-Where were you born?
I was born and raised in Toftlund, Denmark.
-In which country and city are you living now?
Prague, Czech Republic
-Are you living alone or with your family?
I share an apartment with my business partner
-How long have you been living in the Czech Republic?
4 months
-What is your age?
28
-When did you come up with the idea of living in the Czech Republic?
We started a small software company called Arb Design in Copenhagen in September 2006. Bootstrapping the business we ran the company from the living room of our apartment. After 8 months our subleased apartment in Copenhagen was up and we needed a new place. We realized that we didn't need to be in Denmark to work for Danish companies so we looked at a European map and decided on Prague. The factors for choosing Prague were the cheaper cost of living, European metropol with good flight connections and a good nightlife.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Being a European citizen, it's easy to move to another EU country and work.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
No, again thanks to EU.
-How do you make your living in the Czech Republic? Do you have any type of income generated?
I work as a software designer and developer in my own company. We haven't had clients from the Czech Republic but we do from Denmark, UK, Germany and the US.
-Do you speak Czech and do you think it's important to speak the local the local language?
I don't speak Czech apart from the very basic greetings. It can be a challenge to get by with English/German and waving your hands but in general you get by. I've been thinking of taking a language course to get a better grasp but I'm only staying for another 8 months and so far it's been ok with just English.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
I don't miss Denmark but I love going back. However, I miss living close to my sister and nephew. When I go back I usually travel the country to visit friends and family.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
The plan is to stay in Prague for 12 months and then move somewhere else. It is still not decided where to next time but I read expat blogs from some of the places I'd like to go :)
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We live in a rented apartment and pay about 20,000czk (€740) all included.
-What is the cost of living in the Czech Republic?
The average salery in Prague is around 25,000czk (€920). Apartments are expensive in Prague but food and beer are very cheap.
-What do you think about the Czechs?
Most locals are polite and if you meet them at a pub they often like to practice their English. There are a lot of expats in Prague and that's were I got most of my friends but the Czech friends I have are open minded, have good humour and like to tell about and show their country.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the Czech Republic?
Prague is full of history and culture and I keep finding new, interesting places here. But by not speaking the local language you only get so deep into a place.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in the Czech Republic?
You should like beer if you want to move here. They've got wine and cocktails but it's the cheap, good beers that makes this a fantastic place to live.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about the Czech Republic?
I have my personal site Blogging Gelle and a collaborative blog at Børsen Mikro. I've met other Danes in Prague because of their blogs but they are all in Danish.
Good English languaged blogs about Prague are:
