7 Best Websites For Expats Living Abroad

A move to another country can feel both exhilarating and daunting at the same time. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a professional relocating with family, or a retiree, you’re bound to have questions. You’ll need to know where to find accurate local information, how to navigate healthcare, or how to get along with your new neighbours. When you need answers fast, where can you find the best expat websites?

At William Russell, we’ve been helping expats with their healthcare for over 30 years. Through this time, we’ve asked our team members about their personal opinions and gathered what they’ve heard from our members. They’ve highlighted certain websites as high-value resources for expats. Read on to find 7 websites to make your life as an expat a little easier.

1/ William Russell

Since we’re the ones writing this article, we’ll start with ourselves. William Russell is an international insurance provider, catering specifically to expats.

We started as a family-run business in 1992 and have become one of the leading providers of international health insurance, international life insurance, and income protection insurance for expats living across the world, from America and Australia to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Over the years, we’ve dedicated three decades to understanding the unique challenges expats face, from navigating healthcare in a foreign country to ensuring financial security for their families. We offer comprehensive and flexible insurance plans, as well as a personalised service.

But you might be wondering why an international insurance provider would be a great source of information for expatriates?

Here’s why William Russell stands out as one of the best websites for expats:

We know what expats want because we speak to them daily. As an insurance provider, we pride ourselves on our human touch. All our customers get an individualised service – they’ll interact with only a handful of people. This means our policy managers often get to know our members personally.

Likewise, many of our members have been with us for 10+ years. By nurturing these positive relationships, our customer care team can relay common queries back to our content team. It’s how we create articles, expat guides and resources that are useful for our members.

But our resources don’t stop with specific countries. We know you need more information to help you plan your international relocation, whether it’s your first, fourth, or fourteenth time.

We also provide in-depth guides on:

• The cost of living – From Bali to Kenya, you’ll get specific guides per country where you can see the cost of living to help you budget accordingly.
• Best cities for parents – We designed this guide to help both expecting parents and families with children decide which city is best for them. You’ll get insights into the best cities for safety, education costs, childcare services and more.
• A work abroad calculator – Want to know how much you can get paid for your job in a different country? This guide can help you figure out if you can increase your income while you enjoy a change of scenery.
• Best countries for expats – Looking for the best country for you? Look through our expat index to discover which country could fulfil both your needs and dreams.
• A relocation calculator – A resource to help you estimate costs and manage your budget before your move to a new country.

We understand your travels might take you to a place where the standard of public healthcare is poor. That’s why we also create comprehensive guides on protecting your health in various countries.

For example, you can check out our guide on how to find the best health insurance while living abroad. If health and safety are your major concerns, you can read up on the healthiest diets or see which countries are the safest to live in.

We also create comprehensive guides on healthcare in specific countries and how to get health insurance in each one. You can see if it’s worthwhile to get private health insurance in countries, such as Nigeria, Mauritius, The Philippines, Laos and more.

It’s not just a matter of reputation; it’s a commitment to our members. Our dedicated in-house editorial team diligently reviews and updates our content, ensuring that what you read on our website is both current and reliable. We’re committed to staying a trusted resource for you and our global community.

In addition to our website, you can find a lot of great information on other popular sites. Here are six more that speak to your expat lifestyle.

2/ InterNations

InterNations offers an online space for expats to network. On their site, you can share advice and experiences, find local events, and access information relevant to your international relocation and life abroad. InterNations aims to make life easier for people living outside their home countries by fostering community among its members.

Reasons to check out this website

1. Worldwide connections – InterNations has an extensive global community, allowing users to connect with others in over 420 cities worldwide. Their regular events turn online friendships into real-life bonds, making every new city feel a bit more like home.
2. Detailed city insights – Their city guides give deep, local insights. Whether you’re wondering about daily expenses in Dubai or common greetings in Hong Kong, InterNations probably has the answer you’re looking for.
3. Active forums – InterNations forums are full of shared stories, tips, and advice to help you adjust and make new connections in your new home. If you have a question and can’t find it online, just create a thread on the InterNations forum.

3/ Meetup

Meetup is an online platform (available in English and 10+ languages) that enables both in-person and virtual group gatherings around shared interests and activities. Expats navigating a new country can connect with local groups with specific hobbies. From language learning sessions to professional networking events, Meetup lets expats find and engage with communities in their new locale.

