Christmas will soon be here, and this is the perfect time to show your loved ones how much you appreciate them by giving them thoughtful gifts. However, finding the right present for every person on your list is a different story.
Whether you're buying for yourself or someone else, this article will unwrap the seven best Christmas gifts–in no particular order–for the expats on your list, from privacy-focused phones to exclusive access to a community of like-minded people.
Say goodbye to Big Techs! Above Phone keeps your data secure in its own data centres. By the end of 2024, they will launch their own SIM cards, offering even more freedom and privacy!
Having a reliable phone is a necessity in this day and age. It’s a tool for staying connected with family and friends wherever you are in the world. From calls to text messages and emails, your phone is also an excellent tool for working on the go.
A huge problem with most mainstream phones (whether Android or iOS) is none other than their poor privacy protection. It’s not a joke: these big tech companies offer many “free” products and apps to access your data. Plus, it’s not a conspiracy that these companies sell your data to governments, further eroding your right to privacy.
What can you do about this? The answer is Above Phone, a tech company that manufactures privacy-focused phones (and laptops) to protect your data without compromising on quality and a great user experience.
Rather than relying on Big Tech services that leak your data, Above Phone is committed to sovereignty by using its own data centres and running its own software services. To top it all off, they will launch their SIM cards by the end of 2024.
In the meantime, check the best international SIM cards for world travellers, as they enable you to have mobile data overseas and save you a lot of money. Rather than buying a new SIM card every time you go to a different country, you can have a small yet powerful SIM card with all the key information you need, such as banking apps and contacts.
One of the best gifts for an expat is a family travel package and a scratch-off world map. As you create memories, scratch off the places you’ve been and plan your next adventure!
As an expat, visiting a country always comes before moving. At Expat Money, we conduct many tours like our signature Fly’n Buy’s to help our community get a feel for a country before investing. Whether you want to move to a new country or simply research it for investment purposes, you’ll want to spend some time to see if it’s a good fit for you and your family.
That’s why one of the best gifts for an expat is none other than getting them a family travel package and a scratch-off world map. As you and your family create memories together while visiting countries worldwide, you scratch them off the world map to visualize where you’ve been and where you want to visit next.
While our goal at Expat Money is to help you secure your new life abroad, we also value the importance of visiting multiple countries. To help you better understand a country, we have put together many articles about the best things to do and see in places like Panama.
A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones blocks distractions wherever you are, helps you dive into language learning, and keeps you productive—even while travelling
Life as an expat often requires navigating busy airports, enduring long-haul flights, or working in noisy environments. Noise-cancelling headphones are the perfect solution for blocking distractions and creating a pocket of calm no matter where you are.
Whether commuting, working, or relaxing, these headphones let you tune out the chaos and focus on what matters most. Many top-tier models feature advanced active noise-cancellation technology, exceptional sound quality, and long battery life, making them indispensable for expats.
Moreover, you can use them to immerse yourself in language learning, enjoy your favourite music, and even listen to podcasts. They’re also perfect for staying productive during remote work sessions.
As a perfect gift, hard-wallets like Ledger and Trezor are the top choice for expats seeking maximum security against hacks while gaining independence from the traditional banking system
Bitcoin is one of the most intrinsically valuable assets due to its limited availability. There will only ever be 21 million bitcoins in circulation, and it's also decentralized. Far from resembling any conventional fiat currency, it’s peer-to-peer transacted, requiring no intermediaries like banks or financial institutions.
That’s why a Bitcoin hard wallet is one of the best gifts for expats. As its name suggests, it’s a physical hardware wallet, making it less prone to attacks by hackers. It’s a great starting point for those wishing to enjoy more independence and privacy while slowly relying less on fiat currencies that can be limitlessly printed. Top trusted wallets include Ledger and Trezor. To introduce your loved ones to Bitcoin, gift them some Sats as well (fractions of Bitcoin).
A Bitcoin hard wallet is a top choice for expats interested in getting the hang of crypto or just aiming to rely less on traditional banking systems. From then on, they can start trading privately, as hard wallets are offline, thus giving them full control and increased security.
