Things To Consider When Moving Overseas

Moving abroad can be an adventure or a great career advancement, but there are likely things you will miss about the United States. Expats (ex-patriots) are originally from the US and moved somewhere overseas later in life. There are plenty of things expats will need to consider before moving to a foreign country.

Cost of Living

Groceries, bills, rent, housing, gas, and many other things may cost much more or much less than what you are currently paying. The cost of living difference in your new location might mean your salary spreads further or won’t cover your current lifestyle, so it’s important to know where you will land. It’s also important to note that living in a tourist-flanked area is going to be much more expensive than the less popular places in the area.

Foreign Currency

You will need local currency and want to look for a good exchange rate in order to get the most out of your dollar. You might need to transfer money regularly, so having a bank set up for international money transfer will be helpful. An online bank can transfer funds from somewhere, like a pension, or it can help you make school loan payments or other bills that still exist for you in the States.

Healthcare

Different countries have different rules and costs for healthcare, so you need to look into the cost, availability, and accessibility of insurance plans, medical facilities, and local health professionals. The CDC offers a helpful resource where you can check notices of public health safety.

Social Customs

You might be surprised what the social norms include, from daily dress to mannerisms. Waiting in line, for example, is a much different experience in much of Europe than it is in the US. In France there are no lines at all, and in Italy the lines are more of a “push to the front” kind of rule.

Those social habits and customs will even permeate into how the country celebrates holidays or the daily dispositions of those around you. Japan celebrates Christmas more like how we celebrate Valentine’s Day, as a small holiday celebrated mainly between couples. If you are visiting one of the Caribbean island nations or some of the countries in Africa, you might be shocked at the laid back attitude that permeates daily activities, including transportation, business meetings, and customer service.

Communication Accessibility

You’ll want to look into cell phone plans and Internet access anywhere you plan to move. Most professionals need daily access to a reliable Internet, but not all countries will offer that.

Import Taxes

Of course, getting your possessions to your new residence will probably be important to you. Some countries allow expats to move all their goods while others will limit what you can bring by taxing imports and limiting what items can be brought from overseas. Also, know how your items will get to the country and then how you will transfer them to your new residence. Also know if it’s customary to tip your movers.

Transportation

Not all countries are set up for heavy car use. You might find that some foreign urban areas offer great public transportation or are built at a close proximity that is not conducive to owning a car. On the other hand, some areas offer little (or no) taxi service and virtually nonexistent bus services. A terrain like Costa Rica might require a vehicle with 4WD for navigating difficult terrain while many Italian cities are filled with tiny cars that fit more easily in small parking spaces and on old streets packed with other locals and tourists.

As you prepare to leave the country, enjoy the process and check out what other people are saying. One of the best ways to get a real feel about the area is to talk to a few people who moved there and have no vested interest in your personal relocation decisions. There are plenty of expats already out in the world, and most of them are happy to provide expertise to a newbie like you.