The Secret To Expat Happiness – Building Friendships Abroad
Expat Focus
Yolanda Reshemah, host of The Places We Call Home Podcast, joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about building authentic community when you move abroad. Yolanda's expat journey began at just 10 years old when she moved from the Caribbean to the UK, and she's since lived in France and the USA. She shares how each move shaped her identity — from discovering Parisian culture to navigating reverse culture shock — and why feeling at home starts with knowing yourself. Carlie and Yolanda dig into why shared expat status isn't enough to build lasting friendships, and how Yolanda sought deeper...
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How To Really Feel At Home In A New Country – Tips From A Lifestyle Consultant
Expat Focus
Relocation and lifestyle consultant Laura Poggioli joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about what it really takes to settle into life abroad. Laura is the founder of La Relocation Group, which operates across Switzerland, Spain, South Africa, and soon Dubai. After relocating more than 108 people around the world in her previous corporate role, she recognised that traditional relocation support was missing something crucial — ongoing lifestyle assistance that goes far beyond the typical checklist of finding a house and a school. From navigating building rules and recycling systems to...
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Moving To Portugal? Visas, Costs And A Citizenship Deadline You Need To Know
Expat Focus
Susana Yang, founder and CEO of The Golden Portugal, joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about moving to and retiring in Portugal. Originally from Hong Kong, Susana moved to Portugal in 2018 and founded her immigration agency after a frustrating experience with local legal services. She breaks down the three main visa routes — the D7 passive income visa for retirees, the D8 digital nomad visa and the D2 entrepreneurial visa — and explains the income and savings requirements, realistic cost of living, rental market challenges, healthcare access, and why buying property might be a simpler...
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US Expats - How To Get Your Money Out Of The USA (And Why You May Not Want To)
Expat Focus
Tom Zachystal, Founder of International Asset Management, joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about how US citizens can manage their money when moving abroad. With 25 years of experience advising American expats, Tom breaks down the difference between physically moving money into non-US accounts and simply diversifying out of the US dollar. He covers the challenges of opening overseas investment accounts due to FATCA reporting, why US-based accounts often offer better protections and lower fees, and how currency fluctuations can act like hidden inflation on your retirement spending. The...
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Could You Retire In Thailand For Less Than €400 A Month?
Expat Focus
American military nurse Lisa Denmark joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about retiring in Chiang Mai, Thailand — and why she has never looked back. After eight years working for the US military in Germany, Lisa faced a visa deadline that forced a decision: return to the States, or start over somewhere new. She chose Thailand, moved sight unseen, and hasn't left since. Lisa shares how she landed on Chiang Mai, what it was really like to arrive during COVID lockdown, and why the city's calm, small-town feel won her over completely. Lisa breaks down the real cost of living — from a...
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How To Move To Europe On A Student Visa (No Job Required)
Expat Focus
Travis Drews, founder of the Global Citizen Hub, joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss an often-overlooked route to moving abroad: student visas. Originally from the US and now based in Berlin, he shares how his own international journey — and a surprising message from family — led him to help others find realistic migration pathways, even without a job offer, investment capital, or a partner overseas. He explains why student visas are among the most accessible relocation options, challenging misconceptions about age limits, work restrictions, and cost. Travis highlights the wide range...
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Could You Live in Bali? Here’s What It’s Really Like
Expat Focus
Australian expat consultant Simone Collins joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about turning a Bali “gap year” into a life-changing two-year relocation — and helping others do the same. Founder of Our Year in Bali, Simone shares how a family experiment became a full-scale move, what daily life in Bali really looks like, and why so many people dream of making the island home. She explains who Bali is best suited for — from families with young children to digital nomads and retirees — and breaks down practical considerations like schooling, visas, healthcare, housing, and cost of...
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Financial Planning Essentials For Americans Living Overseas
Expat Focus
Financial advisor Tom Zachystal joins the Expat Focus Podcast to break down what Americans need to think about financially before moving abroad. As President of International Asset Management — and an expat himself — Tom shares practical guidance based on decades of experience helping US citizens navigate life overseas. Tom explains why Americans can never fully “leave” the US tax system, how citizenship-based taxation, FATCA, and FBAR reporting affect expats, and why many banks now hesitate to work with Americans living abroad. He also explores common banking challenges, transferring...
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What Is Life In Spain Really Like For Expats?
Expat Focus
What does moving to Spain really look like for non-EU nationals? And how can you tell if it’s the right move for you? In this episode of the Expat Focus Podcast, James Blick, founder of Spain Revealed, joins host Carlie Bonavia to share what life in Spain is actually like — beyond the beaches and tapas. James explains why your vision for life in Spain matters more than the visa paperwork at the start, and how getting clear on your desired rhythm — your day-to-day pace and priorities — can make or break your relocation. He discusses lifestyle differences across regions, common...
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How To Choose The Best Country For Your Move Abroad
Expat Focus
Data-driven relocation consultant Vasily Yurenkov joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss how numbers — not just gut instinct — can guide your move abroad. When political turmoil forced him to leave Russia, Vasily and his wife used his analytical model to decide where to rebuild their lives. Now based in Amsterdam, he helps others choose their ideal destination by comparing 600+ data points across countries and cities. In this episode, Vasily explains why most expats make relocation decisions emotionally rather than logically, what happens when data contradicts “dream destinations,”...
info_outlineDavid Andrews, Director of Visa Visa Limited, returns to the Expat Focus Podcast to explain New Zealand's new approach to digital nomads. In this episode, we uncover the truth behind what's been called a "digital nomad visa" (but isn't actually a new visa at all!), exploring how visitors can now legally work remotely while enjoying everything New Zealand has to offer.
David shares valuable insights about:
- How the visitor visa rules have changed to accommodate digital nomads
- Tax implications for remote workers from countries with tax treaties
- The current job market and in-demand skills in New Zealand
- Investment visa changes making NZ more attractive for high-net-worth individuals
- An increase in American professionals (especially doctors) looking to relocate
- Practical advice on qualification transfers and finding employment
- The best locations for digital nomads, from Auckland to Christchurch
- Internet connectivity solutions for remote workers
Whether you're considering a short working holiday or testing the waters for a permanent move, this episode provides essential information for anyone interested in experiencing life in New Zealand while maintaining their remote career.
#expatlife #digitalnomad #newzealand #moveabroad
00:00 Introduction and Exciting News for Digital Nomads
01:17 Understanding New Zealand's Digital Nomad Visa
01:59 Visa Conditions and Practical Implications
03:57 Extended Stays and Tax Implications
11:18 Job Market and Employment Opportunities
12:42 Investment and Residency Options
19:09 Practical Tips for Digital Nomads in New Zealand
23:03 Conclusion and Contact Information