Hong Kong – Xpatulator cost of living

Posted on September 22, 2016 by


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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Singapore, Singapore – Xpatulator cost of living

Posted on September 21, 2016 by


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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

China, Shanghai – Xpatulator cost of living

Posted on September 6, 2016 by


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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

United Arab Emirates, Dubai – Xpatulator cost of living

Posted on September 5, 2016 by


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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

What does Strategic mean in a Job Description?

Posted on September 2, 2016 by


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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Middle East Expat Cost of Living Comparison Rankings August 2016

Posted on August 30, 2016 by


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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Latest International Country Inflation Rates August 2016

Posted on August 28, 2016 by


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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment