Salvatore Cosma - Expat in Ostrava, Czech Republic

Q: Where are you originally from?
A: Italy.

Q: In which city are you currently residing?
A: Ostrava, Czech Rep.

Q: What do you do in your new city?
A: Business Developer Manager – Comdata Czech sro.

Q: How is the quality of life in your new city in comparison to that of your home city?
A: Similar to Siena, the last city I was living in Italy. Honestly I’m really happy about the new location.

Q: How would you rate the healthcare system in which you are currently enrolled?
A: Even better than the Italian one.

Q: How does the cost of living compare to that of your home city?
A: Czechia is slightly cheaper than Italy.

Q: Did you use a relocation company to help you with your move?
A: No. I just sent my parcels by currier. I should say that I’m moving so often that most of the staff is “permanently” packed.

Q: How easy or difficult was the relocation process?
A: Really easy. This is the 8th Country I’m relocating in the past years, so I’m used to pack my things and fly.

Q: Did you move here with any family members?
A: yes.

Q: Did your spouse and children find it difficult to adapt to their new job and schools? 
A: Not at all.

Q: How did the family, including you, do in acclimating to the new culture and surroundings?
A: In the last 12 years we moved for 7th times inside European Countries. We think all of them were quite similar.

Q: What is your favourite mobile app which you use to aid you in your expat life?
A: With social network as www.couchsurfing.org I’ve friends even before arrive to destination.

Q: What is one piece of advice you’d like to offer a new expat in your new city?
A: The first things I see when I know my new destination is to enter in contact with international institutions (embassies, chambers of commerce, trading institutes, etc). Later I register myself in the local social networks and I look for a real estate company for my accommodation. In 2 weeks I fly there with few bags and waiting the parcels to arrive in the following days. Usually all the process takes 1 month.