Wealthiest Expats Live in Russia - according to recent survey

Russia, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are home to the wealthiest expats, with Eurozone countries falling behind when it comes to paying for foreign expertise, according to a recent survey of expats.

The third annual report commissioned by HSBC Bank International found finances among expats were generally positive with two-thirds, or 66%, saying they have more disposable income to save and invest since moving abroad.

But the survey found expats in Russia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore enjoyed the greatest wealth overall, having higher salaries, more disposable income and more luxury items like swimming pools, properties and yachts.

Expats in Russia topped the list for the second consecutive years with a third, or 36%, reporting earnings of over USD 250,000 a year -- compared to two-thirds, or 62%, of expats in Spain earning below USD 60,000.

HSBC spokeswoman Lisa Wood said the survey, conducted by research company GfK, showed the wealth gap was widening between the east and west, with expats in emerging economies leaving their counterparts in the Eurozone behind.

New Competition Comes to the Medical Tourism Industry

The Medical Tourism industry is facing new obstacles and challenges it never faced before. One of these challenges is the new competition entering the marketplace. Established medical tourism destinations are being challenged by new and emerging one. 

"As new opportunities arise in any industry, so does new competition," said Renee-Marie Stephano, President of the Medical Tourism Association and Chief Editor of Medical Tourism Magazine. "We are starting to see some of the more established medical tourism destinations with excellent reputations letting their guard down in terms of marketing and promotion. This is allowing new, emerging destinations to make a big push, generating larger international patient flow through brand awareness. The lack of a comprehensive roadmap will mean less consumer awareness and loss of market positioning in the future," adds Stephano.

As new buyers of healthcare enter into the medical tourism marketplace including medical tourism facilitators, insurance companies or employers who are looking to implement medical tourism, a greater sense of brand awareness will be necessary to maintain demand. As new hospitals and countries enter the medical tourism market with internationally accredited and super specialty facilities, going that extra mile to deliver the brand may be just what makes the difference in attracting these new buyers. 

Expats bring English theater to cosmopolitan Berlin

theater's founder Guenther Grosser

As Berlin increasingly becomes an international artistic hub, there are plenty of English-speaking actors and directors to run the thriving English theater scene. Audiences are mainly Germans who enjoy the challenge.

The English Theatre Berlin is the German capital's only exclusively English-language theater. Oddly enough, the theater's founder and artistic director, is German.

Guenther Grosser - not from Berlin, but from Bavaria - studied acting in New York in the late 1980s. With the fall of the Berlin Wall, he saw a chance to establish an English-language theater in the German capital.

How to Find and Pay Your Maid in Ecuador

What is the biggest difference between millionaires and common folk?


Millionaires have maids, right? …Well… in Ecuador, everyone from the middle class on up has a maid!


And with retirement homes in the US costing in upwards of $3000 a month, now wonder people are starting to think about moving to Ecuador!


The weather is mild and comfortable year round, the food is natural and delicious, life is cheap, and you can even have your own personal maid for a whole month for less than you would pay in a week in a retirement home.


Finding a maid in Ecuador is not a difficult task.


In order to find a maid in Ecuador, I recommend going through friends or contacts of yours who already have maids, and ask their maids if they recommend anyone.


Finding maids in Ecuador through these means, in 2010, many are paying around $200 a month for the maid to be in-house 3-4 hours a day (part time). For a full time maid the current cost (august 2010) is around $250 per month (8 hrs a day).


You could also go through the local papers, (El Comercio in Quito, El Universo in Guayaquil) but you will need to know a little Spanish. You can look in the classified section in the Services section (Servicios) for maids (Empleadas) offering their services. If hiring through these means, expect to pay a little more, usually around $300-400 a month.


Paying benefits and other employment related costs is slowly becoming more and more required (More on this in articles to come, or you can inquire in the department called IESS).
For the costs stated above, the maids do all the regular household work, cleaning and cooking. If you need special attention you would probably have to pay a little more.


Having a maid is definitely one of the biggest perks to living in Ecuador, …Bienvenidos a Ecuador.

