Living abroad is both exciting and challenging. Over time, I’ve found a handful of trusted resources that make expat life simpler and more enjoyable. Below, you’ll find the tools and services I personally use and recommend to anyone navigating life outside their home country.

Note: Some of the resources listed below are affiliate links or referral links. Choosing to click on the link doesn’t cost you any money, but if you do choose to use a product or service, it does help support CES Art Evolution Lab.

Mail Services for Expats

Whether you are a US citizen living abroad or simply want to order items from the US,  you can use a virtual mailbox system. I have used US Global Mail for over a decade. They provide me with a way to receive my art studio business mail and my personal mail by providing me with a US Street address. They will also consolidate and repackage items for you before sending your mail to you anywhere in the world. You also have the option to compare different mail and package service options, such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL, so that you can choose the best option for your budget and the best timeframe to receive your packages.

A few times a year, I order items I can’t typically find abroad and have them sent to my US Global Mail Box. As I receive mail, they photograph the package or the envelope and notify me that they have received mail. If I want to, I can request them to open the package and check to see if the contents have been damaged.  I can choose to store the mail for a small monthly fee or have it shipped to me. When I am ready, I request a shipment, and US Global mail repackages and consolidates my items into one or two boxes. This makes it much cheaper for me than sending all of the individual packages overseas. They also have an easy claims declaration form in your virtual mailbox, which allows them to create an invoice for shipping. Their customer service is excellent, and they always ship my packages promptly after I request them.

You can learn more about US Global Mail on their website. If you use my friends and family referral code, we both receive one month free.  My code is: CHRISTY-KR5YMT8H.CP7

Resources for People Living in Albania

No matter where you live, you can save a lot of money by using loyalty programs or finding referrals from friends. Most of the shops I need are within walking distance of my home. I also like the convenience of ordering items online, especially when I am focused on a project in the studio and don’t have much time to shop. These are some of the services and businesses that I use while living in Tirana, Albania.

I use Halsa to get supplements and body care items (such as lotions). They have a loyalty program and deliver within a few days of ordering. The website offers the option to switch between English and Shqip (Albanian). While it is convenient to have the website in English, this option allows me to practice reading Shqip. You can use my referral link to get a coupon: https://i.refs.cc/oVydxZQe