Latest news with #expatlife
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I know why so many young people are quitting depressing Britain for Dubai - the UK made me sick and gave me acne and my life felt like a waste
A British woman has revealed how her health improved after she moved from the UK to Dubai – saying life at home was 'making her sick'. Ela Reeves, 25, from Essex, was struggling with a series of health conditions prior to the move, including chronic fatigue, sore joints and acne. With her body 'crying out for change', she decided to try life in sunnier climes – and jetted off to Dubai for a new life in January. Working remotely there for her job at a luxury travel company, Ela says her quality of life improved immediately – and now feeling healthier than ever, she's not surprised that so many Brits are making the same move, tempted by tax-free salaries, better weather and more job opportunities. More than 240,000 UK expats are estimated to be living in Dubai, with many attracted to the city by the 5,000 British companies operating in the UAE, with famous faces including Amir Khan, Ant Middleton and Kate and Rio Ferdinand among their numbers. There has been a 420 per cent rise in the five years to 2024 in enquiries from UK nationals wanting to relocate to the country, according to John Mason International Movers – with a 45 per cent surge in the 12 months to last March alone. 'Leaving the UK has been the best decision I've ever made for my health,' Ela said. 'The UK was quite literally making me sick. 'I thought that I had all of these autoimmune diseases because I was constantly tired and fatigued, I was constantly getting ill and I constantly had anxiety. 'I just didn't feel my best self despite being somebody who is always health conscious, always eating the right things, going to the gym, and getting eight hours of sleep. 'It was so draining to the point that I was focusing on my health so much and wasn't really getting the results that I should have been. 'I was like 'What the hell is wrong with me?' Prior to moving to Dubai, Ela says she had 'severe' acne, struggling with bloating due to high cortisol levels, and says the lifestyle and weather in the UK limited her. Since leaving, she has noticed a huge difference in her health and has lost weight. Ela said: 'I'm [now] doing 20,000 steps a day, and my skin is the softest and clearest it's ever been. 'I have so much energy – I never thought I would have this amount of energy. 'Despite getting eight hours of sleep and trying to stay off of my phone before I go to bed and stuff, I just always felt drained and tired. 'I just kind of gave up on that for a bit and thought that was just me as a person – but not here. 'I can work till late at night, I can get up early in the morning and I feel fresh. 'Even if I get less sleep now, I've still got the energy because I'm constantly outside getting fresh air and sunlight.' Ela describes the UK as 'such a depressing place to live' and said: 'Because it is so miserable, it is affecting your health and your body in so many ways.' She cites the weather as a 'huge factor', saying she now walks a lot more, and spends her afternoons at the beach and sitting in the sun. Ela said: 'I'm not wasting hours indoors anymore watching TV. 'There's always something to do here, and that shift alone has made me feel more energised and productive. 'Life feels full again, not wasted. 'In the UK, the days felt so repetitive, scrolling on my phone and watching TV. 'And with WhatsApp, FaceTime, and social media, I don't miss my family as much as I thought I would. 'I've actually loved the experience of moving abroad solo and have made so many friends here. 'My family has also come to visit, and thankfully we all have the flexibility to travel and see each other when we want to.' Ela has visited home to sort out visa issues and says her health issues have immediately resurfaced as a result. She said: 'I'm back in the UK temporarily and already my acne has flared up again, and I'm feeling constantly fatigued. 'It honestly just confirms what I suspected: being in the UK really does impact my health. 'In my opinion, the UK isn't a happy place anymore. 'So many people are struggling with their health, finances, and, let's be honest, the weather. 