Thinking of moving to Cyprus

[Narj]

I can be in Raro, Fiji, Ozzie, Tahiti, and lots more in less than 5 hours so it seems we can all play "how does geography work?"

Regardless, anyone can be on the other side of the world from wherever they are in 24 hours or less.

While I was working in Australia I thought going to NZ would be like visiting Dublin from London - I wanted to go to Queenstown for a weekend. Welp, that was a shock - didn't end up happening.

No wonder I got a D in geography.

<dunce emoji>

EDIT: Yeah, long-haul really sucks though, even in business class. Don't enjoy it at all these days, even the US is a pain.

 

[BongoHunter]

Why not just move out of London to a town further out in the south east - you instantly save a decent wedge on your cost of living, and private schools are cheaper. Public services are still crap - but are marginally better than what you'll find in the capitol (apart from public transport).

All it costs you is a crap commute if you want to keep your London job.

We moved out of London a couple of years ago for the same reasons (high income household - but pretty small amount of disposable left at the end of the month) and it's worked out ok, we both go into London a couple of days a week, but get to put our daughter into a great private school and live in a big house in a green and quiet part of the world a short drive from the sea side.

Beers £2 less per pint in my local as well than I used to pay

 

[j4ska]

Hope you're going to civilised part of Cyprus

 

[413x]

Yeah but not exactly short hops like Europe is here, heck UK to most of the USA, Canada, Caribbean etc is quicker than NZ to Tokyo for example. If you like travelling and seeing the world NZ doesnt seem like the best place to emigrate to.

Its probably the but that's hardest. Yeah. Even though Indonesia is close. It's still a long ass trip.
Especially as our metacor projected maps make it look closer than it is!

Its a fair point though. I should probably look at cost of flights from NZ to places like south America etc.

Although I doubt I'd be so desperate to get away if the weather/country etc is just better.

Although.. To get to lofoten takes about a day. And I wasn't too bothered by that. So I don't mind the long travel time.

 

[Buddy]

I would watch this movie graph and it is related so crack on, sir.

I shall post in the nhs thread when I have some time.

In the interim have a look up Dr Steve Taylor on Twitter/website/socials

 

[Buddy]

Ah for doctors yes. But in general the grass is definitely greener than the UK's scorched earth.

As I said previously life is an adventure and if there's an opportunity to try something abroad I'd always suggest to go for it.

I'd agree with this. I should have added a *requirement : that you're open to other cultures and beliefs. That you're open to adapting. The UK tends to live in a bubble.

 

[Freefaller]

I'd agree with this. I should have added a *requirement : that you're open to other cultures and beliefs. That you're open to adapting. The UK tends to live in a bubble.

Oh the world is an amazing place. I feel sorry for those that haven't had the opportunity to live/see other parts of the world and only know the UK. I'm lucky to have been born into a multinational family, although I do come from humble roots (grandparents were the archetypal French peasants) and similarly my MiL here in Malaysia comes from very humble background.

The one thing they both have in common is family and their values. I've learned not to need much in life and so this is why I spend my efforts in seeing the world with my children to give them the experience that I got.

I desperately want to go and live abroad again, it's just finding the opportunity that is the struggle at the moment and I want somewhere with some interesting cultural elements rather than just doing it for money, but also somewhere which will help my children thrive.

 

[Begbie]

I'd agree with this. I should have added a *requirement : that you're open to other cultures and beliefs. That you're open to adapting. The UK tends to live in a bubble.

The uks incredibly diverse. If anything Cyprus is far more of a bubble than the UK. There is little in the way of diversity there, certainly not like the UK.

I do agree that it you want to move to a different culture, you should be adapting to whatever country you move to.

 

[Freefaller]

The uks incredibly diverse. If anything Cyprus is far more of a bubble than the UK. There is little in the way of diversity there, certainly not like the UK.

I do agree that it you want to move to a different culture, you should be adapting to whatever country you move to.

Agreed Cyprus is 100% more insular. But if you can see past that then it's superb.

 

[Freefaller]

Yes, I think some do not understand this,
I always said if someone has not experience things like this they do not understand.

