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Climate: Temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers
Government: Parliamentary democracy that retains as its heads of state two co-princes
Population: 83,888 |
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Currency: Euro (EUR): 1 EUR = 1.36 USD
Language: Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese
Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (predominant)
Ethnic Groups: Spanish (43%), Andorran (33%), Portuguese (11%), French (7%), other (6%)
Cost of Living compared to the U.S.: Not too outrageous but don’t expect any bargains, particularly if the Euro is strong
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Perched high in Pyrenees, overlooking France and Spain (on either side), the tiny nation of Andorra doesn’t have a whole lot of excitement to offer besides a shelter for your hard-earned cash and fairly straightforward entry requirements (as long as you don’t intend to work there).
Living There
Governance: Free and fair elections, although more than half of Andorra’s residents are non-citizens and cannot vote. The country has a French-style legal and judicial system that guarantees basic rights. A 2009 court decision gave legal recognition to unions.
Infrastructure: Good
Internet: Approximately one in four residents
Healthcare: New residents need to sign up for a private medical scheme. There is an excellent new hospital.
GDP: $3.3 billion
GDP (per capita): $46,700
Sovereign Debt: N/A
Working There: Europeans get first crack at available jobs. It’s not unheard of to find gigs as bartenders, service personnel, and ski instructors during ski season but that’s about it.
Regulatory Environment: Generally less stringent than the rest of Europe.
Taxes: Andorra is Europe’s least-known tax haven. There is no income tax—although the new deposit system for passive residents effectively loses you the interest on €24,000. There is a new property purchase tax of 1.25% and a 4% tax levied on all real estate transactions. 0–15% capital gains tax on real estate transactions based on number of years real estate has been owned by taxpayer. Otherwise, there is no inheritance tax, no wealth tax, no profits tax, and no VAT.
Cannabis: Illegal
Homosexuality: Civil unions recognized. Discrimination against sexual orientation illegal.
Abortion: Prohibited
Women’s Issues: Women enjoy the same across-the-board rights that men do, although they are underrepresented in government. Violence/harassment against women is a problem and no laws exist to address it. The government has no departments dealing with women’s issues nor do they run any shelters for battered women.
Guns: Guns, pistols, shotguns legal but require licensing and there are storage requirements.
Crime: Low, and mostly of the petty variety.
Real Estate: The government encourages foreign investment, including real estate. Mortgages are available. Minimum loan of €30,000 but cannot exceed 70% of purchase price. Five to 30 years, rates from approximately 5%.
Life Expectancy: 82.51 years
Moving There:
Residence permits are a matter of show-them-the-money, in this case, three times the Andorran minimum wage, or around $1350 a month, plus the equivalent of the annual minimum wage for every dependent. As long as you’re of independent means or have a reasonably remunerative home- or Internet-based business, life here is within your reach.
Schengen Visa: 90-day stay allowed within six-month period.
Residence permits, called residencias, are available to applicants, retired or otherwise, who have an address in the Principality and who genuinely wish to reside in Andorra for an extended period and take part in community life. Applicants must show proof of a sufficient private income and the permit is renewable each year. The bad news? The application process is conducted entirely in the Catalan language. Permits are one year, renewable.
Work Permit: A temporary work permit can be issued for seasonal (ski resort) work, should you be lucky enough to get hired somewhere, but they are only valid from October–May, after which you get shown the door. Permanent work permits are said to exist, though no one has actually seen one.
Student visas: Available per the usual requirements.
Eligible to apply for citizenship after 25 years.
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Climate: Mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest
Government: Republic
Population: 40,913,584
Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS): 1 ARS = 0.24 USD
Language: Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French
Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (92%), Protestant (2%), Jewish (2%), other (4%)
Ethnic Groups: white (97%), mestizo (3%)
Cost of Living compared to the U.S.: Cheap...for now
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The land of the tango boasts the sophistication and modernity of Europe with a more Latin American sticker price. Having the survived the one-two punch of fascism and IMF-engineered financial collapse, the resource-rich country, its social-progressive government, and its generally tolerant people look to a brighter future. The capital, Buenos Aires, has been rated as one of the lowest-cost major cities in the world and there is even cheaper land to be had out on the pampas. Not only that, but from the renewability of a tourist visa to the requirements for citizenship, the barriers to long-term stay are reasonably surmountable. Little wonder it’s become a mecca attracting 60,000 or so disaffected Americans and other interlopers. Vegetarians, however, might find the overemphasis on meat-eating difficult to, you know, swallow.
Living There
Governance: Free and fair elections with corruption still a factor but in decline. Healthy freedom of the press, academic freedom and freedom to organize and strike. People can generally practice their religion freely. The government has been taking steps to create a more independent judiciary though problems still exist.
Infrastructure: Good. Extensive highways as well as rail and subway. Argentina also has one of the best developed telecommunications systems in Latin America.
Internet: Very good. Argentina’s Internet penetration is twice the world average and the broadband market is one of the most developed in Latin America. Hi-speed Internet widely available.
Healthcare: Argentina provides free emergency and non-emergency services to anyone, regardless of their immigration status. Private hospitals in Buenos Aires are generally good, but facilities outside the capital might leave a bit to be desired. Private physicians, clinics, and hospitals often expect immediate cash upon service.
GDP: $596 billion
GDP (Per Capita): $14,700
Sovereign Debt: 50.3% of GDP
Working There: Seasoned expats warn that you’ll struggle if your Spanish skills aren’t up to par—you’ll be limited to teaching English or working in a tourism-related industry. If you’re bilingual, you may find something in IT, nursing, telecommunications, accounting, customer service or finance. Unemployment, once as high as 21% is now down to single digits so hopefully you won’t face the highly competitive job environment that previous expats encountered.
Regulatory Environment: Somewhat burdensome and lacks transparency.
Taxes: Argentina uses a progressive system for personal income tax that ranges between 9% and 35%. Businesses must pay a flat tax of 35% on income. VAT of 21%.
Cannabis: Decriminalized
Homosexuality: On July 15, 2010, Argentina legalized same sex marriage. Gay couples are also allowed to adopt children. In Buenos Aires, there is a ban on discrimination based on sexual preference, and a national anti-discrimination law is pending. Argentines are culturally tolerant and there is a large gay scene, particularly in Buenos Aires.
Abortion: Only to preserve physical health or in case of rape.
Women’s Issues: Women are well-represented in business and government, though sexual harassment and violence are hardly unheard of.
Guns: Private gun ownership legal for target shooting, hunting, and self-defense. Government authorization required.
Crime: Not too bad, though you might not agree if you lived in Buenos Aires or in the sketchier districts of other major cities, where robbery can be a fact of life and violent crime is a growing concern. Mostly petty crime elsewhere.
Real Estate: Foreigners can buy land in Argentina—vineyards, ranches and homestead plots are plentiful. Prices are very reasonable compared to the U.S. but they’re rising. Financing is seldom available, however, so property must be paid for in cash. There’s a limit of $10,000 that can legally be brought into the country, and money wired from U.S. banks will be hit with a 4% fee. Be sure to calculate accordingly.
Life Expectancy: 76.76 years
Moving There
Some expats take advantage of the rather loosey-goosey approach to visa enforcement and never graduate from tourist status, though the government is slowly tightening up oversight. For those without a job offer—either from an Argentine company or a U.S. company operating in Argentina—the financier visa is the typical way to earn legal longterm status. Most Argentine visas are issued for one year and renewable. When you have resided in Argentina for three years as a temporary resident, you can apply for permanent legal residency, which allows you to seek and hold employment, as well. If you stay in the country for two more years as a legal resident, you can then apply for citizenship.
Tourist Visa: No visa required for stays of less than 90 days. You can apply for one additional 90-day extension before you have to leave the country. Argentina recently raised the fine for overstaying your visa from $12 to $76.
Temporary Residence Visas:
Labor Contract: This visa is available to employees outside the country who are offered a job inside Argentina and requires a valid job offer/contract of at least six–12 months. It is NOT available to foreigners already residing in Argentina who are looking for local employment.
Secondment: This visa is issued to foreigners coming to work in Argentina on behalf of a non-Argentine company with operations in Argentina. No contract is required but the government does have to approve the assignment.
Financier Visa: Applicants must show proof of a guaranteed monthly income of 2,600 pesos (approximately $900) that can be transferred to an Argentine bank. Income can come from a trust, business dividends, an annuity, or a business and other sources. You just have to show proof that you will continue receiving the minimum income after you’ve settled in Argentina.
Private Income/Pensioner Visa: Applicants must provide a letter from Social Security Administration or pension fund showing a monthly income that is at least the equivalent of 2,100 Argentine Pesos (approximately $700). Monthly income must be transferred to an Argentine bank. Argentina also has a rentista program which requires a guaranteed monthly income of approximately $2,000/month.
Immigrant with Capital: To qualify, you must invest a minimum of 102,000 Argentine pesos (approximately $40,000) in a government-approved “productive activity” like agriculture, cattle ranching, and a few other select economic sectors. Buying a home or apartment in Argentina usually does not count toward this visa. If certain conditions are met, the Immigrant with Capital visa can be issued on a permanent basis and does not require renewal.
Students (coming to Argentina on a valid study program at Argentine University), Businesspeople/Entrepreneurs (who can convince the Argentine consulate of their experience and expertise) and Owners of Foreign Companies (with approval of the Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Argentine Consulate) can also receive Temporary Residence Permits. Parents, children and spouses of Argentine Nationals can apply for either Temporary or Permanent Residency.
Permanent Residency: Three years of legal temporary residency makes you eligible to reside in Argentina permanently. Two more years, and you can apply for citizenship.
Vina Rathbone
Buenos Aires, Argentina
I have been living in Buenos Aires for one year and four months. One thing that differs greatly is the pace of life. My average time spent in a restaurant here is no less than three hours. I relish those long relaxing meals. But then my average time waiting in the checkout line at the supermarket is a miserable 15 minutes. My rent and cost of living are less expensive, but I don’t have luxuries like a self-igniting oven or central heating and air conditioning. I’m from a smaller city, so sometimes big-city life is overwhelming, but just last week I went out to the countryside to ride horses and watch a polo game.
A lot of expats can’t hack it in Buenos Aires. Everything here is extreme. When things are good, they are the best—the wine, the architecture, the friendships, the romantic men. But the lows are the lowest—the poverty, the corruption, the pollution, the traffic. I wouldn’t recommend this city to anyone who isn’t extremely patient, open-minded and flexible. Life certainly isn’t very easy here, but when things are good, it’s the best.
I came here from Seattle where people are very friendly but do not easily welcome others into their social circles. It’s a phenomenon known to non-Seattle natives as “the Seattle freeze,” and it was very frustrating. In Buenos Aires I loved how easy it was to make friendships with Argentines and especially with other expats, who tend to stick together. People aren’t necessarily friendlier here, but in my experience, Argentine friendships are very caring. Personal relationships mean everything here, and when I was ever in a time of need, I was blown away by the willingness of my Argentine friends and acquaintances to help and support me, even with sometimes personal issues like homesickness or medical problems.
As an American woman, it has been very easy to meet Argentine men. However, to my major disappointment I’ve had much more difficultly forming solid friendships with Argentine women. I think patriarchy plays a big part in having no solid ‘sisterhood’ like that I was used to in the U.S.
Inflation is another really big problem here. Prices are much higher now than when I came and they change on a daily basis. This is difficult when coming from a country with a very stable economy, and you have to worry about making enough money to support yourself even with inflated prices. Counterfeit money is also a problem here. These seem like huge crises, but in Argentina, it’s just another normal day.
Bud Smith (and Sumana Harrison)
San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina
Throughout the broad and greatly varied lands of Argentina there is a higher appreciation for the finer things in life: wine, food, music and good times! Argentines are also exceptionally polite and caring people and are more accepting of foreigners than elsewhere: indeed, a large proportion of the population is a late-generation mix of European immigrants who arrived in the 18th century. I am currently in San Salvador de Jujuy (or just “hoo-HOOEY”) in far northwestern Argentina at the eastern face of the Andes. In this city of 300,000 residents my girlfriend and I appear to be the only “gringos” around!! Nearby Salta, where we have also lived, is a metro area of about 500,000 and is slowly becoming discovered as a tourist and retirement “mecca,” so the word is gradually getting out about the many wonders of this part of Argentina.
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Climate: Relatively dry, ranging from temperate in the south to tropical in the north. The overwhelming majority of the population lives near the coast and surfers and snorkelers often confuse this place with heaven.
Government: Democratic, federal-state system recognizing British monarch as sovereign |
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Population: 21,515,754
Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD): 1 AUD = 1.04 USD
Language: English
Religious Groups: Catholic (25.8%), Anglican (18.7%), Uniting Church (5.7%), Presbyterian and Reformed (3%), Eastern Orthodox (2.7%), other Christian (7.9%), Buddhist (2.1%), Muslim (1.7%), other (2.4%), unspecified (11.3%), none (18.7%)
Ethnic Groups: white (92%), Asian (7%), aboriginal and other (1%)
Cost of Living compared to the U.S: Reasonable
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Like Canada, Australia has too much land and not enough people. Unemployment is generally lower than most Western countries and there’s a critical shortage of skilled workers. Their lifestyle is like ours, their culture (almost) comprehensible, crime is low and the weather couldn’t be better—Mediterranean on the coast (where most people live) and spectacular desert inland. The greatest coral reef is right off the coast and now that the hole in the ozone layer is shrinking, you can enjoy the beach more. The government is encouraging migration to the outback (or lesser populated centers), so if you love nature, or are willing to stick it out among the kangaroos for a couple of years until you get established, this could be your new home. Students, mid-career-level workers and retirees can all find ways to reside legally. English teachers, however, aren’t too much in demand.
Living There
Governance: Australia is a stable, vibrant democracy that holds regular, free and fair elections and has an independent judiciary. The human rights of Australia’s citizens are generally respected by government authorities.
Infrastructure: Developed
Internet: There are a number of Internet Service Providers (ISPs), national and local, with a large number of plans to choose from. Broadband penetration is approximately 50% but the government hopes to expand this number to 69% by 2013.
Healthcare: Australia’s health system offers a comprehensive range of public and privately funded health services. You can choose whether to have Medicare (www.medicare.gov.au) or a combination of Medicare and private health insurance. Medicare, the Australian government health scheme, provides help with basic medical expenses like free treatment in public hospitals and free or subsidized treatment by general practitioners and some specialists. All permanent residents are eligible to join Medicare, with restricted access granted to citizens of certain countries which have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia.
GDP: $889.6 billion
GDP (Per Capita): $41,300
Sovereign Debt: 22.4% of GDP
Working There: Opportunities in temp labor, tourism and hospitality industries, ski jobs, temporary construction, sales, healthcare, retail, production jobs, farming and au pairs.
Regulatory Environment: Highly efficient, transparent, and conducive to business and innovation.
Taxes: Corporate: 30%, Individual: 0–45%, GST: 10% (no tax on essential items). Residents taxed on worldwide income but there are some offsets and exemptions.
Cannabis: Illegal, but penalties and enforcement vary in each state or territory. Most jurisdictions require those found in possession of a small amount to pay a fine (akin to a parking ticket) or attend a court-ordered diversion program. Penalties against cultivation have become more stringent in recent years, resulting in reduction of potsmokers and an uptick in meth-heads.
Homosexuality: Legal. Some state recognition of same-sex unions. Laws against discrimination.
Abortion: Abortion laws determined at state level. The majority of jurisdictions allow abortion on socioeconomic grounds, to save a woman’s life, physical health, or mental health.
Women’s Issues: Equal status under Australian law and this includes equity in pay. Australian women play a significant role in business, government, and politics. Laws against discrimination and sexual harassment. Domestic violence a problem in Aboriginal communities.
Guns: To purchase a firearm, a “Permit to Acquire” is required and a “genuine reason” must be given. Hunting or collecting might pass, but if you say “self- defense,” you’ll simply be told to get a dog.
Crime: Low violent crime. Petty theft exists in cities.
Real Estate: Americans who are not permanent residents of Australia must first get government permission before purchasing real estate. Generally, the government will only approve such investments if it increases the supply of available housing. Otherwise 25–30-year mortgages are usually available with 10–20% down payment. Titles must be checked to determine whether property is freehold or leasehold.
Life Expectancy: 81.72 years
Moving There
The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (www.immi.gov.au) has an inviting, easy-to-use website with a “visa wizard” that lets you plug in your current status (age, citizenship, length of stay, reason, etc.) and spits out the visa programs you would be eligible for. There are many. You need a reason to stay—and work, study, business, creating art and enjoying your golden years are all good reasons. Uniting with your family is good, too. But if it’s only a boyfriend or girlfriend, you’ll be expected to get married in nine months, by which time you might of course be the parent of an Australian citizen. Generally, though, expatriates follow a migration path, involving work or business, with attainable citizenship in less than five years. Despite being such a laid-back place, surprisingly, unless you’re of retirement age, there’s no visa that just lets you go there and slack off.
Tourist Visa (subclass 676): Issued to visitors for stays of three, six, or 12 months and with single or multiple entries. Sufficient funds to finance stay and health insurance are required. Applicants can apply both inside and outside Australia.
Student Visa: There are many varieties. Basically, if you’re enrolled in a course of study at an Australian university, you’ll get one.
Work Visa: Australia issues several different types of visas for foreigners seeking to work and settle in Australia. The government maintains a General Skilled Occupation list (GSO) that lists the types of professions and skills that are needed. You may be required to have a license or fulfill registration requirements to qualify. If you are accepted into the General Skilled Migration program, you can qualify for permanent residency. The government also maintains a skills-matching database that can link you up with prospective employers. You also have the option of being sponsored for a worker visa by an Australian firm. The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship page provides a good overview of what kinds of work visas foreigners can apply for.
Business Visa: Like the work visa, Australia offers several different types of business visas for a number of commercial activities ranging from investing a substantial sum in Australia to owning and operating a business that employs local labor. Most require that the applicant be under 45 years of age, possess sufficient assets, and some entail investment in the Australian economy. Many offer permanent residency and the opportunity to apply for Australia’s Medicare health insurance program. Extensive business experience and proof of good character are usually required.
Retirement Visa: Australia’s retirement visa program has very specific requirements and limitations. First-time applicants can only apply for the Investor Retirement Visa (subclass 405). Assets of approximately $740,000 are required ($493,000 for regional Australia). You must also be sponsored by an agency of a specific state or territory and make a designated long-term investment in that jurisdiction of approximately $750,000 ($493,000 for regional Australia). Depending on where you settle, an annual income of between $49,000 and $64,000 is also required (the lower amount for designated “low growth” areas). The visa is issued for four years with multiple entries but you must continue to maintain your investment. Additionally, applicants must be in good health, at least 55 years of age, and show proof of health insurance as the program does not allow retirees to apply for Australia’s Medicare scheme. Retirement visa holders are not eligible for Australian citizenship.
Citizenship: Applicants must reside at least four years in Australia with valid visa and at least 12 months as permanent resident. You cannot have been absent from Australia for more than one year during the four-year period, including no more than 90 days before applying.
Ted Hung
Melbourne, Australia
The culture is really laid-back and it permeates into all aspects of life and work here. Melbourne was and still is one of the most livable cities I have ever been in. Australians are friendly, the culture is diverse, and there are so many beautiful natural wonders here. Also, Melbourne has one of the best transport systems that I have seen in any city. The biggest minus about living here is that because the culture is so laid-back, it seems like people are less ambitious here. They are less willing to start up a company, push the limits of a field, or take major risks in general.
The job market in Australia is generally quite good. On average, the unemployment in Australia tends to hover around the 5% mark. On-the-job training and other sorts of career advancement opportunities are not as readily available in companies in Australia, and expenditures on employee retention are scarce. On the other hand, the workplace and work is significantly less stressful here.
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Climate: Tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream. Sea temperatures range between 74°F in February and 82°F in August.
Government: Constitutional parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm
Population: 309,156 |
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Currency: Bahamian Dollar (BSD): 1 BSD = 1.01 USD
Language: English (official), Creole (spoken by Haitian immigrants)
Religious Groups: Baptist (35.4%), Anglican (15.1%), Roman Catholic (13.5%), Pentecostal (8.1%), Church of God (4.8%), Methodist (4.2%), other Christian (15.2%), none or unspecified (2.9%), other (0.8%)
Ethnic Groups: black (85%), white (12%), Asian and Hispanic (3%)
Cost of Living (compared to U.S.): Pricey
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Got half a million lying around? Then you can live out your life watching the tranquil blue waters of a Bahamian beach, while you listen to Calypso music and your accumulated wealth sits in a nearby bank, out of reach of the IRS.
Living There
Governance: Bahamians can change their government democratically. Healthy, independent and privately-owned media can and do criticize the government, although allegations exist that the state-run broadcaster tilts toward the ruling party. There is unfettered access to the Internet. Religious and academic freedom are respected. Labor, business, and professional organizations are generally free from governmental interference. Unions have the right to strike, and collective bargaining is prevalent. There is a Western-style judicial system in place.
Infrastructure/Internet: The two main islands have first-world infrastructure with hi-speed Internet widely available.
Healthcare: High-quality medical care and facilities, though expensive.
GDP: $8.878 billion
GDP (Per Capita): $28,600
Sovereign Debt: 64% of GDP
Working There: Not very receptive to employment of foreigners. You’re expected to bring your own money with you.
Regulatory Environment: Overall, a good environment for business development, but the licensing process can be arbitrary.
Taxes: No income tax but the government does place duties on various imports that can sometimes be quite high for certain items.
Cannabis: Illegal
Homosexuality: Legal. No recognition of same-sex unions. No laws against discrimination. Gay scene is invisible; some homophobia, though the government openly condemns prejudice.
Women’s Issues: Violence against women an ongoing concern.
Guns: License required for shotguns and rifles. Handguns require special license. License must be renewed each year.
Crime: Compared to neighboring countries, the Bahamas has a high crime rate, particularly New Providence Island. According to a 2007 U.N. report, the Bahamas has the highest number of reported rapes in the Caribbean. Overall, most tourist and business areas are relatively safe.
Real Estate: Non-Bahamians who are buying less than five acres for single family use need only to register their investment with the government. If a land purchase is for other than single family use or is over five acres in size, then a government permit is required. A graduated tax is applied as follows:
Up to $20,000: 4%
$20,000—$50,000: 6%
$50,001—$100,000: 8%
$100,001—$250,000: 10%
$250,001 and up: 12%
Bahamians and permanent residents who have the right to work are exempted from government Stamp Duty provided they are first-time homeowners and the home is a dwelling valued at below $500,000. Mortgages are available.
