| Easy Expat

Festivals in Europe this September

siddlobo | 26 August, 2008 11:53

From music to fashion, yachts to seafood, there are loads of festivals happening all across Europe. Here are some of the top ones to watch out for.

Edinburgh International Festival, Scotland
8^th – 31^st August

Concerts, opera, theatre, ballet, dance, orchestra – the world-renown Edinburgh Festival has it all. Performances take place in six major concert halls and theatres and a number of smaller venues as well. The best occasion to savour the classics.
http://www.eif.co.uk/

Burgundy Wine Press Festival, Chenove, France
Whole of September

This is one for wine lovers. Chenove is a must see on any wine tour and is home to the Dukes of Burgundy presses built in 1238. During the month of September, some of these presses are started up so visitors can see how wine was made in the old days. Other treats include traditional art and craft demonstrations, jazz performances, traditional music and dances and gastronomic delights like smoked sausages and Burgundy snails.

Iznajar Fair (La Feria Grande), Iznajar, Spain
7^th – 11^th September

This fair shows that you can be religious and still have fun. Featuring all night parties and beautiful processions led by musicians singing choruses, part of the festival pays tribute to the patron Saint of Le Virgin de la Piedad. http://www.ixeo.com/Events/Spain_Izn%C3%A1jarFairLaFeriaReal_Izn%C3%A1jar/LG-EN/Content.aspx

London Fashion Week, London, England
24^th-28^th September

This is for the fashion aficionados. UK’s ultimate fashion event, it features over 150 top designers showcasing their collection. It’s your chance to grab the latest in fashion at fantastic discounts. Make sure you book tickets well in advance. For more details, log onto http://www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk/

Monaco Yacht Show, Monte Carlo, Monaco
24^th- 27^th September

Love yachts? This is the place to be. Rub shoulders with the rich and famous and feast your eyes on some of the most luxurious yachts ever. This is the only show dedicated to Superyachts of 25 metres and longer. For more details, log onto http://www.monacoyachtshow.com/index.shtml

Thames Festival, London, England
13^th and 14^th September

Here’s a fantastic way to enjoy free entertainment in the heart of London. Celebrations take place between the Westminister Bridge and the Tower Bridge and Londoners come together to dance, listen to music, watch movies, drink, eat, play and sail. There are also loads of fireworks, parades and torchlit processions. Find out more at http://www.thamesfestival.org/

Braemar Highland Games, Scotland
6^th September

This is often known as the most famous and best Highland Games. The event comes complete with Scottish Pipe Bands, pipers, dancers, international athletes – all in a beautiful setting surrounded by hills. Given its huge popularity, it’s good to book your tickets in advance. Find out more on http://www.braemargathering.org/

Galway Oyster Fest, Galway, Ireland
25^th- 28^th September

Here’s a festival that celebrates the start of the oyster season. As the name itself suggests, this is for the seafood lovers. Head here for four days of gourmet seafood, live music and the best Guinness. http://www.galwayoysterfest.com/

Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
20^th September – 5^th October

This is the ultimate homage to beer. When one thinks of Oktoberfest, images of crowded beer tents, huge beer mugs handled by big bosomed women in drendils and men in lederhozen come to mind. All of which is true. But no words can truly describe the experience of thousands of people crammed in a huge carnival atmosphere enjoying the lively Bavarian music and its equally popular brew. Each year over six million visitors throng to the Oktoberfest to be part of this heady experience. Be part of the 175^th year celebrations this year. http://www.oktoberfest.de/en/

See also our previous article on the beer festivals in Germany.

Please note that there may be changes to the dates, events and line-ups at the festivals. For detailed information, check the official websites.

Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer based out of Munich

Free Independent Wealth Management seminars for foreign nationals

easyexpat | 20 August, 2008 13:29

HSBC offers a series of free Independent Wealth Management seminars for foreign nationals.
The next seminar presented by HSBC International Financial Advisers (UK) Limited (HSBC International) is in London on 17 September 2008 and will cover international tax and financial planning.

Are you a foreign national living and working in London? If so, there is every chance that you could enjoy a number of tax advantages that this status offers. But where can you get reliable advice and guidance on effective financial planning? This is where one of HSBC International’s free seminars could help you. Seminar details are given below.

The seminar, entitled ‘International tax and financial planning for foreign nationals’, will cover a wide range of topics that could be of benefit to anyone living and working abroad. In particular, how you can benefit from our independent financial planning advisory service.

HSBC is one of the biggest and most respected names in the world of finance, with an unrivalled global reach. We can give you access to a truly Independent Wealth Management service that starts with a no-obligation, comprehensive financial planning review. You can be assured that your adviser will select only the most appropriate solutions to help you achieve your financial goals and aspirations.

To find out more about the seminar and to reserve a seat, please call +44 207 991 9641, or email hsbcint.financialadviser@hsbc.com. Leaflets also available here.