'There are incredible opportunities for young people abroad – go and find them!' On the flipside, some expats have claimed that life in Dubai is not all it's cracked up to be, and have returned to the UK, citing fears over job insecurity, and claiming they're exhausted by the work-life balance and bored by the 'soulless' culture. However, brand Kelly Lundberg, who has lived in Dubai for 22 years after falling in love with the city when she started working as an air hostess for Emirates, says that those who can't hack life in the UAE are approaching it the wrong way. After moving to Dubai, she launched a personal styling business, working with celebrities and royalty and has collaborated with the world's biggest brands, from Chanel to HSBC, but insists that there's more to the emirate than just being a 'glitzy playground'. 'Having grown up in Edinburgh, and lived in Dubai for 22 years, I've been lucky enough to experience the best of both worlds,' she told MailOnline. 'So I can say with absolute certainty that those who see Dubai as little more than a glitzy sun-drenched playground for the ultra-rich aren't looking hard enough at what this beautiful emirate has to offer. 'And as for the influencers announcing their departure, calling the city "soulless", while bemoaning how they thought they'd be better off, I'd beg to differ. Perhaps they didn't look beyond the brunches and the Burj. 'For those who are open-minded, Dubai offers opportunities that are hard to match anywhere else in the world right now. And I'm not alone in this thinking.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Revealed: Surprising destination named as best place in the world to retire
An unexpected destination has taken the crown as the world's best place to retire. According to a new report on retirement by International Living, a Central American country is officially the globe's best place to spend your golden years in. The International Living Annual Global Retirement Index looks for countries where retirees can 'live a healthier and happier life, spend a lot less money and get a whole lot more'. And this year's winner? Panama. The Central American country is known for its beaches while the capital city, Panama City, is a hub for casinos and nightclubs. Jess Ramesch, a U.S expat who lives in Panama, says her friends' 'jaws drop' when they see what the Central American country is really like. She tells International Living: 'As we leave the airport, that incredible city skyline comes into view, mirage-like over the shimmering waters of the warm, tropical Pacific. '[My friends] boarded a plane to a little Central American republic, but suddenly they're wondering: "Did we somehow land in Manhattan?" When their jaws drop, I have to laugh.' Jess Ramesch, a U.S expat who lives in Panama, says her friends' 'jaws drop' when they see what the Central American country is really like The expat claims that Panama is a 'safe, stable and wealthy country' where a person can live a 'comfortable lifestyle' on $2,400/£1,780 a month. And expats who are willing to spend $2,900/£2,152 a month can 'live a life that feels positively luxurious'. Jess adds that Panama 'doesn't charge tax on foreign-earned income' and property tax is just 0.5 per cent for primary residences. Retirees can qualify for a pensioner visa in 'as little as six months' if they have a pension of at least $1,000/£742, claims Jess. Pensioners can also pick up some enticing discounts in Panama, including 25 per cent off their power bill, 50 per cent off cinema tickets and 25 per cent off restaurant meals. When it comes to lifestyle, Jess reveals that Panama's warm temperatures mean that residents can play golf, tennis and pickleball 'all year long'. The expat explains that she lives in Coronado, a coastal city and resort, just 54 miles/87km southwest of Panama City. She says: 'I chose Coronado for the gorgeous breezy weather and the ocean views. I bought my apartment (1,130 sq ft) - my happy place - in 2022 for $155,000/£115,029. Expats who are willing to spend $2,900/£2,152 a month can 'live a life that feels positively luxurious' 'My building is in a coveted location on a golf course and beautifully maintained. We have a large social area and pool on the ground level, as well as three rooftop levels with more common areas, another pool, a gym, a game room, and a sauna.' Jess adds that Coronado is 'welcoming' to expats with 'overwhelmingly kind' locals who are happy to help non-English speakers. To claim its place at the top of the podium, Panama beat out tough competition from other expat hotspots including Spain, Portugal, Italy and Thailand. Jess concludes: 'Fitting in and staying busy is almost ridiculously easy. That's the nature of a well-established expat destination - where you can live an active, social, comfortable life without reinventing the wheel. 'Simply put, that's Panama. And no other country offers so much.'