Life Expectancy: 70.84 years
Moving There
Visa not required for U.S. citizens for stays up to eight months. Given its proximity to the U.S. (particularly Florida), you may not need much more.
Annual Residency: Applicants for annual residency status most show evidence of financial support (or some real estate holdings) and pay $1000 fee. Minimum support amount is unspecified.
Permanent Residency: The Bahamian government promises “speedy consideration of your permanent residency application if you make a local investment of $1,500,000 (e.g. buying property). Permanent residency is available to spouses of Bahamian nationals after five years of marriage. Certain professionals, as well as charitable and religious institution workers, can be eligible after 10 years. Other annual residents who can hang in for that long can be bumped up to permanent resident after 20 years. Cost of Permanent Residence is, ouch, $10,000, plus $100 per dependent.
Work Permits: The Bahamian government can be quite inflexible when it comes to expat labor. Permits will only be issued when it can be demonstrated that no Bahamian is suitable for the job. Valid one year. Each work permit is for specified person and job. Depending on the job category the fee for a Work Permit can range from $350 to $20,000 per year. In practice, this really isn’t much of an option.
Student Visas are available, per the usual documentation.
Citizenship: Applicants must reside in Bahamas between six to nine years as legal resident before applying. Knowledge of Bahamian language and customs also required.
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Climate: Tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to ovember); dry season (February to May)
Government: Parliamentary Democracy
Population: 307,899
Currency: Belizean Dollar (BZD): 1 BZD = 0.51 USD
Language: English (official), Spanish, Garifuna (Carib), Creole
Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (49.6%), Protestant (27%), other (14%), none (9.4%)
Ethnic Groups: Mestizo (48.7%), Creole (29.4%), Maya (10.6%), Garifuna (6.1%), other (9.7%)
Cost of Living compared to the U.S.: Cheap
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f you don’t want to practice Spanish, you can get all the jungle and coral you need in English-speaking Belize, the Gibraltar of Latin America, where English is the official language and a British-style parliamentary democracy rules in gentle consensus with the population. Cheap, pristine, and remote, it’s where Harrison Ford went to escape the evils of American decadence in The Mosquito Coast...others are more attracted by the government’s and banks’ reputation for discretion in matters of personal wealth. The job market outside of highly skilled labor and some au pair work isn’t too robust, so if you don’t have some business ideas related to the eco-tourist trade, you’ll probably need to have some income from home or via the Internet...or a pension. If none of that poses a problem, you can probably stay as long as you like.
Living There
Governance: Free and fair elections, independent judiciary, free press, and a government that guarantees basic rights. Corruption, however, is rampant—from high officials to street cops—and bribery and payoffs are a way of life.
Infrastructure: Basic utility service is good, but costs, especially electricity, are the highest in the region. Because of poorly maintained roads and unlicensed taxis, traffic accidents and fatalities are common.
Internet: Small broadband penetration. Hi-speed connections are usually satellite-based.
Healthcare: Government-operated. Basic medical care in urban areas. Little advanced care is available.
GDP: $2.652 billion
GDP (Per Capita): $8,400
Sovereign Debt: 80% of GDP
Working There: Eco-tourism, au pairs. Some demand for skilled labor and technical personnel.
Regulatory Environment: Inefficient, costly, and lacking transparency. The judiciary is such in name only.
Taxes: Corporate: 25%, Individual: 25% (flat tax), VAT 10%. Tax is applied to nonresident corporations and individuals on a variety of business transactions.
Cannabis: Illegal, but widely available
Homosexuality: Legal (for women). No recognition of same-sex unions. No laws against discrimination. Culturally, homosexuality is stigmatized and gay life is invisible.
Abortion: Allowed for socioeconomic as well as physical or mental health.
Women’s Issues: Violence against women a problem.
Guns: Shotguns along with some small arms are legal to purchase but a costly special license is required.
Crime: Crime is a concern, especially in Belize City and in outlying rural sections. Natives are poor; Americans are perceived as rich. Cops and courts are useless. Not a good formula for security, unless it’s of the private variety.
Real Estate: Belizean government allows non-citizens to own property. No capital gains taxes and low property taxes. 5% transfer tax on all land purchases.
Life Expectancy: 68.23 years
Moving There
It isn’t all that difficult to reside legally in Belize. Most Americans come over with some business idea or on the retirement program. If you intend to getting any kind of residency, you’ll have to come over first on a tourist visa and keep extending it while you push through your paperwork. Nothing can be accomplished from the U.S.
Tourist Visa: A 30-day visa will be issued on arrival, and extensions (up to six months, $12.50 per extension) may be obtained from any Immigration Office. After that, you can leave the country, return, and start the process over.
Work Permit: Must be a legal resident for at least six months. Employer must demonstrate to the Labor officer that an exhaustive search for a qualified local candidate came up empty. Permit is valid for one year.
Temporary Self-Employment: Freelance writers to scuba camp operators all fall under this rubric. Proof of sufficient funds for the proposed venture and a reference from the relevant ministry or local organization is required. Special consideration is given to those who show the potential to hire Belizeans.
Qualified Retired Person: Available to anyone over 45 with a monthly income of not less than U.S. $2,000 through a pension or annuity generated outside of Belize. (Note: QPR status bars you from working and you will not be legally considered a resident.)
Permanent Residency: You may apply for Permanent Residency after having resided legally in the country for one continuous year. You are eligible to apply for citizenship after five years.
Citizenship: Foreigners are eligible to apply for citizenship after five years of legal residency.
Sharon Hiebing
San Ignacio Town, Belize
Life in Belize is much simpler and slower. It’s hard to remember how busy and stressed out I was back in the States. Here, I only do what I want to. There’s no pressure put upon you by anyone to rush, which is so refreshing! Getting together and grilling and sharing a bottle of rum is a common pasttime. Plus there’s plenty of bars where expats and locals congregate. Some areas you will find more expats, and others less—it’s really up to you how much you want to interact with the locals or not. I now have a Belizean boyfriend, so I have really found myself immersed in the culture.
The climate is one of the biggest changes—my normal attire is a tank top and shorts. And the cost of living is amazing. I pay $250 USD for a two-bedroom/one-bath home in a quiet Belizean neighborhood. The river is a mere seven-minute drive away. Palm trees and other lovely vegetation await me outside my door.
Food costs about $400 USD a month for two people. Gasoline is higher than the States, at about $5.50 USD a gallon, but I don’t drive nearly as much here as I did in the States, since the area is more compact. (Belize only has a population of a little over 300,000 people, 180 miles long and 68 miles wide!)
In terms of day-to-day life, just be prepared for long lines everywhere. Also, Belize doesn’t have any networked computer systems, so sometimes things take a little longer to “process.” I’ve never been hassled by anyone in law enforcement or otherwise. I don’t feel like I gave up any of my civil liberties or freedoms by moving here. Belize is actually quite an ethnically diverse country.
My biggest advice is to please come and visit a couple of times first, just to make sure it is right for you. If it is, live here for at least six months, preferably a year, before buying property. Lastly, remember that you will always be the minority here (this would be true in any foreign country). Please don’t come to Belize and try to reshape it into your home country. That will never happen, no one wants it to happen, and if you like where you came from so much, then why aren’t you still there? Instead, embrace all the change a new country has to offer—your experience will be amazing if you do!
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Climate: Mostly tropical or semitropical; temperate in the south
Government: Federal Republic
Population: 198,739,269
Currency: Real (BRL): 1 BRL = 0.61 USD
Language: Portuguese
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Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (73.6%), Protestant (15.4%), Spiritualist (1.3%), Bantu/voodoo (0.3%), other (1.8%), unspecified (0.2%), none (7.4%)
Ethnic Groups: white (53.7%), mixed (38.5%), black (6.2%), other (1.6%)
Cost of Living compared to the U.S.: Reasonable
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The fifth largest nation in the world, and one of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China—the emerging economies of the 21st century), Brazil’s got plenty of optimism to match its landmass (half of South America). Aligned with the populist post-colonial and post-neo-colonial political movement of South America, it’s also resource-rich and a good choice for anyone looking for a buffer against the upcoming era of increasing austerity and scarcity. For the rest, it offers miles of tropical beaches, the great shrinking Amazon rain forest, and a live-to-party sensibility that is the envy of any Spring Breaker. Crime and pollution are the major problems in the cities, as is poverty, but economic inequality is dropping at a faster rate here than almost anywhere else in the world (unlike the U.S. which is trending in the opposite direction). The biggest expat community is in São Paulo around the Zona Sul, though many Americans forced off their land by U.S. agribusiness have been lured here with government incentives for agricultural development. Crop-ready land in Brazil can be had for as little as $400 to $500 an acre compared to the $2,400 and up in the U.S. Brazil’s climate supports two harvests a year.
Living There
Governance: Free and fair elections, though many government institutions marred by corruption. Freedom of the press hampered by violence and intimidation of journalists. Freedom to organize and strike respected as is academic freedom and freedom of religion.
Infrastructure: Developed in cities and many outlying areas. Low landline density in favor of mobile phones.
Internet: For sheer numbers, Brazil dominates the South American Internet market. In terms of broadband penetration, however, Brazil ranks third behind Chile and Uruguay. The transition to hi-speed is underway and DSL is becoming much more common.
Healthcare: Facilities range from state-of-the art to only the most basic care.
GDP: $2.194 trillion
GDP (Per Capita): $10,900
Sovereign Debt: 60.8% of GDP
Working There: Brazil now has the eighth largest economy in the world. Employment opportunities are becoming available for expats in fields like finance, IT and telecommunications. Teaching English and tourism may offer other possibilities.
Regulatory Environment: Bureaucratic, expensive, and often time-consuming. Some improvements have been made in recent years.
Taxes: Compared to other nations in the region, Brazil’s tax rates are considered moderate. Personal income ranges from 15%–27.5%. Corporate taxes are 15% but a 10% surtax and mandatory social contribution levy on net profits of most industries amount to approximately 35%.
Cannabis: Smoked openly. If found in possession of small amounts police will issue a warning and offenders will be given community service and in some cases mandatory rehab.
Homosexuality: Legal. Same-sex unions recognized. A recent Supreme Court decision (May 2011) grants most (but not all) of the same legal privileges that heterosexual married couples enjoy to same-sex unions. A 2009 Presidential decree, which has the power of law, recognizes same-sex unions, allows for same-sex adoption, and legally prohibits homophobia. Overall, generally tolerant of homosexuality. Brazil boasts a large and flamboyant gay scene. São Paulo is home to the world’s largest Gay Pride Parade with an estimated four million people in attendance for the event in 2009.
Abortion: Prohibited except to save the woman’s life, or in case of rape.
Women’s Issues: In 2001, the Brazilian government passed its version of an Equal Rights Amendment. Although women are outpacing men in both literacy and university attendance, they are still underrepresented in management and higher political office. Violence against women and sexual harassment remain problematic.
Guns: All guns must be licensed and minimum age to own a firearm is 25.
Crime: Dangerously high violent crime in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Armed robbery of pedestrians common. Urban crime exceeds most major U.S. cities.
Real Estate: By law Brazilians and foreigners are on almost equal footing when it comes to property ownership and tenant rights. The Brazilian government actively encourages agricultural investment by Americans. More than 200 American farmers, including a Mennonite colony, own farms in Brazil, often selling their farms back home to pay for it or by setting up investment pools.
Life Expectancy: 72.26 years
Moving There
Marry a Brazilian or have Brazilian family (or come over as a student), and you won’t have much trouble, but if you’re under 50, you’re pretty much going to have to buy your way into Brazil as an investor or be offered a job. Scientists, professors or researchers; director or administrator of a social assistance and/or religious institution are particularly invited to move to Brazil. If you have skills, then work permits are possible. There are also some special permits that are granted to English teachers. The magic 50 is retirement age and you’re invited to settle here permanently if you qualify.
NOTE: Brazil’s visa system is a bit more complicated than other nations in the region. For more information about living and working in Brazil consult www.brazilian-consulate.org, though a clearer breakdown can be found at the website of one of the consulates in the U.S. – i.e. www.brazilsf.org The government has been charging exorbitant fees for visas ($140 for a single-entry tourist visa) in retaliation for similar changes made by the U.S.
Tourist Visa: The Brazilian tourist visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days in Brazil over a one-year period. You can also apply to the Brazilian Federal Police Department (Delegacia de Estrangeiros) for a one-time 90-day extension.
Work Permits: A Work Visa is required if you plan on doing research in Brazil, providing services to the government, working for a Brazilian company, engaging in any kind of volunteer or charitable work, working at a branch office of an American firm, teaching foreign languages to professors and/or instructors and other possible occupations. If you plan on working for a Brazilian company, you must show a letter of invitation. All applicants must show proof of health insurance valid in Brazil and documentation showing that the organization or business employing you will provide sufficient funds to pay your expenses, and proof that the business or organization is currently in Brazil and in operation. Most applicants for work permits must also receive authorization from the Brazilian Ministry of Labor. Your length of stay will be decided by consular authorities but this can be renewed multiple times.
Permanent Retirement Visa: If you are 50 years of age or older and can provide proof that you are receiving an “official monthly pension” (Social Security or similar) of at least $2,000 individually or for a family of up to three persons, you’re living in Brazil for as long as you like.
Permanent Investor/Senior Executive Visa: If you’re willing to pony up 150,000 Reals ($100,000) in a new business or expansion of an existing one, and you can commit to hiring Brazilian employees, you can get this “permanent” visa, which is actually a three-year visa but indefinitely renewable as long as your investor/employer status holds. This is also granted to big-time executives who have a résumé/portfolio worthy of a captain of industry.
Citizenship: Four years of legal residency required, applicants cannot leave the country during period of residency for any extended period of time. Must be in good health, gainfully employed, and speak and write fluently in Portuguese.
Bob Hand
Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Brazil is a very bureaucratic country. Because of this, it is technically difficult to accomplish things, if you obey the laws. Of course, the Brazilians know how to circumvent the laws. But big companies have a harder time avoiding the bureaucracy, and therefore it takes much time to get anything accomplished with them. For example, when trying to make a change with the telephone company, it takes weeks, with almost daily conversations with six or more employees, none of whom have the authority to make a decision.
And items imported can get delayed in the customs department for several weeks, while someone decides whether or not to impose a duty.
In almost all of Brazil, there is more crime than in the USA. This is especially true in the big cities (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Porto Alegre, etc.) Rio de Janeiro is known as one of the most violent cities in the world. In most cities, large or small, the people secure their houses with bars on the windows, bars on the doors, a wall around the house with a locked gate and coiled barbed or razor wire on top.
One of the attractive features of Nova Petropolis as a place to live is that the crime level is very low. Most houses are not jails; there is no constant violence; one can walk the streets at night without fear. It’s a tranquil place to live. That’s why we chose it. The city where Cidinha lived in Minas Gerais, also a small town, had a much higher rate of crime and all houses were private forts. If Americans come here to live, they probably go to highly populated coastal areas or to the big cities. There they will find expats with whom to associate. The two Americans I know here are both widowers and currently live alone. Both are retired with adequate pensions. Both own houses.
People in general are friendly in Brazil and not antagonistic toward Americans. In fact, they seem to like things about the USA and want to emulate some of them. The Brazilian government has often been hostile to the U.S. government, but that’s politics.
The Brazilian people often say they are about 20 years behind the USA. But I don’t find that to be true. They are high users of the Internet and cellular phones. Supermarkets use bar code checkout equipment. There are huge modern shopping malls in most major cities. Credit cards and debit cards are useful everywhere.
Air transportation to major cities is good, although often overcrowded. Bus transportation is much more convenient than in the USA. You can go anywhere in Brazil by bus, and the buses are modern and comfortable. In fact, the world’s largest manufacturer of buses, Marcopolo, is located about 35 km from where I live. There is almost no passenger train service, and very little freight train service. Cars are generally small size and economicaL...all new cars can burn either alcohol or gasoline, and alcohol is cheaper.
I knew nothing about Rio Grande do Sul until we moved here. What I found was a spirit of liberty that has deep roots in the culture of the Gaúcho. There is even a separatist movement in Rio Grande do Sul, albeit not very strong at the moment.
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Climate: The climate in Bulgaria is temperate but with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and dry, but comfortable due to low humidity, while winter weather is cold but not bitter. Conditions are even milder in the towns along the Black Sea coast.
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Government: Parliamentary Democracy
Population: 7,204,687
Currency: Lev (BGN): 1 BGN = 0.75 USD
Language: Bulgarian, other languages closely correspond to the nation’s ethnic makeup (Turkish, Romany, Armenian, Hebrew, etc.)
Religious Groups: Bulgarian Orthodox (82.6%), Muslim (12.2%), other Christian (1.2%), other (4%)
Ethnic Groups: Bulgarian (83.9%), Turk (9.4%), Roma (4.7%), other (2%) [including Macedonian, Armenian, Tatar, Circassian]
Cost of Living compared to the U.S.: Very cheap
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This tiny country sandwiched between Serbia, Greece, Romania and Turkey is chock full of ancient ruins and modern real estate speculation, as foreigners, particularly the British, have been buying up cheap houses and condos. Despite the bargain-basement prices and none-too-difficult residency hurdles, Americans have yet to really discover the place in any great numbers, daunted perhaps by the Cyrillic alphabet and the fact that English-speaking is not as pervasive as some might like. The action takes place in the capital, Sofia, in the central mountains, and in the resort towns of Bulgaria’s fabled Black Sea Coast like Varna and Nesebar. Their corporate and income taxes rank among the lowest in the E.U., since the government is trying to encourage investment, which also means a reduction in a lot of bureaucratic hassles. The diverse geography (mountainous to semi-Mediterranean coast) offers many different climates for such a small area.
Living There
Governance: Generally an open democracy, with free and fair elections, academic and religious freedom and an independent judiciary, Bulgaria’s biggest drawback is corruption. While the law guarantees press freedom, the government has often been accused of strong-arming journalists. There have also been unsettling allegations of ongoing torture and police brutality.
Infrastructure: Reasonably well-developed but has suffered from low spending and maintenance in recent years. The country’s admission to the E.U. in 2007 has accelerated infrastructure development.
Internet: Fast connections and good service in larger cities. For most of the country, however, dial-up remains the norm; Bulgaria has the lowest broadband penetration rate in the E.U. (13%). Improvements are expected over the next few years.
Healthcare: The National Health Insurance Fund has a direct contract with medical institutions to provide care to patients who pay contributions to the fund. Medical staff in Bulgaria are highly trained, though hospitals and clinics in general may not have all the equipment we expect in the U.S.
GDP: $92.21 billion
GDP (Per Capita): $12,800
Sovereign Debt: 16.2% of GDP
Working There: Opportunities in seasonal skiing, teach English, volunteer construction or conservation; not much else as the recent economic crisis has plunged the country into deep recession and unemployment remains high.
Regulatory Environment: Although once burdensome, recent reforms have eased licensing requirements and cut back on bureaucratic red tape. Some corruption.
Taxes: Corporate: 10%, Individual: 10%, VAT: 20%.
Cannabis: Illegal. Bulgarian drug policy makes no distinction between “hard” and “soft” drugs; possession of any amount can result in a one- to six-year prison sentence and a hefty fine. Still, stories have surfaced that there are “cannabis villages” near the Greek and Macedonian borders where the herb is cultivated as a cash crop.
Homosexuality: Legal. No recognition of same-sex unions. However, the Bulgarian Supreme Court ruled unanimously to allow a gay man to inherit half the estate of his deceased longtime partner. Laws against discrimination. Cultural taboos are eroding, but slowly. Gay-oriented establishments and institutions are allowed a certain degree of visibility.
Abortion: Legal without restriction as to reason.
Women’s Issues: Women have equal rights and are well-represented in government. However, research cited by Bulgarian National Television (BNT) in 2010, indicates that one-in-four Bulgarian women have suffered some form of domestic violence. Convictions rarely occur as prosecutors tend to view spousal abuse as a family problem and not a criminal offense.
Guns: Civilian ownership of some firearms is allowed but owners must be licensed and registration is required. Owner must also show a demonstrated need.
Crime: Higher rate of crime than other E.U. countries. Pickpocketing and purse-snatching commonly occur in larger cities. Violent crime on the rise, particularly contract killings by organized crime groups. Perpetrators often escape prosecution due to an ineffective and sometimes corrupt judiciary.
Real Estate: Foreigners can legally buy only buildings but not land. So while that suffices for condo purchases, to buy land or to own the plot where a house is situated, it is necessary to form a company which is easy to do in Bulgaria. It is not necessary for any Bulgarians to have interest in the property. Although prices surged during the property boom of 2006–2008, today apartments in the resort town of Varna with an ocean view can be had for under $70,000. Seaside homes in the same area can be had for as low as $100,000.
Life Expectancy: 73.09 years
Moving There
Generally, if you look like you can support yourself and you’re not a troublemaker, chances are they’ll let you stick around.
Tourist Visa: U.S. citizens do not need a visa to stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days. You may be asked to show proof of medical insurance valid for Bulgaria. (Note: Bulgaria is expected to become a Schengen country in October 2011.)
Long-Term Visa: For stays longer than 90 days, U.S. citizens are required to apply for long-term (D type) visa at Bulgarian consulate in the U.S. These are issued routinely and are valid for 90 days. A foreigner must enter Bulgaria with a long-stay visa to apply for a long-term residence permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Residence Permit: Applicants must possess type D visa (see above) to apply for resident status. Generally three categories of permit: employee, freelance professional, and pensioner. There is also a select category of permit for individuals who invest at least $500,000 in Bulgaria. Pensioner permit requires proof of retirement income. The permit is valid for one year and renewable.
Student visas available per the usual requirements.
Permanent Residency: Five years residency required for permanent resident permit.
Citizenship: Five years of permanent residency, fluency in Bulgarian, and gainful employment or regular income required.
Extended stays in Bulgaria usually require that you open a local bank account.
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Climate: Tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to November); dry season (December to April); little seasonal temperature variation
Government: Multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy established in September 1993
Population: 14,453,680
Currency: Riel (KHR): 1 KHR = 0.00024 USD |
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Language: Khmer [official] (95%), French, English
Religious Groups: Theravada Buddhist (95%), other (5%)
Ethnic Groups: Khmer (90%), Vietnamese (5%), Chinese (1%), other (4%)
Cost of Living compared to the U.S: Dirt cheap
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For a heavy dose of the raw, cheap, and exotic, cutting-edge expats have been choosing Cambodia. Its worst days seem to be fading into the past and instead of Killing Fields, there is lush jungle, ancient temples, and pristine beaches—just so long as you don’t mind giving up many of the conveniences you took for granted and you’re OK with poor hygiene, poor sanitation and poor people. The appeal here is for those seeking rock-bottom prices on a tropical Asian lifestyle and few of the trappings of Western consumerism. Laws are anticipated that will make it easier for foreigners to buy property, and it might be a good idea to scout out the choice locations early.