Date: Wednesday 17 September 2008
Time: 6pm to 8pm, refreshments served
Location: HSBC Private Bank, The Grand Room, 78 St James’s Street, London SW1A 1JB

Different legislation in Europe for immigrants

easyexpat | 19 August, 2008 14:20

As there are more voice in Europe calling for unifying rules for immigrant workers, we present an overview of the situation in some countries:

United Kingdom: 509,800 legal immigrants in 2006

No quota
No necessity of a contract for integration
Family regrouping
Necessity of a work contract (with point system)
Language test

France: 135,100

No quota
Family regrouping (with conditions)
Necessity of a contract for integration
Necessity of a work contract (with a list of priority sectors)
Language test

Spain: 803,000 (the government has proceeded to a large legalisation)

No quota
Family regrouping (with conditions after 1 year)
Necessity of a contract for integration

Belgium: 83,400

No quota
No necessity of a contract for integration
Family regrouping (with conditions of income)

Netherlands: 67,700

No quota
No necessity of a contract for integration
Family regrouping (limited to the work contract duration)
Language test

Denmark: 23,000

No quota
No necessity of a contract for integration
Family regrouping

Germany: 558,500

No quota
No neccessity of a contract for integration
Language test
Family regrouping (for contracts more than 1 year)

Italy: 181,500

No necessity of a contract for integration
Quota
Family regrouping (with conditions)
Necessity of a work contract (with conditions of income)

Source: Le Monde 8/07/08

In the European Union, illegal immigration measures are taken with a majority vote. However countries are still in charge of legal immigration rules and EU decisions can only be voted with unanimity. There is no common agreement about mass regularisation, despite EU minimum conditions for sending back clandestine.

However, since the publishing in 2005 of a report on "approche communautaire de la gestion des migrations économiques", the EU Commission has suggested to set up a Blue card, equivalent to the US Green card, that will give access to the whole EU work market.

Largest ever survey of expats - Final results

easyexpat | 05 August, 2008 17:05

Four months ago, we talked about HSBC's project to conduct the largest ever survey of expats. The project aimed to give more than 2000 expats across four continents the opportunity to have their say on what life is really like for people living and working away from home, looking at opportunities that come with starting a new life in a foreign country away from home, and the challenges and difficulties that they may face at home and at work.

EasyExpat gave echo to this project, and therefore is today able to have access to the final results.

The survey revealed that Singapore, the UAE and the US are the best locations to be an expat, according to findings of its Expat Explorer survey, the largest international survey of expats ever conducted.

Expat Existence, the first report in The Expat Explorer Series, ranked the top rated places to live based on expats’ living standards, an expat’s ability to earn and save, a country’s popularity (longevity), and the level of luxury experienced.

The Expat Explorer Survey questioned 2,155 expatriates across four continents, examining the opportunities, challenges and difficulties that come with a life away from home. This included how easy expats found it to integrate, how they viewed the changes in their lifestyle, and their children’s experiences in a new country.

Paul Say, Head of Marketing and Communications at HSBC Bank International, said: “The global expat community is vast and living in foreign countries means expats don't often have the normal outlets to express their viewpoints. This survey has allowed us to delve into the lives of these expats on an unprecedented scale and reveal some fascinating trends into how life differs from country to country.”

The UK (14th) and France (13th) were some of the lowest rated expat destinations in the survey, scoring low on their levels of luxury and accommodation. Spain and China also rated poorly, ranking 12th and 11th respectively. Australia featured 10th in the survey, scoring highly on levels of luxury, ability to earn and save and accommodation, but scoring lowly for longevity.

Earn and Save

Hong Kong-based expats have the highest salaries in the world, with almost half (49%) earning more than £100,000 p.a., with the highest paying professions in finance and management. Despite the current economic climate, expats spend more whilst still being able to save. More than half (52%) of expats spend more on food, 49% more on shopping and 45% more on socialising in their new country of residence and 58% also invest and save more in their resident country. Top countries for saving included India, the UAE and Singapore.

Accommodation

Almost three quarters (74%) of expats living in Singapore said the quality of their accommodation had improved since moving away from home, the highest amount recorded in the study. This was followed by expats living in the United States (61%) and Belgium (59%). The UK was identified as the most expensive expat location for accommodation, with more than three quarters (85%) of expats living in the UK revealing that their living costs had increased. Only one-fifth (19%) of respondents living in the UK stated that the quality of their accommodation had increased. India was the cheapest country, with only one-fifth (21%) of expats living in the country claiming that their costs of accommodation had increased.

Longevity

Europe is a popular destination overall for its longevity – more than three quarters (82%) of expats now living in the Netherlands have been there for three or more years, followed by Germany (77%) and Spain (76%). Ireland and New Zealand have the greatest percentage of global travellers, with more than three quarters (80%) of respondents originally from both countries stating that they had been away from home for longer than three years.

Luxury

The report also investigates whether expats’ lifestyles are more luxurious than the lives they left behind and how long people are choosing to stay living away from home. Countries were rated on a number of categories including access to private healthcare, access to more than one property, ability to own a pool and to employ staff (such as cleaners).

Across the 11 categories of perceived luxuries, on average expats reported an increase in eight of these factors, with employing staff ranked as the highest increase. The UAE was the most luxurious destination, with expats enjoying increases in 10 of the 11 categories, followed by Singapore and India. The UK was ranked the least luxurious with decreases recorded in nine of the 11 luxuries.

