Tired of Worrying about Where to Put your Money or What Will Happen to it When Traveling or Working Abroad?

 

Whether you are an experienced traveler with an internationally mobile lifestyle or just getting started on your path to freedom abroad, offshore banking is and will be an integral part of your life. In the simplest of terms, offshore banking is when one invests in banks outside of their own country, and since we are discussing the UK in particular it means investing in banks outside of the UK.

 

Despite government attempts to curb offshore investments in order to deter people from the tax benefits, there are still a vast array of benefits that can arise for offshore banking for UK expats, namely ones that are tax related. For example, offshore banking can give you the ability to bring your money back into your own country or your own possession at any point in which you deem fit.

 

As per eligibility goes, there are not as many restrictions as some UK expats and inpats may first think. In fact, every adult is eligible to have offshore accounts. What matters is your domicile and whether or not you are a citizen of the UK.  If you are a UK citizen then offshore banking is one of the best investments and decisions you can make. If you are not a citizen then you can often save yourself from tax trouble until the time comes where you do not get your monetary benefits from overseas.

 

Main Benefits of Offshore Banking

 

If you invest money in a particular offshore bank you can save yourself from tax limitations until the time comes when you decide to bring your money back into the country. Tax deferral is also offered by many offshore banking accounts. Even offshore bonds help you to save taxes until you no longer draw a benefit out of them. Thus, until the time your status is that of a high tax payer you can save yourself the trouble of getting that extra cash back which in turn will save you a fortune. Although the multiplicity of choices in form of investment such as OEIC’S, offshore unit trusts, personalized  and redemption policies can make the situation a bit confusing.

 

Many banks, insurance companies and other investment agencies are working under parent UK, US and European institutions. An IFA can be of help here. Though it is subjective to the country you go, in case you move abroad you may save yourself from tax issues if you cash in on the money you have invested abroad. Other than tax benefits, offshore banking provides you with an ample choice of funds to diversify your portfolio and you can also receive access to many expert fund managers that are not readily available in the UK.

 

In the case of expatriates and relocating to the UK, it depends on the UK tax regulations and is subjective to the tax treaties of the host country. Thankfully for you, expats generally avoid the problem of being taxed twice due to the treaties that are in place. This is why a number of affluent businessmen and beginner travelers are often advised to seek out the advice of financial advisors that are offered via opening an offshore banking account.

 

 Deciding on Offshore Banking and Choosing a Provider

 

There are about 30 offshore centers and since their regulation, compensation and supervision schemes vary, it’s better to take advice before investing. Offshore financial centers have revised and tightened their regulations and many are on the way of doing so, such as, the Channel Islands. While you do want to look into other options and opportunities out there, the offshore bank accounts offered in Jersey of the Channel Islands is becoming regarded as one of the most beneficial options out there. In fact, HSBC currently offers a number of varied accounts and investment options that are catered to UK Expats, and people looking to make the most out of their income in a legal and legitimate fashion.

 

When looking into opening an offshore bank account, you should make sure that the choice of investment is at par with the risk one takes. As an expatriate one must be aware of all the funding opportunities available. Advice from the financial advisor, as mentioned earlier, is a must .

 

Keep in mind that offshore banking is entirely legal, which actually surprises some people. However, gaining profits from any such assets transferred into the overseas account and failing to introduce this to the local taxation bureau is illegal and considered to be money laundering. Though many try to evade taxes through offshore investments, expats are advised to use offshore banking options legally.

 

Thus, it is profitable to invest offshore rather than evade taxes illegally. Such accounts can easily help you do so in a manner which the law recognizes. You can keep yourself safe, maximize investments and ensure your money is where you need it to be, when you need it to be, no matter where you are in the world.

 
If you are looking for more information in terms of the tax benefits of an offshore bank account or what services you are eligible for then you can take the next step and look into the services HSBC is offering.

Mercer’s New Quality of Living Report 2009

 

Mercer has just released their widely recognized quality of living survey and it has uncovered some pretty impressive cities and ways of living, as well as some devastating figures for some parts of the world. To view the report in full, as well as other figures relating to the report, you can head to the Mercer home page. However to see the full report you will have to purchase the guide.

