Expat Focus

Expat experiences, information and advice for anyone moving or living abroad. Visit Expat Focus at expatfocus.com for more.

Here's Why Americans Are RACING To Canada - And How To Join Them 11/21/2024

Here's Why Americans Are RACING To Canada - And How To Join Them Moving has been a top priority for some Americans since the US presidential election, leading to a surge in inquiries to immigration consultants, Canada Abroad. Deanne Acres joins the Expat Focus Podcast to explain exactly what US citizens need to know if they're set on relocating to Canada. For a free immigration assessment, visit: For job outlooks in Canada, visit: 00:00 Why Americans Choose Canada 01:57 Immigration Requirements and Processes 04:46 Work and Study Permits 12:25 Retirement and Investment Options 21:37 Cost of Living and Cultural Considerations 22:45 Path to Citizenship 23:22 Getting Started with Your Move 25:00 Closing Thoughts /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/34078121

2024 Budget: What UK Expats Need To Know 11/21/2024

2024 Budget: What UK Expats Need To Know Jake Barber, Founder and Advisor at SJB Global, is back in this episode to talk through the recent UK Budget announcements, and what they mean for UK expats. You can stay up to date with expert analysis like this by signing up to our monthly newsletter - just head to expatfocus.com/newsletter. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:32 Overview of UK Budget Changes 01:16 Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax 04:02 Stamp Duty and Inheritance Tax 07:40 Impact on Pensions and QROPS 12:06 Non-Domicile Rules and Tax Planning 16:06 Economic Climate and Growth Projections 18:34 Global Comparisons and Investment Strategies 21:54 Popular Expat Destinations 25:34 Final Thoughts and Advice 35:28 Conclusion and Contact Information /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/34077861

The Truth About Property In Panama 11/19/2024

The Truth About Property In Panama Is Panama a tax haven for expat property investors? What sort of rental return should I expect? Can I list on Airbnb there, and do I need to worry about hurricanes? On the show to answer these questions and more, is Melissa Darnay, the CEO of Choose Panama. Originally from California, Melissa spent 15 years in Texas before tragedy struck, and she went on to start a whole new life in Central America. We dive into how Melissa became a real estate and rental agency entrepreneur, what makes Panama appealing for investment today, some location hidden gems, and if you’re looking to buy property in Panama, how to make sure you don’t fall for any scams. 00:00 Guest Introduction: Melissa Darnay 01:10 Melissa's Journey to Panama 05:30 Why Panama? 08:09 Real Estate in Panama 14:43 Panama's Tax System 19:47 Popular Locations for Expats 23:44 Weather and Natural Disasters 33:51 Investment Tips and Red Flags 38:04 Conclusion and Contact Information /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/33998407

Secrets Of A Travel Nurse - How Much Can You Earn Abroad? 10/30/2024

Secrets Of A Travel Nurse - How Much Can You Earn Abroad? Did you know, the USA is probably the most lucrative market for work as a travel nurse? And that while you can take travel nursing abroad, the role doesn’t actually exist in all countries? Kylee Nelson is a nurse who is encouraging others in her profession to take a break from the bedside to help prevent burnout, and get out and see the world. Kylee’s worked as a travel nurse for seven years, including in Saudi Arabia and all over the USA. Nothing is off limits with Kylee in this episode - we talk money - how much you can earn as a travel nurse versus being on staff, how to work with recruiters, or not, how you’ll be welcomed by colleagues when you start your latest assignment, or not, and what countries you should look at if you are interested in travel nursing abroad. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/33684102

What You Should Know About Moving To Canada 09/26/2024

What You Should Know About Moving To Canada Ruairi Spillane joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss what it takes to immigrate to Canada in 2024. Ruairi moved there from Ireland back in 2008, initially working in finance. He was motivated to start his own business in Canada after seeing so many expat friends struggle to navigate the system, and get access to the essential information they needed to be able to settle and thrive in the country. Ruari launched the website moving2canada.com, and in the years since, he has collected a swag of titles, including being named Best Immigrant Entrepreneur. Listen to find out what makes Canada attractive to foreigners right now, some current job opportunities, the typical visa application timeline, and some hurdles you can expect to face along the way. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/33221487

