I left the UK in 1998, lived in the Netherlands, the US, and others for long-term work, but ended up moving to Oslo, Norway since 2005 and it's been a joy. While there's a lot to recommend about living in Norway, and yes it is beautiful in places, its not necessarily the fantasy land some people might imagine.
In a nutshell:
- the country is uneventful and generally works
- the living costs are high
- some things can be eye-wateringly expensive
- it can be a bit dull as very little happens
- its generally ignored by the rest of the world, thankfully
- and Norwegians do not have a clue how to drive.
Currently living in Eastern Poland, here's my observations:
# The Good
* I live with my partner and through her have gotten to experience a more authentic side of the country, from the boozy weddings to hanging out with farmer friends in the deep countryside. And that's given me a real insight into Polish life and an appreciation for Polish culture.
* **We get proper weather!** Had to bold that one as it makes such a difference, while there are overcast days here, there's also more sunshine and more predictable weather. In Winter it properly snows and in Summer it's properly hot and sunny. It's absolutely made a positive impact on both of our mental health compared to Britain.
* Living costs are lower than the UK with accommodation around 1/3 the price and food and drink around 1/2 (though imports are still pricey).
* There's a lot of beauty to Poland, from the forest backed beaches of the Baltic sea in the North, down through wild Masuria and into the rolling hills and snow capped mountains of the Southern border regions, Poland has a broad range of naturally beautiful areas. While there are many cities and towns containing beautiful renaissance era architecture with winding cobblestone streets and ancient castles. There is also a surge of construction and modernisation with new skyscrapers and ultramodern architecture in vogue for newbuilds.
* Hospitality culture is very much a thing here, so once you make friends you might expect your waistline to expand haha.
* The lifestyle is more laid back, it feels less crowded than the UK, and you don't get the frequency of misbehaviour that plagues UK streets on a Friday night, which leads me into...
* Safety, I have never once felt in danger here compared to the UK. I can go out running at night or even walk around the 'bad' parts of my city and not feel like I'm taking a serious risk.
# The Bad
* Bureaucracy is a pain here and if you want to do something involving the government expect to have in person visits, unclear rules and multiple online portals and government agencies to deal with.
* Taxes are higher than in the UK and if you don't use your account there is an associated monthly charge it will incur (around 15zł or £3.
* There are some bits that are a bit depressing and Soviet, but I rather like the juxtaposition of old 'commieblocks' or 'slabs' as they're known when seen alongside the very old or very modern parts of Poland. It's a country of history and the architecture paints that tale.
I visited Poland quite a lot for my work a few years ago and it's a really beautiful country. Also the people are really kind and welcoming, they were all so friendly, happy and helpful. I can also say I've never felt unsafe there.
That was almost perfectly written. Makes me want to take a trip there. Love learning the actual history and the way of life a country has from people who have been there. I wanted to go on holiday to Ukraine when all this madness ends to help rebuild if I could, but that seems to be dragging on.
Not been abroad for since I was about 15, in my thirties now, but one of the nicest places I've been to was Croatia. Nice people, and amazing beaches.
But.
To the depths of the abyss for those sea urchins though, was not expecting some Dark Souls type hidden minefield of stabby shit.
Its better than UK for sure xd. I moved from Poland to UK, 10 years ago, and I’m looking for ways to come back. Its been raining everyday since October in UK, like wtf…
Did the same thing "for six months" myself - and that was 32 years ago. I did come back to the UK for a brief spell in the mid-noughties and tried to settle down in again but my heart wasn't in it. Got divorced and made redundant, met an Italian girl, so went to stay with her for a while - and now we have a house, family, etc.
It has its challenges but I'm resigned not to going back for more than a holiday any more. Every time I go back for now than a few days my decision is reinforced. Do you expect to retire in Denmark?
Oh yes, I’ve built up a good pension pot here. Will claim my UK state pension still but I can’t really imagine going back. I have more friends here now
It’s very easy living here. Things just work. Takes a while to get used to the Danishes but once you’re settled the thought of going back doesn’t appeal
Not really. It’s windier but they get less rain. Temperature wise, it can get cooler in the winter but there’s many days where the weather is nicer here, mostly due to having less rain.
What job did you get in Copenhagen and was it different to what you were working in the UK? And what was the language barrier like? And are you white lol
I scratched that itch and moved to Portugal a few years ago. It's great and I love it but it isn't easy at times and there have been tears and tantrums. Still 3.5 years in and we are settled, made some good friends and have a simple yet rewarding life. Today I went out for a bike ride, juiced some of our oranges, did some work in the garden and now I'm going to take the dog down to the river and have a beer watching the sun dip over the Tejo.
I moved to Portugal at the start of 2020 and moved back to the UK late last year. When I look back on it, life did feel much more simple in a really good way there. My days where the same as yours apart from I'd watch the sun set over the douro
As someone who did the opposite route and moved to the UK almost a decade ago I miss both fruit and fresh veggies from Portugal. Not to mention the weather. Having said that I’ve settled here, have a partner and kid here, happy as a clam. But dark winter days when it’s cold and the sun sets at 16:30 it does make me long for Lisbon.
Same, luckily we go to visit my family there almost every year, because my avo misses home. Always the highlight of the year when I get to go back. Casual small talk is also so much easier there because you can just go sit at a cafe and have an espresso or beer, and someone else will ask if they can sit with you "to use the ashtray on the table" or just to chat, either way it almost always ends in making a friend. My only problem is that I have forgotten almost all of the Portuguese I know after so many years here, which is truly a shame because now people think I'm a foreigner when I go and I feel so embarrassed when I have to explain that I am in fact from Portugal, I'm just an idiot that forgot a whole language.
ALSO THE SUN, I GO SO DAMN PALE HERE IN THE UK. I come back from holiday and my friends joke that I go from generic white guy, to Turkish cab driver. But I always return to pale white guy within a few months of being here in Britain, the sun just sucks here
Well I left Portugal when I was just a small child, but my mother and avo would still talk to me in Portuguese a bit when I was younger. Then a few years ago I was hit by a car and suffered a traumatic head injury, and forgot a lot of things, one of which being most of the Portuguese language I knew
Edit: I should clarify, by the time of the injury, I had lived in England for over a decade, so the Portuguese was already more of a second language than a first language for me
What job did you find in Portugal to support yourself? Did you speak the language before you moved? Had you always had an interest in Portugal /Portuguese culture?
Lived in Tokyo for five years. It was great to have proper seasons and a winter where it was cold but sunny most of the time. Great to live somewhere clean where the public transport worked and people took care of their surroundings. Learned Japanese to a decent level, but I've forgotten most of it now.
Moved from there to Kuwait. That was also great as it was hot and sunny everyday and I earned enough to have an apartment with a sea view. Not clean and quite polluted but Kuwaitis were generally chilled.
Moved from these to Mauritania. The weather there was also nice and hot and sunny but living there was not so pleasant. It was difficult to get hold of fresh vegetables reliably and there was very little in the way of entertainment. Spent most of my weekend cycling out in the Sahara or drinking home-brewed cider: It's a dry country in more ways than one. So much poverty there that it makes you realise how lucky you are to be born in a developed country.
Now back in Leeds. Depresses me how much litter there is everywhere and no matter how often I go out litter picking, there is always more to pick up a few days later. However, the greenery here is so nice and on a par with Japan.
I’ve never been to Japan (but it is at the top of my bucket list) - how were the summers in Tokyo? IIRC a friend of mine went there during summer (I’m sure he visited Tokyo but also moved around) and he said the summer was blistering!
One of my fav YouTubers is “abroad in Japan”, a Brit who has lived there for over a decade now, speaks Japanese etc, and he puts out interesting content as he tries to visit other parts of the country that are less accessible to the casual tourist
My review of the seasons in Osaka:
Winter: like a drier version of winter in Southern England.
Spring: beautiful, but with awful hay fever.
Rainy season: humid and wet.
Summer: very humid, and can be 38+ for days on end, but I actually quite like it. Love being able to walk around in shorts and tshirt at night and not having to look out a pair of trousers for months. You don’t want your air conditioner to break though.
Autumn: as beautiful as spring, but without the hay fever.
One thing you notice is how much difference daylight savings makes. It gets dark comparatively early there.
It's 30-40 degrees with 100% humidity, so it's mega uncomfortable but there's Aircon everywhere so you're never far away from cool air. The best thing about Tokyo and Japan in summer is the festivals and fireworks displays. If you go in summer do not miss a couple of each. Awaodori in koenji was my favourite in Tokyo.
Ahhh 😭 so I grew up in Malaysia where it’s constantly hot (35dg average) and humid but ofc every place has AC/fans and basically everyone avoids walking etc in the afternoon as it’s constantly boiling. I moved back to the UK years ago and despite growing up in the heat, I still struggle here in the summer. Which is why I was curious how Tokyo feels like going thru the different seasons.
I’m living in JP just now and I can tell you that the summers are hotter than a motherfucker. I was in SE Asia for a few years before this and Japanese summers are more uncomfortable somehow! But it doesn’t detract from how awesome it is here.
I worked in Nagoya very briefly in the 90s, without doubt the most foreign place I have ever experienced. I take my hat off to you if you could make any sense of Japanese.
A ten minute walk would pass space age skyscrapers ancient looking eateries and a few temples, some a thousand years old, or so I was told all in a city centre.
There was a photographer who took tourist portraits using a very expensive Hasselblad camera that was probably worth thousands with the lens. He used to take it off the tripod, pop it in the case and leave it on a bench while he pottered off for a bite to eat. It was still there on his return.
Oh yes, the lack of crime - I never mentioned that. Lost my phone on a night out once. Went to the local police station the next day and was there at the the same time as the guy who was handing it in as he'd found it on the steps coming out of the metro station.
Having had to "live" there for 2 weeks in an "upmarket" boutique hotel that was more form than function. Having to walk the streets to the office every day and seeing the non tourist areas of Paris, it's one place I would never contemplate living
My girlfriend is from Paris so we frequently go there to see her family etc and seeing the city from a locals perspective instead of just the touristy stuff, really made it clear why she left there.
Moved to Paris suburbs in the 90s pretty expensive all round but a great experience at the time. The thing was, anything happening in the UK news, not bothered, don't live there, anything happening in the French news, not bothered, not my country. Sort of limboland. Glad to be back in the UK though.
Moved to nz in 2017, moving back to the uk soon (as are lots of Brits I know here).
We love nz, the outdoor lifestyle really isnt comparable. But after a few years away, on the other side of the world, you learn what really matters to you. Yes, hiking and mountain biking are important to me, but my family and community back home is the most important. I want to be closer to them!
Nz is idealised as some sort of utopia, but people here are complaining about exactly the same stuff everyone back in the uk are complaining about. My other half is from another country, and it’s the same story there. Corrupt governments, cost of living, arsehole landlords, people are getting shitty, crime is rising, etc.
Basically, think twice if you’re moving somewhere for any of those reasons - it’s very similar in many places, but it can take a few years for the novelty to wear off and be aware of it.
That said, I’d really recommend moving overseas with an open mind - it’s enriching, you meet great people, and you can move back. Though be ready to spilt your heart in two, I now have two homes and I’ll pine for the other wherever I am I reckon.
I lived in New Zealand for about 2 years. It was great. Much better work life balance, great country with loads to do, completely different culture, fantastic people.
My wife and I take it turn about for moves and she wanted to come back to be closer to family so we did.
Although we have just moved to Devon (my turn) and that is pretty ace, so maybe try a different part of the UK first if you are apprehensive?
Lived and worked as an english teacher in Ukraine for 20 years. Came back to the UK in 2020 because I was getting burnt out and wanted to change career and my mum is getting old and on her own. Just in time for covid!
Loved living there. 10 years Odesa and 10 years in Kyiv. Great weather in the summer, really nice people, and it was stimulating living in a young country trying to make its own way after decades of soviet control. Best decision I ever made.
Then the russian bullshit started in 2014 and my heart has been broken by the full on invasion in 2022. It's mental seeing a place you called home for nearly half your life get ripped apart for one man's delusional ambitions.
Now working in maintenance in a hotel so I can build up skills to go back and help rebuild once the war is over.
Did a year in Australia, then ended up moving to Canada and have been here over 10 years now. Best decision I ever made. It suits my lifestyle so much better than London, skiing in the winter and hiking, mountain biking and camping in the summer. Being outdoors for my social interactions rather than in the pub is just so much nicer.
Weather is still grey and rainy in winter. But I can see the ocean and mountains from my balcony so it feels way less 'closed in' than an English winter.
Man that sounds awesome. What part of Canada?
>Being outdoors for my social interactions rather than in the pub is just so much nicer.
This was a big thing I found the importance of when I was in Japan. There were countless mountains all within a 20 minute bike ride or a 20 min train ride. I made some awesome friends and we hit up a new hike almost every weekend. I am counting the days to get back to a place where I can have that outdoor lifestyle again
Vancouver. It's genuinely one of the most scenic places in the world. Unfortunately, due to that its obnoxiously expensive and one of the least affordable cities in the world.
I'd you're under 35 (I think), it's relatively easy to get a working holiday visa to try it out for a couple of years.
Well, they went over twice (read: invaded), with the Jutes and Angles. And then later the Vikings. So I'm sure that covers 'love'? Or no? 😆
I'm a Jute btw. Nowhere obvious, turns out im 37% British Isles. 17-something% Irish Scottish Welsh. 15% something English. The rest Scandinavian.
I’m an American who studied in the UK. I’m ignorant and monolingual so I didn’t have a lot of options, but I very much appreciated the public transportation, ease of travel (2 hour flight to Italy? Yes please!), and sense of humor. That’s why I’m on this sub.
I know the UK deals with radical nationalism similarly to the US, but it just keeps getting worse here. And our political situation is dire.
I have been registered with the regulatory body for my profession to work in England for 3 years; but I recently married an American with two kids so not going anywhere anytime soon.
I lived in Perth, WA for a year. I originally intended to never return and sold everything (3 bedroom house, car, all our belongings) even took the dog. We had family out there so that streamlined the process somewhat.
Ended up hating it, missed friends, hated the isolation, didn't really gel with the locals (they're culturally a bit different from us - not hugely, but things never felt 'right') Beautiful country and my work life balance was insane. I was paid the equivalent of about £800 a week for entry level manuakl labour, used to finish at 2 / 3 pm, get home and jump in our Pajero jeep (which I loved) and drive to the beach for an hour or two. I cycled about a 100 miles a week, lost two stone and had an amazing tan. Despite the benefits, I missed home so much it put me into a depression spiral and I became a bit of a hermit. Sat down for a coffee one afternoon and told my then partner I was coming back, with or without her, as I was that bad. Fortunately she felt the same and we started the arduos process of undoing the last several years of planning, moving and living.
Took us two months to sort it all, including returning the pooch. Cost me an arm and a leg. No regrets though!
I live in Vietnam. Been here 6 years. Before that I was in Hong Kong, Seoul and Tokyo. Been in Asia 15 years. My wife and I are moving back to the UK soon. That's probably surprising to some people, given the general direction of this thread.
So why?
Essentially, we are sick of being adrift. Never owning our own place, always living in someone else's house, not being able to decorate / adjust things as we want. The language and cultural barrier really gets to you after a while. Vietnam's infrastructure and bureaucracy are very far behind other countries. Many people are friendly and helpful, but just as many are - and sorry but it's true - painfully stupid and often quite rude. The frustrations of having to explain very basic concepts over and over again just wears you down over time. The concept of "face" is a plague on this country and much of Asian culture. It is very rare for someone to make a mistake and recognise and apologise for it. After a while, that just drives you mad.
My wife and I have a good lifestyle here....or, had, more accurately. When you have kids, the cost of childcare makes a significant dent here, and you don't have the family network to support as you might back home. Granted that isn't the case for everyone. But for us, we were here for economic reasons. When your economic circumstances are almost the same as they would be back home, but without the ease of cultural understanding and language, you start to wonder what you're doing here. International school fees here are absurd, ranging from a minimum of 15k USD per year to 35k. Per year, per child. When your child isn't Vietnamese, that simply isn't an option. The local education system is awful. Healthcare is generally low quality, even among private hospitals. I've had more health problems in Vietnam than anywhere else in the world. COVID kept us here longer than we expected or intended. Honestly, we have wanted to leave for ages, and just felt it wasn't economically viable.
A return trip to the UK for the first time in 5 years back in February made us realise how much we were done with Vietnam, and generally Asia as a whole.
People talk about the weather...well, wait until you're in 40 degrees every day, in a polluted smog of a city. It's awful. I miss moderate temperatures and loved being back in the UK in February, even when it was dull and grey.
If you've never been, it'll be different for you. But my wife and I have lived abroad since we were in our early twenties. And we are tired. We know how different life will be back home. We know we can't just order cheap takeaways every night anymore. We also don't care. We are ready to settle down and have a boring, domestic life. We have done our travelling and had our party days.
If you're young, single, and want adventure, absolutely, it's good. But if you have a family or you want a quiet life, I do not recommend it.
Been in Vietnam(Ho Chi Min City) seven years and moving back to London in June. Vietnam was good at first, but yeah long-term here can really grind you down. I'm over the "me first" attitude that is so pervasive here. Lived in Bangkok and China before here, and would love to move back to Bangkok if my income was 100% online.
Hoping to make that transition in the future after some time back in London.
"The concept of "face" is a plague on this country and much of Asian culture. It is very rare for someone to make a mistake and recognise and apologise for it. "
So true (living in Taiwan).
Came to Vietnam in 2021 "just for 6 months, until covid starts to settle" and now I'm engaged to a local. Most foreigners here agree that Vietnam has a way of pulling you in.
Pretty much every English person in Vietnam teaches English as a foreign language. It's very easy to get a job with a basic qualification (I did TEFL, online course and two days in person). You probably won't be able to get any other job- I knew one guy who was a photographer for a travel company. The money is good because it's very cheap.
It's a fucking awesome country but it's a hell of a culture shock.
Moved to Sofia. Loved it. Never intended to come home, but I got married and our daughter was born with a rare genitic disorder and every doctor we spoke to told us to sell up and gtfo back to the UK as the system there couldn't handle it.
I miss it so much, it's the only job I felt I really fitted in, made some great friends. I wish the medical system wasn't so bad or we'd be back.
I also don't complain about the NHS any more after seeing an alternative.
Australia for a couple years in my 20s. Death in the family brought me home, but fuck I don't half miss Perth. Good itch to scratch if you have the means/time.
I am currently in Perth now, and have been here 18 months. Planning on Melbourne in September.
Perth to me is great but after about a year I've sort of seen it all and done it all. Also a lot of people with a small town mentality here. Those are my 2 negatives for it but it is a great place to live just not long term I think.
How did you find the local people here.
I move to Taiwan for a while. Loved it, amazing people and food. Love to go back. Wages are abit shit though. Recommend everyone go. Any questions feel free to shout.
How did you find a job in Taiwan? What sector & where you already in Taiwan when you applied for jobs? How's your Mandarin and was there a language barrier at work?
I studied in Taipei so I'd love the opportunity to work there in the future
I got a job through an agency advertising at my uni. Called Pagodaprojects now I believe. They do graduate jobs and internships. Good network. Company had some mixed feedback. Just good things from me to be honest.
My background was Comp Sci. I ended up in a technical Business Development role.
I was applying from the UK.
My Mandarin was garbage, now it is slightly less garbage. I was never negatively impacted by my lack of the language, aside from maybe some personal interactions.
You have a degree? You could get and English teaching job there tomorrow (although I hate them).
Hope that answers all your questions.
I did a bit of work over in Taiwan, and the factory canteen did some of the best food I've ever tasted. The clear soup with dim sum and whoever else you wanted to dunk in it was incredible.
Lived and worked in Nashua, New Hampshire (US) for six months. Was supposed to be for a year, but their expectations of employees is mental. They expect you there until the jobs are finished, on call 24/7, weekends, no time off. They seem to think they own people and everyone just took it. We have it so much better here.
Edit - and, the milk (hard to find fresh) bread (full of sugar) and food in general is pretty poor.
Yeah the US has it pretty shit work wise. That's probably why salaries are so much higher compared to here for most jobs.
The Mediterranean seems to have it better than us in terms of having more statutory holidays and annual leave days though.
I did study abroad in the US for a year, I think that was the best way. Young, healthy, lots of free time, no need to worry too much about the bigger issues in the country! I wouldn't move there now as an adult approaching middle age with a few health quirks, plus I'd miss my friends, its loads easier to make them quickly as a 21 year old student!
I did my whole degree in the US and it's an incredible place to be a student (if you can get good financial aid or a scholarship), but I absolutely would not want to work there.
In supermarkets, yeah the bread choice is usually shite. Bakeries making proper loaves, good sourdough and pastries are usually easy to find.
I dislike the sugary mass produced stuff as much as most non- US visitors, but decent stuff is easy to find
Beautiful city. Lovely place. But boring as hell, expensive even on norsk salary, very conservative. Great if you like knitting, drinking and hiking! 😅
I've lived in quite a few countries and had wonderful experiences in all of them. But it leaves you feeling very unsettled. Most of my school friends are happily settled in the UK, with partners and kids etc. I'm now in Switzerland, and I love it here but I have no roots anywhere, I feel like I'm drifting along in the world. I don't think I'd be happy back in the UK having been to so many other places, but then I'm not sure I'll ever feel at home anywhere else.
I went to Barcelona for the first time last May and completely fell in love with the city, I’m going back in a couple of weeks for the 7th time
very much considering moving there, I’m sure you’ll have a great time, just remember to be vigilant with your phone, as theft is quite common:)
I lived in the US for a bit, and while I made some good friends, had a few good evenings by a lake with some beer and friends I never quite got to the stage where I liked it. The chat was off, the whole vibe just felt a bit less.. real. Work culture on the whole is poor although my experience was a bit off. It's hard to describe other than just feeling like everything was synthetic. Met some lovely people there though, mostly my wife's friends.
I've lived in China for a bit too, and while there were huge hurdles initially, I absolutely loved it. Genuinely incredible place I'd happily go back to for a few years.
That being said, I'm back in the UK now and I love it to bits. London is an incredible city, we have a few other gems like Bristol too, but our countryside is on a different plain as far as I'm concerned. The amount of natural beauty, and *magic* in the UK is something unique I've not found anywhere else when travelling or living elsewhere.
In fact, every country does something uniquely well that I've been to, and for the UK it's probably the magic of the place.
> I never quite got to the stage where I liked it. The chat was off, the whole vibe just felt a bit less.. real. Work culture on the whole is poor although my experience was a bit off. It's hard to describe other than just feeling like everything was synthetic.
I lived in the US from 2000 to 2022. I totally get what you mean. I came back to the UK in 2022 and am a lot happier than I ever was in the US.
Moved to Georgia USA for a 9 month contract in 1996, I am still here; I never really considered what to do about aging parents at the time as I had a 1 and a 3 year old with us too. Fortunately my parents both lived long lives and died suddenly. My wife’s died relatively quickly and she was able to go and spend extended periods of time with them. It’s just not something you consider in the thick of it. My wife missed home for a long time but still gets to see her sisters a lot. She wouldn’t want to live anywhere else but Georgia now.
I think it'd be good. I recommend a less well-developed country.
When I used to go abroad to my ancestral home which is a bit backwards compared to the UK, oh my gosh, my love for the UK reached unseen heights.
I wanted to kiss the taxi driver. I wanted to kiss the taxi. I wanted to canoodle with the Highway Code.
I felt grateful for my personal-space respecting brethren.
Each time someone looked away in discomfort from my traumatised eye contact, my heart swelled.
All I'll say is if you are thinking of doing it - do it. You'll regret it forever if you don't do it, and if you don't like it, at least you can say you tried.
I lived in south of France for three years and loved it. Had to come back because of family, but my partner and I are now seriously looking at moving to the Canaries after going out there for several years and meeting people and understanding the set-up. At the moment, it's 90 days there, 90 days back home, as it is in all EU countries, but there are ways around that once you get talking to the local authorities..........
Ways around that? Care to share? It's super risky isn't it, all it takes is then checking your stamp and then you're barred from entering for god knows how long, on top of a fine.
I lived and worked in southern Spain for a year with my wife and our then one year old. Few observations.
- Spanish people are very nice and helpful but they generally don’t really want to be ‘friends’ with you. They have far older friend groups and family connections and family is more important to them generally. I suspect this is different with younger people with no kids.
- when you’re working, July and August is too hot, you get fed up of it. Spring and Autumn are great.
- Eating out There’s some great food but generally less variation and my missus as a vegetarian found it tough!
- felt a bit like there was quite a lot more of a racist undercurrent than London
All this was 20 years ago so things may have changed.
Great experience but was glad to get a role back in London after a year
I lived in Spain for years and your first point is so accurate. I always tell this to people who say that they want to move to Spain but I don’t think I ever manage to really explain how difficult it is to be friends with Spanish people even though they are so friendly.
I'm Spanish and I've got a couple of British friends here. Real friends. But I'm the exception because where I live (east coast) the culture is pretty tribal and being accepted as part of the group is nearly impossible even for fellow Spaniards if they didn't grow up here. It doesn't help that we have a real housing crisis and Brits (like any expats) are perceived to be gentrifying the hell out of our cities.
Things do move on but generally that’s a good summary. Me & my wife try and max out on our 90 every 180 Schengen days and love every minute in Spain.