Irish Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Arrive and thrive: A helping hand for moving to Ireland
The desire to move to a new country for fresh opportunities or a better quality of life helps drive corporate relocations all across Ireland. It also provides employers here with access to highly skilled personnel. But if such relocations don't work out, it can be a costly mistake, says David Dowling of Ireland Relocations, part of the Cronin Group. As well as logistics and machinery, the business specialises in relocation of international personnel. In all cases, careful handling is required. 'We provide stress-free and tailored relocation solutions for corporate clients, individuals and families who are relocating to Ireland and what we say is that preparation is what allows their employees to arrive, ready to thrive,' says Dowling. The company provides a range of services including visa and employment permit management, home search, temporary accommodation solutions, and school search for families. As well as bringing people over for a 'look see' in advance, once the candidate has arrived, it provides settle-in and orientation services. READ MORE 'The idea behind it is that when they arrive in Ireland, they've already seen their accommodation, and have talked to the school, having come over maybe a month or two before their kids are due to start,' Dowling explains. 'For the employer, it means much less chance of a failed assignment because they settle in much more quickly and do a better job, with less of a chance that one of the family simply cannot settle in and wants to go back.' Ireland Relocations can provide a comprehensive hand-holding service to new arrivals, helping them through all the practical details that might otherwise soak up their time, from opening bank accounts to signing up with utilities providers and figuring out transport links, all of which can feel overwhelming. 'It's not just about visas and employment permits but about how to help someone get their PPS number and all the documentation required for that too, for example. It's all about making it a much smoother and stress-free assignment for them,' says Dowling. Such assignments are made right across the country, with some of Ireland Relocations' biggest clients coming from sectors such as pharmaceuticals, med tech, IT and nursing homes. For most people moving to Ireland, a priority is to secure accommodation close to their new workplace. In a housing crisis, doing that independently has become a serious challenge. 'Many are coming for great jobs and are really happy with the pay and conditions but it may not occur to them that they are landing in the middle of an accommodation crisis and that it is going to be really hard,' says Dowling. One of the advantages of working with Ireland Relocations is that it gets access to 'off-market' rentals. 'It means we can offer them a better choice than if they were searching for themselves. We can also recommend certain areas near their workplace, based on their particular criteria. For example, it might be that they want proximity to a school, or a train link, or to be beside the sea. We can give them advice on all of that rather than them having to try to figure it out for themselves. 'We've specialists in every location across the country who know the local markets really well and have built up relationships with auctioneers and even landlords who will phone us to say they've a property coming available in a month or two's time. They know these people all come reference checked and, because they are being brought in by employers, have good jobs and are likely to be secure tenants.' The biggest mistake those relocating independently tend to make is choosing the wrong location. 'Often they just don't realise how far away they are from their work and how difficulties can occur as a result. On a map it might look good but it may not be connected up in terms of transport routes, for example,' says Dowling. 'Sometimes when they do it independently the property viewed online is not the same as the one they arrive to – it's simply not in the same condition. Alternatively, they may not have seen the neighbouring properties or the whole setting. The other thing is that sometimes people arrive with pets, only for the landlord to say, sorry, no pets allowed.' Proper relocation services enables people to avoid all such nasty surprises, while comprehensive orientation supports when they arrive ensure the move is a positive one all round. For employers, such relocation services packages come at a cost but it is far cheaper than having an unhappy candidate leave and having to start all over again, as Dowlng points out: 'It's all about having a successful assignment.'