The author of this article, Domenick Buonamici is the lead reporter for EcuadorRealEstate.org , where he lays out the good, bad and the ugly of Expat life in Ecuador along with new business opportunities and more.

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Drinking ban for Dubai expats

Officials in Dubai have introduced a two hour alcohol ban for British bars and pubs in an effort to stop expatriate drunkenness.

The ban, which was first introduced at one British pub, now applies to all sports and British bars in the busy Al Barsha area of Dubai between 4pm and 6pm.

A police source said: "It has been the case that some premises have been selling alcohol all through the day and it was not controlled. That is why these pubs and bars have been ordered to stop until 6pm.

"It is a very strict rule and some officers without uniform are on patrol to see if the rules are being obeyed. If people are still serving we can shut the pub and hit them with a big fine. "

He added that the ban could be extended across other areas.

The rule is yet another example of the culture clash between the lifestyle of many expats and Dubai’s strict Islamic laws.

Though alcohol is available in the emirate, it is strictly licensed to licensed bars and hotels.

Residents wishing to consume alcohol in their homes must obtain a liquor license, while being seen drinking or drunk in public is a punishable offence.

All-day drinking sessions are however common among the expatriate population, particularly on Fridays, when many workers take long brunches at places offering unlimited alcohol.

The FCO advises Britons living or travelling in Dubai to “respect the local laws and traditions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure they do not offend others' cultures and religious beliefs”.

Proportionally, Britons are more likely to be arrested in Dubai than in any other country in the world.

source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatnews/

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New test for immigrants looking to Canada

A new English test for immigrants wanting to move to Canada has been criticised as being inflexible and creating unnecessary red tape...

Two English professors who both have PhDs in English literature say it is a waste if time and money for native English speaking people and those who have qualifications to be compelled to take the $280 test.

American Sara Landreth has a job offer to teach English literature at the University of Ottawa, but her visa application will not be processed unless she does the test. Her husband, James Brooke-Smith, a British citizen, also needs to take the test.

The obligatory English test was introduced last month but critics say the change is contrary to Canadian immigration law. They point out that Section 79 of the regulations of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act states that skilled worker applicants may choose to submit to a language test or provide written evidence of their proficiency.

The Department of Citizenship and Immigration says though that the test is needed as part of the plan to create an independently administered test that helps prevent fraud and ensure fair and transparent methods of evaluation.

‘We felt that going to a language test option was the most fair, transparent, objective, consistent and accurate way to evaluate different applicants' language skills,' said a Canadian immigration department spokeswoman.

Last month, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney issued a ministerial instruction, effective immediately, that said only applicants who write a test will be considered.

Landreth and others though pointed out that there should be a clause for those with English as their mother tongue with professional qualifications in the language to be exempt from the test as it is creating unnecessary red tape and costs.

Toronto lawyer Cathryn Sawicki has launched a legal challenge to the new rules in the Federal Courts.

Source: www.expatforum.com

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Expats turn to new style of properties in Singapore

Increasing numbers of foreigners are shunning apartments and condos in favour of buying ‘landed properties' - meaning that the property is set on a good sized plot of land - in Singapore...

The term 'landed property' usually refers to a property that generates income for the owner without the owner having to do any work on the estate or property - for example, a tenant farm.  But in Singapore, it refers to the land area the property comes with, or the size of the section it is built on. 

New research from Knight Frank has revealed that these buyers, many of whom are expats, are looking towards the districts of Katong, Telok Kurau and East Coast Road to buy such properties, as opposed to the previously popular District 4, where transactions happened predominantly at Sentosa Cove.

Foreign buyers must be permanent residents if they are to buy a landed home. Sentosa Cove is the only place in the country where non-resident foreigners are allowed to buy landed homes, but this is still subject to approval by the Land Dealings (Approval) Unit, among other conditions.

Vatican tourists told to 'cover up or go'

The Vatican has imposed a crack-down on tourists' clothing and imposed a dress-code more commonly associated with the Royal Enclosure at Ascot...

