As you all know, this site is dedicated to everyone interested in international living and expat life in France – not just for American citizens. But today we celebrate the national holiday of the USA, Independence Day. America turns 242 today – ever since the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The US very much would not be a country without the economic and military power of France – essential for the American victory in the Revolutionary War. I encourage you to read about General Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette, and “Democracy in America” by Alexis de Tocqueville. Thomas Je ..read more

Happy Canada Day to my Canadian expat readers! I welcome everyone to explore the beautiful and diverse country of Canada – a country with a lot to offer and some of the friendliest people in the world. I went to British Columbia for the first time last summer – Whistler, Squamish and Vancouver. Amazing and I totally recommend it. Stay tuned to website updates! cheers, Michael ..read more

Over the coming months, I’ll be revamping this website to enhance content and design. Part of that will include partnering with individuals and organizations who share my vision to help current and prospective expats in France succeed. My friends at Taxes for Expats are part of that effort, and they’ve written a piece I think will helpful for you. It is the dreaded tax season, after all! Please leave comments and questions to the article below, and be sure to check out their website. Merci! Michael Tax Tips for Americans in France   We at Taxes For Expats often get asked to explain tax f ..read more

Bonjour! A recent article, below, revealed a strong lobbying effort on behalf of French US citizens in France to be exempt from US tax obligations. How many of you are impacted by the current tax regulations FATCA? How many of my readers are US citizens and want to weigh in? Comment below and feel free to share. French ‘Américains Accidentels’ get boost from en Marche party leader By: Helen Burggraf And Adrien Paredes Van Heule | 26 Feb 2018 A recently-formed French-American lobbying group, l’Association des Américains Accidentels, has received potentially-significant support in its battle a ..read more

The U.S. State Department just sent out a travel alert for Europe from now till Jan. 31, 2018. They want to make sure American citizens in Europe are especially vigilante about their travel plans and surroundings (especially holiday festivals and events), as there are ongoing terrorist threats in Europe. I encourage you to go visit Europe – you’ll be thankful you did. Or, if you’re moving there or have just moved there – don’t worry but do be cautious about public gatherings. Don’t let this keep you from enjoying une bouteille de vin with your friends. I’ve included the main contact informatio ..read more

When you live in France as an expat, one of the most important topics that has a lasting impact on you is taxation. We all hate it, but it’s an essential part of the expat experience. Plus, it funds important services for healthcare, retirement, education, infrastructure, etc. I recommend you hire an accountant to help you with taxes, because of all the regulations, codes and exceptions. But these links and guides below can be a helpful start. A map of world currencies (Gerry Rea Partners) Here are some key links: Main French government website for taxes UK guide to taxes on foreign income U ..read more

Bonne année and Happy New Year! Best wishes to you all for 2017. I’ll be posting a lot more this year. Expatica has a good page dedicated to France’s public holidays in 2017. As you may know, the French tend to look forward to May every year, particularly if those holidays fall close to weekends so they can “faire le pont” (bridge the weekend); i.e., if the holiday is on a Thursday, take the Friday off and make it a 4-day weekend. It is indeed glorious. You can see a brief review here below. French national holidays January 1: New Year’s Day (Jour de l’an) April 14: Good Friday – applicable o ..read more

The Economist is one of many publications profiling former French President Nicolas Sarkozy following his recent announcement that he’ll run again for the 2017 French Presidential elections. Excerpts below. What do you think of this possibility, and of the burkini ban controversy? Mr Sarkozy formally announced his decision in a new book, “Tout pour la France” (Everything for France), published on August 24th. The next day he was due to take to the stage in the south of France for his first campaign rally. Mr Sarkozy’s platform, as outlined in the book, is a hallmark mix of economic liberalis ..read more

The Local France has an interactive map of where to find gas (petrol) stations that have supplies. They also have a map of where the gas shortage is being felt the worst. The Economist has some essential reading from May 27 that covers the recent mayhem including more than 2,300 petrol stations that are either dry or rationing portions. Travel wisely and be safe. I’ll be Tweeting updates from my handle @AmExpatFrance ..read more

France strikes – taken from The Economist (link below) Essential reading from The Economist (May 27) Article here focuses on all that is going on in France. Update May 27 from US Embassy Paris: Full link to travel advisory “…The following strikes have been announced for the week of May 30: Rail – The national unions which represents rail workers renewed their call for strikes limiting rail services along the TVG, RER and SNCF networks. An “unlimited strike” is scheduled to start at 9 am on Tuesday, May 31 for a period of at least 24 hours. Paris-area Public Transportation – The union repr ..read more