If you haven't seen the page already, Google is making it easy for all you cybernauts to find ways to contribute...
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Help needed...
Whether locals or expats, many are in desperate need of help in Haiti since last Tuesday's earthquake.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Season's Greeting...
It is time to thank readers around the world for their support and contributions to 245 and Counting and to wish you all, whether at you are at home or on far flung shores...
Our season's greetings & best wishes
for a peaceful & prosperous 2010.
Meilleurs vœux, bonnes fêtes,
et bonne année 2010.
for a peaceful & prosperous 2010.
Meilleurs vœux, bonnes fêtes,
et bonne année 2010.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Don't go unprotected...
Here is a matter that could affect many expats where it hurts – in the pocket! However, I should preface the subject by declaring an interest in this, a close family member having had direct experience of the problem.
The subject is payment protection insurance (PPI), as applied to credit cards, and potential problems that may be encountered in becoming an expat.
Such insurance provides cover on your liability in the event of loss of employment or other disasters impacting on your ability to earn and the PPI on credit cards can include an element of life insurance as well as the principle aim of the cover - insurance in the event of involuntary unemployment, accident, sickness, etc.
All very good so far. However, certainly for Brits anyway, it seems that moving overseas, can automatically invalidate the unemployment, accident, sickness aspect on many policies. So, in becoming an expat, you can lose your right to claim under your policy.
Now, with something as significant as the actual cover becoming invalid, you might expect that the credit card companies would advise you of this change as soon as you tell them you are relocating to another country. Well, perhaps some do, but it seems that some card companies were not doing that – and, as one can go some years without ever claiming, a card holder can be unaware that their insurance has become invalid, while some card companies continue to charge the PPI premiums on the monthly card statements - even though they have been advised that the card holder has moved overseas.
In the particular cases we have seen, there seem to be good guys and bad guys... one major UK bank admitted that the card holder had notified them of their relocation and immediately refunded the relevant premiums that had been paid over some years. Another major credit card company refunded the premiums and made this statement...
“we have recently updated our processes to ensure that when a customer notifies us that they are relocating abroad, they are sent a letter informing them of the changes to their cover.”
However, another major UK High Street bank seems not to take the same view – they say that the payment protection insurance has not been valid since the card holder's move to France, so no claim would be possible, but they they are not obliged to refund the premiums paid over some years, even though the card holder had notified them of their move overseas at the time it was made. This bank has insisted that the policy has been invalid but also wants to keep most of the premiums paid, even though they have not provided the cover! They have referred the card holder to the « small print » of the insurance policy and offered a « goodwill gesture » of about 15% of the premiums paid...
Perhaps this is the level of helpful, caring banking we have all come to expect recently?
We would be interested to hear of any expat experiences of invalid PPI and if the bank has put their hands up and admitted they should have notified the client as soon as they were aware of their move overseas – or if they prefer to keep the money!!
Does this only apply to British expats or can this happen to anyone moving from their home country?
Have you been paying credit card payment protection insurance as an expat, unaware that your cover may be invalid?
Will we be naming names? Watch this space...
The subject is payment protection insurance (PPI), as applied to credit cards, and potential problems that may be encountered in becoming an expat.
Such insurance provides cover on your liability in the event of loss of employment or other disasters impacting on your ability to earn and the PPI on credit cards can include an element of life insurance as well as the principle aim of the cover - insurance in the event of involuntary unemployment, accident, sickness, etc.
All very good so far. However, certainly for Brits anyway, it seems that moving overseas, can automatically invalidate the unemployment, accident, sickness aspect on many policies. So, in becoming an expat, you can lose your right to claim under your policy.
Now, with something as significant as the actual cover becoming invalid, you might expect that the credit card companies would advise you of this change as soon as you tell them you are relocating to another country. Well, perhaps some do, but it seems that some card companies were not doing that – and, as one can go some years without ever claiming, a card holder can be unaware that their insurance has become invalid, while some card companies continue to charge the PPI premiums on the monthly card statements - even though they have been advised that the card holder has moved overseas.
In the particular cases we have seen, there seem to be good guys and bad guys... one major UK bank admitted that the card holder had notified them of their relocation and immediately refunded the relevant premiums that had been paid over some years. Another major credit card company refunded the premiums and made this statement...
