What's the most profitable place to contract ?

**Angela_D** · 14 July 2006, 19:47

Meant to add: I'm thinking Germany is one of the best taking into account typical Gross rate, 'good' accounting practice to keep tax down, and reasonable costs of living. But a tad dull.

A.

**VectraMan** · 14 July 2006, 20:41

Originally posted by Angela_D

I've looked at gas/oil in Algeria / Nigeria. Hasn't happened yet and maybe the lifestyle is too hard to sustain after the novelty wears off.

Plus being kidnapped would become a bit of a drag. Can you charge the client for the time you spend kidnapped? ;-)

Tokyo might be interesting. I've seen perm stuff there.

I was talking to a guy who lived and worked out in Japan recently, and he was saying that it's pretty tough for outsiders now and they always tend to favour their own. And it's very difficult if you don't speak the language. I've always fancied spending some time in Japan, so shame really.

I can recommend not Bristol for high rates.

**Cowboy Bob** · 15 July 2006, 09:39

The answer : the place where you get the highest rate...

**TheMonkey** · 15 July 2006, 20:04

Just do the London thing and do some cash in hand to get the tax back. Works wonders for me.

Now I'm sure I've just triggered the HMRC thought police by Echelon...

**mcquiggd** · 15 July 2006, 20:59

"The Monkey, you have just been fined 3 million credits for considering tax avoidance... beep...."

**expat** · 15 July 2006, 21:05

Originally posted by Angela_D

Anyone been in a place and felt you were just making too much money, too easily ? I wanna go there !

I'm in my early 30s, 10 years experience contracting in financials, pretty good at what I do. These are (allegedly) the peak earning years. I want to get some moolah for myself and future dependents before all this work is totally commoditised and packaged off to Vikrams and Benishas in Hyderabad.

Within some reason I don't care where I work. I can enjoy most places. I've worked long-term in 4 countries but none have yet delivered a lot of take-home.

I've looked at gas/oil in Algeria / Nigeria. Hasn't happened yet and maybe the lifestyle is too hard to sustain after the novelty wears off.

The City pays great sometimes but UK tax is too high and London costs are silly for what you get.

Zurich is working out OK but costs are high here too. You do get quality for your money though.

I've thought about Scandinavia, especially Norway. Nearly all the contracts are SAP-related there. The rates are HIGH HIGH HIGH. Don't know the tax situation for foreigners but the costs of living must be huge too.

Tokyo might be interesting. I've seen perm stuff there.

No, I couldn't do 2 years in Saudi. Not my style at all. Besides, I usually need a drink at the end of the morning.

All the answers are already in your post, I'm afraid. You will be lucky to find better advice here than you are already in a position to give (I find that this is usually the case if one comes here with a question, having already done one's own research).

More or less, anyway. Any one contract may be an exception, but in general the best rates are London, Frankfurt, and Zurich. UK taxes are low by european standards but Swiss are definitely lower. If trying to make money in London, keep costs down. In Frankfurt, be a foreigner. In Zurich, just watch the big costs, and allow that you pay more for quality (but don't expect to eat Indian often).

NL can also be good: look for the contracts and get good advice. Scandinavian SAP rates can be high (or not) but taxes and costs can be crippling. 3rd world soesn't seem attractive to me any more.

And yes, you are right: get it while you can.

**TheMonkey** · 16 July 2006, 17:05

Originally posted by mcquiggd

"The Monkey, you have just been fined 3 million credits for considering tax avoidance... beep...."

They've got to prove it first!

**Angela_D** · 16 July 2006, 19:22

To expat (et al): thanks for reply.

"You will be lucky to find better advice here than you are already in a position to give (I find that this is usually the case if one comes here with a question, having already done one's own research"

Well, I hate when people ask questions on forums without making even a token effort themselves beforehand. Use Google properly and most simple questions can be answered in minutes. I also frequent a travel board most days and can't believe the dumbass questions posted: What's the web address of Heathrow Airport?, what currency does X country use ? etc.

But I still don't know where's the most cost-effective place to work / live. I'll keep at it.

Kidnapping? I guess that's one benefit of being a perm. Who would help liberate a 1 person contractor? I can't see the PCG hiring the A-Team !

A.

**BlasterBates** · 17 July 2006, 06:23

Hi Angela,

If you live in Zürich then Germany is most decidely not dull. However it depends where you go. The only negative is the economy doesn't seem to be able to get back on its feet properly. The thing is Germans socialise a lot more than the Swiss, they can also be great fun to work with. I work in Zurich but I've still kept my flat in Frankfurt, simply because at the weekend there's so much more to do.

Still that's my preference.

Luxembourg ain't bad, quiet but a lot going on for a small town.

What's the most profitable place to contract ?