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Expat Focus: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Expat Focus: For Anyone Moving Or Living Abroad
Expat experiences, information and advice for anyone moving or living abroad. Visit Expat Focus at expatfocus.com for more.
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- 2 days ago27 min
A Vineyard, A Castle And Three Decades In Asia — Chris Ruffle's Expat Story
British author Chris Ruffle joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about three decades of life in Asia — and the vineyard and Scottish castle he built in rural China. Chris left Yorkshire in the 1980s with a degree in Chinese and has since worked across China and Taiwan as an investor, winemaker and writer, most recently publishing the audiobook In a Strange Land. He explains how a frustrating search for a decent bottle of wine led him to plant a vineyard in Shandong, why the winery ended up looking like a granite castle in Aberdeen, and what it really takes to operate a business in rural China — including the handbag a safety inspector requested before signing off on the build. Chris and Carlie talk about homesickness, the friendships that come and go with every move, the letters his mother quietly kept for decades, and what future historians will make of a generation that stopped writing them. If you're weighing up a move abroad, already living far from where you started, or just curious what three decades in Asia actually looks like, this episode is full of stories you won't have heard before. #ExpatLife #LivingInChina #ChinaExpat #ExpatStories #MovingAbroad #Audiobook #ExpatFocus 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com 00:00 Welcome 00:30 Why Chris left the UK 03:13 How the vineyard dream began 05:01 Building a Scottish castle in China 07:14 Bribes, handbags and doing business 09:46 The audiobook: In a Strange Land 11:29 What exile teaches you about displacement 15:17 Where is home now? 17:22 Letters, emails and lost history 19:43 Voice actors and finding new perspectives 23:21 Chinese soil, grapes and wine 26:16 Where to find Chris 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/china/podcast/a-vineyard-a-castle-and-three-decades-in-asia-chris-ruffles-expat-story 📝 Show Notes In a Strange Land – https://linktr.ee/InAStrangeLand Treaty Port Vineyards – https://www.treatyport.com 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 X | https://x.com/expatfocus Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus Website | https://www.expatfocus.com
- 2 days ago23 min
Moving To Málaga In 2026: What You Need To Know
Toni Torres joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about the realities of moving to Málaga in 2026. Born and raised in the city, Toni has watched it transform into one of Spain's most popular expat destinations — and he sees both sides of that story every day, working with foreigners settling in while his local friends deal with rising rents and a tourism-first building boom. He explains what has changed over the past five to ten years, why the city draws so many people, how locals really feel about the influx of foreigners, and where he thinks the local government has fallen short. Toni also gets practical: what newcomers need to know about a rental market now among the most expensive in Spain, why you should start your search three or four months ahead and lean on WhatsApp and Facebook groups, and how to avoid the "expat bubble trap" that catches so many arrivals. He unpacks why the language is the biggest obstacle most people face, what actually works for learning Spanish, and his honest take on making Malagueño friends as an adult. If you're considering a move to Málaga — or you're already there and stuck inside the bubble — this is a useful reality check from someone who bridges both worlds. #ExpatLife #MovingToSpain #Málaga #LivingInSpain #SpainExpats #DigitalNomad #ExpatFocus 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com 00:00 Welcome to Málaga 2026 00:49 How Málaga has changed 02:12 Why everyone visits 04:27 Locals vs tourists 08:41 Housing and rent reality 10:31 Finding a place to live 13:07 The expat bubble trap 14:56 Making local friends 16:43 Learn Spanish faster 20:26 Tough love advice 21:47 Where to find Toni 22:53 Final thoughts 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/spain/podcast/moving-to-malaga-in-2026-what-you-need-to-know/ 📝 Show Notes Toni Torres – https://spanishtoni.com/ 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 X | https://x.com/expatfocus Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus Website | https://www.expatfocus.com
- 1 weeks ago48 min
