Here is the latest on the real places where we
live around the world. Anecdotes, impressions, frustrations, and joys.
Life beyond the official word in many of the important cities around
the world. We encourage English-speaking expats of all types,
even kids, to send us their views on living abroad.
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Forty new reports have been posted in 2010
Dili, Eart Timor: "You have to have a four-wheel-drive. I would highly suggest either buying your car from whomever you are replacing or shipping one in from Japan. They have pretty strict rules about what cars you can import." 3/13
Nassau, Bahamas: "You can leave behind your image of The Bahamas as the land of sunshine and pina coladas. There are serious social and safety concerns here. Once you leave the tourist areas it can become pretty 3rd world-ish pretty quickly." 3/13
Aukland, New Zealand: "The locals say they love it because you can experience four seasons in one day. They aren't kidding! Try planning any sunny-day activity. I'm guessing there is an 80% chance of rain most days." 3/5
Chisinau, Moldova: "People with families and couples seem to enjoy their time here. Men who are single REALLY enjoy their time here and try to extend at post. Single women don't appear to have the same level of enjoyment." 3/5
Accra, Ghana: "Most people live in compounds. Some of them are very new, which is nice aesthetically, but they can be a pain while construction bugs are ironed out. Most of the standalone houses in the pool are older and small." 2/25
Dili, East Timor: "There is no fast food in Dili but we do have lots of restaurants in town. There is Thai, Indian, Italian, Pizza, Western, Vietnamess, Lebanese, just to name a few." 2/25
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada: "It's a nice little city. Not for party animals, but great for outdoors folks. Lovely seacoast, quaint sections of the city, good food (especially seafood), similar (but NOT the same) culture as in U.S." 2/23
Warsaw, Poland: "You can usually get by with English, but outside of the big cities it's another story. Poles love it when Americans speak Polish because they appreciate the effort and also, I suspect, because we sound like idiots." 2/23
Mexico City, Mexico: "Buses are safe, but taxis are not unless you call the taxi companies. Then they will send a taxi to pick you up. Don't forget to ask for the taxi number when you call." 2/21
Bridgetown, Barbados: "If you are a diplomat you can typically buy a brand new car from a dealership and they will agree (in writing!) to buy it back from you at the end of your tour for the same price you paid." 2/21
Valleta, Malta: "You can leave behind your snow boots and skis. Do bring a hat and gloves for winter. Also, dump your expectations that you are coming to Europe. This is a North African island run by Catholic Arabs." 2/21
Moscow, Russia: "I feel more comfortable in Moscow than in the US, since the streets are almost always full of people (living in the center helps). That said, my door is steel with multiple locks." 2/21
Muscat, Oman: "Fuel is cheap, but everything else is ridiculous, and with the COLA being a joke, don't come here expecting to leave with much in your savings unless you plan to sit at home and eat nothing but humus and pita bread." 2/20
Dakar, Senegal: "This is designated as a h igh-crime post by U.S. State Department, and that definition is accurate. We have all manner of crimes affecting the diplomatic community minus the big three: rapes, murders and carjacking. " 2/20
Colombo, Sri Lanka: "We have a 4-wheel-drive, but it is not strictly necessary. It does make for a nicer ride on the bumpy roads, though. Japanese cars are most popular." 2/19
Manila, Philippines: "If you are expecting a Southeast Asian country then maybe this isn't the place for you. This is more like the love child of Honolulu and Mexico City. If you are expecting an exotic version of Americana, then you have found it." 2/19
Accra, Ghana: "It is a pretty safe country - this is an advantage that should not be taken for granted. That said, there are opportunists - one hears stories of dishonest individuals." 2/19
Dakar, Senegal: "For most of the year a smaller vehicle would be nice for Dakar. But when the flooding comes it is really nice to have a higher car - also better for outside of Dakar." 2/19
Paramaribo, Suriname: "The travel in and out of Paramaribo has been one of the most frustrating aspects. I originally thought it would be nice to be so close to the US, but it often takes longer to get home from here than it did from Africa." 2/18
Georgetown, Guyana: "It has its share of poor country problems, but others are pleasantly lacking: no traffic to speak of and no air quality problems. All in all, however, you should be quite happy in Guyana!" 2/18
San José, Costa Rica: "Some like living in San Jose, while others complain that they think it's boring. It definitely can be boring if you never leave to explore the rest of Costa Rica. The best of the country lies outside of the city!" 2/18
Abu Dhabi, UAE: "I find the groceries here to be expensive, especially if they are imported. Local produce is cheap and good. There are four main grocery markets, and you may have to visit all four to find what you are looking for." 2/18
Yaounde, Cameroon: "Don't forget your: wallet. Cameroon is MORE expensive than Paris. Even the cost of street food is suprisingly high, especially for Africa. A 2-liter bottle of coke is $6 in a grocery store." 2/17
Mexico City, Mexico: "I think Mexico City has a pretty bad rep in the United States as crime-ridden, dirty and chaotic. It definitely has problems, but it is very doable, and many expats have great experiences." 2/17
Merida, Mexico: "Downtown Merida has a lot of free programs on Sundays and night time. They have dancing in the parks. Merida has many major chain restaurants along with tons of other restaurants." 2/11
Beijing, China: "If you don't care about current affairs, and if you have a robust constitution, you can be perfectly happy here and have a reasonable standard of living." 2/11
Manila, Philippines: "The main advantages of living in Manila are the cost of living in general and the ability to afford to hire household help. Also, it's an easy hop to many Asian locations" 2/9
Muscat, Oman: "Oman is very modern, clean, and convenient, and physically one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Virtually every corner of the country is a coffee-table book photograph." 2/9
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