09:35 GMT

Want the good life despite the dire economy? Head east, according to a survey showing some of the world's highest-paid expatriates live in Asia and the Middle East. A third of all expats in Russia -- the highest proportion in the world -- earn more than $250,000 a year, followed closely by expats in Japan and Qatar... More (Reuters)

Govt to tax Australian expat wages

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:21:30 GMT

The Australian Government is facing another fight over tax changes in its Budget - this time over rules affecting expatriate workers. Expats on contracts of two years or less are exempt from paying Australian tax while overseas. But the Treasury says that means that thousands of highly paid workers pay little or no tax, and it wants to tighten up the rules. Employers say the changes will make it more expensive to send local workers offshore. A Senate committee has called for changes to the new rules... More (Radio Australia)

Running away from loans

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:01:06 GMT

From the Personal Finance forum: "Have just read the thread UK debt when living abroad amongst others and I am absolutely disgusted and appalled that people do this and get away with it. They go on a spending spree, accumulate debts they cant afford to pay back and then buggar off abroad hiding from their creditors. This has got to be on a par with the benefit fraudsters or worse. Dont these people have any shame? It is effectively stealing..." More (Expat Focus Personal Finance forum)

Britain’s Got No Talent: Half of U.K. Expats May Exit

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:46:33 GMT

Almost half of U.K.-based foreign professionals are considering leaving as they endure rising living expenses and the recession, more than in any other country, a survey by HSBC Holdings Plc showed... More (Bloomberg)

Hard times in Spain send expats home

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:21:40 GMT

The sunshine lifestyle has long tempted many Britons to uproot and make a new start on the costas of Spain. But now as the Spanish economy suffers and the opportunities there dry up, many of the expats are coming home... More (BBC)

Fury at Inconsiderate Dog Owners in Portugal

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:23:37 GMT

From the Portugal forum: "I have been reading this forum for sometime and have finally been prompted to join to air my frustrations regarding dogs on beaches and the owners total disrespect for other people. Am I alone? Today, I went to the beach and lo and behold as always several dogs on the beach DESPITE signs stating NO DOGS…do these owners think the sign does not apply to them and their prized pooch, I ask myself?" More (Expat Focus Portugal Forum)

Britons are desperate to move abroad

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:03:24 GMT

A new survey has revealed that young Britons are keen to escape overseas for more opportunities, better living standards and cheaper taxation. The survey commissioned by Foreign Currency Direct found that 58 per cent would go abroad for a better work life balance than what they can achieve in the UK. Over twelve hundred British workers across the UK were surveyed to determine how large a percentage of the British population is dissatisfied with their life in the UK, and would they contemplate escaping this ‘great’ nation of ours for a new life elsewhere...

Property abroad: Why the British will love Liguria

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:17:34 GMT

Italy's north west coast is often overlooked but it offers sunshine, pretty beaches and a fast track to the dolce vita. So while the whole world flocks to the beaches of the Côte d'Azur every summer, the Italians have a trick up their sleeve. They head instead to the Ligurian Riviera, an hour from Nice, which offers a spectacular coastline strewn with quaint harbours and chic resorts, backed by mountains dotted with charming hamlets. Despite being popular with Italians, the area is still pretty much undiscovered by the British who, according to Luca Catalano of agency RealItalia, are missing out... More (Independent)

New Zealand is best destination for expats, says poll

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:07:19 GMT

Britons who emigrate to New Zealand are the happiest expatriates, according to a new report - Workers who make the 11,500-mile journey said the combination of low property prices, a favourable taxation system, a healthy lifestyle and the natural environment made it the best place to live. New Zealand came ahead of Canada, Australia, France, the United Arab Emirates, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, the US and China in the poll of more than 2,000 Britons living in 12 countries... More (Telegraph)