Reasons to check out this website

1. You can specify your interests – Meetup caters to a broad spectrum of interests. Expats can find groups focused on tech, fitness, language exchanges, and more. With Meetup, you’re bound to find people with shared passions in your new country.
2. Virtual and real-life expat community – While Meetup offers virtual communities, many groups also host in-person events, facilitating real-world connections and interactions.
3. Worldwide availability – Meetup is present in many locations around the world. Whether expats are in major cities like Paris or smaller towns like Montepulciano in Tuscany’s wine country, there’s a good chance you’ll find a group to suit you. If not, you can always start one!

4/ Expat Forum

Expat Forum makes it easy to tap into the shared wisdom of locals in your area. Similar to Reddit, but specifically for expats, Expat Forum has a huge digital footprint, with countless active forums to participate in.

Reasons to check out this website

1. Millions of posts – Expat Forum boasts over 3.4 million posts on a variety of topics. These discussions allow users to gather information and actively participate in exchanges with experienced expats.
2. Tailored by country – The platform offers sections dedicated to individual countries, from Spain, France and Germany to Canada, Mexico and New Zealand. Wherever you’re moving to, you can find advice, stories and information specific to that location.
3. User-driven authenticity – Expat Forum thrives on its community’s active participation. Users don’t just read about expat life: they’re part of a dynamic conversation. Expats can share successes, challenges, and everything in between, which adds a layer of personality to the information available.

5/ Expat Focus

Expat Focus is a comprehensive platform for individuals living abroad, offering helpful resources, articles, and forums. It covers topics ranging from relocation advice to local insights inside a supportive community. You can share experiences, ask questions, and learn about your new environment with other local expats.

Reasons to check out this website

1. In-depth, lengthy resources – Expat Focus offers extensive country guides, sometimes up to 100 pages, ensuring users have all the detailed information they need.
2. Human touch – The platform regularly sources content from in-depth interviews, giving a personal touch to the experience of living abroad.
3. Diverse content formats – Beyond written content, Expat Focus also publishes regular podcasts, so users can hear directly from expats worldwide about their unique experiences.

6/ Expatica

Expatica is an online platform with resources that cover the many details of relocating and living in a new country. You’ll find information on local regulations, traditions, job listings, and housing services. It also posts up-to-date news on your chosen country and has forums so you can connect with other users. 

Reasons to check out this website

1. Local news for expats – Expatica keeps expats in the loop with real-time local news, ensuring you’re always informed. While there are many news sites out there, Expatica always writes with the expat in mind – so you might read some stories that mainstream news sites might not report on.
2. A broad range of topics – From understanding complex tax systems to cultural norms and LGBTQ+ rights, Expatica provides comprehensive coverage on a wide range of topics, making it a valuable resource for expats seeking diverse insights.
3. Active forums – Like many of the websites on this list, Expatica has active forums where members can interact with other expats and build new connections. This is particularly helpful for solo expats, who might be going to a new country where they don’t know anyone.

7/ Expat Exchange

Expat Exchange is a comprehensive online platform designed to assist expats in navigating the challenges and opportunities of living abroad. You’ll find resources, like country-specific forums, advice columns, and articles on expat life, such as real estate, healthcare, and cultural adjustment.

The site fosters a community where expats can share their experiences, seek advice, and connect with others in similar situations. It makes the transition to a new country smoother and more informed.

Reasons to check out this website

1. User-generated content – Expat Exchange thrives on its community-driven content. With expats globally sharing their personal stories, the platform offers genuine, firsthand accounts that provide both insights and a sense of camaraderie.
2. In-depth country reports – Beyond personal stories, Expat Exchange offers comprehensive reports on different facets of expat life, from healthcare systems to cultural subtleties.
3. Forum and Q&A sections – Expat Exchange features active forums and Q&A sections, facilitating direct interactions among its user base. This provides real-time assistance and discussions, enabling new expats to get instant advice or feedback from locals with deeper experience.

Stay informed with the best expat websites and get connected in your new home 

It’s tricky navigating life in a new country, but you’ll find your footing in no time with the right resources. The websites we’ve highlighted offer accurate information and real-world insights to make your transition smoother. 

Wherever you go, go with total peace of mind

At William Russell, we have over 30 years’ experience helping expats like you find the best places in the world to move abroad and settle into their new lives overseas by providing world-class international health insurance.

Making the move to another country can be challenging. But no matter where you go, you can take one thing off your mind. William Russell offers global health insurance that covers you for everything from minor injuries to long hospital stays, and we can even offer medical evacuations to patients who require treatment in other countries where it’s not available locally.

We hope you find the expat life information you’re looking for. This article is only for general information. We’re not affiliated with any of the listed websites (except our own). We’re an expat insurance provider, so we can’t provide professional advice on moving abroad. If you want to know more about expat life, please seek independent advice.