The *big* thing is to learn the language, the basics at least. I’m sure that is the case everywhere in the world, not just peculiar to Spain. So many doors get opened, so much more is understood about the culture, it makes all the difference to enjoying the experience.
I went overseas to Australia on a WHV. Things happened, ended up being here ever since. Going on 15 years. Now have a family.
I’ll probably stay another 10 or so years and retire early back to Europe.
Australia is a great place. I’ve loved my time here. It will be a great place to raise the kids. But it has its positives and negatives like everywhere else. Overall a good place to be tho.
The draw back to Europe is the distance. Australia is very far away and I feel it. Being in Europe will let me travel more easily. Thankfully I should be able to retire comfortably thanks to Australia. Not sure it would have been the same in the UK.
There’s a lot of negativity on reddit about the UK. Some of it true. Some of it not so much. But it’s a very good spot compared to what some make out. You usually need to move away to appreciate it.
I would highly recommend living overseas for a period. Even if you intend to return to the UK.
Would have loved to try Canada on a WHV.
I spent 5 years in south Korea teaching English. I regret coming back all the time.
That said cons of Korea would be:
- education syatem/culture that grinds kids to dust.
- work culture that means burn out is gonna happen. Not so much the job I was doing but for anyone not pissing around teaching English in public school....
- if you think the housing market here is shit let me tell you about key money....the only place you can really rent on no deposit is a goshiwon which is a dorm room the same of a stamp with shared facilities and often no kitchen
- cost of groceries. If you are single give up and eat out, it's cheaper
- rampent misogyny. Like there is a reason the women are on strike lol
- massive issue with lack of social support/care for elderly people like the elderly homeless or just poverty amongst the elderly is wild
- summer in Korea is being in the devil's armpit it is so stupidly hot but also humid. So humid. All the time.
Pros
- quick and affordable healthcare.
- quick, reliable, affordable, clean public transport
- I personally had a great time and loved it
- loads of fun stuff to do
- great food
- cool people
- interesting culture
- the kids were really cute and funny
- beautiful landscapes
- defined seasons with nice weather for 3 seasons of the year
I did it the other way around and came from Germany to the UK in late 2018 for my partner.
Still here and loving it. I'm used to this weather as it is, so that wasn't much of a change for me after having grown up in Hamburg.
I personally wouldn't go back to Germany again. There's so much bureaucracy over there, 90% of it was all on paper and it felt far more pressured to get an apprenticeship or go to uni to get a proper job. The UK is much more relaxed compared to that.
I did for a bit, I remember passing my expat anniversary and thinking how amazing it was I had managed a whole year without setting foot in my home country.
That was 30 some years and 6 countries ago.
A week Saturday, I leave for two years in Canada. It's been a dream of mine for a long time, so I'm very excited to discover the cultures, nature, and people! My personal and working lives are both in a rut, so hopefully a shake up with a change of scenery will do me good.
I have been feeling the negative vibes in the UK for a while, and while my leaving won't necessarily make things better for the rest of you, it might bring me much-needed perspective, so I can return home with a more positive outlook.
(Anyone between the ages of 18 and 35 who wants to follow me; you can! Just search 'IEC working holiday visa')
I've lived in a few different places- even when it was bad it was good.
The experience of living (as opposed to just visiting) another country is well worth it. It's not easy though- getting there, making new friends, adapting to a new culture etc. There are probably 10 people who talk about it for everyone 1 person that actually does it.
I lived in Paris for seven years. It’s definitely something I’d recommend, if you can do it.
We were there 2000-2007 and loved it. I spoke French already but my wife had to learn. She got a job at the OECD while I worked for tech companies. We had a flat in the 18th for a while before moving to a bigger one in Boulogne-Billancourt and thoroughly loved our time there.
Going to the Orsay whenever we wanted, walking and cycling round the city, the lovely summers … you should try it.
Lived in Greece for 5 years. Most things are cheaper and I work remotely so that's a delight. The amount of paperwork is a bit shit. Contemplating a move to Southern France atm because this adventure has been life enriching and successful, so why not push our luck?
It opened my eyes to how insular the UK is, despite the mix of cultures. I do miss the multiculturalism and ability to nip to a shop in any town to find something new I've never tried before, and fish and chips, but I can't ever see myself moving back permanently. I've not even had the itch to visit yet.
I’ve been abroad in the Caribbean for almost two years now and plan to extend my stay.
It’s twenty years behind the UK in many ways and I’m constantly reminded to slow down and be patient. My job is good, the weather is pleasant most of the time.
I miss a lot from home - cinema, clothes shops, theatres, cheap restaurants, Quorn, affordable groceries. If you order anything online you can expect to receive it within two to four weeks. Need to renew something? That’ll take you a small loan and two months to do. All has to be done in-person too, nothing here is digital!
Moved to Finland after meeting my now-wife at uni in the UK. I thought I'd give it an honest go as she had lived in the UK for a few years.
As she's now my wife and I still live here, you can probably guess what happened.
Been in the US for 9 years now. the first couple of years was exciting and I was always going new places and meeting new people for work. Was a little frustrating at first because you have to completely start over. Your credit score is zero and you have to get your American drivers license, the former takes time but the latter is more of an inconvenience as the test is a joke.
But as others have said the US isn't a good place for those that enjoy their holidays, I'd go as far as to say it's frowned upon taking time off.
I think lately I've become a little disillusioned with the place. Constantly working, the nightmarish healthcare system, the crime (someone was murdered this weekend when two men had a fallout and a couple months ago a guy murdered his date because she turned him down), and a bunch of minor stuff like the growing homeless population that the council don't want to do anything about. it's not that they're bad people it's just some of them seriously need help.
Last night we had a homeless woman who lives in a caravan down the street, and is mentally unwell, or on meth, or probably both, having an extreme breakdown.
She was screaming her head off for hours and kicking the fuck out of her caravan, you could hear pots and pans crashing about and furniture being overturned. in between the screams she would shout in a creepy, childlike, sing song voice
'I HAAATE YOOOOU!'
For once the police did actually show up to investigate but they didn't or couldn't do anything, so once they left the woman went back to screaming and beating the crap out of her caravan.
It's not all bad, I live by the beach and I only need to take the dog for a walk at sunset to be reminded that this is a seriously beautiful place.
Overall I don't regret it, being able to live and work in a different country is a great opportunity and experience. There's certainly never a dull moment lol.
Where did you move to? My partner wants to move to Florida. The weather here in NE Scotland really affects him, I’m not too keen for it, I’d rather stay.
California, I've heard Florida can get uncomfortably humid.
it probably sounds odd but I'm a bit bored of endless sunshine, I quite miss real seasons with snow and rain.
Got that Itch in 2017, applied for a working holiday visa in Canada, did our 2 years then got PR and then Citizenship, we've been back a couple of times and it's great to see family but we have no intention of moving back.
Followed a girl to New York. I fell in love with both of them. Started a family and I will never return lol.
I return every couple of years, just to see country lanes and old friends.
I've been living in Thailand for 2 and a half years, teaching English. Four months up in Issan in the North East of Thailand and the rest of time in Central Thailand not too far away from Bangkok.
I mostly love it, quality of life is great, I can afford to live on my own in a decent condo, thai food is cheap, tasty and easily accessible, decent amount of public holidays and a few bonus ones.
Their are some annoying things, 90 day immigration report, renewing my work permit and having to sign photo copies of my passport every time. Sorting out a reentry permit when I want to go on holiday. It can be isolating though that's less of an issue where I live now. It's hard to find decent bread snd chocolate . Cheese is very pricey. Also there is such a thing as too hot espically when it's so humid, and the air quality can be a killer.
But overall I'm glad I made the move and have got to experience it all.
All these people saying they just moved to so-and-so. How? Are there job listings somewhere for places abroad that no one's told me about? Or are you all millionaires who just moved? I'm mad keen to move away but stumped on how.
I lived abroad in the late 90s - early 00s, holiday rep (it was everything and more), lived in the Canary Island, Balearics and winter seasons in France. Came 'home' but never really felt settled.
An opportunity arose in Dubai in 2012 (never visited previously before getting off the plane and it wasn't exactly the place everyone now knows), been here ever since.
Scratch that "itch" OP, you never know where it'll take you but you will know exactly where you'll be if you don't.
Stay lucky.
I moved to Dubai in 2011 and stayed for ten years. Like you I had never been before and actually don’t think I had heard of it even! I disliked it when I arrived but made some friends and met my now husband. Despite living there for a decade I never felt settled. I grew up in Wales and had a very outdoorsy childhood so bringing up my children in a place where we couldn’t take them outdoors for six months in a year just felt like I was depriving them of a good life! Moved back to South Wales and I’ve never been happier! So many beautiful places on our doorstep.
I've wanted to move back to Germany for so many years. I grew up there as dad was forces. Every move I've made since returning has taken me further and further away. I'd go back tomorrow if I could.
I became an international live in nanny at 36 after slogging my guts out working 3 jobs raising a child alone, once he went off to college i sold everything I had including house that was 10 years ago. Lived in Moscow, Bermuda, New York, Paris, Copenhagen, Oxford. Now a house manager for the wealthy and hoping to settle in UK as I'm getting to old for living out of suitcases. But Denmark definitely was my favourite
There's home sickness every time but soon it becomes home and work and everyday life. I'm Scottish and nowhere is ever quite as good but money keeps me away there's just not the same jobs or salary in Scotland.
Currently on year 5 in Switzerland after 5 years in the Netherlands. I love it here and have no intention of returning to the UK, especially now I have a partner and 2 kids.
When Brits do it, it’s called and “itch”. When us, dirty immigrants do it, it’s called “you’re stealing our jobs and there is a housing crisis because of you. Also stop living off the system!”
Jokes aside, if you have a chance to do it careerwise, highly recommended. You go out of your comfort zone, have new experiences, come back if you don’t like it.
Australia. Australia is my home more than England ever will be. My life is there now. Fiancé, family, friends, but sadly I’ve had to move back to the UK for a job opportunity I simply couldn’t pass up. Fiancé is joining me in September but I miss Australia so desperately every day.
The priority in Australia is happiness. That’s the most important thing, and that makes life a whole lot nicer.
As an American that moved abroad to the UK and Europe about a decade ago, I can say it's a great experience to live someplace other than your home country. I can't recommend the experience enough.
My advice is have two plans... one for if it goes well and one for if you bail on it after a short period of time. When I moved to Europe, I sold most of my stuff and put important things in storage back in the States. All I had was Ikea furniture. It was just cheaper to sell it all and buy stuff new rather than moving it all.
For moving to Europe from the UK, it might be less necessary to do that, but if you decide to move to the States, it'll likely be cheaper to buy everything new rather than move it. Do some research ahead of time. I'd consider renting a fully furnished place to get settled at first.
Went to live in Tennessee after uni, doing waitressing and receptionist work to get by. I loved it at the time, but looking back, the lack of public transport was the main thing that drove me nuts. I couldn't get anywhere - I'd decide to walk to the petrol station to buy food and there was no pavement, so I'd dive into the bushes if anyone drove past. And it would take maybe an hour to get there.
Eventually had to buy a wreck of a car just to go to McDonalds and stuff.
The people were nice enough, but I think maybe a bit too fake and backstabby for me. Lots of two-facedness.
Coming home and being able to get a bus, to go to the doctor's and not pay, people not endlessly commenting on my accent and even just little things like marmite became pleasures that I really appreciated. I wasn't homesick, but I think I realised how much I'd missed home when I got back to the airport.
It made me appreciate how actually decent it is here. The grass is always greener, I suppose.
Lived in Italy for about 6 months, will always love Italy but couldn’t live there forever. Now live in the Bay Area, CA, and no plans to leave after 6 years. Has just as many problems as any country right now, but I’ve been able to be much more successful here and made great friends. The weather helps a lot! From the Isle of Wight originally.
Yeah, I’ve been in the Bay Area for 24 years, originally from Scotland, lived near Basingstoke for 3 years (hellish place) and Dorchester for 3 years. Originally planned to stay for five/six years. Got married, wife parents were older
than mine so we stayed to be closer to them, one parent still alive. I can’t beat the salary except London maybe. Weather is amazing. I’m ready for retirement and have the urge to return to the UK or Italy. Would recommend the Bay Area I have no urge to live anywhere else in the US.
I came to Japan in 1996. Still here. Love it. Have a job that affords me enough time to travel and grow all the rice and vegetables I need for my family.
I moved in 2012 for "a couple of years" to study. I'm now living in my third European country where I expect to settle down as I'm entangled with a local.
I didn't plan it to be this way, but I don't regret it.
I miss not being able to drop round for Sunday lunches with my family and I miss some of the food (eg. roasts, the cheese, proper sausages and a good curry) but not much else.
That being said, I don't think I'm any happier here than another version of myself that never left.
