Latest news with #expatLife
The Guardian
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Beautiful, isolated and expensive: US expats on life in New Zealand
Californian Larry Keim has learned a thing or two in his 20 years living in New Zealand: good dill pickles are hard to come by, understanding kiwi slang will get you far, and if you think you're going to get rich, forget it, 'that ain't gonna happen'. 'But [New Zealand] is rich in so many other things that, at the end of the day, matter more.' For Americans looking to escape political division in the US or simply wishing for a slower pace of life, New Zealand is often considered an enticing alternative. Political crises and administration changes in the US regularly ignite waves of American interest in New Zealand – visits to immigration websites skyrocket, property searches soar and online forums fill up with urgent questions about what life is like in the island nation. Billionaires have also looked to use New Zealand as a 'bolthole' far away from the threat of societal turmoil. Most recently, the relaxing of rules for New Zealand's so-called 'golden visas' to attract wealthy investors has seen a surge in applications from the US, including plenty – according to immigration consultants – driven by a desire to escape president Donald Trump's administration. So what advice would recent US migrants offer to their compatriots? Some themes emerged: relish the free healthcare, embrace the work culture and natural beauty but brace for high living costs and feelings of isolation. Sarah Parlow did not arrive on a 'golden visa' but deliberately moved to New Zealand a week before Trump's inauguration in January. 'When I saw the Republican party captured the House, the Senate and the presidency on election night, I just knew it would be disastrous for women's rights, LGBT rights, and the American people in general,' Parlow says. 'I just really wanted to be somewhere else for a while.' The Auckland-based nurse and life coach says it has been an easy landing. 'It's been a place where I feel I can recalibrate'. Stats NZ estimates 1,388 Americans migrated to New Zealand in the three months to the end of February, a jump of 1,127 on the same period a year earlier – 537 arrived in February alone, which is believed to be one of the highest monthly totals from the US on record. However, Amy Armstrong, who moved to New Zealand with her husband, Miles Nolte, and son Beck in 2022, has a warning. 'You should feel pulled to be here,' she said, 'not just pushed to get away from [the US].' 'I think it's really easy coming from a place of feeling desperate in the United States right now, to assume that if you can get to New Zealand, it's this golden parachute,' Nolte says, cautioning that not everything in New Zealand comes easy. The couple arrived in New Zealand after Armstrong was awarded an Edmund Hillary Fellowship and they have just gained residency. Their move was partly motivated by the US's political climate but mostly driven by a thirst for adventure and love of the outdoors. In this respect, the country has been generous – the wild spaces are beautiful and accessible and there is a real sense of 'community-mindedness', Armstrong says. But there have been shocks. The housing can be cold and getting a job is often about who you know, as much as what you know. 'The reality is, most people get jobs [here] based on knowing somebody,' says Nolte – an experienced writer, producer, hunter and fisher. 'I have been a little shocked at how cloistered the market … and the connections have been.' For Wellington-based video editor Sam, who wished to use only his first name, the workplace culture was a surprising discovery – one he relishes for the lengthy holiday periods and better work-life balance but which also required steep learning curves. 'In New Zealand, the relationships come first … if you're in a position of leadership, you have to develop that relationship or it won't work out,' says Sam. Sam and his wife moved to New Zealand in 2016 after falling in love with its natural beauty three years earlier. He is particularly struck by how access to free healthcare 'gives you more freedom and latitude to try new things'. 'That made me realise, as an American, how much of your life and the decisions you make are tied to your ability to get healthcare,' Sam said. Some Americans warned would-be migrants that the cost of living is high in New Zealand compared with the US, and said they had sometimes struggled to form friendships with locals. Meanwhile, the distance between New Zealand and the US can lead to loneliness. 'Sometimes it can feel very isolating [if] you're just here on your own and your family's 3,000 miles away,' says Monique, who wished to give only her first name, and who moved to New Zealand in 2006. Yet, not one regretted their choice to move, nor had any pressing desire to return to the US. 'I have a life here that I wouldn't be able to have in California – I can afford to keep myself healthy [and] don't have to pay for my prescriptions,' says Debbie, a retiree who has called New Zealand home since 2005. 'New Zealand is a beautiful country and I am proud to be part of it.'
