http://www.expatforum.com/expats/ This is an open area of the forum where members can discuss any issues related to living abroad and being Expats. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:51:41 GMT vBulletin 180 http://www.expatforum.com/expats/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.expatforum.com/expats/ http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/33245-moving-belgium.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:00:54 GMT Hi All We are moving to Brussels at the beging of next year my wife has a job in the centre and we have been advised that postcode area 1000, 1040... Hi All
We are moving to Brussels at the beging of next year my wife has a job in the centre and we have been advised that postcode area 1000, 1040 and 1050 are all good areas to live. My question is there any where else to rent with reasnoble links to the centre?
Thanks ]]> General Expat Discussions mattish2000 http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/33245-moving-belgium.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/33170-questions-about-being-expat.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:43:29 GMT Hey,

I ran into this forum when I was randomly searching about living in Dubai, and started looking at the rest of the fourms, and I've always had the wanting to (lol I dont know how else to word it) of living life abroad, in a foreign land be it the UAE, South Asia, South America, or for the place that has a very special place in my life-Austrlia. In my line of work (Aviation) we do get to travel the world alot, but only in couple day or week intervals, if we even get to that level of aviation!

When i first started in aviation when I was 16 (well since i was kid but when i started helping out in a friends charter company) I read a magazine that had a article interviewing a pilot who spent 30 of 40 years of his career as a expat before moving back to Canada and in the end of the article he talked about what it's like being a expat whether it being a pilot for the Saudi Royal family flying around the world or a pilot for a european multi national corporation exploring europe, but always knowing where your home country is and knowing you will return home one day. He talked about what its like being thrust into living in different cultures, experiecing a tottaly different way of living from the norm of Canada. That's the article that even made my desire stronger to be a expat at some point in my life, to have that experience and be able to come back home and have those memories.

I am coming into a position this spring where I will be in a management level position at a new company, this position I am taking on is very prestigious, and even I'll admit it I am young to be in this position, I'm told ive excelled enough and developed a more then sufficient skill set and experience to be in this position which is why I was offered it (most in this position are in 30's or 40's, and I'll be appointed into the position at 22) I will be at this new company for 2-3 years at which time I would like to become a expat after that, or at least try to :clap2:

So, my question..... what made you want to become a expat?

- when did you know you were a "successful" expat (I would say when all the formalities of settling in have been done/job is good/made friends with fellow expats and locals and you can say to yourself over a coffee that "ive finally made it- im half way round the world and am successfully started and am nowliving a whole new life)

-how did you feel when you finally went back "home" for visits?

-I'm sure i'll have more questions later on, but thanks in advance.


Matt

P.S: My dream is live in Australia, or to experience being a expat in the gulf! :) ]]> General Expat Discussions medevacmatt911 http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/33170-questions-about-being-expat.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/32974-expat-not.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:06:54 GMT Hi Fellow Expat, Friends call me Bash.I am a South African who is looking for accommodation to take up a teaching post in Abu Dhabi before the end... Hi Fellow Expat,
Friends call me Bash.I am a South African who is looking for accommodation to take up a teaching post in Abu Dhabi before the end of this month -Nov 09.
However I am waiting for my visa to arrive before I take this journey of discovery
and see new horizons ,Iam waiting to see what fate or new friends or good samaritans has to offer.Please any one out there ,can help me to give fate a gentle push with settlement-accommodation advice -a single studio 1 bed in the area of Baniyas or closeby-could be on a short term basis-until I:( find a suitable
place in a few months +,- 4000 Dhs.Transport is another problem>Any advice will
be welcome.Thanks in anticipation!
Regards
Bash :(,:confused:,:love: ]]> General Expat Discussions Bashe http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/32974-expat-not.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/32711-one-africa-festival.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:29:17 GMT Hey Everyone!

Please don't consider this as spam.

I just want everyone to know about this Awesome event taking place.



Prepare yourself for a contemporary cultural event celebrating a united Africa – One Africa Festival.



One Africa Festival celebrates a united Africa as the creative powerhouse of the 21st century. The event is a presentation of African Arts and Culture running over 4 days at the Sandton Convention Centre from the 10th to the 13th of December 2009.



This year’s celebration features African culture, music, comedy and film in a dynamic and interactive environment. It’s a lifestyle event with a powerful combination of edutainment and culture designed to educate and entertain while catering to a diverse audience, from members of the public to cultural organizations, political and business communities.



The event presents a unique combination of Africa’s top performing artists. The two day concert line-up includes South Africa’s Hugh Masekela and Freshly Ground; Oliver Mtukudzi from Zimbabwe; Nameless from Kenya; 2Face Idibia and Asa from Nigeria and many more.



