If
you've ever thought about moving abroad, then you probably know it's not easy.
It takes a lot of time and effort to prepare, especially if you're moving a
long distance. Some people say that moving is great for clearing your mind and
giving you a fresh start.
While
this is true, there are also many things to consider when moving. If this is
your first time moving abroad, don't suffer alone.
We've
done all the hard work for you and put together a list of tips to help you
along the way
Preparing to Move Abroad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Moving
abroad is an exciting opportunity. However, moving can also be time consuming
and stressful, especially moving to a new country. To make your move abroad as
easy and exciting as possible. Here is our moving abroad checklist to make your
move abroad easier.
Moving abroad to a new destination usually takes three to six months, so planning will help minimize surprises and allow you to enjoy the transition.
We've put
together a schedule of things to do as your move-in date approaches to make the
process easier.
Things
to Do Before Moving Abroad
Update
your Passport and Get the Necessary Visa
While those moving from one country to another will not need a visa, others will need to apply for a visa in the host country. US citizens can start by looking up country-specific visa requirements to identify what needs to be done to obtain a visa.
Keep in mind that the visa application process can take six
months or more, so apply as soon as possible.
Book
your International Ticket
It's no secret that flying to another country can be expensive. Start checking flight prices to your destination country as soon as possible and set up price alerts to notify you if a flight becomes available for the amount you expect to pay.
While sites like Sky scanner can prove invaluable for finding the best
deals on flights, be sure to keep an eye on individual airlines as some may
charge a premium for booking your airfare through third-party sites.
Pack
and Ship What You Can't Take with You
Shipping
items internationally can be expensive, so it might make more sense to pay for
extra baggage on the flight to your host country. Compare the cost of shipping
items internationally to the price of extra baggage to see which makes the most
sense.
Make
Copies of All-important Documents
The last thing you want is to find yourself stranded in a foreign country trying to explain to the authorities that you've lost your passport.
Make copies of your
passport, license, birth certificate, medical records, marriage certificates
and health insurance in case the original copy is lost. For added security,
laminate these documents to protect them from rain or wear.
Organize
Your First Night in the Host Country
While
"doing it" with lodging can provide a fun experience, make sure you
have at least one place to stay the first night. Between dealing with jet lag
and trying to navigate a whole new city, having somewhere to sleep in line
before you arrive will take some unnecessary stress out.
Health Plan for Moving Abroad
Purchase
medical insurance
Make
sure you are financially covered in case of injury or illness. We recommend
that you identify a health insurance plan that gives you the freedom to choose
any hospital with 24-hour emergency care.
Get
the Necessary Vaccinations
From
malaria to typhoid fever, a handful of harmful diseases are easily preventable
with the right treatment. Explore this list of recommended vaccinations for
each country.
Visit
Your Doctor for a Checkup
The
best starting point for vaccinations is to check with your doctor to make sure
all vaccinations have been taken care of. While you're there, be sure to do
your annual checkup routine to make sure there aren't any pressing health
issues to attend to before you leave.
Stay
Safe Abroad
Before
leaving for your host country, make a plan to stay safe abroad. Start by
reviewing State Department travel advisories to understand the biggest threats
in your host country, whether it's avoiding certain areas or preparing for
certain illnesses.
Find
a Place to Live Abroad
Determine
What Items You Will Bring
When
deciding what items to bring, start by identifying the living situation in your
host country. Will you be living in permanent residence or will you be moving
from place to place on a regular basis?
If
you live in permanent residence, how much space will you have? Carrying three
suitcases is probably not feasible if you plan on hopping from house to house
or if you will be sharing a small apartment with other people. Also, most
airlines will charge extra fees for baggage, so be picky about what you take
with you.
Keep,
Sell or Donate Everything Else
After
determining which items to bring along, the next step is to identify which of
the remaining items to keep in stock and which to give away. Try selling old
goods on Craigslist, Amazon, or eBay, and donate any unsold items to a local
thrift store.
Turn
Off all Utilities
You
certainly don't want to receive a surprise utility bill from your utility
company while you live abroad. Be sure to check that all lights, heat, and
water have been turned off in your home before you leave, and be sure to cancel
or pause your plan with your utility company.
Sell
or Rent Your Home
Browse
sites like Craigslist or work with a real estate agent to sell your
home. Keep in mind that selling or renting your home can take anywhere from a
month to a year, so start the process as soon as possible.
Sell
Your car or Position Shipping
The
cost of shipping your car can vary greatly depending on the size of the car and
the distance it will travel. As a frame of reference, shipping a car from the
US to Europe typically ranges from $750 for a compact car to $2,000 for an SUV.
While
this may seem expensive, shipping your car could save you the hassle of selling
your existing car and finding a new one after the move. Also, if you're used to
driving an automatic car, be aware that manual cars are the norm in much of
Europe, and an automatic car usually costs significantly more to purchase.
Set
up Mail Forwarding
You
don't want your mail piling up when you have other things to do after your
move. Make sure you set up mail forwarding to the new location.