Living There
Governance: Cambodia is making small steps toward building a viable democracy but charges of election fraud and voter intimidation are not uncommon. The country lacks an independent judiciary, and intimidation, harassment, and other measures are frequently used to silence criticism of the government. Human rights abuses are a continuing concern.
Infrastructure: Primitive and underdeveloped due to years of conflict and civil war.
Internet: Poor. Less than 1% of all Cambodians have access to the Internet.
Healthcare: Adequate in Phnom Penh, poor to non-existent elsewhere.
GDP: $30.13 billion
GDP (Per Capita): $2,000
Sovereign Debt: Unavailable
Working There: Teach English. There’s not much in the way of work. Most of the expatriate community works with aid agencies.
Regulatory Environment: Stifling and often arbitrary but recent reforms are slowly improving conditions for new businesses.
Taxes: Corporate: 20%, Individual: 0–20%, VAT: 10%. Tax on worldwide income.
Cannabis: Illegal but widely available
Homosexuality: Legal. No legal protections for same-sex unions. No laws against discrimination.
Abortion: Legal within 14-week gestational limit. No restrictions as to reason.
Women’s Issues: Laws prohibiting discrimination. Domestic violence a problem.
Guns: Stringent laws limiting private ownership.
Crime: Not insubstantial. Armed robberies are not unheard of but mostly you have to deal with street crime and petty theft, which are common in the cities.
Real Estate: Property laws are set to change to allow foreigners to purchase property. Until the prospective reforms are initiated, foreigners can buy 70–year leases for the land, buy only the building, or set up a company where a Cambodian owns 51% and signs a proxy giving his voting rights to you. Mortgages are rare, as interest rates are high and most purchases are made in cash.
Life Expectancy: 62.28 years
Moving There
If you plan to stay (and not marry), you’ll need a business visa (technically, a “non-immigrant visa, business type,” but whatever), and while you could theoretically conduct business, in practice, these visas are pretty much issued as revenue-generators (cost: $295). Show up with money and you needn’t expect to answer a lot of questions.
Tourist Visa: One-month tourist visa can be extended for one month, but one time only. Cambodia now has “E-Visa” program that allows visitors to apply for a Tourist Visa online: www.mfaic.gov.kh/evisa
Business Visa: Valid for up to one year, can be renewed indefinitely.
Work Permit: The Ministry of the Interior does issue work permits, issued on presentation of a work contract and other documentation, though few of the expat workforce in the country has seen one. These are valid as long as your business visa is valid.
Investor Visa: Investors in a variety of government-authorized investments can receive one- or two-year visas, renewable indefinitely.
Student Visas also available, per the usual requirements. Visas for journalists, skilled workers and dependents and spouses of Cambodian nationals also available.
Permanent residency is available under certain limited conditions, however, few take this route.
Art F.
Sihanoukville, Cambodia
One thing people have to remember is that this is a third-world country. The infrastructure can be challenging. The power grid is under capacity, and there are daily outages, lasting from five minutes to 13 hours. Driving is a challenge, as the idea of driving on any particular side of the road is optional. Passing is done whenever the driver pleases. There are frequent accidents on the main roads, mostly because the bus drivers are all insane, and bully their way around. They pass any time they like, oftentimes forcing oncoming traffic onto the shoulder. Watch out for the morons in Lexus SUVs—they are all arrogant bullies, and do not give anyone else any respect.
Medical care here is OK at best. A person who needs constant medical support should look elsewhere. Clinics are all over, and very inexpensive.
What makes it attractive living here is that the cost of living is very low. I rent a three-bedroom, four-bath house, on a well-paved road, for $300 a month. My rent will go down each year—next year it’s $270, the year after that $250. My electric bill is around $40 a month. Cable TV is $8 a month. Internet is $53. Gasoline is about $4 a gallon (about $1 per liter)
Outside of Phnom Penh, it’s pretty much the jungle. If you like a sterile house, this is not a place for you. My house has many open vents to the outside. This lets in a nice breeze, but also mosquitos, and many other bugs. There are geckos all over. I have at least four in the house, they take care of many of the insects. I have not seen any snakes around the house, but there are many toxic vipers, cobras, kraits, Russell Vipers, Burmese Pythons, etc. The rats here are HUGE—look like brown squirrels and they are not afraid of you.
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Climate: Varies from temperate in south to subarctic to arctic in north
Government: Constitutional Monarchy/Parliamentary Democracy/Federation
Population: 33.4 million
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD): 1 CAD = 1.01 USD
Language: English (official), French (official) |
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Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (43%), Protestant (23%), other Christian (4%), Muslim (2%), other and unspecified (12%), none (16%)
Ethnic Groups: British Isles origin (28%), French origin (23%), other European (15%), Amerindian (2%), other, mostly Asian, African, Arab (6%), mixed background (26%).
Cost of Living (compared to U.S.): About the same
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“That’s it! I’m moving to Canada” has been the cry of disaffected and draft-dodging Americans since the time of slavery. The country’s recent lurch to the right and its absorption into NORTHCOM (United States Northern Command) over the past decade have tempered this some, but universal health coverage, gay marriage, near-legal pot and a generous social safety net still prevail. An estimated one million Americans (that is, people from the USA) live there. The availability of goods and services is comparable to the U.S., the conveniences of civilization equally available, but guns and violent crime are nearly non-existent by U.S. standards. They’re basically like us, only nicer. And with the exception of Quebec, they look and speak almost like us, so nobody even has to know you’re a Stateside transplant.
Best of all, the country has a lot more room than it has people, so there’s not much immigrant animus. Close to a fifth of Canucks are foreign-born (just 11.5% of the U.S. population can say the same). They maintain one of the world’s only permanent immigration programs as well as an easy-to-navigate immigrant website that invites you to come move here. Scenery-wise, you can pick from the lush green islands and temperate rainforests of British Columbia, the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and the salty fishing towns in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. There are also incentives that make immigration easier if you move to the boonies.
Living There
Governance: Canada is a Western-style liberal democracy with free and fair elections. Most rights are protected under the 1982 Federal Charter of Rights and Freedoms but there is a clause that allows each province to opt out of the agreement. The country has an outspoken free press, notoriously independent judiciary, and the government is one of the least corrupt in the world.
Infrastructure: First World
Internet: Hi-speed widely available. As of 2010, Canada’s broadband penetration per capita was higher than the U.S. In a ranking of 30 OECD countries, Canada was ranked 10th and the U.S. was ranked 15th. The government of Canada has committed to making high-capacity Internet access available to all Canadians.
Cannabis: Decriminalized and widely used
Homosexuality: Legal; same-sex marriage is allowed, nationwide laws against discrimination. Canada has a liberal and active gay scene.
Women’s Issues: Women’s rights are protected in law and in practice. Women have strong representation in government and most professions. Problems with violence against women exist in some aboriginal communities.
Abortion: Legal
Guns: All firearm owners must be licensed, all guns must be registered. Licensing requires background check and safety instruction. Weapons must be kept locked and unloaded.
Crime: Violent crimes far less common than in the U.S. Strict gun control. Petty crime levels on par with U.S. although Canada is higher in some types of property crimes like vehicle theft. Overall, crime in Canada has been in decline since 1991.
Healthcare: Socialized medicine. High standard of care and facilities.
GDP: $1.334 trillion
GDP (Per Capita): $39,600
Sovereign Debt: 34% of GDP
Working There: Labor market conditions vary by region. Employment opportunities include high-tech industries, construction, truck driving, engineering, food services, and tourism.
Regulatory Environment: Efficient, transparent, and designed to encourage entrepreneurs.
Taxes: Moderate income tax. Individual: 0–29%; Corporate 11–18%, 32–42%. Provincial tax: Individual: 0–24%, Corporate: 2–16% (depending on location). Nonresidents may be subject to tax on Canadian-source income such as employment, business and capital gains. Residents taxed on worldwide income.
Real Estate: Mortgages usually given with a 35% down payment amortized over 25 years with a five-year term. Mortgage interest is not deductible in Canada but there is no capital gains tax on or requirement to reinvest in real estate if you sell your property at a profit.
Life Expectancy: 81.29 years
Moving There
There are myriad of ways to live permanently or at least long-term in Canada. Prospective immigrants, however, must declare their intentions upon arrival at the port of entry, so get your ducks in a row before fleeing to the Great White North. Residency visas must be obtained before arriving. Application can be done online at the government’s very user-friendly immigration website: www.cic.gc.ca The relevant categories for Americans are as follows:
Work Permits: Issued for the duration of a sponsored employment contract which is usually up to three years.
Working Holiday Visa: U.S. citizens can enroll in the SWAP Canada program, which allows American college and university students (18–30 years of age) to travel and work in Canada for up to six months. Program is managed through www.swap.ca and www.bunac.com
Skilled Worker: Skilled workers can enjoy permanent residency in Canada providing they can prove they will be economically self-sufficient. Before your application will even be processed you must show proficiency in English and/or French (there is a test), have a valid offer for employment, or show proof of at least one year of continuous employment in a select occupation (the list is available on Canada’s immigration web page).
If you meet the basic requirements, your application will be processed according to six selection factors: age, education, work experience, ability to speak English and/or French, whether or not you have arranged for employment in Canada (or current employment on a work permit), and adaptability to life in Canada. You will also need to show proof that you have enough money to support yourself and your family once you have arrived in Canada.
Family: To immigrate to Canada as a family class member, you must be sponsored by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years of age: fiancé, spouse (including same-sex), common-law or conjugal partner; dependent child, parent or grandparent; an orphaned sister, brother, niece, nephew or grandchild (under 18); and any relative if you are that sponsor’s closest living relative. The most common type of family class application is for those who are married to or engaged to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Business/Self-Employed: Limited to farmers and those who can demonstrate the potential to make a cultural, artistic, or sporting contribution to Canada.
Business/Entrepreneur Class: Must possess a total net worth of at least CAD 300,000 (approx. $307,000), establish or purchase a business upon arrival in Canada, and within three years must hold at least one-third equity in the company and establish at least one new full-time job for a Canadian.
Business/Investor Class: Must possess a total net worth of CAD 1,600,000 (approx. $1.6 million) and provide proof of business experience. Applicants must invest CAD 800,000 (approx. $800,000) of this amount for five years. Although not a requirement, it is recommended that this transaction be carried out by a government-approved facilitator which is a financial institution that enjoys the protection of the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). Investor class holders don’t have to actively own and operate a business, and you are issued permanent residence immediately upon arrival. Limited number of visas issued per year.
Provincial Nominee Program: Alberta, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, and Northwest Territories allow their own yearly quotas based on labor and social needs. Upon acceptance, immigrants receive a permanent residence visa. To retain their status as permanent residents, individuals must physically reside in Canada for two years (730 days) out of every five-year period.
Student visas available per the usual requirements.
Applications approved under any of the Canadian immigration schemes can apply for a Permanent Resident Card, and are then eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship after living there three of the previous four years.
Jude Angione
Toronto, Canada
The city of Toronto is now part of the “GTA”: Greater Toronto Area. The amalgamation was forced on the city and surrounding suburbs by the province a few years ago. It was not a welcome amalgamation but people have gotten used to it. Although the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) is starting to fall behind and is in need of a multi-billion-dollar update, Toronto is still one of the best cities in North America for public transit and walking. You absolutely do not need to own a vehicle if you live in Toronto. Twenty-four-hour service even to far-flung areas of the city, a choice of subway, bus or streetcar, all laid out in a highly sensible and easy-to-understand grid system.
There is less crime in general, but Vancouver and Toronto are getting up there. It’s much safer to walk the streets here. I walk everywhere 24 hours a day and have never felt in danger. You generally feel safer on the streets than in most American cities.
As for the cost of living, salaries are lower and taxes are higher. Semi-socialized healthcare is a big help. Let’s just say that if you’re going to be poor, you’re better off in Canada than the U.S. No one loses their home in Canada because they need heart surgery. They might have to wait if it isn’t critical but they won’t have to pay once their place in line comes up.
There is a lot of anti-Americanism in Canada, some of it quite cruel and gratuitous. I still have dual citizenship and I love both my countries but on a day-today basis I think it’s less crazy-making to be living in Canada rather than the U.S.
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Climate: Temperate; dry, arid desert in the north; moderate, Mediterranean-style weather in central regions; cool and damp in the south
Government: Republic
Population: 16,601,707
Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP): 1 CLP = 0.002 USD
Language: Spanish (official), Mapudungun, German, English.
Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (70%), Evangelical (15.1%), Jehovah’s Witness (1.1%), other Christian (1%), other (4.6%), none (8.3%)
Ethnic Groups: White and Amerindian (94.5%), Mapuche (4%), other indigenous groups (0.06%)
Cost of Living compared to the U.S: Somewhat cheaper than the U.S.
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A little sliver of land between the craggy Andean peaks and the Pacific Ocean, Chile, like its neighbor Argentina, with whom it shares most of its border, offers some of the most modern living in Latin America, though it’s far from the bargain that most of the rest of the region is. Somewhat conservative in terms of drugs, gays and abortion, Chile is still far from the autocratic horror show of the Pinochet era. Free marketeers will enjoy the open business environment and the only privatized social security system on the planet.
Living There
Governance: Free and fair elections, an overall respect for human rights, and a judiciary largely untainted by political corruption. Chile is considered the least corrupt country in Latin America, where, admittedly, the bar has not been set very high.
Infrastructure: Semi-developed. Chile has shown remarkable resilience following an 8.8 earthquake in February, 2010. Experts point to the country’s adherence to Western-style building standards and earthquake-proofing measures as a major reason why. As Chile rebuilds, many are predicting that modernization efforts will gather momentum. Telecommunications infrastructure is one of the best in Latin America but the Chilean rail system has long suffered from neglect.
Internet: Widely available; Chile has an advanced telecommunications infrastructure and boasts the highest Internet usage and broadband penetration rates in Latin America.
Healthcare: Residents who are employed and paying local taxes can apply to receive healthcare through FONASA, Chile’s public healthcare plan. Private insurance is also available at an affordable price. Overall, Chile’s healthcare system is efficiently run and provides some of the best quality care in Latin America.
GPD: $260 billion
GDP (Per Capita): $15,500
Sovereign Debt: 6.2% of GDP
Working There: Some IT, start a business, teach English, tourism, NGO work. Under-the-table employment is also a possibility.
Regulatory Environment: Simple, efficient and not burdensome to new businesses.
Taxes: Individual: 0–40%, Corporate: 17%, VAT: 19%. Non-residents (staying less than six months in the country for two consecutive years) taxed only on Chilean-source income. Chilean tax authorities do not tax worldwide income for first three years of residency. Term may be extended for an additional three years.
Cannabis: Illegal, widely used. Private use tolerated.
Homosexuality: Legal, no recognition of same-sex unions, no laws against discrimination.
Abortion: Illegal
Women’s Issues: Despite laws against rape and domestic abuse, violence against women remains a problem within Chilean society. Although women enjoy the same legal rights as men, there are still sizable wage disparities between men and women.
Guns: Some types of guns are legal to own but a permit is required. Chilean law restricts the number of firearms and ammunition that can be owned.
Crime: Moderate; some street crime in major cities and near tourist attractions. Generally property crimes like pickpocketing, purse snatching, theft from vehicles, etc.
Real Estate: Foreigners can buy property in most parts of Chile (some border areas are off-limits). Private property rights are strongly protected in Chile and the dispute process is known for being both efficient and transparent. Prices vary considerably. Condos and apartments can be had for under $100,000 while some of the larger homes can run into the millions. Attorney and agent fees will generally run to between 5% and 8% of purchase price.
Life Expectancy: 77.34 years
Moving There
If you’re here to do business or retire, you’ll have little difficulty. If you’re lucky enough to land a job contract, it’s not a problem either. Hurdles are a little steeper for the self-employed freelancer.
Tourist Visa: U.S. citizens do not need a visa to stay up to 90 days in Chile. Tourists have the option of applying for a longer-term visa while in the country. Letter of invitation required but hotel reservation will suffice.
Temporary Resident Visa: Available for stays of up to one year in Chile. Self-sufficiency and something the authorities would consider a valid reason for wanting to live in Chile is required. The visa is valid for one year and renewable. Temporary residents can apply for permanent residency after one year.
Business and Investment Visa: Applicant must submit detailed business plan showing that prospective venture will contribute to Chilean economy. While this visa is generally easy to obtain, each year business operations are closely examined by Chilean immigration authorities and the visa will not be renewed if the enterprise is considered questionable or illegitimate. Business visa is valid for one year, renewable as long is business is considered viable.
Work Permit: Applicants must possess job offer or work contract from Chilean employer. Visa is valid for duration of employment.
Rentista/Retirement Visa: Chile is a bit more flexible than other countries in awarding rentista/retirement visas. Applicant need only show proof of adequate income for stay in Chile. Income can be derived from Social Security, interest income, rent payments or annuities, property ownership, stock portfolios, or sufficient savings. Visa applicants can also apply for work permit or business visa.
Permanent Residency Visa: Available to applicants who have lived in Chile for at least 180 days as temporary resident over a one-year period. Proof of sufficient income required. Valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely.
Student visa available per the usual requirements. Priority visas also issued for spouses and dependents of Chilean nationals.
Citizenship: Available to permanent residents who have lived in Chile for at least five years. Proof of sufficient income required. Applicants have the option of applying for dual citizenship should they choose to retain U.S. citizenship.
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Climate: China has a variety of temperature and rainfall zones, including continental monsoon areas. The northeast, which includes Beijing, usually experiences a long, cold winter, and a short but hot and sunny summer. Southern provinces are warmer and more humid while desert conditions prevail in the west.
Government: Communist party-led state |
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Population: 1,338,612,968
Currency: Yuan (CNY): 1 CNY = 0.14 USD
Language: Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages
Religious Groups: Daoist (Taoist), Buddhist, Muslim (1–2%), Christian, other [note: China is officially atheist]
Ethnic Groups: Han Chinese (92%), other [including Tibetan, Mongol, Korean, Manchu, and Uighur] (8%)
Cost of Living compared to the U.S.: Comparable in the main cities, cheap in the boonies
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If you want to see what it’s like when the most populous nation on earth runs hell-bent on free-market capitalism (behind a thin veneer of Communism) and rapid industrialization, head to the People’s Republic. One-hundred-story skyscrapers are thrown up seasonally in Shanghai, while in the special economic zones in the South, cities of millions have been springing up like mushrooms around Guangzhou. Just about every object we touch or use is made there but at quite a cost. Environmentally, it’s a catastrophe—Dickens-era London but on a far more massive scale. Factory waste runs wherever it can, smog can be blinding, pesticides are sprayed with abandon and the Three Gorges Dam, completed in 2006, flooded 1,300 priceless cultural and archaeological sites and displaced over a million people. Much of the tap water is not fit to drink without boiling. But opportunities abound, and in 2011, over 70,000 were making their home, at least temporarily, on the mainland. Teaching packages are as comprehensive as they are in Japan, at a fraction of the cost of living. Also high is the demand for architects and engineers, computer specialists and anyone else with the know-how to help with the instant infrastructure that’s going up. Those who come to wheel and deal will find the government friendly and the labor laws favorable (to employers, that is). Should you ever get lonely for home, you can visit one of China’s estimated 1,000 McDonald’s franchises for a taste of good old American-style processed food. Some familiarity with Mandarin and proxy servers can go a long way.
Living There
Governance: All power rests with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and woe to those who mess with them. Popular elections for executive positions do not exist. Media are heavily censored and Internet sites are routinely and often capriciously blocked. Corruption and bribery run through all strata of business and government, and the country’s human rights record is abysmal.
Infrastructure: Adequate in the Special Economic Zones, pathetic elsewhere.
Internet: Subject to government censorship. Hi-speed available in developed areas.
Healthcare: Although the Chinese government once provided medical care to all residents at little to no cost, China’s new entrepreneurial outlook has led to a system favoring private insurance and cash-for-services style medical treatment.
GDP: 9.872 trillion
GDP (Per Capita): $7,400
Sovereign Debt: 17.5% of GDP
Working There: Teachers, architects, IT, construction, engineering, business and marketing
Regulatory Environment: Inconsistent, complicated, and lacking in transparency. Some corruption. Businesses face byzantine licensing procedures, and respect for intellectual property is nonexistent. The overall outlook, despite all this, is bullish.
Taxes: Corporate: 25%, (though foreign businesses involved in state-approved industries like high technology are taxed at a preferential rate as low as 15%), Individual: 5–35%, VAT: 17% (reduced rate of 3% and 13% on certain items), Consumption: 3–45% on alcohol, fuel, jewelry, and cars.
Cannabis: Possession cases usually receive no less than seven years imprisonment, and if you are caught smuggling, possibly execution.
Homosexuality: Legislation prohibiting homosexual contact repealed in 1997. Chinese authorities removed homosexuality from the country’s list of mental illnesses in 2001. Still, there is no recognition of same-sex unions, no laws against discrimination, and strong cultural biases still exist. Nevertheless there are signs of reform. Gay bars and organizations are appearing, particularly in the southern city of Shenzen.
Abortion: Legal without restriction as to reason
Women’s Issues: Gender discrimination occurs at almost all levels of Chinese society.
Guns: Strictly illegal. Unauthorized possession of a firearm can be a capital offense.
Crime: Very low
Real Estate: China has recently placed limits on foreign investment. Current regulations limit foreigners to one residential unit per person and the property must be for self-use. Foreign firms can only buy property that will be specifically used for company operations. It’s somewhat daunting negotiating all the paperwork and requirements, but financing can be obtained by foreigners through institutions like Bank of China and China Constructions Bank. There are also overseas lenders available that provide mortgages for properties in China.
Life Expectancy: 73.47 years
Moving There
The expatriate scene is as massive as one might expect from the world’s most populous nation and expanding economy. If you’re truly doing business or are engaged in (or have been offered) gainful employ, a little patience and a lot of documentation should get you in.
NOTE: Additional permits are required to visit many remote areas, including Tibet. Visa requirements for Hong Kong are not the same as those for the People’s Republic of China.
