Answers when you need them

As borders start to open, assignments that were on hold will start to move forward.  No matter how much someone prepares to move internationally, there are always surprises along the way. Here are a few common concerns you can address before your assignee moves abroad: It seems more expensive. The COLA or cost of living […]

Some countries are opening up their borders. Which country uses the following hand gesture to summon people and is now opening its borders? “If you need to beckon someone, do not do so by moving a single finger towards you. Instead, extend your arm palm down and move your fingers up and down.” Iceland South […]

While the pandemic has pushed telecommuting and online interaction to all-time highs, another unfortunate Internet activity has also been on the rise: cybercrime. Criminals exploit COVID-19 fears and our new online reliance with schemes that range from spreading misinformation about the virus to creating e-commerce links to protective gear that capture a victim’s personal information. […]

In which country should you tip ALL of these people?     Grocery bagger     Parking lot attendant     Valet parking attendant     Gas station attendant     Garbage collector     Taxi driver     Delivery person     Hairdresser     Hotel bellman     Airport porter a.  USA b.  Mexico c.  Argentina d.  Switzerland e.  Australia   Click here […]

The handshake is a common worldwide greeting, but will we continue to shake hands after the quarantine ends?  With most people using gloves and a mask, the germ transferring ritual of a handshake has disappeared despite the cultural significance. “The handshake wasn’t born out of courtesy or goodwill, but fear,” said Pamela Eyring, president of […]

More than half of the world’s population is currently under directives to stay at home. Now, more than ever, traveling virtually can be an interesting, entertaining, and stress alleviating experience. Here’s a selection of virtual getaways, all in destinations covered by Living Abroad: Open Air Museum in La Pincoya (Chile) Live webcams at the Panama […]

Parents of teenagers often have their hands full. Navigating social relationships, marking physical and hormonal changes, perhaps acclimating to secondary/high school, and generally growing into an adult being – all can require parental guidance even as the teen strives for independence. When a move abroad is added to the mix, both teens and parents can […]

Mobile devices now account for almost half of the globe’s Internet traffic, and their use for contactless payment is also on a dramatic rise. While a number of mass transportation systems around the world have had their own mobile apps for fare payment for a while, there are now systems that accept payment directly from […]

Traveling or living abroad is an all-encompassing experience. Parts of your brain that are usually on autopilot at home tend to come alive with awareness, absorption, and adaptation. But that heightened state doesn’t mean you won’t get distracted. Or forget things. Or leave things behind. A recent article described how efficient the Japanese are at […]

Repatriation is commonly cited as one of the most challenging phases in a globally mobile lifestyle. While there is a great deal of support available for assignees in unfamiliar destinations, preparation for a return home can be much more elusive. Many assignees and their families are surprised at how their experiences have changed them, and […]