“The Expat community is highly important to a number of different economies throughout the world and getting this kind of insight into their everyday lives is helping to shed more light on a highly diverse and far reaching range of individuals,” said Mr Say.

“Overall, the Expat Explorer survey will deliver some unique insights into a range of facets of Expat life, with our next report looking at the subject of offspring and some of the issues Mums and Dads face as parents of expat children. Our third report, centred around Integration, will then focus on some of the challenges faced by expats as they move from place to place.“

Top ranked countries
Rank	Accommodation	Earn & Save	Longevity	Luxury
1	Singapore	India	Netherlands	UAE
2	US	Hong Kong	Germany	Singapore
3	Belgium	Singapore	US	India

To see more of the findings and the full league table of the first report in the Expat Explorer series, visit http://www.offshore.hsbc.com/expatsurvey.

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Top Summer Festivals in Europe this August

siddlobo | 28 July, 2008 17:38

It’s summer, it’s sizzling and it’s time to party. What better way than with some of the hippest, funkiest parties and festivals all over Europe this August.

Aste Nagusia (Semana Grande)
10^th – 17 August (dates to be confirmed)

This party offers visitors nine days and nights of non-stop entertainment. Semana Grande boasts of a week of varied events. From bull fights to fireworks competitions, music concerts to street entertainment, beauty pageants to theatre shows, sporting events to regatta, there’s something for everyone.
http://events.frommers.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=70330

Amsterdam Gay Pride
1^st -3^rd August

The gay pride in Amsterdam is wild! The streets along the canals are packed with revelers and the canals themselves become the venue for one of the world’s largest and most famous gay parades. Street parties abound and clubs are packed all weekend long. Blaring music, daring costumes and throngs of party people - an experience you’re not likely to forget.
http://www.amsterdamgaypride.nl/amsterdam/

Boom Festival, Portugal
11^th – 18^th August

The Boom Festival is set to take place on the shores of lake Idanha-a-Nova in Portugal. Best described as living entertainment, this festival merges different art forms with sustainable practices and performs to a hugely inter-cultural crowd.
http://www.boomfestival.org/boom2008/news.php

Cowes Week, Isle of Wight, England
28^th July – 9^th August

The highlight of the UK sailing calendar, the Cowes Week is the longest running regatta in the world. This is an enormous event featuring 1000 boats and another 200 spectator boats fighting for the best views. The party continues on land as well… live bands, barbeques, cocktail parties, yacht club balls and a spectacular fireworks finale are all on the cards.
http://www.flyingfishonline.com/courses_and_events/search_courses/193.asp?cid=3300&gclid=CPDw9pnq2pMCFQMOuwodWDuVig

Edinburgh International Festival, Scotland
8^th – 31^st August

The Great British Beer Festival
5^th- 9^th August, 2008

Here’s something for the beer lovers. For four continuous days of beer binging, head to the Great British Beer Festival at the Earl’s Court in London. A huge selection of over 450 different types of ales, fruit beers, ciders, stouts, bitters and international beers will spoil you for choice. And for those who’d like to learn more about what they drink, book early to join the tutored tasting session- designed to make a beer connoisseur out of you.
http://www.camra.org.uk/page.aspx?o=gbbf

ImpulsTanz, Vienna, Austria
10^th July – 10^th August

ImpulsTanz is a major contemporary dance festival held in Vienna every year. Thousands of dancers, choreographers and teachers from around the world come together at ImpulsTanz making it an event you’re unlikely to forget. If modern, bold, unconventional and contemporary describe the kind of event you’re looking for, look no further.
http://www.impulstanz.com/news/headlines/en

La Tomatina, Bunol, Spain
27^th August

Now this is fun. This August, head to the world’s largest tomato fight. The action happens in Bunol, a little town in Spain about 30 miles from the Mediterranean. On the last Wednesday of August, the locals explode into a tomato flinging frenzy. For a full week leading to the epic ‘batalla’, the town is filled with parades, fireworks, food and street parties. Join in the battle frenzy.
http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/fiestas/tomatina.asp

Notting Hill Carnival, England
Sunday and the following bank holiday in August

Street drums, singers, eye catching floats and costumed dancers moving to a pulsing beat are just some of the things you can expect to find at Europe’s largest street party. In fact, this carnival is often referred to as the second largest in the world after Rio. Definitely one to check out if you love some ‘Caribbeana’.
http://www.icons.org.uk/theicons/collection/collection/notting-hill-carnival

Inter-Celtic, Lorient, Brittany
1^stAugust – 31^st August (dates to be confirmed)

This is a treat for Celtic fans and offers Celtic music, theatre and dance performaces. The biggest Celtic festival, visitors can experience fiddle music, bagpipe lessons, Gaelic workshops and celidhs. Not to forget, an abundant supply of Celtic food, scotches and whiskeys.
http://www.worldeventsguide.com/event/419/Lorient-France/Interceltic-Festival-of-Lorient-Festival-Interceltique-de-Lorient.html

Please note that there may be changes to the dates, events and line-ups at the festivals. For detailed information, check the official websites.

Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer based out of Munich

Smoking bans- no butts about it

siddlobo | 09 July, 2008 13:23

Smoking bans seem to be all the rage with governments these days. A rash of bans have sprouted especially in Europe in recent years. A number of countries have joined the non-smoking wagon and a number of others are scrambling for their turn to join in.

Different countries have implemented the ban to different degrees. Some countries like Albania, Ireland, Cyprus, England, Iceland, Estonia, Finland, Scotland and recently Netherlands and France have opted to go completely smoke-free and ban smoking in all work places and public buildings including restaurants and cafes. Some countries have chosen to tread a bit more lightly. Austria for example bans smoking in public buildings open to children and young people but does not include work places. Others like Germany agreed to ban smoking in restaurants and pubs but will allow exemptions for small bars and premises with separate smoking rooms. Spain, Slovakia and Slovenia have allowed smoking in separate zones in pubs and restaurants. Switzerland imposes partial restriction on indoor workplaces and Luxembourg imposes a total ban on advertising and sponsoring smoking and a partial ban on smoking in public places.

The list is not limited to Europe alone. In recent years, many countries around the world including Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Singapore and a number of states in the Untied States have banned smoking in public areas. From the above, it’s clear the world wants to go smoke-free. Below are some key effects of such a move.

Some key effects of the smoking ban

Great for health: Results actually show a huge drop in the number of heart attacks and lung-related diseases in many countries that have enacted the smoking ban. e..g. In the first eighteen months that Peublo, Colorado enacted the smoking ban, hospital admissions for heart attacks dropped 27%. Scotland showed a 17% year-on-year drop in heart attack admissions since the ban.

Lower tobacco usage: Smoking bans make it generally easier for people to quit smoking. In UK, according to a survey, 22% of smokers quit after the ban was implemented in public areas. Cigarette sales have generally dropped in these countries and there is a lower chance of young people becoming habitual smokers.

Business blues: There’s a mixed opinion on the effects of the ban on businesses. Many restaurant and pub owners complain of lost business. Counter-arguments are that these smoke-free areas will now attract the non-smokers to their premises.

Some key criticisms

Needless to say, not everyone’s happy about the bans. Smokers and business owners are the most upset. Some key criticisms are:

Loss of personal freedom: Many smokers complain that the ban is an infringement on their personal freedom and choice. They believe that it is their right to choose whether to smoke or not. Many smokers in France for example feel like it is a change in their complete lifestyle. Their images of a cup of coffee and croissant best enjoyed with a cigarette have gone up in smoke…. literally.

Economic loss: Restaurant and bar owners have complained that many of them have reported losses and many smaller establishments have had to close down pending the losses caused by the bans.

Bans simply move smoking elsewhere: By moving smoking out of closed places and buildings, critics say that the ban has only moved smoking to the doorways. Some also claim that this has reduced productivity as smokers now have to make longer trips to the ground floor or office exit for a smoke.

Smoking ban paradoxes

This sudden rush to go healthy has resulted in some curious scenarios.

In the Netherlands for example, smoking marijuana in coffee shops is permitted but this cannot be mixed with tobacco. i.e. You can’t smoke tobacco but you can smoke marijuana!

In some countries, the rules merely require that smoking areas are clearly designated. How this actually makes air quality better or reduces second hand smoking is still an unknown.

One of the key reasons smoking bans have been enforced across so many countries is to reduce the rising healthcare costs. While many optimistic figures have been reported in a number of countries, critics argue that this will eventually increase the burden on healthcare as the new non-smokers and reduced smokers will be living much longer!

One way or another, more and more countries are getting stricter about smoking bans. It’s time we got used to it.

Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer based out of Munich

Top European Festivals this July

siddlobo | 27 June, 2008 11:31

The sun is shining, the hem lines have risen, the beaches are packed and the holidays have begun. Summer is here and there are loads of festivals happening all across Europe. Here are some of the famous ones.

Barcelona Summer Festival
1^st June – 30^th August

Popularly known as the Grec, this festival takes place in a Greek-styled amphitheatre near Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium. It is one of the most famous art festivals in the world. It hosts well-acclaimed dance, theatre and music performances ranging from contemporary music and performance arts to classical and traditional acts. Popular among local and international visitors.

http://www.barcelonafestival.com/cat/

Festival d’Avignon
4^th July – 26^th July

A fusion of avant-garde theatre, drama and dance, Festival d’Avignon is one of France’s oldest and most prestigious cultural festivals. It was founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar, a controversial French director and has now gained international acclaim. Performances take place all across the city – in churches, cloisters, squares and the Palace of the Pope. If you’re interested in modern theatre, dance and drama, it doesn’t get better than this.

http://www.festival-avignon.com/index.php?lg=en

ImpulsTanz, Vienna, Austria
10^th July – 10^th August

http://www.impulstanz.com/news/headlines/en

Love Parade, Dortmund, Germany
19^th July

Love Parade is the largest techno gathering in the world. About 1.5 million ravers joined this mobile party in previous years. This year, the party is scheduled to take place in Dortmund. So book your tickets now and join one of the world’s largest street parties.