 

Big Changes for Quality of Living 2009

 

There were a number of notable facts and figures released including the anticipated list of the top 10 places to live in 2009 and of course the 10 worst. Tokyo took over the top spot as the most expensive city in the world for expatriates, stealing the position from Moscow who held onto it tightly last year. On the other hand, Johannesburg was named as the cheapest place to live for foreigners.

 

What may surprise a few people is how relevant some Asian cities have become as they, along with some European cities, dominated the top of the list. This year brought about some major fluctuations compared to what people had become used to due to some major depreciation in currencies over the last year.

 

Overall Mercer’s quality of living report takes 215 cities into consideration and gathers their information via the help of governments and many international companies.

 

With that all said and out of the way, let’s get to the point and talk about the top 10 cities to live in for 2009, and of course the worst. As a bit of a warning, we all know that life is what you make of it. Some cities on the bottom of the list may not even sound too bad, while the top cities to live in could make you cringe. Take it all with a grain of salt.

 

Mercer’s Top Places to Live in 2009

#10- Sydney, Australia

 

Sydney is the largest city in Australia with just over 4.5 million people. The cultural attractions, laid back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and awe inspiring harbour are the main tourist draws for Sydney. The one negative is that Sydney was also named the world’s 15th most expensive place to live.

#9- Bern, Switzerland

 

It’s true, Switzerland isn’t just about chocolate. Bern has a population of approximately 128,000 people which makes it the fifth most populace city in Switzerland. The city boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is the medieval centre, and was also the home to Albert Einstein for a period of time.

 

#8- Frankfurt, Germany

 

The Germans had a big impact on this list overall, as you will see with the next few top cities on the list. Frankfurt holds the prize for being the largest financial centre in all of Europe and is the home of the German Federal Bank and the European Central Bank. Some of the biggest tourist draws are the towering, modern skyscrapers and the Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 14th century.

 

#7-Munich, Germany

 

Munich is the 3rd largest city in Germany and contains 1.36 million people. The city is most well known for hosting the Olympics in 1972 after miraculously recovering from the devastation of World Ward II.

 

 

#6- Dusseldorf, Germany

 

Dusseldorf is the telecommunications, fashion and advertising hub of Germany and is located directly on the Rhine. The biggest event the city holds is the Dusseldorf Karneval which brings millions of people to the city from around the world, and millions of dollars. The city also boasts the fact that it is a twin city of Cairo, Moscow, Reading and Warsaw.

 

#5- Auckland, New Zealand

 

Auckland is home to roughly 31% of the entire population of New Zealand. The city is nicknamed the city of sails because of the two gorgeous harbours that can be found here, Manukau in the South and Waitemata in the North.

 

#4- Vancouver, Canada

 

For years Vancouver has been seen as one of the best places to live and one of the cleanest cities in the world. The city is a proud centre for film production and shopping and boasts one of the most ethnically-diverse populations in the world.

 

#3- Geneva, Switzerland

 

Geneva is not home to an overly large amount of people but is widely recognized around the world. The city has a population of approximately 185,000 and is the home of a number of Red Cross and UN agencies. Diplomacy is the main theme and the city is also the origin of the internet.

 

#2-Zurich, Switzerland

 

Zurich is one of the richest cities in all of Europe and is home to some major international companies. UBS, IBM, Microsoft and Google all have offices in the city as Zurich is home to a dizzying array of cultures and multilingual citizens.

 

#1-Vienna, Austria

 

Vienna is officially the best city in the world to live in according to Mercer’s quality of living survey. Billy Joel has coined a song about it and it was the birthplace for both Sigmund Freud and Marie Antoinette. The biggest bragging rights for the city come through extreme political, cultural and economic strength.

 

Now onto the worst places to live in the world, statistically.

 

Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey Worst Places to Live

 

#10-Port-au-Prince, Haiti

 

Port-au-Prince is the capital of Haiti but doesn’t exactly offer a princely way of life. The cities approximate 2.5 million residents reside mostly in the slums scattered throughout. Tourism is still a major part of the city’s economy despite all of the political unrest.