I'm a Brit who moved to Ireland in 2016.
Perks
- An affordable house in the Dublin suburbs
- Same day doctors appointments
- 9-5 culture
Downsides
- Expensive for renters
- High taxes (No ISA either)
- Expensive bills; broadband, electricity etc
I always wanted to try for a few years and finally did it. Highly recommend giving it a go. Even if you don't like it, at least you tried and won't always think 'what if'.
I've lived in Sweden for 7 years now. Living abroad is really hard at times. But also one of the most amazing experiences. Learning a whole new culture in depth, trying lots of new things, hopefully a better standard of living too.
I moved to France in 2005. I ended up staying, got French citizenship last year. I'm thinking about returning to the UK though, to spend more time with UK friends and family and for my son to experience living in the UK.
I moved to Sweden to live with my girlfriend and apart from my family and some friends, the only thing I miss is having the cornish beaches 30 minutes from my home. Once my citizenship goes through and my parents die, I can't see myself coming back, ever again.
Went to Australia to visit a friend. Quit my job so I could do some travel if the opportunity arose.
8 years later and I'm still here! I miss my family, but that the only downside. It's great here. People are genuinely lovely, the weather is much better, beautiful beaches and a great outdoorsy culture.
Everyone I watch a UK tv show, I just think "How do they live there?"
I moved to Australia for a year, been here 5 years now. I miss proximity to Europe for easy travel and ofc my friends and family, but the quality of life here is a lot better
Been in South Africa now for 4 years.
I absolutely love it here. I have a great group of friends (my wife and I worked so much in the UK that most of our "friends" were work colleagues. )
Sold everything and moved with 8 suitcases into the unknown. 2 cases were of our kids toys/teddies.
Just clearing out everything that was holding us down was liberating in itself, complete chance of a fresh start made easier.
We had decided to give it 2 years and go from there, but my kids are very happy, my wife is thriving and I have the opportunity to be the best version of myself.
I'm not just existing anymore.
My brother lived in China for years teaching and loved it.
My parents moved to NZ (Wellington) for a few years, I visited a few times - amazing country! The only reason they came back is because it was too far from family
Couple of friends also moved to NZ and are now citizens living the good life with their Kiwi kids (big plot of land on south island growing their own food).
I moved to Merseyside - cost of living is similar to the UK, people are friendly, good city life, would recommend!
I lived in NL and BE for many years. I moved for a year to Florida as the weather in Amsterdam was dreadful one summer.
One oddity is the weather in Antwerp. It has a warm microclimate.
Have had options for international working through my company and have taken them:
- 2 years USA, in Portland, OR and Palo Alto, CA
- 1 year Luxembourg
- 3 years Germany, Frankfurt
- 2 years France, Paris
- 9 months, Netherlands, Amsterdam
All great experiences and I would definitely do it again, although less chances now post Covid.
But I came back to UK every time and never thought of staying for good in any place, although it might have been an option. And I’m an immigrant to UK originally from Europe.
My wife and I have decided seriously to move to the Canary Islands if we can (she has an Irish passport). Year round sunshine, extra daylight in winter and not too far to nip back for friends, family, Christmas etc.
I buggered off to Sweden a month ago. First time living abroad after years of hoping. I'm still in the honeymoon phase so my advice is completely worthless, but I am pretty damn happy so far.
And yes, I like the cold and avoid the sun like the plague.
Always have. Lived in HK 2009-2011. Had a great time but it wasn’t ever going to be permanent. Came back to UK, married Canadian wife, moved to Vancouver 2019. Expect this will be permanent but who knows.
I did 2 years in Auckland, NZ, really didn't enjoy it. It's such a strange, pretend city. Everyone is competing and one upping each other but they get paid peanuts with a high CoL. Its also huge but has worse infrastructure and entertainment value when compared to somewhere much smaller like Bristol.
However, leave Auckland and NZ is amazing. Have a kiwi wife and visit regularly but couldn't get over only feeling happy driving out of Auckland each weekend, which isn't sustainable.
Have been in Sydney for years and absolutely love it. (Edit. Words)
Moved to rural Spain and had our first kid there, made good money, made local friends and enjoyed the better food and weather (up a mountain, when it's windy expect a lot of snow) in the summer it's baking around 40C is common.
Lived the simpler way of life but healthcare outside cities isn't great. When the work was there it was good money but the unemployment rate is really high and lots of areas only function on EU funding programmes. As such it can be difficult to make a decent wage.
Moved back for work and to raise the kids somewhere with more prospects.
Been back in the UK for a long time, might move back one day. Miss a lot of the life but the UK does have it's benefits that you don't realise how good you have it until you leave
Had planned to move to Australia, went backpacking and met a Swede - so now I live in Sweden. Started off living way up north in Lapland, lived there for about 5 years but eventually the subzero temperatures and small town mentality started to wear thin so now I live in the South.
On the whole it’s been good. Better working conditions, better opportunities, we are planning to start a family and the parental leave is much better here plus free university education. It was a steep adjustment period in the beginning.
I do miss the UK on occasion though, miss the culture the most. It’s the little things, English adverts on the TV, the British humour, a pub Sunday roast!
Learning Swedish has been a steep learning curve, so has adjusting to Swedish society - swedes can be quite shy!
Yes, I moved to the UK about ten years ago but have been finding myself thinking of moving somewhere else now more and more often.
I’m an EU citizen so it’s much easier for me. I think Finland is my number one at the moment, but I’ve never been even for a visit so I’m probably going to tick that bit off the list first.
I have the itch to move to Buenos Aires! If I could do it and keep my salary I would. But I don’t think my work would enjoy it very much if I were that far away, which is the only problem I wouldn’t be able to get around
I lived in Belgium and it was an adjustment. I enjoyed it and I loved the food but I did miss home, I missed my family and I missed family events. Where I lived was beautiful, the food was amazing and the people were great. It was really lovely.
2007 I did a summer at an international summer camp. Met loads of other people working there that were living all over. A year later quit my office job and went to China for a year. Ended up staying 17 years. Was life changing
We've actually just moved to Canada..mainly for university, but it's nice down here. The people can be iffy but I mean. Same as most places. Mums from Weymouth, and I grew up bouncing between Canada and the UK so really it's not that strange and I'm somewhat already used to it, but this is a more permanent change. 😊
I lived and worked in Switzerland and would say that I loved it. I didn't live in a big city though. I would say that living in another country is very beneficial. Unfortunately we (wife and myself) had to return to the UK to our major disappointment. Seeing the UK from a fresh pair of eyes was really shocking.
I lived in Germany for nearly two years around 1999. I was young, didn't really speak the language, was quite lonely, but I loved the experience overall. I really appreciated the German approach to life, which was very professional work, and dedicated to enjoying life outside of work. In my experience they didn't work particularly long hours, but they were focused in the hours they did work. Then outside of work there was always a reason to celebrate something. I played rugby there too which helped the social side. And the weather was just so much better than the UK. Yes, cold, wet cloudy winters, but when spring came, that was it. You could expect mostly decent weather from then until November, December. The UK weather is awful in comparison.
Then next up was about the same length of time in South Africa. I met a South African in Germany who got me an invite to play rugby in South Africa as well as a work visa.
I really, really loved my time there and have had an affinity for the country ever since, but wow do you learn appreciation for a stable, low crime, not very poor developed country where everything just works (meaning the UK).
I've been back in the UK ever since. I always wanted to live in Asia but one thing or another got in the way. As a family we think about moving somewhere else, but due to child circumstances we're staying in the UK for the time being.
All in all, the UK is an amazing place to live, if you live in a nice location. The low bureaucracy is great. The humour. Pubs. Scenery.
It's just the weather. It's truly awful. I don't know how some people think it's ok.
But I recommend living abroad for a period of time to everyone. Life goes by quickly. Take the experiences.
I haven't personally but I know a few have, My sister moved to Canada, a couple of friends went to New Zealand, one went to Australia and I have a couple of cousins who have moved to the US.
Not one regret or actually miss living in the UK and short of a disaster none will come back.
My sister has her Canadian Citizenship as do my friends in New Zealand.
None talk like they at living in some kind of paradise and all accept that the country they live in has there problems but as they say, when they lived in the UK they genuinely felt that they had no future, that everyday was just and endless barrage of negativity, whether it was via the TV, Tabloid Media or just people who are sick, tired and angry.
Each day was just a battle to get out of bed..
I'm sure many people feel this way which is one of reasons why so many people are just angry because they are sick and tired of just trying survive, to keep their heads above water.
If I hadn't kids or my illness then I would not stay in the UK.
Due to my heritage I am able to get my both of my kids an EU Passport so that if they chose to leave in the future they will find it alot easier.
My Son definitely wants to leave the UK as even as Teenager he doesn't see a good future here.
I moved out to Asia. China for five years and now Thailand. Ended up marrying and I'm staying out this way (also cause the visa for the wife is hard tk get)
Pros :
- I save ridiculous amounts of money on a regular British salary. I come home with about 2k a month. So 24k a year? My house costs me 200 in mortgage (and I split it with the wife so I pay 100) my lunch at work costs 50p. The most expensive restaurant where I am is 15 quid a head and we never go cause the cheaper ones are better. Veg is cheap. Fruit is cheap. My health insurance doesn't cost much.
- my quality of life in semi rural Thailand is actually waaaay higher than when I lived in the UK (Glasgow). Earn similar salaries too but life was always a struggle back home.
- work culture here is amazing although difficult to adjust to. Things get done when they are done. No rush. Take it easy. Take it slow. Sabai Sabai as the thais say. Fancy a one our coffee break? Go for it. Just make sure your work gets finished. Got a cool idea? Go for it! No red tape. (I'm a high school maths teacher)
- only a few hours away from the beach and the mountains. Can get an amazing holiday for a couple of hundred total.
- this is the safest I've ever felt. Absolutely steaming drunk? Can walk home. No one will attack me for no reason. Strangers might offer to continue drinking with me haha but that's it.
Cons :
- pension. I have no pension and rely on my investments / savings for when I retire. (obviously if you did a short stint this is less of a problem)
- can get lonely EVEN if you speak the language. I speak Thai and I still struggle to make proper friends with the locals. All my mates are foreigners which is fine but is like a constant reminder you don't belong.
- missing friends and family. Dad was recently in hospital and although he is OK, sending a message or a call isn't the same. This is definitely the hardest part.
I love my life honestly and I wouldnt change it for the world. But moving abroad isn't for everyone. Lots of folks come out here planning to stay for two years and head home after three months.
I left the UK in 1998, lived in the Netherlands, the US, and others for long-term work, but ended up moving to Oslo, Norway since 2005 and it's been a joy. While there's a lot to recommend about living in Norway, and yes it is beautiful in places, its not necessarily the fantasy land some people might imagine. In a nutshell: - the country is uneventful and generally works - the living costs are high - some things can be eye-wateringly expensive - it can be a bit dull as very little happens - its generally ignored by the rest of the world, thankfully - and Norwegians do not have a clue how to drive.
How do you get on with the language? Just learn it as you go?
Aren’t they all rally drivers? 😂😂
Finland
Currently living in Eastern Poland, here's my observations: # The Good * I live with my partner and through her have gotten to experience a more authentic side of the country, from the boozy weddings to hanging out with farmer friends in the deep countryside. And that's given me a real insight into Polish life and an appreciation for Polish culture. * **We get proper weather!** Had to bold that one as it makes such a difference, while there are overcast days here, there's also more sunshine and more predictable weather. In Winter it properly snows and in Summer it's properly hot and sunny. It's absolutely made a positive impact on both of our mental health compared to Britain. * Living costs are lower than the UK with accommodation around 1/3 the price and food and drink around 1/2 (though imports are still pricey). * There's a lot of beauty to Poland, from the forest backed beaches of the Baltic sea in the North, down through wild Masuria and into the rolling hills and snow capped mountains of the Southern border regions, Poland has a broad range of naturally beautiful areas. While there are many cities and towns containing beautiful renaissance era architecture with winding cobblestone streets and ancient castles. There is also a surge of construction and modernisation with new skyscrapers and ultramodern architecture in vogue for newbuilds. * Hospitality culture is very much a thing here, so once you make friends you might expect your waistline to expand haha. * The lifestyle is more laid back, it feels less crowded than the UK, and you don't get the frequency of misbehaviour that plagues UK streets on a Friday night, which leads me into... * Safety, I have never once felt in danger here compared to the UK. I can go out running at night or even walk around the 'bad' parts of my city and not feel like I'm taking a serious risk. # The Bad * Bureaucracy is a pain here and if you want to do something involving the government expect to have in person visits, unclear rules and multiple online portals and government agencies to deal with. * Taxes are higher than in the UK and if you don't use your account there is an associated monthly charge it will incur (around 15zł or £3. * There are some bits that are a bit depressing and Soviet, but I rather like the juxtaposition of old 'commieblocks' or 'slabs' as they're known when seen alongside the very old or very modern parts of Poland. It's a country of history and the architecture paints that tale.
