Here are 10 tips to guide you back. Please share your comments.
1.Culture Try to find a cultural society for the area that you are considering relocation to. Regular attendance at meetings and events should give you a flavour of foods, fashions, etc. Read widely from the local and national newspapers. Be prepared to be treated as a 'foreigner'. You are advised to keep negative opinions on culture, religion, or language to yourself.
2.Accommodation You should visit the country for a stay of at least six months in order to explore the community and experience potential property in reas of interest. In short visits, stay in self contained rental property in order to assess the dynamics of the property markets.
3.Property Generally, buying may be better than renting. Property markets are dynamic and many transactions are settled in cash, although mortgages are becoming more available. Estate agents will be able to advise on local markets, schools, amenities and business opportunities. Have a lawyer secure and register your certificate of ownership (equivalent to UK freehold) or review rental agreemenrs. Expect to pay 1 year rental deposit and 1 year rent in advance. Negotiate payments in local currency, so as to reduce your foreign exchange risk.
4.Transport You should plan for a budget car, preferably of Asian make as they tend to be more durable and less expensive to run in spare parts and servicing costs than European models. American models do not generally do well. 4x4 vehicles suffer very heavy consumption of fuel and spare parts on Africa's uneven roads. Diesel fuel may be scarcer than petrol, but can be used with your diesel generator. Some markets, e.g Nigeria, ban importation of cars that are older than 10 years. It may be less troublesome to buy imported cars locally. Original spare parts are often available from authorised dealers at European price levels.
5.Utilities You should plan for a small diesel generator, unless you are technically able to install renewable energy sources (a strong business opportunity). Plan to install electric water pump and storage tanks. It is safer and less obstrusive to install tanks underground. You will need electric surge stabilisers and uninterruptible power supply units on your electronic equipment.
Here are 10 tips to guide you back. Please share your comments.
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dapo ogunniran dublin, ireland January 14, 2008
This is one of the most impressive article i have seen on this website, alaran is really letting people know is the son of the soil, and his ideas are worth considering, believe it or not, this man is giving us the insight into what we need. keep it up, you really command respect.
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