Forbes
4 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Retiring In The Philippines? Here's What You Need To Know
Panoramic view of El Nido Bay from Tataw Cliff Americans dreaming about retiring to the Philippines might see palm-fringed beaches and exotic lifestyle changes in their future. But a move to this country is about more than that. Retiring in the Philippines offers Americans a blend of English-speaking convenience, quality private health care at affordable prices, a fairly easy visa process, andS locals that will welcome you into the community and make you feel at home. It's also not all rose-colored. Dealing with local bureaucracy, frustrating infrastructure, and a slower-Cpaced life is not for everyone. If you are thinking about making the Philippines your future home, these are a few things to consider. The Philippines has been a popular retirement destination for Americans for a long time. The Philippine Retirement Authority states that Americans are included in the top nationalities that choose to reside here. Other prominent demographics that commonly reside in the Philippines are Chinese, South Koreans, Taiwanese, and Japanese nationals. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing in the Philippines, the country has 78,396 foreign citizens. Of those, 39.8% reside in the National Capital Region of the country. The top number of foreign citizens come from China, with 22,494 people, while 6,306 Americans are foreign citizens. That same census states that out of the 108.67 million household population in the Philippines, 230,917 people have foreign ethnicities. Americans account for 6% of that population, or 13,946 people. The Philippines is attractive to foreigners as a tourist and retirement destination due to its incredible natural beauty spread over 7,500 islands, otherworldly landscapes of tropical beaches and crystal-clear waters, vibrant culture, low cost of living, rich history, and diverse experiences for everyone. This country is full of friendly and welcoming people and a strong community, and it has countless activities that many can enjoy. A real incentive to move to the Philippines is that Filipinos are incredibly accommodating with language. They will have no problem explaining slang or choose to speak in simpler phrasing—they will adjust to your level of knowledge. Because English is the official language, it is widely spoken, and communication is not commonly a barrier. Filipino hospitality is also no joke. When you become a familiar face, you will be considered part of the group. If you make an effort to make connections, be prepared to be invited to everyone's birthdays, parties, funerals, and more. Meals here are also communal, so don't be surprised if locals try to feed you even when they just met you. By moving here, you will be able to build a community and a support system if that's what you're looking for. This country also has quality private health care for a fraction of what you would pay in the United States. Many of the doctors in the private health care sector are trained in the U.S. or Australia, while nurses are among the best trained in the world. A checkup with a specialist might only cost about $25. The Philippines definitely has a slower pace of life. This means that bureaucracy can make you crazy, so to live here you'll need to chill lang (just relax). For many coming from a hustle and bustle culture, this could be a welcome change of pace. In the Philippines, no one will rush you, and there's always time to spare. Retiring in the Philippines has many positives… But it also has some downsides… The Philippines has tax treaties with the United States and Canada, which reduces the risk of double taxation. Because of the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Tax Credit, American expats usually pay little or no U.S. taxes, especially if you're not planning on earning much abroad. However, you still do need to file your U.S. taxes and report your worldwide income. If you have a foreign bank account with over $10,000, you must file FBAR annually. Income taxes here are moderate, ranging from 0% to 35%. Capital gains tax on the sale of property is fixed at 6% of the sales price. There is no inheritance tax in the Philippines. You can still receive your Social Security benefits while living in the Philippines, as the United States and the Philippines have an agreement, and they can be deposited directly to a Filipino bank account or a U.S. account that you can access from abroad. You'll need to stay in touch with the local U.S. embassy or SSA office in Manila to report you're alive and eligible to receive your SS benefits. I recommend you always work with a tax professional that is familiar with working with retirees relocating abroad. Also, stay up to date with IRS and SSA rules, as they can change at any time. The Philippines offers a retiree-specific resident permit, the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV), which makes it easy to set up life here. This is a non-immigrant visa that allows multiple entries and indefinite stays in the Philippines. The SRRV offers special benefits like: The Classic SRRV is for active and healthy principal retirees who would use their visa deposit to purchase condominium units or acquire a long-term lease of a house and lot. The deposits are $20,000 for applicants that are 50 years old and above without a pension and $10,000 for applicants that are 50 years old and above with a pension. If you receive a pension, it should be at least $800 per month for single applicants and $1,000 per month for