 

#9- Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

 

Combined with nearby city Brazzaville, Kinshasa has an estimated population of 8 million. Other than the large population the city is most well known for the incredibly high crime rate including over 100 murders a year per every 100,000 citizens.

 

#8-Nouakchott, Mauritania

 

Nouakchott is the largest city in Mauritania and has grown quite considerably since 1950 when it was just a small fishing town. Now the city houses 900,000 people, most of which moved there to escape continuous droughts in neighboring areas.

 

#7-Pointe Noire, Congo

 

A city in Congo once again makes the list. Pointe Noire is one of the largest oil producing cities in all of Central Africa and is the second largest city in Congo. A number of tourists risk visiting the area for the abundance of surfing beaches even though violent crimes and carjacking are common occurrences.

 

#6- Sana’a, Yemen

 

Since the 6th century BC, Sana’a has been the home to a number of ancient buildings and has become a World Heritage Site. However, an increase of violent attacks on foreigners and the recent U.S. Embassy bombing has meant that it has been crossed off the list for many tourists.

 

#5- Khartoum, Sudan

 

Sudan has been the home for quite an impressive economic surge recently thanks to the oil money that exists in the country. It is located near the White and Blue Nile which makes for some beautiful scenery, but the city is overrun with corruption and a monstrous gap between rich and poor. 

 

#4-Brazzaville, Congo

 

Brazzaville was founded in 1880 by a European pioneer and is held up thanks to the tanning and textile industries. The nineties saw a wide range of civil wars and political conflicts and the city has yet to recover.

 

#3-Ndjamena, Chad

 

Ndjamena was founded back in 1900 by the French and now has a population over 700,000. The city has never been able to recover from the major damage that occurred during 1979-82 in the civil war and has been affected by rebel attacks as recently as 2008.

 

#2- Bangui, Central African Republic

 

Bangui was originally a French military post and now has a population of over 500,000. The city revolves around the manufacturing of soap, beer and textiles and is also home to archeological sites that have been labeled as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

#1- Baghdad, Iraq

 

Mercer has labeled Baghdad as the worst city to live in the entire world. It is built upon a very rich heritage yet is still affected by a severely high level of violence that has ripped large portions of Iraq completely apart.

In the current economic times it seems that everybody is struggling to find ways to cut down on their spending and make the most out of opportunities that present themselves. While the normal reaction to financial problems and a recession is to horde cash and cut back on spending, that sort of attitude and those actions tend to tie us down and add even more stress to an already edgy situation. In hard economic times we as people need vacations more than ever. Does that mean we need to take a second mortgage out on our houses or empty out the kids’ college funds for a luxury cruise or five star hotels?

 

Not at all.

 

In fact, a road trip to the next city over and a night in a cozy bed and breakfast may be all that you need to get away, gather your thoughts, and break free from the stress that is tying you down. The key is to continue to find ways to indulge in the things that keep us going, such as travel, while still keeping the bank account in the bank. So maybe that means no more 5 star all inclusive resorts in Jamaica or no more Disney cruise vacations. Yet, it doesn’t have to mean you give up your love of travel.

 

So where can you go in order to take advantage of the relaxing aspects of travel without breaking the bank? Here are some cheap travel ideas and destinations that just may provide the break you need. 

 

Cheap Travel Vacation #1- Canada

 

To be fair I know a lot of you already live in Canada so it doesn’t necessarily spring to mind when you think of a vacation, but it really should. There are not many places in the world that provide such a variety of attractions, climates, sights, and cultures. If you are American then it gets even better as you can take advantage of the 20% depreciation in value of the Canadian dollar over the last year or so.

 

Just look at some of the activities you can partake in and you will notice there is something to do for everyone all over Canada, throughout all times of year. With Adventurous fishing trips throughout the summer, some of the best skiing in the world in the Winter, the charming atmosphere of Quebec, the electrifying nightlife in Montreal, the rustic yet cosmopolitan feel of Vancouver, and the overall stunning beauty throughout all of British Columbia, there are an infinite number of things that make Canada the perfect, affordable vacation spot. Whether you are talking about a two week visit to a hotspot or just a weekend getaway, opportunities are endless in the land of the North.