Salzburg Festival
26^th July - 31^st August

The Salzburg Festival is a show for the classics lovers. This year’s show is set to host well acclaimed names in opera, concert and drama. Held in Mozart’s birthplace of Salzburg, there’s hardly a more fitting location for it. During the festival, for five continuous weeks, the city attracts world class talent and audience alike.

http://www.salzburgerfestspiele.at/

Medieval Spectacle, Carcassonne, France
7^th July – 29^th August

As the name says, the Medieval Spectacle is in fact, just that. Set against the backdrop of UNESCO’s World Heritage site of Carcassonne, this event lets you experience the old days as it once was. Artists and troubadours entertain visitors in the walled city - jousting, fencing and acrobatics performances abound. For a day trip back in time, this might be the perfect option.

Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland
4^th July – 19^th July

This star-studded jazz festival boasts of big names in the business from R.E.M to Quincy Jones. If you’re planning to hit some of the main performances, be sure to book tickets well in advance. For some free fun, join the street parties and free entertainment that sprouts up all over the city.

www.montreuxjazz.com

Festival of the Near Death Experience, Las Nieves, Spain
29^th July - to be confirmed

Now, here’s a weird one. Ever have a near death experience? Well, these guys in Spain have a rather bizarre way of sharing their tale and expressing gratitude. Every year, at the Festival of Near Death Experiences, people who’ve had near death experiences attend church in a coffin carried by their family members. The perfect time and venue to discuss and exchange stories, don’t you think? This strange festival takes place in the little town of Las Nieves on the border of Portugal. After service at the packed church, a procession carries the statue of Santa Maria to the cemetery and back.

Please note that there may be changes to the dates, events and line-ups at the festivals. For detailed information, check the official websites.

Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer based out of Munich

Dining with a difference

siddlobo | 19 June, 2008 13:00

We’ve all had those dinners we’ll never forget. Maybe it was the delicious food, the incomparable company, the superb service or the stunning setting… either way it was a meal to remember. And here are five more unique dining experiences from across Europe you’re not likely to forget in the near future.

Dans le Noir, London

Imagine having your dinner and the lights go out. If you’re dining at Dans le Noir, chances are that the lights will stay out throughout your meal. Dans le Noir is a ‘Dine in the Dark’ experience started by the Paul Guinot Foundation, an organization that supports the blind in France. The main aim of the restaurant is to promote awareness of what it is to be blind. As a result, all waiters are visually impaired and in an ironical fashion, they are the ones that guide the guests through the pitch black restaurants. Diners are asked to leave all potentially light-emitting gadgets outside the restaurant. The complete blackness of the setting tunes up your sensory experience and the rest of the meal is a guessing game as you grope around figuring out what you’re eating. The concept has become a hit and a chain of Dans le Noir restaurants have opened in France, London and Moscow.

If you’re up for the experience, log onto http://www.danslenoir.com/london/

‘s Baggers, Nuremberg

Isn’t it really annoying when the waiter gets your order wrong? Or seems to ignore you completely? If you're in ‘s Baggers, you won't have that problem. That’s because it doesn’t have any waiters. ‘s Baggers is the first automated restaurant. Customers simply use touch screen TVs to browse the menu and choose their meal. The order is sent real time to chefs upstairs (still of the old-fashioned human kind) who prepare the fresh, delicious meals. Once ready, the meal is put in a pot, given a sticker and a colour to match the customer’s seat and then sent sliding down a rollercoaster-like conveyor belt to reach the correct table.

To experience a prime example of German food and engineering, head to ‘s Baggers. http://www.sbaggers.de/mainger/?sid=restaurant&lang=en

De Kartofelkeller, Berlin

Here’s one for all you potato lovers. This restaurant pays homage to the humble spud. Potatoes have a starring role in all of the Kartofelkeller’s dishes. And there are almost a 100 of them to choose from.

So if you’re a potato fan, you’ll find nirvana at De Kartofelkeller, Berlin. http://www.kartoffelkeller.com/

Absolute Ice Bar, Stockholm, London

The Absolut Ice Bar is quite a cool experience and I mean that literally. Temperatures in the Ice Bar are well below zero. You’ll be given a cape and a fur coat to stay alive for the forty minutes or so that you’ll be in the ‘Below Zero’ zone. Drinks are served in fist-sized hollow ice cubes and you can pick them up from the ice blocks that make up the bar. In fact, all furniture is made of ice and once your forty minutes are up, you’ll be escorted to the warmer zone. Ice bars are gaining popularity and have opened up in London and Amsterdam too.

http://www.nordicseahotel.se/en/The-hotel/Food-and-drink/Absolut-Icebar-Stockholm/

Archipelago, London

Feeling a little adventurous? Then Archipelago is for you. Featuring an exotic menu including gnu, crocodile, locusts and kangaroo- just to name a few, this restaurant is definitely a walk on the wild side. For the more faint hearted, chicken, lamb and an extensive vegetarian menu is also available. Weird ingredients, crazy combinations and eclectic décor make this dining experience one you’ll remember long after.

http://www.toptable.co.uk/venues/restaurants/?id=993

Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer based out of Munich

Malaysia, my second home- enjoy a ten year holiday in Malaysia

siddlobo | 16 June, 2008 18:41

Malaysia is a tropical paradise – sunny days, warm evenings, sandy beaches and an easy lifestyle – all at a very affordable price. And to make it even more attractive, the government has introduced the Malaysia My Second Home programme. Commonly known as the MM2H programme, this is an international residency scheme that allows foreigners to live in the country on a multiple entry visa that can be renewed every ten years.