'Inappropriately dressed' visitors to the Holy City have been told to cover up by Swiss Guards or face a ban.

Those entering St Peter's Basilica have long been required to dress modestly. 

But since early this week the dress-code has been extended to St Peter's Square, which marks the border between the city state and Rome.

From this point, shorts skirts and bare shoulders are not allowed.

The guards drew aside men in shorts and women with uncovered shoulders and short skirts to tell them that they were not dressed properly.

Some female visitors were obliged to buy shawls and scarves from nearby hawkers, while men had to wander off to the nearest shops to buy long trousers.

However, most tourists were simply shocked at what they deemed to be the church's hypocrisy.

'Given all the scandals the Church has been involved in, what right can it have to be preaching about the morality of sleeveless dresses?' said Maria, an Italian visitor.

The new dress-code comes at a critical time for the Vatican, with senior figures, including Pope Benedict XVI, accused of failing to act against priests who sexually abused children.

The scandal first erupted in the United States a decade ago but in the last year has involved the Catholic Church in Ireland, Austria, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Belgium and the Pope's native Germany.

Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

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Expats Part of Historic Census in China

The first official count of Beijing's expats is underway but, for most in the community, the historic survey simply doesn't add up.

As an army of 100,000 surveyors take to the streets to map the first accurate picture of foreigners in the capital, most seem to be viewing the mass poll with a mixture of apathy and confusion.

The one-month campaign in Beijing is a prelude to the national census that will begin in November, but it marks the first time non-Chinese people living in the capital will be included in the national picture.

"I think it's really interesting that China wants to include the foreign population, it's a nice gesture to do it," said Miriam Deller, an Austrian expat who has been in China for five years.

She said she would be happy to be counted, but was not sure how or when she might be interviewed or whether she needed any documentation other than that required to register with the police.

"Quite honestly, I don't understand everything about it," she said. "There hasn't been a sufficient amount of information published about it."

The Key to Getting an Offshore Checking Account in Ecuador (without Being a Resident)

I don’t think I have to spell out the enormous benefits of having a bank account in another country. For one, you can take money out of the ATM when in that country without paying fees. Deposit money and pay bills without having to transfer the money into the country every time; and not to mention, tax advantages with regards to your home country.  

In Ecuador, you can get that offshore bank account you desire.

The problem is that the official word in Ecuador is that a foreigner can’t get an account without a local ID card, given out when you are already a resident on one of the resident visas.

I know what you’re thinking...

"OK, but I just arrived, and not on a resident visa but simply a tourist one, so how can I get an account now?"

Here is the trick; avoid the big banks of Ecuador, with the stricter policies, and head for the smaller banks, there are several, preferably the ones whose main colors are green or red…

These smaller banks are much more likely to overlook their normal regulations and give you an account. (Most Ecuadorians view foreigners as high rollers and the banks are no different. Big banks already have their accounts, but the smaller ones are constantly on the lookout!)

If one banker turns you down, try a different branch of the same bank, where you may have more luck.

But, the easiest way to get an account in Ecuador in these smaller banks is to KNOW someone with an account in one.

Word of mouth referrals are king in Latin America, and if they are a current client, they can refer you, and the bank will often overlook their normal restrictions and open an account for you. So ask around and find someone (maybe even your real estate agent could help you out)...

In Latin America, not only the banks value highly word of mouth referrals, but the whole society.  Million dollar deals are made daily between people simply based on their spoken word, their reputation and personal recommendations.

...It is easier than you think to meet people your first week down here, go to church, message people on Facebook, take a language class...

Then have them recommend you verbally in their (preferibly smaller, flexible bank) and that’s it, the account is yours.

Remember, it's not necessary to have a contact, but it certainly helps.

