Virtual teams the new working abroad?

The ‘rules of engagement’ for a virtual team:
A virtual team has the potential to be a powerful resource within any organisation, but its complex dynamics mean that it must be structured with care to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts that can arise from its virtual nature and the cultural differences of its members. The following list sets out some of the key areas to address when setting up a virtual team.

• Leadership
• Purpose
• Roles
• Culture
• Communication
• Conversation
• Feedback
• Pace
• New members
• Weaving
• Participation
• Team Building

Find out more about our virtual team training program and how it could benefit you and other members in your team or business.

Find out how we can help if you are moving or working abroad
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Working Abroad - 10 mistakes made by expats

Ten Worst Mistakes Made by Expats:

Gavin Pluck, European director at Guardian Wealth Management, warns of the 10 worst mistakes people from the United Kingdom make when moving abroad:

• People often underestimate the cost of living in a new country by assuming the cost of essentials in a new country will be comparable to those in their country, but countries like Switzerland can be far more expensive than the UK.
• Likewise, correctly estimating moving costs means taking into account foreign exchange rates, as well as fixed and one-time costs such as legal fees, expenses for purchasing and renting property, and local administrative fees and taxes.
• Being in new, exciting surroundings may lead to overspending to take in the new cultural experience, without keeping enough funds on hand for emergencies.
• To meet financial obligations retained in the UK, expats need to factor in exchange rate fluctuations, and should try to obtain a six- to 12-month fixed exchange rate when possible.
• It is equally important to understand the local tax system and how taxes will affect the family budget. An experienced international financial advisor can help develop a sound financial plan.

Other important legal and financial considerations include:

• Updating wills that will be recognized in the new country of domicile.
• Setting up an overseas bank account to avoid excessive bank charges for domestic payments.
• Informing the HMRC by completing Form P85 to avoid having to pay taxes in both the UK and the new country of residence.
• Life insurance policies should be checked and updated to be sure they provide coverage outside of the UK.
• National insurance contributions to pensions set up in the UK must either be maintained if planning to return later in life, or an alternative pension plan should be set up.

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Working Abroad - UK Income Tax

UK Creates Tighter Rules for Expats' Income Tax

Under a proposed rule, British non-residents who work more than 20 days a year in the United Kingdom will be subject to taxes on their worldwide income, according to a report by Arabian Business. The rule could take effect on April 6, 2012, and signifies the country's efforts to tighten residency rules to boost tax revenue, according to Spencer Lodge, regional director at PIC deVere. HM's Revenues & Customs has issued a consultation paper on the planned rule, which considers individuals who spend more than 182 days in the United Kingdom as residents who are responsible for paying income tax. In addition, expatriates who spend between 10 to 182 days in the country would be tested for non-residency status based on factors like whether family members live in the United Kingdom, housing, and employment, Lodge said. He added that the new rule could affect thousands of expatriates from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region of the Middle East. The Institute for Public Policy Research Data estimates that 5.6 million UK citizens currently live abroad permanently while 500,000 do so temporarily.

MENAFN.com (07/28/11)

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Working Abroad as Expats

Singapore now more expensive than Hong Kong:

According to human resource firm ECA International, it said the Singapore dollar, which has surged by more than 10 percent against the US Dollar, pushed the city-state to third place above Hong Kong, with Japan and South Korea remaining the two most expensive countries.

ECA International carries out a survey twice a year by measuring a basket of common items purchased by expatriates in more than 400 locations globally, such as dairy produce, vegetables, clothing and meals out.

The survey does not include housing, utilities, car and school expenses as these items can make a significant difference to costs but, the firm says, are often compensated for separately in expatriate packages.

“While we are seeing price increases in a number of Asian locations, the main reason for Singapore’s rise in our ranking over the past 12 months is the strength of the currency,” says Lee Quane, the firm’s regional director.

He said allowances paid to protect the purchasing power of employees on long-term assignment in Singapore are now higher than those paid to international executives posted in many other financial centres.

In the latest ECA International survey, carried out in March, Singapore had leapfrogged Hong Kong to occupy sixth position in a list of the 10 most expensive Asian cities.

Tokyo was followed by Nagoya, Yokohoma and Kobe, while South Korea’s capital Seoul was ranked fifth. After Singapore and Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and South Korea’s port city of Busan were the most expensive Asian cities for expatriates.