Tourist Visa (“L” Visa): U.S. Citizens are eligible to apply for single entry (three to six months), double entry (six months), or multiple entry visa (six to 12 months). Extensions are limited. The preferred method for longer-term stay (if you can’t secure an F, Z or other visa) is to make a border run to Hong Kong and reapply.
Business/Official Visit Visa (“F” Visa): U.S citizens eligible to apply for single entry, double entry, or multiple entry visas valid for six months or 12 months “as needed.” Americans can also apply for “F” Visa valid for 24 months if documents are provided showing applicant has made an investment in China or “established a collaboration” with a Chinese company (business license, contract, notarized letter, etc.) If you have been issued an “F” visa at least twice within 24 months, you can also apply for the 24-month visa (copies must be submitted with application).
Employment Visa (“Z” Visa): Required for aliens entering China with the intention of employment, self-employment, or as part of an academic exchange. Applicant must submit work permit issued by Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and for freelance work, Foreign Expert’s License issued by Chinese Foreign Expert Bureau. Generally valid for three months with no duration of stay; holders of Z visa must apply within 30 days of arrival in China for Residence permit at local public security authority.
Residence Visa (“D” Visa): China is not that interested in letting people stay permanently. Those with Chinese ties—spouse, family, etc.—are the only ones who should even bother.
Student Visas (X) and Journalist Visas (J-1, J-2) are also available with appropriate documentation. Practicing journalism in China without the proper approval and paperwork is a good way to get arrested, jailed and/or deported.
Jennifer Ashley
Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
I think the pluses of living in China include the lower cost of living than in the U.S. and the resulting personal opportunities (travel, leisure time, pursuit of other professional areas of interest, etc.) that it affords. To me another big plus is the fact that the average citizen here does not own a car, making bicycle or public transportation the standard means of commuting. The minuses (viewed through, of course, an American-centric lens) are the dangerously high levels of pollution (air mostly, but also water and even noise), general dirtiness, lack of privacy/personal space due to the large population, and an immature capitalist economy (oftentimes meaning poor customer service, quality of goods, etc.).
It’s fairly easy in terms of visas. Employers usually take care of work visas; at times I’ve been a student and then was able to apply for a student visa. As long as you’re gainfully employed or gainfully enrolled in school, or any number of other reasons the Chinese government will grant you a visa. The regulations are constantly changing and it’s a bit of a hassle, but I don’t think that it’s as difficult as, say, a Chinese national trying to get a visa to live in the U.S. There’s no requirement to know even a word of the Chinese language, for instance.
The city I live in now, Chengdu, seems to attract expatriates who are long(ish)-term ESL teachers and/or performing musicians, Peace Corps volunteers, or Christian missionaries. Most have chosen or been required to learn a substantial amount of Chinese (in the case of the latter two groups, they receive language training). The city I lived in last year, Suzhou, is in the wealthier East Coast area, and attracts a significant amount of foreign investment. They have many expatriates who have been sent there by their companies and are unable or unwilling to speak/learn Chinese. Likewise, the English teachers in Suzhou often seem to be travelers or people taking a year off from their lives at home, many of whom don’t invest much time in studying Chinese. So there is much more catering to that fact, in terms of restaurants, bars, etc. that require their staff to speak English—as well as even shops along the tourist streets where the shopkeepers have picked up enough English from daily contact with English speakers. I can’t say there are really any English-speaking enclaves. There are the bar districts where you might hear plenty of English, but Chinese still dominates, and there are residential districts that attract a relatively high number of expatriates, but there are still far more Chinese people living in them.
For Americans specifically, I think it’s important to be sensitive to the fact that being American carries with it many connotations and that whether or not you want to be, when you’re outside of America, you’re serving as a representative of your country. And because many American companies (KFC, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Nike, Proctor & Gamble, Microsoft, Nestle, Johnson & Johnson, Nabisco, Starbucks, etc.) have a very visible presence in China, I’ve heard that there is some related resentment but I have never encountered any outright hostility in this regard. (In my experience, Chinese more frequently disparage local products/services and hold American products/services as a model to which Chinese companies should aspire.)
There’s a lot of talk among Americans about China’s internal policies, but I’d say on the whole they don’t affect me very much—or, at least, I can’t think of anything that I would ordinarily do in the U.S. that I’m restricted by law from doing here, and, in fact, restrictions that affect daily life might be fewer here. To briefly illustrate: in China it is acceptable to walk down the street drinking a beer, purchase alcohol or tobacco at any age and at any time of the day or night, disobey traffic lights, and so forth. There is evidently a law that makes it illegal for university students to have boyfriends or girlfriends, but it is entirely ignored. On the other hand, police turn the other cheek when passing by the thinly disguised brothels that can be found all over. I have voiced opinions, both orally, via emails, blogs, discussion forums, and U.S.-based press, on China, from China, and have never had a problem. I take the word of the local English-language newspapers with a grain of salt, but I can say the same when I read any newspaper. (The grain of salt in China might just be a bit bigger.) I’m able to use proxies to circumvent the governmental firewall, which blocks a number of websites I view or have wanted to view. But I should acknowledge that while the laws regarding freedom of the press do not affect my life directly, I do teach over 200 university students, so it does affect me in that I must be careful with what I say in class at times, and I also have to silently listen to what I view as misinformation from students frequently.
In terms of personal safety, I definitely feel safer walking around at any hour of the day or night here than I did in Los Angeles. There is much more petty crime, like pick-pocketing and bicycle theft, so I’m careful with my money and valuables when outside, but violent crimes are far less common here, and even guards tend to be unarmed, or armed, at most, with a club.
I do sometimes miss the standard of cleanliness in restaurants and particularly public toilets in the U.S. I think public transportation is actually better here than it is in L.A. since the majority of the population here relies on it whereas in L.A. public transportation users are a small minority. To be sure, the buses here are more crowded, less comfortable etc., but they perform their main function (transporting people) better. Access to the Internet can be frustrating at times here as it can be slow, and the government blocks various websites (sometimes at random it seems). But even this usually can be circumvented. But I’d have to say, all things aside, life here is actually more “convenient.” I do miss pizza delivery—believe it nor not, home delivery is not very common in China. I guess I also miss, to a lesser extent, the comfort in knowing I would be able to access quality medical care in the event of an emergency. The construction here isn’t of the highest quality, and there are many building features that would be considered unsafe (and the stuff lawsuits are made of) in the U.S. (no fire exits, even in 25-story buildings, uneven ledges that can easily be tripped over, slippery walking surfaces such as granite, drops with no railings, etc.). The insulation is also extremely poor as the buildings tend to be steel and concrete so it feels particularly cold (and difficult to heat) during the cold season since the indoors is nearly as cold as the outdoors. Lastly, I’ve never encountered a Chinese water heater that functions as well as its American counterpart.
Edna Vuong
Beijing, China
Living in Beijing is not that difficult. The expat community in Beijing is pretty big. I work long hours. Much longer than if I were working in the U.S. My pay is much lower than what I would make in the States, but I think that that varies. People who work in larger foreign offices are able to secure wages comparable to the U.S. Local offices pay MUCH less and work you much much harder.
Cost of living is so low that I manage to save a significant portion of my salary while living very comfortably. Everything is so cheap that expats tend to live extravagantly. A taxi costs $1.50 USD for the first 3 km; a maid costs roughly $3.50 USD an hour; a massage is about $15 USD an hour.
The difficult thing about living in China is the government. Everything is censored. You can’t trust the news. Foreign news tends to be blocked. Most blogs are blocked. No Facebook, YouTube, Blogspot, Wordpress, Twitter, HuffingtonPost, etc. You get used to hearing about ridiculous government antics. They control the weather. When it rains we discuss if it is real rain or government rain. Before every major public holiday the government seeds the clouds to ensure that the weather is perfect for the holidays. Local women are not allowed to know the sex of their children in case they abort because it is not a boy, because they are only allowed to have one. They have no problems telling whole neighborhoods they are not allowed to leave their homes or look out their windows so that the government can rehearse for parade. The general public does not even know about the Tiananmen Square Protests in 1989. If you even google Tiananmen riots your Internet will stop working for about five minutes. The censorship leaves you a bit ignorant, which I guess is the point. There are ways around the censorship, but it is a daily hassle you have to learn to live with.
I pay for a VPN (Virtual Private Network). I’m not sure how it works, but it somehow routes your signal so it seems like you are not in China. So I have access to blocked websites. It’s slower than normal Internet, but it is better than nothing.
Pollution is also something you have to learn to deal with. It is not rare for weeks to go by before you get a blue sky. So if you have respiratory problems, Beijing is probably not the place for you. You also have to be careful what you eat. There was the whole melamine in the milk powder thing. Then there was news that street vendors were shredding cardboard and adding it to dumpling filling so that they didn’t have to pay for as much meat. Restaurants tend to throw their fryer oil into the gutters and the news reported that vendors were siphoning the oil from the gutters to reuse in their restaurants. I don’t know if this is all true, but it was in the local newspapers.
There are large expat communities all around Beijing. There is a Russian district near Ritan Park. Younger expats go to the Sanlitun area where there are lots of expat bars and foreign restaurants. GuoMao is the central business district. Shunyi is expat suburbs with identical rows of tract homes and fenced in backyards. Wudaokou is the university area. There is a large Korean community out there.
Every expat community has its own strip of foreign groceries and restaurants. If you miss something, it is not difficult to get your hands on it if you are willing to pay. Online expat forums like thebeijinger.com and cityweekend.com.cn are also helpful. You can also find apartment listings on these websites.
The population is beyond imagination. There are people everywhere and they tend to be pushy and disregard personal space. People spit, kids pee and shit on the streets, and have a general disregard for simple rules like standing in line. Despite the large expat community, locals still blatantly stare and point at foreigners. Some will actually stare and point as they walk by and then turn around to do a second pass. It’s important to realize that it’s just in their culture. China was, until very recently, a very closed society with very little outside exposure. It’s easy to get angry or look down on the locals, and it’s something that most expats fall into, but we moved here and are living in their country by choice. Things are just the way they are and you just have to deal with it.
In my opinion, the best thing about living in China is how easy it is to travel. It is significantly cheaper to fly to Europe from China than it is from the U.S. Korea and Japan are only a few hours away. You can fly to Southeast Asia for a couple hundred dollars. China is also huge and diverse so it’s worth taking long weekends all over the country.
I think living in China can be difficult at times so expats tend to be very welcoming and it’s not too difficult to make friends. I find it is more difficult making friends with locals. They are friendly, but tend to be a little distant. You also have to watch what you say. They tend to be extremely proud of their country and disparaging remarks about their government are not appreciated especially since they have only heard what their government has told them. This is not always the case, but many locals feel that the government does what is best for them and don’t believe that their civil rights are being violated.
Gabriella Van Leuven
Beijing, China
While China has come a long way in recent years, and I consider myself fairly open-minded, there are some things which I don’t believe I’ll ever get used to.
Everywhere you go there are huge crowds. Everywhere. There is constant noise and traffic. Grocery stores, buses, trains, sidewalks...all filled with people at all times of the day. You will get shoved, elbowed and ogled. People will cut in front of you in line, kids will point and strangers will stare unabashedly—both at you and into your shopping basket.
The number of cars on the roads in China has increased tenfold in as many years. Also, to get a driver’s license here you need only have money, not actual knowledge of traffic rules or driving skills. Cars drive in the bike lane, on the sidewalk, against red lights, against the direction of traffic and against all logic in general. Horns are used liberally.
People do spit, often and noisily. There is a long-held belief, based in traditional Chinese medicine, that spitting is healthy and rids the body of toxins. Actually, I don’t mind it, but it seems to bother a lot of my fellow foreigners. For some reason, Western men especially seem to have a problem with the idea of attractive women spitting loudly. I think it’s funny.
Whereas in the U.S. we do like to offer our bus seats and spots in line to the elderly, in China the elderly don’t wait for the chance to be offered. It’s disconcerting at first to have old ladies elbow past you to get on the bus or openly cut to the front of the line—but I guess it does make sense, after all.
People will ask you “how much did you pay for that?” Having lived in both Northern California and the Midwest, I’ve experienced a range of attitudes toward asking people “personal” questions. I tend to fall on the Northern California side of the line here, but still feel uncomfortable answering this question. I usually quote my Chinese co-workers about half of what I actually paid, knowing that I probably paid the “foreigner tax” anyway.
When I first arrived, I ate in a restaurant every night. I could not believe that I could get a meal and a beer for two or three dollars. While the novelty hasn’t worn off, the liberal use of MSG, soybean oil and salt wore me out. Also, that beer, even though it’s cheaper than water, is a lot like water, but worse-tasting.
I love going to the gym and was delighted to find a brand-new Western-style gym right down the street from my apartment. Gyms are a new phenomenon here, though the tradition of daily exercise amongst Chinese is strong. The gym I belong to also has its own fashion line, but most people just wear their work clothes. I often see people running on the treadmill in jeans and dress shoes—whilst talking on their cell phones, no less. I like to take the aerobics classes here, and have found that, yes, the stuff the teacher is saying must be useless because I get by without it just fine. Most classes end with a little bit of Tai Chi to cool down.
Taxis are another luxury I’ve taken on while I’m here. Not only do taxi drivers not expect tips, they often won’t accept tips. Taxi flag in Beijing is 10 rmb: about $1.50. From there it’s 2 rmb/kilometer. Strangely, gas here is about $4 a gallon. My father, a taxi driver in San Francisco, was baffled by these numbers. I’ve heard that taxi drivers often live in the basements of abandoned buildings or camp in construction sites. My average taxi ride costs about $3–10 times the cost of the subway and 20 times the cost of the bus.
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Climate: Tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands
Government: Republic
Population: 44,725,543
Currency: Colombian Peso (COP): 1 COP = 0.0005 USD
Language: Spanish (official)
Religious Groups: Catholic (90%), other (10%)
Ethnic Groups: mestizo (85%), white (20%), mulatto (14%), black (4%), mixed black-Amerindian (3%), Amerindian (1%)
Cost of Living Compared to U.S.: Cheap
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Perhaps best known as the battleground for the cocaine wars of the ’80s and ’90s, Colombia is also a gorgeous country that is becoming popular with European travelers who have fallen in love with its lush rainforests, gorgeous beaches, and breathtaking Andean scenery. In recent years, the country has been making something of a comeback. Over the past two decades, the murder rate has been cut in half, insurgent groups and paramilitaries are demobilizing, and the cocaine cartels are in retreat. Something akin to stability has taken hold and adventurous American exiles are giving Colombia a second look. If you’re looking for an unpopulated surf haven, a low-cost setting to launch your business, or simply a beautiful place with friendly locals to spend your retirement years, Colombia might be the perfect destination. Expats have been flocking to Cartagena, a port city on the Caribbean Coast and Medellín, which has shed its once-notorious image and is becoming a popular destination for Americans who have fallen in love with the “City of Eternal Spring.”
Living There
Governance: Colombia is an electoral democracy but elections in the past have been marred by allegations of vote-rigging and intimidation by paramilitary groups. Conditions have improved for recent elections. The justice system is overburdened and has been plagued with corruption. Although the Colombian government guarantees basic human rights and political freedoms, the military, insurgents, and paramilitary groups often target political enemies. Although progress has been made, crime and political violence remain a problem.
Infrastructure: Semi-developed. The rail system is outdated and many roads are unpaved. Electrical capacity lags behind other countries in the region. The telecommunications infrastructure is fully modern and there are a number of mobile phone providers.
Internet: Internet penetration is average for the region; less than half of Colombia’s residents enjoy Internet access. Major cities have hi-speed Internet and broadband access is available.
Healthcare: Private insurance is available for those who can afford it. There is also a public healthcare system but the program is struggling due to lack of funding. The hospitals and medical facilities in the larger cities are considered comparable to what any western country might offer. The quality of care is significantly lower in rural areas.
GPD: $431.9 billion
GDP (Per Capita): $9,800
Sovereign Debt: 44.8% of GDP
Working There: Teach English, translate
Regulatory Environment: Simple and efficient
Taxes: Individual: 0–33%, Corporate: 33%, VAT: 16%. Residents taxed on worldwide income.
Cannabis: Decriminalized for small amounts (up to 20 grams)
Homosexuality: Legal, same-sex unions enjoy legal protections akin to common law marriage. No laws against discrimination. Although there are openly gay neighborhoods in Bogotá, there is a past history of intolerance and violence directed at homosexuals.
Abortion: Allowed to save woman’s life, preserve physical and mental health, and in cases of rape, incest, or fetal impairment.
Women’s Issues: Although women enjoy the same legal rights as men, sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, and pay disparities remain a concern.
Guns: Limited ownership allowed. Permits required. Military oversees and regulates civilian firearm ownership.
Crime: Although terrorism has decreased significantly, robbery and other violent crimes are common in larger cities. Scams, petty theft, and other property crimes are also common in urban areas. Your personal security plummets if you get involved in labor organizing or political reform.
Real Estate: Foreigners are allowed to buy property in Colombia but financing is generally not available through local banking institutions. Notary fee of 0.5% of purchase price, registration fee and local tax come to 1.5% of purchase price. Homes and apartments in a popular location like Cartagena on the Caribbean coast range from $40,000 up into the millions (depending on size and location). Prices are significantly less in more remote areas.
Life Expectancy: 74.55 years
Moving There
While you probably shouldn’t count on a work permit, few livable countries offer as many cheap and easy legal residency paths.
Tourist Visa: Visa not required for U.S. citizens to stay in Colombia for up to 90 days.
Student Visa: Eligible to anyone enrolled in an approved course of study in Colombia. Taking as few as 10 hours of Spanish language classes per week can qualify.
Temporary Resident Visa: Depending on reason for stay (there are several visas of this type available) period of validity generally ranges from six months to a year.
Qualified Resident Visa: Five years with valid temporary visa required. Equivalent to a Permanent Resident Visa. No renewals required.
Monthly Income Visa: Akin to a pensioner visa, applicant must show proof of minimum monthly income. Valid one year, renewable.
Pensioner Visa: Applicant must show proof of pension or source of monthly income (approx. $1,400/month). Valid one year, renewable.
Resident Investor Visa: Home purchase or investment of at least $200,000 entitles applicant to immediate permanent resident status. Funds must remain in Colombia a minimum of three years. Visa is considered permanent, renewal is not required.
Work Permit: Applicant must show proof of offer of employment by Colombian company, copy of work contract, and certificate of goodwill issued by sponsoring company, and proof of qualifications. Valid for duration of employment.
Citizenship: Five years legal residency required.
Josh Plotkin
Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is just starting to be discovered by gringos and they are mostly contained to the upper class Parque Lleras district. There is where you can find a three-bedroom luxury apartment for $1000 a month, McDonald’s, high-end clubs and the most expensive restaurants in town. Some places have menus in English, but English is still not very widely spoken. Colombian Spanish is clear and easy to understand. The currency is the Colombian Peso, which at the time of writing trades for about 1,800 to 1. A typical Colombian lunch or dinner of rice, beans, meat, salad, french fries and a fried banana costs 7,000 COP at most places. A beer costs about 2,000 in restaurants, or 6,000 if you are at a club in Parque Lleras. Food prices are slightly lower than the U.S. but not as cheap as you’d expect from South America. Rent is significantly cheaper if you go outside of Parque Lleras and search in Spanish online classified sites.
Colombians are very warm and friendly people, and many will be excited to talk to a gringo. I met quite a few people who said I was the only gringo they’ve ever talked to. Colombians are quite fond of Western-style clothing and if you put earplugs in you might think you’re somewhere in the U.S. But then you will see a group of guys walk by with mullet haircuts and bright-colored braces, and you’ll know you’re in Medellín.
James Lindzey
Medellín, Colombia
Average Medellín temp any time of the year is about 74 degrees! Although it’s about the same altitude as Denver, Colorado, the mile-high city, there’s no snow here. The rebels have been pushed out of these areas since 2005 and small cities and villages around Medellín are now safe to live.
Colombian neighborhoods are divided into social economic zones which range from 1 to 6, with 1 being the poorest and 6 the richest. I do not recommend foreigners live in anything less than a 3 or 4 zone. I live in a 6, as a necessity for working with tourists and being near our most desirable vacation rentals. I pay $1000 bucks a month for a brand new three-bedroom apartment. However you can get apartments from 500 bucks a month, if you’re out of the heart (i.e. expensive) part of town. Again I’m here for business reasons really.
Rent, utilities, and groceries vary greatly depending on the neighborhood you live in. I can afford to eat out four or five times as much as in the States, with the exception of sushi. Decent steak dinners run about $12 in an international restaurant. Typical food you can spend about five bucks for a plate of beans, rice, meat, and a soft drink.
Tips on shopping: pay your maid to buy meat (save 50%) on the way to work in a cheap neighborhood. 2) Drive just outside the more expensive zone/neighborhood to shop and save 30% on groceries. 3) Eat lots of fruit and veggies, the fruits are awesome in Colombia, and cheap.
The farmers’ markets are the best place to buy stuff to get around national chain restaurant prices which actually are pretty close to USA prices, with the exception of fruits. Fruits are high in variety and cheap here.
Dating in Colombia, well, that depends on the class of woman you wish to go out with. There are many on dating sites and around town that just want to go out and have a good time, but they need someone to pay the bill. Don’t think that one-nighters are normal here. If that happens, then the girl could actually be playing you, looking for a papi (sugar daddy). On the odd chance that she’s a college kid and you’re a college boy and you’re just partying, well, that does happen.
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Climate: Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands
Government: Democratic Republic
Population: 4,253,877
Currency: Costa Rican Colon (CRC): 1 CRC = 0.002 USD
Language: Spanish (official), English |
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Religious Groups: Roman Catholics (76.3%), Evangelical (13.7%), Jehovah’s Witnesses (1.3%), other Protestant (0.7%), other (4.8%), none (3.2%)
Ethnic Groups: white and mestizo (94%), black (3%), Amerindian (1%), Chinese (1%), other (1%)
Cost of Living compared to the U.S.: Cheap-ish
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Pura vida, as the local ticos call it: “pure life.” They must be onto something because many international surveys find Costa Rica to be the happiest country on earth. A model of political stability, this Central American mecca offers all the palm trees and sandy beaches, but without the typical turmoil of your more rickety banana republics. And if you have a Green streak, over 25% of the Costa Rica’s land is protected reserve and a large majority of the nation’s electricity is generated with renewable resources. Although still inexpensive, its popularity has led to rising costs and beachfront homes—topping the $1 million mark—though bargains are still to be had by moving further afield from the main communities around La Fortuna, in the mountains around Arenal, and along the Pacific coast in Puntarenas. The Caribbean side now also feels the impact of the expanding Gringolandia.
