| Brief Introduction |
A general feel for the place/ the experience of life there. |
| Red Tape |
Visa/entry/work/residence permits;
Discuss the process;
What essential paperwork (eg. birth certificates) must you bring with you? |
| Housing |
What are the key districts for expats/ for schools?
Types of housing available;
Price ranges;
Recommended agents, maybe….;
Special features/needs - anything you should be sure to bring with you/ leave
behind;
Local amenities, eg. Typical compound facilities, typical play areas, local shops.
|
| Schools |
Options : English-speaking and local;
Key factors for selection;
Typical class sizes;
Fees;
Locations;
Waiting lists;
Contact tel. no.s and addresses. |
| Pre-School/Nursery |
as for schools. |
| Medical |
How to find a doctor/dentist;
Complications of registering with a doctor?
Recommended children's doctor/dentist;
Contact tel. no.s;
Typical charges;
The general experience of dealing with medical facilities;
Hospitals: How far to the nearest?
Standard of care?
Contact tel. no.s;
Any issues regarding healthcare insurance cover;
Pregnancy and birth. |
| In the Home. |
Voltage?
UK plugs?
TV stations available - what is free and what do you have to pay for?
Domestic help - p/t, f/t, the going rate, how to find someone;
Is the tap water drinkable?
Sanitation issues. |
| Cars |
Driving license conversion;
"The driving experience";
Typically, what is driven?
Maybe a few indicative prices;
New/second-hand;
Price of petrol;
Insurance. |
| Health, Security and Personal Safety |
Any specific risks arising from:
predominant diseases,
bugs, creepy-crawlies, snakes, jelly fish, sharks…; crime;
terrorism and war. |
| Learning the Language |
Courses;
Contact names and numbers;
How necessary/useful is it? |
| Banking and Finance |
Local currency;
In what currency are people generally paid?
Banks/ contact details. |
| The Weather. |
In brief. |
| Clothing |
What is essential?
What is cheaper than at home?
What is more expensive? |
| Shopping: The Mundane |
UK-type supermarkets?
Food - What is readily available? Any key specifics not?
Cost of living compared to home;
Do you need to speak the local language?
Bartering?
Odd working hours?
What should you pack/ get your mates to bring out? |
| Shopping: Local Specialities |
What is a bargain? Carpets? Diamonds? Suntan lotion?
Where to shop and how to go about it. |
| Expat Contact Groups and Useful Publications |
Contact names and tel. no.s/addresses;
Stockists. |
| Sports and Leisure |
What is available?
Contact details;
Useful publications. |
| Entertainment for children |
What's on + tel. no.s and locations. |
| Entertainment for adults |
as for children. |
| Eating Out |
The range of restaurant types and standards available;
Maybe a typical example of prices. |
| Holidays |
A great bonus of living abroad is being able to take your holidays from a different
base.
What are the common holiday destinations?
A couple of examples of package/flight prices. |