They only know what they have experienced this goes for everything in life.

It is what people have been born into.

You can only go by your lived experiences. Vicariously experiencing new cultures and different perspectives is nigh on impossible.

 

[jpaul]

yes - vicariously visiting isn't the same as living somewhere either, living put's the differences in stark perspective, once you've opened that box you can't forget
(to wit - the Island off India where Modi will expose the isolated tribe to Indian ways)

moon mans right that in the right place is can be a perpetual vacation..

destination NZ - yes, but can you live both close to sandy beaches (big waves vs Med though, unless you're a surfer), and easy access to ski resorts/mountains, cycling, fell running;
local crags are limestone on Med, but,as Osgood said, nobodies perfect.

 

[Narj]

You can only go by your lived experiences. Vicariously experiencing new cultures and different perspectives is nigh on impossible.

Yeah I feel a bit sad for people who are just watching travel vloggers on YouTube rather than experiencing it for themselves. Nothing like being immersed in a different culture and having to murder the local language trying to get by!

 

[jpaul]

lol - gmc report 1/3 of doctors thinking of moving abroad in next 12month ... but only a small undiscosed % did so over last year
r4today interview a doctor in NZ ... hmmh yes you have to travel that far if you don't have an appropriate foreign language, destinations are limited

 

[BongoHunter]

Yeah I feel a bit sad for people who are just watching travel vloggers on YouTube rather than experiencing it for themselves. Nothing like being immersed in a different culture and having to murder the local language trying to get by!

That's why stuff like Erasmus was so good - theres really something to be said for getting out into completely foreign environments when your still young.

I didn't get to do anything like that or backpacking when I was younger, but I did get to work all round Europe in the couple of years following graduation - the benefits were huge, I was a bit of a shy geeky type through uni, but the experience of being repeatedly thrown in at the deep end with work all over the place gave me a very high level of confidence that I could do just about anything I wanted by the time it came applying for subsequent jobs back in the UK.

It really showed by the time I was mid twenties as I was out earning all my uni peers well into my 30s despite being pretty middle of the pack during my studies - businesses value those kind of soft skills immensely.

 

[ristac]

We brought a 3 bed apartment in (Greek side) Cyprus 20 years ago and sold it last year. The original intention was to retire there or spend extended periods.

Negatives- Flights are between 4.5 and 5hrs, cars are extortionate to buy, the heat and humidity can become unbearable, electricity is on par with the UK, build quality of the apartments and homes are shockingly poor.

In the winter it does get very cold, you’ll still use lots of electric keeping warm as the heat escapes rapidly through the concrete walls. Internet is improving but don’t rely on it if working from home.

Dust, dust and more dust through the hot summer. Be prepared for water cuts, it happens regularly apart from supplies to the hotels. Water out the tap is often desalination and tastes awful, bottled water is another expense.

Since they joined the Euro, eating out and a weekly shop is no cheaper than the UK.

We wanted a better quality of life so we’ve moved (Feb this year) to a very rural village, surrounded by nature and wild life. I work from home during the week, a 1hr commute once a week to work.

For us the dream of living in Cyprus was far greater than the harsh reality. We found those brits who loved it best were the ones who enjoyed the local expat bars every evening.

Cyprus was going downhill fast as they were taking all the money Russia could throw at it, that’s got better.

 

[Freefaller]

You have a very different experience than we have when it comes to food. We spend half the amount on food for a family of 4 than we do in the UK. But we behave like locals (since we ostensibly are).

You're right about winter getting cold though it's not built for it. And electric is expensive but as I said before it's a monopoly there. Renewables are struggling to get a hold in Cyprus. It's only really AC that costs a lot if you set it to 25-26 it's actually quite cheap.

Flights aren't an issue it's a very short flight and you have access to a lot of interesting countries as a short hop.

I do agree with the Russia open visa - however since it's been reversed it's slowly improving but it is certainly an issue. I mean they don't even speak Greek and barely a word of English.

 

[Rifte]

Everytime I consider moving back to the UK, friends and family jump on me with a plethora of reasons why I shouldnt return in the near future.