those with dependents. Overall, the Philippines welcomes foreigners. Especially in the rural and island areas, foreigners are treated with respect. Locals are always interested in learning about you and where you come from. It's not uncommon for a foreigner to be offered to be a speaker at a school or event or even get asked to be a local kid's godparent. The country has specific programs to incentivize expats to move to their country, such as the SRRV visa mentioned above, which makes retiring to the Philippines an easy process compared to other countries. The government has also introduced a new digital nomad visa for non-immigrant foreigners who want to stay in the country for a temporary maximum period of one year. Holders may renew the visa for an additional year. Some of the requirements for this new DN visa include being at least 18 years old, showing proof of remote work with digital technology, proof of sufficient income generated outside of the Philippines, and having no criminal record. These are some general considerations to keep in mind when moving to the Philippines… You should always respect the local culture and customs. Make sure to learn about Filipino values, avoid superiority, and be a pleasant neighbor in this country that is welcoming you. It also helps to support the local economy by hiring local workers, buying from local businesses, and engaging with the local community and not just other expats. Follow the local laws, stay in the country with the correct visa, and pay the taxes that apply to you. Also, volunteering and contributing to local programs and sharing your skills and experience in ways that would benefit your new community are great ways to give back and positively affect those around you. While the Philippines might not be for everyone, it is still an exciting option for many. Retirees who are budget conscious because of a modest pension or fixed income will find the Philippines hugely attractive. You could live comfortably in many cities with a budget of about $1,500 to $1,800 per month for a couple. If you don't wish to learn how to speak another language, the Philippines is also a great option, as English is widely spoken and it will be easy to navigate daily life and form new relationships. The Filipino culture is social and family-oriented. If you're looking to be well-received among a community that is warm, welcoming, and respectful, the Philippines meets the bill. Remember that even though English is spoken by most, the culture is still different from what you might be used to. Everyday life is different—from the infrastructure to bureaucracy to daily goings. If you are someone who can embrace differences, can adapt to new environments, and is open-minded, you will be able to thrive in the Philippines. Finally, those who are looking for beach living, a rural and slower pace of life, and peaceful, natural beauty will be amazed by the Philippines.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Woman Who Lives Abroad Says Her Husband 'Won't Discuss' the Possibility of Returning Home: 'What Do I Do?'
A woman who lives abroad with her husband and daughter says she would ultimately like to move back to their home country in the U.K. now that they are "a little older" She says that her husband, however, has no interest in moving back and 'won't discuss it' The woman shared her story on the U.K.-based community site Mumsnet as she sought advice from her fellow community membersA woman who lives abroad says her husband 'won't discuss' the possibility of returning to their home country someday — and she's not sure how to move forward. The woman shared her story in the 'Am I Being Unreasonable?' forum on the U.K.-based community site Mumsnet. In her post, the woman shares that she and her husband live in a 'beautiful place,' noting that they had a 'great time' living there when they were 'a bit younger.' However, the woman says that they are now 'a little older (mid-40s),' and she's increasingly starting to think about the possibility of moving back to the U.K., where they are originally from. The original poster (OP) says she has more job opportunities in the U.K., and that she'd ultimately like their daughter to go to school there. She also shares that she would ideally like 'to be around' for her parents as they age. 'The thought of being here when we're older and retired makes me feel uneasy,' she admits. 'I don't feel as secure as I'd like.' The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now The problem? The woman says that her husband 'hates the thought of returning to the U.K.' and he 'won't discuss it.' 'What do I do?' the OP asks at the end of her post. The vast majority of commenters said they appreciate that the OP is in a difficult situation — but also noted there are no easy solutions here. '[Your husband] hasn't opted out of the conversation by the sounds of it,' said one person. 'He's clearly communicated that he doesn't want to return to the U.K. You can't make a decision for him, only for yourself.' Another person said, 'I'm not sure what there is to discuss — you want to move, he doesn't. There isn't a solution that's going to make you both happy.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 'You may have to accept that for now your life with your husband and child is where you are,' said someone else, adding, 'If you are set on moving, do that when your child is an adult and move alone if need be. You'll have to decide what is more important to you ... living with your husband [or] returning to [the] U.K.' Read the original article on People
