You're right, staying in a country while you are working does not constitute being an "expatriate". The definition of expatriate is someone that takes up residence there (residence does not constitute staying at a local hotel, or renting a house as you're a guest and not a resident of the region). I think we need not confuse "living in a country" with "staying in a country". When you're there for a couple of months, that isn't taking up residence. Now, if you're there for a couple of years, then you're talking about a move that will most likely require one to uproot their family for the duration of the stay.   (Contact me)