“we have recently updated our processes to ensure that when a customer notifies us that they are relocating abroad, they are sent a letter informing them of the changes to their cover.”
However, another major UK High Street bank seems not to take the same view – they say that the payment protection insurance has not been valid since the card holder's move to France, so no claim would be possible, but they they are not obliged to refund the premiums paid over some years, even though the card holder had notified them of their move overseas at the time it was made. This bank has insisted that the policy has been invalid but also wants to keep most of the premiums paid, even though they have not provided the cover! They have referred the card holder to the « small print » of the insurance policy and offered a « goodwill gesture » of about 15% of the premiums paid...
Perhaps this is the level of helpful, caring banking we have all come to expect recently?
We would be interested to hear of any expat experiences of invalid PPI and if the bank has put their hands up and admitted they should have notified the client as soon as they were aware of their move overseas – or if they prefer to keep the money!!
Does this only apply to British expats or can this happen to anyone moving from their home country?
Have you been paying credit card payment protection insurance as an expat, unaware that your cover may be invalid?
Will we be naming names? Watch this space...
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Recounting...
Following an unexpectedly long absence, sincere thanks to all those who have encouraged, nay demanded, the return of 245 and Counting to the blogosphere!
Returning to the fray energised and batteries recharged (unfortunately just the laptop), the intention is to continue the theme of discussing expat life in general but hopefully with some new perspectives... certainly in past months the whole expat experience has been brought into focus by the impact of the global recession on those living far from their native shores and perhaps we will focus more on areas where the expat can be exposed to difficulties, even injustices, and occasional campaigning on behalf of fellow expats may stimulate some interesting discussion!
Whilst the original intention of this blog was to focus on the expat experience in general, there have been many requests for more description of life in France specifically - so, in the interests of responding to readers' wishes (and perhaps a little personal indulgence) a little more effort will go into recounting anecdotes of life in this amazing country - now 245 and Recounting...
Returning to the fray energised and batteries recharged (unfortunately just the laptop), the intention is to continue the theme of discussing expat life in general but hopefully with some new perspectives... certainly in past months the whole expat experience has been brought into focus by the impact of the global recession on those living far from their native shores and perhaps we will focus more on areas where the expat can be exposed to difficulties, even injustices, and occasional campaigning on behalf of fellow expats may stimulate some interesting discussion!
Whilst the original intention of this blog was to focus on the expat experience in general, there have been many requests for more description of life in France specifically - so, in the interests of responding to readers' wishes (and perhaps a little personal indulgence) a little more effort will go into recounting anecdotes of life in this amazing country - now 245 and Recounting...
Photo: Chance AgrellaMonday, December 1, 2008
Support the cause...
Bloggers around the world are uniting to support World Aids Day - use the link for more information and resources to see how you can help...
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Defining moment...
Having just been reading reports of Australians repatriating themselves in the face of worsening economic prospects in the UK, and recalling that only a few weeks ago we were discussing Eastern Europeans heading home for now brighter prospects, we are forced back to the definition of the very subject of this blog, the expat.
Should we be differentiating more between the expat who has shifted country purely by choice and the economic migrant who has by definition mainly financial motives? If so, how do we in fact differentiate - and can one person in fact fall into both categories? Well, perhaps those mainly choosing a change of lifestyle will then build in financial considerations in making their final choice of country, and that is quite natural.
However, for those driven to a move by financial necessity, should we expect them to make any further commitment to their host country? They have made their decision on a financial basis and presumably have been welcomed for the skills they bring to the host country without further commitment being required, other than perhaps to learning the language - so can we blame such people for returning home when the financial advantage disappears suddenly?
Do the expats who relocate by choice, for love of culture, environment, etc., make a different sort of commitment to his host country? Are they more likely to remain and weather the storm when times get tough for a while? Probably, I would think, but perhaps only because they can afford the luxury!
In any event, perhaps a level of commitment aside from financial interest becomes part of our definition of an expat...