The MM2H programme has become a choice option for many seniors in western countries looking for a relaxed and comfortable retirement in a warm country. So far, over 8000 people have chosen this option and made Malaysia their new home. Read on and find out how you can enjoy a luxurious lifestyle at a fraction of what it costs in the west.

Who is eligible for the programme?

This programme is available to citizens of all countries except Israel, Serbia or Montenegro. Successful applicants are entitled to bring their spouse and unmarried children below the age of 18 years. Living in paradise does come at a certain cost. Applicants need to meet certain financial requirements.

Applicants below 50 years old are required to open a fixed deposit account of RM300,000 at any international bank with a local branch. After one year, the participant can withdraw up to RM240,000 for expenses, investment, children’s education and medical purposes. A minimum of RM60,000 must be maintained for the remaining stay in Malaysia.

Applicants above 50 years of age have to choose one of two options:

They need to invest a minimum of RM150,000 in a fixed deposit account at any international bank with a local branch
The need to show proof of a monthly off-shore income of at least RM10,000

At the end of one year, the participant can withdraw up to RM240,000 for expenses, investment, children’s education and medical purposes. As in the case of younger participants, a minimum of RM60,000 must be maintained for the remaining stay in Malaysia.

What are the main benefits?

Apart from the obvious benefits of sun and sand at an affordable price, there are some additional incentives for joining this programme. Chief among them are:

You are allowed to purchase residential property. Certain conditions and terms apply. Check the link below for more details
Love your wheels? No problem. You can bring in your car from home or purchase a local car without paying import duty, excise duty or sales tax
For those who want a little help at home, here’s some good news. Each participant is allowed to apply for one domestic helper in accordance to the rules and regulations set by the Immigration Department of Malaysia
And lastly, you can apply for an ID card which allows you to cross borders as a local instead of a foreigner. It must be noted that this card does not give you participant permanent resident status

Restrictions and things to watch out for

There are however some restrictions. If you’re a MM2H participant, you’re not allowed to work or be employed during your stay in Malaysia. Also, the government takes security very seriously. Any security threat or anti-government action can get you on the fast track out of the country.

How to apply

The first step to applying for your MM2H is to find an authorized ‘sponsor’. These ‘sponsors’ are private Malaysian companies that offer application and follow-up services to foreigners. Make sure you only use authorized sponsors as they are the ones licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. Charges for this service vary dramatically and it is wise to check with a few ‘sponsors’ before deciding on the right one for you. Below are links to some authorized ‘sponsors’ to help you get started.

http://www.mysecondhome.com.my/

http://visahome.com.my/

Want to find out more about the MM2H? Click here for more detailed information on moving to Malaysia: http://www.mm2h.gov.my/index.php

Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer based out of Munich

June: End of the paper airline ticket, welcome to electronic boarding pass for everybody

easyexpat | 09 June, 2008 14:55

As of June 1, IATA (International Air Transport Association) will no longer supply paper ticket stock to 60,000 travel agencies in 125 countries around the world. OK, most of you frequent traveller think already that paper airline tickets are past (for example, British Airways issued 790,000 airline tickets in March, of which 8,000 were paper), but in many other countries it is quite frequent, especially for long distance including different itinary and flights. Now the rules will be that you can just register with your passport (registration number might be requested, but not necessary).

In the urge of reducing costs everywhere, from baggage allowance to food on board, the elimination of paper airline tickets stands to reduce airline costs by as much as €2 billion worldwide and cut the cost of issuing a ticket from €6 to less than €1, according to Bryan Wilson of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Whereas in June 2004, only 18% of tickets issued were e-tickets, by the end of March2008, the number had risen to 94%.

But paper tickets won't disappear immediately. In theory, the traveler holding the last paper ticket issued has up to one year to commence their journey and another year to use the return ticket before that ticket is no longer valid. Therefore, it is possible a paper ticket could still be floating through the system until May 31, 2010. In addition, not every airline is subject to IATA's electronic ticketing rules (it affects approximately 240 company members).

Anyway, it should trigger passagers to choose even more their booking through the Internet or directly with the airline company, rather than with travel agencies.

Easyexpat, with information from USAToday, Yahoo!, EuroNews and IHT.

Top Spring Festivals in Europe this June

siddlobo | 02 June, 2008 10:23

Spring is in full bloom and summer holidays are just around the corner. For those of you who are looking out for fun ways to spend this June, here are a couple of my favourite festivals all over Europe.

