CountryNet: A Comprehensive Online Resource for Expatriates and International Business Travelers

Strategic Insights -

CountryNet, a new online information service, was launched by Arthur Andersen, The Economist Intelligence Unit, and Craighead Publications to provide essential information for expatriates, international road warriors, and global nomads. This comprehensive resource covers 84 countries, offering detailed information on social, political, cultural, and tax-related topics. The service aims to ease the transition to expatriate status and increase efficiency for international business travelers.

Key Takeaways:

  • CountryNet is a subscription-based online service that provides a single resource for answers to social, political, cultural, and tax questions for expatriates and international business travelers.
  • The service covers 84 countries, offering detailed information on relocation, economy and politics, immigration, tax, and resources.
  • Arthur Andersen's international tax and immigration specialists have compiled detailed information on income reporting, filing requirements, social security requirements, and assignment procedures for 84 countries.
  • The Economist Intelligence Unit provides subscribers with the political and economic background needed to conduct business successfully in an international environment.
  • CountryNet also offers a detailed guide to being an expatriate, a database of Arthur Andersen expatriate newsletters, a glossary of expatriate terms, frequently updated U.S. State Department daily security lists, and links to over 200 other Web sites useful to expatriates and international business travelers.
  • The service is designed to reduce the strains of international assignments, increasing the value to the lives of expatriates and their employers.
  • Over 300,000 U.S. citizens live abroad on business assignments, with estimated relocation costs to corporate America ranging from one to five times each individual employee's salary.
  • Global expatriate assignments are expected to grow more than 60 percent in 1999.

Statistics:

  • 84 countries are covered by CountryNet.
  • More than 300,000 U.S. citizens live abroad on business assignments.
  • Estimated relocation costs to corporate America range from one to five times each individual employee's salary.
  • Global expatriate assignments are expected to grow more than 60 percent in 1999.

Sources:

  • Arthur Andersen (www.arthurandersen.com)
  • The Economist Intelligence Unit (www.eiu.com)
  • Craighead Publications (www.craighead.com)
  • PR Newswire (http://www.prnewswire.com)