10 Things Every Expat Should Do Before Moving Abroad

23 Feb 10 Things Every Expat Should Do Before Moving Abroad

Posted at 13:05h in Uncategorized by Anna Bertoldini

Moving abroad is both exciting and terrifying at the same time.

It’s a new beginning and a chance to start over fresh, but it also means leaving behind your family, friends, and comfort zone.

Keeping that in mind, it’s important to prepare. I’ve now lived in about five countries and I always go through the same checklist to make the move easier.

1. Buy an unlocked phone

The Holy Grail of traveling is being able to buy local SIM cards with local numbers and data to help you the first few weeks moving to a new country.

Buy an unlocked phone or unlock it so you can swap out your SIM for a new one anytime you visit a new place abroad.

2. Download offline maps

Google has an option to download custom offline maps of your choosing. Just zoom in or out of an area on Google Maps when you have some Wi-Fi, download the map, and save it for emergencies. Here’s how to do it on iOS devices and on Android devices.

You can also buy or download offline map apps for free in the App Store, such as MAPS.ME or Sygic.

3. Buy a universal converter

No matter where you go, you will need electricity to power your devices. Unfortunately, countries in the world are NOT on the same page their outlet shapes and sizes.

Make sure to get a multi-country adapter so you can plug in your electronics anywhere, anytime.

Here’s a great list of universal adapter to choose from.

4. Check your visa requirements in advance

I hold dual Italian-American citizenship so I never faced this issue so far. But I’ve heard horror stories.

If you’re moving abroad for work, your company has probably been handling your paperwork. But it’s never a bad idea to double or triple check the requirements to avoid running into problems at the airport.

Also, remember to keep an address in your home country with a trusted family member or friend. This is so you can receive important mail (especially if you move to a country where mail has only a 60% chance of making it to its destination). Also, keep a copy of your passport and other IDs with them (and on yourself) as well in case of an emergency. This is more precautionary but you never know.

5. Never rent an apartment overseas without visiting it first

Or rather, never transfer any money to some scammy ad online. There are countless fake home listings for rent in different cities. Scammers go as far as crafting fake emails, numbers, and contracts to snag your hard-earned cash.

Especially with listings in English (in non-English speaking countries) be very careful and NEVER pay anything before visiting the property.

When I moved to Munich, Germany I remember scanning countless rooms for rent, noticing many “too-good-to-be-true” lower-priced options. I would contact the homeowner and they would prompt me to wire them money and they would in return send the house key via post.

I was tempted to do it with a couple of great offers, tempted by the bargain price, but when I checked Google Maps for the addresses I couldn’t find the place. Big tall glass of nope.

Instead, you could rent an Airbnb for a couple of weeks and search for permanent accommodation when you arrive in your new city. This will give you the chance to scan the market and physically visit any property easily.

6. Let your bank know you’ll be out of your home country

And remind them again.

Make sure you let your various credit and debit card accounts know you are moving abroad. If you don’t and buy something in a foreign country, your bank may treat it as a theft and lock your account.

There’s nothing worse than finding yourself with a locked-down card and no way to contact your bank.

7. Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees

So important. Ain’t nobody wanna spend 2% – 5% per charge on ridiculous fees every time you shop abroad. Here’s a list of the best cards with no foreign transaction fees.

8. Research local banks and bank accounts

Make sure to read up on the various account options in your new country, as fees and monthly account management costs can add up if you’re not careful about which type of account you choose (especially if you don’t speak the language yet!).

Some banks have free accounts for students or young adults, while others may have interesting offers for those with a monthly income above a certain amount. Depending on your circumstances, make sure you do your research or ask your company/school what account may be the best for your situation.

9. Learn some basic language skills

This is pretty self-explanatory. Before you move to a new country where you don’t speak the language, make sure you learn some essential phrases. Like ordering in a restaurant, saying hello or goodbye, getting around the city, booking a hotel, and so forth.

It’s also going to score you some extra points with locals, who always appreciate someone at least trying to speak their language!

Lonely Planet has some great phrasebooks and guides for cities.

10. FOOD

Take a stroll through TripAdvisor, Yelp, Culture Trip, and other sites online to discover the best foodie places in your new city/country. This is your time to explore new flavors, textures, and make your tastebuds very very happy. Also, if you have any dietary restrictions, this is the time to research if you may have any issues finding foods you can eat and where to eat them.

Cool Cousin is a fun new app that’s built on local’s recommendations for bars, restaurants, cafes, and other activities in a city. Check it out to get some inspiration on what to explore!

Well, there you have it, my list of essential things to make sure you sort out before moving to a new country! After all, as you’re swept up by all the novelty, it can be easy to forget the boring things sometimes 😉

Tags:

asia, communication, culture, europe, expat, food, inspiration, latin america, life, money, travel, united states, visa, work

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