Living in a foreign country was always an interesting and intriguing concept, but it seems that the concept of expats has been reaching new heights since the 1920s. After the First World War, people started migrating more frequently, and now you can find expats from different countries in literally every corner of the globe.
Paris used to be the main destination for these people, especially for American expats – remember Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Stein, and Dos Passos, among others – but a few other cities are just as popular today. People nowadays relocate to diverse areas, such as Andorra, to start their businesses. The assistance of companies such as MCA Assessors could be beneficial when you’re moving overseas to start your own business. So, what are some of the best cities for expats in 2019, and what are the places you should take into consideration as well?
London
Today, London is what Paris used to be back in the day. It’s the place where people from all over the world come together, mixing and matching, bringing in something new to the table every time they come here. London is particularly attractive to people from the United States because of no language barrier and affordable living costs.
Moving to this amazing city isn’t the easiest thing in the world, to be honest, but it’s doable if you plan ahead and know what you’re doing. You should take care of your visa – especially now with all that Brexit stuff going on – and make sure you’re actually allowed to enter the UK and stay there. Once you do that, it’s all about finding a job, a place to live, and packing your suitcases.
Panama
This sounds like a surprising choice, but the fact is that Panama has been one of the most popular places for expats for quite some time now. And if you think about, it actually makes a lot of sense – the climate, the people, the way of life, and the job opportunities: these are all the things that are amazing in this place, and that’s why it’s so appealing to expats.
Panama is another country that attracts people from the United States as they use the US dollar as their national currency too while living there is generally much less expensive. Finally, Panama has a positive tax policy towards expats, making this another reason for you to consider coming to live here as well.
Hong Kong
This place has always been mysterious and appealing, but it seems that its appeal is now more visible than ever. Hong Kong is an amazing combination of tradition and modernity, and it’s home to a staggering number of expats who just love the lifestyle here, as well as the opportunity to make some serious money they can’t spend that easily.
Another reason why Hong Kong is so attractive to expats is the fact that it’s an amazing place to raise a family. From an abundance of activities, your children could enjoy to a chance to grow up in a culturally diverse community, this is the right place for your loved ones. Also, people here value education quite a lot, and you might try to find an amazing education centre in Hong Kong where your kids will learn all they need to know and grow up surrounded by their peers from all over the world.
New York City
Similar to London and Hong Kong, New York City attracts lots of people from different meridians, and this place is particularly appealing due to a number of reasons. It’s probably the most famous city in the world, the melting pot of different cultures and nationalities, but also a place where you can always find a job and earn a paycheck.
Arriving in the United States might not be as easy, though, and it all depends on where you live and what visa requirements you need to meet. Start dealing with the paperwork as soon as you can, because these things sometimes take quite a long time.
Berlin
Germany is one of the most popular countries for all Europeans looking for a job, which is why it’s in demand with the expats. Berlin offers you a wide range of opportunities no matter how old you are, what you do, and what you’re into, so anyone can reinvent themselves here.
Another reason why this place is so popular is the laid-back atmosphere you can feel anywhere you look. Things are quite easy in Berlin – you have to work hard to make a living, but you’ll also have a number of things you can enjoy, from an organized public transport to a secured job you can do for as long as you want. So, start learning more about this place, and don’t be afraid to relocate here as soon as possible.
Wherever you decide to go, don’t forget that you need to remain flexible, because every city is unique and different, but also determined and focused on your goals, especially if you want to make your expat experience enjoyable and fun.
Love this post, and Berlin is even on the list. I couldn’t agree more that Berlin is one of the best cities for expats. I love the transportation system and the city will make sure you have enough money for your living, with or without work.
I lived in Panama for 3 years, wonderful country! Can wait to go back to visit!
Interesting list! All these cities are already overpopulated, which makes it difficult to find affordable housing and jobs there. So why would they be the “best” cities for expats in 2019? They are indeed beautiful and thus very popular, but I wouldn’t consider them good places to start a new life. Great to visit? Yea, but not to live there.
Surprised that London made it onto the list. If you are a very well paid expat then yes it is a great city! Totally agree that Berlin is great for expats but I have heard it can be quite hard to find accommodation there due to the demand.
I wasn’t aware Panama was a top choice. I am going to read more about this country. I love the list but I have realised that cities tend to tire you out. I would choose to live by a forest, something relatively quieter. But am surely going to visit all these before taking the quiet road.
Hhhhmmmmm…alright! I wish you could come live in Uganda as well….perhaps, your list would be re-written entirely….(hihi)
This is a really informative post! I would love to experience a few months in New York or Berlin!
This is a solid list! Another great place for expats is Bali – I saw a lot of digital entrepreneurs make their home there.
I was surprised to see that Panama was on the list! I’ve never been there but it seems cool to live, especially with the climate, the people, and the way of life. I’d love to choose to stay in Berlin. Love the culture and lifestyle there.
As a resident of New York City, I need to take that one off the list! LOL
I would love to visit Hong Kong and Berlin. The latter has so much good and bad history, and I would love to show our kids all of it!
This is a great list of cities for expats. I’m glad my city, New York City made the list!
My husband and I have considered Panama for retirement. We haven’t decided but we do love Puerto Rico, Mexico and somewhere else that isn’t coming to mind at the moment!
This is really great to keep in mind. I travel a lot and will totally use this list!
That is a great list. All lovely cities too. I need to keep this in mind in my travels!
I do find Panama surprising. I would even have thought of going there.
I agree with regards to Hong Kong. The family environment is everything, one of the countries I’d definitely relocate to.
I haven´t been to Panama but lived for a couple of months in London, Berlin and Hong Kong. Plus I have a love affair with NY – never tired of traveling there!
Panama is a good choice, but I would seriously consider Hong Kong too. I have three friends who moved there and they were very happy with their choice.
love berlin and panama! great list here 🙂
I’ve been to Hong Kong totally understand, everyone is so welcoming and it feels like home.
Panama did not cross my mind and it is certainly a surprising choice. We will definitely consider this. Thank you for sharing these recommendations.
I have not thought about living in any of these places as an expat. Cities are of no interest to me. So it is interesting to read about what would attract people to live there.
Panama doesn’t really surprised me since I heard a lot of good and positive things from there. My friend lives in Hong Kong and she loves the city very much, but, it’s expensive there. Lastly, you’re right about NYC. Start preparing your documents because it’s important to come and work legally there. Not just there. Everywhere in the world actually.
Panama is a definite surprise inclusion in your list which I didn’t anticipate. Have heard wonderful stories about NYC and other places from my cousins and friends. I think even Chiang Mai is quite popular with expats!
I’ve been contemplating becoming an expat for many years, but what has stopped me is the prices. I would love to live in NYC or London, but realistically neither of those cities fit my budget. I was relatively surprised that Panama made the list. I definitely wouldn’t complain about the weather! Berlin would be a close second for me. I fell in love with the city many years ago. Being based in Europe would also be very helpful in my career. You’ve inspired me to sell all my things, pack up and move!
I just went to London for the first time this summer, and I loved it! I agree — it’s an amazing place to explore during the summertime.
These are all beautiful cities. I’d love to live and work in New York.
Berlin and London are my choices if I were to move abroad. It would be nice to live in Europe for a change.
The positive tax policy given by Panama to expats is very enticing. Personally, though, my top choice would be London because I’d have no problem communicating with the locals there.