By Domenick Buonamici
EcuadorRealEstate.org

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Avoiding Renovation Nightmares as an Expat in Belize

I have been in Corozal, Belize a year now and I am finally well adjusted to life here, but it took about 5 to 6 months to get over the feelings that I made a mistake.  This was nothing like living in the United States.  I had read before moving to Corozal that time was not an important issue for Belizeans, so I was prepared for that, having lived in other places where time was not an issue.  But trust issues became a big concern for me, as they are for all ex-pats and even Belizeans.  I want to share the experiences I have had with hiring people to do some maintenance on my house.

I decided to rent a house for a nominal amount, by American standards, but I wanted to do some things to make it feel more comfortable for me.  Let me just note here that not all laborers working on Belizean homes here are Belizean; some are Guatemalan, Mexican, as well as other Central American countries.  I started by adding a driveway and a fence.  Then I ordered furniture and had the inside repainted to suit my color scheme.  I hired a couple (Guatemalan) to work for me so the husband and his family put in the driveway for a rather large sum, but I trusted them since he worked for me on other projects.  During the project several Belizeans stopped by to compliment my driveway and asked what I paid.  When I told them, they were all shocked at the high price.  I thought they were being jealous of what I was paying, but turns out they were right.  While the driveway was being constructed, the inside was being painted, supposedly by the best painters in Corozal.  These guys paint all the ex-pat houses in Consejo Shores (a separate community outside of Corozal).  The day they finished, it started raining and it rained for about 3 or 4 days.  So that ended up being a wasted paint job because the house was leaking all over.  My worker and his family said they could take care of the roof for a nice sum, which the homeowner forked out.  Well after finishing that job, it rained again and leaked all over the house.   The homeowners and I were both very disappointed, meantime, people are continually telling me I paid more than double for the driveway.  Enough!

So it was time to talk about what was really going on.   Now it’s time to let them go.  The furniture maker also took advantage of me being a trusting person.  I never got all of my furniture and it was not what I wanted and then he disappeared.

My suggestion to anyone doing construction or renovation in Belize would be to get at least three bids, and ask around before making up your mind on a contractor.  If you don’t get into a hurry to have things done, you can develop contacts that will help you find someone reputable and honest.  Please don’t take for granted that all the ex-pats that are in business down here have your best interest at heart either, and whatever you do, never have work done that you are not going to be there to watch over.  I believe it is worth the extra vetting to be in Belize, but make sure you go through that process.  In my situation all was not a total loss, I mentioned I had a fence put in.  Well, it turns out those were the most honest people with whom I came into contact.  We are very good friends.  The husband is my handyman and the wife is one of my best friends down here.  Their family has become my Belizean family.  He and his family fixed my roof and it no longer leaks.  I do like this country so much more now after learning some of those lessons.  It is an interesting experiment I am experiencing down here.

by Amanda Nixon
Amanda has spent the last year living in Corozal, Belize as an expat

Source: http://belizedragonfly.com/

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Get Expert Help to Find the Home of Your Dreams in Australia .... and be on TV too!

Phil Spencer - Property Guru

Property guru Phil Spencer from C4’s ‘Location Location Location’ is taking his property finding and negotiating skills along with a large dose of English charm, down under. He’s heading to the other side of the world to help emigrating Brits find their perfect home in Australia.

In each episode, Phil will be helping one British couple navigate their way through the Australian property system. Phil will help find, survey and negotiate the deal on their dream pad. From harbour-side homes in Sydney and Beach pads in Byron Bay to Ranches in the Outback and Retreats in the Rainforest, no property search is too daunting for Phil.

For the return of this exciting series we are on the hunt for people who are looking to emigrate to Australia before the end of 2010. They must be available and able to buy in November/December 2010. They must have secured approval from the FIRB (Foreign Investment Review Board) without which they can’t buy property in Australia. If they’ve got the papers and they would like the help of a dedicated team who will assist them find the house of their dreams all they have to do is follow this link http://www.meontv.co.uk/PhilDownUnder and fill in the application form.

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Expat Guide to the Holy Month of Ramadam

DUBAI - Nearly a billion and a half Muslims worldwide on Wednesday began the annual holy month of Ramadan, a time of prayer and fasting that commemorates the divine revelation received by the Prophet Mohammed.