Expat Life In Iceland 08/26/2024

Expat Life In Iceland Have you ever visited a city or a country and just known deep down that it's where you were meant to be? This is what Steph Zakas experienced on her first visit from the USA to Iceland, and it's the reason why she's living in the country today. Steph Zakas is a true slashie - she’s a coach, advisor, consultant, and photographer. In this chat, you’ll find out how she made Iceland her home, what it’s like to live in a country of such extreme contrasts (so much darkness in winter and a sun that never sets in the summer), and how Steph thinks that contributes to such a creative society. You’ll also learn that if you do come to Iceland, you shouldn’t treat the place like Disneyland. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/32740497

Moving To New Zealand 07/25/2024

Moving To New Zealand So, you’ve fallen in love with the beautiful country of New Zealand. How can you go about moving there to live and work? What sectors are especially interested in employing foreigners, and what’s the visa application process like? David Andrews joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk through your various visa options, application requirements and the costs involved. David’s the founder and director of Visa Visa Immigration Services and Hire Minds Recruitment. He’s also an expat in New Zealand himself, so he knows exactly what it’s like to pack up your life and move to a new country. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/32288612

Transferring A UK Pension Abroad 06/26/2024

Transferring A UK Pension Abroad We’re all about providing practical tips and advice on this show, and in this episode I’m joined by Jake Barber, Founder and Advisor at SJB Global, who is going to talk through transfer options for expats with UK defined contribution pensions. Jake is based in Spain, and he’s worked with British expats - in fact anyone with a work history in the UK - for a decade. We’ll dive into how Brexit affected pensions, your options for transferring a UK defined contribution pension so you can access it abroad, and specific rules and transfer fees that you should be aware of. Now for the usual caveat - Jake is providing only general information in this episode. If you want advice more specific to your situation, you should get in touch with him, or another professional advisor. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/31900377

Empowering LGBTQ Expats To Thrive Abroad 04/25/2024

Empowering LGBTQ Expats To Thrive Abroad Today’s guest, Jess Drucker, has made a career out of helping LGBTQ+ people and their families move abroad. In fact, she’s created the world’s first and only, global relocation resource for this expat community, called Rainbow Relocation. Jess is a seasoned expat herself, and we chat about some of the additional practical elements that come into play when you’re queer and moving to a new country. From choosing places that are safe, where marriage and children will be legally recognized, where you’ll be able to thrive in your career, and find your community. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/30984613

Moving To Spain On A Digital Nomad Visa 04/25/2024

Moving To Spain On A Digital Nomad Visa If you’re lucky enough to have a job that you can do from anywhere, you’re now pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to the number of countries offering digital nomad or equivalent visas. UN Tourism reports that almost half of all global destinations now offer visas for at least a year. Spain is in the spotlight in this episode, as I chat to American nutrition strategist Aimee Gallo, who moved with her husband and young son to the Catalonia region. You’ll find out why Aimee and her family chose Spain, the telework or digital nomad visa application process, timeline to approval, what their remote working life is like, and why, if you follow in Aimee’s footsteps, you should get comfortable in the uncomfortable. Now, one point we didn’t cover in this interview is what the minimum income requirement is for Spain’s digital nomad visa. Tune in until the end to find out. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/30984723

Challenges Faced By 'Stuck' Expat Parents Due To International Child Custody Disputes 03/25/2024