Should we be differentiating more between the expat who has shifted country purely by choice and the economic migrant who has by definition mainly financial motives? If so, how do we in fact differentiate - and can one person in fact fall into both categories? Well, perhaps those mainly choosing a change of lifestyle will then build in financial considerations in making their final choice of country, and that is quite natural.
However, for those driven to a move by financial necessity, should we expect them to make any further commitment to their host country? They have made their decision on a financial basis and presumably have been welcomed for the skills they bring to the host country without further commitment being required, other than perhaps to learning the language - so can we blame such people for returning home when the financial advantage disappears suddenly?
Do the expats who relocate by choice, for love of culture, environment, etc., make a different sort of commitment to his host country? Are they more likely to remain and weather the storm when times get tough for a while? Probably, I would think, but perhaps only because they can afford the luxury!
In any event, perhaps a level of commitment aside from financial interest becomes part of our definition of an expat...
Sunday, November 23, 2008
A question of quality...
It seems to be survey season just now, at least in the world we expats inhabit.
Following our recent reporting of an Alliance & Leicester poll of expats (see the post below), now we see a large survey carried out for HSBC International, based on a huge sample of 2,155 expats in 48 countries, snappily entitled "Offshore Offspring"!
The survey focused on quality of life and cost of living issues relating to family life overseas and included factors such as the cost of raising a family, time spent outdoors, languages learned, study time, and whether parents believed that their children would remain in the country as adults. The summary report covers the 14 countries that yielded enough results to be significant in the survey.
Well, if another survey is of interest, you can see the detailed results by following the link below - but for this British expat in France there were some points of particular interest... while Spain is rated as the cheapest country to raise a family, the UK is the most expensive, at fourteenth position.... for the overall results, rating all factors in the survey, I was pleased to see that France is second only to Spain!
If you are contemplating making a lifestyle leap, you can gorge on statistics, graphs and detailed comments here...
Following our recent reporting of an Alliance & Leicester poll of expats (see the post below), now we see a large survey carried out for HSBC International, based on a huge sample of 2,155 expats in 48 countries, snappily entitled "Offshore Offspring"!
The survey focused on quality of life and cost of living issues relating to family life overseas and included factors such as the cost of raising a family, time spent outdoors, languages learned, study time, and whether parents believed that their children would remain in the country as adults. The summary report covers the 14 countries that yielded enough results to be significant in the survey.
Well, if another survey is of interest, you can see the detailed results by following the link below - but for this British expat in France there were some points of particular interest... while Spain is rated as the cheapest country to raise a family, the UK is the most expensive, at fourteenth position.... for the overall results, rating all factors in the survey, I was pleased to see that France is second only to Spain!
If you are contemplating making a lifestyle leap, you can gorge on statistics, graphs and detailed comments here...
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Always a lovely day...
The results of a recent poll of expats makes fascinating reading. The offshore bank Alliance & Leicester International surveyed UK expats specifically, asking them such questions as the reason for moving abroad, why they rate their new country over the UK, what downsides they find, etc.
In terms of why British expats preferred their new country, it is interesting to see the list of top ten factors and that quality of life and a higher standard of living rated second and third positions respectively. So, what is the No. 1 reason for Brits to live elsewhere? Well, the weather of course!
Given the reputation of Brits for always talking about the weather, and the UK having a climate that is the envy of few, I guess it is natural that this would be a major consideration, but perhaps surprising that it is the primary factor. Perhaps we need to be chatting about the weather more on this expat blog!
A safer environment, lower crime rate, slower pace of life, and better food were also rated in the top ten. In fact the report comes up with findings and destination breakdown too extensive to cover fully here, but there were some other interesting snippets...
For example, given that a massive 75% of Brits in France understandably rated the cuisine as a key reason, what about the poor expat souls (9%) who actually admit to missing British food!
Also, going back to the climate issue, in which countries are the 4% of British expats who miss the UK's weather?
In terms of why British expats preferred their new country, it is interesting to see the list of top ten factors and that quality of life and a higher standard of living rated second and third positions respectively. So, what is the No. 1 reason for Brits to live elsewhere? Well, the weather of course!
Given the reputation of Brits for always talking about the weather, and the UK having a climate that is the envy of few, I guess it is natural that this would be a major consideration, but perhaps surprising that it is the primary factor. Perhaps we need to be chatting about the weather more on this expat blog!