 

Cheap Travel Vacation #2-England

 

I hear can hear the uproar now. England has never been considered a cheap travel destination and you would be hard pressed to find it on anybody’s budget travel list. But hold off before you before you get your knickers all in a twist. Recently the British currency has depreciated by about 30%, which means you will not be paying an arm and a leg for everything that you do there, like I once did. The fact is that this lapse in the strength of their currency makes visiting London and the surrounding areas more tempting than ever before.

 

Better yet, scurry off into lesser known areas such as Jersey, which is a spectacular place full of old fashioned castles, horse ranches that has an eclectic yet classy feel to it. If it is the big sights you are after then you will love the fact that there are a number of free things to do in London. Touring your way around sites such as the Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, the Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the House of Parliament will not cost you a single cent. You can even take advantage of historical museums and art galleries that offer free entrance and the cathedrals located in Westminster Abbey.

 

Still need a little more? Then venture out to spots that are growing in popularity thanks to the increase in affordability such as Cornwall and Devon, which offer some stunning seaside resorts and relaxing places to wind down. That is obviously a big change from the scurried pace of the big cities. Who really knows how long the British currency will be struggling, so it may be best to jump all over England and take advantage of the situation while you can.

 

Cheap Travel Vacation #3- Iceland

 

Ah ha, bet this isn’t a destination that came to your mind when you started reading this article but it will surely stick in your head from now on. At the moment it has never been cheaper to travel to Iceland and once you get there you will surely not regret it. At one point the nation used to be one of the most expensive countries to travel to in all of Europe and now it has turned to a completely budget travel destination. The Icelandic banking system has collapsed and the currency has dropped by a staggering 50%. Now, I am not one to celebrate the misfortunes of others or promote taking advantage of others while they are down, but if anything we know now that Iceland could use the help.

 

It has always been an attractive tourist destination as the land of ice and fire has more than enough to entertain even the pickiest of travelers. With blue geysers, waterfalls, deep green valleys, rivers, glaciers and volcanoes, it is a unique country that is incomparable to others. Whether you are the type of traveler that likes to lay back and watch nature work its magic or one that likes to get active with activities such as skidooing on glaciers, riding horses or skiing the slopes, the variety here never ends. With all the excitement of the sights and the sounds of nature, people often forget how lively the nightlife can get in Reykjavik as well. Better yet, the drinks are now a lot cheaper than what you are probably used to paying at home.

 

Cheap Travel Vacation #4- Slovakia

 

Slovakia would have had a much more prominent role in the world of cheap travel destinations, except that it just become the first nation from Central Europe to join Europe’s monetary union. Due to the fact that the Euro is so strong you definitely need to plan out a trip to Slovakia in full detail before taking off, but it can still be one of the cheapest places to visit when compared to its European peers.

 

Once you have factored in the Euro you will still be relatively surprised by the fact that five star hotels will only set you back 150 Euros a night, and that you can crash in a historic castle hotel for just 80. What better place to lay your head in Slovakia than a castle, considering the country has the highest number of castles per capita in the entire world?

 

Couple the medieval castles with gothic towns, stunning caves, vast national parks and all the lively nightlife and entertainment in Bratislava, and you can put together one memorable and affordable vacation. If you have your heart set on Europe but don’t have the cash, Slovakia is indeed one of your best options.

Cheap Travel Vacation #5- China
 

Chinese tourism has skyrocketed in the last couple of years as China has been opening its borders more and more and catering to foreigners in a new light. Major hotel chains and five star resorts have set up shop in the country which means that it has become a lot more comfortable to travel to China, yet it still has not drastically affected the price. There are a plethora of budget hotels strewn all over the country and even luxury hotels will not completely wipe out your bank account.

 

If you are willing to get in touch with the local culture and try new things then you are going to be able to save even more money on your vacation. Transportation is dirt cheap and the food carts that serve the cities are more affordable than the stuff you usually buy from the 7-11. There is also a wide variety of tours that consist of 10 days and 8 nights that will set you back less than $1,000 US including your flight. While tours tend to be a sin in the eyes of many, they are a great way to experience a lot of what China has to offer in a short time, while saving money on your vacation.

