Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Asia Pacific Expat Cost of Living Comparison - December 2016


Hong Kong is the overall most expensive in Asia-Pacific and is the second most expensive city in the world (after Luanda). Singapore is the second most expensive city in the Asia-Pacific region for expatriates (4th most expensive in the world) and tops the region rankings when costs related to housing, education, medical and transport are excluded.
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Asia-Pacific-Expat-Cost-of-Living-Comparison_709.cfm

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

International City Cost of Living for Expatriate Professional Migrants


International expat cost of living comparison rankings for world cities and countries. Luanda is the most expensive city in the world for an expatriate professional migrant to live in 2016. The top ten most expensive cities in the world comprise three from Africa (Luanda (1); Asmara (3); Kinshasa (10)), three from Asia-Pacific (Hong Kong (2); Singapore (4); Tokyo (7)), three from Europe (Zurich (5); Geneva (6); Oslo(8)), and one from America (Hamilton(9)).
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/International-City-Cost-of-Living-for-Expatriate-Professional-Migrants_716.cfm

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

The Most Expensive Countries in the World for Expatriate Professional Migrants December 2016


The top ten most expensive countries in the world as at December 2016 comprise three from Africa (Angola) (1); Democratic Republic of the Congo (5); Eritrea (7)), three from Europe (Norway (2); Switzerland (3); Denmark (8)), three from America (Bermuda (4); Cayman Islands (6); Bahamas (9), and one from Asia Pacific (Japan) (10).
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/The-Most-Expensive-Countries-in-the-World-for-Expatriate-Professional-Migrants_717.cfm

Friday, November 11, 2016

America Expat Cost of Living Comparison 2016


Hamilton in Bermuda is the most expensive location in the Americas, in 11th place globally; this is due to the high price of property and the fact that most items have to be transported to Bermuda adding a great deal to the cost of expatriate items. New York (Manhattan) NY is the second most expensive location in the Americas, the most expensive city in the USA in 11th place worldwide, this is mainly due to the highly priced rental property market. Overall locations across the United States have climbed the rankings during 2015 and 2016 as a result of the strong US Dollar against most other global currencies. The second most expensive city in the USA is Honolulu, HI ranked 5th in the region and 31st in the world, followed by San Jose in California ranked 34th in the world. In comparison the highest ranked city in Canada is Toronto, ranked 105th most expensive in the world in 2016.
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/America-Expat-Cost-of-Living-Comparison_710.cfm

Monday, October 31, 2016

Europe Expat Cost of Living Comparison - October 2016


Zurich and Geneva are ranked as the first and second most expensive expat cities in Europe and the 6th and 7th most expensive cities in the world for expatriates. This is due primarily to the strong Swiss Franc as well as due to high rentals and institutionalized high wages. Despite the fact that there have been moderate price increases in most of Europe, the Euro has weakened against the US Dollar which has resulted in lower USD prices, pushing Euro cities down in the global ranking.
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Europe-Expat-Cost-of-Living-Comparison_708.cfm

Latest International Inflation Rates - Updated 31 October 2016


The latest available inflation rate for all countries world wide (October 2016 est.): Afghanistan 7.32% Albania 1.8% Algeria 6.35% Angola 39.44% Anguilla 3.1% Antigua and Barbuda 1.4% Argentina 40.5% Armenia -1.9% Aruba -0.7% Australia 1.3% Austria 0.9% Azerbaijan 11.2% Bahamas -0.33% Bahrain 2.6% Bangladesh 5.53% Barbados -1.2% Belarus 11.1% Belgium 1.81% Belize 0.4% Benin -2.1% Bermuda 0.6% Bhutan 3.31% Bolivia 3.47% Bosnia and Herzegovina -1.2% Botswana 2.8% Brazil 8.48% British Virgin Islands 2.3% Brunei -1% Bulgaria -0.6% Burkina Faso -0.6% Burundi 7% Cambodia 2.93% Cameroon 0.64% Canada 1.3% Cape Verde -2.1% Cayman Islands -0.8% Central African Republic 38.04% Chad -3.4% Chile 3.1% China 1.9% Colombia 7.27% Comoros 1.4% Democratic Republic of the Congo 5.52% Congo 3.7% Cook Islands 0.4% Costa Rica 0.39% Cote D'Ivoire 0.7% Croatia -0.9% Cuba 4.6% Cyprus -0.5% Czech Republic 0.5% Denmark 0% Djibouti 2% Dominica 1.8% Dominican R
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Latest-International-Inflation-Rates_712.cfm

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Middle East Expat Cost of Living Comparison - October 2016


Abu-Dhabi in the UAE is the most expensive city for expats in the Middle East, followed by Doha. Beirut and Dubai are third and fourth respectively, followed by Tehran. While Abu-Dhabi is the most expensive city in the Middle East, it is only ranked 96th in the world. In Abu-Dhabi alcohol, communication, housing, and education costs are very high. Similarly Dubai is ranked 110th most expensive in the world.
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Middle-East-Expat-Cost-of-Living-Comparison_707.cfm

