Earning & Spending

Practical advice on working, managing finances, and shopping in France as an expat. Topics include employment options, tax obligations, healthcare choices, and importing goods from the UK.

Big Differences Between UK and French Supermarkets

UK supermarkets offer vastly better online delivery and frequent special offers than French ones, which expats quickly learn to miss.

Commuting to the UK from France

How to successfully commute between France and the UK while managing work, taxes, and travel logistics.

Cost of Living in France

How your cost of living in France compares to the UK depends on your lifestyle and spending habits.

Earning a Living in France

Expats moving to France have several options for earning income, from running a gite to other work, each with different demands and requirements.

Expat Favourite Businesses in France

British expats in France often turn to self-employment because getting hired locally is tough, but starting your own business there comes with unexpected.

French Fashion

French fashion outside Paris is quite different from what British expats expect, with unfamiliar cuts and sizing that require careful trying on.

Getting English TV in France

Watch English TV and listen to British radio while living in France with these affordable options, from on-demand streaming to satellite services.

How to Choose a Mutuelle

Get guidance on picking a mutuelle in France and understand what top-up health insurance actually covers for you.

Importing a Car Into France

You'll need to re-register your car and meet French safety rules when moving from the UK, or face fines from police.

The New Autoentrepreneur Scheme

How France's autoentrepreneur scheme is making it easier for expats to start their own business.

The Recession in France

France weathered the 2008 financial crisis better than most countries, partly because fewer people owned homes and banks avoided toxic debt.

Understanding the Different Tax Laws in France

How France's tax system actually compares to the UK and what expats really pay on property and income.