The Guardian
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Beautiful, isolated and expensive: US expats on life in New Zealand
Californian Larry Keim has learned a thing or two in his 20 years living in New Zealand: good dill pickles are hard to come by, understanding kiwi slang will get you far, and if you think you're going to get rich, forget it, 'that ain't gonna happen'. 'But [New Zealand] is rich in so many other things that, at the end of the day, matter more.' For Americans looking to escape political division in the US or simply wishing for a slower pace of life, New Zealand is often considered an enticing alternative. Political crises and administration changes in the US regularly ignite waves of American interest in New Zealand – visits to immigration websites skyrocket, property searches soar and online forums fill up with urgent questions about what life is like in the island nation. Billionaires have also looked to use New Zealand as a 'bolthole' far away from the threat of societal turmoil. Most recently, the relaxing of rules for New Zealand's so-called 'golden visas' to attract wealthy investors has seen a surge in applications from the US, including plenty – according to immigration consultants – driven by a desire to escape president Donald Trump's administration. So what advice would recent US migrants offer to their compatriots? Some themes emerged: relish the free healthcare, embrace the work culture and natural beauty but brace for high living costs and feelings of isolation. Sarah Parlow did not arrive on a 'golden visa' but deliberately moved to New Zealand a week before Trump's inauguration in January. 'When I saw the Republican party captured the House, the Senate and the presidency on election night, I just knew it would be disastrous for women's rights, LGBT rights, and the American people in general,' Parlow says. 'I just really wanted to be somewhere else for a while.' The Auckland-based nurse and life coach says it has been an easy landing. 'It's been a place where I feel I can recalibrate'. Stats NZ estimates 1,388 Americans migrated to New Zealand in the three months to the end of February, a jump of 1,127 on the same period a year earlier – 537 arrived in February alone, which is believed to be one of the highest monthly totals from the US on record. However, Amy Armstrong, who moved to New Zealand with her husband, Miles Nolte, and son Beck in 2022, has a warning. 'You should feel pulled to be here,' she said, 'not just pushed to get away from [the US].' 'I think it's really easy coming from a place of feeling desperate in the United States right now, to assume that if you can get to New Zealand, it's this golden parachute,' Nolte says, cautioning that not everything in New Zealand comes easy. The couple arrived in New Zealand after Armstrong was awarded an Edmund Hillary Fellowship and they have just gained residency. Their move was partly motivated by the US's political climate but mostly driven by a thirst for adventure and love of the outdoors. In this respect, the country has been generous – the wild spaces are beautiful and accessible and there is a real sense of 'community-mindedness', Armstrong says. But there have been shocks. The housing can be cold and getting a job is often about who you know, as much as what you know. 'The reality is, most people get jobs [here] based on knowing somebody,' says Nolte – an experienced writer, producer, hunter and fisher. 'I have been a little shocked at how cloistered the market … and the connections have been.' For Wellington-based video editor Sam, who wished to use only his first name, the workplace culture was a surprising discovery – one he relishes for the lengthy holiday periods and better work-life balance but which also required steep learning curves. 'In New Zealand, the relationships come first … if you're in a position of leadership, you have to develop that relationship or it won't work out,' says Sam. Sam and his wife moved to New Zealand in 2016 after falling in love with its natural beauty three years earlier. He is particularly struck by how access to free healthcare 'gives you more freedom and latitude to try new things'. 'That made me realise, as an American, how much of your life and the decisions you make are tied to your ability to get healthcare,' Sam said. Some Americans warned would-be migrants that the cost of living is high in New Zealand compared with the US, and said they had sometimes struggled to form friendships with locals. Meanwhile, the distance between New Zealand and the US can lead to loneliness. 'Sometimes it can feel very isolating [if] you're just here on your own and your family's 3,000 miles away,' says Monique, who wished to give only her first name, and who moved to New Zealand in 2006. Yet, not one regretted their choice to move, nor had any pressing desire to return to the US. 'I have a life here that I wouldn't be able to have in California – I can afford to keep myself healthy [and] don't have to pay for my prescriptions,' says Debbie, a retiree who has called New Zealand home since 2005. 'New Zealand is a beautiful country and I am proud to be part of it.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
5 Countries Where You Can Easily Live Off Just $2,000 per Month