Monday, October 17, 2016

Asia Pacific Expat Cost of Living Comparison - October 2016


Hong Kong has retained the top spot as the overall most expensive in Asia-Pacific and is the second most expensive city in the world (after Luanda), mainly due to the extremely high housing costs, as well as high cost of schooling and limited space available making rentals high. However, when you exclude costs related to housing, education, medical and transport, Hong Kong falls out of the top ten city rankings for this region. This indicates that Hong-Kong is not the most expensive place for other basket groups. Singapore remains the second most expensive city in the Asia-Pacific region for expatriates (4th most expensive in the world) and tops the region rankings when costs related to housing, education, medical and transport are excluded. Tokyo is the third most expensive city in Asia-Pacific. This is mainly due to the strength of the Japanese Yen, which has held steady against the USD, while most other currencies have weakened, as well as additional factors such as consumption ta
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Asia-Pacific-Expat-Cost-of-Living-Comparison_709.cfm

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Latest International Inflation Rates - as at October 2016


The latest available inflation rate for all countries world wide (October 2016 est.): Afghanistan 7.32% Albania 2% Algeria 7.43% Angola 38.18% Anguilla 3.1% Antigua and Barbuda 1.4% Argentina 40.5% Armenia -1.9% Aruba -1.1% Australia 1% Austria 0.6% Azerbaijan 10.8% Bahamas -0.33% Bahrain 2.6% Bangladesh 5.37% Barbados -1.2% Belarus 11.8% Belgium 2.16% Belize 1% Benin -1.2% Bermuda 0.6% Bhutan 3.31% Bolivia 3.49% Bosnia and Herzegovina -1.2% Botswana 2.6% Brazil 8.97% British Virgin Islands 2.3% Brunei -0.7% Bulgaria -0.3% Burkina Faso -0.7% Burundi 6.6% Cambodia 3.25% Cameroon 0.64% Canada 1.1% Cape Verde -1.8% Cayman Islands -2.8% Central African Republic 38.04% Chad -1.1% Chile 3.4% China 1.3% Colombia 8.1% Comoros 1.4% Democratic Republic of the Congo 5.52% Congo 3.7% Cook Islands 0.4% Costa Rica 0.6% Cote D'Ivoire -0.4% Croatia -1.5% Cuba 4.4% Cyprus -0.36% Czech Republic 0.6% Denmark 0.2% Djibouti 2% Dominica 1.8% Dominican R
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Latest-International-Inflation-Rates_712.cfm

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Africa Expat Cost of Living Comparison - October 2016


Overall African countries are some of the poorest and least developed in the world, with relatively low local cost of living expenses; however the cost of importing and transporting the international standard of goods that expatriates expect to purchase in the cities in this region makes it extremely expensive to maintain the lifestyle that they are used to. Luanda is most expensive city to live in the African region, and world-wide, while Asmara in Eritrea is the second most expensive city in Africa (and third most expensive in the world). Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the third most expensive city in Africa.
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Africa-Expat-Cost-of-Living-Comparison_711.cfm

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Top 10 Cheapest Low Hardship Countries For Expatriate Professional Migrants


An expatriate professional migrant is someone who voluntarily lives outside their country in order to take up a job opportunity and a better or at the very least a similar, quality of life with the intention returning to their home country and do not therefore consider themselves to be local in their host country. The 10 cheapest low hardship countries for expatriate professional migrants as at October 2016 for all expat basket items from most cheapest to less cheap are as follows: 1. Poland (Europe) Poland is the cheapest country in the world for expatriate professionals. The economy of Poland is considered to be one of the healthiest economies of the post-communist countries, and is one of the fastest growing countries within the EU. 2. Hungary (Europe) 3. Botswana (Africa) 4. Malaysia (Asia-Pacific) 5. South Africa (Africa) 6. Cook Islands (Asia-Pacific) 7. Czech Republic (Europe) 8. Paraguay (Americas) 9. Greece (Europe) 10. Mauritius (Africa)
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/The-10-Cheapest-Low-Hardship-Countries-For-Expatriate-Professional-Migrants_714.cfm