Living There
Governance: The Costa Rican state is known for its enlightened environmental policies. Civil and political liberties are respected, the country has a well-regarded judiciary, but the court system suffers from inefficiency. Corruption can be a problem and as the country is becoming a way station in the global cocaine trade, security concerns are growing.
Infrastructure: Excellent by Latin American standards, but roads, telecommunications and power grid are in need of additional investment. Telephone service is run by a government monopoly so landlines are difficult to get if your home doesn’t already have one, though cell phones are everywhere.
Internet: Broadband Internet service is available in many areas through cable modems; also DSL and ISDN lines are commonly available.
Healthcare: Costa Rica has universal healthcare, considered one of the best health systems in Latin America. Even Rush Limbaugh considered using it.
GDP: $51.55 billion
GDP (Per Capita): $11,400
Sovereign Debt: 42.4% of GDP
Working There: Some English teaching, but mostly retirees and volunteers
Regulatory Environment: Regulations can be onerous and time-consuming for new businesses.
Taxes: Corporate: 10–30%. Individual: 10–25%. VAT: 13%. There is no wealth or inheritance tax in Costa Rica.
Cannabis: Illegal, but widely available
Homosexuality: Legal; same-sex unions are not legally recognized but efforts to extend legal rights to same-sex couples are gaining momentum. Laws against discrimination. Generally tolerant attitudes toward homosexuality, particularly by Latin American standards. There are gay communities in San Jose and in resort towns along the Pacific coast where there are even gay hotels and a gay beach.
Abortion: To preserve physical health
Women’s Issues: Though not condoned by the government, violence against women and sexual harassment are problematic. Women are discriminated against in the workplace.
Guns: Legal, registration required. Concealed carry allowed.
Crime: Daytime robberies by armed criminal gangs have been known to occur but petty theft and burglary are more prevalent. Kidnapping for cash does occur.
Real Estate: Ownership of land available to non-citizens. Mortgage financing available. Typically short-term (less than 10 years) and up to 70% of appraised value.
Life Expectancy: 77.54 years
Moving There
Not for nothing has Costa Rica been the first choice for Americans fleeing to Latin America. It’s fairly do-able for the fleeing middle class or retirees, having spawned an expansive industry for facilitating their relevant legal paperwork. The young and short of means will find that while the overhead is low, they’ll have to deal with a tricky schedule of border runs every 90 days. Telecommuters and others who get their income from outside Costa Rica can do so under any legal residency option. Costa Rica does not even issue special visas for students.
Tourist Visa: U.S. citizens can stay in Costa Rica for up to 90 days without a visa. Prepaid airline ticket home or to other country required. In 2010, the government stiffened penalties for overstaying your visa—$100 for every month or a prohibition from reentering the country for triple the time of your unauthorized stay.
Pensionado/Rentista Visa: To qualify for the Pensionado, you must show proof of a minimum of $1,000 per month income from a pension plan, retirement account, or Social Security. This amount must be converted every month into the local currency and you must live in Costa Rica at least four months each year. A Rentista must prove a monthly income of $2,500 from a guaranteed bank or make a deposit of at least $150,000 in a Costa Rican bank. This visa also requires that you change at least $2,500 per month into the local currency each month and you must live in Costa Rica at least four months out of the year. You are not allowed to work but can own a company and receive income. Generally issued for five years but you can apply for permanent residency in three.
Residency for Investors (Inversionista): If you invest at least $50,000 in a business or industry approved by the Center for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (PROCOMER) you can qualify for permanent residence as an investor. Non-PROCOMER investments need to be at least $200,000. A minimum investment of $100,000 is required for rainforest reforestation projects. You must live in Costa Rica for six months per year. Generally issued for five years but you can apply for permanent residency in three.
Company Representative (Representante): If you hold some executive, managerial or technical position in a company that meets certain financial requirements, particularly one that hires local employees, you can qualify for this visa that will also allow you to draw a salary from that position.
Permanent Resident: Available to “first degree” relatives of Costa Rica citizens, e.g. a spouse or the father or mother of a Costa Rican child. You can also apply after three years of legal residency. Permanent residents are allowed to work in Costa Rica.
Citizenship: Seven years legal residency is required; along with proficiency in Spanish and Costa Rican history, two Costa Rican citizens must attest to your character.
Kelly Kittel
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
My life? No shopping except for groceries. Spend the day swimming, walking, biking, boogie boarding, surfing, all outdoors, lots of Vitamin D. No plans, take life as it comes. None of the mad dashing around from sporting events to parties like in U.S. A big trip might be a walk down the beach to town for a smoothie. Plenty of time to read and write and chat with friends. IN PERSON. Phones are frustrating anyway so don’t use them much. Do rely on the computer though. I have a helper and a gardener six days a week which I do not have in the U.S.
I pay $1200 for a great three-bedroom, three-bath house right on the beach, which is less than usual as it is a friend’s house. Normal long-term rent would be more like $1800 or more for it. Fabulous location. Rustic house but comfortable. Crabs like to come in during rainy season and scuttle across the tiled floor but, hey, it’s a beach house! No tarantulas, scorpions, or snakes here on the beach unlike elsewhere. Very few roaches. Super secure (owners are German) so theft not an issue. Usually good to have a dog here but we have been fine w/o one so far. Lovely gardens with grapefruit, lime, coconut and mango trees. Howler monkeys come thru often and eat the mangos. Upper balcony overlooks the beach which is only steps away.
It’s not as affordable as it used to be. In general, local produce in season is inexpensive and anything else is not. Bananas are super cheap and potatoes are expensive. Some examples:
15 eggs: $2; 1 kg carrots: $1; 700g strawberries: $5.40; 12 imported apples: $5.50; 6 local apples: $2; cantaloupe melon: .50/kg; 3 passionfruit: .60; 3 zucchini: $3.50 (what?!).
½ gal of OJ: $5; ½ gal (1.8 liters) milk: $1.80; 1 gal: $4; 1 lb butter: $5.60; Single serving yogurt: $1.20; A small block of cheese, maybe 8 oz, is $10
1 whole chicken: $8; small package chicken breast strips: $6; burger (10% fat) $7.40/kg
Ranch dressing $4; Regular-sized box of cereal: $5.20; frozen waffles: $5.40; 1 sleeve local Ritz-like crackers: .60; 2 kg sugar: $2.30
Internet: $25 to $27/month for excellent strength reliable wireless service, came with the house. I had a VERY difficult time getting it installed in the last house so it is important if you are renting to make sure it is already in place and working well. Does go out with power outages but not often and no problem resetting. Yes, it is a HUGE hassle to get any utilities turned on in my experience. We also had cable trouble with our last house and phone as well and it took MONTHS to resolve. It’s common wisdom here that you give the workers a cold drink in order to get service!
Electricity: also expensive, ranges from $175 to $300 for both houses. I never use a/c as there is always a breeze so far and it cools down nicely at night. My other house was not on the beach so I have to conclude things are “cooler” on the beach.
Ticos are lovely, laid-back, Pura Vida people. No road rage. Plenty of expats depending where you live. Americans and plenty of Europeans, also. Here in Tamarindo, as well as San Jose, Arenal, Jaco, Dominical, to name a few. They choose this area for the surfing/beach lifestyle, although many live on golf/tennis resorts. Many have spouses working in the States who visit occasionally.
Frank
Orosi, Costa Rica
There’s a lot of people who come here and love it and some that just can’t stand it. They are people that like the modern conveniences and they like to go shopping and they like the fabricated stuff that they’re used to, they’re not going to find much here. If you’re looking to eat good fresh food, breathing fresh air and being around healthy and happy people, Costa Rica is the place.
We planned originally on Jacos, Manuel Antonio or someplace where the tourists go. The cost of living out there is a lot more, but it’s the heat and the bugs that make it just unbearable. Orosi is up in the mountains. It averages around 75 degrees all year round. It never gets really hot or really cold. There’s a rainy season, five or six months out of the year, but the sun still shines. But it’s not what you’d expect from a rainforest. Orosi is near the rainforest and my farm is actually right on the border of it.
A banana will cost you a couple of cents. You can go out for a meal for $6-$10. If it’s imported, it’s expensive. If you want Jiffy peanut butter, you’re going to pay twice what you pay in the States. For DSL, I pay $15 a month.
Not just your cost of living goes down here, but your stress level. You hear mañana all the time, which literally means tomorrow but really they mean not now. It is hard to get things done quickly here, but there is just not a whole lot of stress. You don’t have the stress of trying to pay crazy bills and the stress of always trying to get someplace. You show up 20 minutes late and people think you’re 45 minutes early.
It’s kind of like a Communist country here because the government runs everything. There is no free enterprise. Most of the people who have a job here work for the government one way or another. Phone, power, water, everything like that is all government-run.
Anywhere you spend money, there’s always somebody there who can speak English. People who’ve lived here for years never bothered learning the language because you really don’t need to. You can’t go to a bank and not find somebody who speaks English.
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Climate: Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast
Government: Parliamentary Democracy
Population: 4,489,409
Currency: Kuna (HRK): 1 HRK = 0.19 USD
Language: Croatian (South Slavic language, using the Roman script)
Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (87.8%), Orthodox (4.4%), other Christian (0.4%), Muslim (1.3%), other and unspecified (0.9%), none (5.2%) |
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Ethnic Groups: Croat (89.6%), Serb (4.5%), other [including Bosniak, Hungarian, Slovene, Czech, and Roma] (5.9%)
Cost of Living compared to the U.S.: Cheap
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Sun-worshippers and bargain-chasers have been making Croatia, in the former Republic of Yugoslavia, the hottest new expat mecca in Eastern Europe. Having woken up from its civil war/ethnic cleansing nightmare, life is good and they are making entry easy for Western immigrants. You can squeeze by on a few hundred dollars a month if you avoid the tourist zones or buy a house on the Dalmatian coast for under $100,000.
Living There
Governance: Croatians enjoy free and fair elections, freedom of assembly and expression, as well as religious freedom. Government still controls a substantial portion of the media, though its overall record on human rights is good. Most of its judicial shortfalls concern its dealing with issues from the ethnic wars with Serbia in the 1990s. Internet is uncensored.
Infrastructure: There is ample transport capacity with few exceptions, although much infrastructure is in fair or poor condition because maintenance was deferred.
Internet: Hi-speed widely available. Broadband service rapidly spreading throughout the country.
Healthcare: The standard of healthcare in Croatia is generally on par with that in many European countries, but not considered expensive overall. What state-run facilities lack in aesthetic appeal, they more than make up for in quality of care. All visiting foreigners are entitled to free basic emergency treatment at state hospitals.
GDP: $78.52 billion
GDP (Per Capita): $17,500
Sovereign Debt: 55% of GDP
Working There: Opportunities in tourist industry, teach English in private schools or volunteering.
Regulatory Environment: Heavy bureaucracy and some corruption
Taxes: Corporate: 20%, Individual: 15–45%, VAT: 23%. Surtax is charged in certain municipalities (e.g. in Zagreb—18%). Non-residents are taxed on their Croatian income. Residents (defined as someone residing 183 days or more in Croatia over a given tax year) are taxed on worldwide income.
Cannabis: Illegal and under new “Zero Tolerance” drug laws, the government will prosecute for even small amounts, though you’ll still find that it’s readily available and widely consumed. Veterans suffering from PTSD allowed to light up following a 2009 Supreme Court decision.
Homosexuality: Legal. Limited recognition of same-sex couples. Laws against discrimination. A small number of hate crimes have occurred in reaction to the new visibility of gays and lesbians.
Abortion: No restrictions as to reason; however, parental authorization/notification is required.
Women’s Issues: Gender equality is a matter of law, although domestic violence is considered to be a large underreported problem. Women are well-represented in business and politics.
Guns: Most firearms require a permit.
Crime: Croatia has a relatively low crime rate, and violent crime is rare.
Real Estate: To purchase property, foreigners must either apply for permission from the Croatian Ministry of Justice or form a holding company. Mortgages are not readily available in Croatia and most deals are paid in cash.
Life Expectancy: 75.35 years
Moving There
Outside of the usual fast-track paths (study, marry, reunite with family), Croatia would be most accessible to people intent on starting or investing in the country’s tourism industry.
Tourist Visa: U.S. Citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa.
First Temporary Residence Visa: If you wish to work, attend school, or reside in Croatia for more than 90 days, you must apply for a First Temporary Residence Visa. Applicants are required to provide evidence of sufficient income, lodging accommodations in Croatia, and proof of health insurance. Croatian authorities also require documents verifying reason for stay. If you plan on studying, an acceptance letter from a Croatian university is required. If you are seeking to work, an employment contract and work permit are required. If you plan on operating a business, you must show proof that your company or firm is officially registered in the Republic of Croatia.
Permanent Residence: Applicants must show they have renewed temporary visa for five years or be married to a Croat for three years, or be a minor with a parent who has a permanent residency permit.
Work Permits: The Republic of Croatia is strictly bound by legislation limiting the number of foreign workers. Still, there is a quota system that allows a certain number of expat professionals who possess needed skills to fill certain occupations so it might be worth your while to apply for a work permit. A work permit is required even if you are just looking for employment but if you’ve located a job, your employer can apply on your behalf.
Student Visa: also available, per the usual requirements.
Jessica Ujevic
Split, Croatia
I came here from South Carolina in 2005 with my husband, who is originally from this area.
I am asked routinely why I would choose to move here, and the phrase that I use most often is “quality versus quantity.” At home, I was working around 55–60 hours a week. I did have buying power. I just didn’t have time to enjoy it. Living in Croatia, I may not have the same resources for consumption, but the things that I do have are much more worthwhile.
The town of Split itself is over 1700 years old. The city has grown up around the original walls of Diocletian’s palace. Stone, stone, and more stone. Walking through the streets takes you back in time. There is a real feeling of security when you are traveling on walkways people have been using for so long. The stone under your feet is as smooth as glass, polished by countless footsteps. There are nooks and crannies around every corner with beautiful balustrades and balconies, flowering vines and fig trees, church spires and pillars. The frontal area of Split is known as the Riva. It is outside one of four main gates, which are the entrance to the palace. On one side you have a gorgeous view of the sea with islands dotting the horizon, and behind you the looming palace walls. Here, the whole street is lined with shops and cafés. People are very active and every afternoon is perfect for people-watching.
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Climate: Temperate
Government: Parliamentary Republic
Population: 10,211,904
Currency: Czech Koruna or “Crown” (CZK): 1 CZK = 0.05 USD
Language: Czech |
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Religious Groups: Atheist (39.8%), Catholic (39.2%), Protestant (4.6%), other (17.4%)
Ethnic Groups: Czech (81.2%), Moravian (13.2%), Slovak (3.1%), other (3.5%)
Cost of Living compared to the U.S.: Not as low as it used to be, but still appreciably cheaper
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Prague was once known as the Paris of the ’90s when the slacker generation flocked to the Czech Republic (formerly Czechoslovakia) for low-budget living and great beer. Its increased affluence has eroded some of that appeal, but the country still offers a great balance of sophistication, convenience, price and affordability, while the food, at least in Prague, is no longer the most dismal in Europe. As the headquarters of Radio Free Europe, and a vibrant literary expat scene, it hosts more English-language media than other foreign capitals many times its size. The burgeoning Hollywood of Eastern Europe, it provides plenty of opportunities for people in the entertainment industry. Outside the capital, prices plummet.
Living There
Governance: Since the velvet revolution of 1989, then-Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic) has embraced Western-style liberal democracy, with free and fair elections, independent judiciary, respect for religious freedom, freedom of expression, etc.
Infrastructure: Developed
Internet: Nearly seven in 10 Czech households have Internet access and broadband is now widely available.
Healthcare: The quality of medical care across the Czech Republic varies, but there are several excellent facilities available in Prague. Generally, medical care and facilities on par with the West.
GDP: $262.8 billion
GDP (Per Capita): $25,600
Sovereign Debt: 40% of GDP
Working There: Highly skilled workers have a shot and English teachers and translators do eke out a living. A gig at Radio Free Europe would be golden, but otherwise opportunities are hard to come by.
Regulatory Environment: The licensing process can be lengthy, but reforms have cut down on red tape.
Taxes: Corporate: 20%, Individual: 15%, VAT: 20% (10% on certain goods). Generally, foreigners considered tax residents are subject to income tax on their worldwide income and nonresident foreigners are subject to income tax only on their Czech-source income.
Cannabis: Since 2010, up to 15 grams (or five plants) are allowed for personal use.
Homosexuality: Legal. Since 2006, registered same-sex couples legally recognized. Laws against discrimination. Czech culture is fairly progressive and tolerant, and open gay communities are commonplace, particularly in Prague.
Abortion: No restrictions as to reason; however, parental authorization/notification is required.
Women’s Issues: Gender equality is a matter of law, but discrimination and harassment, particularly in the workplace, is still a fact of life. Nevertheless, women’s representation in business and politics is high.
Guns: Firearms allowed but subject to strict licensing and owners must pass exams to own certain types of weapons depending on reason for use.
Crime: The Czech Republic generally has a low rate of crime. There are occasional incidents of pickpocketing (especially on public transportation) and occasional muggings. Although there has been a slight increase in violent crime, this hardly registers by U.S. urban standards.
Real Estate: The Czech Republic recently relaxed restrictions on foreigners owning property. U.S. citizens should possess a residency permit or form a limited corporation (known as SROs) to be considered for a mortgage. Prices are still low compared to much of Europe but rising.
Life Expectancy: 76.81 years
Moving There
If you’re lucky enough to land a job in the CR, your legalities can usually be worked out. If you’ve come to study or do research at one of the country’s fine universities or institutes, no problem either. Otherwise, you’re best having a good freelancing gig going or a nest egg unless you like living off the radar.
NOTE: If you apply for a visa at a Czech consulate, you will receive your visa in the U.S. and not in the Czech Republic. The process can often take a great deal of time and Czech immigration authorities urge applicants to add at least four months to their prospective departure date to allow for processing time. The Catch-22 is that you have to provide proof of accommodation for the duration of your visa (usually one year). Universities and employers may help provide this, but DIYers will have to either rent remotely (risky) or find someone to “offer” you space in an apartment or house. You don’t have to actually live there once you arrive.
Schengen Visa: 90-day stay allowed within 180-day period.
Long Stay Visa: Applicants must provide proof of sufficient financial means (approx. $3,000/month), proof of travel medical insurance, and documents confirming accommodation in Czech Republic (notarized statement of accommodation, notarized copy of lease agreement, etc.) . You will also need a purpose of stay, which is evaluated by the Foreign Police on a case-by-case basis. If marriage and family ties don’t bind you, then these are your options:
For study: Proof of enrollment, self-sufficiency, medical insurance, accommodation, etc.
For business: Either form your own company (capitalized at approx. $10,000) or get a trade license to practice your trade in Czech Republic.
For Employment + Work Permit: Employer must apply with Czech Employment Administration Office (EAO) for work permit before visa is granted. Applicants must also provide documents confirming accommodation in Czech Republic, medical travel insurance, etc.
Family reunion cases and certain academics and scholars can also apply to longer-term (five-year) Residence Permits.
Permanent Residency: Applicant must be legal resident for at least five years, have sufficient income, and show that continued residence is “in the interest of the Czech Republic.”
Student Visa: also available, per the usual requirements.
Citizenship: Five years permanent residency (most of that time spent in Czech Republic), proficiency in Czech language, renunciation of U.S. citizenship, and no arrest record in previous five years.
Tinuola
Prague, Czech Republic
I live in Prague 7, Holesovice. It’s a largely Czech area, but with two of the city’s largest parks (Stromovka and Letna), great tram connections and affordable rent prices it’s gradually picking up on the real-estate radar for expats. What it currently lacks is the vibrant restaurant scene of Vinohrady, Prague 2. There’s also a fair bit of traffic that runs through the neighborhood, which makes it a bit noisy during the daytime. I enjoy that the neighborhood is very local, and some days I feel quite protective of its “Czechness” knowing that anytime soon many others will discover what a prime location it is.
My quality of life has improved dramatically since moving to the Czech Republic. The particulars—concerts, movies, exhibitions, exercise, dining out—aren’t that different from when I was in the States, only that I’m doing them more often and with a relaxed approach. Back in the States, I heard and read tons about work-life balance; I didn’t experience it or get it till I moved to Europe. Consumerism is still at moderate levels here, I think—people aren’t just working to acquire “stuff” or to keep up with the Joneses. There’s a strong emphasis on having shared/interpersonal experiences and the culture accommodates this need.
It also helps that social activities in Prague don’t cost as much as in New York, for example (or even in other popular European cities). I admit that it would be nice to have more upscale lounges and less smoky pubs/bars in which to socialize and meet friends for drinks. In NYC, you don’t have just three good after-work or late-night lounges, you have dozens to choose from—and many of them excellent. The same goes for restaurants and shops. After years in Prague, I have had to reframe my expectations. I don’t get bent out of shape about the lack of variety or creativity as much. Where before I may have complained that too many restaurants have the same pizza-pasta menu, now I just focus on which one makes risotto nearly right.
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Climate: Temperate, generally overcast; mild winters and cool summers
Government: Constitutional Monarchy
Population: 5,515,575
Currency: Danish Krone (DKK): 1 DKK = 0.18 USD
Language: Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic, German (English is common second language) |
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Religious Groups: Lutheran (95%), other Christian (3%), Muslim (2%)
Ethnic Groups: Scandinavian, Inuit, Faroese, German, Turkish, Iranian, Somali
Cost of Living compared to the U.S: Painful. Slightly more affordable outside of major cities
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Affluent, civil and socially progressive, Denmark ranks high on the list of preferred countries, though like the rest of Scandinavia, they act like an exclusive club and proving you’re good enough to be allowed entry is far from easy. Even spouses of Danish citizens have a hard time. Skilled workers, academics and those with Danish parentage have a shot. Still, if you qualify for one of their schemes, you can live in one of the finest societies European social democracy has to offer, as long as you don’t place too much of a premium on warm sunshine. In any case, those who aren’t paid in local currency will soon find the prices here a bit on the brutal side.
Living There
Governance: Denmark is practically the standard by which all free and fair governments are judged. Political rights and civil liberties are well-respected. Elections are squeaky-clean, the judiciary’s behavior seems strikingly in concert with the laws of the land. Government operations are generally efficient, and corruption among public officials is notoriously low.
Infrastructure: Well-developed. Everything works.
