When it comes to earning a living, the stark differences in minimum wage laws can be a deciding factor for people contemplating a move abroad. For Americans looking to work overseas, salary comparisons with European countries shed light on how…
A totalization agreement is a bilateral agreement between two countries that coordinates their social security programs to protect the benefits of people who have worked in both countries. These agreements are designed to address issues that arise when a worker…
Tipping is not as common in France as it is in many other countries, including the US or the UK. In fact, tipping in France is very relaxed for all concerned. This is because service charges are usually included in…
If you’ve spent even a fraction of your life in the United States, you’ll notice that tipping has been ingrained in so much of our culture. From grabbing a quick coffee to getting a haircut, we’re used to seeing the…
France is one of the most popular places in the world with Americans to live either for a short time or permanently. The American Embassy in Paris estimates that there are about 150,000 Americans currently living in France. Given that…
If you’re living in the United States, the idea of moving to Europe may be appealing, but it also comes with a lot of unknowns. New experiences, cultural immersion, and personal growth are all seemingly on the horizon with a…
Deciding where to retire involves more than just choosing a location. It requires careful consideration of financial, healthcare, and legal factors. It also forces you to think about some personal considerations, such as defining your well-being, willingness to step outside…
The retirement age in France has recently undergone significant changes, being raised from 62 to 64 years of age, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s social and economic policy landscape. This adjustment has not only sparked considerable debate within…
Finding employment in Portugal as an expat is a common aspiration for many seeking a change of scenery and lifestyle. Whether motivated by career opportunities, retirement plans, or simply a desire for a new adventure, working in Portugal can offer…
In the heart of Northern Italy lies the picturesque region of Piedmont, renowned for its stunning and diverse nature, profound historical roots, and unbelievable cuisine. For English-speaking expatriates seeking a slice of Italian life, Piedmont offers a myriad of elegant…
In 2024, Southern Europe showcases a fantastic list of best cities to live, where life is more than a picturesque postcard; it’s about community, innovation, and tradition. Every year, My Dolce Casa looks at the latest quality of life index…
Picking the best country in Europe to live in 2024 in isn’t always easy because you have to weigh up a lot of things, from how strong the economy is to what the weather’s like, and many other factors that…
Calabria, known to many foreigners as “Italy’s toe,” is nestled in the southernmost region of mainland Italy. This affordable region is perfect for anyone looking for the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, beautiful seascapes and landscapes, and a rich historical…
Getting a good job in France as an English-speaker from a non-EU country can be quite a challenge, because French and European citizens typically have priority in employment. The good news is that the French job market is very strong.…
Nestled in the heart of Italy, Umbria is one of the best regions to live in Italy and it has become especially popular with English-speaking expats. It often flies under the radar, overshadowed by its famous neighbors to the north…
Imola, an EU citizen from Budapest, Hungary recently bought an apartment in the beautiful region of Liguria, Italy. She agreed to share with My Dolce Casa the details of her experience and her advice for other expats aspiring to purchase…
The average monthly rent in France, in US dollars, for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,200 in 2024, while a three-bedroom house for rent costs on average $2,200 per month, nationally. In Euros, the monthly rent of an average apartment in…
As the smallest of all Italian provinces, Liguria is perhaps not as well-known to expats as many of the more popular regions of Tuscany, Puglia, or Sicily. Known as the Italian Riviera, the region stretching over 180 miles along the…
In the eastern part of central Italy, Abruzzo sits sheltered by the Apennine Mountains, separating it from much of Italian society. The region is truly unique, with untouched landscape of nature, beautiful, spontaneous cities built on hillsides. For anyone looking…
How you view Paris as a tourist and living in Paris a resident are two very different things. Paris is the most visited city in the world, welcoming more than 40 million tourists every year. During the summer months there…