Questions and Answers Forum

The Institute for Western Surgery is looking into providing an Urgent Orthopedics health care program in Guangzhou. We are trying to gauge the interest in the expat community. The program would basically be a Western style urgent care with orthopedic doctors and an English speaking nurse on call 24/7 to handle urgent medical needs like sports injuries that involve muscle, joint, and bone trauma. So what do you think? Would you choose to use the service if you were injured?

My company is giving me an accommodation stipend, but I will need to find somethign suitable and take out a lease myself. Can anyone recommend a good area in Manama with a strong expat community?

It's now been over three months since the king of Bahrain issues a state-of-emergency (March 2011), just wondering what the situation is in Bahrain and it it's safe to visit and even move there?

I've got an offer for 1000 BHD per month, and my accommodation will be paid for. I'm a single male that likes to enjoy himself, but I'm not a stickler for luxury. Based on the cost of living in Manama, is that salary acceptable?

Hi guys, My husband has got a work permit and I joined him with a visitors visa some months back. I've been trying to find a job but to no avail, they all require a work permit.I have a Bcom Accounting and currently doing a distant learning MBA from the UK. Is there anything I can do to get an endorsement to work or anything my husband can do? I'll appreciate any advise. Thanks

is it possible to live in austria without knowing german or austrain german do the people of austria and educated people speak english and whether name boards in public , offical documents in software companies are in english ? please clarify in detail ?

Can anyone recommend some tried and trusted playgroups in Abu Dhabi? I have a very social five-year-old and we're looking to get linked in with some other expat parents ASAP.

What do I need and from where do I get an alcohol licence in Dubai? I have my residence permit :)

Can anyone shed some light on the laws surrounding drinking in Dubai. The city has a reputation for being somewhat of a party central, but it seems like alcohol is pretty much banned outside of 5-star hotels.

Hi Can anyone help me as I have been offered a job in Lagos, Nigeria. How much in Naira (Nigerian currency) do we need in a month if accomodation, car and driver is provided by the company if I will relocate to Nigeria alone and if with family (wife & children). Kindly help me and let me know the do's and don'ts please.

My husband has signed a three-year contract with a firm in Brussels, and with such a good chunk to time in the country, we're trying to decide if it would be better to look at local schools for our children in Belgium, or to stick to international schools. Could any expats who've been through a similar decision-making process share some advice...

Moving my family (husband and two kids) to Brussels in early September and wondering what areas of the city would be suitable for househunting. My kids will go the American international school, so not sure if that makes a difference.

Looking to get out of the city for a long weekend, and as an expat fairly new to the area not too familiar with options. Can anyone recommend a nature-friendly day trip just outside of Brussels?

Coming from Chicago and moving to Brazil, can anyone give me a decent idea of how the cost of living compares? If you're not familiar with Chicago, just work on a medium/large fairly expensive US city.

Contemplating moving to Brazil under the auspices of an intra-company transfer and wondering about the standard of international schools in Sao Paulo? My kids are elementary (primary) and middle school age. Can anyone recommend some good ones. Extra-curriculars are not a huge priority, we're more focused on academics. Thanks.

Can anyone list what I will need to get a retirement visa in Brazil. I'm a US citizen and would  be moving with my husband, also retired. Is there a certain amount of money we need to bring into the country each year/month? What docs are required, etc..

When I think of Canada, I think of frostbite...though I'm hoping my tendency toward exaggeration in indeed a tendency when it comes to weather in Toronto. Moving there to pursue a Master's and allergic to cold. Can someone please offer me a glimmer of hope or at least give me fair warning when it comes to what clothes to pack.

We're moving to Vancouver, and I was wondering if my 8-year old needs to have a knowledge of French to be enroled in a Canadian school?

Hi-

I'm approaching the 90-day mark in Canada, so I can soon apply for comprehensive medical insurance, and was just wondering if the national plan covers you for dental?

I am a site manager in fit out / construction. Landed on Gold Coast few weeks back and looking for start anywhere. All useful suggestions gratefully requested, thanks marcus

We will be moving to THE GREEN COMMUNITY WEST, DUBAI by the middle of August, just wondered how we can meet some new friends

I'm moving to Thailand and would like to take many belongings with me as my CD/DVD/book collection. I'm married to a Thai citizen who lives in Thailand. I have a Non-Immigrant Visa O (marriage visa) that is valid for three months, and which must be renewed in September for 12 months. I wonder if this is still correct after they changed the laws: "Upon entry into Thailand, expats have six months to import their household items from their home country.

I'm moving with my young family to HK. The kids will be going to the American International School in Mong Kok. I will be working in the CBD. Given this, where is a good place to live? I'm moving from Sydney and love the beaches (Repulse Bay is ok but not good for the school commute). I also love the buzz of the city but know that high rise apartment living wouldn't be great for the kids. I really also don't want to live in a claustrophobic expat gated community. Any suggestions? thanks a lot

Do you have any idea of the custom procedures and costs related to the customs for the entry of a car coming from EU to Turkey (Istanbul)?

What's a good mid to high-class area for a young couple with an eight-year-old. Need to be fairly central, but would compromise proximity to the CBD for a little green-space and some good neighbours...