Internet: Cutting-edge; 86% of the Danish population has Internet access and Denmark’s broadband penetration rates are some of the highest in the world.
Healthcare: The Danes are quite happy with their healthcare. Most medical services are free and health authorities have adopted a decentralized approach that allows residents to conveniently connect with providers in their region or district. Quality is comparable to most European countries.
GDP: $201.4 billion
GDP (Per Capita): $36,700
Sovereign Debt: 46.6% of GDP
Working There: Teaching English, IT, some sales and marketing, some healthcare. If you land a job, consider yourself extremely fortunate.
Regulatory Environment: Highly efficient and friendly to new businesses.
Taxes: Corporate: 26%, Individual: 36.57%–60%, VAT: 25%. All residents taxed on worldwide income.
Cannabis: Illegal, widely used. With a few interruptions, the Copenhagen “Freetown” borough of Christiania has been an open-air pot and hash market since the early 1970s, though its future is uncertain.
Homosexuality: Legal. Denmark was the first country in the world to legally recognize same-sex unions and has a long history of tolerance toward homosexuals. Laws against discrimination.
Abortion: No restrictions, parental authorization required.
Women’s Issues: Strict laws against domestic violence and sexual harassment. Women enjoy the same legal status as men and the law requires equal pay for equal work. However, there are still some wage disparities between men and women.
Guns: Some firearms legal for civilian ownership but licensing required.
Crime: Generally low. We could nitpick, but you’re not likely to find anyplace else in the free world where the crime rate is lower.
Real Estate: Foreign buyers can purchase property but must first be granted residency status from the Danish Ministry of Justice. There is a deed tax of 1,400 kroner (approx. $250) plus 0.06% of the purchase price on all real estate transactions. Mortgages are available but buyers must pay an additional 1.5% tax plus 1,400 kroner. Home prices in Denmark have declined significantly since the housing bubble collapsed.
Life Expectancy: 78.47 years
Moving There
Get someone to hire you or marry you. Neither is going to be all that easy.
Schengen Visa: 90-day stay allowed within six-month period.
Residence/Work Permit: Denmark currently has 11 different “schemes” that allow foreigners to reside in Denmark and/or obtain a work permit. If you are a skilled professional, the country maintains a “Positive List” of occupations that are in demand. American expats may want to apply for the “Green Card” scheme which allows immigrants to move to Denmark to seek work. The Green Card scheme is based on four criteria: education, language skills, work experience, and age. Applicants are given “bonus points” if they practice a profession or possess a skill that is in great demand. Self-employed applicants must also obtain a work permit to be granted residency and must show proof that Danish businesses will be connected to the enterprise, that the applicant has sufficient financial means, and is required for the day-to-day operations of his or her business. First time Residency/Work Permit is valid for up to three years and is renewable.
Student Visa: Applicant must show proof of enrollment in higher education, sufficient funds to finance stay and tuition, and proficiency in the language in which courses will be taught. Visa is valid until completion of studies.
Permanent Residency: A minimum of four years of legal residency required. Applicants must also accumulate 100 points. Points are awarded based on length of legal residence, absence of any arrests or public debts, duration of employment, language proficiency (a test is required), and applicants cannot have applied for any kind of public assistance.
Citizenship: Applicant must be a legal resident of Denmark for at least nine years, show proficiency in Danish language and knowledge of culture (test must be passed), show proof of viable income and clean criminal record, and must renounce U.S. citizenship.
Bill Agee
Copenhagen, Denmark
Life here in Copenhagen is just so much more livable than any place I’ve experienced in the U.S. I take a train and a boat to work. I ride my bike to buy groceries and go to the cinema. I have a balcony where I can sit and watch the rides at Tivoli Gardens, the amusement park in the center of Copenhagen that inspired Walt Disney. And when Copenhagen is not enough, I take a one-hour flight to London, Paris, Amsterdam or Prague for the weekend. This is what I left the U.S. for—to experience a way of life that just doesn’t exist in the United States.
Copenhagen is a little big city. It has all the attractions of a big, capital city, such as innumerable bars, restaurants, cafés, clubs, theaters, museums and variety, without the travel difficulty of a huge city, like London or Rome. It is intimate enough that you can easily run into friends and neighbors walking in other parts of town, but yet still keep a low profile, if that’s what you need. I have lived in Manhattan, Philadelphia and Miami, and find Copenhagen to be the most user-friendly of the cities in which I have lived. The public transit system runs like a dream and can get you to even the most remote corner of the city or even the country quite easily. But I rarely take the metro or busses within the city, since everything is walkable or an easy bike-ride away. Since it is the capital of Denmark, there is opera, ballet, theater, the parliament, the royal pageants, and even the supposedly best restaurant in the world, NOMA.
The downside is that because Denmark has one of the highest living standards in the world, prices here can sometimes seem outrageous. Especially for things like dinner for two or a beer at a bar. With the minimum wage about $25 an hour, you know that your bar tab has to be rather high to cover overhead. On the other hand, CEOs are not making $100 million a year, so you don’t see the conspicuous consumption and thus don’t feel so poor here. Apartment rents for a one-bedroom/one-bath bath in the center of Copenhagen run about $1100/month, which is much lower than NYC but higher than most other U.S. cities. Movie tickets cost about $18, which is higher than the U.S., and opera tickets about $45, which is much lower than many U.S. cities. National taxes are high here, but when you compare the total tax charge we pay in the U.S., including state, local and real estate taxes, there is not really a big difference. And when you see what you get for the taxes paid, particularly healthcare, education including university, and the safety net, it is actually quite reasonable. Being a wealthy country with a high safety net, it has the problem of many western European countries of not being able to figure out how to integrate new people from abroad into their system. There are periodic outbursts of the right wing which can be pretty brutal at times. This too shall pass, and quickly I hope.
Copenhagen is one of those cities of major contrasts. It did not get bombed during WWII and was not particularly wealthy during the grey-box 1960s, so there is a huge amount of old, lovely architecture around. However, with designers like Jørn Utzon (Sydney Opera House) and companies like Bang & Olufsen, Denmark has been extremely progressive for the past 60 years. Things are efficient, fast and smooth. I just show my “yellow card” at the doctor. I purchase train tickets with my mobile. Not a lot of traffic, except in the bike lanes, which can be pretty dangerous since I am neither fast nor very observant on a bike.
Libby Hansen
Tikoeb, Denmark
Denmark is not an inexpensive country to live in. Cars are much more expensive than in the U.S. For example, a Ford Grand C-Max, or VW Touran averages about 400,000 Danish crowns (80,000 USD). Gasoline has been around $8/gal for a long time now.
Income tax is never lower than 40% and often as high as 75% (marginal tax) on the top dollar if you have a good salary. The VAT (value added tax) is 25%, one of the highest in Europe. That alone makes most goods more expensive than in the U.S.
A television license (which many people ignore) is required if you own a TV, radio and/or a computer. That costs about $600/yr. Most young people ignore it because there really is no way to enforce the law.
On the positive side, education is free. Both my children have received postgraduate educations, receiving a “salary” from the state while they studied! Medical services are free, including doctor visits and hospitalization. To see a specialist, one needs to be referred from the General Practitioner. Depending on the specialty, there could be a few months waiting time. I feel that the health system here could do a lot more in the way of prevention. That is, screening for diseases before a patient presents with full-blown symptoms. People here don’t get routine “health checks” like we do in the U.S. But the cost of doing so is probably prohibitive since there is never a co-payment on the part of the patient. I have not had a negative experience with healthcare here.
I don’t work any longer but in general the work week here is shorter than in the U.S. 37 hrs/week is the norm. Vacation time is five or six weeks for most people!
Maternity leave is six months with the possibility to extend to a whole year with 80% pay for the mother and a couple of months 80% paid leave for the father.
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Climate: tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; rainfall varies by season
Government: Democratic Republic
Population: 9,956,648
Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP): 1 DOP = 0.02 USD
Language: Spanish (official) |
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Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (95%), other (5%)
Ethnic Groups: mixed (73%), white (16%), black (11%)
Cost of Living compared to the U.S.: Cheap
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This janky tropical paradise is an economic dynamo compared to its neighbor, Haiti, with whom it shares the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Citizenship-seekers flock here, attracted by the easy terms (a bona fide second passport after about two years of residency and $20,000 worth of fees) and a taxman that pays scant attention to the asset repositories of the affluent class (i.e., real estate and bank accounts). Residency is there for the asking (or not asking, since many people simply overstay their visitor visa and pay the negligibly small fees when they leave the country) and nobody needs no stinkin’ work permit (though the place is hardly brimming with job opportunities). Rent and basics are cheap and as plentiful as the sunshine. Self-sufficient types who don’t mind things like adding a home generator to make up for gaps in an unreliable power supply can best reap the benefits of balmy days of liberty under laissez-faire governance, to the extent of creating economic incentive zones to attract business and capital. Tourism is on the upswing, too, offering tantalizing investment opportunities in related businesses and real estate. Poverty is still pervasive as is the associated crime, though as Caribbean nations go, it’s hardly bottom-of-the-barrel.
Living There
Governance: Free and fair elections. The government guarantees basic human rights and the Dominican Republic has a thriving free press. However, corruption in the judiciary and among public officials is not uncommon. Human rights groups are also concerned by extrajudicial killings by police.
Infrastructure: Somewhat developed due to growth of tourism industry. Roads are well paved near city centers but lacking in rural areas. Airports have been built or expanded. The country has had problems meeting energy demands and electrical service can be unreliable. Telecommunications infrastructure is in somewhat better shape.
Internet: Approximately 30% of residents enjoy regular Internet access. Hi-speed Internet available in major cities and tourist areas.
Healthcare: Public health system is underfunded and the quality of care is not optimal. There are many private pay clinics that provide excellent treatment at an affordable price—the typical choice for expats. There are also a number of private insurers offering coverage that are aligned with some of the better hospitals and clinics.
GDP: $87.25 billion
GDP (Per Capita): $8,900
Sovereign Debt: 41.7% of GDP
Working There: Tourism, teach English, some construction, admin, IT, and sales.
Regulatory Environment: Licensing and regulations governing businesses have been streamlined in recent years but reforms have taken a long time to implement and minor corruption has hampered progress. The country does offer a number of “Free Zones” throughout the country where businesses can operate tax-free for up to 20 years.
Taxes: Individual: 0–25%, Corporate: 25%, VAT: 16%. Residents taxed on worldwide income as of third taxable year after obtaining residency.
Cannabis: Strictly illegal
Homosexuality: Although legal, public intolerance toward gays is a fact of life in the Dominican Republic. Same-sex unions are not legally recognized, and the country’s new constitution, unveiled in 2010, includes restrictions against gay marriage. There are no anti-discrimination laws.
Abortion: Strictly prohibited
Women’s Issues: Rape and domestic violence remain a serious problem. Laws against workplace sexual harassment. Although women enjoy the same legal status as men under the law, they are underrepresented in business and politics and there are significant wage disparities.
Guns: License required. Applicant must submit to psychological evaluation. If there is viable reason to fear for one’s safety, authorities will allow a civilian with license to carry a firearm.
Crime: Crime is a serious problem. Muggings, petty theft, and pickpocketing are common in large cities and tourist areas. Narco crime has also been increasing.
Real Estate: Foreigners are allowed to purchase property in the Dominican Republic. Depending on the property that is purchased and how it is financed, there may be a small transfer and real estate tax. Financing is available from local banks for up to 75% of purchase price. The U.S. State Department has issued a warning urging prospective buyers to exercise a “high degree of caution” as property rights are often not strictly enforced in the Dominican Republic. There have been problems with squatters (some backed by the government and/or political groups) taking possession of absentee properties owned by Americans. It can often take years to evict and threats of violence have occurred over disputed properties. The State Department advises would-be American expats to retain a reputable local attorney who will practice due diligence and ensure you have clear title before buying any property. Home prices vary according to location. In Lucerna and Cancino, two- and three-bedroom homes can be had for as little as $60,000. In Santo Domingo and other large cities, prices are higher but you can still find homes for under $100,000.
Life Expectancy: 77.31 years
Moving There
Though remaining in the Dominican Republic for as long as you like is not a problem, should you want to engage in typical resident activities like banking, contracting with utilities, buying or selling your car, etc., you will probably want to get a Dominican Republic ID card, known as a cedula. Cedulas are issued to any legal resident or citizen. Some expats do manage to get by using just their passports as ID but if you’re planning on making your home here, it’s worth going the official route, since the residency requirements are not all that great, anyway.
NOTE: The Dominican Republic does not issue work permits. All legal residents of the country are allowed to be employed by anyone who will hire them. And, for what it’s worth, Student visas are available, per the usual rigmarole, though not many Americans find it worthwhile to pursue this option.
Tourist Card: Visitors must purchase tourist card upon arrival to the country. Cost is $10 and allows visitor to legally stay in the country for up to 60 days. Extensions are available at the Migration Department in Santo Domingo.
Residence Visa: If you plan on staying longer than 60 days, you must first apply for a residence visa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Applicants must provide proof of financial self-sufficiency and a certification of good behavior from the police department of original place of residency. A letter of guarantee from a Dominican or legal resident must also be submitted and, if you have obtained employment, a copy of work contract.
Provisional Residency: Once you have received the residence visa, you have 60 days to apply for provisional residency. The requirements are similar to the residence visa. Valid for one year and you can apply for permanent residency after this period.
Permanent Residency: One year provisional residency is required before you can apply for permanent residency. Applicant must provide sworn statement by two legal residents or citizens of Dominican Republic attesting to good conduct; notarized letter of guarantee from Dominican citizen or resident assuming responsibility for applicant; bank letter certifying account in Dominican bank; and copy of job contract if applicant is employed. Valid for one year, renewable.
Citizenship: Two years permanent residency required. Applicants are interviewed and must show knowledge of Dominican Republic history, culture, government, and traditions.
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Climate: Tropical in coastal region, cooler inland and at higher elevations; tropical in jungle lowlands
Government: Republic
Population: 14,573.101
Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD)
Language: Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (primarily Quechua)
Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (95%), other (5%) |
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Ethnic Groups: mestizo [Amerindian and white] (65%), Amerindian (25%), Spanish and others (7%), black (3%)
Cost of Living compared to the U.S: Cheap
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Thanks to its varied topography, tiny Ecuador—named after the Equator, which it straddles—is one of the most biodiverse nations on earth and contains just about every kind of climate—from frigid Andean peaks to humid rainforest and dry coastal areas. Politics has been an ever-shifting circus and while out-and-out dictatorship and political assassination aren’t the order of the day the way they used to be, few governments hang on to power here for very long. Expat life tends to center around Cuenca and some of the beach towns, with a generous representation of folks of retirement age. While their lives for the most part remain unaffected by the turmoil in government, the level of crime is a different matter.
Living There
Governance: Ecuador does not have the most stable political system (eight presidents since 1996), but recent elections were deemed free and fair by international observers. The constitution recognizes the right to free speech and other basic freedoms but there are still instances of police and military misconduct. Corruption and inefficiency are a recurring problem in the judiciary and other state institutions.
Infrastructure: Somewhat developed: Ecuadorians enjoy an efficient transport and a gradually improving highway system that makes much of the country accessible. Electrical and telecommunications services are state-owned and performance is less than optimal.
Internet: Available in major cities. Ecuador lags behind other South American nations (less than 20% of consumers have Internet access) but recent modernization efforts have phased out most dial-up services and the majority of subscribers have broadband.
Healthcare: In most major cities the overall quality of care is quite good. The majority of healthcare professionals are European- or American-trained and medical care is very affordable. If you choose to live in an outlying region, the quality and availability of care plummets.
GDP: $115.3 billion
GDP (Per Capita): $8,000
Sovereign Debt: 23.2% of GDP
Working There: Some IT, energy (oil) and mining, teach English, translator, tourism.
Regulatory Environment: Can be costly and difficult to start a business.
Taxes: Individual: 0–35%, Corporate: 25%, VAT: 12%. Residents taxed on income from all sources. Domestic corporations taxed on worldwide income with credits for income tax paid abroad.
Cannabis: Illegal, strictly enforced
Homosexuality: Legal, government recognizes same-sex unions. Laws against discrimination. Quito has a growing gay scene but there is still some lingering cultural intolerance.
Abortion: Allowed to preserve physical health or save a woman’s life. Also permitted in cases where a woman with a mental disability is raped.
Women’s Issues: Ecuador’s new constitution grants women greater rights, but discrimination is still common and women remain underrepresented in business and politics. Rape and domestic violence are still a problem.
Guns: Some firearms legal, registration required. Open carry of guns is common in Ecuador.
Crime: Crime is a recurring problem in Ecuador and because of underfunded police and court system, many perpetrators are not apprehended or prosecuted. Violent crime occurs, but mostly in the sketchy urban areas. Thievery in all its manifestations is the top concern. Conditions in Cuenca are slightly better than in most towns.
Real Estate: Foreigners are allowed to buy land in Ecuador but some properties near the coast and the borders are off limits. Prices are affordable. Apartments and condos are under $100,000 and four-bedroom homes can be had for under $200,000. Closing costs, fees and taxes usually run to about 1.5% of the purchase price.
Life Expectancy: 75.3 years
Moving There
The easy pensioner visa ($900 a month minimum income) explains the preponderance of retirees. Investors (business or real estate) don’t have much trouble. In addition to a visa, visitors who stay more than 90 days (though single-extension tourists don’t usually bother with this) must also apply for a national identity card or censo. Needless to say, you need a valid visa (plus the usual photos, paperwork, etc.) to get one. Even the student visas don’t have too many requirements.
Non-Immigrant Visas: The following visas are issued to applicants who do not intend to reside permanently in Ecuador:
Tourist Visa: U.S. citizens do not need a visa to stay up to 90 days in Ecuador. After that, you can apply for one extension for a total of 180 days per calendar year. Ecuador will no longer “convert” your tourist status to resident. If you intend to remain in Ecuador, you must apply for the proper visa before you get here.
Work Visa (Non-Immigrant: 12-IX): Available to students, scientists, professional athletes, artists and businesspeople. Applicant must provide letter from banking institution showing “economic good standing,” completed Certificado de Visación form, and copy of round-trip ticket to Ecuador. Not particularly useful if you plan on staying a while since they are valid a maximum of six months and can only be granted once per year.
Work Visa (Non-Immigrant: 12-VI): Available to professionals in specialized fields (particularly IT). Visa application must be filed at consulate in U.S. Applicant must submit copy of degree or certification, letter from sponsoring company detailing why specific skills are needed and how prospective position will contribute to company operations, copy of work contract certified by Ecuador Court of Labor, and copy of Labor authorization granted by Ministry of Labor. Visa is valid for duration of work contract.
Immigrant Visas: The following visas are valid for an unlimited period (equivalent to a Permanent Resident visa). During the first two years after the visa is issued, applicant must not leave Ecuador for more than 90 days in any given year. After two years, applicant can leave for up to 18 consecutive months.
Pensioner Visa: Retirees of any age can score a pensioner visa by submitting notarized certificate of income (minimum $800/month, plus an additional $100 per dependent) issued by Social Security Administration or other private institution. Annuity recipients and trustees who deposit a minimum amount in the Central Bank of Ecuador can also qualify for this type of visa.
Real Estate and Securities Investor or Fiduciary Documents Investor Visa: Available to individuals who invest in the Ecuadorean economy. Proof of investment (real estate, CD, stocks, government bonds, etc.) deemed sufficient for the applicant and any dependents to “live adequately” (minimum is generally around $25,000).
Investor in Agricultural, Livestock, Commerce and other Industries: Available to individuals who invest in or establish a partnership or sole ownership of a company in Ecuador. Visa is also extended to those who invest a minimum of $30,000 in livestock, agriculture, or mining concerns.
Professional: Available to foreign professionals. Applicant must submit copy of university degree or technical certification. Diplomas or certificates must be translated into Spanish and notarized by Ecuadorean consulate. Certification or degree must have a recognized equivalent at an Ecuadorean institute of higher education.
Economical Dependence Visa: Issued to dependents of Ecuadoran nationals as well as non-nationals who receive an Immigrant (prefix 10) Visa.
Other long-term visas include Student Visas, Religious/Volunteer Visas and Cultural Exchange Visas.
Citizenship: Legal residents of Ecuador who have lived in the country for three years are eligible to apply for citizenship. Applicant must be at least 18 years of age, speak and write Spanish, have a basic knowledge of Ecuadorian history, geography and constitution, and possess sufficient financial means to live independently (job, business, investment etc.).
David Morrill
Cuenca, Ecuador
Day-to-day life is simple in Ecuador. The pace of life is slower and family values are stronger than in North America or Europe. This is changing, of course, as the country modernizes. There is minimal government interference and most of us living here have little contact with it except for situations such as getting a driver’s license or renewing visa documents.
The cost of living in Ecuador is very low compared not just to the U.S. but to the rest of Latin America, as well. I own a condo in Cuenca’s historic district. It’s convenient to everything (restaurants, mercados, supermarkets and a couple small malls) and, like most expats here, I get by without a car (taxis are cheap and buses are 25 cents). Rents are cheap too, $200 to $400 for a nice place. My utilities run about $40 to $50 a month. Natural gas is subsidized by the govt. at about 15% of market rate so we run as many appliances as possible on it. Because of the elevation and being near the equator (8200 ft.), we don’t need heat or AC.
Where I live, in Cuenca, social life for expats is fairly active. There are a handful of expat-owned bars and restaurants. There are a couple of “gringo night” happy hours each week that draw good crowds. There are groups involved in charity and volunteer work. There are a couple of writers’ workshops. There are religious groups. There’s a good network for information sharing. I run an email service for 2,500 subscribers called GringoTree that reports events such as concerts, art exhibits, festivals, etc.
The infrastructure is good in Cuenca. Public transportation is cheap and plentiful and roads are generally in good repair. We have modern supermarkets and shopping malls, good restaurants and an active cultural agenda. Healthcare is excellent and costs a fraction of what it does in the States.
There are huge challenges and plenty of frustrations, starting with the language and culture generally. This is not an efficient country. The government bureaucracy is slow and cumbersome. The same can be said for businesses. Life here requires a lot of patience and the ability to adapt. I don’t recommend it for people with type-A personalities.
