Most expats do the bulk of their research from the sofa of the home they are about to leave. They read about neighbourhoods, scan job adverts, compare rents and try to work out what a weekly shop will cost. The difficulty is that much of the internet shows you the version of a website meant for where you are now, not where you are going.

A little method goes a long way. Here is how to build a realistic picture of life in your new country before you sign a contract or book a removal van.

Jobs: search like a local candidate

International job sites are a starting point, but the best vacancies often sit on local boards such as StepStone in Germany, InfoJobs in Spain or Seek in Australia. Search in the local language as well as in English, and note which roles ask for local qualifications or language skills. Check the work permit route early, whether that is an EU Blue Card, a skilled worker visa or a company transfer, because it shapes which jobs are realistic. Adapt your CV to the local format as well: some countries expect a photo and date of birth, while others see both as a reason to set an application aside.

Housing: rents, deposits and scams

Property portals such as Idealista, Rightmove or ImmoScout24 give a good sense of rents in each area. Learn the local rules on deposits, agency fees and contract length, which vary widely between countries. Be wary of listings that look too good to be true and never send money for a flat you have not seen or verified, because rental scams often target people who are still abroad.

Neighbourhoods: where to look

Rents tell only part of the story. Map the places you will go every day, such as the office, schools and supermarkets, and check commuting times at rush hour rather than at midnight. Street View gives a useful first look, and local forums or social media groups answer questions no guide covers, from noisy bars to streets that flood in winter.

Notice how long an area has been popular with newcomers. Neighbourhoods that fill quickly with expats often see rents rise fastest, while a stop or two further along the same transport line can offer more space for the same money.

See the local version of websites

Many sites adjust what they show to where you appear to be browsing from. Job boards favour listings near you, shops show prices and delivery options for your current country, and some services simply redirect you to your home market. A proxy site lets you route your browsing through an address in the destination country, so you see the listings, prices and delivery options that a local would see. It is useful for research; for banking and government services, stick to the official channels and tell your bank about your move.

Cost of living

Crowd-sourced sites such as Numbeo are helpful for a first estimate, but treat their figures with caution. Look at a local supermarket’s online shop, utility tariffs, public transport passes and the cost of private health insurance if you will need it. Speak to people who already live there through expat groups, and ask about the costs nobody mentions, such as school fees, car insurance or local taxes.

Build a simple monthly budget with three columns: fixed costs such as rent and insurance, everyday spending, and one-off setup costs like deposits, furniture and visa fees. The setup costs are the ones that catch most people out.

Money and admin before you go

• Open a multi-currency account so you can pay deposits and bills before a local bank account is ready.
• Keep your home mobile number active for banking security codes until you have moved your accounts.
• Check how tax residence works in both countries, because the rules are not the same everywhere.
• Find out how to register with the local authorities and healthcare system after you arrive.

Schools and healthcare

If you are moving with children, school places can decide where you live. International schools often have waiting lists and fees that rival rent, while local state schools may require proof of address before they will even discuss a place. Contact schools early and ask what documents they need.

Healthcare works differently everywhere. Some countries give residents access to public care once they register and pay contributions, while others expect private insurance, at least for the first months. Check what your visa requires, how to register with a local doctor and whether your existing prescriptions can be continued.

Test your plan with a visit

No amount of online research replaces a week on the ground. If you can, visit before you commit, stay in the neighbourhood you are considering and do ordinary things: take the commute at rush hour, shop in the local supermarket and walk the streets after dark. It is the fastest way to find out whether the picture you built from home matches real life. Use the trip to view flats or open a bank account if you can, since some tasks are far easier in person.

Getting around

Transport shapes daily life more than most people expect. Check whether you can drive on your current licence and for how long, since many countries require an exchange within months of becoming resident. Compare the cost of a monthly public transport pass with running a car, including insurance, parking and tolls.

FAQ

Do I need to speak the local language?

Not always for work, but everyday life, from renting a flat to seeing a doctor, is much easier with at least basic language skills.

Can I keep using my driving licence abroad?

Often only for a limited period. Many countries require an exchange once you become resident, so check the rules for your nationality.

How far in advance should I research a move abroad?

Ideally six months, which leaves time for work permits, housing and school places.

Are online cost of living figures reliable?

They are a useful starting point, but check them against local shops, rents and tariffs.

Should I rent a flat before I arrive?

Many people book short-term accommodation first and sign a long lease after viewing in person.