International Festival of Music and Dance, Granada, Spain
20th June – 6th July

Set against the jaw-dropping architecture of the Alhambara, the international festival of Music and Dance is a must visit for anyone who loves music with a generous helping of exquisite architecture. The city of Granada comes alive during the festival and the streets are filled with guitarists, Flamenco dancers and music lovers from around the world. Music ranges from the classical to world music. Definitely worth a visit.

http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=13439

Music Festival, Paris
21st June

Fete de la Musique or the Music Festival in Paris is a fantastic way to enjoy free cheer in the city of lights. Hundreds of musicians gather in cafés, streets, bars to show off their skills to obliging locals and tourists. An air of camaraderie and merry-making pervades. Performances include everything from jazz to hip hop, rock to classical.

http://fetedelamusique.culture.fr/

Kiel Week Sailing Regatta, Germany
Last full week of June

If you love sailing, this is the event for you. Kiel Week is an annual sailing event held in Kiel and is the largest sailing event in the world. The party begins on the Friday before the official opening of the event with Soundcheck, a music festival with stages all across the city. The event boasts of international competitors, renowned regatta and non-stop celebrations.

http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/germany/festivals-&-events-in-germany/kiel-week-sailing-regatta.html

International Viking Festival, Hafnarfjordur, Iceland
12th -18th June

This Viking Festival takes place annually in Hafnarfjordur, a small town near Reykjavik. This is a chance for Vikings both native and those visiting from abroad to get back to their roots. The festival is a fun way to take a peek into the Viking lifestyle. You can pick a fight with burly Vikings, check out ancient arts and crafts and enjoy a traditional Viking feast. Too much schnapps? No problem, crash at one of the hotels nearby.

http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=18126

Kuopio Dance Festival, Finland
12th – 18th June

This is the oldest and most extensive dance festival in the Nordic region. It boasts of classic premieres, over 100 dance events, courses, performances, club nights and cruises. Time to put on those dancing shoes and head north.

http://www.kuopiodancefestival.fi/indexe.html

Glastonbury Festival, England
27th- 29th June

This is an annual festival of music, dance, theatre, cinemas, circus, poetry, food and an overall celebration of life. An entertainment-packed three days but book in advance to make sure that you’ve got a spot on this hot ticket. Find out more and reserve your tickets here. http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/

Please note that there may be changes to the dates, events and line-ups at the festivals. For detailed information, check the official websites.

Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer based out of Munich

Easy Expat on French TV - Direct8: Facile, la vie

easyexpat | 22 May, 2008 18:09

Easy Expat was today on French TV (Direct8) a couple of minutes in the show Facile, la vie.

Mobile careers are going places

siddlobo | 20 May, 2008 18:17

Today’s increasingly mobile world has resulted in a growing need for mobile careers. People demand more flexibility and want to work at their own time, in their own space - this could be at home or by the beach. People also want to maximize time with family, beat traffic and travel. More and more people find themselves moving across countries and finding temporary homes in different parts of the world. Never before has the world been so small or flat. And never before has there been so much opportunity to pursue a career without having to be present at your office. All this combined with managers looking for high quality final output without concerning themselves with details like where and when the work was done make mobile careers an extremely interesting option for many.

The internet of course has been a key driver for this growth in mobility. It has absolutely revolutionised the way we work, live and play in today’s world. Let’s take a look at some of the key advances that have made mobile careers a reality.

Access to information: No points for guessing this one. Information is king and the internet puts it in the hands of everyone. This has leveled the playing ground immensely. Whether you’re in New York or an island off Thailand, you have access to the same information.

Connectivity: The internet keeps you connected to news, friends, family and job opportunities. Social networks, emails, e-zines and e-newsletters are a quick and cheap way to keep you in the loop.

Free internet call sites: In the past, a big barrier to distance working was the steep costs of telecommunication. This is a problem of the past with cheap or even free internet tools like Skype and VoIP Buster. These programs have made communicating cost-effective, efficient and easy.

Information storing: With the internet, we don’t need to lug huge documents and folders with us anymore. People now can opt to store information on the internet and access it from any computer in the world with access to the internet.

PDA: With the rising number of PDA’s, people have access to their emails and professional contacts at anytime, anywhere. Why access information from the office when you can do it from wherever you are?

Some drawbacks

It’s not all rosy in the mobile world. There are some drawbacks to think of as well. Key among them is the lack of personal contact. As much as telecommunications and the internet have bridged gaps between the continents, sometimes nothing beats a good, old fashioned face-to-face meeting. This holds especially true in handling difficult situations, complicated negotiations or at the start of a business relationship.

The other drawback of the mobile world is our dependence on technology. If there’s a glitch in the system, lack of access to the server etc, work literally comes to a halt. And lastly, mobile careers do come with a certain degree of isolation. The coffee machine chats are replaced by online chats. This does lower the degree of closeness amongst colleagues.

Careers for the mobile

So if you’re still one of the many who think the advantages outnumber the drawbacks, read on to find out some of the main careers that thrive in this mobile world.

Freelance writing: From copywriting to travel writing, food writing to direct mailers, website writing to marketing materials, guide books to novels, the world of freelance writing has gone mobile. Just click on any freelance writing website (and there are tons of them) and you can see listings of writers from just about every part of the world. This is a job you can do sitting in your favourite chair at home or while you’re in a plane a few thousand feet off the ground. Just pick your favourite subjects, start building a relationship with the relevant editors and type away.

Photography: From your backyard to the world’s wonders, if you’ve got an eye for photography, there’s hardly been a better time than now to horne it. Thanks to the digital world and the number of photo websites, you can post and sell your pictures online without having to set foot in any office.