A safer environment, lower crime rate, slower pace of life, and better food were also rated in the top ten. In fact the report comes up with findings and destination breakdown too extensive to cover fully here, but there were some other interesting snippets...
For example, given that a massive 75% of Brits in France understandably rated the cuisine as a key reason, what about the poor expat souls (9%) who actually admit to missing British food!
Also, going back to the climate issue, in which countries are the 4% of British expats who miss the UK's weather?
Alliance & Leicester International
Friday, November 14, 2008
Who wants to be a millionaire...
During the summer we heard the story of a Brit in Australia who sold his entire expat lifestyle, including home, car, an introduction to his friends, and a chance to take over his job!
Well perhaps expats are becoming more creative. The problem facing many people is that it is not easy to sell a house in these more difficult times but we now hear of a British couple in Spain who have come up with a fascinating idea - to run a competition to win their property. Well, this is not totally unique but in this case the package not only includes their home (which they say is worth £ 1m) but also their business, "The Wild Wild West" tourist attraction, which they value at a further £ 4m - and they are even including their Harley Davison motorcycle!
The attraction of this combination of home and business is that the lucky winner should have both a home and a ready-made income.
In fact, the owners have a target of selling 200,000 tickets - and at £ 25 per ticket, an interesting chance for someone to become very wealthy when the draw is made in early January! Apparently if the target number of tickets is not sold, then the winner will receive the money taken up to that date. Anyone wanting to find out more can see the full details and conditions on their web site...
Well perhaps expats are becoming more creative. The problem facing many people is that it is not easy to sell a house in these more difficult times but we now hear of a British couple in Spain who have come up with a fascinating idea - to run a competition to win their property. Well, this is not totally unique but in this case the package not only includes their home (which they say is worth £ 1m) but also their business, "The Wild Wild West" tourist attraction, which they value at a further £ 4m - and they are even including their Harley Davison motorcycle!
The attraction of this combination of home and business is that the lucky winner should have both a home and a ready-made income.
In fact, the owners have a target of selling 200,000 tickets - and at £ 25 per ticket, an interesting chance for someone to become very wealthy when the draw is made in early January! Apparently if the target number of tickets is not sold, then the winner will receive the money taken up to that date. Anyone wanting to find out more can see the full details and conditions on their web site...
Monday, November 10, 2008
Bloggers unite on November 10th for Refugees United...
The main theme of this blog is expat life and we concern ourselves with insights into the lives of those who choose to relocate to foreign shores, usually to enhance the quality of their lives or careers.
However, only last week we touched upon some who migrated through no choice of their own, in reporting the recent legislation in Spain designed to make good some of the wrongs of the Spanish Civil War - in particular to offer the opportunity of citizenship to the descendants of those who were forced to flee the country at that time.
Well, today we go a step further in joining bloggers internationally in the "Refugees United" campaign, designed to spotlight the plight of those people who have become homeless, and perhaps stateless, as a result of natural disaster, civil unrest or war. Those families deprived, often over night, of many of the basics that we consider essential to normal life... shelter, food, warmth, access to health care, education, employment...
Bloggers around the world are united in raising awareness of refugees on this special day but if you want to make a difference on an on-going basis you can consider supporting one of the international organisations providing essential help and care to those in this desperate plight with a one-off donation or regular contribution. These links will give you an idea of what is possible...
British Red Cross
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
...and you can make a significant contribution by simply passing on the message...
However, only last week we touched upon some who migrated through no choice of their own, in reporting the recent legislation in Spain designed to make good some of the wrongs of the Spanish Civil War - in particular to offer the opportunity of citizenship to the descendants of those who were forced to flee the country at that time.
Well, today we go a step further in joining bloggers internationally in the "Refugees United" campaign, designed to spotlight the plight of those people who have become homeless, and perhaps stateless, as a result of natural disaster, civil unrest or war. Those families deprived, often over night, of many of the basics that we consider essential to normal life... shelter, food, warmth, access to health care, education, employment...
