Living in another country

Living abroad is ... exciting - bewildering - fascinating - confusing - eye-opening - infuriating - self-confidence-building - self-confidence-destroying ...

Thanks for visiting Tales from a Small Planet, www.talesmag.com, where personal essays, Real Post Reports and Real School Reports tell you "what it's really like to live there."

We're non-profit, and our mission is to share uncensored and honest information about both the delights (new cultures, fascinating people, unique opportunities, exotic foods) and the challenges (loneliness, loss of identity, struggles to accommodate special needs) of living abroad.

Click here for our Tales: honest personal stories, essays and humor about living abroad

Post Report of the Day

Doha, Qatar

What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?

There are no risks except maybe a car accident from crazy drivers. Cars have to be younger than five years to be imported. I would just buy locally if you don’t have a car to...

What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?

Cheaper than the US but more expensive than other posts from talking to people. Around 1100 usd a month for full time, live out nanny/cleaner.