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

International Hardship Premium Locations - October 2016


In assessing how much to pay an expatriate, it is important to take into account the relative hardship, in terms of quality of living conditions between locations, and assesses the relative level of difficulty that will be experienced in adapting to a new location. The ratings for hardship are classified into four main groups, the first being those with no real hardship, while the three categories with hardship can be described as follows: 1) Some Hardship (20% Hardship Premium) 2) High degree of Hardship (30% Hardship Premium) 3) Extreme Hardship (40% Hardship Premium). The Xpatulator.com High and Extreme Hardship Premium Locations (30%-40% Premium) as at October 2016: Abidjan in Cote D'Ivoire 40% Abuja in Nigeria 30% Accra in Ghana 20% Adana in Turkey 30% Addis Ababa in Ethiopia 40% Ahmedabad in India 30% Alexandria in Egypt 40% Algiers in Algeria 30% Almaty in Kazakhstan 40% Amman in Jordan 30% Ankara in Turkey 30% Antananarivo in Madagascar 40% Apia in
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/International-Hardship-Premium-Locations_715.cfm

Monday, October 3, 2016

International City Cost of Living for Expatriate Professional Migrants - October 2016


Luanda is the most expensive city in the world for an expatriate professional migrant to live in October 2016. The top ten most expensive cities in the world comprise three from Africa (Luanda (1); Asmara (3); Kinshasa (10)), three from Asia-Pacific (Hong Kong (2); Singapore (4); Tokyo (7)), three from Europe (Zurich (5); Geneva (6); Oslo(8)), and one from America (Hamilton(9)). Luanda in Angola is the most expensive city in the world for expatriate professional migrants to live. As opposed to Hong Kong, everything in Luanda is expensive as almost all international standard goods and services are imported. Despite the lower oil price, the slow-down in oil related projects, and dramatic reduction in revenue to Angola in 2016, prices in Luanda remain extremely high, largely as a result of the weaker Angolan Kwanza (down approximately 40% against the US Dollar in the past year).
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/International-City-Cost-of-Living-for-Expatriate-Professional-Migrants_716.cfm

Sunday, October 2, 2016

The Most Expensive Countries in the World for Expatriate Professional Migrants - October 2016


The October 2016 top ten most expensive countries in the world comprise three from Africa (Angola) (1); Democratic Republic of the Congo (5); Eritrea (7)), three from Europe (Norway (2); Switzerland (3); Denmark (8)), three from America (Bermuda (4); Cayman Islands (6); Bahamas (9), and one from Asia Pacific (Japan) (10). Angola is the most expensive city in the world for expatriate professional migrants mainly because almost all international standard goods and services have to be imported and due to the lack of infrastructure there are price premiums due to demand exceeding supply. The lower oil price and consequent dramatic reduction in revenue to Angola in 2016 has seen prices remain extremely high, largely as a result of the weaker Angolan Kwanza (down approximately 40% against the US Dollar in the past year) making imports extremely expensive.
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/The-Most-Expensive-Countries-in-the-World-for-Expatriate-Professional-Migrants_717.cfm

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Hong Kong - Xpatulator cost of living


Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. Hong Kong's highly favourable geographical position and trading opportunities are wealth-generating assets. The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Hong Kong as at 1 September 2016 is very high in comparison to other places in the world. The official languages are Chinese and English. Business is conducted in English, which all Hong Kong business people speak, although they may converse in Cantonese with their colleagues. Overall, the standard of spoken English outside business circles has deteriorated in recent years, making communication for non-Cantonese speakers increasingly difficult in many routine transactions. The main religions are Buddhism and Taoism. Business introductions are usually formal, for example it is expected to use formal professional titles followed by surname. Expatriate business dress is conservative.
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-review/China-Hong-Kong_50.cfm

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Singapore, Singapore - Xpatulator cost of living


The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Singapore as at 1 September 2016 is very high in comparison to other places in the world. Singapore is a blend of Western, Chinese and Asian culture. Expatriate business dress is typically informal, with more people wearing open-necked shirts and slacks/skirts than business suits. Formal suits are usually only worn at official occasions. The security risk for expatriates in Singapore is low, putting it amongst the safest destinations in the world. Risks include low levels of petty crime, and a low level underlying threat of terrorism. Medical facilities are of a high quality but expensive. High levels of air pollution (haze) from fires in Indonesia can impact health. Dengue fever and chikungunya virus occur. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is common. The population of Singapore is 5.2 Million (2016 est.), while the inflation rate is -0.7% (2016 est.).
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-review/Singapore-Singapore_178.cfm

Monday, September 5, 2016

China, Shanghai - Xpatulator cost of living


Shanghai is the largest city in China, and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. The population of Shanghai is 34 Million (2016 est.), while the inflation rate is 1.8% (2016 est.). The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Shanghai as at 1 July 2016 is very high in comparison to other places in the world. In Shanghai, the cost of each basket, based on local prices, compared to the international average, is categorized follows (Exact cost of living percentages only available in personalised reports): 1) Alcohol (where available) & Tobacco: High 2) Clothing: Very High 3) Communication: Low 4) Education: Very High 5) Furniture & Appliances: High 6) Groceries: Very High 7) Healthcare: Very High 8) Household Accommodation: Very High 9) Miscellaneous: Very High 10) Personal Care: Very High 11) Recreation & Culture: High 12) Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels: High 13) Transport: Average
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-review/China-Shanghai_52.cfm

