It takes courage to pack up your bags and just go, especially if you’re leaving for an entirely new country. That means new customs, traditions, social stigma, food, currency, and a host of other things. Moving takes a lot of planning. Most people spend three to six months planning their move overseas.
Whether you’re being sent for language training for teachers or you’re an expat who wants to retire abroad, planning for your new home can be both exciting and stressful. Thankfully, this list should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect and how to overcome the process of moving.
Visa Requirements
Now that you have decided to seek a better life or more opportunities abroad, it’s time to arrange the necessary documents you need. First on your list is the visa requirements. Are you allowed to enter the country without a visa? If so, how long can you stay without alerting the immigration? If you plan to stay for a long time, you need to visit your destination’s embassy or consulate to know what you need to prepare to apply for a visa.
Shipping Things
Once you’ve got that all sorted out, start browsing for international tickets. Book ahead of time so that you can get the best deals. You also need to ship the things you can’t carry with you on the flight. Paying for extra luggage can be very expensive, so you can start finding a courier that will ship your things for an affordable price.
Photocopying Documents
The last thing you want to happen is to be stuck in a country with a lost passport. Make a copy of all documents—passport, birth certificate, license, medical records, marriage certificate, and health insurance. Laminate them so that they don’t get accidentally destroyed by rain or by wear and tear.
Arrangements for Your First Night
Don’t rent an apartment for long unless you’ve seen it. Book a hotel for the first night so that you have a place to stay the moment you arrive. You can look for an apartment once you’re in the country so that you can check out the neighborhood and negotiate the price better.
Purchasing Medical Insurance
Purchase medical insurance that will let you choose which hospital to go to and has 24-hour emergency assistance. You don’t want to get stuck in a foreign country sick and unable to go to the hospital. You also need to check the state department’s warnings about certain diseases in the country you may be visiting. Get the proper immunizations before leaving to ensure that you’re properly protected.
Set up Your Finances
Set up a bank account before leaving the host country. Some banks allow you to open a bank account to your country of destination. This way, you can transfer your funds there, and it will automatically be converted to that country’s currency. Consider closing your credit cards because of the foreign transaction fee. Instead, open new ones when you arrive at your destination.
Take Language Lessons
Finally, you need to learn a few words and phrases of the language of your destination country. Although English is a second language for most countries, it will still help if you can utter a few words in their native tongue.
Moving overseas takes a lot of planning. It is stressful and challenging to deal with all the logistics, but you can’t just pack up and leave. You’ll be putting yourself in danger if you do. If you plan well, you’ll be able to successfully navigate this new life of yours.
