Expat news
Health system
With more than 90.8 million positive cases globally and 1.94 million deaths since early 2020, but especially with the new strain of the virus vaccination is an urgent issue, even though many countries are struggling to start their vaccination campaigns. Here's an update on what's happening around the world and what vaccines are on offer.
Moving
Many countries around the world seem to have come to a standstill with a new surge of COVID-19 during the past few weeks, and a new variant. While some of them prefer to keep their borders closed, others have reopened under certain conditions. Here's an update for those who are looking to relocate overseas during this period.
Moving
Whether it's the pandemic, homesickness or something else, there are as many reasons to abandon the expat lifestyle as there are expats. If a return to your “home country” is unexpected, a little pre-preparation can help make the transition easier.
Formalities
With the start of the new year, significant changes as a result of Brexit kicked in. Theoretically, the UK left the EU and its institutions on February 1, 2020. Now, the 11-month transition and negotiation period has ended, and the deal between the UK and the EU has come into effect. New agreements and regulations, which span across work life, travel, education, healthcare, tax, and communications, define the UK's relationship with the EU and vice versa. This article presents the key points of the Brexit deal which are likely to affect British expats and expats-to-be in the EU and EU nationals who are planning to move to the UK or are already there.
Moving
You're perhaps waiting for the pandemic to come to an end before moving abroad, but no one can tell how long it's going to take. Moreover, with current travel restrictions and border closures, and some countries being locked down once again following a new surge, especially in Europe and Asia, choosing your next destination can be a difficult task. Still, this hard turned out to be a blessing for some countries that are trying to boost their economy by attracting foreign nationals.
Moving
Many of you are perhaps waiting for borders to reopen and for activities to resume so that you can finally move abroad, regardless of your motivations. Whether you dream of working, studying or retiring overseas amidst the crisis, there are many points to consider. So here's your 2021 moving abroad checklist to help you get started.
The least one can say is that 2020 has not been the easiest of years! But as we step into a new year, we all bear the hope that it will be a better one. Here is what the 大咖福利影院 team wishes for you for 2021.
Work
To celebrate 大咖福利影院's 15 years of existence is to celebrate all the expats who make us who we are. Over the course of December, we shared with you a selection of interviews we had previously carried out. We got in touch with these expats to check up on them and to get a first-hand account of where they have been since they were interviewed.
Everyday life
Several European countries have locked down and tightened their health restrictions in recent weeks due to a new surge of coronavirus. Celebrations and public events were, therefore, cancelled as gatherings are limited to a certain number. Still, other countries are preparing to welcome the New Year in a more relaxed atmosphere, with social distancing and the wearing of masks as the new normal.
Everyday life
This year, Christmas and New Year's Eve will be like no other, with popular events like Christmas markets, concerts and shows being cancelled. Still, you can choose from a wide range of free and paid online activities to keep yourself busy even though you're locked down and away from your loved ones. Here are some tips.
Everyday life
For most of us, Christmas is all about having a beautifully decorated Christmas tree under which we gather to get our Christmas gifts. It's also the time for family celebrations over a grand dinner. However, your host country may have some unusual Christmas traditions that can surprise you.
Everyday life
This year, New Year's Eve will be different for most of us, regardless of the country where we live. With lockdown and health restrictions, including travel bans and limits on social gatherings, many will welcome the New Year alone at home or in small groups. Expats tell us how they are planning to celebrate New Year's Eve away from their loved ones.
Everyday life
It can be hard for expats to observe their culture and traditions during this festive season. Amid lockdowns and health restrictions, many of you haven't been able to travel back home and spend the holidays with your families. So if you're having the blues of your home country, here are some tips for keeping your traditions and culture alive, though virtual.
Moving
It's been nearly a year since the COVID-19 crisis tore thousands of families apart. While many expats chose to stay in their host country, and others were stranded abroad due to travel restrictions, some chose to reunite with their family in their home country. They talk to 大咖福利影院 about how hard it was in the beginning and where they stand today.
Everyday life
If you've recently moved abroad, especially to a tropical country, Christmas will probably be different from what you're used to. But what is Christmas like without the snow and the cold, and a cup of hot chocolate by the fireplace? While Christmas is celebrated in most tropical countries, even in the southern hemisphere, some of them have their own traditions.
Everyday life
This year, we'll all be having a Christmas like no other. While some countries are locked down, and others have travel restrictions in place, travelling back home to celebrate with your loved ones is not an option. As adults, we're more likely to compromise with the current situation. Still, for children who are used to celebrating with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, it might be much more complicated. So here are some tips for getting your children into the Christmas spirit amid the pandemic.
At this very time last year, the whole world was waking up to a new disease and had no idea that we would need to come to terms with a whole new way of life because of it. The first few cases of COVID-19 were first detected in Wuhan, China. A year later, are things back to normal in this town? Looking back on 2020, what do expats living in China have to say?
Health system
Last week, the United Nations Commission voted to classify cannabis as a less dangerous drug. Of the 53 member states of this committee, 27 voted for while 25 others are against. However, the legalisation of medical cannabis has been debated in many countries for several years. So how have countries been dealing with this issue until now?
Other Types
Paraguay
A new investor residency rulebook landed last month, and for anyone weighing Paraguay as a place to actually live, the numbers are surprisingly friendly. If you've been quietly researching Paraguay as a possible new home base, for the taxes, the cost of living, the easy residency, or just because the rest of the world feels increasingly expensive and complicated, this one is for you.
Tax
Postcard-perfect beaches, luxury villas, sports cars and a jet-set lifestyle: social media often paints expat influencers and content creators as financially free and permanently on vacation. Behind the filters and sponsored posts, however, lies a much more complex reality. As more freelancers, influencers and digital creators move abroad to optimize their lifestyle and income, tax authorities around the world are increasing their scrutiny. So how can content creators relocate overseas legally, optimize their taxes, and avoid crossing the line into tax evasion?
Tax
Living in a country without paying taxes: a dream for many expats who choose their destination specifically based on its tax policies. But does a truly "zero tax" country for foreigners actually exist? And what hidden financial risks should you watch out for?
Transport
"Once this war is over, fuel prices will collapse," Donald Trump declared. The U.S. president believes he has "very good chances" of reaching a deal with Iran, while also stating he is prepared to take military action if talks fail. In the meantime, prices at the pump continue to break records worldwide, with variations from country to country. How are expats coping with this situation? How are they managing their daily commutes and travel? The 大咖福利影院 community shares its experiences.
Banks and finance
Online banks and neobanks market themselves as the perfect solution for expats: open an account in a few clicks, fully digital, accessible from anywhere… at least in theory. What are the real advantages and limitations of these banking options? And what should expats watch out for?
Everyday life
For decades, the traditional idea of retirement was simple enough. You work until a certain age, then stop. The assumption was that a workplace pension, a state pension, or a private pension, and perhaps a little nest egg, would provide sufficient income to enjoy a good quality of life. However, for some, the new retirement reality is much more complex.
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