Bloggers around the world are united in raising awareness of refugees on this special day but if you want to make a difference on an on-going basis you can consider supporting one of the international organisations providing essential help and care to those in this desperate plight with a one-off donation or regular contribution. These links will give you an idea of what is possible...
British Red Cross
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
...and you can make a significant contribution by simply passing on the message...
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Back home...
When the European Union was expanded in 2004, several of those new members were Eastern bloc countries, enthusiastic about membership for the benefit of their economies. However, it was probably not anticipated that this would lead to rapid creation of huge numbers of new expats, perhaps more accurately described as economic migrants. Yes, those countries experienced a mass exodus of skilled workers seeking employment and a new life in wealthier EU countries - and we soon saw, despite fears of the "Polish plumber" taking work away from citizens of the host countries, these workers quickly gain reputations as hard-working, skilled people, making a valuable economic contribution.
Taking as an example the much quoted Polish workers, by happy coincidence we are seeing the Polish community in Britain celebrate this week the 90th anniversary of Polish independence! Apparently the post-war Polish community in the UK had dwindled to about 60,000 by the turn of the century but following the EU enlargement in 2004 that rapidly swelled to about 400,000 people!
Well, only last week we were speculating here as to how the credit crunch might impact on expats, so it is interesting to read reports now that receding job opportunities and fears of UK recession are already seeing Eastern European expats rapidly repatriating themselves - in many cases returning with the benefit of having enhanced their careers with overseas experience and to home countries that are not experiencing the same extent of economic crisis and are actually in need of those skills. Excellent to hear some positive news in the midst of all the gloom!
For those of us Brits stranded on foreign shores, whatever our circumstances may be perhaps we should pay attention to this and not be tempted to go rushing back to Blighty just yet...
Taking as an example the much quoted Polish workers, by happy coincidence we are seeing the Polish community in Britain celebrate this week the 90th anniversary of Polish independence! Apparently the post-war Polish community in the UK had dwindled to about 60,000 by the turn of the century but following the EU enlargement in 2004 that rapidly swelled to about 400,000 people!
Well, only last week we were speculating here as to how the credit crunch might impact on expats, so it is interesting to read reports now that receding job opportunities and fears of UK recession are already seeing Eastern European expats rapidly repatriating themselves - in many cases returning with the benefit of having enhanced their careers with overseas experience and to home countries that are not experiencing the same extent of economic crisis and are actually in need of those skills. Excellent to hear some positive news in the midst of all the gloom!
For those of us Brits stranded on foreign shores, whatever our circumstances may be perhaps we should pay attention to this and not be tempted to go rushing back to Blighty just yet...
Photo: Aleksandar MomirovicThursday, November 6, 2008
Returning home...
Continuing from the previous post on Spain and expats, but on a more sober note, there is a fascinating aspect of Spain's recent new legislation seeking to make good many of the wrongs of the Spanish civil war.
A large number of people were forced to flee Spain during the war and many remained in permanent exile, sadly becoming expats through no choice of their own. Now it seems that the new law of restitution will offer descendants of those exiles the opportunity to apply for citizenship of Spain. Apparently this could amount to as many as 500,000 people, although it is not known how many are likely to apply.
Another amazing part of the legislation is to allow former members of the International Brigades to apply for citizenship. Now quite elderly, these are people from overseas who travelled to Spain voluntarily and joined these brigades to fight against fascism.
Whilst this new law has apparently been controversial in Spain, it is sure to touch the lives of many people in a most poignant way - and it is exceptional to see this potential creation of large numbers of expats and what we could perhaps describe as repats...
A large number of people were forced to flee Spain during the war and many remained in permanent exile, sadly becoming expats through no choice of their own. Now it seems that the new law of restitution will offer descendants of those exiles the opportunity to apply for citizenship of Spain. Apparently this could amount to as many as 500,000 people, although it is not known how many are likely to apply.
Another amazing part of the legislation is to allow former members of the International Brigades to apply for citizenship. Now quite elderly, these are people from overseas who travelled to Spain voluntarily and joined these brigades to fight against fascism.
Whilst this new law has apparently been controversial in Spain, it is sure to touch the lives of many people in a most poignant way - and it is exceptional to see this potential creation of large numbers of expats and what we could perhaps describe as repats...