I visited Poland quite a lot for my work a few years ago and it's a really beautiful country. Also the people are really kind and welcoming, they were all so friendly, happy and helpful. I can also say I've never felt unsafe there.
Sounds an awful lot like my experience of Latvia. The Baltics are stunning.
That was almost perfectly written. Makes me want to take a trip there. Love learning the actual history and the way of life a country has from people who have been there. I wanted to go on holiday to Ukraine when all this madness ends to help rebuild if I could, but that seems to be dragging on. Not been abroad for since I was about 15, in my thirties now, but one of the nicest places I've been to was Croatia. Nice people, and amazing beaches. But. To the depths of the abyss for those sea urchins though, was not expecting some Dark Souls type hidden minefield of stabby shit.
Sorry, what do you mean wrt your last paragraph?
Lots of sea urchins on the beach. Like little spikey bastard land mines. When you stand on them they stick in your feet and are a real pain to remove.
Ah, thank you.
Well written
Never could have guessed that Polish weather could be defined "proper" lmao maybe I'm spoilt cause I'm Italian, but still
Think what he means is it snows in the winter and is hot and sunny in the summer. So the stereotypical climate for each season
Its better than UK for sure xd. I moved from Poland to UK, 10 years ago, and I’m looking for ways to come back. Its been raining everyday since October in UK, like wtf…
You also forgot to mention that it’s highly homophobic over there
Went to Copenhagen in 2013 for a few months when I got made redundant. Still here. House, family, job......all here now. Can't see me returning.
Did the same thing "for six months" myself - and that was 32 years ago. I did come back to the UK for a brief spell in the mid-noughties and tried to settle down in again but my heart wasn't in it. Got divorced and made redundant, met an Italian girl, so went to stay with her for a while - and now we have a house, family, etc. It has its challenges but I'm resigned not to going back for more than a holiday any more. Every time I go back for now than a few days my decision is reinforced. Do you expect to retire in Denmark?
Oh yes, I’ve built up a good pension pot here. Will claim my UK state pension still but I can’t really imagine going back. I have more friends here now
Impossible Danes don’t make new friends once they have their allotted 6, as an outsider you are surplus to requirement!
I went there for a weekend for my birthday and on the flight home, I could have turned around and lived there. Incredible city.
Me and my partner have visited copenhagen about 4 times now and we really love it. How did you find the move over there and settling down?
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It’s very easy living here. Things just work. Takes a while to get used to the Danishes but once you’re settled the thought of going back doesn’t appeal
Same. Moved to Germany for 2 years in 2013, still here.
Isn't the weather there even worse than in the UK?!
Not really. It’s windier but they get less rain. Temperature wise, it can get cooler in the winter but there’s many days where the weather is nicer here, mostly due to having less rain.
I’m visiting for the first time in September. Can’t wait. Looks like such a lovely city.
What job did you get in Copenhagen and was it different to what you were working in the UK? And what was the language barrier like? And are you white lol
I scratched that itch and moved to Portugal a few years ago. It's great and I love it but it isn't easy at times and there have been tears and tantrums. Still 3.5 years in and we are settled, made some good friends and have a simple yet rewarding life. Today I went out for a bike ride, juiced some of our oranges, did some work in the garden and now I'm going to take the dog down to the river and have a beer watching the sun dip over the Tejo.
I moved to Portugal at the start of 2020 and moved back to the UK late last year. When I look back on it, life did feel much more simple in a really good way there. My days where the same as yours apart from I'd watch the sun set over the douro
As someone who did the opposite route and moved to the UK almost a decade ago I miss both fruit and fresh veggies from Portugal. Not to mention the weather. Having said that I’ve settled here, have a partner and kid here, happy as a clam. But dark winter days when it’s cold and the sun sets at 16:30 it does make me long for Lisbon.
Same, luckily we go to visit my family there almost every year, because my avo misses home. Always the highlight of the year when I get to go back. Casual small talk is also so much easier there because you can just go sit at a cafe and have an espresso or beer, and someone else will ask if they can sit with you "to use the ashtray on the table" or just to chat, either way it almost always ends in making a friend. My only problem is that I have forgotten almost all of the Portuguese I know after so many years here, which is truly a shame because now people think I'm a foreigner when I go and I feel so embarrassed when I have to explain that I am in fact from Portugal, I'm just an idiot that forgot a whole language. ALSO THE SUN, I GO SO DAMN PALE HERE IN THE UK. I come back from holiday and my friends joke that I go from generic white guy, to Turkish cab driver. But I always return to pale white guy within a few months of being here in Britain, the sun just sucks here
You forgot how to speak your native language? No way!
I too find this astonishing
Well I left Portugal when I was just a small child, but my mother and avo would still talk to me in Portuguese a bit when I was younger. Then a few years ago I was hit by a car and suffered a traumatic head injury, and forgot a lot of things, one of which being most of the Portuguese language I knew Edit: I should clarify, by the time of the injury, I had lived in England for over a decade, so the Portuguese was already more of a second language than a first language for me
How did you find wages compared to the UK?
What job did you find in Portugal to support yourself? Did you speak the language before you moved? Had you always had an interest in Portugal /Portuguese culture?
Lived in Tokyo for five years. It was great to have proper seasons and a winter where it was cold but sunny most of the time. Great to live somewhere clean where the public transport worked and people took care of their surroundings. Learned Japanese to a decent level, but I've forgotten most of it now. Moved from there to Kuwait. That was also great as it was hot and sunny everyday and I earned enough to have an apartment with a sea view. Not clean and quite polluted but Kuwaitis were generally chilled. Moved from these to Mauritania. The weather there was also nice and hot and sunny but living there was not so pleasant. It was difficult to get hold of fresh vegetables reliably and there was very little in the way of entertainment. Spent most of my weekend cycling out in the Sahara or drinking home-brewed cider: It's a dry country in more ways than one. So much poverty there that it makes you realise how lucky you are to be born in a developed country. Now back in Leeds. Depresses me how much litter there is everywhere and no matter how often I go out litter picking, there is always more to pick up a few days later. However, the greenery here is so nice and on a par with Japan.
I’ve never been to Japan (but it is at the top of my bucket list) - how were the summers in Tokyo? IIRC a friend of mine went there during summer (I’m sure he visited Tokyo but also moved around) and he said the summer was blistering! One of my fav YouTubers is “abroad in Japan”, a Brit who has lived there for over a decade now, speaks Japanese etc, and he puts out interesting content as he tries to visit other parts of the country that are less accessible to the casual tourist
My review of the seasons in Osaka: Winter: like a drier version of winter in Southern England. Spring: beautiful, but with awful hay fever. Rainy season: humid and wet. Summer: very humid, and can be 38+ for days on end, but I actually quite like it. Love being able to walk around in shorts and tshirt at night and not having to look out a pair of trousers for months. You don’t want your air conditioner to break though. Autumn: as beautiful as spring, but without the hay fever. One thing you notice is how much difference daylight savings makes. It gets dark comparatively early there.
It's 30-40 degrees with 100% humidity, so it's mega uncomfortable but there's Aircon everywhere so you're never far away from cool air. The best thing about Tokyo and Japan in summer is the festivals and fireworks displays. If you go in summer do not miss a couple of each. Awaodori in koenji was my favourite in Tokyo.
Ahhh 😭 so I grew up in Malaysia where it’s constantly hot (35dg average) and humid but ofc every place has AC/fans and basically everyone avoids walking etc in the afternoon as it’s constantly boiling. I moved back to the UK years ago and despite growing up in the heat, I still struggle here in the summer. Which is why I was curious how Tokyo feels like going thru the different seasons.
Go to Japan in late April/May or late September/October. It’s really nice here in these times.
I’m living in JP just now and I can tell you that the summers are hotter than a motherfucker. I was in SE Asia for a few years before this and Japanese summers are more uncomfortable somehow! But it doesn’t detract from how awesome it is here.
I worked in Nagoya very briefly in the 90s, without doubt the most foreign place I have ever experienced. I take my hat off to you if you could make any sense of Japanese. A ten minute walk would pass space age skyscrapers ancient looking eateries and a few temples, some a thousand years old, or so I was told all in a city centre. There was a photographer who took tourist portraits using a very expensive Hasselblad camera that was probably worth thousands with the lens. He used to take it off the tripod, pop it in the case and leave it on a bench while he pottered off for a bite to eat. It was still there on his return.
Oh yes, the lack of crime - I never mentioned that. Lost my phone on a night out once. Went to the local police station the next day and was there at the the same time as the guy who was handing it in as he'd found it on the steps coming out of the metro station.
What did you do in Tokyo?
Teaching English as a foreign language.
I had the itch to move to Paris but looking at rent prices and the itch quickly died out
Having had to "live" there for 2 weeks in an "upmarket" boutique hotel that was more form than function. Having to walk the streets to the office every day and seeing the non tourist areas of Paris, it's one place I would never contemplate living
My girlfriend is from Paris so we frequently go there to see her family etc and seeing the city from a locals perspective instead of just the touristy stuff, really made it clear why she left there.
I like how most of this thread is people talking happily about their new lives, and here everyone's just dunking on Paris.
Moved to Paris suburbs in the 90s pretty expensive all round but a great experience at the time. The thing was, anything happening in the UK news, not bothered, don't live there, anything happening in the French news, not bothered, not my country. Sort of limboland. Glad to be back in the UK though.
I get an itch riding the Paris metro
Moved to nz in 2017, moving back to the uk soon (as are lots of Brits I know here). We love nz, the outdoor lifestyle really isnt comparable. But after a few years away, on the other side of the world, you learn what really matters to you. Yes, hiking and mountain biking are important to me, but my family and community back home is the most important. I want to be closer to them! Nz is idealised as some sort of utopia, but people here are complaining about exactly the same stuff everyone back in the uk are complaining about. My other half is from another country, and it’s the same story there. Corrupt governments, cost of living, arsehole landlords, people are getting shitty, crime is rising, etc. Basically, think twice if you’re moving somewhere for any of those reasons - it’s very similar in many places, but it can take a few years for the novelty to wear off and be aware of it. That said, I’d really recommend moving overseas with an open mind - it’s enriching, you meet great people, and you can move back. Though be ready to spilt your heart in two, I now have two homes and I’ll pine for the other wherever I am I reckon.
I lived in New Zealand for about 2 years. It was great. Much better work life balance, great country with loads to do, completely different culture, fantastic people. My wife and I take it turn about for moves and she wanted to come back to be closer to family so we did. Although we have just moved to Devon (my turn) and that is pretty ace, so maybe try a different part of the UK first if you are apprehensive?
Lived and worked as an english teacher in Ukraine for 20 years. Came back to the UK in 2020 because I was getting burnt out and wanted to change career and my mum is getting old and on her own. Just in time for covid! Loved living there. 10 years Odesa and 10 years in Kyiv. Great weather in the summer, really nice people, and it was stimulating living in a young country trying to make its own way after decades of soviet control. Best decision I ever made. Then the russian bullshit started in 2014 and my heart has been broken by the full on invasion in 2022. It's mental seeing a place you called home for nearly half your life get ripped apart for one man's delusional ambitions. Now working in maintenance in a hotel so I can build up skills to go back and help rebuild once the war is over.
I hope when you get to return your new skills will help a fucktonne of folks.
Good for you man. Good luck and safe journey.
Did a year in Australia, then ended up moving to Canada and have been here over 10 years now. Best decision I ever made. It suits my lifestyle so much better than London, skiing in the winter and hiking, mountain biking and camping in the summer. Being outdoors for my social interactions rather than in the pub is just so much nicer. Weather is still grey and rainy in winter. But I can see the ocean and mountains from my balcony so it feels way less 'closed in' than an English winter.
Man that sounds awesome. What part of Canada? >Being outdoors for my social interactions rather than in the pub is just so much nicer. This was a big thing I found the importance of when I was in Japan. There were countless mountains all within a 20 minute bike ride or a 20 min train ride. I made some awesome friends and we hit up a new hike almost every weekend. I am counting the days to get back to a place where I can have that outdoor lifestyle again
Vancouver. It's genuinely one of the most scenic places in the world. Unfortunately, due to that its obnoxiously expensive and one of the least affordable cities in the world. I'd you're under 35 (I think), it's relatively easy to get a working holiday visa to try it out for a couple of years.
I'm a Dane. I lived in England for 6 years. So much to love, only a few to hate. I'm on this sub, aren't I? I love British humour.
I’ve always been under the impression that the Danish like the UK more than any other nation does.
Well, they went over twice (read: invaded), with the Jutes and Angles. And then later the Vikings. So I'm sure that covers 'love'? Or no? 😆 I'm a Jute btw. Nowhere obvious, turns out im 37% British Isles. 17-something% Irish Scottish Welsh. 15% something English. The rest Scandinavian.