Globally, Tokyo heads the top 10 list followed by Oslo, Nagoya, Stavanger in Norway, Yokohoma, Zurich, Angola’s capital Luanda, Geneva, Kobe and the Swiss capital of Bern.

(Original Source : TODAYonline)

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Working abroad - coming to the UK?

Are you thinking of moving to live and work in the UK?

Go to our newsletter 'worldwise' to find out more by clicking on this below link:

Coming Home to the UK?

You will also find some great articles and resources at Ukresident.com by clicking on the below link:

http://www.ukresident.com/content/articles/working-in-the-uk

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Working Abroad - Asia Pacific export guide

Great Asia Pacific export guide from the British Chamber of Commerce - Global Trader publication:
http://www.exportguides.co.uk/asiapacific

Are you thinking of living or working abroad?


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Working Abroad - Packing Tips and Know-how

Great article on ' packing tips from travel pros' click here
 www.nytimes.com/2010/05/06/business/06PACK.html

At expatknowhow we advise the following:

• Be clear on the type of trip you are taking and therefore what may be needed – location/weather type/air-conditioning/walking/entertaining/health needs etc….. 
• Plan the best type of luggage to use case/backpack and properly label and ensure the case is easily distinguished with a strap, ribbon or colourful tape. Many cases look the same when waiting at a conveyor belt. 
• Be clear on what items you may be able to buy that are cost effective when you get to your destination. 
• Plan your wardrobe; try to create a capsule set of items that can be mixed and matched and easily interchangeable and also try to choose items that do not easily crease or are easy to wash. Try to minimise footwear/bags by choosing a neutral colour that will go with everything.
• Plan your items and find a dedicated space to lay them out in advance of the trip. Or if space is an issue put the items in the case/backpack loosely as you think of them so they are all in one place when the time comes to pack. 
• Be clear on airline weight restrictions and carry on rules. Check the airline website. 
• When packing; place the heavy items at the bottom of the case (shoes/wash bag etc.) so that light items are on top and don’t get crushed.
•  Decant or buy small items of toiletries, many makes today have travel size options. 
• Make use of shoes and heavy items at the bottom of the case by filling with socks/underwear/swimming costume etc… 
• Wherever possible pack clothes in a tight roll and pack into a space tightly, this will minimise creases and crush marks. 
• If space is a serious issue then it may be worthwhile to vacuum pack some items. 
• When going to a cold country wear any heavy items boots/coat onto the plane to save the space and weight in the case. 
• Be prepared and always have a spare change of clothes and any spare glasses, medicines or contact lens solutions (be clear on the airline liquid restrictions) etc.. in your carry on luggage, as these may be needed in case the flight is delayed or you miss a connection or if the cases don’t arrive at the final destination.

For much more information on working and travel across cultures - click here to subscribe to our newsletter worldwise


Are you thinking of living or working abroad?
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Working Abroad - Business Link to China

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) have recently launched 'LinkToChina' – the new UK-China business match-making project launched by the BCC and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (The Chinese Chamber of International Commerce).

Go to this link to find out more details:

http://linktochina.tvchamber.co.uk/

Are you thinking of living and working abroad in China?

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Working Abroad - Creating a home in your new host coutry

Wherever I lay my shell, that's my home...

Imagine being able to walk out of your house whenever you get fed up of the wallpaper, or want a different view from the window – and simply take over another one that takes your fancy. Business as usual if you happen to be a hermit crab.

Hermit crabs come in two families – Paguridae and Coenobitidae – and are one of nature's travelers. They're not weighed down by mortgages or material possessions. If they wake up one morning and feel like it, they don't have much planning to do before they're on their way. That's probably why hermit crabs are found all over the world with the exception of the Arctic and Antarctic.

Of course, when non shell-dwellers like ourselves travel, accommodation is important and does require planning - whether we are organising a short term trip or a long term move.

If you are relocating and need to find the perfect roof over your head, expatknowhow can help - see ‘creating a home in your new host country' for more information.

In fact, it turns out that even some species of hermit crabs need to plan ahead a bit; the symbiotic relationships they form with sea anemones is a bond so strong that when the crab moves home, it takes the anemone along too!

Are you thinking of  living and working abroad?

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Working Abroad - Money Matters

Organising your finances when working abroad:

When going to live and work abroad you will need to get your financial affairs in order.

Have a discussion with your employer to fully understand how they will be paying you your salary and discuss the best options for you.

You could start by going to your bank to find out what kind of service and advice they can offer you.