Also joining in the entertainment line-up is two of the continent’s top comedians - Basketmouth from Nigeria and Kenya’s Dan Ndamuki aka Churchill who will be sharing the stage with some of South Africa’s best known comedians. ]]> General Expat Discussions one africa http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/32711-one-africa-festival.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/32675-help-want-travel-europe-my-husband.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:37:19 GMT *I would like any advice any one can offer or just a little information. * My husband and I are South African, yet I have British Citizenship... I would like any advice any one can offer or just a little information.
My husband and I are South African, yet I have British Citizenship through my parents. We moved to the UK in 2006 and got married there in 2007, following all the regulations (He went on a working holiday visa, we applied for a certificate to get married, he returned to South Africa until the spousal visa was approved and we plan to renew or follow the next step when the time comes)
We left the UK in January 2009 for South Africa and now want to travel and work in Europe.
I just want to know if it is possible for him to travel and work in Europe without any other visa, just the UK spousal?

Please help, I am already in Europe and would really like him with me! ]]> General Expat Discussions Smuntie http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/32675-help-want-travel-europe-my-husband.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/32615-where-might-i-go.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:44:41 GMT Hello everyone. I'm a US resident who wishes to become an expat very soon.

I've recently decided that I would like to relocate over the long term. I'm not quite sure where I want to end up. So far, in my search for a new home, all I've found are places that I don't want to go.

What I'm looking for is quite simple:

1. Year-round warm weather
2. Extremely low taxes on personal income and business income generated abroad (of wherever I might live)
3. Politically stable, with strong civil liberties
4. American style gun laws

The last point seems to be a huge problem. It seems that wherever I look, the laws simply don't allow citizens to own and carry guns for protection. Either its banned outright, or they have to be stored locked up at home all the time. What good is that if you're being attacked by a criminal?

Other than that, I'm fairly flexible.

Does anyone have any suggestion as to what countries I might want to look into? ]]> General Expat Discussions expat30 http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/32615-where-might-i-go.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/32601-international-networking-project.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:58:49 GMT Hello my name is Michael and I am currently attending Wichita State University. I am doing a project for my International Business class in which I... Hello my name is Michael and I am currently attending Wichita State University. I am doing a project for my International Business class in which I am required to get in contact with at least 10 people who are currently living outside the U.S. to answer the following few questions.

1) “What do you think is the most difficult challenge for U.S. businesses that want to do business in your country?”

2) “What one product or service do many people in your country want but do not have today?”

3) “What one product or service do many people in your country enjoy that consumers in other countries may not know about?”

If you could please just respond to these questions and give a little info about yourself I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Michael ]]> General Expat Discussions mtelford http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/32601-international-networking-project.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/32433-any-roof-slater-tilers-perth.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:31:26 GMT Hi everyone we are making the big move to Perth from Luton on the 5th April 2010, any info on the roof slating and tiling trade or general... Hi everyone we are making the big move to Perth from Luton on the 5th April 2010, any info on the roof slating and tiling trade or general information regarding the building game would be gratefully accepted.Thanks:) ]]> General Expat Discussions Lutonbhoy http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/32433-any-roof-slater-tilers-perth.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/32381-25-moving-germany.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:07:25 GMT Hi! Im planning to move to Germany next year (maybe just initially for 6 months but hopefully permanently) and was hoping someone could point me... Hi!

Im planning to move to Germany next year (maybe just initially for 6 months but hopefully permanently) and was hoping someone could point me in the direction of a guide/faq that may exist regarding what I need to do etc in order to make sure I move successfully.

Is there any thing specifically I need to do? or inform the government of ?!

Also Im hoping someone can give me a good idea of the best way to go about getting a job whilst there.. do I start part time and then find something more permanent or really try to find that permanent position now before I get over there?

Initially I dont need to worry about accomodation as I have someone I can stay with to start off. In particular im looking to move to Regensburg (or in and around Munich) and am hoping someone knows of a good place to start looking for jobs there.

Ive got myself a real challenge here as my German is basic and was hoping that I could find a job that is English friendly and maybe based in IT (as I have around 7 years experience in the industry). Ive found a few websites of local companies but am having trouble working out if it would be the right job for me.


Any help would be much appreciated and invaluable to me as I try to start up abroad :)

thanks in advance! ]]> General Expat Discussions opvovo http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/32381-25-moving-germany.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/32293-offshore-business-registration.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:27:16 GMT Hi all, Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on where to register an internet based business? I am english, currently living in NZ and moving... Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on where to register an internet based business? I am english, currently living in NZ and moving to Norway next Easter.

I want to start up an online business (that I can operate from anywhere) and I am unlikely to move back to the UK (so why pay tax there and Norway is going to be expensive.....!)

It looks to be simple and cheap to set up in the IoM. Does anyone have any experience of living in one place and paying tax in another? It looks like it could get messy!