Sunday, September 4, 2016

United Arab Emirates, Dubai - Xpatulator cost of living


The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Dubai as at 1 July 2016 is very high in comparison to other places in the world. In Dubai, the cost of each basket, based on local prices, compared to the international average, is categorized follows (Exact cost of living percentages only available in personalised reports): 1) Alcohol (where available) & Tobacco: Very High 2) Clothing: Very High 3) Communication: Very High 4) Education: Very High 5) Furniture & Appliances: Very High 6) Groceries: High 7) Healthcare: High 8) Household Accommodation: Very High 9) Miscellaneous: Very High 10) Personal Care: High 11) Recreation & Culture: Very High 12) Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels: Low 13) Transport: Very Low Dubai is for example 1.1% more expensive than Edinburgh for groceries, 20.4% more expensive for household costs than Glasgow, and -41.2% cheaper for transport costs than Guildford.
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-review/United-Arab-Emirates-Dubai_211.cfm

Friday, September 2, 2016

What does Strategic mean in a Job Description?


Paterson Job Evaluation is the predominant job evaluation system used in Southern Africa. This article makes reference to Paterson Bands (F is the top - CEO level; A is the lowest level). From C Band upwards there is a requirement to understand the theory behind the work that is being done, in order to strategize and come up with the best approach. What changes from C through to F Band is the context. At F Band the context is the overall organisation, at E Band it is major functions, at D Band disciplines and sub-disciplines, while at C Band the context is the systems, processes and procedures. E Band - Strategic Execution (Translation of corporate direction into organisation planning and management) At the next level we have executives and senior managers who translate the strategic intent into an executable plan which we call strategic execution...
http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Does-The-Term-Strategic-Mean-in-a-Job-Description?&id=9514855

Monday, August 29, 2016

Middle East Expat Cost of Living Comparison Rankings August 2016


Abu-Dhabi in the UAE is the most expensive city for expats in the Middle East, followed by Beirut. Dubai and Doha are third and fourth respectively, while Manama has dropped to 10th most expensive in the Middle East, having dropped to 316th most expensive in the world. Damascus is the cheapest city to live in. While Abu-Dhabi is the most expensive city in the Middle East, it is only ranked 93rd in the world. In Abu-Dhabi housing, education and recreation and culture costs are very high. Similarly Dubai has dropped to 110th most expensive in the world.
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Middle-East-Expat-Cost-of-Living-Comparison-Rankings-August-2016_683.cfm

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Latest International Country Inflation Rates August 2016


The latest available inflation rate for all countries world wide (2016 est.): Afghanistan 7.37% Albania 1.9% Algeria 8.2% Angola 35.3% Anguilla 3.1% Antigua and Barbuda 1.4% Argentina 40.5% Armenia -1.3% Aruba -1.1% Australia 1% Austria 0.6% Azerbaijan 10.5% Bahamas 2% Bahrain 3.5% Bangladesh 5.4% Barbados -1.3% Belarus 12.2% Belgium 2.28% Belize 0.9% Benin -0.8% Bermuda 0.6% Bhutan 3.31% Bolivia 3.56% Bosnia and Herzegovina -1% Botswana 2.7% Brazil 8.74% British Virgin Islands 2.3% Brunei -1.1% Bulgaria -0.2% Burkina Faso -0.8% Burundi 3.9% Cambodia 3.09% Cameroon 0.64% Canada 1.3% Cape Verde -2.3% Cayman Islands -2.8% Central African Republic 38.04% Chad 0.8% Chile 4% China 1.8% Colombia 8.97% Comoros 1.4% Democratic Republic of the Congo 5.52% Congo 3.7% Cook Islands 0.4% Costa Rica 0.48% Cote D'Ivoire 0.4% Croatia -1.5% Cuba 4.4% Cyprus -0.2% Czech Republic 0.5% Denmark 0.3% Djibouti 2.6% Dominica 1.8% Dominican Republic 1.85%
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Latest-International-Country-Inflation-Rates-August-2016_692.cfm

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Europe Expat Cost of Living Comparison Rankings August 2016


Zurich and Geneva are ranked as the first and second most expensive expat cities in Europe and the 5th and 6th most expensive cities in the world for expatriates. This is due primarily to the strong Swiss Franc which has maintained its position against the US Dollar despite the dollar's strong showing in 2015, as well as due to high rentals and institutionalized high wages. Despite the fact that there have been moderate price increases in most of Europe, the Euro has weakened against the US Dollar which has resulted in lower USD prices, pushing Euro cities down in the global ranking, only one of the top ten most expensive cities in Europe is on the Euro (Monaco). Oslo is the world's 7th and Europe's third most expensive city as at August 2016. Oslo was the most expensive location in Europe in 2014, however the weaker Norwegian Krone (more than 18% weaker against the USD by the end of 2015) resulting primarily from the lower global oil price and subsequent weaker oil sector.
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Europe-Expat-Cost-of-Living-Comparison-Rankings-August-2016_684.cfm