Sunday, November 2, 2008
A local representative...
An amazing story in recent days has been of an expat Brit who is a councillor in his local town in southeastern Spain. Perhaps no mean achievement for an expat, especially as it seems that his Spanish is not completely fluent. However, more significantly it was reported that, following the arrest of some of some of his council colleagues in connection with charges of alleged bribery, he actually became the town mayor by default!
A wonderful story, although it was later reported by the BBC that he had not actually been offered the post of mayor which was later taken up again by the released incumbent... a bit of an anti-climax for the story but what was fascinating to hear was that this small town has a population of about 11,000 of which the majority are British - now that is certainly an expat community!
This lead me to thinking of what reaction we would find here if we chose to stand as councillors. In fact, with a long history of British expats in many areas of France, it is not so unusual to hear of the odd Brit on a local council. However, in the hills of a rural area of the South of France we are in an environment where visitors from neighbouring villages can often be thought of as strangers and true foreigners are still regarded as something of a novelty... and with Brits representing about half of one percent of the population in our village, our situation is rather different to that expat enclave in Spain. Perhaps for now we should just support the most expat-friendly local candidates to represent our modest needs...
A wonderful story, although it was later reported by the BBC that he had not actually been offered the post of mayor which was later taken up again by the released incumbent... a bit of an anti-climax for the story but what was fascinating to hear was that this small town has a population of about 11,000 of which the majority are British - now that is certainly an expat community!
This lead me to thinking of what reaction we would find here if we chose to stand as councillors. In fact, with a long history of British expats in many areas of France, it is not so unusual to hear of the odd Brit on a local council. However, in the hills of a rural area of the South of France we are in an environment where visitors from neighbouring villages can often be thought of as strangers and true foreigners are still regarded as something of a novelty... and with Brits representing about half of one percent of the population in our village, our situation is rather different to that expat enclave in Spain. Perhaps for now we should just support the most expat-friendly local candidates to represent our modest needs...
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
While we weren't looking...
Almost as serious as this blog losing its glorious page rank during our break, since those early summer days the world has changed dramatically while we weren't looking! Whilst we may already have been in the grip of a "credit crunch", few of us had then considered the possibility of a global banking meltdown!
Well, despite an interest in events, and of course hoping that international measures will save us all, one can resist the temptation to add to the global escalation in commenting on the economic situation... except to point to one stunning spin-off for a Brit in France - the sight of a British socialist Prime Minister and a French President from the political right announcing that they are working hand-in-hand to find solutions to the financial crisis. A true sign of the gravity of the situation, given the renowned love-hate relationship between the British and French even, or perhaps particularly, at senior political levels!
However, while our leaders may be suddenly united in mutual objectives, what is the take of the expat, in whatever country, on the international crisis, even if we are now to experience mere recession rather than complete meltdown? If the expat is by circumstance always somewhat in isolation, would a tougher financial environment create more of a sense of being stranded on foreign shores? Perhaps a lot will depend on the individual expat... retired with a secure income, dependent on earning a crust, etc. I have a feeling that we will be returning to this subject as one of our mini-themes in coming months - let's hear your experiences so far...
Well, despite an interest in events, and of course hoping that international measures will save us all, one can resist the temptation to add to the global escalation in commenting on the economic situation... except to point to one stunning spin-off for a Brit in France - the sight of a British socialist Prime Minister and a French President from the political right announcing that they are working hand-in-hand to find solutions to the financial crisis. A true sign of the gravity of the situation, given the renowned love-hate relationship between the British and French even, or perhaps particularly, at senior political levels!
However, while our leaders may be suddenly united in mutual objectives, what is the take of the expat, in whatever country, on the international crisis, even if we are now to experience mere recession rather than complete meltdown? If the expat is by circumstance always somewhat in isolation, would a tougher financial environment create more of a sense of being stranded on foreign shores? Perhaps a lot will depend on the individual expat... retired with a secure income, dependent on earning a crust, etc. I have a feeling that we will be returning to this subject as one of our mini-themes in coming months - let's hear your experiences so far...
Monday, October 27, 2008
Apologies...
