The magazine for expats

Is remote work the new normal for businesses? 
Work
Is remote work the new normal for businesses? 
The way we work is undergoing a dramatic shift. What if the traditional office space becomes a relic of the past? What if the geographical location is no longer a barrier to recruiting top talent? Businesses embracing the remote working trend are seeing many benefits, especially when it comes to attracting and retaining foreign professionals.
Moving abroad? Here's why locals might resent you
Everyday life
Moving abroad? Here's why locals might resent you
Expat bashing seems to have become a real trend in the Netherlands, according to one article published in DutchNews.nl. Driven by historical grievances and the more recent issues related to the housing and economic impact that expats have, some local residents have expressed strong concern about expat presence in their country. Local publications have joined in by frequently portraying the expats in the country as overprivileged and out of touch.
Should you take a sabbatical year abroad?
Everyday life
Should you take a sabbatical year abroad?
Taking a sabbatical year abroad is considered a character-building experience that fosters personal growth and prepares young people for the working world in a unique way. It can also be their first time living in another country. While popular in some countries, the concept of a sabbatical year is far from universally embraced. Some countries worry about the "gap" it creates on a resume and other negative impressions it might leave with recruiters. Let's have a closer look.

Expat news

Can you stay affiliated with your home country's health system?
Health system
Can you stay affiliated with your home ...
According to the current Italian prime minister, it could soon be possible for Italian expats to benefit from healthcare in Italy while living abroad. In fact, a bill proposed by the Fratelli d'Italia party aims to allow this against an annual contribution of 1,500 euros to the national health system (SSN). 
How do you prove your financial means when moving abroad?
Banks and finance
How do you prove your financial means when ...
If you're planning to move abroad, you're perhaps in the middle of the process of obtaining your visa and residency permit. One of the required documents is proof of financial means. Apart from the often exorbitant amount, how can you prove you have sufficient funds to live in your chosen country?
Happiness surveys: Can they really tell you where the happiest countries for expats are?
Everyday life
Happiness surveys: Can they really tell you ...
Happiness is a complicated matter. Philosophers have tried to define it, economists have tried to measure it, and expats, well, expats are trying to find it. Several surveys look at happiness from a geographical angle. Their goal is to determine whether location has an impact on your emotional well-being. And, as it turns out, it does. But the rest isn't that clear.

Content from our partners

Milano 3.0: Your new home surrounded by nature
Milano 3.0 - Next Generation Living
Milano 3.0: Your new home surrounded by ...
The new residential complex of Milano 3.0 is the latest addition to the Milano 3 neighborhood, located in the south-west of the city, nestled in the lush greenery. 
Moving to Luxembourg: Optimise your tax return
Foyer
Moving to Luxembourg: Optimise your tax ...
Moving to Luxembourg brings its share of challenges and questions, particularly when it comes to understanding and optimising your tax return. This guide, brought to you by our partner Foyer, details all the special local features in a simple and structured way. Within a few paragraphs, you should understand the levers of taxation in Luxembourg and be able to optimise your own tax situation.
How to request your $ 3,200 COVID-19 stimulus checks?
1040 Abroad
How to request your $ 3,200 COVID-19 ...
In 2020 & 2021, the US issued so-called COVID-19 stimulus checks to offset the economic impact of COVID-19. As speed was of the essence, they were issued based on the 2019 tax returns the IRS had on file. Consequently, those who didn't file tax returns didn't receive the COVID-19 stimulus checks they are entitled to. Americans who have not yet received them have until June 15, 2024 to claim $3,200 of COVID-19 stimulus checks by filing overdue 2020 & 2021 US tax returns. The process involves filing delinquent returns.

Features

How to plan an international relocation
Moving
How to plan an international relocation
So you're relocating overseas. After sorting out your visa and residence permit paperwork, it's time to make the move. But before you dive into packing, some essential things must be considered. What is the cost of an international relocation? Are you planning to bring all your belongings, or would you rather travel light? Do you intend to hire professional movers or handle everything by yourself? Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the process.
Moving abroad? Here's who can watch pet while you're away
Pets
Moving abroad? Here's who can watch pet ...
Moving abroad without your cat or dog can feel overwhelming, and planning a move with a pet can be complicated. Besides the high costs of pet travel, there might also be various restrictions in your host country. So, what are your options if you choose not to bring your pet with you? Here are our tips for a smooth transition.
Countries with the best work benefits for expats
Work
Countries with the best work benefits for ...
When you accept a new job offer abroad, it's not only the salary that matters; benefits matter, too. Relocation assistance, flexible/remote working provisions, healthcare coverage, paid time off, and childcare benefits – all of these can make a big difference in how easy it is to adjust to life as an expat worker. 
How to prepare for life as a digital nomad
Work
How to prepare for life as a digital nomad
Life as a digital nomad sounds like a lot of fun and allows for a lot more freedom. Those who love to travel will especially be drawn to this lifestyle. However, it's important to remember that it's still considered work (not a vacation!). While it may seem that it's as easy as packing up and flying somewhere new, there's a lot more thought that needs to go into it. To successfully sustain life as a digital nomad, there are a couple of things to consider to ensure that you're fully prepared.
How new expats can conquer time changes
Everyday life
How new expats can conquer time changes
Switching between summer and winter times is an unavoidable step in many countries worldwide, especially in Europe, where the change has been the subject of much debate for several years. So, how do you adjust if you've just moved from a country where it's not the norm?
Shopping habits around the world that will shock expats
Shopping
Shopping habits around the world that will ...
The video of an American being amazed by shopping malls in Australia recently took TikTok by storm. In it, the young woman is amazed that malls in Australia have delis, grocery stores, and even a pharmacy. The comment section featured a lot of surprised Australians who couldn't believe that malls in the United States were different.