Challenges Faced By 'Stuck' Expat Parents Due To International Child Custody Disputes Did you know that if you move abroad with children, or have them while living in a foreign country and then split from your partner, you may not be able to bring your kids back home? You may also find yourself ‘stuck’ abroad, in a country that you no longer want to be in. It’s a situation that my guest Roz Osbourne has personal experience with, and it’s why she founded the charity, GlobalARRK more than a decade ago. With Roz we’re going to deep-dive into how expats become stuck parents, why they’re so often mothers, and the risk factors that go along with their situations - for example, 81% report they have suffered domestic abuse. Keep listening until the end if you’re in an international relationship and have or are considering kids. Roz has some practical advice to share to help prevent an international custody crisis. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/30526878

Returning To Study And Buying A Home As An Expat In Scotland 02/22/2024

Returning To Study And Buying A Home As An Expat In Scotland Some pretty big life events happened around the time Australian expat Rachael Kowald turned 30. She moved from London to Glasgow for the lower cost of living, returned to school as a mature age student, and then, she decided to buy a house! Rachael’s studying nursing, she also works as a carer for people with spinal cord injuries and - now she’s a homeowner. In this interview, we talk about how she got into college and then university as a foreigner, the different streams of nursing study that you can choose between in Scotland, the house-buying process and local living costs. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/30066718

Where To Find Remote Work In 2024 To Achieve Location Independence 01/26/2024

Where To Find Remote Work In 2024 To Achieve Location Independence What does it take to become truly location independent? Do you have the qualities needed to thrive working remotely? And what boring-but-important admin elements do you need to think about if you intend to work from anywhere? Find out the top countries hiring remotely today, and the various ways you could go about sustaining a location independent life in my chat with Lucy Jeon. She’s an International Career Expert, founder of HeyGlobally, AND she hosts the podcast ‘Self-Made Expats’ where expat entrepreneurs share their stories. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/29660223

Winning The Green Card Lottery And Having A Baby In The USA 11/24/2023

Winning The Green Card Lottery And Having A Baby In The USA I have a returning guest today - it’s Mia Stewart, who joins me to talk about winning the US Green Card Lottery. Also known as the DV Lottery, or the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. If you’ve listened to my first interview with Mia, you’ll recall that she and her husband moved from Australia to the USA a few years ago, to LA specifically, on an O-1 Visa. So we’re going to find out the process they’ve gone through to adjust their visa status, and what made them enter the green card lottery in the first place? But that’s not all that Mia’s been up to, she’s also had a baby in the States. And if you listened to my recent interview with Cigna Healthcare, you’ll know just how important it is to have good health insurance when you live in the USA. So Mia and I are also going to speak about that, and some of the costs related to her pregnancy. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/28780588

Building An Expat Career In China 10/30/2023

Building An Expat Career In China Gabor Holch’s relationship with China began two decades ago, on what he thought was simply a two-year sabbatical. As an Intercultural Leadership Coach and Consultant, Gabor has worked with China-based managers at countless multinationals over the years. And he was there for what was dubbed the ‘Golden Age’ for foreign businesses in China, when loads of expats were moving there on lucrative work packages, for a guaranteed boost in their careers. Gabor joins me for a chat about how the business landscape has changed, and the key attractions and benefits of China for today’s international talent. We touch on China’s infamous internet restrictions, and some of the many anecdotes that Gabor gathered on work and life from expat professionals for his latest book, called Dragon Suit. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/28460183

Expat Careers In Denmark 09/26/2023

Expat Careers In Denmark How easy is it for a foreigner to find a job in Denmark, if they haven’t been fortunate enough to line up something for when they arrive? What sectors are they most likely to find work in, and what are some need-to-knows about Danish workplace culture? My guest to answer all of these questions and more is Kate Dahl, a career consultant for internationals in Denmark. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/28145372

Moving From Malaysia To Mexico 08/15/2023

Moving From Malaysia To Mexico Writer and Editor Kirsten Raccuia is known for her blog, which until recently, was all about her expat life in Malaysia. We at the height of the global pandemic, when she and her husband were closing in on a decade in Penang. Fast-forward a couple of years, and they’re in a new country, Mexico. I’m chatting with Kirsten again to find out what factors influenced their decision to move, and why Mexico? And what it was like to close the Malaysia chapter of their life abroad. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/27748344