The Truth About Flying Your Pet Abroad: Busting Common Pet Relocation Myths
Thinking about moving abroad with your pet — or worried about what it actually involves? In this episode of the Expat Focus Podcast, Carlie is joined by Giulia Gebhardt from WorldCare Pet Transport to break down what's changed in international pet relocation, and to bust some of the biggest myths along the way. Giulia explains why rules shift so often from country to country, how rabies categorisation shapes nearly every requirement, and why some breeds — including a few surprising ones — are far trickier to move than others. She also tackles the fears many owners have about the cargo hold and Middle East transits, and shares practical, reassuring advice on crate training and getting your paperwork in order well ahead of time. Whether you're relocating a Labrador, a Persian cat, or a French bulldog, this conversation will help you plan ahead and put your mind at ease. #ExpatLife #MovingAbroad #LivingAbroad #PetRelocation #ExpatFocus 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com 00:00 Welcome Giulia Gebhardt 00:58 How Rules Keep Changing 03:00 Biosecurity and Rabies Explained 07:04 EU and CDC Entry Surprises 11:31 Easy vs High Risk Breeds 17:47 Cargo Hold Myth Busting 24:16 Middle East Transit Pet Lounges 30:23 Crate Training Tips 38:44 Paperwork and Planning Timeline 45:00 Where to Get Help and Resources 48:26 Final Wrap Up and Call to Action 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/international/podcast/the-truth-about-flying-your-pet-abroad-busting-common-pet-relocation-myths 📝 Show Notes WorldCare Pet Transport - https://worldcarepet.com/door-to-door-pet-transportation-service/ WorldCare's ABCs of Pet Travel resource - https://worldcarepet.com/abcs-of-pet-travel/ 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 X | https://x.com/expatfocus Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus Website | https://www.expatfocus.com
- Jun 29, 202624 min
Looking After Your Mental Health While Living Abroad
Co-Founder of My Expat Mind Anna Zhadan joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about expat mental health. After leaving Belarus at just nine years old and making many international moves since, Anna knows first-hand the psychological toll that living abroad can take. She channelled that experience into My Expat Mind, a directory built to help expats find therapists who understand what it's really like to start over in a foreign country. In this conversation, she and Carlie unpack the emotional side of expat life — homesickness, loneliness, identity shifts, the FOMO of watching family and friends move on without you, and how moving so often shaped Anna's independence and her sense of home. The pair then dig into the practical side of looking after your mental well-being abroad: how to find a therapist who speaks your language and gets the expat experience, why therapy is for everyday good health and not just crisis moments, and how insurance and reimbursement can vary wildly from country to country. Anna explains how My Expat Mind works as a free directory for clients, and shares a simple packing tip for making any new place feel a little more like home. If you've ever struggled with the hidden emotional challenges of living abroad — or you're considering a move and want to look after your mental health along the way — this episode is for you. #ExpatLife #ExpatMentalHealth #MovingAbroad #ExpatTherapy #LivingAbroad #Homesickness #ExpatFocus 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:55 Anna's First Big Move 02:37 Defining Home Abroad 05:08 Challenges of Frequent Moves 06:45 Friendships Across Borders 10:06 How My Expat Mind Began 12:06 Common Expat Mental Struggles 13:52 Finding the Right Therapist 16:03 Why Therapy Helps 20:39 Insurance and Reimbursement 21:59 Packing Tip for Feeling at Home 23:17 Where to Find My Expat Mind 23:56 Final Thoughts and Outro 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/international/podcast/looking-after-your-mental-health-while-living-abroad 📝 Show Notes My Expat Mind – https://myexpatmind.com/ 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 X | https://x.com/expatfocus Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus Website | https://www.expatfocus.com
- May 26, 202632 min
An American In The UK – The HONEST Truth About Moving Abroad In Your 40s
