Expat Focus

Ever wondered what it's like to be pregnant in a foreign country? In this episode, Carlie chats with Sarah, an American living near Paris who recently welcomed her baby daughter Laura into the world. Sarah takes us through her entire French pregnancy journey - from those first nervous blood tests to her unexpected emergency C-section. She shares the real differences between French and American maternity care, including the shocking perks (priority cards that let you skip lines!), excellent healthcare coverage, and those amazing 16 weeks of paid maternity leave. You'll hear about the French approach to prenatal appointments, midwife care, and what really happens in French hospitals (spoiler: they actually encouraged her to eat a burger before delivery!). Whether you're planning a move abroad, expecting a baby, or just curious about healthcare differences around the world, Sarah's story offers both practical advice and emotional insights into one of life's biggest adventures... in a foreign language! #expatlife #moveabroad #france 00:00 Introduction and Listener Feedback 00:20 Meet Sarah: An American in Paris 01:38 Sarah's Journey to France 04:06 Discovering Pregnancy in France 07:33 Navigating Prenatal Care 11:54 Childbirth Classes and Preparation 15:49 Hospital Choices and Birth Plans 18:57 Sarah's Birth Experience 29:04 Quick Birth Experience 30:59 Hospital Stay and Recovery 32:46 Newborn Care and Challenges 34:26 Support from Nursing Staff 38:04 Navigating French Healthcare 42:56 Unique Aspects of French Pregnancy 52:11 Maternity Leave and Benefits 54:26 Final Thoughts and Resources Sarah's blog - https://abuckeyeinparis.com [https://abuckeyeinparis.com] Sarah's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/abuckeyeinparis [https://www.instagram.com/abuckeyeinparis]

David Andrews, Director of Visa Visa Limited, returns to the Expat Focus Podcast to explain New Zealand's new approach to digital nomads. In this episode, we uncover the truth behind what's been called a "digital nomad visa" (but isn't actually a new visa at all!), exploring how visitors can now legally work remotely while enjoying everything New Zealand has to offer. David shares valuable insights about: * How the visitor visa rules have changed to accommodate digital nomads * Tax implications for remote workers from countries with tax treaties * The current job market and in-demand skills in New Zealand * Investment visa changes making NZ more attractive for high-net-worth individuals * An increase in American professionals (especially doctors) looking to relocate * Practical advice on qualification transfers and finding employment * The best locations for digital nomads, from Auckland to Christchurch * Internet connectivity solutions for remote workers Whether you're considering a short working holiday or testing the waters for a permanent move, this episode provides essential information for anyone interested in experiencing life in New Zealand while maintaining their remote career. #expatlife #digitalnomad #newzealand #moveabroad 00:00 Introduction and Exciting News for Digital Nomads 01:17 Understanding New Zealand's Digital Nomad Visa 01:59 Visa Conditions and Practical Implications 03:57 Extended Stays and Tax Implications 11:18 Job Market and Employment Opportunities 12:42 Investment and Residency Options 19:09 Practical Tips for Digital Nomads in New Zealand 23:03 Conclusion and Contact Information

Devra Jacobs joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss how to achieve a "happy move" when relocating. Drawing from her experience of 29 moves, including living abroad in Korea, Devra shares practical tips on making the moving process as stress-free as possible. She discusses the importance of pre-move preparation, including what to keep and what to leave behind, how to pack efficiently, and how to handle pets and children during transitions. As the co-author of "A Happy Move," Devra provides insights on working with professional movers vs. DIY moves, the best times to relocate, and crucial post-move considerations that people often overlook. She shares valuable lessons learned from her extensive moving experience, including how to avoid common pitfalls like moving during peak seasons or holidays, and practical advice on documenting your belongings for insurance purposes. Whether you're moving across the country or internationally, this episode offers essential guidance on making your next move a successful one. Learn more about Devra's book at ahappymove.com. #ExpatLife #MovingAbroad #Relocation #ExpatTips #MovingTips #ExpatPodcast #InternationalMove 00:00 Introduction and Listener Feedback Request 00:35 Guest Introduction: Devra Jacobs 01:26 Devra's Moving Experiences 03:14 Achieving a Happy Move 05:35 Practical Moving Tips 10:36 Packing and Professional Movers 19:57 Managing Pets and Kids During a Move 25:01 Timing Your Move 31:35 Post-Move Considerations 34:41 Conclusion and Contact Information

Nathalie Goldstein, CEO of MyExpatTaxes, joins the Expat Focus Podcast for an essential conversation about U.S. tax obligations for Americans living abroad. As an expat herself living in Austria for the past decade, Nathalie shares her personal journey and explains why she created a platform specifically designed to help U.S. citizens navigate their complex tax filing requirements from overseas. From understanding basic obligations and deadlines to avoiding double taxation, dealing with FATCA and FBAR requirements, and managing digital nomad tax implications, this episode breaks down everything you need to know about U.S. expat taxes. Nathalie offers valuable insights on choosing the right tax filing platform, explains common pitfalls to avoid, and shares tips for making the process as stress-free as possible. Whether you're a long-term expat or planning to move abroad, this conversation will help you understand and manage your U.S. tax obligations with confidence. #expats #expatlife #expatliving #livingabroad #movingabroad 00:00 Introduction and Call for Feedback 00:23 Understanding U.S. Tax Obligations for Expats 00:45 Meet Natalie Goldstein from MyExpatTaxes 01:36 Natalie's Journey from California to Austria 04:45 Filing U.S. Taxes as an Expat 08:03 Avoiding Double Taxation 13:44 Tax Filing Tips and Deadlines 17:39 Choosing the Right Tax Filing Platform 19:02 Challenges of Filing Taxes as an Expat 19:38 The Birth of MyExpatTaxes 19:55 Tailored Tax Solutions for Expats 20:41 Complex Tax Situations and Solutions 22:59 Digital Nomads and Tax Benefits 26:27 Understanding FATCA and FBAR 34:13 Penalties and Compliance 36:24 How to Get Help with Your Expat Taxes 37:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Life coach Bianca Tate joins the Expat Focus Podcast to share insights on how clarity, confidence, and courage are crucial for a successful move abroad. Bianca, with her extensive personal and professional experience as an expat in multiple countries, delves into common challenges like cultural shocks, the importance of community, and the steps to prepare emotionally and practically for an international move. She also provides practical advice for mid-career professionals considering relocation and emphasizes the value of having a clear purpose and holistic plan. #expats #expatlife #expatliving #livingabroad #movingabroad 00:00 Introduction and Listener Feedback Request 00:24 Meet Bianca Tate: Life Coach and Expat 01:07 Bianca's International Journey 01:56 Overcoming Culture Shock in Germany 05:26 The Role of a Life Coach in Moving Abroad 11:42 Choosing the Right Country for Your Move 17:14 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Moving Abroad 25:44 Building a Community in a New Country 34:37 Final Advice for Aspiring Expats 36:25 Conclusion and Contact Information