I tend to come back to the UK every year, but as a tourist.......and as a tourist I love it.....however working and generally living? Doesnt sound great.

I left in 2015......and am considering come back after 5 to 6 years to retire.

 

[Priapus]

The grass isn't always greener and the UK is still a great place to raise a family. We made the decision recently to return to the UK from the US due crazy living costs and the US in general just not being culturally compatible with us.

It all comes down to personal beliefs and circumstances. We're moving to the UK in a few months, for family. South Africa is no place to raise a family. So from our perspective, the UK is far, far better option for us. Also all our family are there. So that helps.

 

[Priapus]

I believe the UK is the most corrupt country in the western world maybe in the entire industrial world.

London is the money laundering capital of the world. That's why property prices have been rising, they will never fix it. Shell companies have been the main method.

Tax payers money being delivered to the wealthy. Your working tax money it going directly to those in power. You are being ripped off and you aren't even aware of it.

This is why I partly think the UK is finished.

Though not a Western Country.. South Africa wants you to hold its beer. We're #1 when it comes to corruption. So brazen about it, we don't even hide it anymore. Just Google "South Africa corruption" to get an idea. It has literally destroyed the country.

 

[Dr House]

Sorry got really busy and have not been back here



Its still an early thought and by no means will definitely happen but im looking into it and it may not be for ever maybe until kid is done school who know.

not been cyprus for around 8 years but it was expensive once the euro ruined it.

Its still very cheap compared to the uk.

I guess the main thing is eligibility to move there? I know a guy on here, i forget his name moved to Crete/Corfu (guy who used to live in Vietnam) but i'm not sure how Cyprus operates as it's split i think between Greeze and Turkey. I recall you lived in Prague years ago, so not worth considering something around there? Imagine there's some stunning lakes in the Czech Republic and might be able to use any language skills previously picked up.

Tax could be a bit weird if you're living in one place but working in the UK, probably need some advice on that.

Other factors would be career opportunities for your children? Unsure what it's actually like in Cyprus but i imagine prospects are much better in the UK career wise.

My partner and kid have EU passports

so not such an issue, It would not be forever and we would end up moving back to the uk for uni, I just feel as a child my kid will have a better

childhood there and the schools are not bad.

Sounds like you live beyond your means.

yes and no, we dont spend lots but at the same time, I am educated, I work hard so does my partner and I just feel middle-class life should be better than this.

Cyprus is a place you retire to with a secure income, not a place you move to thinking you can make an easy living compared to the U.K.

I dont know, think your kid and play on the beach, live in a house with a pool and go to a good school. It feels like a good family place to me.

I would not be looking to generate income there. I would just do a little remote work and fly back for a few days a month of work in the uk. Also I have a decent house and a flat in Zone 2 which would give decent income.

I have a friend who moved there 2 years ago, they just moved back this month actually and is glad to be back. South Wales no less, they can't be coming back for the weather!

really, did they not like it out there?

I have a lot of friends there which probably would help.

Best things Dr House has done based on GD internet advice:

1. Moved to St Albans (didn't work out)
2. Bought an M6 (didn't work out)
3. Bought an amazing property which I think he designed? (didn't work out)
4. Got married (didn't work out)
5. Decided to post 12 month late pay requests because he wasn't being paid (actually, this did work out when everyone was like "how can they pay you if they don't know you worked?")

I look forward to hearing great advice which Dr House will probably act on and then look even further forward to the resulting "guys, it didn't work out" thread.

1 looked at a houses in St Albans but decided to move closer to my parents and bought a 6bed house in south london,
2 yep bought a M6, did not love it, but also bought a I8, GT4, 911 (well around 6 of them), 335i (x2), Macan, cayenne, Z4 35is, Panamera (x3) and a couple of more exotics, What do you drive?
3 i did not buy it, i built and designed it, 6400sq, and sold it because it was where my ex wife was from and i had no connection to the area.
4 well **** happens, got a new partner and a kid now so did nto work out too badly
5 took them to court and got paid, they knew i worked but did not want to pay me because i put in my time sheets a few months late.