 

Cheap Travel Vacation #6- Australia

 

You could probably consider Australia the least affordable destination on the list simply due to the price of flights to the region. It still has to be considered on the list simply due to the fact that the Australian dollar is suffering. On top of that, I do not know anyone that doesn’t want to visit Australia at least once in their lifetime. Australia boasts prehistoric gorges, pristine beaches, barren deserts, a vast array of unique wildlife, an abundance of activities and a laid back way of life that many people dream of.

 

The fact that it is a dream destination is not a debated one, but how does affordability really come into play? It all comes via scouring the internet and harassing travel agents for flights. That may take time and may set you back a good $1,500 for a round trip ticket but then the good news comes in. Once you get there you are in the land of backpackers. Stroll around from place to place and lay your hat wherever the wind blows you. Grab a Foster’s at the local pub, snorkel near the Great Barrier Reef and get to understand why so many people claim Australians to be the friendliest people on earth.

 
Australia may not be as cheap as the other cheap travel destinations mentioned, but it can definitely get worse. Use some careful planning and take advantage of the free activities while you are down under and a trip to Australia can turn out to be a lot more affordable than you imagined.

Admittedly I am a little late on this news but it definitely still needs to be mentioned. JetBlue has officially suspended sales for their newly announced “All You Can Jet” deal due to overwhelming support and a rush to get a hold of these tickets.  To reiterate, the deal included as many flights as you could handle from September 8th to October 8th from and to any of the 56 cities that the airline serves, for just $599.

 
When the deal was announced on August 12th JetBlue let it be known that customers would be allowed to buy the pass up until the Friday night or until sales ran out. A spokesperson for the company has stated that the company does not want to sell so many passes that it is impossible for people to actually get tickets when they want them, so they put a halt to the sale.

 

All You Can Fly is a Smashing Success

 

Any scepticism for the deal that I pointed out in an earlier article needs to obviously be put aside. The deal was a smashing success, a brilliant campaign and an excellent marketing idea. JetBlue simply cannot be any happier with the way sales went and with how much publicity they received from all over. There were bloggers like Perez Hilton talking about it, twitter blew up about it, and NBC Today talked about it on and off. If you didn’t know what JetBlue was before you certainly do now, and that must have the point of the entire sale.

 

Insiders in the travel industry are still talking about it and acknowledging how surprised they are at how much attention the offer received. It was a truly creative promotion and creativity is something that we have not seen with airline marketing in quite some time. What may be the most surprising part of the entire all you can jet campaign was that no other airline jumped up or even attempted at matching the pass offered by JetBlue. There is some debate as to why that happened and why other airlines didn’t step up but many feel that it must be due to the very loose restrictions that came along with the deal.

An Unlimited Travel Deal That Couldn’t Be Matched

 

The point is that it would have been incredibly difficult for the “legacy” carriers to pull this off and put the plan into their complicated reservation systems. It would have been too complicated considering all the different partners the airlines have and all the different planes themselves.
While many people do admit that the loose restrictions affected the way many travelers could use the pass, the fact is that the deal worked brilliantly. People that bought the passes are excited, it drummed up a ton of business in what is known as the dead season for airlines and it got JetBlue’s name out there.

 

I would love to hear from more of you guys and especially anyone that purchased the pass. Give us your feedback on what you think of it and how you will be using the pass. I for one am praying that someone takes a whole month of work and travels from place to place for just $599. Imagine how thrilling a month long blog post like “30 flights in 30 days” would be? I guess I missed the boat on that one, sorry guys. 

An undiscovered wonderland, life ranges from modernity to modesty in Sweden. Where on one hand you have the trendy nightlife of Stockholm can keep you gasping for more, yet not far behind is Bohuslan where nature seems to be at its best, far away from thequick city life. And do not forget about the beaches. Yes, you heard me right. Sweden has a number of beaches. Beaches, national parks, museums, canals and an incredible standard of living.

 

Life in Sweden

 

The third largest country of Europe, Sweden shares borders with Norway, Finland, Denmark and the Oresund bridge. The population is estimated to be around 9.2 million, a majority of which is urban population.

