Questions and Answers Forum

What's the process for getting a social security number in the States... Can I do it at home, or must I do it when I get over to New York?

Thanks in advance

Can anyone help me prepare for what to expect from the work culture in Switzerland, please. I've heard it's very formal? Is this true?!

I'm due to relocate to Ireland for my job, and was just wondering if I need to worry about how I'll be received as a foreigner working in the country... I've had some back experiences in the past of being treated like an outsider in a new country.

Hello.... I've heard that passport theft is seriously on the rise in Spain.... How can I avoid falling victim to it, and what should I do if it happens to me?!

Hi Everyone

Can anyone tell me what, exactly, I'll be entitled to do in Australia with a 457 long-stay business visa?

I'm very confused about this.

Been hearing mixed things? Is healthcare in Norway free or are there co-payments and small fees charged here and there?

Hi- I'm moving to Oslo in the near future with my Norwegian fiance. Initially, he planned to be the working half of the relationship while I brushed up on my Norwegian and got settled, but now all the information I'm reading cites that Oslo is so expensive that it's likely we may need two incomes in order to survive and live well. Can anyone advise on the cost of living in Oslo - is this true?

What do I need and what is the process for opening a bank account in Norway? Any branch recommendations? Is it better to stick with an international bank or to go with a Norwegian bank?

What are the personal tax implications if relocating to Kenya from South Africa. Do I have to inform SARS of such a move if I intend to be taxed in Kenya and to change banks as well

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?