Random walk

As a mobile and modern scientist, I have to admit that I would have appreciated that someone tells me in advance about usual things that nobody tells you, but that you will face without respect from governments: delays for having my salary in various countries, when you have to pay your taxes, how much you should save, or how to find a flat easily, ...

Hence, here is a very small but already very useful information, originating from my experience abroad.

France

• The salary is used to be paid on 1st of each Month, usually between the 1st and the 4th.
• However, taxes are taken 1 year after you get the money, then you must save round about 1 month of salary, which you will be required to pay within 2 weeks, when obtaining the notification, unless you would like to pay 10% more.
• The credit card is usually debited on the 1st of the month. French banks usually enjoy to make you believe that you can go to negative values until a certain threshold. Then they double take money from your account.
• The worst thing in France is to find a flat. Contrarily to other countries, the deposit is not sufficient. You will need to know an active person with a very strong financial situation (high monthly salary) in order to get a nice flat there. If you don't have an Arabic name, then things might be easier. Who told you that France is the country of freedom and solidarity ? It's a pure myth, unfortunately. And if you are Algerian citizenship, beware that due to taboo historical reasons, your difficulties will be multiplied "by 2", as laws always have exceptions for Algerian citizens. Hope it's gonna change someday.

Germany

• Payment of salary comes on the 1st of the month.
• Taxes are already taken from it, so kein stress. This money is yours for real. But copyright management association will take you ~200 € per year.
• However, be careful with your credit card: it may be debited on the day of registration for it. Means: it's rather nice to get it at the bank at the beginning of the month.

Czech Republic

• Despite rent must be paid on the 1st of the month, salary is coming around the 10th of the month! Hence, you have to prepare yourself to always have at least one month of savings.

• Your salary already includes taxes, which is a good news.

• Credit card can be obtained if bank trusts your habits after a certain time. It's so nice to be pushed to consume more than you have. :o)