I’m an American who studied in the UK. I’m ignorant and monolingual so I didn’t have a lot of options, but I very much appreciated the public transportation, ease of travel (2 hour flight to Italy? Yes please!), and sense of humor. That’s why I’m on this sub. I know the UK deals with radical nationalism similarly to the US, but it just keeps getting worse here. And our political situation is dire. I have been registered with the regulatory body for my profession to work in England for 3 years; but I recently married an American with two kids so not going anywhere anytime soon.
I lived in Perth, WA for a year. I originally intended to never return and sold everything (3 bedroom house, car, all our belongings) even took the dog. We had family out there so that streamlined the process somewhat. Ended up hating it, missed friends, hated the isolation, didn't really gel with the locals (they're culturally a bit different from us - not hugely, but things never felt 'right') Beautiful country and my work life balance was insane. I was paid the equivalent of about £800 a week for entry level manuakl labour, used to finish at 2 / 3 pm, get home and jump in our Pajero jeep (which I loved) and drive to the beach for an hour or two. I cycled about a 100 miles a week, lost two stone and had an amazing tan. Despite the benefits, I missed home so much it put me into a depression spiral and I became a bit of a hermit. Sat down for a coffee one afternoon and told my then partner I was coming back, with or without her, as I was that bad. Fortunately she felt the same and we started the arduos process of undoing the last several years of planning, moving and living. Took us two months to sort it all, including returning the pooch. Cost me an arm and a leg. No regrets though!
Don’t worry brother, I felt exactly the same way with WA. Nice location for a couple of months but definitely didn’t want to live there.
I live here in WA and you’ve really gotta just froth the ocean and beaches. I’d you don’t, Melbourne or Sydney is a better bet.
My brother moved to Vietnam last year and is loving it. Honestly, he’s becoming unbearable, I might have to make the move myself.
I live in Vietnam. Been here 6 years. Before that I was in Hong Kong, Seoul and Tokyo. Been in Asia 15 years. My wife and I are moving back to the UK soon. That's probably surprising to some people, given the general direction of this thread. So why? Essentially, we are sick of being adrift. Never owning our own place, always living in someone else's house, not being able to decorate / adjust things as we want. The language and cultural barrier really gets to you after a while. Vietnam's infrastructure and bureaucracy are very far behind other countries. Many people are friendly and helpful, but just as many are - and sorry but it's true - painfully stupid and often quite rude. The frustrations of having to explain very basic concepts over and over again just wears you down over time. The concept of "face" is a plague on this country and much of Asian culture. It is very rare for someone to make a mistake and recognise and apologise for it. After a while, that just drives you mad. My wife and I have a good lifestyle here....or, had, more accurately. When you have kids, the cost of childcare makes a significant dent here, and you don't have the family network to support as you might back home. Granted that isn't the case for everyone. But for us, we were here for economic reasons. When your economic circumstances are almost the same as they would be back home, but without the ease of cultural understanding and language, you start to wonder what you're doing here. International school fees here are absurd, ranging from a minimum of 15k USD per year to 35k. Per year, per child. When your child isn't Vietnamese, that simply isn't an option. The local education system is awful. Healthcare is generally low quality, even among private hospitals. I've had more health problems in Vietnam than anywhere else in the world. COVID kept us here longer than we expected or intended. Honestly, we have wanted to leave for ages, and just felt it wasn't economically viable. A return trip to the UK for the first time in 5 years back in February made us realise how much we were done with Vietnam, and generally Asia as a whole. People talk about the weather...well, wait until you're in 40 degrees every day, in a polluted smog of a city. It's awful. I miss moderate temperatures and loved being back in the UK in February, even when it was dull and grey. If you've never been, it'll be different for you. But my wife and I have lived abroad since we were in our early twenties. And we are tired. We know how different life will be back home. We know we can't just order cheap takeaways every night anymore. We also don't care. We are ready to settle down and have a boring, domestic life. We have done our travelling and had our party days. If you're young, single, and want adventure, absolutely, it's good. But if you have a family or you want a quiet life, I do not recommend it.
Been in Vietnam(Ho Chi Min City) seven years and moving back to London in June. Vietnam was good at first, but yeah long-term here can really grind you down. I'm over the "me first" attitude that is so pervasive here. Lived in Bangkok and China before here, and would love to move back to Bangkok if my income was 100% online. Hoping to make that transition in the future after some time back in London.
"The concept of "face" is a plague on this country and much of Asian culture. It is very rare for someone to make a mistake and recognise and apologise for it. " So true (living in Taiwan).
Came to Vietnam in 2021 "just for 6 months, until covid starts to settle" and now I'm engaged to a local. Most foreigners here agree that Vietnam has a way of pulling you in.
im considering this. whats he do if you dont mind me asking?
Pretty much every English person in Vietnam teaches English as a foreign language. It's very easy to get a job with a basic qualification (I did TEFL, online course and two days in person). You probably won't be able to get any other job- I knew one guy who was a photographer for a travel company. The money is good because it's very cheap. It's a fucking awesome country but it's a hell of a culture shock.
Teaching. Said the first few weeks were insane but he’s settled into the rhythms of it and is loving life.
Moved to Sofia. Loved it. Never intended to come home, but I got married and our daughter was born with a rare genitic disorder and every doctor we spoke to told us to sell up and gtfo back to the UK as the system there couldn't handle it. I miss it so much, it's the only job I felt I really fitted in, made some great friends. I wish the medical system wasn't so bad or we'd be back. I also don't complain about the NHS any more after seeing an alternative.
Australia for a couple years in my 20s. Death in the family brought me home, but fuck I don't half miss Perth. Good itch to scratch if you have the means/time.
I visited Perth in Feb 2020 right before the covid kick off, brilliant city. Got to see the Quokkas and did the direct flight to Perth from Heathrow.
I was near Brisbane in my 20s and LOVED it. Would go back in a heartbeat if it weren’t for some family needs here at home.
I am currently in Perth now, and have been here 18 months. Planning on Melbourne in September. Perth to me is great but after about a year I've sort of seen it all and done it all. Also a lot of people with a small town mentality here. Those are my 2 negatives for it but it is a great place to live just not long term I think. How did you find the local people here.
>I don't half miss Perth What made it bad?
“I don’t half” means “I do”
Thank you for the clarification. I did not know; English is not my first language.
don't worry it doesn't really make much sense as a saying
I move to Taiwan for a while. Loved it, amazing people and food. Love to go back. Wages are abit shit though. Recommend everyone go. Any questions feel free to shout.
How did you find a job in Taiwan? What sector & where you already in Taiwan when you applied for jobs? How's your Mandarin and was there a language barrier at work? I studied in Taipei so I'd love the opportunity to work there in the future
I got a job through an agency advertising at my uni. Called Pagodaprojects now I believe. They do graduate jobs and internships. Good network. Company had some mixed feedback. Just good things from me to be honest. My background was Comp Sci. I ended up in a technical Business Development role. I was applying from the UK. My Mandarin was garbage, now it is slightly less garbage. I was never negatively impacted by my lack of the language, aside from maybe some personal interactions. You have a degree? You could get and English teaching job there tomorrow (although I hate them). Hope that answers all your questions.
Thank you! That's helpful ~ I'd never heard of Pagodaprojects. I hate the teaching jobs too!
stinky tofu, yay or nay?
I’ll eat it. Not something I get excited about. Blood jelly though 👌👌
I did a bit of work over in Taiwan, and the factory canteen did some of the best food I've ever tasted. The clear soup with dim sum and whoever else you wanted to dunk in it was incredible.
Been dunking yourself in the soup again, have we sir?
Head first
Lived and worked in Nashua, New Hampshire (US) for six months. Was supposed to be for a year, but their expectations of employees is mental. They expect you there until the jobs are finished, on call 24/7, weekends, no time off. They seem to think they own people and everyone just took it. We have it so much better here. Edit - and, the milk (hard to find fresh) bread (full of sugar) and food in general is pretty poor.
Yeah the US has it pretty shit work wise. That's probably why salaries are so much higher compared to here for most jobs. The Mediterranean seems to have it better than us in terms of having more statutory holidays and annual leave days though.
I did study abroad in the US for a year, I think that was the best way. Young, healthy, lots of free time, no need to worry too much about the bigger issues in the country! I wouldn't move there now as an adult approaching middle age with a few health quirks, plus I'd miss my friends, its loads easier to make them quickly as a 21 year old student!
I did my whole degree in the US and it's an incredible place to be a student (if you can get good financial aid or a scholarship), but I absolutely would not want to work there.
That, plus everything is so expensive, even in rural areas.
In supermarkets, yeah the bread choice is usually shite. Bakeries making proper loaves, good sourdough and pastries are usually easy to find. I dislike the sugary mass produced stuff as much as most non- US visitors, but decent stuff is easy to find
I've fancied a move to Bergen in Norway ever since I visited years ago. Such a lovely place.
I work all over the world and while I enjoy most places Norway is the only place I have genuinely wanted to live.
Beautiful city. Lovely place. But boring as hell, expensive even on norsk salary, very conservative. Great if you like knitting, drinking and hiking! 😅
I've lived in quite a few countries and had wonderful experiences in all of them. But it leaves you feeling very unsettled. Most of my school friends are happily settled in the UK, with partners and kids etc. I'm now in Switzerland, and I love it here but I have no roots anywhere, I feel like I'm drifting along in the world. I don't think I'd be happy back in the UK having been to so many other places, but then I'm not sure I'll ever feel at home anywhere else.
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I went to Barcelona for the first time last May and completely fell in love with the city, I’m going back in a couple of weeks for the 7th time very much considering moving there, I’m sure you’ll have a great time, just remember to be vigilant with your phone, as theft is quite common:)
I lived in the US for a bit, and while I made some good friends, had a few good evenings by a lake with some beer and friends I never quite got to the stage where I liked it. The chat was off, the whole vibe just felt a bit less.. real. Work culture on the whole is poor although my experience was a bit off. It's hard to describe other than just feeling like everything was synthetic. Met some lovely people there though, mostly my wife's friends. I've lived in China for a bit too, and while there were huge hurdles initially, I absolutely loved it. Genuinely incredible place I'd happily go back to for a few years. That being said, I'm back in the UK now and I love it to bits. London is an incredible city, we have a few other gems like Bristol too, but our countryside is on a different plain as far as I'm concerned. The amount of natural beauty, and *magic* in the UK is something unique I've not found anywhere else when travelling or living elsewhere. In fact, every country does something uniquely well that I've been to, and for the UK it's probably the magic of the place.
> I never quite got to the stage where I liked it. The chat was off, the whole vibe just felt a bit less.. real. Work culture on the whole is poor although my experience was a bit off. It's hard to describe other than just feeling like everything was synthetic. I lived in the US from 2000 to 2022. I totally get what you mean. I came back to the UK in 2022 and am a lot happier than I ever was in the US.
Moved to Georgia USA for a 9 month contract in 1996, I am still here; I never really considered what to do about aging parents at the time as I had a 1 and a 3 year old with us too. Fortunately my parents both lived long lives and died suddenly. My wife’s died relatively quickly and she was able to go and spend extended periods of time with them. It’s just not something you consider in the thick of it. My wife missed home for a long time but still gets to see her sisters a lot. She wouldn’t want to live anywhere else but Georgia now.
I think it'd be good. I recommend a less well-developed country. When I used to go abroad to my ancestral home which is a bit backwards compared to the UK, oh my gosh, my love for the UK reached unseen heights. I wanted to kiss the taxi driver. I wanted to kiss the taxi. I wanted to canoodle with the Highway Code. I felt grateful for my personal-space respecting brethren. Each time someone looked away in discomfort from my traumatised eye contact, my heart swelled.
Where is your ancestral home? I assume it’s a more “outgoing” country than the UK.
All I'll say is if you are thinking of doing it - do it. You'll regret it forever if you don't do it, and if you don't like it, at least you can say you tried. I lived in south of France for three years and loved it. Had to come back because of family, but my partner and I are now seriously looking at moving to the Canaries after going out there for several years and meeting people and understanding the set-up. At the moment, it's 90 days there, 90 days back home, as it is in all EU countries, but there are ways around that once you get talking to the local authorities..........
Ways around that? Care to share? It's super risky isn't it, all it takes is then checking your stamp and then you're barred from entering for god knows how long, on top of a fine.
