Questions and Answers Forum

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... 

Hello, we would like to take our car to Spain, from England. Is this an issue - how do we get it licensed, taxed and insured. Are there any complications of taking an English car to Spain? Anyone out there who can help? 

Hi - we are planning a move to Spain (Mallorca) and would be interested to know the cost of living compared to London. I imagine it is much cheaper, particulalry now, but I am sure there are some items that cost more. How do you reckon living costs compare to London - which items are cheaper and which cost more. Many thanks.

hello. we have recently bought a house in Mallorca, Spain, and will be spending six months a year there from now. We want to be able to get English TV and are hoping we can take our Sky box from the UK to Spain. Will we be able to get English TV in Spain via Sky? And if this doesnt work, what are the other options for getting English TV in Spain? I know there are thousands of English expats in Mallorca, so I guess it must be possible, and look forward to your help!! 

Been reading up on workplace etiquette in South Korea and it seems like the concept of 'saving face' dominates most of what happens both at home and at work in South Korea. Any tips on acclimating to the idea of 'saving face', and what to do and not do upon arrival?

Is it possible to change from one type of visa to another while in South Korea, or is it necessary to return to your home country and apply for the new visa type?

Can someone explain the idea of a "key money" in South Korea.

Been an investment banker in NYC for the last few years and now going for a job interview in Sweden, anything in particular I should know?

I've heard Barcelona has some great city beaches, and recommendations from expats in the area?

I've lived my whole live in slow, suburbia and now we're leaving the periphery of Philly (Philadelphia, USA) for the big, bustling metropolis of Madrid. As much as I'm worried about my own adjustment I'm more concerned for my kids (Kale is 7 and David is 9). Can anyone expats advise if Madrid is kid-friendly, and recommend some good activities?

I've heard the Spanish can be quite rude, or cold,to those unfamiliar with the culture and the language. I assume living in a big city centre doesn't exactly make anybody any nicer. Can anyone let me know there experiences making friends in Barcelona?

Which are the best areas or suburbs of Barcelona to look for accommodation in as an expat?

Are local Swiss schools a good option for expats? My six-year-old will be starting out this coming year, and I'm wondering if sending him to an international school or a local school is a better option. Any expat parents who have had a similar experience and can advise?

Is Zurich an expensive expat destination...I've heard of people having to pay pet taxes and public parking fees in front of their very own house?

My husband and I are moving to Zurich with our 7-year-old and were wondering if any one could recommend a good area for expat families? My husband speaks German, but I speak only English.

Do people like to party in Bangkok? What's the nightlife like...hoping it's not limited to the lady boys I read so much about...

What's happening with the protests against the King in Thailand? I remember reading about some bloodshed in 2010, and I just want to make sure I'm up to date on safety issues in Thailand, travelling to Bangkok to teach English in two months.