7 Tips For Expatriates

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Moving abroad can be an exciting opportunity, but it also comes with some challenges. Here are 7 tips for expatriates. These tips can help you navigate living as an expatriate.

Make Sure You Understand the Law

The legal system doesn’t work the same way in every country and in most cases, ignorance of the law won’t get you off the hook if you run afoul of it. Do some research about the laws in the country you will be living in and also how U.S. laws may still impact things, such as taxes you may owe as a person working for a company based in the United States. It may be helpful to consult with an attorney who is familiar with the legal system in the country you will be living in to make sure you understand concepts, such as how the litigation process works.

Visit Before You Move

Talk to your company about visiting the country you will be moving to before your actual move date. While you are there, investigate the housing options. It may be helpful to work with a relocation agent. Research the local schools and start pricing housing so you have an idea of what your housing budget will look like.

Learn the Language

Language barriers can be extremely frustrating when you are in a foreign country. When you are going to be living overseas, not being able to communicate with the people you will be around every day can be a real hindrance to your lifestyle. Get started learning the basics of the most common language spoken in the region you will be living in before you move. Spend some time researching translation apps for your smartphone to help you while you are improving your language skills.

Talk To Your Family

Your family life will probably be much more tranquil if you talk to your family about the move before you finalize it. If your partner, children and other family members aren’t on board with the move, you may want to reconsider. If your children are old enough, consult with them about whether they would prefer to be enrolled in a local school or attend an international school. Pay extra attention to any fears or concerns they have about the move.

Don’t Count on Having Help

If you are used to relying on friends and family or hiring help for everyday tasks, it may be a good idea to learn how to do these things yourself. You can’t always count on having access to the same kind of services in another country and you don’t want to be stuck unable to take care of your own needs, such as doing laundry, cooking or maintaining your home.

Do Your Homework

Visit the websites of both the U.S. embassy and the host country’s embassy and familiarize yourself with the services and processes. Do as much research as you can about the culture and customs in the country you are moving to. Investigate any medical needs you may have, such as medications or vaccinations that you will need to get before you leave. Figure out how to acquire basic services, such as a bank account and phone service.

Choose a Busy City

As a first-timer in the country, it is usually better to live somewhere that is close to everything than to try to live in a rural area or small town. You will have an easier time meeting people and you will have better access to services you need, such as healthcare and shopping. Once you get more used to your new home, you can move to a location that is more suited to your tastes if city living is not your preference.

Life as an expatriate comes with many opportunities that most people never get to experience. However, it also comes with challenges that can be overwhelming if you aren’t prepared for them. The earlier your start planning for your move, the easier your transition will be.

Here are some related articles you may find useful:

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.