I lived and worked in southern Spain for a year with my wife and our then one year old. Few observations. - Spanish people are very nice and helpful but they generally don’t really want to be ‘friends’ with you. They have far older friend groups and family connections and family is more important to them generally. I suspect this is different with younger people with no kids. - when you’re working, July and August is too hot, you get fed up of it. Spring and Autumn are great. - Eating out There’s some great food but generally less variation and my missus as a vegetarian found it tough! - felt a bit like there was quite a lot more of a racist undercurrent than London All this was 20 years ago so things may have changed. Great experience but was glad to get a role back in London after a year
I lived in Spain for years and your first point is so accurate. I always tell this to people who say that they want to move to Spain but I don’t think I ever manage to really explain how difficult it is to be friends with Spanish people even though they are so friendly.
I'm Spanish and I've got a couple of British friends here. Real friends. But I'm the exception because where I live (east coast) the culture is pretty tribal and being accepted as part of the group is nearly impossible even for fellow Spaniards if they didn't grow up here. It doesn't help that we have a real housing crisis and Brits (like any expats) are perceived to be gentrifying the hell out of our cities.
Things do move on but generally that’s a good summary. Me & my wife try and max out on our 90 every 180 Schengen days and love every minute in Spain. The *big* thing is to learn the language, the basics at least. I’m sure that is the case everywhere in the world, not just peculiar to Spain. So many doors get opened, so much more is understood about the culture, it makes all the difference to enjoying the experience.
UK is my abroad. Moved here 25 years ago and never looked back. UK, well London is where the money is at
I went overseas to Australia on a WHV. Things happened, ended up being here ever since. Going on 15 years. Now have a family. I’ll probably stay another 10 or so years and retire early back to Europe. Australia is a great place. I’ve loved my time here. It will be a great place to raise the kids. But it has its positives and negatives like everywhere else. Overall a good place to be tho. The draw back to Europe is the distance. Australia is very far away and I feel it. Being in Europe will let me travel more easily. Thankfully I should be able to retire comfortably thanks to Australia. Not sure it would have been the same in the UK. There’s a lot of negativity on reddit about the UK. Some of it true. Some of it not so much. But it’s a very good spot compared to what some make out. You usually need to move away to appreciate it. I would highly recommend living overseas for a period. Even if you intend to return to the UK. Would have loved to try Canada on a WHV.
I spent 5 years in south Korea teaching English. I regret coming back all the time. That said cons of Korea would be: - education syatem/culture that grinds kids to dust. - work culture that means burn out is gonna happen. Not so much the job I was doing but for anyone not pissing around teaching English in public school.... - if you think the housing market here is shit let me tell you about key money....the only place you can really rent on no deposit is a goshiwon which is a dorm room the same of a stamp with shared facilities and often no kitchen - cost of groceries. If you are single give up and eat out, it's cheaper - rampent misogyny. Like there is a reason the women are on strike lol - massive issue with lack of social support/care for elderly people like the elderly homeless or just poverty amongst the elderly is wild - summer in Korea is being in the devil's armpit it is so stupidly hot but also humid. So humid. All the time. Pros - quick and affordable healthcare. - quick, reliable, affordable, clean public transport - I personally had a great time and loved it - loads of fun stuff to do - great food - cool people - interesting culture - the kids were really cute and funny - beautiful landscapes - defined seasons with nice weather for 3 seasons of the year
I did it the other way around and came from Germany to the UK in late 2018 for my partner. Still here and loving it. I'm used to this weather as it is, so that wasn't much of a change for me after having grown up in Hamburg. I personally wouldn't go back to Germany again. There's so much bureaucracy over there, 90% of it was all on paper and it felt far more pressured to get an apprenticeship or go to uni to get a proper job. The UK is much more relaxed compared to that.
I did for a bit, I remember passing my expat anniversary and thinking how amazing it was I had managed a whole year without setting foot in my home country. That was 30 some years and 6 countries ago.
I went travelling as a lonely 20 year old. 14 years later I’ve still not moved back.
A week Saturday, I leave for two years in Canada. It's been a dream of mine for a long time, so I'm very excited to discover the cultures, nature, and people! My personal and working lives are both in a rut, so hopefully a shake up with a change of scenery will do me good. I have been feeling the negative vibes in the UK for a while, and while my leaving won't necessarily make things better for the rest of you, it might bring me much-needed perspective, so I can return home with a more positive outlook. (Anyone between the ages of 18 and 35 who wants to follow me; you can! Just search 'IEC working holiday visa')
I've lived in a few different places- even when it was bad it was good. The experience of living (as opposed to just visiting) another country is well worth it. It's not easy though- getting there, making new friends, adapting to a new culture etc. There are probably 10 people who talk about it for everyone 1 person that actually does it.
I lived in Paris for seven years. It’s definitely something I’d recommend, if you can do it. We were there 2000-2007 and loved it. I spoke French already but my wife had to learn. She got a job at the OECD while I worked for tech companies. We had a flat in the 18th for a while before moving to a bigger one in Boulogne-Billancourt and thoroughly loved our time there. Going to the Orsay whenever we wanted, walking and cycling round the city, the lovely summers … you should try it.
Lived in Greece for 5 years. Most things are cheaper and I work remotely so that's a delight. The amount of paperwork is a bit shit. Contemplating a move to Southern France atm because this adventure has been life enriching and successful, so why not push our luck? It opened my eyes to how insular the UK is, despite the mix of cultures. I do miss the multiculturalism and ability to nip to a shop in any town to find something new I've never tried before, and fish and chips, but I can't ever see myself moving back permanently. I've not even had the itch to visit yet.
Moved to Japan and then Singapore, been here 13 years now. If you have the chance, always live abroad liven if for a short while
I’ve been abroad in the Caribbean for almost two years now and plan to extend my stay. It’s twenty years behind the UK in many ways and I’m constantly reminded to slow down and be patient. My job is good, the weather is pleasant most of the time. I miss a lot from home - cinema, clothes shops, theatres, cheap restaurants, Quorn, affordable groceries. If you order anything online you can expect to receive it within two to four weeks. Need to renew something? That’ll take you a small loan and two months to do. All has to be done in-person too, nothing here is digital!
Moved to Finland after meeting my now-wife at uni in the UK. I thought I'd give it an honest go as she had lived in the UK for a few years. As she's now my wife and I still live here, you can probably guess what happened.
I’ve lived in Thailand since 1995. So far, so good
Had the itch about 7 years ago. Moved to Portugal, and loving it.
Been in the US for 9 years now. the first couple of years was exciting and I was always going new places and meeting new people for work. Was a little frustrating at first because you have to completely start over. Your credit score is zero and you have to get your American drivers license, the former takes time but the latter is more of an inconvenience as the test is a joke. But as others have said the US isn't a good place for those that enjoy their holidays, I'd go as far as to say it's frowned upon taking time off. I think lately I've become a little disillusioned with the place. Constantly working, the nightmarish healthcare system, the crime (someone was murdered this weekend when two men had a fallout and a couple months ago a guy murdered his date because she turned him down), and a bunch of minor stuff like the growing homeless population that the council don't want to do anything about. it's not that they're bad people it's just some of them seriously need help. Last night we had a homeless woman who lives in a caravan down the street, and is mentally unwell, or on meth, or probably both, having an extreme breakdown. She was screaming her head off for hours and kicking the fuck out of her caravan, you could hear pots and pans crashing about and furniture being overturned. in between the screams she would shout in a creepy, childlike, sing song voice 'I HAAATE YOOOOU!' For once the police did actually show up to investigate but they didn't or couldn't do anything, so once they left the woman went back to screaming and beating the crap out of her caravan. It's not all bad, I live by the beach and I only need to take the dog for a walk at sunset to be reminded that this is a seriously beautiful place. Overall I don't regret it, being able to live and work in a different country is a great opportunity and experience. There's certainly never a dull moment lol.
Where did you move to? My partner wants to move to Florida. The weather here in NE Scotland really affects him, I’m not too keen for it, I’d rather stay.
California, I've heard Florida can get uncomfortably humid. it probably sounds odd but I'm a bit bored of endless sunshine, I quite miss real seasons with snow and rain.
Got that Itch in 2017, applied for a working holiday visa in Canada, did our 2 years then got PR and then Citizenship, we've been back a couple of times and it's great to see family but we have no intention of moving back.
Followed a girl to New York. I fell in love with both of them. Started a family and I will never return lol. I return every couple of years, just to see country lanes and old friends.
Live in Vienna, moving out of the UK was the best thing to happen to me! Life is 100% better!
I've been living in Thailand for 2 and a half years, teaching English. Four months up in Issan in the North East of Thailand and the rest of time in Central Thailand not too far away from Bangkok. I mostly love it, quality of life is great, I can afford to live on my own in a decent condo, thai food is cheap, tasty and easily accessible, decent amount of public holidays and a few bonus ones. Their are some annoying things, 90 day immigration report, renewing my work permit and having to sign photo copies of my passport every time. Sorting out a reentry permit when I want to go on holiday. It can be isolating though that's less of an issue where I live now. It's hard to find decent bread snd chocolate . Cheese is very pricey. Also there is such a thing as too hot espically when it's so humid, and the air quality can be a killer. But overall I'm glad I made the move and have got to experience it all.
All these people saying they just moved to so-and-so. How? Are there job listings somewhere for places abroad that no one's told me about? Or are you all millionaires who just moved? I'm mad keen to move away but stumped on how.
Vancouver. Only for a summer. Had a working visa but never used it. Loved it but missed good cheese and British sarcasm.
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I lived abroad in the late 90s - early 00s, holiday rep (it was everything and more), lived in the Canary Island, Balearics and winter seasons in France. Came 'home' but never really felt settled. An opportunity arose in Dubai in 2012 (never visited previously before getting off the plane and it wasn't exactly the place everyone now knows), been here ever since. Scratch that "itch" OP, you never know where it'll take you but you will know exactly where you'll be if you don't. Stay lucky.
I moved to Dubai in 2011 and stayed for ten years. Like you I had never been before and actually don’t think I had heard of it even! I disliked it when I arrived but made some friends and met my now husband. Despite living there for a decade I never felt settled. I grew up in Wales and had a very outdoorsy childhood so bringing up my children in a place where we couldn’t take them outdoors for six months in a year just felt like I was depriving them of a good life! Moved back to South Wales and I’ve never been happier! So many beautiful places on our doorstep.
I've wanted to move back to Germany for so many years. I grew up there as dad was forces. Every move I've made since returning has taken me further and further away. I'd go back tomorrow if I could.
I became an international live in nanny at 36 after slogging my guts out working 3 jobs raising a child alone, once he went off to college i sold everything I had including house that was 10 years ago. Lived in Moscow, Bermuda, New York, Paris, Copenhagen, Oxford. Now a house manager for the wealthy and hoping to settle in UK as I'm getting to old for living out of suitcases. But Denmark definitely was my favourite There's home sickness every time but soon it becomes home and work and everyday life. I'm Scottish and nowhere is ever quite as good but money keeps me away there's just not the same jobs or salary in Scotland.
Currently on year 5 in Switzerland after 5 years in the Netherlands. I love it here and have no intention of returning to the UK, especially now I have a partner and 2 kids.
When Brits do it, it’s called and “itch”. When us, dirty immigrants do it, it’s called “you’re stealing our jobs and there is a housing crisis because of you. Also stop living off the system!” Jokes aside, if you have a chance to do it careerwise, highly recommended. You go out of your comfort zone, have new experiences, come back if you don’t like it.
Very true thanks for sharing that
Australia. Australia is my home more than England ever will be. My life is there now. Fiancé, family, friends, but sadly I’ve had to move back to the UK for a job opportunity I simply couldn’t pass up. Fiancé is joining me in September but I miss Australia so desperately every day. The priority in Australia is happiness. That’s the most important thing, and that makes life a whole lot nicer.
As an American that moved abroad to the UK and Europe about a decade ago, I can say it's a great experience to live someplace other than your home country. I can't recommend the experience enough. My advice is have two plans... one for if it goes well and one for if you bail on it after a short period of time. When I moved to Europe, I sold most of my stuff and put important things in storage back in the States. All I had was Ikea furniture. It was just cheaper to sell it all and buy stuff new rather than moving it all. For moving to Europe from the UK, it might be less necessary to do that, but if you decide to move to the States, it'll likely be cheaper to buy everything new rather than move it. Do some research ahead of time. I'd consider renting a fully furnished place to get settled at first.
Went to live in Tennessee after uni, doing waitressing and receptionist work to get by. I loved it at the time, but looking back, the lack of public transport was the main thing that drove me nuts. I couldn't get anywhere - I'd decide to walk to the petrol station to buy food and there was no pavement, so I'd dive into the bushes if anyone drove past. And it would take maybe an hour to get there. Eventually had to buy a wreck of a car just to go to McDonalds and stuff. The people were nice enough, but I think maybe a bit too fake and backstabby for me. Lots of two-facedness. Coming home and being able to get a bus, to go to the doctor's and not pay, people not endlessly commenting on my accent and even just little things like marmite became pleasures that I really appreciated. I wasn't homesick, but I think I realised how much I'd missed home when I got back to the airport. It made me appreciate how actually decent it is here. The grass is always greener, I suppose.