America Expat Cost of Living Comparison Rankings August 2016


Hamilton in Bermuda is the most expensive location in the Americas, in 9th place globally; this is due to the high price of property and the fact that most items have to be transported to Bermuda adding a great deal to the cost of expatriate items. New York (Manhattan) NY is the second most expensive location in the Americas, the most expensive city in the USA in 11th place worldwide, this is mainly due to the highly priced rental property market. Overall locations across the United States have climbed the rankings during 2015 as a result of the strong US Dollar against most other global currencies. The second most expensive city in the USA is Honolulu, HI ranked 5th in the region and 29th in the world, followed by San Jose in California ranked 36th in the world. In comparison the highest ranked city in Canada is Toronto, ranked 105th most expensive in the world in 2016.
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/America-Expat-Cost-of-Living-Comparison-Rankings-August-2016_686.cfm

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Asia Pacific Expat Cost of Living Comparison Rankings August 2016


Hong Kong has not only retained the top spot as the overall most expensive in Asia-Pacific, it has become the most expensive city in the world, mainly due to the extremely high housing costs, as well as high cost of schooling and limited space available making rentals high. Singapore remains the second most expensive city in the Asia-Pacific region for expatriates (4th most expensive in the world) and tops the region rankings when costs related to housing, education, medical and transport are excluded. Tokyo is the third most expensive city in Asia-Pacific. This is mainly due to the strength of the Japanese Yen, which has held steady against the USD, while most other currencies have weakened. In addition factors such as consumption tax increases have resulted in US Dollar prices increasing in global terms. Shanghai is the fourth most expensive place for expatriates in the Asia-Pacific region, and 17th globally...
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Asia-Pacific-Expat-Cost-of-Living-Comparison-Rankings-August-2016_685.cfm

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Africa Expat Cost of Living Comparison Rankings August 2016


Luanda is most expensive city to live in the African region, and second most expensive city in the world. The Angolan New Kwanza (AOA) is approximately 36% weaker against the US Dollar compared to a year ago, extremely costly safe expatriate accommodation, imported produce and costly international private schooling has kept Launda at the top of the rankings in Africa. Overall African countries are some of the poorest and least developed in the world, with relatively low local cost of living expenses; however the cost of importing and transporting the international standard of goods that expatriates expect to purchase in the cities in this region makes it extremely expensive to maintain the lifestyle that they are used to.
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Africa-Expat-Cost-of-Living-Comparison-Rankings-August-2016_687.cfm

The 10 Cheapest Low Hardship Cities For Expatriate Professional Migrants August 2016


The 10 cheapest low hardship cities for expatriate professional migrants as at August 2016 for all expat basket items from most cheap to less cheap are as follows: 1. Lodz (Poland-Europe) 2. Krakow (Poland-Europe) 3. Warsaw (Poland-Europe) 4. Port Elizabeth (South Africa-Africa) 5. Budapest (Hungary-Europe) 6. Durban (South Africa-Africa) 7. Klang (Malaysia-Asia-Pacific) 8. Gaborone (Botswana-Africa) 9. Subang Jaya (Malaysia-Asia-Pacific) 10. Port Louis (Mauritius-Africa)
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/The-10-Cheapest-Low-Hardship-Cities-For-Expatriate-Professional-Migrants-August-2016_691.cfm

Monday, August 22, 2016

The Cheapest Low Hardship Countries For Expatriate Professional Migrants August 2016


The cheapest low hardship countries for expatriate professional migrants as at August 2016 for all expat basket items from most cheapest to less cheap are as follows: 1. Poland (Europe) 2. Hungary (Europe) 3. Botswana (Africa) 4. South Africa (Africa)
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/The-10-Cheapest-Low-Hardship-Countries-For-Expatriate-Professional-Migrants-August-2016_690.cfm

Sunday, August 21, 2016

International Hardship Premium Locations 2016


Xpatulator's hardship ranking system measures the relative quality of living in each locations, and assesses the level of difficulty that will be experienced in adapting to each location. The ratings for hardship are classified into four main groups, the first being those with no real hardship, while the three categories with hardship can be described as follows: 1) Some Hardship (20% Hardship Premium) 2) High degree of Hardship (30% Hardship Premium) 3) Extreme Hardship (40% Hardship Premium). The Xpatulator.com High and Extreme Hardship Premium Locations (30%-40% Premium) as at August 2016: ... Pristina in Kosovo 40% Puebla in Mexico 30% Pune in India 30% Pyongyang in Democratic Republic of Korea 40% Quito in Ecuador 30% Rabat in Morocco 30% Reykjavik in Iceland 30% Riga in Latvia 30% Riyadh in Saudi Arabia 30% Roseau in Dominica 40% Saipan in Northern Mariana Islands 40% Samara in Russia 30% San Jose in Costa Rica 30% San Juan in Puerto Rico 30% ...
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/International-Hardship-Premium-Locations-2016_693.cfm

