About ExpatMate
Built from personal experience, driven by a belief that the expat journey should bring people together, not leave them figuring it out alone.
James Low
— FounderWhen I moved from Australia to the UK, I quickly ran into the classic expat catch-22: I could not rent a flat without a bank account, and I could not open a bank account without proof of address. It felt like every step forward required something I did not have yet.
Those early weeks were a blur of paperwork, confusing government websites, and the kind of loneliness that comes from being somewhere completely new. I remember thinking there must be a better way — a single place that could guide you through the process, answer your questions, and connect you with people who actually understand what you are going through.
That experience is what drove me to create ExpatMate. Not just as a tool, but as a community. Because once you have lived abroad, it changes the way you see and experience the world. You carry that perspective with you forever. Once an expat, always an expat.
I wanted to build something that reflects that — a community you can be a member of for your entire life, no matter where your journey takes you next.
What We Believe
No One Should Do It Alone
The expat life can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be hard. The bureaucracy, the homesickness, the simple things that suddenly are not simple anymore. We believe that having the right support from day one changes everything.
Starting Local, Thinking Global
We are starting with Australia and the UK because that is where our story began. But our vision is much bigger. We are working to expand ExpatMate to many more popular expat destinations, building a truly global community for people who have chosen to live abroad.
A Lifetime Community
ExpatMate is not just for the move. It is for the life that comes after. We are building a community that you stay part of — through your first year, your second move, and every adventure after that. You learn to see the world differently when you live in it differently, and we want to celebrate that.
Built With You, Not Just For You
We are always open to ideas, feedback, and contributions. If you have been through the expat experience and have thoughts on how we can do this better, we want to hear from you. This is your community as much as it is ours.
Get in Touch
Got ideas? Questions? Advice? Or just want to say hello? I would genuinely love to hear from you. Whether it is feedback on ExpatMate, a suggestion for a new feature, or just a chat about the expat life, my inbox is always open. Reach out for any reason at all.
james.low@expatmate.comFollow the Journey
Follow us on Instagram for expat events, community updates, tips, and a bit of fun. We are always looking for ways to bring expats together.
Connect with James on LinkedIn