Life As An Expat Family In Taiwan 07/27/2023

Life As An Expat Family In Taiwan I first spoke to just over a year ago on the show, and he was preparing to move his young family from North America to Taiwan. It was a move abroad that they’d been planning for many years, and Max intended to focus on his music career in their new country, while his wife would be remote working for a company back in the States. One year on, I’m excited to find out where they’re at - what went to plan, and what plans changed. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/27580941

Growing Up As A Third Culture Kid In Australia 07/27/2023

Growing Up As A Third Culture Kid In Australia A topic that comes up quite often in our Facebook groups is moving abroad with children. What’s the ideal age? Especially if they're going to need to learn a new language? What about the best time of year to move? And how do you make the assimilation process, from learning new cultural norms to making new friends, as smooth and enjoyable as possible? My guest today is someone who can speak from experience. Sharon Green is the founding editor of online publication SHE DEFINED. And in 1998, just before she turned 12, Sharon migrated with her family from Durban in South Africa to Melbourne in Australia. Sharon’s going to share her experience of being a third culture kid, and how it has shaped her sense of belonging as an adult. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/27574320

How To Get A French Driver's License 06/23/2023

How To Get A French Driver's License When American, Samaki Dorsey Schneider moved to France permanently five years ago, the last thing the 44 year-old expected was to need to take a driving test. But that’s the reality for some expats who can’t simply exchange their existing driver’s license for a French one. Keep listening to find out why this is the case, what the testing process is like in France, some of the costs involved and the road rules that might be a little different to what you’re used to. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/27244281

Understanding Health Insurance In The USA With Cigna Healthcare 05/15/2023

Understanding Health Insurance In The USA With Cigna Healthcare to get a quote from Cigna Healthcare for health insurance in the USA. When you're moving abroad, one of the things at the top of your to-do list should be sorting out health insurance, especially if you're moving to a country like the USA with no universal healthcare system. So, where do you even start? What's the minimum essential health coverage that you should have in the States? And what does a good health insurance plan there even look like? How much will you be out of pocket for medications? What would a trip to the emergency room cost you? And what health treatments are seen as extras in the USA? To answer all these questions and more, Kate Lambon from is joining me in this episode. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/26820525

Starting A Cohousing Community In Greece 05/10/2023

Starting A Cohousing Community In Greece Finding or creating a sense of community can be a real challenge when you live abroad. Greek American Pare Gerou is building hers from the ground up in the form of a cohousing community in southern Greece. So what is cohousing and just how ‘communal’ is it? What kinds of people would you be living with, and what if you don’t get along? Keep listening to find out in my chat with Pare about the project. We also discuss Greece’s golden visa scheme, how much it costs to join a cohousing community, and what happens if one day you decide to leave.Pare, just before we kicked off this podcast, we were talking about Greece versus Portugal and why you think Greece is a bit underrated and Portugal perhaps overrated. So maybe we can start with you telling me about why you were and why you think other people should be more attracted to Greece. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/26789403

Moving Abroad After 30 04/21/2023

Moving Abroad After 30 It’s one thing to dream about living life in another country, but it can be quite daunting to make that dream a reality. Especially if you’re, say, a little bit older than fresh out of college. Today’s guest, Cepee Tabibian, tried and failed a few times to move from the USA to her dream life in Spain. She finally succeeded at the age of 35, and formed the community to inspire other women aged over 30, to follow in her footsteps. We’re going to talk through some common considerations for women when it comes to moving abroad in your 30s, what new work and visa opportunities are available for US citizens in Europe, and what Cepee sees as the 4 key elements to a successful move abroad. Now Cepee is a fellow podcaster, so after you listen to this chat, be sure to search for her “She Hit Refresh” podcast. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/26610873