It would be advisable to use a bank that has an online banking facility, so that even if it takes a while for you to set up internet access in your ‘new home', you can obtain access to your account from your office or an internet café (take care though when using an unknown internet source and ensure that you log out and delete history when finished).

Remember to notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be conducting transactions from abroad, as some expats in countries considered to be susceptible to fraud, have found access to their accounts blocked.

Many major banks have branches in many countries worldwide, where you will have the use of the facilities such as safety deposit boxes (for a fee) and advisors that you can talk to. Some banks also have offshore bank account facilities, located in places such as Jersey and the Isle of Man, specifically catering to the expat community; these offer a large range of services that cater to the expat needs.

Click here to find out about the current Lloyds TSB International Premier account £100 cash offer when you open an account by 20 March 2011 and for access to the Lloyds TSB International Premier Account Application Form.
http://www.expatknowhow.com/menus/main.asp?PN=Financial

Decide how you will handle credit card bills as many expats have ended up with ruined credit histories or high charges for late payments. Once your credit rating is ruined it can take years to put right and can have serious implications in the future when looking to take loans or buy property.

Look into the best savings options for you, at home and overseas.


Are you going to be working abroad as an expat?

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Are you going to be working abroad in China or India?

Do you want to be connected to whats going on in these countries?

Then click on the below link for articles from The Economist.
http://www.economist.com/countries/India/index.cfm

Would you like to know more about Chinese or Indian culture or living and working abroad in China and India?

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Chinese Cultural Know-How

As promised here is the 2nd area of information on Chinese Cultural know-how:



Gestures and body language:

• The Chinese are not keen on physical contact, so be sure not to pat or slap a colleague’s back.

• Body posture should always be formal and attentive, as it shows you have self-control.

• When business cards are exchanged, present and receive cards with both hands and take time to read the card you are given. This shows your respect.


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Do you want to work abroad as an expatriate?

If you want to be posted to live and work abroad for your company - what do you have to do?

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), fewer companies are sending their employees abroad on work placements nowadays, and those who are being relocated for employment assignments are being less well remunerated and rewarded for their relocation.
Companies across the globe have had to slash staff, cut costs and rein in spending in an effort to remain in business. Therefore, is it unrealistic to think that you can expect your company to give you an overseas assignment?

The recession has not stopped new markets from emerging – what’s more, it has not stopped any business anywhere in the world from wanting to remain competitive.

A survey of executives and companies across 77 nations globally by the EIU revealed that 40% of all companies really wanted to increase their expatriate workforce.

Therefore, you can assume that there is a desire to have strong, well - experienced staff relocated overseas to develop new arms of your company’s business abroad. What’s more, it’s a fact that there is demand for expatriate staff, particularly with strong management experience for example, in many business sectors in the likes of China, India, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Russia…

The number one factor holding companies back from relocating staff according to the EIU is a financial one. And when you look more closely at the report from the Economist Intelligence Unit you discover that the placements that have been given aboard even during the recession have been less well paid than before.

If you really are very keen to move to live and work abroad, and you want to get an assignment from your current company, you have to sell the idea to them and sell yourself as part of the package. To do so you need to understand where their reluctance may come from – i.e., it’s a financial issue – and you need to be able to counter any of their arguments against your move with excellent reasons why you are actually the ideal candidate for the relocation.

Happy Relocation.....

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Expat relocation tips

Are you going to be living and working abroad?
Are you concerned about the possibility of identity fraud...
I heard last week of a lady preparing to leave the UK to go and live and work abroad, who hired the services of ALLSHRED. Allshred are a secure shredding and recycling company based in Oxfordshire http://www.allshred.uk.com/. She was concerned that if someone got hold of her old disposed of documents that they might have the possibility to steal her details and identity.
Have just added this to my expat relocation support tips list for future clients. Great idea.

Happy shredding!

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What to know when moving abroad to live and work?

When moving to live and work abroad there are many things that you will need to consider and know.
Visit http://www.expatknowhow.com/menus/main.asp?PN=Country to find out know-how and links to other useful websites.
17 topics you will need to review about the country you will be going to live in:
•History
•Economy
•Type of Government
•Value systems (the basis for behaviour)
•Language
•Legal requirements
•Business Practices (time, negotiating, entertaining)
•Protocols (Greetings, titles, gestures, gifts,dress)
•Security and Safety
•Health
•Transport
•Holidays
•Electric current and plug type
•Currency
•Time zone
•Country calling codes
•Weather
Be at home all over the world...