Expat interviews

From Alsace to Miami: Marine and Sylvain's Amercican dventure
USA
From Alsace to Miami: Marine and Sylvain's ...
Get ready for a coast-to-coast American adventure with Marine and Sylvain, a dynamic French couple! They ditched the charming landscapes of Alsace, France, for the vibrant shores of Los Angeles and then Miami's Latin flair. Their story, unfolding over the past six years, is a captivating tale of embracing challenges and seizing opportunities.
Laura's expat journey: Finding the perfect quality of life in the Netherlands
Netherlands
Laura's expat journey: Finding the perfect ...
Join Laura's journey as she explores life in Scotland and the Netherlands. Discover her experiences, challenges, and the key to finding her ideal quality of life. This interview is packed with valuable tips for anyone considering expat life, whether you're drawn to charming Edinburgh or vibrant Amsterdam.
Explore, learn and grow abroad: Camille's thirst for adventure
Netherlands
Explore, learn and grow abroad: Camille's ...
Originally from Picardy, France, Camille is an adventurer at heart. Attracted to travel from an early age, she had the opportunity to visit several European countries as part of the Erasmus program, and Asia before settling in Amsterdam, where she now enjoys a fulfilling personal and professional life. But one thing's for sure: this isn't her last adventure! Camille talks to us about her journey, her challenges, but also her successes with a head full of dreams and projects.

Expat stories

Entrepreneurship in the USA: The E2 visa amid the Covid-pandemic
USA
Entrepreneurship in the USA: The E2 visa ...
As the year 2021 comes to an end, we're hoping for this very stressful period for expatriates all over the world to be over. Expats living in the USA on an E2 visa have been faced with a particularly complicated situation. In addition to the pandemic's impact on their businesses, they will also have administrative difficulties obtaining visas or even their renewal.
Life as an expat in South Africa
Everyday life
Life as an expat in South Africa
From October 1, 2021, South Africa moved to Alert Level 1 after multiple Covid-19 peaks, and life is slowly getting back to normal. Hannah, an expat from the UK, was lucky enough to relocate to Cape Town in September following her husband's intra-company transfer. She shares her views about expat life in the country she now calls home.
Opinion: Does being an expat mean I'll always be the outsider?
Everyday life
Opinion: Does being an expat mean I'll ...
Does being an expat mean always being the outsider? Not quite at home in your host country and a little bit of a stranger to your home country. Stephanie discusses how she navigates this identity as a Brit living in Paris.
Please, don't ask me these expat-related questions again
Moving
Please, don't ask me these expat-related ...
Expatriation started as a necessity when I was looking to progress with my academic studies of a Master's degree in England. However, it was earlier in my life, when I began travelling for leisure, that I figured out moving countries is a lifestyle I would like to revel in. Since 2007, I have lived and worked in five countries in Europe, Africa, and East Asia, and I am currently preparing for my next expatriation project. I may find it easier to board a plane and start all over again than deciding what to have for dinner, but the journey is not anxiety and sorrow-free. So, if you are interested in how a life away from everything you take for granted is, please don't ask me (or any other like-minded expat for that matter) any of the following questions — here's why.
Moving countries: Why I am more with less
Moving
Moving countries: Why I am more with less
I have always been very thoughtful about the things I own, and how I organise them in my space — whether it's the tiny studio in South Korea, the shared-flat in Ghana, or the two-floor house in Mauritius. I love change, and I see moving to a different country as an opportunity to reset my reality and rediscover myself; living abroad helps me look at things with fresh eyes and get rid of preconceptions. Packing is a big part of the whole moving process, and when you have to limit your belongings down to two suitcases, you reconsider the value of possessions. Here's how I learned to put my life on the scale and hit the 23 kg target.

Expat of the month

Expat life in the UK between the Brexit and the pandemic
Everyday life
Expat life in the UK between the Brexit and the pandemic
Angelica is originally from Verbania, Italy. It's been nearly ten years since she moved to the UK, hungry for independence and new experiences. She has also spent a year in Germany for her studies before going back to the UK and is currently in the process of obtaining British citizenship. She talks to us about living in London as an expat between Brexit and the Covid pandemic.

Articles from our local editions

News highlights of the week: Surge in exports
Mauritius
News highlights of the week: Surge in exports
This week in Mauritius was marked by significant developments across various fronts. Here's a breakdown.
Environment Bill : Towards a more sustainable Mauritius?
Mauritius
Environment Bill : Towards a more ...
Amidst Mauritius' pressing environmental challenges, the government has introduced an ambitious bill aimed at replacing the outdated Environmental Protection Act. This legislative move holds significant potential for shaping the nation's ecological trajectory.
News highlights for the week: Cyber attack at the Mauritius Commercial Bank
Mauritius
News highlights for the week: Cyber attack ...
This week has been eventful in Mauritius, with the MCB falling victim to a hacker attack, the release of new tourism statistics, the decision to maintain the BoM's key interest rate, and the passing of Azize Asgarally, a significant figure in Mauritian politics.