Many thanks
Ian ]]> General Expat Discussions sensiblebear http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/32293-offshore-business-registration.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/31925-seeking-input-key-issues-i-need-consider-b4-relocating.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:29:52 GMT Hi All. I live in NYC (US citizen) and am contemplating going to Tokyo for 6-12 months to study Japanese. Right now I have three key concerns... Hi All. I live in NYC (US citizen) and am contemplating going to Tokyo for 6-12 months to study Japanese.

Right now I have three key concerns that I need to settle in my head, before I can more strongly consider doing this:

1) what to do with my current rental apartment in NYC

2) what to do with my two cats

3) is it possible to make any (legal) income while in Japan?

++++++++++++

On the first point...I would like to sublet my current apartment as a furnished apartment. So I'd keep most of my items there, and put my personal effects in storage. My main concern is whether or not I could find a "respectable" person willing to sublet my apartment for the duration of my time away (6-12 months). I don't want rent-by-the-month types common in low income neighborhoods. I don't suspect any corporate types would want my apartment, because it's not located in Manhattan...it's in the middle of Queens. I also don't suspect that people looking for the NYC-living experience would sublet from me either...again, because they'd want a place in Manhattan I'm sure.

My apartment IS especially nice...it was completely gutted two years ago, has SS appliances, my furniture is all very tasteful, washer/dryer, deck and yard. So that could be the selling point, but again, I'm not sure who want that vs a place in Manhattan.

Any ideas on this front?

++++++++++++

Secondly, I thought about flying my cats over to Tokyo, but I haven't found any pet movign services that will give me PERSONAL references. They only give
"testamonials", which obviously can be and often are fake. So I'm hesitant to trust them. Has anyone used such a service that they could personally recommend?

+++++++++++

Thirdly, (maybe this is more a question for the Japan board) did I hear correctly that virtually "anyone" can teach English in Japan...perhaps at an ESL school or something....that you don't need any special certification...so long as you are a native English speaker? If so, that would obviously be a perfect way for me to make some income while studying there.

Thanks all!!1 ]]> General Expat Discussions yippee1999 http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/31925-seeking-input-key-issues-i-need-consider-b4-relocating.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/31912-returning-uk.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:31:19 GMT Hi My friend has in July married a thai woman and is trying to find out how long they have to be married before they can come to live in the UK or... Hi
My friend has in July married a thai woman and is trying to find out how long they have to be married before they can come to live in the UK or apply for a visa. Can anyone help?:) ]]> General Expat Discussions dpw1312 http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/31912-returning-uk.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/31766-business-question-those-living-outside-u-s.html Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:41:47 GMT Hey everyone, I was wondering if some of you could do me a big favor and answer some questions for a class I’m taking. It is an international... Hey everyone, I was wondering if some of you could do me a big favor and answer some questions for a class I’m taking. It is an international business class and I need people who are living outside of the U.S. to answer these questions and I will use them in a paper for the class. Thank you all very much. Any feedback is appreciated.

1) What country are you from?

2) What do you think is the most difficult challenge for U.S. businesses that want to do business in your country?

3) What one product or service do many people in your country want to buy but do not have today?

4) What one product or service do many people in your country enjoy that consumers in other countries may not know about? ]]> General Expat Discussions CJones http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/31766-business-question-those-living-outside-u-s.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/31711-continuing-career-abroad.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 01:56:57 GMT I haven't stopped thinking about living abroad again since studying in London 4 years ago.

I'm 27 and have been working in digital/marketing/entertainment in LA for the last few years.

Really want to live the dream while I don't have as much responsibility, but have had trouble finding a way to move abroad without taking a break from my career.

I've been thinking a lot about Central and South America.

Any tips, good books?

:confused: ]]> General Expat Discussions leavingvenice http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/31711-continuing-career-abroad.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/31664-moving-overseas-save-your-marriage.html Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:36:25 GMT Having lived in different countries over many years I can't help but notice how many people move abroad to try to save a marriage which is in trouble.
In reality what happens is that the problems in the marriage become even bigger when faced with the challenges of living in a foreign country.
The vast majority of people I have met over the years who have moved abroad to save their marriages have told me it was the biggest mistake they ever made, especially if they have bought a property in the country as selling it to split the proceeds when the marriage breaks up is often far harder than they imagined.
Often one partner goes back to the Uk (or wherever they come from)while the other stays behind to try to sell the home and is often trapped in a house they cannot sell in a country they don't want to be in.
My advice to any couples contemplating a move to any country other than their home country (wherever that may be ) is to think very very hard before making the move if your relationship is not totally sound.
If you really do want to move abroad DO NOT buy a property (see here I am shooting myself in the foot again) Rent to see how things go, because if your relationship does not survive the move it is easier to get out of it without too many complications.

Ok marriage councelling over for now:D:D:D:D

Veronica ]]> General Expat Discussions Veronica http://www.expatforum.com/expats/general-expat-discussions/31664-moving-overseas-save-your-marriage.html