Victoria Pearce, the writer behind A Life Away, joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about moving abroad after 40. Victoria has lived in the UK twice — once as a young grad student, and again in her 40s with a husband and an 11-year-old in tow. Her story unpacks what it really looks like to uproot a settled life, swap a legal career for a writing one, and rebuild from scratch on the other side of the Atlantic. Victoria is candid about the cons of relocating in your 40s — selling the house, losing the easy school-gate friendships, rebuilding a settled life from very little — and equally honest about the upsides, including the career confidence that makes a midlife move surprisingly workable. She also discusses the practical side: moving an 11-year-old into the UK secondary school system, navigating GCSEs as an American parent, pivoting from practising attorney to content writer, the strange double life of being an American abroad in a politically turbulent moment, citizenship plans, and the pull of ageing parents back home. If you're weighing up a move abroad later in life, supporting a child through an international relocation, or rethinking your career as a trailing spouse, this conversation offers a grounded look at what to expect on the other side. #ExpatLife #LivingInTheUK #MoveToTheUK #USToUK #ExpatOver40 #TrailingSpouse 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com 00:00 Introducing Victoria 00:34 Why Move Abroad After 40 01:05 Victoria's First UK Move 02:35 Returning Abroad Post Covid 05:09 Cons of Moving in Your 40s 07:45 Confidence and Career 09:21 Decluttering and Moving Logistics 11:48 Moving an 11 Year Old 14:33 Navigating UK School Culture 18:24 Trailing Spouse Career Pivot 21:44 Politics, Identity and Home 27:02 Citizenship and Belonging 28:02 What to Change and What to Love 32:06 Wrap Up 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/united-kingdom/podcast/an-american-in-the-uk-the-honest-truth-about-moving-abroad-in-your-40s 📝 Show Notes A Life Away – https://alifeaway.com/ 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 X | https://x.com/expatfocus Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus Website | https://www.expatfocus.com
- Apr 29, 202632 min
The Secret To Expat Happiness – Building Friendships Abroad
Yolanda Reshemah, host of The Places We Call Home Podcast, joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about building authentic community when you move abroad. Yolanda's expat journey began at just 10 years old when she moved from the Caribbean to the UK, and she's since lived in France and the USA. She shares how each move shaped her identity — from discovering Parisian culture to navigating reverse culture shock — and why feeling at home starts with knowing yourself. Carlie and Yolanda dig into why shared expat status isn't enough to build lasting friendships, and how Yolanda sought deeper connections through volunteering, classes at Berkeley, and being intentional about what she needs. They also swap stories about cultural quirks in the US, from California's yoga-outfit uniform to the phenomenon of "flaking," and discuss what it really means to thrive rather than just settle in a new country. #ExpatLife #ExpatCommunity #MovingAbroad #LivingInUSA #BuildingCommunity 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com 00:00 Yolanda's Expat Journey 01:25 Caribbean to UK at 10 02:42 Finding Parisian Community 04:13 Reverse Culture Shock 04:41 Tourist to Local Mindset 05:43 How Early Moves Shape You 08:09 Lessons on Slowing Down 09:41 Starting Her Podcast 12:23 A Process for Belonging 13:47 What Feeds and Anchors You 18:39 Building Lasting Friendships 22:15 Beyond Expat Friend Groups 24:48 US Culture Quirks 29:32 Where Home Is Next 31:19 Find Yolanda Online 32:36 Final Thoughts 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/international/podcast/the-secret-to-expat-happiness-building-friendships-abroad 📝 Show Notes The Places We Call Home Podcast – https://theplaceswecallhome.com/ 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 X | https://x.com/expatfocus Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus Website | https://www.expatfocus.com
- Apr 28, 202632 min
How To Really Feel At Home In A New Country – Tips From A Lifestyle Consultant
Relocation and lifestyle consultant Laura Poggioli joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about what it really takes to settle into life abroad. Laura is the founder of La Relocation Group, which operates across Switzerland, Spain, South Africa, and soon Dubai. After relocating more than 108 people around the world in her previous corporate role, she recognised that traditional relocation support was missing something crucial — ongoing lifestyle assistance that goes far beyond the typical checklist of finding a house and a school. From navigating building rules and recycling systems to finding a dog sitter, language classes, or a French-speaking ballet companion, Laura explains how