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Understanding International Tax Implications as an Expat
Moving abroad doesn’t mean you can forget taxes—far from it. Here’s what every future expat should understand about taxation across borders. 1. Do You Still Owe U.S. Taxes? If you’re American, the answer is yes. The U.S. taxes citizens on worldwide income—even if you live in Bali. 2. Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) You may exclude up to ~$120,000 (2025 estimate) of foreign earned income from U.S. tax—but you must qualify via the Physical Presence or Bona Fide Residency Test. 3. Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) If you pay taxes abroad, you might avoid double taxation by claiming a credit on your U.S. return. 4. Totalization Agreements To prevent double social…
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Top 10 Tips for Moving Abroad with Confidence
Thinking of relocating to another country? Whether it’s for a better quality of life, retirement, remote work, or a new adventure, these essential tips will help you plan your international move with confidence and clarity. 1. Research Extensively Understand the country’s culture, laws, cost of living, visa options, safety, and healthcare system. Use expat forums, government websites, and relocation guides. 2. Visit First, If Possible A scouting trip can reveal realities that online research misses—like local infrastructure, expat presence, and the neighborhood vibe. 3. Choose the Right Visa Whether it’s a digital nomad visa, retirement visa, or work permit, each country has different rules. Don’t assume what works in one…
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Hola España! Why This Vibrant Nation Continues to Enchant Expats
Spain has long held a special place in the hearts of those dreaming of a life abroad. From its sun-drenched costas to its bustling historic cities, it offers a captivating blend of rich culture, laid-back lifestyle, and an increasingly welcoming environment for international residents. If you’re contemplating a move overseas in 2025, here’s why Spain should be at the very top of your list. A Lifestyle to Savor: More Than Just Sunshine While Spain boasts an enviable climate with over 300 days of sunshine in many regions, its appeal extends far beyond the weather. The Spanish lifestyle is one of its most compelling attractions: Practical Perks: Making Life Easier Beyond…
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How to Find Your Tribe in a New Land
From Strangers to President(e): How to Find Your Tribe in a New Land (Even the DR!) So, you’ve taken the plunge! Whether you’re soaking up the sun in the Dominican Republic, dodging crowds in Tokyo, or chilling with an espresso in Rome, that initial rush of expat life often hits you with a low-key question: “Uh, how do I actually make friends here?” It’s a totally normal thing, right? Back home, your crew was just… there. Years of inside jokes, shared histories, and knowing glances. Now? Poof. And while scrolling through Instagram gives you a peek at connection, it’s just not the same as actually sharing a meal, laughing ’til…
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The Unseen Side of Expat Life: When the Dream Becomes a Struggle
Let’s be realistic, friends. While the idea of becoming an expat paints a picture of exotic adventures and boundless opportunities, the reality isn’t always a sun-drenched beach with a perfect latte. For many, the initial excitement can give way to a challenging, isolating, and even overwhelming experience. It’s a truth rarely shared on glossy social media feeds, but for some, the expat dream turns into a struggle they simply can’t handle alone. The boomerang effect sets in. The most insidious challenge is often culture shock, a profound disorientation that goes far beyond simply adjusting to new customs. It’s the daily grind of navigating a foreign language, deciphering subtle social cues,…
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Portugal Calling: Can You Afford the Dream?
(Expat Cost of Living Unpacked) Portugal has truly captured the hearts of people around the world. It has sunny beaches, charming old cities, rich culture, and a famously relaxed pace of life. It’s easy to see why so many want to move there. However, for anyone thinking about moving, a big question always comes up: what does it really cost to live in Portugal? Can you actually afford the dream? Let’s look at the money side for expats. We’ll break down the main costs you can expect. Good News: It’s Usually Affordable Compared to Many Western Countries One of Portugal’s biggest appeals for people from other countries is its fairly…
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Lost in Translation: When Good Intentions Go Awry Abroad
Lost in Translation: When Good Intentions Go Awry Abroad We all want to be good guests when we travel. We pack our bags with excitement and a sense of adventure. But what happens when our seemingly innocent habits become cultural faux pas in a foreign land? The very actions we consider polite at home can earn us a confused stare, an eye-roll, or even a genuine insult overseas. In fact, what’s normal in one culture can be shockingly rude in another. We carry our cultural baggage, and without realizing it, we can stumble into social blunders. See: Human Behavior in International Groups Everyday Actions, Unexpected Reactions Think about a warm…
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Finding the Right International School for Your Kids
For expat families, education is often the #1 concern. How do you choose the right school in a new country? School Types to Consider: Evaluation Criteria: Research Tips: CTA: Want help comparing top schools in your destination? Download our International School Comparison Template. [SettleAway.com/family]
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Discover a Calmer Way of Life as Expat!
Do you ever feel like you’re constantly sprinting, even on vacation? Many of us in fast-paced cultures live this way. We push ourselves, believing exhaustion means we’re trying hard enough. But what if there’s a different path? What if true rest isn’t about escaping, but about embracing a whole new rhythm? Before experiencing life overseas, many of us approach relaxation like another task on a to-do list. We rush to disconnect, only to find ourselves needing a break from our “break.” However, when you step outside your familiar routines, something shifts. You might start eating slower, talking less, and truly enjoying silence. It’s a subtle but profound change. The Power…
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“Normal” Is Just Where You Grew Up
“Why do you do it that way?” You often hear this question when you live abroad. Sometimes, this query comes spoken aloud; at other times, an internal voice merely whispers it as you navigate a new culture. And frequently, you don’t have an answer. You just… do. Because, quite simply, that’s what “normal” always meant to you. However, you will learn, on hot nights at country dachas in Ukraine, at bustling cafes in Spain, and over wine in a tiny village in France, is that normal is profoundly relative. What’s standard, commonplace, and utterly unremarkable in one place can appear completely alien, even bizarre, in another. Indeed, that, my friends,…
