The takeover of Cadbury by Kraft seems to symbolise a hollowing-out of corporate Britain. The truth is rather more complicatedTHE Thames Valley provides two contrasting examples of what happens when foreign companies buy British ones. Any day now the Scott... (source: Economist) - RSS feeds and Widgets on Feedzilla.com

The takeover of Cadbury by Kraft seems to symbolise a hollowing-out of corporate Britain. The truth is rather more complicatedTHE Thames Valley provides two contrasting examples of what happens when foreign companies buy British ones. Any day now the Scott... (source: Economist) - Share on Twitter - Share on Facebook - RSS and RSS Feed on Feedzilla.com

Dubai might boast lush beaches, dozens of nightclubs and attract the excruciatingly rich – along with the downright tacky – but don’t let that deceive you into thinking it’s Ibiza-on-the-Persian-Gulf.

The City of Gold is a strict Muslim society, where Ramadan is observed by locals. Drunkenness is banned, as are Public Displays of Affection (kissing and cuddling).

In October 2008, the British expatriate couple Michelle Palmer, then 36, and Vince Acors, then 34, were jailed for Read the rest of this entry

More than half a million UK pensioners living overseas will continue to have their pensions frozen after a European court decision.

Pensioners who moved to countries such as Australia and Canada only receive the level of pension paid at retirement – which might be only £6 per week.

The European Court of Human Rights rejected an appeal from a group of pensioners by an 11 to 6 majority.  The group wanted to receive increases in line with inflation.  The decision has saved at least Read the rest of this entry

If you are about to move to another country or you have recently become an expat there is a great way to stay in touch. There is a new service available that will allow you to set up a toll free number that redirects to any number you designate.

It essentially works like this. Let’s say for example you are an Australian that has just signed a 2 year Expat contract in Dubai. You don’t want to loose your contacts and business in Australia while you are in Dubai. In fact, you really don’t want to give the impression that you have left Australia for a long period of time. Here’s what you do – Read the rest of this entry

There has been a number of articles recently and posts in forums indicating that as the economy is hurting in many parts of the world, property theft is going up.  Unfortunately unless you have lived in a country for a while Expats are usually easy targets.  I have even heard of  an expat in Turkey who said the landlord has been in her apartment and has helped himself to a few items.

When abroad, personal security is always Read the rest of this entry

If you have been out of country for a little while, you may be starting to crave your favorite food. Of course your discovering all kinds of new tastes and foods that you may not have experienced before, and that’s great, but in certain circumstances and situations, you just might be craving food from home.

A few that I have craved are Oreo cookies, Jelly Belly’s, Juicy Fruit gum (if you can call that a food)… Ok, I like the sweet stuff.   For you it might be Read the rest of this entry

Thank you for visiting the Expat Essentials. We have been on-line since August 2000 and are the fastest growing community of expats online with new members joining up daily.

Not only is the site focused around the Expat Community, we also aim to provide Resources and Information that are relevant to your life abroad.

We also take great pride in finding new products and services that help make life a little easier while you are living in a foreign country.

Expat Essentials  is organised into 2 main parts – the Members area and Resources/Information. The site is 100% free and all that I ask is that you spread the word

If you are currently abroad or are looking to immigrateto a new country, I’m sure you’ll find some great content here as well as be able to talk to members in a similar situation to you.

Expats Unite!