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Climate: Hot and dry
Government: Republic
Population: 78,866,635
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP); 1 EGP = 0.16 USD
Language: Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes
Religious Groups: Muslim [mostly Sunni] (90%), Coptic (9%), other Christian (1%) |
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Ethnic Groups: Egyptian (99.6%), other (0.4%)
Cost of Living compared to the U.S.: Cheap
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Egypt has appeal for those seeking something cheap and exotic. Life in Cairo offers $200-a-month apartments and a view of the Pyramids from the freeway. In the Sinai, where a more laid-back governance holds sway, Euro-trancers, yoga gurus and scuba divers have all set up shop in the coastal villages of the Red Sea. In early 2011, Egyptian protesters had overthrown the 20-year-long Mubarak dictatorship in a nonviolent revolution and the country was placed in the hands of an interim military government. Parliamentary elections were held in late 2011, but the nation’s future is still uncertain.
Living There
Governance: Egypt’s autocratic days (indefinite detentions, torture, political assassination, etc.) may be a thing of the past. Then again, it may simply be undergoing a “meet the new boss/same as the old boss” transition. This one is too early to call.
Infrastructure: Adequate in the cities, poor in rural areas.
Internet: Egypt has one of the largest Internet markets in Africa but access is mainly concentrated in tourist areas and major cities. Approximately one in five Egyptians has regular Internet access. The government was trying to increase broadband penetration fourfold in the next few years but of course that government is now gone.
Healthcare: Medical facilities are adequate for non-emergency matters, particularly in tourist areas. Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited. Outside Cairo, Alexandria, and Sharm El Sheikh, facilities fall short of U.S. standards.
GDP: $500.9 billion
GDP (Per Capita): $6,200
Sovereign Debt: 80.5% of GDP
Working There: Opportunities in English teaching, business and technology and tourism.
Regulatory Environment: Egypt has become friendlier to entrepreneurs in recent years but obtaining the required licensees is still a lengthy process and the corruption can be exasperating.
Taxes: Corporate: 20%, Individual: 10–20%, VAT: 10%. Residents taxed on worldwide income. No capital gains tax except for some real estate transactions.
Cannabis: Widely available but the penalties are harsh
Homosexuality: Technically legal, though the government often prosecutes homosexual behavior under murky vice laws and the culture isn’t all that friendly to the lifestyle. No recognition of same-sex unions. No laws against discrimination.
Abortion: Prohibited altogether
Women’s Issues: Gender equality is a matter of law, but in practice, it’s quite different, though many institutions are religious in nature and don’t apply to non-Muslims. Women’s literacy is half that of men. Domestic violence is common and unescorted women (particularly Western women) are likely to be hassled or harassed. Again, should society liberalize as a result of the revolution, this too may change.
Guns: Some types of guns are legal but require a permit.
Crime: Low. Some petty property crimes in tourist areas. Occasional terrorist attacks directed against Westerners.
Real Estate: Foreigners can buy and own property in Egypt except for agricultural land. More than two properties or properties that are historical sites require permission of the Prime Minister’s office. Most of the other restrictions apply to large-scale developers and not individuals. Taxes and other costs associated with real estate purchases come to approximately 6.1% of the overall property value.
Life Expectancy: 72.12 years
Moving There
It helps to have an articulable reason for why you want to remain in Egypt (study, research, husband, wife, etc.) but generally if you have the will, there is a way. Investors can sink a modest investment into the banking system.
Foreigners are first required to obtain a $15 Entry Visa from an Egyptian consulate or at a port of entry.
Tourist Visa: Tourist visas (Temporary Tourist Residence Permit) are available for up to one year, renewable.
Temporary Non-Tourist Residence Permit: Granted to students with proof of enrollment, workers with job offer from an Egyptian firm, volunteers, or foreigners willing to deposit a minimum of $50,000 in an Egyptian bank and owners of Egyptian real estate. Permit is valid for a maximum of five years. Dependents and family members can also be issued visas, usually for one to five years, renewable.
Longer residence permits are generally only granted to applicants with family connections in Egypt.
Citizenship: Non-Muslims with no family connections to Egypt can apply for citizenship after 10 years legal residency. Must be sane(!), of good conduct, financially self-sufficient and proficient in Arabic.
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Climate: For most of the year, the Estonian climate is temperate. The summers are often warm and humid; the winters are often extremely cold and dry
Government: Parliamentary Democracy
Population: 1,299,371
Currency: Euro (EUR): 1 EUR = 1.36 USD |
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Language: Estonian [official] (67.3%), Russian (29.7%), other (2.3%), unknown (0.7%)
Religious Groups: Evangelical Lutheran (13.6%), Orthodox (12.8%), other Christian (1.4%), unaffiliated (34.1%), other an unspecified (32%), none (6.1%)
Ethnic Groups: Estonian (68.7%), Russian (25.6%), Ukrainian (2.1%), Belarusian (1.2%), Finn (0.8%), other (1.6%)
Cost of Living compared to the U.S.: Cheap
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Bohemians priced out of Prague have been slumming in art nouveau splendor in Tallinn. Having been ravaged by the global neoliberal hustle, their economies don’t offer much in the way of work, or in the way of anything, really. The winters can be quite brutal, but life here is as cheap as anywhere on the continent and the people are generally pro-American. Best to establish yourself here now before everyone else discovers these little gems. Even work is legally possible without too much hassle.
Living There
Governance: Estonia is a liberal Western-style democracy with free elections, independent media and judiciary, and general respect for human rights. Corruption is a minor problem.
Infrastructure: In Estonia, public transport is well integrated in urban areas. The telecommunications sector in Estonia is one of the most liberalized in Eastern Europe. There are well-maintained modern phone lines and three mobile phone service providers.
Internet: Estonia enjoys high Internet penetration rates (approximately 75%). Hi-speed Internet widely available.
Healthcare: Improving but short of Western standards.
GDP: $24.65 billion
GDP (Per Capita): $19,000
Sovereign Debt: 7.7% of GDP
Working There: Teach English. Work for Skype. They have their biggest office in Tallinn. Temporary employment is available without a work permit.
Regulatory Environment: Far more efficient than many countries in the region. Estonia is ranked 17th in the World Bank Doing Business Index.
Taxes: Corporate: 21%, individual: 21%, VAT: 20% (9% on certain goods and services). Estonian residents are taxed on income whether it’s derived inside or outside the country. Foreign nationals who have a permanent home in Estonia, or who stay more than 183 days per year, are considered residents for the purpose of taxation. Anyone employed by an Estonian company may be liable for income tax even if they stay less than the amount of days required for tax residency.
Cannabis: Illegal but widely available
Homosexuality: Legal. No legal recognition of same-sex unions. Laws against discrimination. There is a general tolerance toward homosexuality in Estonia, particularly in Tallinn.
Abortion: No restriction as to reason
Women’s Issues: Gender equality is a matter of law, although women still have some catching up to do before they achieve parity with men with respect to wages and representation in upper levels of business and government.
Guns: Firearm ownership allowed, permit required for each weapon along with safety and first-aid course. Concealed carry allowed with permit.
Crime: Very low crime rates.
Real Estate: One-room detached house near the coast in Parnu can go for as little as $35,000. Price of a new 500-square-foot flat in medieval Tallinn, the capital, is around $125,000. Land tax of 0.5–2.5% depending on value of property. When the global property bubble was at its apex, Estonia shot to the top of the European house price growth table in 2005 after property values surged 28%. Things have cooled off since the bubble burst. Mortgages are available.
Life Expectancy: 72.82 years
Moving There
Permits to reside in Estonia are not all that hard to get by European standards. Assuming you have no local job offer, no university enrollment and no family or spouse, you should still be able to swing a residence permit if you can demonstrate that you have or make enough money to live there without having to engage in illegal employment or crime. Annual immigration quotas do not apply to U.S. citizens. Part-time work is usually allowed.
Schengen Visa: 90-day stay allowed within six-month period.
Temporary Residence Permit: Available to applicants with spouse or close relative permanently residing in Estonia. Foreigners who believe their presence in Estonia will provide “substantial” benefit to the public interest may also apply. As a matter of fact, anyone who can prove sufficient income to live and has a “valid reason” for wanting to live in Estonia can get one of these. This also covers students, volunteers, freelancers and many other cases. Allows up to six months per year employment after registration with Citizenship and Migration Board. Proof of lodgings, medical insurance, sufficient income, and documents justifying stay are required. Valid for two years. Can be renewed but is often more difficult the second time around.
Long-Term Residence Permit: Granted to individuals who have legally resided in Estonia on the basis of temporary residence permit for at least five years. Includes the right to employment. Registered residence, permanent legal income, and health insurance required. The final hurdle is what is called the “Integration Requirement” which entails a certain amount of proficiency in the Estonian language.
Residence Permit for Employment: Residence permit with allowance for full employment is granted if a particular position cannot be filled by Estonian national, E.U. citizen, or alien with permanent residency status in Estonia. Some professions like journalist, teacher, researcher, may be exempt from this requirement.
Citizenship: Five years legal residence in Estonia required along with proficiency in Estonian language and knowledge of Estonian constitution. Applicants must also show proof of financial means and swear an oath of allegiance to the Estonian state.
Chris Jacobs
Tartu, Estonia
I chose Estonia for a number of reasons. First, I became fascinated with the Baltics about four years ago, along with the Scandinavian countries. Estonia caught my attention because of its history, unique language, unheard-of existence, and its story of survival. Compared to life in the U.S., it is very similar because so much has changed there in the last 20 years after becoming independent from the Soviet Union. Every young person now speaks English, and it maintains one of the top 10 highest literacy rates in the world. Because the country is so small, it is very diverse and international compared to the United States. Of course life is quite similar with McDonald’s, cars, the countryside, but it has a distinct culture which separates it from a number of other places I have been.
Estonia is a great place to live. I lucked out with a nice studio apartment for about 200 euros a month ($280), which represents 15% of my salary. About 20% of my salary goes to living expenses. I live in Tartu’s old town, in the heart of the city, with access to shops and walking distance to any and every store. I live well enough to have bought a car, although I really do not need a car. I rate my quality of life as pretty good. Although I make A LOT less here than I would make in the U.S., I surely spend a lot less than I would need to in the U.S.. The public transportation here is EXCELLENT, the people mind their own business, and over 70% of the people I come across speak English. And those who are educated, 95% of them speak English. However, when taking care of official business, for example, dealing with utility companies, or registering your newly purchased car, knowing some Estonian, or having an Estonian friend may be necessary in order to carry out activities of the sort.
I enjoy living here for several reasons, including those mentioned above. The old atmosphere here is very lush, the country isn’t bastardized by a large number of foreigners, which I kind of like. The weather sucks, but if you can deal with the cold temperatures most of the year, you are going to do well here. There is not a huge U.S. citizen support network, but ample opportunities to mingle with expats from other countries. Of course, there are several events taking place with the U.S. embassy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and other foundations that have something to do with the U.S. So if you get lonely, it’s not that difficult to find something to do.
Working in Estonia can be difficult, as the job market is very limited. You must have an employer willing to cover the state fee for hiring an alien and it is required by law that they pay you a livable wage as noted by the Estonian Board of Labor. Temporary workers (employed under three months) must obtain permission to work from the migration office where the employer and yourself go to document paperwork filled out by the employer and the employee. Of course there is paperwork for employment in Estonia, but less for temporary (three months or less) employment. For temporary employment, you do not pay taxes, but your information is reported to the United States IRS because of the Estonian Tax Treaty with the U.S. This helps make things less complicated when being subject to double taxation. You will be taxed under U.S. law for this type of employment so therefore, your paycheck in Estonia will be for the full amount as noted in your salary. For long-term employment, you are eligible to work if you hold a temporary residence permit, but then you are subject to Estonian taxes, but will soon be covered under national healthcare there.
The housing situation in the capital, Tallinn, where I used to live, is very abundant. The more expensive housing is closer to downtown. The majority of apartments (flats) that are available usually exist in re-modeled Soviet complexes. Rent is generally very cheap in these locations ($150–$250/mo), but when you consider that the wages are still 40% lower than in the U.S., it is still cheap relative to what Americans pay in the U.S.
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Climate: Temperate, similar to that of the eastern U.S.
Government: Republic
Population: 64,057,792
Currency: Euro (EUR): 1 EUR = 1.36 USD
Language: French
Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (83%–88%), Protestant (2%), Jewish (1%), Muslim (5%–10%), unaffiliated (4%) |
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Ethnic Groups: Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African, Indochinese, Basque minorities
Cost of Living compared to the U.S.: Pricey
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Moving to France is not easy. They are fussy about whom they let in and everyone will insist you speak French. But the motivation to live there is great, the food and wine incomparable, and more than 100,000 Americans have found a way to live there according to 2010 State Department figures, and that number is increasing. Work permits are hard to come by, unless you offer some skill that most French people can’t do—translating, providing cultural orientation to French people who are moving to America, giving guided tours in English or whatever other language you know, etc. While there’s a famously international scene in Paris, Francophiles all have their own ideas of where the “true heart of France” lies, and you’ll find them fanned out from the Normandy coast, in country villages and along the Côte D’Azur. Should your ultimate goal be to live in the densest population of rich people on the planet—i.e. Monaco—and enjoy the longest life expectancy and no income tax, your entry will still be through the French government.
Living There
Governance: France operates as a Western-style democracy with free and fair elections, independent judiciary, and the freedom to organize, dissent, and, especially, strike is usually on display on a weekly and often daily basis. Some criticize laws forbidding “ostentatious” displays of religious symbols in the schools, generally regarded as a measure against wearing the Muslim hijab.
Infrastructure: Developed
Internet: Hi-speed Internet widely available.
Healthcare: Standards are high. Universal healthcare is available.
GDP: $2.16 trillion
GDP (Per Capita): $33,300
Sovereign Debt: 83.5% of GDP
Working There: A serious challenge. Many professions and job categories barred to non-E.U. citizens. Unemployment high (especially among immigrants). Your best bet is anything requiring English-speaking skills...or try your luck at a EuroDisney audition.
Regulatory Environment: France has modernized its regulatory system and made it easier and less cumbersome for entrepreneurs, though anyone weaned on American can-do will find the culture maddening, all the same.
Taxes: Corporate: 33.3%, Individual: 0–40%, VAT: 19.6%. Residents taxed on worldwide income.
Cannabis: Hashish is smoked openly, though possession and use are still illegal.
Homosexuality: Legal recognition of civil unions (for both same- and opposite-sex couples), laws against discrimination. France is tolerant of homosexuals and gay lifestyle is openly practiced all over the country.
Abortion: No restrictions up to 14 weeks
Women’s Issues: Equal rights guaranteed for women. They are well-represented in business and politics, though de facto wage discrimination still exists.
Guns: Some hunting rifles can be purchased without license. Most handguns and other weapons require a license. Some calibers require additional licensing.
Crime: Low rate of violent crime. Car theft a problem, particularly in the south.
Real Estate: There are no restrictions on foreigners owning property. Mortgages are available and do not depend on a structural survey. Small apartments in Paris start at around $400,000.
Life Expectancy: 80.98 years
Moving There
Your frustration will begin well before you hit the continent, which is where your application process should begin. Unless you’re loaded (or are in one of the easy-visa categories—student, spouse, etc.), the successful strategy is to convince the French that you will be adding to their fantastic culture. Artists and others with credits and credentials, however, will often find their welcome far less than frosty. As with any French system, the visa situation is a bit on the baroque side, so it’s a good idea to review the options at the French consulate’s website: www.consulfrance-washington.org. Those who dream of retiring in Monaco also begin their journey here.
Schengen Visa: 90-day stay allowed within six-month period.
Long-Stay Visa: This visa is required for any stay in France longer than 90 days and must be applied for at the French embassy or consulate in your country. As you will likely be barred from working, you must provide ample proof that you have sufficient funds to pay all your expenses while in France. The long-stay visa is good for a maximum of one year, but if you plan on staying longer, you can contact the Prefecture of your place of residence within 90 days of expiry and request a Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour).
Long-Stay Visa for Monaco: Similar to the Long-Stay visa for the rest of France, just more stringent. Among other things, they’ll need to see notarized letter stating you’ve never declared bankruptcy, in addition to proof of your self-sufficiency. Depending on your stated reasons for going, you may also be required to present an employment contract signed by the Labor Department in Monaco or an authorization to set up or manage a company in Monaco. Monaco is however an independent monarchy and citizenship rules and approval for citizenship are separate from the French system.
Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour): For stays longer than one year, a Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour) is required. No Carte de Séjour can be issued without first obtaining a long-stay visa in your home country, even if you are married to a French citizen. Cartes de Séjour are issued at your local prefecture. Many documents and forms will be filled out. And based on the caprice of the functionaries involved and a few loose rules, a decision will be made on whether the Carte will be issued and for how long (up to five years). Upon renewal, you can apply to upgrade to the Holy Grail of expat Francophiles: the 10-year Carte de Residence.
Skills and Talents Visa (Carte Compétences & Talents): If you’re the creative type and have a project or endeavor in mind that you believe will assist France’s economic development or make a lasting intellectual, scientific, cultural, humanitarian, or athletic contribution to the French nation (and the U.S.), you may qualify for this unique visa. The visa is good for three years (with one renewal allowed). If you’re leaning toward an economic project, applicants are required to invest at least €300,000 or your plan must entail the creation of at least two sustainable jobs in France. Academic applicants must have a Ph.D. If you only have a bachelor’s degree you must possess at least five years of professional experience in your field of expertise. The visa is also open to independent professionals such as businessmen, artists, authors, athletes, etc. Applicants are required to provide proof of income as well as professional and/or academic standing. French consular officials have the final say whether a given project meets the criteria for this visa.
Work Permits: As a non-E.U. citizen, finding employment in France won’t be easy and work permits are considered one of the toughest visas to get in France. Even if you are planning on working for only a few months, you will need to provide immigration authorities with a signed contract from your employer and various other forms and documents before you will be given the green light to begin work. Still, there are various types of work permits offered by the French government and you may find a loophole somewhere, or simple persistence may pay off.
Student Visas: Foreigners wishing to study in France must first enroll with “Campus France” (www.campusfrance.org) before applying for a visa. Americans can apply at www.usa.campusfrance.org. After one year of study at a French institution, some part-time work is allowed.
Citizenship: Five years legal residence in France required for naturalization. Primary source of income must be in France during period of residency. Applicant must show knowledge of French language, history and institutions. (Period of required residency reduced to two years if applicant has studied at least two years at a French university.) Citizenship is awarded to spouses of French nationals only after the fourth years of marriage, among other requirements.
Serena Page
Paris, France
There is a very large American expatriate community in France. You find them in cities all over the country. Many come as students, either to study French or get a degree at a French university, and others are transferred by their jobs in the States on expatriate contracts for either a definite or indefinite period of time. And many come on their own, with or without work papers and find jobs once they are here. You can find Americans who work as English teachers in language schools, as nannies/au pairs, in pubs, restaurants and shops, as personal assistants and secretaries and other types of jobs.
Still others with financial or technical backgrounds find that their experience and skills, coupled with being an English mother tongue speaker, makes them in demand with companies that have regular contact with Anglophone countries; for example: companies with headquarters based in the U.K., or whose supplier is based in a non-French speaking country and they need employees who can communicate with them in English, etc. And many more Americans come to France because they have fallen in love with a French person and have decided to make their lives here with that person.
I would certainly recommend Paris to other expats. One of the things I like about it is the fact that there is a large American community here, which can be incredibly helpful during the transition process, since you have access to people who have already gone through it and can guide you. It’s quite easy to find American food projects and American-style places when you are homesick. Paris is a very cosmopolitan city and you will find expatriates of every nationality. And the rest of Europe is very accessible by train or plane.
The drawbacks are the winter weather, which is very damp and gray, and the red tape in this country, which is unbelievable. It can seem never-ending and getting papers in order can be a frustrating, hair-pulling experience.
French people can appear to be standoffish at first, but they are very warm people once you get to know them. Americans don’t often realize how difficult it is at first to make French friends. French people take friendship very seriously and do not open their arms wide at first. They take their time cultivating true friendships, so at first, life in Paris can be quite lonely.
Bruce Epstein
Orsay, France
Overall, we find that France is more aligned with our personal values, especially work-life balance. We enjoy the French lifestyle that emphasizes personal relationships and social activities; we are delighted to live in a cosmopolitan area where on a daily basis we encounter people from a wide variety of national and cultural backgrounds. Having unfortunately suffered from a number of serious health issues, we have also benefited from what the WHO (World Health Organization) considers the finest healthcare system in the world, never once encountering the slightest insurance hassle or extra cost. In addition, having seven weeks of paid vacation per year is a wonderful perk!
Marlane O’Neill
Narbonne, France
Compared to the U.S., I find the cost of living here in Narbonne cheaper by around 30% for food and about 50% cheaper for wine (this is wine country). Gas is more expensive but our car is more efficient (Citroen C-4). Utilities are about the same but electricity is more expensive (around 30% more) so we use lots of high-efficiency appliances and light bulbs. An average bill for two for a nice three-course meal with wine is usually under 65 euros compared to about 100 dollars in the U.S. Having a group get together in the café usually comes to about 15 euros a head with lots of plates of appetizers and carafes of wine. In the USA we would spend about double that or more. We have the bonus in Narbonne of being in a town with a major train station so we enjoy traveling around locally by train. Train travel in the USA has become rather rare.
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Climate: Temperate; cooler and rainier than much of the United States; winters in the north can be particularly brutal
Government: Federal Republic
Population: 82,329,758
Currency: Euro (EUR): 1 EUR = 1.36 USD
Language: German |
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Religious Groups: Protestant (34%), Roman Catholic (34%), Muslim (3.7%), unaffiliated or other (28.3%)
Ethnic Groups: German (91.5%), Turkish (2.4%), other (6.1%)—made up largely of Greek, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish
Cost of Living compared to the U.S.: About the same in the West; cheaper in the East
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Europe’s periphery may be ailing, but here in the center of the Eurozone, the economy’s pulse beats strong. The standard of living is high, universal healthcare system has been the norm since the rule of Otto von Bismarck, and there’s still no speed limit on the Autobahn. Best of all, for a major European nation, Germany is surprisingly easy in terms of legal residency, and even work permits (and actual jobs) are available. Besides the growing shortage of skilled labor which has resulted in moves to ease restrictions on the import of foreign labor (particularly vis à vis foreign credentials), the large American military presence offers the possibility of easy employment as cashiers, military hospital clerks and even janitors. Most of the opportunities tend to be in the blander cities of the former West Germany, while most of the expat action (and the fun, in general) revolves around “poor but sexy” Berlin, home to a growing wave of partiers, slackers and more than a few actual artists. Almost considered a separate country, you’ll find little of the stereotypical uptightness, scant evidence of an economic miracle, and no support for the German reputation for efficiency in the nation’s reunited capital—and that’s how everyone there likes it. Jobs completely disappear and prices plummet anywhere else in the old Soviet half.
