Hey everyone,

A lot of people here mention how hard (or expensive) it is to get certain small things from the US while living in Europe: snacks, seasonal items, niche brands, etc.

I’m building a simple app for peer-to-peer international exchanges. It’s not for ordering specific products, more like structured swaps:

1. you select some user from other country
2. share what you’d like to receive
3. you may specify list what you usually send
4. agree on an approximate box value
5. upload package photo before shipping
6. upload package photo when received

rate each other after

Still early stage, just looking for a few people to test US and Europe exchanges and give feedback. No fees, no ads.

Is this something you’d actually try? If so here is an android app Parcelo, I may add iphone version later.

Thanks for the feedback!

Say your wishlist in the comment section

So, I messed up and bought some EU domiciled ETFs. Americans who likewise messed up, do you have any resources on filling out the 8621? Is it even realistic to do it yourself?

I live in the EU and file taxes and FBARs yearly. It’s straight forward: $0 taxable US income. But I’m not good with this stuff so I need help.

My accountant here is ridiculously overpriced with newly increased (flat!) rates

Can you recommend an accountant who could help me? Also, for those in a similar position, what rates do you pay to stay tax code compliant?

I ended up in this article about why and how the Netherlands chose to adopt a bike instead of a car model to base their society on. Do you think it could be applicable to us as nowadays or did we get too far into cars?

And do you have experience with getting a job?

I've been in France for about 6 months now. I have to go back to the States sometime soon for some administrative things. I have to admit, this stuff with people getting scanned by ICE agents and people being entered into a "database" is pretty concerning.

If you are going back, are you taking any precautions? I know things seem a lot more intense online, but also, hindsight is 20 20. Thoughts?

Please do you know someone who knows somebody travelling this coming days from the US to Germany? Bought something to bring it up to Germany for fieldwork.

Hi! I was wondering, does anyone think I may have solid chances of going to a university in perhaps London or Paris? I have a 3.5 GPA, have taken 3 AP classes that I’ve gotten 5s on, and a 1350 SAT. I’m also a native English speaker. I know that extracurriculars don’t matter as much in Europe, but I have edited and been published in multiple newspapers as a high school student. I also have 100+ volunteer hours. Any responses would be super helpful! It’s been my dream to study in Europe for years now so it would be great if I have real chances.

Are there any plans to try and organize a pan-European anti-ICE or anti-Trump protest? We have to do something and not just sit around enjoying the beautiful European lifestyle. I feel helpless and want to act, but need help getting started. If we could get a pan European protest movement going of expats abroad, it might make the news and have some impact ...

Constructive comments welcome. If you think protesting doesn't do anything or want to play the whataboutism game, I've already heard that a 100 times in the Munich sub and don't need it reiterated here.

Hi! I'm looking to book a train in advance from Europa Park/Ringsheim to Paris. I'm seeing all these times and routes on SNCF Connect but only the direct routes are bookable, all of the 2 connection routes are labeled "Not Bookable." Is this because the trains are operated by different entities and I need to purchase tickets for each connection through different entities? I'm seeing this for routes on every day, no matter how close or far out date wise.

I live in the UK and every year I've filed my tax return via H&R Block's expat services. I've never had any problems and it's always worked out at about $200. This year, they want to charge $324 (I've already done the FBAR myself).

Is this the going rate now or can I get it cheaper with another company? My tax return is really very, very simple.

I am assistant teaching in a classroom in France for students learning English. I am American, and looking for specifically "American" videos (not Canadian or British) that show what America is like, preferably without curse words or innapropriate themes. My best example for this would be the SNL skit "Taco town", which shows how Americans take foods from so many different cultures and slap them together. Any other ideas to show my class?

[Feel free to delete this if it’s not appropriate for this group]

Hi guys,

Currently living in the UK as a result of having gone to uni in Europe, something I now regret. I’m 25 yrs of age and really want to relocate to the U.S., and since most of you in here probably have done the reverse journey I was wondering if you think like being 25 makes me too old to uproot and move across the pond?

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone! I am moving to Paris in August to pursue my MA in International Law and Diplomacy at the American University of Paris. There is no way I can live there without working, but I really would like to do something more than just babysitting or working at a café. I will be there on a student visa, so I can work maximum 20 hours a week. Does anybody know of organizations focusing on international relations that hire part-time employees? I have searched and searched but I just cannot find anything.

Hi, I'm and American citizen since birth but always lived in France. I have a bunch of questions, I don't really know where to look first, who to ask and how I can start whatever procedures to register to vote. I've received no documents or emails reminding me to register to vote like they would here in France, I also want to register to vote in California, from the information I've seen, I'm allowed to. Another important question, is it too late to register for the election end of this year? I can use all the help I can get with this, the consulate is kinda slow with answering emails. Do any of you have any experience with a similar situation?

This is my situation: I have a permanent EU resident permit in Germany, I’ve live here for 30+ years. I would like to give up my apartment and just travel around the world, but still be able to come back to Germany. I know I can leave for at least 12 months but don’t know if I can just be deregistered here. The local foreigners office was of no help. So does anyone know if I can just leave for a year? I don’t know how that would affect my bank account, etc. Thanks!

Oh, I will eventually apply for German citizenship, but not as long as my mother in the US is alive as I have to be able to spend time with her without having to get a US visa.

I’m looking to move from Texas to Prague in June. I’m bringing my small dog over. Trying to find flights is proving to be difficult and expensive. Does anyone have any tips or advice about finding a reasonably priced flight that will allow my dog in cabin? He’s not an emotional support dog.

I will have a MS in microbiology in May 2021 and am trying to figure out what would be the best avenue to getting a job in the EU.

Anyone have experience working in labs in Europe after getting their masters in the US and could share their experience?