Economy - Expat Magazine

The world's top financial centres
The world's top financial centres
If you are looking to move abroad for work or to set up a business, you may not be seeking the most pristine beaches or warmest climates, but rather international business hubs. The Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) is a bi-annual ranking that lists the world's leading financial centres. We've taken a look at the results of the 22nd index.
The 5 most and least stressed US cities
The 5 most and least stressed US cities
Being an adult comes with a ton of responsibilities, which can result in certain levels of stress and anxiety. How many of these worries aren't we battling day-to-day — Questions like, do I perform well at work, is my family safe, or will I ever have enough savings to do the things I want? To occasionally receive controlled signals of stress, as a response to a particular pressure is normal, and can be motivating and productive. However, it's chronic stress that wears away at us, puts our health at risk, and takes away hope.
How to avoid bank card fraud while living abroad
How to avoid bank card fraud while living abroad
If you are banking or have credit or debit cards connected to accounts in a country which you do not currently inhabit, banking fraud poses a greater challenge. Whether you are viewed as a target because you are a foreigner who is likely unfamiliar with the country, or whether your bank doesn't have a presence in the country of residence, there are risks associated with taking out money and using cards linked to international banks. How can you stay safe?
A step away from Hollywood: Film student in Los Angeles
USA
A step away from Hollywood: Film student in Los Angeles
Lisa originally comes from Charente Maritime, France. In her quest for new horizons, she moved to New Zealand where she spent six months before moving back to France. A few months later, she decided to move to the USA for her studies and better career prospects. Passionate about cinematography, she is now living her dream in Los Angeles and shares her enthusiasm with Expat.com.
Which are the most influential countries in the world
Which are the most influential countries in the world
The meaning of power has changed through time, and nowadays, in the era of digital diplomacy, in which diplomatic objectives are achieved through the internet, the stronger country is the one that collaborates, builds networks beyond geographical borders, and influences others.
Tips for living abroad on a budget
Tips for living abroad on a budget
One of the most important parts of life abroad, if you aren't making the big bucks, is living on a budget. This will be easier in some countries than others, thanks to cheap food and utilities in one destination contrasting with extortionate rent and expensive transportation in others. Planning parts of your budget before you leave and once you arrive in the country can help with your overall adjustment to life abroad.
Where do you have the strongest spending power?
Where do you have the strongest spending power?
There are some people lucky enough to enjoy a life of luxury abroad, with a seven figure salary and their employer fully funding luxury accommodation and flights. However, we're not all those people, and some of us have to worry about paying our rent and bills, after which we carefully budget how much money we have left to enjoy ourselves with. And who doesn't want that new pair of jeans or iPhone? A recent study by Deutsche Bank maps prices of different goods and services around the world, as well disposable income. Here, we look at where you can find yourself with the most spending power after rent.
European expatriation among the youth
European expatriation among the youth
European Millennials seem to be keen on leaving their home country for another country within the continent in search of academic and professional experiences. Students and professionals between 18 and 28 convey an enthusiasm for learning new languages, living in different cultures, and, of course, gaining a better education or establishing an international career. Here, is an overview of the expat life in seven European countries as recorded by the Think Young think tank.
Proposed tax amendment heralds change for South African expats
South Africa
Proposed tax amendment heralds change for South African expats
Questions and some concern have arisen following the South African government's proposed amendment to its taxation of residents who are working overseas. The proposed amendment suggests removing the exemption for those earning an income abroad and working in a foreign country for more than 183 days a year, in order to prevent expats potentially paying very limited or no tax.
The cost of living in Europe's popular expat destinations
The cost of living in Europe's popular expat destinations
Ever wondered how expensive it is to live in some of the most desirable European countries? Europe is home to a wealth of popular expat destinations for both EU citizens and those coming from further afield, but it can be hard to know just how much things like accommodation and transportation will cost. Below we present the average cost of living in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, Italy, and Spain.
Brussels has it all: Love, friends and Italian food
Belgium
Brussels has it all: Love, friends and Italian food
Charlotte comes from London. Her partner's posting brought her to Belgium in January 2016. Since then, every day is an adventure. She shares her time between work and fun wanders among the cobbled streets of Brussels where there's always a new bar or restaurant waiting to be discovered. She shares with Expat.com her life in what she describes as being a very European city with a laidback lifestyle.
France's Provence through the lens
France
France's Provence through the lens
Ashley comes from Montreal, Canada. She spent a few years in Florence, Italy during her photograhy studies. Her endless curiosity and her francophile British companion led her to France three years ago. An avid blogger and photographer, she enjoys her relaxed lifestyle in the countryside.
Attention Expats: What 2017 brings for France
France
Attention Expats: What 2017 brings for France
January is the month to make our resolutions, and hopefully stick to them – just like France did with its. The French Government has voted reforms that come into force immediately, and won't only impact the lives of French citizens, but also of expats in France. And if you are considering France as a future destination for your expat life, these changes may assist your decision. Here is an overview of what to expect in France in the new year.
Employment trends and expat millennials: Time to pack up  
Employment trends and expat millennials: Time to pack up  
It was only a generation ago that a successful living was very much defined by a stable job in a well-established company or the public sector. But millennials — backed by the advanced telecommunications industry — take on part-time and freelance jobs, work remotely, and aspire to become entrepreneurs. This shift in employment trends stemming from millennials' traits — open-minded, risk takers, and passionate administrators of their own lives — revolutionises the motives for expatriation and traveling.
2Summers
South Africa
2Summers
My name is Heather Mason and I'm from Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States. I've been living in Johannesburg, South Africa for the past six years and I write a blog, 2Summers.