Living There
Governance: Germany grants all the freedoms and rights expected of a Western-style democracy, though for reasons pertaining to its history, current laws do not allow extreme political parties or denial of the Holocaust.
Infrastructure: First-rate, though the now-privatized rail network has been criticized for its high user-cost and low reliability.
Internet: Nearly eight in 10 Germans have Internet access. Second highest number of broadband subscribers in Europe. Hi-speed Internet widely available. 5Mbps DSL and 35 Mbps cable modem speeds are common.
Healthcare: The majority of German nationals (92%) are insured under the national health insurance program, which is subsidized by the government. The program is compulsory for individuals whose earnings do not exceed a preset government income ceiling. Those who exceed the income limits have the option of opting out of the program and paying for private insurance. Medical facilities are very good in Germany, but they are very expensive.
GDP: $2.96 trillion
GDP (Per Capita): $35,900
Sovereign Debt: 78.8% of GDP
Working There: Difficult for non-E.U. citizens to get positions. Some opportunities teaching English, working on or near U.S. military bases, and there is some demand for IT professionals particularly in the telecom sector. New laws, however, have relaxed restrictions since Germany is facing a shortage of skilled workers and Germany’s Federal Employment Agency does sponsor online job fairs that allow American job-seekers to post résumés (or CVs as they are called in Europe) and establish contacts with prospective German employers. If you work in a field that is much in demand, your chances have never been better to land a position in Germany.
Regulatory Environment: Germany’s center-right government has streamlined its regulatory system to encourage new businesses and innovation—though an American may still find the rules a bit stifling.
Taxes: Corporate: 29.8 % (average), Individual: 0–45%, VAT: 19% (on certain goods is 7%). Residents taxed on worldwide income.
Cannabis: Illegal, but possession of small amounts tolerated by government, though northern German states tend to be more lenient (plenty of public smoking in Berlin and Hamburg) than southern states like Bavaria where users tend to be more discreet.
Homosexuality: Recognition of same-sex unions, laws against discrimination. Generally tolerant, though some cultural biases still survive in the old Eastern half.
Abortion: No restriction as to reason up to 14 weeks
Women’s Issues: Women’s rights actively guaranteed. Germany is one of the most women-friendly countries on earth.
Guns: Firearms ownership license required prior to purchasing weapon. In public, weapons must be unloaded, secured, and in locked container. Owners must purchase insurance.
Crime: Generally low. Some skinhead violence in major cities, especially in the East.
Real Estate: There are no restrictions on Americans buying property in Germany. The high price of houses and the difficulties in securing financing (down payments are typically half the purchase price) means that few do. Prices for a detached one-family home range from $200,000 in rural areas to around $700,000 or more in Munich.
Life Expectancy: 79.26 years
Moving There
Get there on a tourist visa. Tell the immigration bureau you want to stay. Show them you have health insurance and an income in excess of $11k/year and you should be fine. An artist need prove even less. If you’re here to study or have an offer of work then Herzlich Wilkommen.
Schengen Visa: 90-day stay allowed within six-month period.
Residence Permit: Citizens of the United States can apply for a residence permit after entering Germany. There are various categories (including student; enrollment in language courses counts, as well) and special processes for artists, journos and other creative types. Others must demonstrate sufficient income to live in Germany (poverty level is around €7500/$10,500 per year). Applicants must provide information detailing how they will sustain themselves during their stay in Germany and proof of health insurance. Usually valid for one to three years and renewable.
Work Permits: While permits for freelancers are not that difficult to come by (particularly if they’re issued for activities requiring native English speakers), you cannot apply for a work permit without a documented job offer from a German employer. Because Americans are considered third-country nationals (non-German, non-E.U.) the government has usually discouraged the hiring of workers from the U.S. though a shortage of skilled labor in Germany has resulted in a slight relaxation of these restrictions. Students are allowed limited employment (equivalent to 90 full employment days per year). Upon graduation from a German university, there is the possibility of obtaining a work permit for a job consistent with your field of study.
Permanent Residency: Eligibility after five years of legal residency (longer for students and others receiving some form of government support). Basic knowledge of the German language and legal system and culture required.
Citizenship: Eight years of permanent residency required. Applicants must show proficiency in German language and must show proof of viable means of support. Generally, dual citizenship is not allowed, but exemptions are routinely made in cases where doing so involves economic or other hardships.
Adam Lederer
Berlin, Germany
Housing in Germany is, generally speaking, smaller. Actually I’ve come to wonder why people in the United States need so much space. I currently live in a 50 square meter (538 square feet) apartment in the middle of Berlin. It’s cozy and fine, for me. I think if I had a spouse we could live together quite comfortably. When I am in the U.S., I sometimes watch “House Hunters” and I hear people talk about needing 2 or 3,000 square feet for their family of two or three and I am flabbergasted. That’s a lot of space!
One of the greatest challenges as a non-local is understanding how local housing markets work. For example, in Germany a lot of apartments do not include kitchens. There is a room that can be used as a kitchen, complete with pipes for a sink and perhaps a random back-splash, or two, but it is the responsibility of the renter to buy and install a kitchen. One time I looked at 15 apartments; only one had a kitchen built in (the one I ultimately took). Often there is a side agreement where the previous tenant sells the next tenant the kitchen for €5–600.
Another challenge in Germany is the difference between “cold” and “warm” rents. You search by cold rents, but you pay warm rents. Cold rent is the profit of the building’s owner. Then you add on some other costs (typically water, heating, common-space maintenance, to name three—but this can vary), and get the warm rent. You actually pay the warm rent. But that’s not all—if the costs for these other items are not covered by what you’ve already paid, you will get a bill at the end of the year for the extra costs. Sometimes you’ll even get a credit back if you’ve overpaid, but it rarely works out that you’ve overpaid.
Easton West
Berlin, Germany
I have met a crazy amount of people in Berlin that I never thought I would talk to again in my entire life. Berlin has a weird energy about it that seems to bring people from your past back to you again. It’s great. I have made friends with people from all over the world. Never have I ever had such a diverse group of friends. However, a lot of people who “move” here will mostly stay for about six months at most. And then... POOF!...you have an entirely new group of friends to become acquainted with. This gives Berlin expats a notoriously snobby attitude. I think people move to Berlin in the hopes of being immersed in art, design, music, clubs, etc. But they quickly either party too much or run out of money. It’s not always as easy as it looks to live in Berlin even if all you see are pictures of people partying, making art and grilling Nackensteak next to the canals.
The biggest piece of advice that I can give to people who want to move to Berlin is to come here with an idea of the things you want to do. This is a city that supports the weirdest and most outlandish ideas to the most simple and hegemonic ideas. You will not find much support if you just want to find a job and pay the bills. Perhaps if you are headhunted to move here but that’s it. EIN TIPP! Be wary of “internships”...most of the time this means a business is going to have you work for minuscule to no pay for six months and then get rid of you.
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Climate: Mediterranean; mild, wet winter and hot, dry summer
Government: Parliamentary Republic
Population: 10,737,428
Currency: Euro (EUR): 1 EUR = 1.36 USD
Language: Greek (99%) [official], other (1%) includes English and French
Religious Groups: Greek Orthodox (98%), Muslim (1.3%), other (0.7%)
Ethnic Groups: Greek (93%), other (7%)
Cost of Living compared to the U.S.: Reasonable
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Land of Plato, Aristotle, sunshine and souvlaki. Those with visible means of support will find the country fairly welcoming, at least greater than elsewhere in Western Europe, and many expats live here under various schemes and differing levels of legitimacy. Athens remains the cultural hub (though scenesters and contemporary culture vultures should consider the port town of Thessaloniki). As a result of its debt crisis, Greece, particularly the capital, Athens, has been enveloped in civil unrest which can be violently suppressed. Its future under austerity and privatization is uncertain. Then again, for the well-to-do, there are a multitude of Mediterranean islands (likely going up for a sovereign distress sale) where even the problems of Greece, not to mention America and the rest of the world, can seem far, far away.
Living There
Governance: The Greek state holds free and fair elections and respects basic political and civil liberties. There are some limitations on free speech due to prohibitions on speech that may incite fear, hatred, or national disharmony. There is some corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency.
Infrastructure: Good—considerably upgraded after 2004 Athens Olympics.
Internet: Dial-up connections and ISDN are widely available. ADSL and/broadband available in the bigger towns and suburbs, but not yet available in most parts of the country. Lower broadband usage than most of the rest of Europe.
Healthcare: The Greek National Health Service covers all Greek citizens’ healthcare. If you are legally working in Greece and paying into the National Health scheme, you are entitled to free healthcare when you have paid up to 50 “stamps” or days of work.
GDP: $321.7 billion
GDP (Per Capita): $30,200
Sovereign Debt: 144% of GDP
Working There: Au pairs, harvesting work, teaching English—resort jobs available during tourist season (May and September). Women obtain jobs more easily in bars and clubs.
Regulatory Environment: The regulatory bureaucracy can hamper business development. The World Bank Doing Business Index ranks Greece 149th out of 183 countries for ease of starting a business.
Taxes: Corporate: 24%, Individual: 0–40%, VAT: 19% (11% on specific goods). Nonresidents are taxed only on income from Greek sources. Residents taxed on worldwide income. There is a form of “wealth tax” on property, land, cars, etc. and the value of these is required to be declared as income.
Cannabis: Illegal to grow or possess but for small amounts (less than one gram) sometimes overlooked depending on the region
Homosexuality: Legal; no recognition of same-sex unions or marriage, law against employment discrimination. While open gay communities exist in Athens and on some resort islands, Greeks have strong cultural biases against homosexuals, and gays and lesbians can expect to put up with all kinds of discrimination and harassment.
Abortion: No restriction as to reason, but parental authorization/notification is required.
Women’s Issues: Women are making significant inroads in business and politics but there are still lingering disparities in pay. Laws against workplace sexual harassment. Greece lacks specific legislation to deal with domestic violence.
Guns: Some firearms legal to own. Registration and permit required.
Crime: Generally low. Occasional pickpocketing and purse-snatching.
Real Estate: Purchase of real estate by foreigners allowed except in a few designated border areas. Transfer tax of 11% of the “published value” is assessed by the tax office (which is usually a good deal lower than the actual cost), plus various other fees. Annual taxes are payable in Greece on properties owned over the value of approximately $328,251.
Life Expectancy: 79.66 years
Moving There
If you can afford to live in Greece and can prove it, you have a pretty good chance of getting your permit approved. Otherwise, study or get married. Work permits, however, might be too much to ask for, particularly in the new age of austerity.
Schengen Visa: 90-day stay allowed within six-month period. Greece also issues a Temporary Residence Permit valid for up to six months (though this visa is not Schengen-wide).
Residency Permit: Anyone planning on staying in Greece for longer than three months must apply for a residency permit. Due to recent changes to Greek immigration codes, there are now over 10 different categories of residency permits. These include the predictable categories of Student, Volunteer, Religious Groups, Researchers, Self-Employment (including entrepreneurs and investors) and Salaried Employment, and less predictable categories such as Tour Groups Leaders. Immigrants can apply to live in Greece for school, research, athletics, salaried employment, self-employment and others. Depending on the category, visas can be valid for one or two years, renewable. Proof of sufficient income is required if you don’t plan on working in Greece.
Work Permits: As an E.U. country, work permits aren’t granted to non-European citizens unless the applicant has located a position that cannot be filled by a Greek or E.U. citizen. If this is the case, your employer will usually assist with the required paperwork. Some seasonal and temporary positions do not have these kinds of strict requirements but you will still need to apply for a work permit to be employed in Greece and the permit will only be valid for the time you are employed.
Citizenship: Seven years continuous legal residency (Residency Permit), viable source of income, certification showing proficiency in Greek language and knowledge of Greek history and culture. Marriage to a Greek can shorten that requirement to three years. Greece recognizes descent back to the grandparent and also offer automatic citizenship to foreign monks admitted to one of the monasteries on Mount Athos.
Sarah Madole
Athens, Greece
I love living in Greece...and I hate it. Sure, the riots are cool but the sanitation, transit, and the odd pharmacy/hospital strikes are...less cool. As a graduate student at an American institution, I don’t actually interact with the Greek community as much as I do the foreign archaeological one, which is—as one could imagine in the headquarters of the classical Greek world—massive. That’s one of the things I love about living in Athens: my motley crew of friends. At times we’ll have a single representative of say, 10 countries sitting around some Balkan bar like an archaeological U.N.
It’s taken me nearly two years to figure out the opening—or more aptly, closing—hours of shops, which always seem to be shut in my neighborhood. I’m lucky this year to live near a grocery that’s open until 8 on a Saturday; in my old neighborhood they closed at 6, reopening as always, Monday morning. As a New Yorker, I’m used to 24/7 access to many things, and this country’s operating system has humbled me, although I do enjoy the late-night dining culture, which goes on well after midnight. Other challenges include walking down the sidewalk, which is invariably single-file in breadth, pitted with missing or loosened paving stones, overrun with trash from an overflowing bin, littered with scooters and the odd car that have parked on the sidewalk, or being used as a road by the owners of said scooters, and you’re stuck walking behind the petrol fumes.
I live for the laïke, the weekly vegetable market. The one in my neighborhood (which is an immigrant “suburb” in the Athenian sprawl, only a few kilometers from the center) goes on forever. Seasonal fruits and vegetables so fresh the slugs and spiders are still alive when you wash the fruit, and one unfortunate dinner guest found a giant worm sticking out of a half-eaten artichoke. Fresh-cut flowers that last forever, fish mongers, surprisingly delicious fresh wine in 1.5 kilo plastic bottles—all cheap. In Athens I feed six people for the price of lunch for one in New York. Another wonderful thing about Athens: glimpses of the Parthenon walking through certain neighborhoods, if you know to look for it. Athens isn’t like Rome, for example, where it seems like every street has beauty (and certainly lots of old stuff, which an ancient art historian like me really goes for). Athens is a gritty city but it makes beauty, when you find it, that much more striking.
When there are scheduled riots (and they’re always scheduled, on the Internet, very explicitly and in a very organized manner, sometimes weeks in advance), I keep away from the center, where I technically live, but it’s more of a suburb, and we don’t see the crazy. I have friends who like to go and watch but I keep away. I find the “anarchist” trend unsettling, and I’m not entirely sure they really know what anarchy actually entails. In any case, I steer clear of these “peaceful” demonstrations, which often involve violence and tear gas (which the law enforcers/”peace keepers” ran out of a couple of years ago and Israel had to spot Greece some of their super-XXX stuff). That was when people were rioting about that unarmed boy the cops murdered, before the whole tax fraud thing led to the austerity measures and all those related riots. Athenians still commemorate that unarmed boy the cops murdered by annual demonstrations/riots in early December, but they’re nowhere near as violent as they were in 2008. People here are hard up, and the austerity measures are hitting the lower economic bracket that could barely get by before. As much as the demonstrations and strikes complicate life a bit, it’s tough to say whether they’re wrong or right. Sometimes, when I don’t know that there’s been a demonstration and I’m walking through Syntagma (Parliament square), it’s eerily quiet, covered in red paint and various signs of the clash that just occurred.
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Climate: Tropical monsoon. Cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy from spring through summer, warm and sunny in fall
Government: Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, with its own constitution (Basic Law)
Population: 7,055,071 |
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Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD): 1 HKD = 0.12 USD
Language: Cantonese [official] (90.8%), English (2.8%), Mandarin (0.9%), other Chinese dialects (4.4%), other (1.1%)
Religious Groups: Eclectic mixture of local religions (90%), Christian (10%)
Ethnic Groups: Chinese (95%), Filipino (1.6%), Indonesian (1.3%), other (2.1%)
Cost of Living compared to the U.S.: Pricey
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Though technically part of China since the British handed it over in 1999, Hong Kong is still allowed to operate under its own set of rules. While it still holds its own as a world-class hub of business and finance (and movies), they’re feeling the heat from the mainland’s mushrooming megalopolises.
Living There
Governance: Although technically a part of China, Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy and its own constitution (Basic Law). Compared to the mainland, the government of Hong Kong shows a greater respect for human rights and overall the country is a more free and open society. Although electoral reforms have been slow (the Chief Executive is elected by an 800-person election committee), legislators are elected by popular vote and elections are considered free and fair. The country has an independent judiciary and respect for the rule of law but concerns about police brutality linger and freedom of assembly is restricted.
Infrastructure: Highly developed
Internet: Nearly 70% of the population enjoys Internet access and broadband is cheap and can be easily installed. Broadband penetration is expected to reach 90% in the next few years.
Healthcare: Good medical facilities are available, and there are many Western-trained physicians in Hong Kong.
GDP: $327 billion
GDP (Per Capita): $45,600
Sovereign Debt: 18.2% of GDP
Working There: Banking and finance
Regulatory Climate: Highly efficient and friendly to new businesses. The World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index ranks Hong Kong the second best location in the world to do business.
Taxes: Corporate: 16.5% (Unincorporated businesses pay 15%), Individual: 2–17%. No VAT.
Cannabis: Illegal in Hong Kong. Note: since cannabis is quite a big industry in China (cloth, rope, etc.), cannabis cultivation is legal.
Homosexuality: Legal. No recognition of same-sex unions. The Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance of 1991 has been interpreted by the courts to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation but these protections have not been extended to the private sector.
Abortion: Legal to preserve mental health, save a woman’s life, or physical health. Also allowed in cases of rape, incest, or fetal impairment.
Women’s Issues: Sexual discrimination in the workplace prohibited by law. Domestic violence and cultural biases against women still a problem.
Guns: Some firearms legal with license but weapon must be stored at shooting range or similar location.
Crime: Very low
Real Estate: Legal for foreigners to buy property but few can afford it. Tiny one-bedroom apartments in giant Hong Kong apartment blocks usually run between $600,000 and $1.2 million. Mortgage financing is usually available to foreigners. Broker’s fees generally range from 0.5–1% of the purchase price: lawyer’s fees generally run around $750. Stamp duty is 0.75–3.75% of the price.
Life Expectancy: 81.86 years
Moving There:
You don’t move to Hong Kong just to hang out, find yourself, write your novel or retire. You’re brought over to work, train or (to a very limited extent) study.
Tourist Visa: No visa is required for U.S. citizens who wish to stay up to 90 days. Proof of adequate funds during stay and return ticket required.
Work Visa: All non-residents of Hong Kong require a work visa and ID card. Work visa requires proof of a job offer and applicant must possess a graduate degree or extensive experience in his or her given field. Employer must also attest that position cannot be filled by a Hong Kong resident or there is a labor shortage in that particular economic sector. Independent contractors cannot apply. The visa is issued for one year, renewable.
Training Visa: A detailed training program must accompany an application for a Training Visa, which is usually valid for a period of up to 12 months.
Investor Visa: Requires investment of approximately $1.2 million (10 million HKD). Entrants admitted under this scheme may bring in their spouses and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18.
Permanent Residence: Legal residents can apply for Permanent Residence (Permanent Hong Kong Identification Card) after seven years.
Citizenship: Since Hong Kong has never been an independent nation, there is no provision for citizenship.
Hailey McPherson
Hong Kong
Our apartment is a one-bedroom with a tiny kitchen for HKD 9,000—that’s about $1,200. I could easily get a much bigger one-bedroom with a real kitchen in a quiet building with grass and trees outside for $700 in Minneapolis.
Hong Kong food is dirt cheap. You can get a giant bowl of soup with rice or noodles and all kinds of vegetables for HKD 25 ($3.25). The same meal at a typical Chinese restaurant in Minneapolis would also be “25,” but that’s more like HKD 200—and the Hong Kong version is so much better. The downside is that real “Western” food is hard to find, but who moves halfway around the world to eat the food they can get back home?
The transportation here is great—even better than at home. Hong Kong’s Octopus Card gets you on any bus and MTR for HKD 100/month. The Minneapolis Metropass is $76/month.
Getting the Internet hooked up was hard, but now that we have it, everything’s easy. All of the groceries are different, but you can find pretty much anything.
Marshall Creamer
Hong Kong
Since Hong Kong is the most expensive place to live in regards to housing prices, I found a roommate to share a flat with. I just want a place to sleep at night and to be somewhat comfortable...it doesn’t have to be amazing. So we agreed to finding a very cheap apartment so we could use the savings on trips around Asia, or enjoying ourselves here in Hong Kong.
I’m located in a high-rise apartment complex on the 35th floor. It’s an approximately 500–550 sq. ft. unfurnished two-bedroom apartment. (Compared to what I’m used to in the U.S., it’s tiny, but by HK standards it’s a very decent-sized place.) Our apartment came unfurnished when we signed the lease. It has A/C in both bedrooms and the living room, a small kitchen with a washer/dryer, a gas stove but no oven or microwave. Our complex has two club houses with basketball, squash, rock-climbing walls, study rooms, Internet, gym, outdoor swimming pool and a lot of other things I haven’t had the time to explore. We have a shopping mall, restaurants, and a grocery store all in the lower levels of our complex as well, so this place is beyond convenient for us. My roommate’s company helped us with finding a few agents to speak with.
There are not that many expats where I live. My roommate and I were seeking a cheap place with some of the facilities mentioned above and a nice view, this place just happened to be a steal.
Our total rent is 11,000 HKD/month ($1400), split between two people. Utilities are very cheap compared to Chicago. Our first power bill came after two months and was under 100 HKD ($13) for two months, though we weren’t using the a/c. Our Internet is 110 HKD/month. Our gas was less than 100 HKD for two months.
I was able to meet a lot of expats on www.meetup.com (it’s a website that has activities like hiking, photography, eating, and so on). I joined that before coming here and joined the hiking group. I met a lot of people through that and we have created our own Facebook group so that all of us can plan smaller events.
We hike all over Hong Kong—this only costs the transit amount and however much you want to spend on water/snacks...I haven’t seen any parks/trails where we are required to pay.
We plan dinners all over Hong Kong as well. We got the idea of going to different types of restaurants each week. We typically spend around 100-150 HKD ($13–20) for our culinary dinners.
For bars, we go to Lan Kwai Fong in Central because that’s where most expats go for beer. Beer will cost about 50–60 HKD ($6.50–$7.00) and a shot will run around 70–80 HKD (~$10), so it’s a little expensive. However, drinking on the streets is legal, so if you go outside, it’s easy to pick up a 10-20 HKD (~$1.50) beer from 7-Eleven to drink while making your way to the next bar.
I’ve found that everything else—food, transportation, entertainment—are all cheaper than living in Chicago.