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

Posted on October 3, 2016 by Xpatulator


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

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Hong Kong – Xpatulator cost of living

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Xpatulator


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

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Singapore, Singapore – Xpatulator cost of living

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Xpatulator


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

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China, Shanghai – Xpatulator cost of living

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Xpatulator


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

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United Arab Emirates, Dubai – Xpatulator cost of living

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Xpatulator


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

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What does Strategic mean in a Job Description?

Posted on September 2, 2016 by Xpatulator


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

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Middle East Expat Cost of Living Comparison Rankings August 2016

Posted on August 30, 2016 by Xpatulator


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

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Latest International Country Inflation Rates August 2016

Posted on August 28, 2016 by Xpatulator


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

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Europe Expat Cost of Living Comparison Rankings August 2016

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Xpatulator


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

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America Expat Cost of Living Comparison Rankings August 2016

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Xpatulator


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

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