Top Tips For Moving Abroad

Are you thinking about moving overseas? Perhaps you need to relocate for work reasons, retirement, family commitment, or quite simply want a whole new way of life.

Whatever the reason for wanting or needing to move, adapting to life in a new country is one of the most exciting - and quite often terrifying challenges that anyone can face in life. As well as all of the life lessons and positives that come from uprooting and becoming an ex-pat, there are lots of obstacles to overcome. This may be getting used to a whole new pace of life, a new education or healthcare infrastructure to try to get your head around or the language barrier.

These hurdles all have something in common: a little bit of preparation and forward planning can make them a whole lot easier to deal with. Here, we look at some of the issues that you may face and the things you can do to make the process a lot smoother for all involved.

Have a financial safety net in place

It is imperative that before you move, you have a financial safety net to fall back on should anything go wrong. It is a good idea to have a minimum of two months - longer, if possible, living expenses in your bank as a buffer should things not go to plan, or if any unexpected expenses crop up.

Maintain flexibility

While delays to the moving process can be extremely frustrating, it is important to remember that often, they are out of your control, and the best way to deal with them is to accept them and be as flexible as possible. For example, until you have your visa sorted, don’t give up your job, just in case it falls through, or it is delayed for any reason.

Consider renting before buying

It can be tempting to want to jump straight onto the property ladder in your new country, but exercise caution, and do not rule out the benefits of renting over buying a property, to begin with. Spending a few months in an area without long term commitment is a great way to assess if it is the place for you. It might look perfect on paper, but only by living there will you know if your face fits and it is somewhere you can see yourself living long term. Once you know exactly where you want to live, you can buy a property, such as a Second hand-house in Thailand.

Check out the healthcare infrastructure

Your new country may differ significantly from what you would be used to in terms of the healthcare standards, costs, and systems. If your employer is sponsoring your relocation, they should be able to give you information and resources to advise you of your rights and anything you need to do. However, it is ultimately up to you to find out more about the infrastructure and whether you need specific ex-pat insurance, where your nearest hospital is, and how you go about obtaining prescriptions.

Start learning the language

A basic knowledge of a few key phrases could be hugely advantageous in the moving process. Not speaking the language at all can leave you vulnerable to fraud or not getting the best out of your move. It also puts you on a backfoot for looking for work. If you don’t have a job, make new connections and friendships and education. Enroll in evening classes, online groups, or even download an app such as Duolingo to give yourself a heads start on learning the language. Once you are over there and fully immersed in the culture, you will find yourself picking it up very quickly.

Find a community

In most countries, you will be able to find a community of ex-pats. It is just a case of seeking them out. Be proactive in finding them and building up new relationships. It will be lonely at first, leaving behind your family and friends, so meeting people is important. Look online for any local ex-pat groups, join book groups or sports clubs, and involve yourself in local neighborhood activities as much as possible.

Don’t underestimate the paperwork involved\

Opening a bank account and setting up services can involve pre-booking appointments, providing different paperwork, completing multiple forms, and jumping through hoops in general. Make sure you have all of the documents that you may need to hand.

By putting these tips into practice, moving abroad can be an exciting time for you and your family.