Bank
and International Accounts
Create
an Account that You can Use Abroad
We
recommend opening an account with a large international bank such as HSBC,
which makes your transfer easier by allowing you to open an international bank
account in your host country before moving abroad. Also, try exploring Schwab
Bank, which includes international ATM fee refunds, meaning you never have to
pay a fee for using an ATM abroad.
Inform
Your Current Bank/Credit Card of Your Move
Call your bank to inform them of your expected arrival in the host country and a list of other countries you plan to visit in the coming weeks.
You should also check if credit or debit cards have a foreign processing fee. These taxes can add up quickly and add substantially to living expenses.
If all of your credit
cards have a foreign transaction fee, consider opening a new credit card or
withdrawing larger amounts of money when visiting ATMs in your host country to
minimize the fees fixed withdrawals.
Visit Before You Move
It's
a great idea to visit your new country or city before moving permanently.
In
this way you will be able to understand how the locals live:
Do
they shop in department stores or local markets?
Do
they travel on foot or by car?
Do
they observe any traditions that you should know about?
Answering
all of these questions ahead of time will help you adjust and make friends as
quickly as possible.
Visiting
before the move can also help avoid stress when it comes to logistics and
practicality; For example, you can speak to staff at a local bank to learn
about account options. You can also check out local neighborhoods to see which
areas are safer, friendlier, and would be better for you and your family.
You
may also be able to find a place to live by contacting some real estate agents
in advance or by arranging visits with individual landlords or roommates.
Talk to Expats and Locals in Your New Location
Try
contacting someone who lives in your new city or town before you move. While
researching online is helpful, there's no better way to get expert advice than
talking to people who live in the city or the country.
These
people can help you avoid stress by answering questions you can't find answers
on the web or by connecting with employers or landlords. They may also be able
to give you information about events happening in your area in the first few
weeks. This is a great way to learn about the culture of your new home while
also getting to know some of the locals.
But
who should you talk to? If you have the opportunity to visit your own country
before moving, finding a local or other expat to talk to should be easy.
You
can simply talk to a waitress in a restaurant, a taxi driver or the sellers of
a local store. If you don't have the opportunity to visit us, perhaps your new
employer can put you in touch with your future colleagues, or chat with future
roommates, if you've already managed to find accommodation.
Moving Your Pet Abroad
Check
the Pet Rules in Your Host Country
If
you are considering rehoming a pet, most countries will require your pet to be
microchipped for identification.
In
addition to this, most countries will require rabies vaccinations, tapeworm
treatment for dogs, and vaccinations that will vary from pet to pet. Some
countries require your pet to be quarantined for a certain amount of time.
Make
Sure Your Pet is Up-to-Date on Vaccinations
Take
your pet to the vet to make sure it has received the proper vaccinations and
has passed any other requirements needed to move to the new country.
Check
if Your Pet can Handle Movement
After
the checkup, your vet can provide a professional opinion on whether your pet is
physically healthy enough to travel. Flights can be particularly taxing on
pets, so be sure to consider your veterinarian's opinion before committing to
taking your pet abroad.
Get
the Necessary Medicines
While
some medicines may seem easy to find in your current country, keep in mind that
they may be more difficult to find in your host country. Get enough
vaccinations for 1-2 months to ensure your pet is covered until you find a
suitable vet.
Gather
all of Your Pet's Up-To-Date Documents to Take with You
If
you do not bring the proper documentation, your pet may be detained or
quarantined upon arrival in your host country, so please make an additional
copy of all documentation.
Once
in your host country, you may want to relax and start settling down, but there
are still a few things to take care of. Before you get too comfortable,
complete this post-relocation checklist.
International Moving checklist
Set
a Budget
Living
abroad can be expensive, so take the time to come up with rough estimates of
your monthly expenses and make sure the lifestyle you expect and the lifestyle
you can afford are the same. Use a cost of living comparison tool as a
benchmark to identify expected change in prices for housing, food,
entertainment, etc.
Grab
Some Local Currency
Before leaving for your host country, visit your local bank to withdraw some of your host country's currency. Airport currency exchanges often offer a low exchange rate and finding somewhere to convert your money in the host country can be stressful in the middle of your move.
While using a credit or debit card may be
your first option, some countries are more dependent on cash than others. Other
than that, keep cash on you in case of a frozen credit or debit card (see
Contact your current bank/credit cards regarding your move) – (set up an anchor
link for “Contact your current bank /credit cards regarding your move” section
above)
Cancel
Your Gym Membership
Canceling
gym memberships can often be time-consuming, and some gyms even require you to
visit the gym to cancel in person, so make sure you take care of that before
you go. take language lessons
At
the very least, you should learn to use basic phrases like "hello,"
"thank you," and "do you speak English?" While English is a
common second language in much of the world, many will become angry if you
approach them and assume, they speak English. To learn more about the language
of your host country, try using Duolingo or Pimsleur language lessons.
Connect
If
you are traveling alone, try to make friends before you travel by joining local
social media groups and
sign
up for clubs and hobbies upon arrival. This will help you meet people who are
already living
in
the area, as well as giving you some tips on where to go out and what things
are like there.
Have you recently moved abroad?
Share
your experiences in the comments to inspire others!
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