There's no denying that prices for nearly everything are higher in America than they were before the coronavirus pandemic. Inflation spiked at over 9% in the summer of 2022, and although it's fallen to more manageable levels lately, prices still remain high. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spent $77,280 in 2023 — a 5.9% increase over 2022 — and that number no doubt went higher still in 2024. On a monthly basis, that amounts to $6,440. If that number is breaking your budget, one option could be to consider living overseas. Explore More: For You: Formerly the domain of wealthy retirees, a life abroad has become more accessible, more affordable, and more realistic for a wide range of Americans, particularly those looking to live within their means. In some countries, even $2,000 per month is enough to get by, although you may have to make some sacrifices along the way. Here's a look at some desirable international destinations where you can get plenty of bang for your buck. Numbeo's cost of living: 45.5% lower than the USA Thailand is blessed with an assortment of riches. While the country is well-known for its endless white sand beaches and delicious cuisine, the country is also so friendly that it's informally known as the 'Land of Smiles.' If beaches aren't your thing, check out the country's mountainous northern region, packed with hiking trails and national parks. Even a family of four could get by on just over $2,000, excluding rent, while a single person could manage on just over $600. Adding in rent isn't a problem, as it runs 68.9% below the U.S. average. Trending Now: Numbeo's cost of living: 41.1% lower than the USA If you're looking for a little Eurasian flair, taking up residence in Turkey might be more to your liking. The rich history and culture of Turkey, not to mention breathtaking vistas in Istanbul and other cities, offer something a bit different than any of the other options on this list. Numbeo pegs the cost of living for a single person at just $671.30 per month, excluding rent, while a family of four could get by on $2,430. Numbeo's cost of living: 52% lower than the USA Malaysia often gets overlooked in favor of its Southeast Asian counterparts, but the country offers an incredible standard of living for a price that's even lower than its famed neighbor to the north, Thailand. Unlike many other countries in the region, Malaysia boasts a multicultural heritage that may offer something different and appealing to American expats. Its modern infrastructure, affordable lifestyle and year-round warm climate may appeal to many. According to Numbeo, even a family of four could get by in Malaysia for less than $2,000, excluding rent — which is 78% lower than in the United States. Numbeo's cost of living: 50.1% lower than the USA Panama has generated a lot of press in recent years as being a great place for American expats, and with good reason. Panama's Pensionado program offers great discounts for retirees, while its breezy lifestyle of beaches and rainforests offers the slow pace of life many Americans are looking for, all within a short flight of the homeland. Those looking for a cheaper place to live will no doubt appreciate the fact that rent in the United States is 76.4% higher than in Panama. Numbeo's cost of living: 54.6% lower than the USA With beautiful beaches, friendly people and over 7,600 islands to explore, the Philippines is a dream vacation destination for many. But with a cost of living less than 50% of the United States, it's also an amazing place to stretch a budget. Numbeo estimates a single person could live there for as little as $566.70 per month, excluding rent, and even a family of four could manage on less than $2,000 without rent. But with rent prices a whopping 82.4% lower than the United States, even that added expense won't break many budgets. More From GOBankingRates 6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 2025 This article originally appeared on 5 Countries Where You Can Easily Live Off Just $2,000 per Month
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
US expat makes a brutal observation of Aussies during flu season... but all is not as it seems
A US expat has taken aim at how Australians cope during flu season - but his experience of life Down Under isn't quite as it seems. Jack Sheader, 24, has caused a stir with his observations about daily life in Australia from his home in Sydney 's Northern Beaches from America. Mr Sheader, who works in marketing, made a TikTok video about the very common phrase used by Australians during the cooler months. 'So a fun little fact about Australia is that in the months of winter if you have flu-like symptoms in front of someone else there is a 100 per cent chance that person will turn to you and say "Yeah, there's something going around, isn't there?"' he said. 'All of my Australian friends have said those words to me.' 'Even complete strangers that I do not know will say those exact words to me "There's something going around". 'Is this a common turn of phrase in Australia that I don't know of?' He signed off by asking Aussies if they had noticed this popular phrase Down Under. But, in a major twist, Mr Sheader revealed to this publication he is in fact Australian. 'I am actually just an Australian doing an American accent. It's reassuring to know that my accent was convincing enough to fool the masses,' he said. The 24-year-old has shared dozens of videos documenting his time as an 'American' in Australia including trying Vegemite for the first time. In one video, he enraged viewers when he peeled back the plastic on a 'squeeze-on' sauce sachet - a notoriously Australian invention. 'A lesson in "How to trigger the Aussie population in less than 30 secs". Well played sir!!' one person commented. 'Aussies are all screaming at the screen!' another wrote. Explaining why he adopted the American persona, Mr Sheader said he was finding it impossible to escape the US in any Australian media outlet. 'I struggle to come to terms with the fact that despite facing global crises, my social media was constantly inundated by the circus in the States,' he explained. 'The content started as satire, as a way to poke fun at those in the US who forget they are but one part of a much larger system. 'What I did not expect to see however, was the Australia band together and share a laugh at the absurdity. 'In fact it was quite beautiful seeing how proud we are as a nation and of our education system, cultural norms and other standards we take for granted!'