Well, many apologies to all loyal readers for the absence of 245 and Counting... as occasionally happens, real life intervened with an all consuming project for the entire summer.
What has really shocked the writer is that this blog's prized Google page rank of 4 was lost entirely during this comparatively short period... so, lots of work to be done to make that good - and your support would be much appreciated!
What has really shocked the writer is that this blog's prized Google page rank of 4 was lost entirely during this comparatively short period... so, lots of work to be done to make that good - and your support would be much appreciated!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
And now for something completely different...
To up-date those who were taken by Ian Usher's idea of selling his entire ex-pat lifestyle (see "A friend for life... style..."), apparently he sold the package of his home and its contents, car, the chance for his job, and introductions to his friends... for AUS$ 399,000 - bringing him the funds for his fresh start in life.
To keep in touch with his continuing adventures, you will be able to follow the challenges he has set himself on his web site...
To keep in touch with his continuing adventures, you will be able to follow the challenges he has set himself on his web site...
Good luck to the ex-expat...
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Subtracting the ads...
Controversial as always, it seems that President Sarkozy intends to press ahead with plans designed to remove advertising gradually from French public television. Similar to the UK, there is a television licence in France, the income from which goes part-way to funding the several public channels, but this is currently supplemented by advertising revenues. In order to make good the inevitable shortfall created by banning advertising, it seems the intention is to increase taxes on other media, including private television (whose advertising revenues are sure to increase) as well as internet and telecoms companies.
Of course, as there are so many vested interests at stake, there has been the inevitable uproar on all sides - and, apart from financial interests, there are those who believe that this will eventually lead to public television being pushed to the sidelines in France. Well, we will see, but if one makes a comparison with the UK's BBC, then perhaps one could see the potential for greater independence in programme making, editorial content, etc.
Here at 245 and Counting, sweltering in the South of France as temperatures hit 30°C and everyone heads for the Mediterranean, it is perfect timing to point out that you will usually find on this blog a few links to associates and affiliate advertisers, which can include hotel booking service, holiday rental accommodation, French house hunting services, commercial currency exchange, etc.
These limited links do make a small contribution to running the blog and hopefully do not prejudice our content - but then, of course, we are not able to do away with advertising and simply raise a few taxes here and there...
Of course, as there are so many vested interests at stake, there has been the inevitable uproar on all sides - and, apart from financial interests, there are those who believe that this will eventually lead to public television being pushed to the sidelines in France. Well, we will see, but if one makes a comparison with the UK's BBC, then perhaps one could see the potential for greater independence in programme making, editorial content, etc.
Here at 245 and Counting, sweltering in the South of France as temperatures hit 30°C and everyone heads for the Mediterranean, it is perfect timing to point out that you will usually find on this blog a few links to associates and affiliate advertisers, which can include hotel booking service, holiday rental accommodation, French house hunting services, commercial currency exchange, etc.
These limited links do make a small contribution to running the blog and hopefully do not prejudice our content - but then, of course, we are not able to do away with advertising and simply raise a few taxes here and there...
Photo: fito
Sunday, June 22, 2008
A friend for life... style...
An amazing story is approaching its conclusion today - earlier this year an expat Brit in Australia announced that, following parting with his wife, he would be selling up in order to make a fresh start and perhaps enjoy a life-changing adventure. OK, so what is so unusual about someone selling up in such circumstances?
Well, this is unusual in that what is being sold is not just his house and some possessions - Ian Usher came up with the unique idea of putting up for auction his entire expat lifestyle - this is to include not only his Perth home but also its entire contents and the trappings of his life, such as jet ski, motor bike, parachuting equipment. Not content to leave it at the purely material, he has also included the chance to take over his job (his employers have agreed to offer the buyer a trial with a view to full-time employment) as well as introductions to his circle of friends. Yes, to enable him to offer the complete lifestyle package, his friends agreed to meet the highest bidder. Great friends indeed!
Bidding is under way today and of course we wish him all the luck in raising the funds for his new adventure!
This does add a fascinating dimension to the expat experience, though. We see many expats here making key decisions about their home in terms of an investment for the future - particularly thinking that there may be a time when they will want to sell up and move on or return "home". So, people will often consider their property type and location as much for later reselling as for their own pleasure - and many will renovate and develop properties purely for the investment potential. Quite normal, of course.