I think a lot of people are thinking of moving to another country, me included.
I feel just like you, I have no motivation to do anything in this country and what I pay for I get very poor returns.

Yes , the NHS = crap, and I just don't see why I should stay here. Everything is expensive and everything is of low quality.

I have been slowly deciding the country, As you say 60% of tax is just so much.

I have told my boss I wanted double pay or I am moving. MS have offered me a job at
a new location near Bayswater. I am negotiating my contract with my current boss and MS. I have told them I like to work remotely in southern Europe see if they offer what I want.

I think Cyprus has low tax.

This is the issue, if you are in the 100 to 150k income range life is just not that good here, I am lucky to be where I am but just feel like things could and should be better.

e: to add

6. Went to Gibraltar (didn't work out)
7. Bought a Cayenne (didn't work out)
8. Stored a pram in a cycle shed (didn't work out)
9. Had a joint bank account emptied by his ex (didn't work out)
10. Considered moving to Birmingham (didn't work out)

He's basically an apex godking by this stage.

6 Gib, went for a interview there many years ago and was not ideal due to my professional development needs and how they ran the departmnet
7 kept the Catenne in the family for about 4 years
8 well its got wheels and we have 4 or 5 huge cycle rooms in the basement with not too many bikes, now the building has one of the basement storerooms for this purpose
9 well divorce is messy, but I worked out ok in the end.
10 did move to Birmingham due to NHS just sending us anywhere they want but it was only a year.

Don't forget his most recent practical advice to a man looking for a regular priced kitchen. Dr House suggested a bespoke artisanal cabinet maker who has a £50k buy-in just for units.

BS,

The DIY Kitchens around 10k for a good size kitchen
wwwhandmadekitchensofchristchurch.co.uk - they have a 50% sale 3 times a year, fully bespoke and a 1200 unit costs the same as a 600 unit so if you are smart withe the design you can get a amazing bespoke kitchen for 30% than DIY ktichen and still less the Wren kitchen

Siematic, well thats more but the have a very good contract range.

You get your residency after 5 years, or you can buy a house for €300k and get residency straight away.
Then you can work for a Cypriot employer, if you wanted to.
But, any children not born there would need to- buy a house for €300k - or work for a non Cypriot employer(unless they have more than 50% non eu/Cypriot? Employees), when they turn 18.
Or something along those lines

The girls both have EU passports so not a huge issue.

I'm desperate to move out. There's not much for me here. Just difficult getting an opportunity really and moving a whole life.

Feel like living here is a big waste when I like the outdoors but hate the UK climate.

I would be happy with colder or warmer. Not this constant gloom and overcrowded country.


Doesn't help that standard of living is going down unless you can severely out earn the downturn.

Agree, The weather is a big part of what I dont like here, I love to be outside but not a fan of wet damp weather, Prague was nice because we had super cold but bright winters and really good summers.

Think it was Cyprus a couple of years back a journalist exposed some government corrruption and ended up being blown up in her car. (or Malta maybe?)

that was not Cy but belive me there is a lot of underworld crime there.

You don't need to speak Turkish. Greek does help though, certainly breaks down barriers.

Things are quite bureaucratic there unless you know how to play the system.

Cost of living is good there. The food is amazing. Driving standards are awful. Good healthcare. Things are slow don't expect things to happen quickly. Things like Amazon will feel like a luxury because it doesn't really work there.

Happy to give you some ideas and tips as a semi local if you want @Dr House

I'm also planning my escape if I can.

Thanks, will keep it in mind. Deryneia is where I have in mind due to friends, school and my friends having kids the same age as mine.

Dr.House are you British, or are you an EU citizen? Post Brexit this is very important as it impacts the ease with which you can emigrate and find work within the EU.

sadly I had the option of a Czech passport but never thought about brexit lol By my partner and child have a EU passport

That was definitely Malta.

Cyprus is not a place I would move to. I had a girlfriend from there though she was from the Turkish part; which highlights one of the reasons I wouldn't want to make it my home. That and when I was there last year I came across far too many rude Russians!

If OP does insist on moving somewhere like that then I'd much rather move to Crete as it's nearer, the whole island is Greek and it's easier to get farther away from the mass tourist areas.