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Daily Mail
Revealed: The best Greek islands to retire to in 2025 - including a destination with over 300 days of sunshine a year
Dreaming of spending your golden years under the sun? A new report has revealed the best island destinations in Greece for retirees and the dream might be more 'realistic' than many people think. Jennifer Stevens, executive editor of International Living, says: 'People dream of retiring to a Greek island for the sunshine and beauty - but what's remarkable is how realistic that dream actually is today. 'With excellent healthcare, a warm Mediterranean lifestyle, and surprisingly low costs, Greece ticks all the right boxes for a fulfilling European retirement. 'While many assume island life must come with sacrifices, in Greece, you gain more than you lose. From bustling markets and historic towns to efficient healthcare and international airports, many of these islands are better connected and better resourced than people expect.' So, where are Greece's best islands for retirees? Greece expert Lynn Roulo has picked out six 'standout' Greek islands that have plenty to offer those looking to spend their golden years in the sun. Crete Top of the list is Crete which ' combines the best of Greek island living with practical advantages' like healthcare, accessibility and infrastructure. Lynn says: 'With a population of over 600,000, Crete offers the infrastructure of a small country with the soul of an island. 'It has a strong expat community, particularly in Chania and Rethymno, and a lower cost of living than many Western countries. Its blend of ancient history, Mediterranean beauty and modern comforts make it a top-tier choice for retirement in Greece.' Lynn recommends looking at Heraklion for museums, Chania for a charming old town, Rethynmno for a vibrant cultural scene and Agios Nikolaos for its relaxed coastal lifestyle. Corfu Corfu is the ideal choice for British retirees who 'love Greece and Italy in equal measure'. 'With regular direct flights from the UK, including London, Glasgow, Manchester and more, it has long been a favourite among British retirees, contributing to a welcoming English-community,' says Lynn. 'Corfu is a strong contender for retirement, especially for those who enjoy a quiet, peaceful winter and a lively, social summer.' She recommends Corfu Town due to its UNESCO status and 'cobbled streets' filled with 'charm and character'. Syros This pretty island should get 'serious consideration' from retirees searching for culture in their golden years. Lynn says: 'As the administrative capital of the Cyclades - the island group that included Mykonos and Santorini - Syros stands apart with its refined charm, elegant architecture and vibrant, year-round atmosphere.' Syros has more of a 'continental feel' than other Greek islands, says Lynn with 'Venetian-style balconies' instead of whitewashed villages. The travel expert adds: 'Cafes, markets and waterfront tavernas remain open throughout the year, making it one of the few Greek islands that doesn't slow to a crawl in the winter months.' Naxos Naxos is a 'lower-profile island that is growing in popularity', explains Lynn, who adds that it's the 'largest island in the Cyclades'. It could be a dreamy home for foodies as the island is unofficially known as the 'cheese capital of Greece' and is home to more than 10,000 cows. Active retirees could hike the 1,640 feet to the top of Mount Zas, the highest mountain in the Cyclades. Lynn says: 'For those seeking an authentic Greek island experience with excellent gastronomy and a varied landscape, Naxos is a solid option.' Rhodes Rhodes is known for its 'exceptionally sunny climate' that averages 'over 300 days of sunshine a year'. Lynn recommends Rhodes Town, which has one of 'Europe's best-preserved medieval quarters'. She adds: 'Rhodes isn't just about history. With over 40 Blue Flag beaches, it's also ideal for beach lovers.' The travel expert particularly recommends the 'golden sands' at Tsambika Beach or 'windsurfing' at Prasonisi Beach. Evia Evia is Greece's second-largest island and is connected to the Greek mainland via two bridges. Lynn says: 'What sets Evia apart is its rare blend of natural beauty, year-round accessibility, and authentic Greek living - all without the tourist crowds that often overwhelm more well-known islands.' In the centre of the island, retirees will find 'lush forests' and 'rolling hills' and 'olive groves'. The island also has plenty of 'clean, uncrowded' beaches along its 'rugged coastline' with 'good water quality'.