her team helps expats handle the everyday things that can become overwhelming in an unfamiliar environment. Carlie and Laura swap stories about the unwritten rules of apartment living in Europe, the culture shock of adjusting to narrow Swiss mountain roads, and Laura's philosophy of "expat aptitude" — an open mindset that lets you accept a new culture without judging it, while also knowing it's okay to admit a country isn't the right fit and make a Plan B. If you're preparing for a move abroad or already living in a new country and feeling the strain of adjusting, this episode is full of practical perspective on how to find your comfort zone again — and why the small things matter more than you think. #ExpatLife #Relocation #LivingAbroad #ExpatMindset #CultureShock #MovingAbroad 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com 00:00 Welcome 01:02 Why Laura Started La Relocation 02:14 Beyond the Checklist Support 05:53 Community and Expat Mindset 08:03 Building Lifestyle Services 13:14 House Rules and Recycling Culture 18:18 Integration and Family Pressure 19:40 Solving Problems and Bureaucracy 22:51 Emotional Support and Referrals 27:25 Keys to Living Well Abroad 30:32 Where to Find La Relocation 31:34 Wrap Up 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/international/podcast/how-to-really-feel-at-home-in-a-new-country-tips-from-a-lifestyle-consultant 📝 Show Notes La Relocation Group website –http://larelocationgroup.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=expat-focus La Relocation Group Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/larelocationgroup La Relocation Group Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576952125116 La Relocation Group LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/larelocation/ Laura Poggioli LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurapoggiolimaraniello/ 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 X | https://x.com/expatfocus Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus Website | https://www.expatfocus.com
- Mar 26, 202633 min
Moving To Portugal? Visas, Costs And A Citizenship Deadline You Need To Know
Susana Yang, founder and CEO of The Golden Portugal, joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about moving to and retiring in Portugal. Originally from Hong Kong, Susana moved to Portugal in 2018 and founded her immigration agency after a frustrating experience with local legal services. She breaks down the three main visa routes — the D7 passive income visa for retirees, the D8 digital nomad visa and the D2 entrepreneurial visa — and explains the income and savings requirements, realistic cost of living, rental market challenges, healthcare access, and why buying property might be a simpler route for some. Susana also dives into Portugal's Golden Visa programme, the step-by-step visa application timeline, and a looming citizenship law change that could double the residency requirement from five to 10 years. Her advice for anyone already in Portugal: apply for citizenship now, even if you haven't hit the five-year mark, because processing times mean the current rules may still apply to your case. If you're considering Portugal for retirement, remote work or simply a better quality of life, this episode is packed with practical guidance on what to expect. #ExpatLife #MoveToPortugal #PortugalExpats #RetireInPortugal #D7Visa #GoldenVisa 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com 00:00 Portugal Retirement Boom 00:45 Founding The Golden Portugal 02:37 Service Culture Shock 03:38 Why Move to Portugal 04:23 Who Uses Which Visas 04:59 D7 D8 D2 Explained 06:17 D7 Income Requirements 07:39 Realistic Living Costs 09:44 Rent Pressures and Co-Living 11:12 Healthcare for Residents 12:43 Visa Steps and Timelines 15:03 DIY vs Using an Agency 17:13 D7 Permit Timeline 18:27 Citizenship Rule Changes 20:23 Apply Now Strategy 21:58 Renting Reality Check 23:26 Finding Rentals and Fees 25:44 Buying Property Instead 26:57 D7 Stay Requirements 29:37 Golden Visa Explained 31:53 Why Portugal and Wrap Up 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/portugal/podcast/moving-to-portugal-visas-costs-and-a-citizenship-deadline-you-need-to-know 📝 Show Notes The Golden Portugal – https://www.thegoldenportugal.com/ 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 X | https://x.com/expatfocus Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus Website | https://www.expatfocus.com
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Expat experiences, information and advice for anyone moving or living abroad. Visit Expat Focus at expatfocus.com for more.
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