International City Cost of Living 2016 for Expatriate Professional Migrants


The top ten most expensive cities in the world comprise three from Asia-Pacific (Hong Kong (1); Singapore (4); Tokyo (8)), three from Africa (Luanda (2); Asmara (3); Kinshasa (10)), three from Europe (Zurich (5); Geneva (6); Oslo(7)), and one from America (Hamilton(9)). In Hong Kong the very high cost of housing and healthcare, as well as the strong Hong Kong dollar which is fixed against the US Dollar, are the main reasons for it being the world's most expensive city. As opposed to Hong Kong, everything in Luanda is expensive as almost all international standard goods and services are imported. Asmara in Eritrea is the third most expensive city in the world for Expatriate’s to live. There are however very few Expatriate’s in Asmara, a city of around 649,000 people in a country of approximately 6 million.
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/International-City-Cost-of-Living-2016-for-Expatriate-Professional-Migrants_688.cfm

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

The Most Expensive Countries in the World for Expatriate Professional Migrants August 2016


The top ten most expensive countries in the world comprise three from Africa (Angola) (1); Democratic Republic of the Congo (5); Eritrea (7)), three from Europe (Norway (2); Switzerland (3); Denmark (8)), and four from America (Bermuda (4); Cayman Islands (6); Barbados (9); Bahamas (10)). Angola is the most expensive city in the world for expatriate professional migrants mainly because almost all international standard goods and services have to be imported and due to the lack of infrastructure there are price premiums due to demand exceeding supply. The lower oil price and consequent dramatic reduction in revenue to Angola in 2016 has seen prices remain extremely high, largely as a result of the weaker Angolan Kwanza (down approximately 40% against the US Dollar in the past year) making imports extremely expensive.
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/The-Most-Expensive-Countries-in-the-World-for-Expatriate-Professional-Migrants-August-2016_689.cfm

Transport Cost of Living Ranking August 2016


The August 2016 top 50 most expensive expatriate places for transport items such as fuel (petrol/gasoline), public transport, vehicle purchase and maintenance. The international cost of living rankings (top 50) for transport items from most expensive location to least expensive are as follows: 1. Asmara 2. Oslo 3. Moroni 4. Zurich 5. Copenhagen 6. London 7. Banjul 8. Geneva 9. Yokohama 10. Osaka 11. Kobe 12. Thimphu 13. Kyoto 14. Nagoya 15. George Town 16. Helsinki 17. Tokyo 18. Bissau 19. Pyongyang 20. Brazzaville 21. Ouagadougou 22. Hamilton 23. Lilongwe 24. Zanzibar 25. Stockholm 26. Maputo 27. Sydney 28. Malabo 29. Southampton 30. Singapore 31. Nuuk 32. Kinshasa 33. Saint Helier 34. Reykjavik 35. Manchester 36. Vienna 37. Papeete 38. Lisbon 39. Dublin 40. Canberra 41. Adelaide 42. Rotterdam 43. Toronto 44. Amsterdam 45. San Jose CA 46. Riverside City CA 47. Glasgow 48. Luton 49. Djibouti 50. Dhaka
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Transport-Cost-of-Living-Ranking-August-2016_670.cfm

Monday, August 15, 2016

Restaurants, Meals Out and Hotels Cost of Living Ranking August 2016


The August 2016 top 50 most expensive expat places for restaurants, meals out & hotels items such as hotel daily room rates, meals and beverages in restaurants, and take away food and beverages. The international cost of living rankings (top 50) for restaurants, meals out & hotels from most expensive location to least expensive are as follows: 1. Monrovia 2. Zurich 3. Geneva 4. Oslo 5. Luanda 6. Monaco 7. Apia 8. New York (Manhattan) NY 9. Paris 10. Copenhagen 11. Hamilton 12. Luxembourg 13. Macao 14. Sydney 15. Perth 16. Brussels 17. Canberra 18. Vaduz 19. Nice 20. Kuwait City 21. Toulouse 22. Nassau 23. Stockholm 24. Adelaide 25. Amsterdam 26. Moscow 27. Bridgetown 28. Brisbane 29. Helsinki 30. Melbourne 31. George Town 32. Marseille 33. Nuuk 34. Munich 35. Kinshasa 36. London 37. Bonn 38. Vienna 39. Jerusalem 40. Hamburg 41. Saint John's 42. Hong Kong 43. Rome 44. New York NY 45. Nicosia 46. Milan 47. Lyon 48. Dublin 49. San Franci
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Restaurants,-Meals-Out-and-Hotels-Cost-of-Living-Ranking-August-2016_671.cfm

