Questions and Answers Forum

My husband and I are planning to sell our house in the UK and retire somewhere quaint and quite perfectly adorable in the South of France (probably the Languedoc-Roussillon region). We'll most likely have more than enough money to buy a place, and even renovate - if it comes to that. So, no mortgage payments necessary. With that in mind, we want to make sure our pension will cover our remaining years in France. Can anyone tell us what the cost of living is in the South of France, for a couple looking to live out the twilight of their life comfortable, but not extravagantly?

We are moving to Paris in 2013, where my husband will be working in the La Defense area, and I will be settling myself and our two little girls (4 and 7). Can anyone recommend a good area to live? My girls attend a Montessori school here in the States, so we would very much like for them to continue with the curriculum while abroad.

Bonjour! I'm a 27-year old American web developer offered a job in Paris with a small company that's willing to pay me 30,000 Euro per year.

Is this a good salary for someone my age in that position, and is it enough to live a comfortable, but not glamorous life in Paris?

Also, the company says it will organise my work permit, but then can I only work for this company once I arrive in Paris, or am I at liberty to apply for similar jobs with other companies according to the same work permit?

 

I'm emigrating to France from the UK and would like to bring my car with. Can I import my car duty-free, what paperwork do I need, and what requirements are there?

We are thinking about moving to Portugal in 2013, to give our son the experience of living in another country and to try Portugal on for retirement. We own our own business (internet based) and home school our teenage son. First, is there any problem with homeschooling (internet based high school)? And second, continuing our business there?

Preferrably near a Metro station!

If I originally came to France on a short-stay visa, and now have a job offer, can I apply for a carte de sejour?

Please can you tell me what documentation is required to obtain a work permit in Egypt? I need current information. I am a teacher who will be working in an international school in Cairo.

I have a Schengen visa for Spain, but now my friends and I are super keen to weekend in Paris, do I need to get a whole separate visa?

Can anyone recommend some good online resources for finding an apartment in Paris?

We are moving to Mumbai in January and would love some advice about rentals. We will be studying in West Santacruz so need to live nearby. Does anybody have any suggestions? Thank you Kate and Mark

I've heard that Romanians are super rude, and difficult to befriend. Is there a large enough expat community in Bucharest that I won't have to count on the locals to be kind?

How necessary is it to learn German to live in Austria? I'll be moving with my husband who's been transferred to a multinational company in which the de facto business language is English. Can we get buy with our English at least for awhile, or will it be impossible to do basic things like go to the shops, open a bank account, speak to people on the street, etc. 

Any other tips about culture in Vienna that may take some getting used too?

I'm trying to decide which area in Madrid is ideal for me as a young professional who loves a party. I'll be moving from Cape Town, South Africa, where I used to live in the CBD, walk to work and wherever else I needed to go for that matter, and enjoy the hustle ans bustle of a beautiful city that also has a thriving nightlife. 

Is it normal to flatshare in Madrid, and how difficult is it to find flatmates. Can anyone suggest some useful sites for this endeavour?

I have been offered an inter-company move from the US to Beijing. The facility is located in BDA. Does anyone know if there is residential housing in BDA or what expat communities are close by. We would be looking for a 4 bedroom townhouse/villa/detached in the 300 sq m range. Many thanks

as an expat what is the minimum time we need to work for an employer before changing job?

Hi, Does anyone know of any particular websites or forums that offer details of job vacancies within the San Francisco area? Many thanks Jess

We are relocating from the US to Sydney for a year. Our son who is 3 1/2 currently attends Montessori school here and we would like to enroll him in a similar school in Sydney starting in January. I will be working in the CBD, but havent yet settled on a place to live. Anyone have any info for us on good Montessori schools in the area, availability to get in and costs?

By when do I need to get the new mandatory ID card if I'm an expat living in Abu Dhabi?

My partner is offered a job in Brussels. He is English and therefore doesn't need to have a work permit or visa to live in Brussels. However, I am from Singapore. What kind of visa should I apply for to live in Brussels. Initially, I do not need to work although I would like to after settling down. Is there something like a partner/spouse visa available?

As i am moving to Lagos is it possible to get private tution for my daughter who is in 11th grade. I am particular about coaching center who prepares for engineering entrance exams in India.

I am investigating the possibility of going to join my husband who may start working in Dubai. What are the rules and regs about taking dogs with us??? Grateful for any information Debbie

Hey there. I'm a 23yr old single male medical professional going to work in Campsie. I'm thinking about living in the Campsie suburb which is close to work but also considering other places around Sydney. The places which I like to live in are quite simple: close to railway station, close to basic amenities and reasonably priced. Commute time which is not too long to work will be a bonus. Any suggestions please? Thank you!

Does anyone know if the process of getting the permanent residency for South Africa is any quicker/simpler if one has an EU passport? Thanks

Pardon, but what is a Padron, do I need one as a non-EU national and where do I get one?