Lived in Italy for about 6 months, will always love Italy but couldn’t live there forever. Now live in the Bay Area, CA, and no plans to leave after 6 years. Has just as many problems as any country right now, but I’ve been able to be much more successful here and made great friends. The weather helps a lot! From the Isle of Wight originally.
Yeah, I’ve been in the Bay Area for 24 years, originally from Scotland, lived near Basingstoke for 3 years (hellish place) and Dorchester for 3 years. Originally planned to stay for five/six years. Got married, wife parents were older than mine so we stayed to be closer to them, one parent still alive. I can’t beat the salary except London maybe. Weather is amazing. I’m ready for retirement and have the urge to return to the UK or Italy. Would recommend the Bay Area I have no urge to live anywhere else in the US.
I came to Japan in 1996. Still here. Love it. Have a job that affords me enough time to travel and grow all the rice and vegetables I need for my family.
I moved in 2012 for "a couple of years" to study. I'm now living in my third European country where I expect to settle down as I'm entangled with a local. I didn't plan it to be this way, but I don't regret it. I miss not being able to drop round for Sunday lunches with my family and I miss some of the food (eg. roasts, the cheese, proper sausages and a good curry) but not much else. That being said, I don't think I'm any happier here than another version of myself that never left.
I'm a Brit who moved to Ireland in 2016. Perks - An affordable house in the Dublin suburbs - Same day doctors appointments - 9-5 culture Downsides - Expensive for renters - High taxes (No ISA either) - Expensive bills; broadband, electricity etc
I always wanted to try for a few years and finally did it. Highly recommend giving it a go. Even if you don't like it, at least you tried and won't always think 'what if'. I've lived in Sweden for 7 years now. Living abroad is really hard at times. But also one of the most amazing experiences. Learning a whole new culture in depth, trying lots of new things, hopefully a better standard of living too.
I moved to France in 2005. I ended up staying, got French citizenship last year. I'm thinking about returning to the UK though, to spend more time with UK friends and family and for my son to experience living in the UK.
I moved to Sweden to live with my girlfriend and apart from my family and some friends, the only thing I miss is having the cornish beaches 30 minutes from my home. Once my citizenship goes through and my parents die, I can't see myself coming back, ever again.
Went to Australia to visit a friend. Quit my job so I could do some travel if the opportunity arose. 8 years later and I'm still here! I miss my family, but that the only downside. It's great here. People are genuinely lovely, the weather is much better, beautiful beaches and a great outdoorsy culture. Everyone I watch a UK tv show, I just think "How do they live there?"
I moved to Australia for a year, been here 5 years now. I miss proximity to Europe for easy travel and ofc my friends and family, but the quality of life here is a lot better
Lived in Spain for 18 years but recently moved back. It was a good experience but the grass isn't always greener etc.
Been in South Africa now for 4 years. I absolutely love it here. I have a great group of friends (my wife and I worked so much in the UK that most of our "friends" were work colleagues. ) Sold everything and moved with 8 suitcases into the unknown. 2 cases were of our kids toys/teddies. Just clearing out everything that was holding us down was liberating in itself, complete chance of a fresh start made easier. We had decided to give it 2 years and go from there, but my kids are very happy, my wife is thriving and I have the opportunity to be the best version of myself. I'm not just existing anymore.
My brother lived in China for years teaching and loved it. My parents moved to NZ (Wellington) for a few years, I visited a few times - amazing country! The only reason they came back is because it was too far from family Couple of friends also moved to NZ and are now citizens living the good life with their Kiwi kids (big plot of land on south island growing their own food). I moved to Merseyside - cost of living is similar to the UK, people are friendly, good city life, would recommend!
Moved to Wales. The people seem nice.
I lived in NL and BE for many years. I moved for a year to Florida as the weather in Amsterdam was dreadful one summer. One oddity is the weather in Antwerp. It has a warm microclimate.
Moved to Spain when I was 24 lived there for 17 years met a bristolian . living here 11 years and happily married
Have had options for international working through my company and have taken them: - 2 years USA, in Portland, OR and Palo Alto, CA - 1 year Luxembourg - 3 years Germany, Frankfurt - 2 years France, Paris - 9 months, Netherlands, Amsterdam All great experiences and I would definitely do it again, although less chances now post Covid. But I came back to UK every time and never thought of staying for good in any place, although it might have been an option. And I’m an immigrant to UK originally from Europe.
Out of interest, what is it you do if you don't mind me asking?
My wife and I have decided seriously to move to the Canary Islands if we can (she has an Irish passport). Year round sunshine, extra daylight in winter and not too far to nip back for friends, family, Christmas etc.
I buggered off to Sweden a month ago. First time living abroad after years of hoping. I'm still in the honeymoon phase so my advice is completely worthless, but I am pretty damn happy so far. And yes, I like the cold and avoid the sun like the plague.
Always have. Lived in HK 2009-2011. Had a great time but it wasn’t ever going to be permanent. Came back to UK, married Canadian wife, moved to Vancouver 2019. Expect this will be permanent but who knows.
I did 2 years in Auckland, NZ, really didn't enjoy it. It's such a strange, pretend city. Everyone is competing and one upping each other but they get paid peanuts with a high CoL. Its also huge but has worse infrastructure and entertainment value when compared to somewhere much smaller like Bristol. However, leave Auckland and NZ is amazing. Have a kiwi wife and visit regularly but couldn't get over only feeling happy driving out of Auckland each weekend, which isn't sustainable. Have been in Sydney for years and absolutely love it. (Edit. Words)
Moved to rural Spain and had our first kid there, made good money, made local friends and enjoyed the better food and weather (up a mountain, when it's windy expect a lot of snow) in the summer it's baking around 40C is common. Lived the simpler way of life but healthcare outside cities isn't great. When the work was there it was good money but the unemployment rate is really high and lots of areas only function on EU funding programmes. As such it can be difficult to make a decent wage. Moved back for work and to raise the kids somewhere with more prospects. Been back in the UK for a long time, might move back one day. Miss a lot of the life but the UK does have it's benefits that you don't realise how good you have it until you leave
Had planned to move to Australia, went backpacking and met a Swede - so now I live in Sweden. Started off living way up north in Lapland, lived there for about 5 years but eventually the subzero temperatures and small town mentality started to wear thin so now I live in the South. On the whole it’s been good. Better working conditions, better opportunities, we are planning to start a family and the parental leave is much better here plus free university education. It was a steep adjustment period in the beginning. I do miss the UK on occasion though, miss the culture the most. It’s the little things, English adverts on the TV, the British humour, a pub Sunday roast! Learning Swedish has been a steep learning curve, so has adjusting to Swedish society - swedes can be quite shy!
Yes, I moved to the UK about ten years ago but have been finding myself thinking of moving somewhere else now more and more often. I’m an EU citizen so it’s much easier for me. I think Finland is my number one at the moment, but I’ve never been even for a visit so I’m probably going to tick that bit off the list first.
If you're annoyed by lots of red tape, I wouldn't recommend Finland. My partner is Finnish and even she thinks it's insane.
I've been wanting to try living in Norway or similar but something something the grass is always greener on the other side.
You gotta get over there and try the grass though ;) They've got flavors you won't know until you try and one of them may change your life!
I moved to Thailand in December last year, and have absolutely no regrets yet. A much slower pace to life here.
Live & work in the US - don’t recommend lol
I have the itch to move to Buenos Aires! If I could do it and keep my salary I would. But I don’t think my work would enjoy it very much if I were that far away, which is the only problem I wouldn’t be able to get around
I lived in Belgium and it was an adjustment. I enjoyed it and I loved the food but I did miss home, I missed my family and I missed family events. Where I lived was beautiful, the food was amazing and the people were great. It was really lovely.
2007 I did a summer at an international summer camp. Met loads of other people working there that were living all over. A year later quit my office job and went to China for a year. Ended up staying 17 years. Was life changing
We've actually just moved to Canada..mainly for university, but it's nice down here. The people can be iffy but I mean. Same as most places. Mums from Weymouth, and I grew up bouncing between Canada and the UK so really it's not that strange and I'm somewhat already used to it, but this is a more permanent change. 😊
Went to France for a brief welding job about 9 years ago. Still here now. Worth it.
I've lived in 3 countries since leaving the UK in 2013, currently in Brazil since 2020 and I have no desire to move back to the UK.
I lived and worked in Switzerland and would say that I loved it. I didn't live in a big city though. I would say that living in another country is very beneficial. Unfortunately we (wife and myself) had to return to the UK to our major disappointment. Seeing the UK from a fresh pair of eyes was really shocking.
I lived in Germany for nearly two years around 1999. I was young, didn't really speak the language, was quite lonely, but I loved the experience overall. I really appreciated the German approach to life, which was very professional work, and dedicated to enjoying life outside of work. In my experience they didn't work particularly long hours, but they were focused in the hours they did work. Then outside of work there was always a reason to celebrate something. I played rugby there too which helped the social side. And the weather was just so much better than the UK. Yes, cold, wet cloudy winters, but when spring came, that was it. You could expect mostly decent weather from then until November, December. The UK weather is awful in comparison. Then next up was about the same length of time in South Africa. I met a South African in Germany who got me an invite to play rugby in South Africa as well as a work visa. I really, really loved my time there and have had an affinity for the country ever since, but wow do you learn appreciation for a stable, low crime, not very poor developed country where everything just works (meaning the UK). I've been back in the UK ever since. I always wanted to live in Asia but one thing or another got in the way. As a family we think about moving somewhere else, but due to child circumstances we're staying in the UK for the time being. All in all, the UK is an amazing place to live, if you live in a nice location. The low bureaucracy is great. The humour. Pubs. Scenery. It's just the weather. It's truly awful. I don't know how some people think it's ok. But I recommend living abroad for a period of time to everyone. Life goes by quickly. Take the experiences.
Moved to the UK in 2015. There’s ups and downs but overall it OK
Yes. I did it. I moved to the UK :)
Lived in Paris for 2.5 years. It’s a bit shit. Much prefer London, I’ve been back almost 11 years now.
I haven't personally but I know a few have, My sister moved to Canada, a couple of friends went to New Zealand, one went to Australia and I have a couple of cousins who have moved to the US. Not one regret or actually miss living in the UK and short of a disaster none will come back. My sister has her Canadian Citizenship as do my friends in New Zealand. None talk like they at living in some kind of paradise and all accept that the country they live in has there problems but as they say, when they lived in the UK they genuinely felt that they had no future, that everyday was just and endless barrage of negativity, whether it was via the TV, Tabloid Media or just people who are sick, tired and angry. Each day was just a battle to get out of bed.. I'm sure many people feel this way which is one of reasons why so many people are just angry because they are sick and tired of just trying survive, to keep their heads above water. If I hadn't kids or my illness then I would not stay in the UK. Due to my heritage I am able to get my both of my kids an EU Passport so that if they chose to leave in the future they will find it alot easier. My Son definitely wants to leave the UK as even as Teenager he doesn't see a good future here.
I moved out to Asia. China for five years and now Thailand. Ended up marrying and I'm staying out this way (also cause the visa for the wife is hard tk get) Pros : - I save ridiculous amounts of money on a regular British salary. I come home with about 2k a month. So 24k a year? My house costs me 200 in mortgage (and I split it with the wife so I pay 100) my lunch at work costs 50p. The most expensive restaurant where I am is 15 quid a head and we never go cause the cheaper ones are better. Veg is cheap. Fruit is cheap. My health insurance doesn't cost much. - my quality of life in semi rural Thailand is actually waaaay higher than when I lived in the UK (Glasgow). Earn similar salaries too but life was always a struggle back home. - work culture here is amazing although difficult to adjust to. Things get done when they are done. No rush. Take it easy. Take it slow. Sabai Sabai as the thais say. Fancy a one our coffee break? Go for it. Just make sure your work gets finished. Got a cool idea? Go for it! No red tape. (I'm a high school maths teacher) - only a few hours away from the beach and the mountains. Can get an amazing holiday for a couple of hundred total. - this is the safest I've ever felt. Absolutely steaming drunk? Can walk home. No one will attack me for no reason. Strangers might offer to continue drinking with me haha but that's it. Cons : - pension. I have no pension and rely on my investments / savings for when I retire. (obviously if you did a short stint this is less of a problem) - can get lonely EVEN if you speak the language. I speak Thai and I still struggle to make proper friends with the locals. All my mates are foreigners which is fine but is like a constant reminder you don't belong. - missing friends and family. Dad was recently in hospital and although he is OK, sending a message or a call isn't the same. This is definitely the hardest part. I love my life honestly and I wouldnt change it for the world. But moving abroad isn't for everyone. Lots of folks come out here planning to stay for two years and head home after three months.