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Recreation and Culture Cost of Living Ranking August 2016


The August 2016 top 50 most expensive places for recreation & culture items such as books, cinema, sport and theater tickets. The Cost of living rankings (top 50) for recreation & culture costs for expats from most expensive location to least expensive location are as follows: 1. Khartoum 2. Luanda 3. Antananarivo 4. Monrovia 5. Asmara 6. Freetown 7. Nouakchott 8. Conakry 9. Libreville 10. Riyadh 11. Dammam 12. Monaco 13. Hamilton 14. Zurich 15. N'Djamena 16. Sao Tome 17. Oslo 18. Dubai 19. Geneva 20. Port-au-Prince 21. Noumea 22. Abuja 23. Canberra 24. Moroni 25. New York (Manhattan) NY 26. Vaduz 27. Douala 28. Osaka 29. Yokohama 30. Tehran 31. Kobe 32. Paris 33. Sydney 34. Sao Paulo 35. Mogadishu 36. Accra 37. Kuwait City 38. Djibouti 39. Port Vila 40. Thessaloniki 41. Havana 42. Nagoya 43. Kyoto 44. Adelaide 45. Kano 46. Saint George's 47. Toronto 48. Copenhagen 49. Ibadan 50. Jeddah
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Recreation-and-Culture-Cost-of-Living-Ranking-August-2016_672.cfm

Personal Care Cost of Living Ranking August 2016


The August 2016 top 50 most expensive places for personal care items such as cosmetics, hair care, and toiletries. The international cost of living comparison rankings (top 50) for personal care for expats, from most expensive location to least expensive are as follows: 1. Havana 2. Bissau 3. Freetown 4. New York (Manhattan) NY 5. Beijing 6. Nassau 7. Asmara 8. Accra 9. Banjul 10. Dhaka 11. Lilongwe 12. Singapore 13. Tehran 14. Rome 15. Abidjan 16. New York NY 17. San Francisco CA 18. Zurich 19. Jerusalem 20. Monrovia 21. Geneva 22. New York (Brooklyn) NY 23. Shanghai 24. Victoria 25. Luanda 26. Honolulu, HI 27. Stockholm 28. Apia 29. Sydney 30. Frankfurt 31. San Jose CA 32. New York (Queens) NY 33. Vaduz 34. London 35. Riyadh 36. Dili 37. San Marino 38. Munich 39. Sao Paulo 40. Berlin 41. Hamburg 42. Hanoi 43. Canberra 44. Stuttgart 45. Melbourne 46. Rio de Janeiro 47. Cologne 48. Copenhagen 49. Bonn 50. Santo Domingo
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Personal-Care-Cost-of-Living-Ranking-August-2016_673.cfm

Household Accommodation Cost of Living Ranking August 2016


The August 2016 top 50 most expensive international places for expat household accommodation items such as apartment purchase, mortgage rate, rental, and utilities. The world cost of living comparison (top 50) rankings for household accommodation from most expensive location to least expensive are as follows: 1. Hong Kong 2. Shanghai 3. Monaco 4. New York (Manhattan) NY 5. Singapore 6. Luanda 7. Port Moresby 8. Tokyo 9. Hamilton 10. Taipei 11. Kawasaki 12. Moscow 13. Nassau 14. Fukuoka 15. Honolulu, HI 16. Doha 17. Macao 18. Accra 19. Geneva 20. London 21. San Jose CA 22. Riverside City CA 23. Ibadan 24. Kano 25. New York NY 26. Palikir 27. Abu Dhabi 28. Honiara 29. Sapporo 30. Zurich 31. Abuja 32. Lagos 33. New York (Queens) NY 34. Tripoli 35. Lusaka 36. Sydney 37. New York (Brooklyn) NY 38. San Francisco CA 39. Beijing 40. Shenzhen 41. Kinshasa 42. Maputo 43. Yokohama 44. Wuhan 45. Medinah 46. Caracas 47. Minsk 48. Nagoya 49. Kyoto
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Household-Accommodation-Cost-of-Living-Ranking-August-2016_675.cfm

Healthcare Cost of Living Ranking August 2016


The August 2016 top 50 most expensive international places for expat healthcare items such as doctor visit, hospital stay, non-prescription medicine, and medical insurance. The cost of living comparison rankings (top 50) for medical healthcare costs for expats from most expensive to least expensive location are as follows: 1. Anchorage AK 2. Hong Kong 3. Seattle WA 4. San Jose CA 5. Riverside City CA 6. San Francisco CA 7. Hartford CT 8. Milwaukee-Waukesha WI 9. Singapore 10. New York (Manhattan) NY 11. Manchester NH 12. New York (Brooklyn) NY 13. Oakland CA 14. Spokane WA 15. New Haven CT 16. Nassau 17. Portland ME 18. New York NY 19. San Diego CA 20. Middlesex-Monmouth NJ 21. Los Angeles-Long Beach CA 22. Zurich 23. Nassau County NY 24. Sarasota FL 25. Wilmington NC 26. Geneva 27. Honolulu, HI 28. New York (Queens) NY 29. Beijing 30. Bergen-Passaic NJ 31. Burlington-Chittenden Co, VT 32. Eugene OR 33. Denver CO 34. Hampton Roads-SE Virginia VA 35
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Healthcare-Cost-of-Living-Ranking-August-2016_676.cfm

