Mercer’s Employee Mobility Guides are designed to provide a valuable source of information for companies and for expatriates who want to know more about key countries and cities across the world.

The reports contain reliable, in-depth information on the culture, logistics and resources of a country. Each report includes focus on one or more major cities within each country. In addition, important contact numbers and useful links to websites are provided, along with up-to-date facts and figures.

New sections are added to the Employee Mobility Guides on a regular basis, with the latest updates providing details on importing household effects, visas and permits for the spouse and children, as well as sections on entertainment and sports for children. All reports from 2006 onwards are updated twice annually.

Moving to the country

Employee Mobility Guide content (Start Guide content is denoted by an asterisk*)

This section provides an introduction to and information on the logistics of moving to the country. Topics include:

• Introduction to the country and its people - Country demographics, religion, geography and climate*

• Advice and tips on moving*

• Entry requirements, Customs, and Import Regulations*
  - Passports, visas and work/residence permit requirements for the family*
  - Health requirements*
  - Bringing your pet into the country*
  - Duty free allowances*
  - Importing a vehicle*
  - Household effects*
  - Importing of currency*

• Administrative procedures upon arrival* -What to do when you arrive; where to register and what documentation you must obtain*

Facts on the country

The Facts on the Country section provides detailed facts and figures on the country’s population, geography and economy. In this section, you will find information on:

• Country information* - Language, ethnicity, age structure, life expectancy, form of state, time

• Government - Legislative, executive, judiciary, local government and political parties

• Economy - Government policy, GDP, main trading partners

• Historical events - Timeline of principal events and milestones, up to the present day

Living in the country

This section focuses on everyday issues and circumstances one would experience when living in the country from an economic and social perspective. Information includes:

• Finding accommodation*
  - Real estate agencies*
  - Lease and rental conditions*
  - Costs and availability*
  - Areas and districts*

• Utilities*

• Domestic Services*

• Education*
  - Introduction to the education system in the country*
  - International schools contact details and overview*

• Travel and public transportation
  - Air, bus, rail, sea & river travel
  - Focus on urban transport in the cities covered*

• Owning a car
  - Registration
  - Driving rules and regulations
  - Obtaining a driving license*

• Communications
  - Making a call, mobile and public telephones*
  - Getting connected to the internet*
  - Satellite, television and radio*
  - Newspapers, postal services and bookshops

• Health and safety*
  - General advice, medical care and emergency contact numbers*
  - Hospitals, pharmacies and dentists*
  - Health insurance

• Money and banking*
  - Banks and opening an account
  - Cash, cheques and credit cards*
  - Personal taxes

Cultural integration

This section provides valuable tips on interacting and integrating with the country’s people. It also provides information on leisure and recreational activities. Information includes:

• Business etiquette - The do’s and don’ts when doing business abroad

• Language - Phrasebook and details on courses to learn the local language

• Social etiquette - What to do when meeting people, accepting of giving gifts and attending social events

• Public holidays*

• Integration
  - Useful website links
  - Listings and contact details of international associations and clubs

• Leisure
  - Shopping: department stores, supermarkets and malls
  - Eating out: local specialities, restaurants 
  - Nightlife: bars, clubs and casinos
  - Entertainment: museums, cinemas, theatres, entertainment for children
  - Sport: golf clubs, tennis clubs, fitness centres, swimming pools, sports for children.

Embassy and Consulate addresses and contacts are provided at the end of each report, as is tourist contact information.

Pricing information

* All prices are subject to additional shipping charges and applicable taxes.

Note: In Australia and Canada your purchase confirmation will show the estimated converted price in local currency, however you will be invoiced at the converted USD price at the time of purchase.