Lifestyle - Expat News

Lifestyle - Expat Magazine

Retiring overseas: The real risks behind visas, taxes, and investments

Foreign retirees represent a valuable demographic for many countries. They bring steady financial resources, stimulate local consumption, invest in real estate, and sometimes contribute to the local economy through entrepreneurship or volunteer work. Recognizing these benefits, many governments actively compete to attract retirees, offering special visa programs, tax incentives, and other benefits designed to make relocation easier and more appealing.

Expat life: From honeymoon to integration

Euphoria, doubt, frustration, adjustment, motivation, hope — relocating overseas stirs a wide range of emotions, often contradictory. Leaving behind your country, your relationships, and your familiar surroundings marks a major life change. How can you navigate these emotional stages in the best possible way?

How to stay active in your new country

Living abroad introduces you to many new experiences: a new university, a new workplace, and new friendships. How do you navigate these changes? How do you thrive in your new life overseas? Here are some essential tips for maintaining an active lifestyle while adapting to your new surroundings.

How to support your children through an international move

When relocating abroad with children, we often overlook the psychological effects of such a significant transition. However, children are equally impacted by this change. What are the key considerations for preparing your children for a new life in a new country? What are your options in case of major challenges?

Here's how you can thrive abroad on a tight budget

The rising cost of living is impacting most major expat destinations. Despite this, plans to move abroad are still rolling, although they might be slightly reviewed to address everyday challenges. We have asked expats about their strategies for settling into a new country on a limited budget.

These are the most open and tolerant countries

Unfortunately, in this day and age, expats can still face discrimination in their host countries. However, as highlighted by various studies, some countries stand out for their reputation of being more inclusive and for having fewer instances of discrimination or violence against expats.

Mistakes to avoid when making friends abroad

Making friends in a new cultural environment, where you don't already have an established network of childhood and work friends and where you also might face a language barrier, can be intimidating. In your quest to find friends in your new home, here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Expat women: Why setting boundaries is important

Launched in October 2017, the #Metoo movement has empowered women to speak out. Globally, women from all walks of life, both well-known and private, have come forward to expose violence against women. Central to these discussions is the concept of consent, which at first glance appears straightforward—voluntarily agreeing to engage in an activity. Yet, its application, particularly regarding women, often faces scrutiny. Common misunderstandings persist, such as interpreting a "no" as a "yes," or considering a coerced "yes" as consent. This raises a critical question: How do you, as a woman, establish personal boundaries while living abroad?

Author Melanie Cheng discusses the impact of a bicultural upbringing on identity

Join us as we explore the journey of Melanie Cheng, a writer profoundly influenced by her upbringing in Hong Kong and Australia. Her unique bicultural background has deeply shaped her perspective and voice as a storyteller. Today, Melanie shares insights into how navigating two distinct cultures has enriched her writing, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, belonging, and the complex interplay of language and tradition in her work.

10 challenges for a thriving life in a new country

Moving abroad is an exhilarating adventure, brimming with opportunities and challenges. Whether you're a fresh arrival or a seasoned expat, we present ten straightforward challenges designed to enhance your experience and help you fully integrate into your new country. From mastering the local language to exploring off-the-beaten-path regions, each challenge is crafted to maximize your enjoyment of expatriate life. Are you ready to transform your daily routine?

Is international mobility still appealing in 2025?

With reductions in "golden packages," ongoing political and economic instabilities, and the rise of remote working, recent studies suggest a decrease in international mobility's appeal in the post-COVID era. But what about 2025? Are we seeing a renewed interest in working abroad? The benchmark report "Decoding Global Talent" offers insights into these trends.

Trump's return sparks major shifts in US immigration: Here's how

Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, January 20. In his assertive inauguration speech, he swiftly signed numerous executive orders, signaling a robust return to the White House. Among these orders were significant and surprising changes to immigration policies. What do these changes mean for expatriates and those planning to move to the US?

California on fire: How expats are coping with the crisis

Wildfires are relentlessly sweeping through Southern California. In Los Angeles County, one desolate scene follows another. Expatriates recount their harrowing experiences, still reeling from the shock.

Retiring abroad: Top picks for your departure in 2025

Retiring abroad is a growing trend, as data from various countries shows. This shift also suggests a rethinking of the boundary between active life and retirement, which today is more fluid than ever before. What can we expect, and which destinations are the top-rated in 2025?

Mastering cultural sensitivity: Why it matters for expats

If you follow the news (especially the news on YouTube), you may have heard about several instances of foreigners being deported, arrested, or vehemently criticized for behaving inappropriately abroad. In this context, the discussion about cultural sensitivity takes center stage. And this is what we will be looking into today.

How to keep long-distance friendships alive while living abroad

Living abroad offers a distinct and enriching experience, but it often comes with the challenge of maintaining relationships with loved ones, including our closest friends. This includes friends from our hometown as well as those we meet during our travels and previous stints abroad. The question arises: how can we keep these long-distance friendships alive and prevent them from diminishing over time? Is it feasible to sustain genuine friendships when face-to-face interactions are rare? In this article, expats share their insights on navigating these challenges.

Does being an expat really make you cooler?

You vividly recall the day you announced your big news: you were moving abroad for an incredible adventure. You can still see the astonishment, the envious glances, and mixed heartfelt and obligatory congratulations. "You're so lucky!" your friends and family often exclaim, almost excessively, making you feel as if you truly possess something special. You're an expatriate. But what do people think when they elevate an expat to such heights? Between dreams, misconceptions, and realities, does being an expat make you cooler?

New year, new you: Essential wellness tips for expats in 2025

Instead of setting lofty resolutions that often fall by the wayside, begin the year with a focus on self-care. What's the best way to navigate expatriation or improve your expat life in 2025? Consider these health and wellness tips to start off on the right foot.