 

It is a constitutional monarchy with a parliament in tow. It has a temperate and moderate kind of climate, which is incredibly tourist friendly. Snowfall is expected between January and March while July and August tend to be the most rainfall prone months.

 

Swedish is the official language of Sweden, which is quite familiar to Danish and Norwegian.  In terms of religion, the people of Sweden do not seem to follow any certain religion too closely. Studies reveal that from 45 to 85% of people can be classified into atheists while Roman Catholic and Muslim form the significant religions of the country.

 

Healthcare in Sweden adds laurels to the nation. Compared to Canada in a number of ways in terms of the low cost of health care, Sweden has mastered the art of health care with things such as the infant mortality being significantly lower while life expectancy is much higher. To cut it short, healthcare here is much better than most other developed countries and more affordable.

 

Swedes also have a rich taste in music and have a very rich cultural heritage. Also, worth noting is the fact that of late the people of Sweden have become very liberal towards homosexual relationships, with the latter having been backed by law.

 

Travel and Work in Sweden

 

Sweden rejected the Euro, quite out rightly, and has its currency by the name of the Swedish Krona. At the moment 1 SK = .14 USD. Sweden offers jobs in the IT industry, engineering, designs, human resources, education, sales and finance in particular audit and investments. The average salary is estimated to be around $52,000, but it may still vary due to factors like company, skill, education and job profile etc. The best way to find jobs is through the internet, namely via newspaper websites and personal contacts.

 

The cost of living in Sweden is relatively cheaper in comparison to the US and other European countries. It is cheap for students to stay and while they work part time they can easily make a simple living, but for those who are not staying as students it can be a bit expensive.

 

Housing in Sweden can be a problem, but if you register as a student it is less troublesome. Otherwise houses and property can be rented or bought through the state agents. Real estate websites also provide to be a useful solution.

 

Best Time to Move or Visit Sweden

 

The decision in terms of the best time to visit Sweden depends a lot upon the purpose of your vacation. If you wish to study in Sweden and continue your studies then obviously the appropriate time is according to the academic years. There are a variety of schools and colleges in Sweden. The most famous universities are located in Uppsala, Lund and Gothenburg. But if it is holidaying which is on your mind then the best time to be here is from June to August. Besides all the other attractions you can take advantage of you will also have a chance to enjoy the charm of the midnight sun as well.
Sweden is very well connected through the air, water, roads and rail. Via the sea you can connect to Sweden through sea castle and St. Petersburg. Trains are also the connecting lines between Sweden and London, besides air.

 

On the negative side a bit unfortunately, Sweden has an above average rate of crime in comparison to other European nations.  Overall though the crimes are not necessarily overly serious and things like consumer fraud contribute quite a lot to the crime rate. However the nation is also troubled by some crimes such as assault, sexual assault and hate crimes. At the same time crimes such as burglary, thefts and bribery are almost non existent within the nation.

 
Overall what Sweden offers expats is a comfortable life and an easy transition from the western lifestyle. The standard of living is quite high, housing is comfortable, jobs are aplenty, the health care is fantastic and the people are friendly. What many people do not fully understand is just how beautiful the country is and the staggering number of attractions, sights, and activities you can partake in within Sweden. The only way to truly understand is to vacation to Sweden yourself and see if a Swedish life is just what you have been looking for.

Imagine yourself being thrown in middle of beautiful landscapes, seductive beaches, serene mountains and beautiful waterfalls. That is just scratching the surface when it comes to what Venezuela has to offer vacationers and expats looking to start a new life abroad. While it isn’t always on the top of the list when it comes to most desirable places to live, it offers an exciting mix of eclectic culture and vibrant cities.

 
Venezuela is a tropical country located in South America and is bordered by Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia. Despite being a tropical country Venezuela has a diversified climate ranging from humid weather to glaciers which offers a varied lifestyle depending on where in the country you choose to vacation to or settle down. When looking at destinations for living abroad it can often be an added bonus for a climate to be diversified. While beach living is tempting, dry and hot weather all year long can be draining.