Furniture and Appliances Cost of Living Ranking August 2016


The August 2016 most expensive places for expats for furniture & appliance items such as dining table and chairs, home entertainment, kitchen appliances, and sofa. The world cost of living comparison (top 50) rankings for furniture & appliance items from most expensive location to least expensive are as follows: 1. Asmara 2. Kinshasa 3. Khartoum 4. Singapore 5. Bangui 6. Tashkent 7. Luanda 8. Cotonou 9. Macao 10. Djibouti 11. Noumea 12. Belmopan 13. Monrovia 14. Pyongyang 15. Bridgetown 16. Moscow 17. Vilnius 18. Port Vila 19. N'Djamena 20. Kingstown 21. Freetown 22. Mogadishu 23. Bujumbura 24. Addis Ababa 25. Ouagadougou 26. Basseterre 27. Conakry 28. Daegu 29. Santiago 30. Kingston 31. Nassau 32. Panama City 33. Quito 34. Seoul 35. Helsinki 36. Incheon 37. Hagatna 38. Saint George's 39. Accra 40. Mumbai 41. New Delhi 42. Benghazi 43. Tripoli 44. Busan 45. Tallinn 46. Roseau 47. Kigali 48. Libreville 49. Geneva 50. Surat
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Furniture-and-Appliances-Cost-of-Living-Ranking-August-2016_678.cfm

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Venezuela introduces two-day week to deal with energy crisis - BBC News


Venezuela public sector employees are told to work only Monday and Tuesday until the country overcomes a worsening energy crisis.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-36145184

Africa Expat Cost of Living Rankings April 2016


Overall African countries are some of the poorest and least developed in the world, with relatively low local cost of living expenses; however the cost of importing and transporting the international standard of goods that expatriates expect to purchase in the cities in this region makes it extremely expensive to maintain the lifestyle that they are used to. Despite the fact that the Angolan New Kwanza (AOA) is approximately 32% weaker against the US Dollar compared to a year ago, extremely costly safe expatriate accommodation, imported produce and international private schooling has kept Luanda as most expensive city to live in the African region. Maseru in Lesotho is the cheapest African city. Lesotho has long been one of the poorest countries in the world. The economy of Lesotho's economy is based on diamonds and water sold to South Africa, manufacturing, agriculture, livestock, and to some extent the earnings of labourers employed in South Africa.
http://www.xpatulator.com/cost-of-living-article/Africa-Expat-Cost-of-Living-Comparison-Rankings-April-2016_666.cfm

Monday, April 4, 2016

Sunday, April 3, 2016

World Expat Cost of Living Comparison April 2016



South Sudan is the most expensive country in the world for expats in April 2016 due to the extremely high cost of maintaining a secure, expatriate style, standard of living and importing goods in the world's newest country. The security risk for expatriates in South Sudan is high. Risks include a lack of government control, violent crime, theft, bandits, insurgent groups, communal violence, and cross-border clashes between Sudan and South Sudan. Other risks include poor infrastructure, often made more challenging by extreme weather. The government of South Sudan floated the South Sudanese pound (SSP) in December 2015. After the announcement, the value of the SSP, which had been pegged to the U.S. dollar at an official rate of 2.96 SSP to the dollar, fell to levels approaching the parallel market rates of 18.50 SSP to the dollar and has since recovered to 13.80 SSP to the dollar. The cheaper South Sudanese pound should help improve the government’s fiscal situation as revenues from oil exports (as well as aid flows) increase in local currency.

Venezuela is the second most expensive expatriate country to live in worldwide. For expatriates in Venezuela, rampant inflation, product shortages and tight government controls on foreign exchange have kept it at the top of the list of the most expensive countries globally.

Oil-rich Angola has dropped two places, having been the most expensive country in the world for expatriates in 2015, to become the third most expensive country in the world for expats in 2016 due primarily to the drop in the price of oil, the resultant economic slow-down and the fact that the Angolan New Kwanza (AOA) is approximately 32% weaker against the US Dollar compared to a year ago.

Switzerland is the fourth most expensive country for expatriates, due primarily to the robust Swiss Franc, as well as high rentals and institutionalised high wages.

Source: April 2016 World Expat Cost of Living Rankings