Design: Designers with a network of contacts can also go mobile in today’s world. Designers can take a proper briefing either via phone or mail and send back digital versions of their design without ever having to be in an office.

Online marketing: If you run a website or an online merchandising site, chances are you can work from anywhere as long as you are connected with your customers and suppliers.

When you come to think of it, just about any job that requires more of mental and thinking skills can be done irrespective of your location. In fact, more and more start-ups are starting to run virtual offices where team members stay connected via PDA’s and work out of their laptops. Meetings and brainstorms can be arranged out of cafés and hotels with wifi connection and there is increasingly very little need for an actual physical office space.

So if you’re thinking of going mobile, the time is now, the place is anywhere.

Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer based out of Munich

Frequent Traveler: flying to the UK or how to avoid new T5 at Heathrow

easyexpat | 14 May, 2008 17:02

If you ask frequent travellers going to or departing from London what is their biggest advice, they will often answer: avoid Heathrow. The UK main hub, one of the busiest airport in the world, has had a long reputation for its problems, delays, congestion, baggage lost and unfriendly for most passengers. However a big hope was lifted a few month ago by the opening of the new Terminal 5 on March, 27, dedicated to British Airways sole occupier of the new building. The result was a shameful fiasco with tens of thousands of baggage lost and the nightmare for travellers lasting days as BA and the airport owner BAA were trying to restablish the situation.

However, BAA was confident. At the Queen's inauguration, the new facility was described as the "state-of-the-art" that was going to end the worsening experience of passengers in Heathrow. Heathrow's owner, BAA, said it expected the new baggage system at T5 to work "perfectly". It was needed as the competition is reinforcing. The new treaty agreement of open skies between the US and UK is likely to trigger a new price war as the market of transatlantic flights deregulates.

According to the Guardian, "a price war is already under way due to the intense competition between the three carriers that operate the Heathrow to New York route: BA, Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines. However, US competitors Continental, Delta and Northwest are also among the carriers launching new Heathrow to New York routes. A total of 7,112 extra seats and 39 new flights a week will be added to the route between London's airports and New York, a rise of 6% on last year."

Therefore, as the British operator is still struggling to sort out the situation, it is wise to avoid Heathrow and to try to find out other ways around London. You can use other airlines than BA and fly from T1, 2, 3, 4 (and some BA flights for short-hauls, Singapore, Australia and Bangkok have not moved to T5 due to the chao - you can find which plane is departing from where on ba.com/Which terminal). And you can also view other operating companies in Stansted and Gatwick airport here.

Gatwick, in South London, offers a wide range of flights to Europe (BA to France, Budget airlines to Italy, Denmark...), Middle East (Emirates to Dubai... ), Asia and North America. The facility is much better (albeit the difficulty due to specific security mesures in UK airports) and there is a fast train linking the airport to London Victoria in 30 minutes (or a normal train in 40 minutes). Stansted, east, is mainly used for budget airlines (such as Ryan Air or Germanwings) but NYC is served by American Airlines. Lutton, north of London, serves also more than 30 international destination including Africa. Eventually you can also use City Airport, close to Canary Wharf (the new business center in London) but with smaller airplanes and short-hauls.

When transiting, avoid London and especially Heathrow and prefer hubs such as Paris, Amsterdam or Frankfurt. In order to find more information on flights around the world, updated daily, you should subscribe to www.oagflights.com (annual £99 - €130).

Have a good trip ! :-)

British Expats - Documentary for Brits living abroad: No Place Like Home, ITV1

easyexpat | 07 May, 2008 11:46

ITV1 - No Place Like Home ITV1 is currently working on the Second Series of "No Place Like Home", a documentary looking at British Expats who are thinking about returning home. It's a straightforward, feel-good programme, simply investigating the dilemma that many expats face, and will hopefully be of help to anyone who is considering going back to the UK.

They are looking to start filming in June and the show will be on air in November 2008 on ITV.

Fever Media, the company in charge of the programme, has sent us this announcement:

ARE YOU A BRIT LIVING ABROAD

ARE YOU MISSING THE UK?

IN A DILEMMA ABOUT WHETHER TO COME HOME TO THE UK?

If the answer is YES to any of these questions then we want you!

We are making a documentary series about expats called ‘No Place Like Home?’ We are keen to hear from British families who are living abroad, but are now thinking about returning permanently to Britain.

Perhaps you miss your family and friends, or could you be longing for the simple things? The sense of humour, the warm beer & the proper cuppa!

BUT...You're also concerned that you might regret leaving all the good things about living abroad if you do go back to the UK.

We are offering you the opportunity to explore the reality of coming home by flying you back to the UK to ‘test-drive’ life in Britain.

This fact-finding visit will give you the opportunity to see loved ones but also equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision about whether to remain an expat or return to the UK for good.

Catherine Gee - ITV1 - No Place Like Home You’ll be flown back to the UK and given the opportunity to ‘test-drive’ the reality of living in the UK.

Relocation expert Catherine Gee will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about whether to remain an expat or come home for good.

If this sounds like you or someone you know, please contact Kaaj Mehta as soon as possible by email: kaajal.mehta @fevermedia.co.uk
Or call +44 (0) 207 428 5755