living overseas - any advise?

[tarafied1]

Well, I've been going to Brazil for years now. This past two weeks it has been apparent how fast the economy is growing here. My company is expanding and our customers are building new plants. I think they said the market is growing 5% a year. They desperately need experienced people. They asked me if I would be interested in a two year assignment in Brazil training people. Any body on here an expat or lived overseas? Not sure what to expect.

[AzPete]

Take it.....send back the VW parts I need......

Been over seas two different times, 1 year each but that was with the Air Force. A bit different having a full military support system to help when needed.

Biggest thing I always heard from those that have done as you are considering was security/safety because no matter what.....you are the outsider.

[RustyRed]

You get tax breaks if you stay out of the country for a year or more, you can earn a good deal tax free actually.  You have to watch the rules though...you are only allowed to visit back home for so much time in a given 12 month period.

I've kicked around moving overseas if I could find a job somewhere that agreed with me but not to get the tax break.  I sort of think getting out of her before the current crew in charge really gets going might not be a bad idea.

[Mach1ne]

Along with security, be sure to consider health care.

We had a guy get into a car wreck in South America.  He ended up in the hospital with a broken leg and arm.  They just left him in a bed and did not bother to set and cast the breaks.

After two days of not being tended to he ended up crawling out of the hospital, got to the street, flagged down a cab to the airport, and flew back home to get medical attention.

As stated, he was an outsider and they really did not care what happened to him.

[RustyRed]

http://taxes.about.com/b/2009/07/25/tax-planning-tips-for-working-abroad.htm

[Mustang_Charly]

I have been living in Germany for 23 years. My comments:

1)You need to decide now whether you want to just stay for a limited time (2 years like you mentioned) or whether you might consider to stay longer. The longer you stay, the farther away you will get from "home"

2) Learn and use the language (if you don't already know it), it will be your best opportunity ever to do so.

3) Hope that no member of the Bush family ever gets elected to be president again. It was not fun being an American overseas for many, many years.

4) Don't advertise the fact that you are an American, remain humble and considerate. If things get hairy and security looks like a problem, just tell the bad guys you're Canadian, they may leave you alone.

[tarafied1]

Thanks guys. The security is not so much an issue in Brazil in terms of feelings towards Americans. In fact they love Americans! I am treated like royalty in Brazil and Bush never did anything to piss them off. It will be pretty hard not to stand out as I, my wife and boys are all light skinned and blonde haired. Security in places like Rio are an issue just due to poverty and the violence there but that goes for anybody even other Brazilians. Health care is a question I need to look into for sure. I can speak some Portuguese but my wife and kids don't. There are a lot of US companies in the area including Caterpillar, Ford and GM. They told me they even have an American school for my boys in San Jose dos Campos which is where I would probably live. Thanks for the tax info, that is one of the big questions I had.

[AzPete]

No Mustangs are allowed. I think you should let me babysit it for you....Coupe owners have to stick together.

[tarafied1]

No Mustangs are allowed. I think you should let me babysit it for you....Coupe owners have to stick together.

I may have to take you up on that because I sure don't want to take it over there, the roads suck and so so the drivers. If it didn't get stolen it would get smashed!

[AzPete]

Noted.....looking into storage now..... :lol

[janschutz]

I would happily move one of my coupes out of my garage for yours to have a place to stay.  Or I could park it in one of the barns on my 50 acres, but they have dirt floors.  On my to-do list to get a slab in at least one of them.

[AzPete]

Hey, Hey, Hey......stop buttin' in one my dealings........... :craz :lol

[jpyoung]

I you're seriously considering the move, talk to someone who has done it (in Brazil.)  Preferably someone with a family.  I've lived overseas all my life (Panama,) and there are always going to be surprises.  Tuition for your kids may be as expensive as sending them to college in the US.  Will you need a work permit?  What kind of support will your company provide? They may pick up the cost of school, housing and other incidentals.  Talk with a tax guy who knows about the foreign tax exemptions/exclusions.  There are certain things you have to do to qualify.  Like I mentioned before, talking with someone who has done it in Brazil will be invaluable.

Living overseas can be a great experience for you and your family.  Let them have some say in the decision.  It is definitely going to be a real change from living in the US.  Whether it will be a positive experience depends a lot on your attitude.  If you look at it as an adventure, it probably will be.   

[tarafied1]

Great advise. I will need a work permit. My company moves people a lot so I can talk to some of those that have done overseas gigs. The company may even provide tax help.

[silverblueBP]

I may have to take you up on that because I sure don't want to take it over there, the roads suck and so so the drivers. If it didn't get stolen it would get smashed!

Craig, you don't want to leave that beautiful car in that salt ridden old farts ville called Florida....I have plenty of room in my barn where it will stay clean and out of the salt air.

[AzPete]

Craig, you don't want to leave that beautiful car in that salt ridden old farts ville called Florida....I have plenty of room in my barn where it will stay clean and out of the salt air covered with a nice layer of owl crap plus it will learn to be slower than a PT.

What he is really saying.....

[tarafied1]

seriously, I will need to consider what to do with the car. I don't like the idea of it just sitting for two years.

[lethal289]

seriously, I will need to consider what to do with the car. I don't like the idea of it just sitting for two years.

Ill come get it, and make sure it gets some use.  :craz

[apollard]

Just cleaned the garage. AND I promise to replace the tires before you return (they'll need it)!

[GrabberOrange69]

Lived overseas 3 times, all in the Orient.

Go for it.  You'll never regret it, an experience af a lifetime.

+1 on learning the language - it makes for a much better experience.

Bryan

[guruatbol]

I've got room for your car and I can trailer it to the shows and cruises.  It will get run for sure!

Mel

[apollard]

OK, I can see it'll be necessary to up the ante.

I'll take the Ele-coupe on that Power Tour you've been talking about, and send DVDs of the great time your car is having.

I'm just here to help out :)

[tarafied1]

OK, I can see it'll be necessary to up the ante.

I'll take the Ele-coupe on that Power Tour you've been talking about, and send DVDs of the great time your car is having.

I'm just here to help out :)

Hold up a minute, I appreciate all the offers but I'm going on the Power Tour! Of course your welcome to come along!

Seriously, a lot of things have to happen so I don't see it moving too quickly. The biggest hurdle right now is my North American bosses. I suspect they won't want to give me up for two years so easily. Anyway, all good advise guys and I'll keep you informed. I'm back home now and I got a few fuel fillers waiting to be modified. Got to get to work!

[guruatbol]

Ok, well, I guess I'll have to through in some great photos of your car at Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyons.  8x10 glossy with frames!

 :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

Mel

[tarafied1]

okay, now your talking!