Living abroad is certainly a fulfilling experience, having the chance of starting everything in a blank slate…but it also can be nerve-racking.
As someone who moved abroad various times, I will tell you the most important part of this experience is having an open mind and making sure you’ve got the basics covered.
Whether you’re lucky enough to have landed a job in an awesome destination or daydreaming about riding your bike through Amsterdam while checking our listed roles – this post is for you.
Make sure you’re prepared to make the move by checking off items on this check-list.
1. Read everything you can about your new destination and compare the information you find in different sources. Don’t pay attention to tourist guides and rating websites: you are not a tourist. Look for local bloggers and newspapers. Also, expat forums use to be a very useful tool and you can find some nice hints in websites like expatexplorer.hsbc.com.
2. Healthcare is important. I know, not a fun one! Don’t wait to get ill to investigate how the healthcare system works in the country you’re moving to. For example: Most european countries have really good public healthcare systems. Does it cover all your needs? Do you need to get a private insurance? How much does it cost? We suggest you do a search for local doctors by using Doctoralia.
3. Calculate the Cost of Living. If you are moving to a new working destination, you surely will know the amount you will earn each month. But, do you really know what you can afford with that money? Websites such as numbeo.com can give you a good idea of the cost of living in your new city. You may also want to visit the websites of stores and supermarkets and check out the prices, look for information on transportation and housing (or you could take a shortcut and use the Big Mac Index).
4. Chose the best place to live. You probably already know where your new workplace is located and maybe you even searched Google Maps’ Street View. Find out where the coolest areas are in town to get ideas of where you would like to live. Join expat forums from your new city and inquire about neighbourhoods and living arrangements. There are many websites like Home Overseas that can help you get information about prices and available properties. Whether you’re looking for a room, a flat or a house – beware: sometimes things are not what they seem to be.
Hint: Save money to stay in a hostel, jot down some of the places you saw online, contact the owners and once you’ve arrived to your new city, visit them to decide which one fits your needs and your budget better. Don’t make any payments or agreements before actually visiting the place.
5. Don’t rush into buying. When moving to a new city, there are lots of things you will need to buy. Don’t rush or you will pay more than you should. Buy only the few things you can’t live without and ask your new workmates for tips and hints on where to shop at the best prices.
6. Set up your communications. One of the first things you will need in your new location is a wifi connection and a good mobile operator. Once again, don’t rush into the first store and ask about the best options. Hint: Go for prepaid mobile at first while you’re getting settled.
7. Transportation. Investigate the different public transportation options. Most cities have really good websites including maps and pricing options. Also, consider alternative transportation methods –bikes are a plausible option in many cities.
8. Get familiar with local laws and customs. A common mistake when moving abroad is thinking that local regulations and customs are the same everywhere. This may be right in many cases, but there are always different details and shades. So, take some minutes to read about it if you don’t want to be caught doing something considered inappropriate or even illegal in your new city.
9. Learn about taxes. Taxes are a tricky subject when living abroad as they vary from one country to other. Ask your employer if they have someone on board who can assist you or look for a consultant that has experience with international tax returns. There are several expat forums that talk about taxes abroad but for something as serious as this, we suggest you look for professional help.
10. Make an effort to learn the local language. Yes, if you are working at a startup, it’s possible you will be working with an international team that speaks English as the main work language. But work is not everything and no, “Hello!” and “Thanks” are not the only words you will need if you want to get around and fulfill the next point in the checklist.
11. Integrate into the local community. Working at a startup with an international atmosphere, you may be tempted to move inside international circles. Although it may sound cool – and it is! It can also be limiting. Think long-term, open your mind to new experiences and make of that new city your home. Attend meet-ups, join a sports’ team or look for university activities – stay in the know about the local events and join in!
12. Build solid bridges with your loved ones. Moving abroad doesn’t mean you have to break ties with the people who care about you the most. On the contrary: for some reason, distance can make some relations get tighter than they used to be –you may surprise yourself chatting with someone more frequently than you used to when living in the same city. Take advantage of all the tools we have nowadays. Social Media and applications such as WhatsApp or Skype will keep you and your loved ones in tune.