Observing Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and over the next month observant Muslims will abstain from food, drinking and smoking from dawn to dusk and practice restraint from all activities and behaviours not compatible with Islamic values.

In many Arab countries non-Muslims are expected to observe Ramadan while in public by law. Anyone found flouting Ramadan customs faces arrest and the possibility of fines and even jail time.

To avoid falling foul of local laws and customs and to make the most of this special time of the year, Yahoo! Maktoob has drawn up a few guidelines to follow and tips to consider for non-Muslims.

Do not eat or drink in public during daytime
As we mentioned above, in many Arab countries non-Muslims are required by law to observe Ramadan customs while in public. This includes chewing gum and smoking and extends to your car and any other place considered to be in public view.

Certain groups of people - pregnant or nursing women, young children, the elderly, the chronically ill and the mentally ill - are exempt from fasting, but these people should still exercise discretion while in public.

Eat before you go out during daytime
Most restaurants and cafes will be closed during daylight hours, especially those inside shopping centres. The few that are open are screened from public view.

Plan for a lot of quiet nights in ... and out
Most major nightclubs will be shut. Some pubs and bars will remain open, but they will only be playing background music.

Do not play loud music or dance
Loud music and dancing are considered disrespectful during Ramadan so do not play music or dance in public, not even in your car.

Mind your language
Refrain from cursing or swearing. This is also considered disrespectful during Ramadan.

Dress conservatively
While wearing skimpy clothes is generally frowned upon in Arab countries, be extra careful about your dress during the month of fasting as standards may be policed even more carefully than usual.

Be careful on the roads
Driving is more erratic than usual, especially during late afternoon and early evening. Be patient and show tolerance.

Go to an Iftar
Throughout Ramadan you will likely receive several invitations to join Muslim friends or colleagues to break the fast at an Iftar. Iftars are a very happy occasion for Muslims and great place to meet friends and make new ones.

Learn the lingo
To start you off, "Ramadan Mubarak" and "Ramadan Kareem" are traditional congratulatory greetings during the holy month.

Fast for a day, week or even the whole month
Find out what Ramadan is all about first hand, even if you do not do it for the whole month. The act of fasting is said to cleanse the inner soul and allow Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate.


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Asian Property Sector looking Positive-Thailand Bouncing Back

In recent months the Asian property sector has showed signs of a full recovery.   

Renewed willingness to spend as 2010 progresses is found in China, India, Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand. Stock market investments and increased savings are a result of consumers being more confident in the market, including spending on luxury items such as vacations, clothes and entertainment and overseas Real Estate. 

In some countries such as Hong Kong and Singapore governments are actually trying to cool down overheating property markets. New measures in China restrict mortgage lending, increase land supply and stop developers from hoarding apartments to push up prices. 


In the biggest cities like Beijing and Shanghai, prices have risen so much that for many people most properties are now unaffordable. Prices in Hong Kong, China, Singapore and South Korea are now above pre- 2008 levels

The Philippines property market is showing new signs of life after enduring falling rental rates and rising vacancies in 2009. Developers are starting to reactivate projects stalled with last year's global economic downturn, and cranes are swinging again on the skylines of Manila and other metropolitan areas with the brightened economic outlook.
“Throughout Asia there does seem to be a lot of activity and prices are rising” said Alan Bolton Property Consultants”

In Thailand where Alan Bolton Property Consultants head office is located, positive signs are also being seen with a number of very high profile property transactions recently taking place and new projects being launched in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.

“Throughout Thailand we are seeing some very positive signs, recently one of Thailand’s most luxurious properties was believed to have been sold for US$24 million” The 6500 SQM property located on Natai Beach in the Phang Na province, had been available for several years and was originally listed at a price of US$27.5 million”.  

In Phuket a number of stunning villas are now being marketed by both International and local agents in the price range of 3 US$- US$7 and interest has been very encouraging. 

Interestingly in Thailand foreigners account for less than 5% of investments made in the real estate market, with the majority concentrated in resort areas such as Phuket and Pattaya. 

