expat network

Moving to America – What You Need to Know

So, you are moving to America!

Whether you are emigrating, taking a short term assignment or joining family in America we have put together the information you will need to make your move to the USA a smooth one.

Get our FREE Destination Guide to America!

The Best People Finders For Checking Your New Neighbors Or Roommates

Moving into a new building or inviting a roommate into your home means you’ll be living next to—or with—someone you barely know. Wanting a bit of background before you share walls, keys, or Wi‑Fi is normal. The right tools can give you peace of mind without turning you into a full‑time investigator. That’s where the…

Relocating To Naples, Florida: A Practical Guide For Lifestyle, Housing & Community Fit

Relocating to Naples Florida is often less about a change in address and more about a change in lifestyle. Many new residents come seeking year-round warmth, access to the Gulf of Mexico, a strong club culture, and a community that favors wellness, dining, and low-density resort living. What they often discover is a city designed…

How To Turn Your Property Into A Profitable Airbnb Rental

The idea of earning passive income while holding onto a real estate asset is incredibly appealing. Whether you are moving in with a partner, relocating for work, or simply have a second home sitting empty, the shift from “primary residence” to “short-term rental” seems like a natural progression. However, the difference between a house you…

How To Obtain A US Immigrant Visa Or Green Card

If you wish to move to the US and gain a permanent residence card (known as a ‘green card’) you will need to apply for an Immigrant Visa. The two main categories of immigrant visas are: family-based and employment-based. Here we look at the requirements and application process for an Immigrant Visa. Written by Nigel…

B-1 And B-2 Nonimmigrant Visas For Short Stays In The U.S.

If you are looking to travel to the U.S. for a short stay of up to 90 days you will need to apply for a Nonimmigrant Visa if you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. Here we outline the rules and requirements for the B-1 and B-2 visa and how to apply. Written…

U.S. Visa Overview

A citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa. The visa is placed in the traveler’s passport. Some international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for the Visa Waiver Program. Here is…

How To Help Your Child Thrive In A New Cultural Or Learning Environment

Adjusting to a new cultural or learning environment can be exciting but also challenging for a child. Whether the change involves moving to a new country, starting at a different school, joining a bilingual program, or transitioning to a new educational system, children often need intentional support to adapt and thrive. Understanding their needs and…

How To Settle Socially And Build A Support Network As An Expat

Moving to a new country brings opportunity discovery and excitement, but it also introduces social challenges that many expats underestimate. New surroundings, unfamiliar customs, and distance from loved ones can make even confident people feel isolated at first. While adjusting takes time, building a strong social foundation early can significantly improve both emotional well-being and…

How Do I Choose The Right Health Insurance Provider As An Expat, And Should I Use A Broker?

Choosing the right healthcare insurance policy can make a real difference to how successfully you start your journey abroad – or whether you start it at all. For expats, it’s as important as picking the right country: health insurance varies depending on many factors (location, lifestyle, family size, etc.), and individual needs differ – students,…

Health Insurance For British Citizens Living Abroad

It is estimated that as many as one in ten British-born people live outside the UK and around 400,000 people a year have emigrated from Britain for the past ten years. Whatever the reason for moving abroad access to healthcare and health insurance is a priority. This article was written for…

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.