However, whereas Mr Usher had this great idea when he needed to make a change, what if people considered building from the outset a complete expat experience, with a view to its future value? Might that also influence the type of work we find, what pastimes we enjoy and possessions we acquire... and even where we like to be seen and the friends we make? Imagine becoming a friend for your investment value!
Well, enhancing a property is one thing but the idea of developing a lifestyle for its later value is a fascinating thought - now did I mention my good friend the ambassador...
BBC News: Bidding begins on 'entire life'
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Announcing new services in the Languedoc...
A slight aside from our usual expat observations now... to announce our new sister enterprise offering business support services in the Languedoc region of the South of France.
D'OC Management specifically aims to help English speaking expats with a business in the region with a range of services including... web design, marketing and advertising services, copywriting, etc... interior design for home or business... admin. and bookkeeping / secretariat services... and relocation support for those making the move to the region...
If you are an existing or new expat in the Languedoc these services may help with various aspects of your new life, particularly if you have a business - but we hope you will also continue to visit 245 and Counting from time-to-time...
D'OC Management specifically aims to help English speaking expats with a business in the region with a range of services including... web design, marketing and advertising services, copywriting, etc... interior design for home or business... admin. and bookkeeping / secretariat services... and relocation support for those making the move to the region...
If you are an existing or new expat in the Languedoc these services may help with various aspects of your new life, particularly if you have a business - but we hope you will also continue to visit 245 and Counting from time-to-time...
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Expat? Well, almost...
An aspect we have not touched on much, but which is perhaps a significant phenomenon, is the "part-time" expat!
Is such a thing really possible? Well, there are those who want to enjoy the pleasures of one or more other countries without making the full commitment and that is quite possible simply by way of regular extended holidays, especially if you have the free time, such as in retirement. Here we certainly see many Brits in this situation who want to maintain the security of a base in the UK but enjoy as much time as they can in France, for the pleasures of the culture, climate, cuisine, etc. - just the same as any expats really.
However, a recent conversation brought home how careful one needs to be as a part-timer in this context. In any foreign country one should be sure of one's rights of part-time residency and what the implications may be in breaking the rules, even inadvertently. In this particular case, this part-time expat said that she loved life in France and that, although she is maintaining tax residency in the UK for access to the health service there, she is now spending "most of her time" in France.
On hearing that if one spends 183 days per annum in France then one automatically becomes tax resident here, this friend said that she is never here for that long at a stretch and regularly returns to the UK for a few days. This emphasises the need to know exactly how you stand in any country because in the case of France it is purely a matter of how many days you spend here in a year, rather than the length of any visit, and that friend should probably be declaring herself tax resident in France - and making contributions to the French health system!
So, if you are enjoying the part-time expat life, get proper advice - or hope you don't break a leg enjoying your alternative lifestyle...
Is such a thing really possible? Well, there are those who want to enjoy the pleasures of one or more other countries without making the full commitment and that is quite possible simply by way of regular extended holidays, especially if you have the free time, such as in retirement. Here we certainly see many Brits in this situation who want to maintain the security of a base in the UK but enjoy as much time as they can in France, for the pleasures of the culture, climate, cuisine, etc. - just the same as any expats really.
However, a recent conversation brought home how careful one needs to be as a part-timer in this context. In any foreign country one should be sure of one's rights of part-time residency and what the implications may be in breaking the rules, even inadvertently. In this particular case, this part-time expat said that she loved life in France and that, although she is maintaining tax residency in the UK for access to the health service there, she is now spending "most of her time" in France.
On hearing that if one spends 183 days per annum in France then one automatically becomes tax resident here, this friend said that she is never here for that long at a stretch and regularly returns to the UK for a few days. This emphasises the need to know exactly how you stand in any country because in the case of France it is purely a matter of how many days you spend here in a year, rather than the length of any visit, and that friend should probably be declaring herself tax resident in France - and making contributions to the French health system!
So, if you are enjoying the part-time expat life, get proper advice - or hope you don't break a leg enjoying your alternative lifestyle...
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