Tips For Moving Abroad: Many of us have dreamed of picking up everything and moving to a brand new life in a beautiful far-away land. The idea of pursuing this in reality, however, proves to be an extremely daunting undertaking. Getting rid of possessions, dropping a job, responsibilities, and direct connections with all of the people you encounter in your day to day life is not for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. But for those who crave the adventure and challenge, because as you’ll learn, there is no complete “escape” from real life—moving abroad can be a profoundly rewarding life decision. With that in mind, the following are 5 essential tips to consider when taking the plunge, gathered from my own personal experience and the experiences of other acquaintances.
Do the Research
Preparing to move abroad is made that much easier when one is armed with extensive knowledge of the country or region they intend to travel to. Visit forums and talk to real people who live in your future home, and be sure to seek out expat resources for the area.
Prepare for Unexpected Finances
Even if you have a job secured overseas, there are a number of other factors that will contribute to whether or not you can afford to live as comfortably as you plan. Take into account exchange rates, tax regulations, and the availability of healthcare and other necessities you may quickly discover you have taken for granted in your country of origin.
Don’t Rush into Purchasing Property
While the fantasy of moving to another country often involves the idea that you can just whisk away to a new and unexpected home, you should never rush into purchasing property. Ensure you have individual legal assistance to help assess your eligibility for loans and tax breaks because of your new expat status, and don’t settle for one property before you have weighed all your available options.
Seek Referrals
For everything from reputable doctors to home repair, it’s best to make friends, either online or in your new town, with those who can point you in the direction of the most fair and honest professionals. Take into account any extraneous costs locals frequently encounter. For example, roofing in Kailua, Hawaii is a flourishing industry, because the high winds and tropical weather wears down the roofs and exteriors of the homes there. If you aspire to live in a remote area in Australia, on the other hand, you may need advice on finding the closest medical facility.
Embrace Change
Once you have reached your destination, embrace everything that comes your way, be it part of the initial plan, or not. Nothing will ever be 100% what you expect it to be, but if you are open to the experience, you just might gain more than you could have ever imagined.
To those who are hoping to achieve their dream of experiencing a new home abroad, best of luck! Feel free to open up a discussion with myself and with other readers about your plans or experiences.
Hailey Andersen is an avid blogger and world traveler. Originally from Bristol, England, she has lived in the U.S., Japan, and New Zealand. Hope you love reading 5 Tips For Moving Abroad.