Cy was because I have a lot more connections and friends there, plus flights are much cheaper and more frequent.

Isn't Cyprus full of Russians with all those cheap residency rules?

it is but only in a few small areas.

Are you sure about NZ? You're going to be pretty isolated there. Plus Mags will be perched in a tree with binoculars, peeking through your bedroom window!

I have amazing job prospects in Nz but its too isolated with very poor quality expensive housing, plus the weather is just like the uk.

Australia is much better but I am so close to my dad and he is in his 60's now and dont want to nto see him often.

Still can't get past OP complaining about paying tax and complaining about poor schools and healthcare.

It's almost as though the quality of the latter depends in some way on the former!

dude, im ok with paying taxes, but when you are past the 50% mark it feels a little too much and then when you combine it with poor services and the press full of stories of billions being stolen by friends of the politicians its a little more irrtating.

50% tax and good public services I could live with.

We used to live happier lives, often with a lot less. I think it's an interesting topic and a complex one, with many factors. I don't think it is just the UK that suffers with a decline in happiness, but in the UK we feel it more because the cost of living is so high. We are just squeezed so hard in the rat race.

I think back to times when I moved into my first house. I had a TV, a Christmas tree and a single brown sofa and could barely pay rent. That was my lounge. No curtains. But we were happy. We had hope to the future.

Life has got so much more complicated. The stresses of living a modern UK life takes its toll. I think we are also always going to see a lot of negativity from the typical forum goers on OCUK. The average age tends to be older, and we have first hand experience of how times of old were easier, happier etc. This skewes the view a bit.

- Going out anywhere, doing anything, just costs so much.
- Less disposable income to do anything anyway.
- We are over populated and running out of space. Everything is busy. You have to book to do anything, which means you have to plan, which feels stressful and too formal. You can't just do things on a whim anymore.
- The UK is built around roads to really get anywhere (outside of London). They are in a dire state and capacity is an issue.
- Socializing is at an all time low due to tech/internet and the above cost issues of leaving the house. A nasty cycle.
- Parenting skills/ideologies are allowing kids to grow up entitled and not knowing how to behave, affecting school and hence education
- A shift towards a society where free speech is becoming less and less free
- Cut backs to the police has meant irrepairable damage to society and what people are allowed to get away with. Crime is up.
- Anger in people. Everyone seems to be on the edge of pulling out an axe and losing it.
- The high street is dying in the majority of towns which feels like a big loss to the UK itentity
- We have become reliant on imports for everything
- We pay monopolistic corporate animals for all our subs and services, and don't tend to buy local, because local businesses can't compete. Bad cycle again.
- The wealth divide to the super rich grows more by the day
- The housing market

good summary really,

It'

As a Medical Doctor you'd have a lot of opportunity there but I don't know enough about the industry to know if you'll need to do any courses etc to convert or demonstrate capability. It's an EU country so will follow EU guidance (which is helpful as.it means you can move around the EU easily to do the same thing).

GPs are always busy there but far more efficient and effective than the UK. Healthcare in Cyprus is great. If ever I have a niggle whilst I'm out there I always go and they sort me right out. You get x-ray results same day and you actually keep a copy of it too. You can pretty much on a whim see any specialist from an ENT to a midwife to an Osteopath same day pretty much. Medical doctors can earn well over €400k in Cyprus depending on experience and seniority.

Yes my friends are doing so so well out there but I dont speak greek so chances are I would not work there.

OP my 2 cents;

The UK and the NHS is in a dire state but the grass isn't greener on the other side.

Stop locuming. Doesn't have great prospects with the way things are going (PAs/de-skilling/opportunities) you will find with no post grad training under your belt, you'll struggle to get decent work abroad (few assumptions there).

Locuming has its place but you need to commit to an area you enjoy and passionate about. Start training. Consultants just got a great pay rise.....

I do Agree, I do a mix of work, NHS locum, private UCC and I was a leadership fellow until recently. Thats the only thing that would hold me back as I could get my CCT (via caesar) in about 2.5 years now which would give me much better prospects.