 
Lifestyle in Venezuela

 

The capital city of Venezuela is Carcas. The population is estimated to be around 27,030,656. It has the fourth highest birth rate in South America and houses about 252,200 refugees. The majority of the population is Mestizo and then about one fifth have a European lineage and another one tenth of the population has a lineage from Africa. There is no official religion, as in a religion that is recognized by the state, with the country. The official language is Spanish with more than 30 other local languages in use. The president is both the head of the government as well as the state and is chosen by the system of universal adult suffrage.

 

Venezuelans have developed a very urban lifestyle and has evolved to a majority of middle class citizens. Local beer, rum and coffee are the most popular beverages and North American music as well as a little South America salsa and Latin soul add a little spice to life. While the majority of citizens are middle class there are quite a few elites within the nation that have built their lives around oil and have quite a bit of pull with the government.

 

 Tourism in Venezuela

 

Carcas, Angel Falls, Gran Sabana, arid deserts, beautiful mountains and sandy beaches, Venezuela has a lot to boast. A cable ride to Sierra Nevada National Park is worth a fortune. If you find yourself in Venezuela then you do not ever want to miss out on taking a quick jaunt over to Aruba or Trinidad and Tobago also. Playa Colarada boasts of some world famous beaches and then Gran Sabana has some unusually flat mountain tops that are more than worth a visit. To cut it short the country has a dizzying array of attractions and sights. Venezuela is in no way one of those cookie cutter destinations where you find yourself doing the same thing day in and day out. 

 
Work in Venezuela

 
The currency of Venezuela is the Bolivar and at the moment of publication that the exchange rate is approximately 1 VEB = .000465 USD. The inflation rate is quite substantial and currently sits at 26% which obviously has quite an effect on the cost of living in Venezuela. The majority of jobs are offered within the service industry which includes employment sectors such as healthcare, retail, transport, education and of course tourism, seeing as it forms a vital part of Venezuela’s economy. The estimated average salary in Venezuela is 7,480 VEB which may vary depending on the personal factors which are not constant in all cases.

 
Job networking sites offer a good option if you are looking for jobs within the country. You can speak to local clients and connect with potential employers about the possibility of obtaining a full time job. However, in many cases you are better off simply saving up and heading to Venezuela, and then starting your job search from within. Companies and employers are far more willing to hire people in person rather than over the phone or via the internet.

 
Housing in Venezuela

 

Housing can be a bit of an issue in cities like Carcas. The prices vary according to the location and one of your best bets is to get yourself registered with the nearest consulate as soon as possible. The consulate can often help point you in the right direction for housing and accommodations and also help you take the necessary precautions. Venezuela is an earthquake prone country and is affected by torrential rains, so one must also take pretty serious precautions when purchasing property and housing insurance.

 
Crime rate in Venezuela

 

Unfortunately, Venezuela has the highest per capita homicide rate in the world. The violent crime rate is an issue of concern here with kidnappings, assaults and robberies occurring every now and then. Many harassment cases against U.S citizens have occurred and have raised a serious concern. The political climate is highly polarized and prone to violence. While this is the one side that is often seen by many foreigners, the issues are a lot more isolated than it appears. There are of course major areas of concern and you are advised to stay away. However there are also very safe communities and especially some safe resorts and areas for vacationers.

 

Travel in Venezuela

 

Venezuela is connected through a major air route connecting South America with the rest of the world and thus remains a very easily accessible country of South America. It lies just above the equator and is situated in a part of the world that enjoys relatively pleasant weather all through out the year. This does mean that there is technically no off season or peak season in terms of traveling to Venezuela, but still to be precise the best time to travel to Venezuela is from September to April, which happens to be the dry season.

 
Yes there are a few drawbacks when it comes to considering moving, living and working Venezuela but there are also a number of wonderful opportunities. While some destinations offer an easy transition for expats this is not necessarily the case for Venezuela. However that is what makes it so appealing for some people who are trying to escape their routine life and break off the beaten path. Countries like Costa Rica and Mexico offer completely foreign communities that feel just like a southern American town. A lot of expats love that accessibility but it isn’t for everyone. If you are looking for something a little different then you may want to consider Venezuela. Just keep in mind that research and preparation are keys for a move to Venezuela, even more than for other countries abroad.