Questions and Answers Forum

Is the cost of living in Poland cheaper or on par with the UK?

Hi- I've just moved to Warsaw and need to register for some local language courses. I see from my research there is plenty on offer, but I'm wondering if expats can recommend one Polish class in particular. Thanks!

Which areas of Seoul are good for finding accommodation? I understand rent is really expensive, but it's also important to me to be surrounded by the right type of vibe.

I'm going to teach English in South Korea and was wondering if I should hire a relocation company or tackle the job myself? Any advice from fellow expats living in Seoul?

What's the quality of healthcare in South Korea? Is it recommended to use public or private facilities?

Hi- We'll be moving to Portugal in August and we have an eight-year-old we need to find a good school for. We're native English speakers and at the moment we do plan to be in the country at least 2 to 3 years. Can anyone recommend local versus international schools in Portugal?

My wife and I are active seniors looking to move from Southern France to Portugal, and although we're in fit physical condition at the moment, our health is always a concern. Can anybody comment on the standard of healthcare in Portugal. As British citizens can we access some sort of nationalized care, and is it satisfactory?

Hi- My wife and I are considering buying property in Portugal in lieu of the horrible housing market in Spain. We've heard way too many stories of Brits treated unfairly there, so we're thinking the Algarve may be a better option. Can anyone who's bought property in Portugal give some helpful advice?

Hi- I'm a young mother moving to Doha with my two little ones and my husband, who has a very demanding job. Back home in Minnesota I had a fantastic group of friends in a similar situation and I'm hoping to find some semblance of that in Doha. Can anyone say if it's easy making friends in Doha and give a suggestion or two about groups to join or places to meet people?

Which areas of Doha are most suitable for newly arrived expat families?

Hi- I have a 7-year-old and a 13-year-old, can anyone recommend an international school in Singapore. What do we need to do to enroll them?

Hi- I'm moving to Romania with my Romanian husband (mind you, he's been living in the States for the last 25 years) and I'm worried that the language barrier will be too much for me to handle. We're going to take care of his sick mother, and though the greater purpose of our journey is a noble one, I'm concerned that I'll be living a life of isolation, consumed by too much sadness. Is it very difficult to communicate with local Romanians if you don't speak the language at all. Do they speak English at all here?

I'm a single British 30-year-old male moving to Romania according to a company transfer and was wondering what Romanian women are like? Are they open to dating foreigners, or is there too large of a language barrier...which I won't lie, can sometimes be a good thing...

What's the cost of living in Romania - in Bucharest in particular?

I've seen conflicting reports about using Skype in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on the Internet. Can anyone living in the UAE give me a specific yay or nay?

My husband's a lawyer and we will be relocated by his firm later this year. I'm an editor, and my work is equally important to me, but I'm worried i won't be able to find work in the country. What's the job market like in Russia? What kind of oppportunities are available to foreigners?

Hi- I'll be moving to Russia with my wife to St. Petersburg next year, and though I'm excited, I'm concerned about the state of healthcare in Russia. I've had a heart transplant and I'm always wary of complication, costs of medical care and the standard of treatment.

Hi- I know that Moscow has recently been ranked as one of the most expensive expat destinations in the world, but can anyone comment on the cost of living in St. Petersburg? Is it just as high?

Does anyone know how long a family visit visa for Saudi Arabia is good for once it is issued?

I'm due to move with my wife to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia over the course of the next few months. That said, I have been doing research and I'm wondering if we should consider basing ourselves in Riyadh rather? There seems to be a more relaxed atmosphere in Jeddah, and it's by the beach - which is nice. But, Riyadh seems to have a larger expat community and more events put on by emabassies and foreign organisations. I'm also an avid golfer and Riyadh seems to have more courses available, can anyone comment?

Hi All- I moved with my husband to Riyadh about two weeks ago. We are renting an apartment, so we are not surrounded by other expats in compound life. I'm looking for ways to meet people or get involved in activities in the city. Does anyone know if there are any women's groups in Riyadh, or how to go about joining a worthwhile social network?

I'll be moving with my husband and two kids from the UAE (though we're American) for at least 3 to 5 years come this July. Can anyone recommend a reputable international school with an IB curriculum and an suburb close by that's safe and convenient. We don't mind living in an apartment if the city centre is a viable option. Thanks.

Hi All- I submitted my application for Permanent Residency in South Africa on an exceptional skills basis in June 2010 and I have yet to receive. I know all applications now go to the "hub" in Pretoria - which seems akin to throwing them into the depths of Mordar and waiting for the God of Horror to spit them back up either approved or lost completely. Can anyone give advice on how to track progress. Any other expats applying for their residency permit in South Africa who can share their experience. I guess misery loves company and I'm looking for any advice I can find.

Hi All- I've been an expat in South Africa for just over four years and pretty much decided to open a bank account with Standard Bank for the obvious reason that it was the branch closest to my house and I was too lazy to walk elsewhere or research more extensively. Now, finally, I'm considering settling more permanently and suddenly my South African bank becomes important because, hey, I need a loan! Just wondering if any expats have been through this process and can recommend which bank is the most conciliatory toward offering foreigners a bit of cash to play with.

Hello, one more question -
We are planning a move to Spain and want to know if we can bring our dog, and what is involved. Do I need to get a pet passport? Can I simply take him in the car and drive out there?
Let me know, many thanks...