Moving To The Netherlands On The DAFT Visa 04/19/2023

Moving To The Netherlands On The DAFT Visa The Covid pandemic has been a catalyst for change for so many of us. How are you living your life differently to before the year 2020? Husband and wife, Alex and Michelle, actually had a big move abroad in mind before the global shutdown derailed their plans. Now, they’re catching up. They quit their jobs, sold most of their stuff and moved - with their two cats - from Texas to Rotterdam in the Netherlands on the Dutch American Friendship Treaty, or DAFT, Visa. The couple document their lives on their YouTube channel; it’s called And we chat today about their experience of setting up in the Netherlands, applying for their visa - which only happens after you arrive, lifestyle differences, and what they’d leave behind if they had to pack for their move all over again. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/26590503

Building A Food And Beverage Business In China 03/24/2023

Building A Food And Beverage Business In China Today’s guest built a successful business - and brand - around her passport country’s most popular food - pierogi. And she did it in the bustling city of Shanghai. Gosia Modlinska shares why she first moved to China a decade ago, how she navigated local rules and regulations as she ran her polish dumpling business, and why she pivoted to cocktails and became known for serving up one of the best martinis in town. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/26327031

Making A Career Change Abroad 01/27/2023

Making A Career Change Abroad Welcome to another year of Expat Focus podcasts. We’re kicking off 2023 with an episode about life and career change, which tends to go hand-in-hand with a decision to move abroad. It’s certainly true for me. Actually, this year marks 10 years since I decided to quit my job and life in Australia, to move to the UK to see what else I was capable of. My guest is Midlife Career Change Coach , who talks about our common motivations for making a change, the three key elements for success, and the common reasons that can hold people back. Josh, thanks so much for joining me on the Expat Focus podcast. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/25746411

Christmastime In South Korea And Spain 12/20/2022

Christmastime In South Korea And Spain Hey there, it’s Carlie with the Expat Focus Podcast. It’s another festive themed episode! We’re discussing Christmastime in South Korea and Spain with American expat and English teacher, Jesse Sweed. We talk about festive activities in the classroom, the perils of the Secret Santa gift, Spain’s Three Kings Day and how Jesse’s experience of the holidays in three countries has influenced how he celebrates this time of year with his own family. Oh and a little footnote - I have a "pooping log" question in this interview that seemed to stump Jesse - it turns out, it’s a Catalan Christmas tradition. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/25350327

Festive Traditions In Japan 12/15/2022

Festive Traditions In Japan Did you know that fried chicken is a Christmas tradition in Japan? And that the festive season is more about romance and gift giving between couples than arranging presents for the kids? Former expat and current Japanese tour company founder Nicki has lots of other fun facts to share from her 10 years' living in the country. So, whether you are an expat in Japan, planning a trip there, or just curious about how Christmas time is recognized in other parts of the world, I hope you enjoy this chat with Nicki. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/25340409

Expat Life In Croatia 11/25/2022

Expat Life In Croatia When American Sara Dyson moved to Croatia in 2012, she couldn’t find any local resources in English to help her. So as she figured things out - like residency and healthcare, Croatian culture and learning the language, she posted about it on her website, , to help other foreigners. Close to a decade later, Expat in Croatia is a full-blown business, and Sara is about to become a Croatian citizen. In this interview, we talk about why Sara moved to Croatia, the ‘one giant grey area’ that is local bureaucracy and how to work through it, and what she loves about the Croatian way of life. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/25130655

Living And Working In Rwanda 11/25/2022

Living And Working In Rwanda The continent of Africa is our destination today. We’re going to be talking about living and working in Rwanda with Italian expat, who decided to take a leap away from her life in Europe to follow a job opportunity. Giulia talks about her first impressions of the city of Kigali, and why it’s known as the ‘Switzerland’ of Africa. We also talk safety, work opportunities and local workplace culture, Giulia’s experience with the health care system, choosing to ‘not’ learn the local language, ordering warm beer, and the personal growth that happens when you leave your comfort zone. /episode/index/show/expatfocus/id/25130577

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