This guide will cover the steps you need to take when preparing for an international fun relocation. Whether moving to a neighboring country or across the globe, these steps will help ensure you’re ready for a problem-free transition.
Hola and Vamos
Relocating abroad can be an exciting experience full of adventures to be had by the entire family. Whether you’re moving for a new life, work, school, a new job opportunity, or simply for the food, there’s a lot of planning and preparation to get done.
From sorting out visas for your stay to packing up your life, the process can feel overwhelming for sure. With our checklist and a little bit of prep, you can make the transition go great!
1. Research Your Destination Country
Before you do anything, research the country you will be moving to as much as you can. Understanding the culture, local customs, language, and legal requirements will help you adjust. If you can find locals where you live now to ask about the basics, that’s even better. Here are a few key points:
- Language: If the language spoken in your destination country differs from your own, start learning basic phrases or even take language classes before leaving. Dualingo will be your new best friend, so start that streak today.
- Culture: Familiarize yourself with cultural norms and important holidays to be able to show respect. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and ease your integration. Understand the code of dress that works respectfully for your area.
- Cost of Living: Research the cost of living in your destination city or country. Housing, food, transportation, and health costs can vary significantly from what you’re used to. Be prepared.
- Safety: Check local safety rules, health warnings, crime rates, and understand what areas are safe.
2. Important Documents: Get Organized
It’s critical to gather and organize all the necessary paperwork ahead of time to avoid the scramble. These documents are essential for your move and stay and for settling into your new life.
Documents to Prepare:
- Passport and Visas: Check that your passport is up-to-date and that you have any necessary visas to enter, work, or study in the destination country. Some countries may need you to exit every few months.
- Work Permits or Residency: Depending on your destination, you will need additional paperwork for long-term stays.
Birth and Marriage Certificates: Have these documents readily available. - Medical Records and Prescriptions: Bring copies of your medical records, especially if you take medications. Bring extra meds from home just in case you can’t find immediate access. Make copies of all your important documents and keep them in a safe, secure place.
3. Lock Down Housing
If you are lucky enough to know the area you need to live in for this relocation, try to lock down your temporary place to stay until you know where you will settle permanently.
How to Secure Housing:
- Research Neighborhoods: Investigate different neighborhoods to understand where you want to live based on work location, public transportation, safety, and cost of living.
- Agreements: If you’re renting, make sure you understand the lease terms, security deposits, and tenant rights. Get a local lawyer to help if needed.
Finding a home can be quite competitive in some countries, so start this process as early as possible to avoid last-minute stress.
4. Health and Insurance
Health insurance and access to healthcare are essential things to think about when moving abroad.
What You Need To Do:
- Check Health Insurance Options Locally: Some countries provide public healthcare for residents, but expats usually need to get private insurance. Your policy should cover emergency care, prescription medications, and routine doctor visits.
- Medical Records and Prescriptions: Bring along medical records, and make sure you know how to get prescriptions in your new country. Some medications may be unavailable, while others may require a new prescription from a locally accredited doctor.
- Vaccinations: Check whether specific vaccinations or health checks are required before entering your destination country. Some require yellow fever or other vaccines that need two doses and will take time to get done in your home country.
5. Finances
Managing your money is one of the most crucial important in relocating internationally. Depending on where you are relocating to, prices may be totally different.
Steps to Take:
- Banking: Research banks in your new country and understand if you’ll need to open a local account. Some countries have banking restrictions for foreigners, and in some places, there is really no need since you have ATMS. Try Wise as a quick-fix solution for international transfers.
- Taxes: Don’t make this a guessing game. Talk to a tax advisor who understands the tax laws in both your home and destination country to avoid any surprises. You might still be required to file taxes in your home country even after you’ve moved abroad if you are a US citizen.
- Exchange Rates: Familiarize yourself with the local exchange rates, and consider setting up Wise or another currency exchange app to make sending and receiving money easier. Know the best rates to transfer at smart times.
Having some local currency on hand when you arrive is always a good idea, especially for taxis or immediate expenses. If you can’t get the local currency keep some USD on hand.
6. Pack and Ship Your Belongings
Packing up your life to move abroad is one of the most emotional tasks, but it’s also one of the most important. Decide what you want to bring with you what makes sense and what you can leave behind.
Packing Tips You Should Follow:
- Declutter: Use the move as an opportunity to declutter your life. Donate or sell things you don’t need, especially if they won’t be needed in your new country. Consider whether it’s worth shipping large items like furniture. Sometimes, selling or donating these items and buying new ones is more cost-effective upon arrival.
- Shipping and Storage: Get quotes from multiple international moving companies for shipping your belongings overseas. Research and understand any customs regulations or taxes.
- Essential Items: Pack a separate bag with essential items like toiletries, clothes for the first few days, important documents, and electronics. Make sure this bag is with you at all times.
7. Technology
What You Need To Know
- International SIM Card or Local Plan: Research whether you can use your current phone plan internationally or if getting a local SIM card is cheaper. You can explore a few options and understand what is best.
- Internet: To make sure that your new home has reliable internet access, set up a meeting with the local internet provider that is recommended. Ask them who to call if you have issues.
- Technology and Power Adapters: Understand the plug and voltage types used in your new country and ensure you have enough adapters for your things.
8. Get Involved in Expat Communities
Once you arrive in your new country, it’s helpful to get involved in expat communities. Expat local groups can offer advice and is a great way to make new friends and feel less isolated. You can find local events and restaurant recommendations. Look to find Facebook groups or Whatsapp communities.
Wrapping Up To Hit The Road
Relocation cross borders is a huge ordeal. You are about to venture off into exciting territory. We hope this article has been helpful on the moving side of things to prepare you for your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I manage my finances when moving abroad?
Make sure to set up a local bank account, Zelle, Wise and research international money transfer options. Consult with a tax pro to ensure you understand the tax needs in both your home country and your destination.
How do I find housing before moving abroad?
Local recommendations are best, but you can also research neighborhoods online or contact local real estate agents for recommendations. Many people also rent short-term via Airbnb first and find long-term housing after they arrive and test a few areas.
Do I need to learn the local language before moving?
It depends on where you are going and while it’s not mandatory, learning at least basic phrases can make your transition smoother and help you feel more at home. Many people in big cities speak English, but knowing the local language will open more doors, help you to show respect for locals and improve your experience overall.
How do I prepare my family for the move?
Involve your family by discussing the move early on, researching your new country, and finding things to look forward to. Prepare children with information about their new school and surroundings and make them feel a part of the move.
What should I pack when moving abroad?
Focus on essentials like clothing, personal items, important documents, and electronics. Most things can be repurchased abroad at a fraction of the price. Consider shipping larger items and use the move to declutter unnecessary things.