“Local Thai buyers are responsible for a lot of the current activity however interest from overseas buyers remains strong and increasing” say Alan Bolton Property Consultants 

In Pattaya which has always had a resilient property sector, positive signs again are being shown with a number of developers such as Raimon Land now completing the Stunning high Rise project Northpoint and Vareejinda about to complete their 5 Star Urban project APUS Condominium. Both projects have seen some very positive sales figures in recent months from both Thai and Foreign investors.

New developments which may have been on hold are now moving ahead quickly, most notably Major Development’s landmark high rise Pattaya development “Reflection” Petch Property Development responsible for the area’s first 6 Star residence in “The Cove” are in the final stages of launching 2 brand new projects, and well known local developers Nova Group have seen an amazing take up rate in their brand new Flagship project” The Cliff” 

New Housing Developments are also being launched in all manner of price ranges for both the budget conscious to the high end luxury sector

“We are taking phone calls regularly from developers (both local as well as international) requesting our services to list their projects and for marketing assistance, as well as some very serious enquiries for medium and large land plots which is very encouraging”  

“We are seeing increased activity not only from developers who are now confident to launch or re-launch projects, but also from our customer base of individual buyers and property investors, levels are still down on previous years but with everything that has happened both globally, as well as locally here in Thailand with political unrest, it is indeed encouraging that the property sector is showing some real signs of momentum in its recovery”

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The Cost of Living in Ecuador - 2010

Ecuador is a cheap place to live, no doubt about it.

Those who think life in Ecuador costs about the same as other Latin American destinations like Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, or the Dominican Republic are mistaken.

Of course, how much you spend greatly depends on your personal spending habits, and a little on the area of the city in which you live. 

But Ecuador is a land where the  dollar still goes a long way, and people still cherish their pennies.

Food, transport, medical and housing costs are all considerably lower than in most of the western hemisphere.

Food:

A 3-course plate lunch in a local restaurant in the street costs around $2.  Many  local families do all their grocery shopping for the month for under $150-200.  (Of course, knowing how to shop, finding the deals, and shopping a lot in local markets.)

Even the international fast food chains have adapted to Ecuadorian prices.  For example, in Pizza Hut, you can buy a personal pan pizza for $1.50, and in KFC you can get a plate lunch with rice, beans and chicken for $1.75.

Transport:

Thankfully, with plentiful taxis and public transport, Ecuador is one of those countries where you truly don’t need to own a car.  I have never waited longer than 10 minutes for a bus in the street, nor has it ever taken me longer than 6 minutes to flag down a taxi.

This automatically eliminates the costs you incur for car insurance, repairs and parking.

A city bus costs a whopping $.25 cents and inter-city buses cost around $1 per hour traveled.  So, in other words, you can go from one end (Colombian border) of Ecuador to the other (Peruvian border) for around $17.

Taxis within one of the major cities usually costs around $2-3 for a short 10-15 minute ride.

Medical:

The level of medical care in Ecuador is surprisingly very high, and particularly within the private clinics, hygiene is placed at an even higher premium than in some clinics I have visited in the US.

A standard consultation with a doctor costs around $25.  A teeth cleaning starts around $40, and to fill a cavity starts around $20.

Full coverage medical plans for seniors start around $87-180 dollars a month (depending on personal circumstances).

Housing:

Both costs to purchase and rent are relatively low in Ecuador.  To rent a small, 1 bedroom apartment in one of the major cities is around $150-200 a month.  To rent a luxury, furnished one bedroom suite-apartment in a nice area of Quito (for instance) is starting around $400 (and up).

Purchase prices greatly depend on the area and property type, but you could find a small apartment, already-built for $30,000 almost everywhere in Ecuador. 

Oh yes, and did I mention that in Ecuador you also never have to worry about exchange fees, because Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency.

So hop on that 4 hour flight from Miami… Ecuador awaits you.


About the author: Domenick Buonamici is the lead reporter for EcuadorRealEstate.org, outlining everything an expat needs to know before they go to Ecuador.

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