If you're on the expat journey, connecting with those who’ve walked the same path is essential. At the HUB, you’ll exchange experiences, build valuable networks, and gain practical advice. And trust us, this is just the beginning!
If you want to take your expat journey to the next level, there’s nothing better than getting to know those who’ve already walked the same path. We’ve got people from all over the world who have successfully moved to countries like Brazil and Panama. That’s why we built the HUB, a space where you can learn from their stories and advice. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
You’ll also receive exclusive access to my personal Rolodex of contacts, the culmination of decades of intentional relationship building—with all the necessary parties involved—in creating and executing a Plan-B or completing an overseas relocation. Thanks to my Rolodex, many have already obtained second passports, set up offshore structures, or invested in gold in the Cayman Islands, to name a few.
As a valued HUB member, you’ll have the chance to watch members-only webinars and receive priority access to offshore investment deals and exclusive trips. To illustrate the calibre of the deals I’m talking about, some HUB members have locked in properties under $100,000 USD in Brazil and Paraguay. To learn more about the HUB, read this important letter.
Learn languages naturally with Olly Richards’ Storylearning method! Story-based, it makes learning fun and effective, using the natural process children follow to acquire their native language
Nothing screams respect for your new home country more than speaking the local language. While other expats get stuck in the “expat bubble” and never connect with the locals, I encourage you to do the opposite. Immerse yourself in the culture, make local friends, and practice the language as much as possible.
One common misconception about language learning is that you need to travel to a new country to learn the language. Nothing could be further from the truth. Learning your target language before you travel to a new country equips you with the tools to converse with locals and enjoy a richer experience.
I highly recommend the Storylearning method, created by my dear friend Olly Richards, to make the learning process easier. He’s a seasoned polyglot with years of language coaching experience who has developed a system to learn languages naturally without compromising on fun and entertainment. With the Story Learning Course, you learn languages through stories, not rules.
The magic of this program is that you can hardwire the language directly into your brain through the same natural learning process children use to acquire their native language. All in all, it’s the natural, brain-friendly way to learn a language.
Knowledge is power! Explore strategies for expats with my books: Digital Nomad Visas, Expats Guides on Moving to Mexico, and Expat Secrets for succeeding as an expat, wherever you choose to live!
Knowledge is power, and there’s no better way to prepare for an international adventure than diving into books packed with insights and practical advice. After years of international living, I’ve devised the best strategies to help expats smoothly transition to their new lives abroad.
For instance, if you’ve got an online business, my Digital Nomad Visas book is ideal for finding the best visa options tailored to your location-independent lifestyle. If you are considering a move south of the border, my Expats Guide on Moving to Mexico offers a comprehensive look at everything you need to know about living in one of the most expat-friendly countries. From navigating the immigration process to integrating into the local culture, this book has you covered.
Finally, to get ahead of most expats, Expat Secrets is the ultimate playbook. Filled with actionable tips, you’ll learn strategies for getting a second passport, mitigating tax liabilities, and succeeding as an expat.
Consider the recipient's specific needs and aspirations when choosing the perfect gift. Whether preparing to move or already abroad, a thoughtful gift adds value to their journey and shows your support for their global ambitions
This Christmas, gifting expats with thoughtful, practical gifts is the best way to put a smile on their faces. From privacy-focused phones and noise-cancelling headphones to language courses and inspiring books, each item on this list complements the unique challenges and opportunities of the expat lifestyle.
When choosing the perfect gift, consider the recipient’s specific needs and aspirations—whether they’re planning a move, already living abroad, or simply dreaming of a more adventurous future. A well-chosen gift adds value to their journey and shows that you understand and support their global ambitions.
As the holiday season approaches, let’s celebrate the curiosity and courage of expats worldwide. I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas filled with joy and an exciting year filled with many opportunities. To start your expat journey, subscribe to our newsletter and get our free special report, ‘Plan-B Residencies & Instant Citizenships.’