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!

International Healthcare Tips For Travelers And Expats

Whether you’re moving abroad for a fresh start or traveling to explore new horizons, international healthcare should always be a top priority. While visiting or living in a foreign country offers incredible opportunities, it can also present unique health challenges that you’ll want to be prepared for. From navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems to managing pre-existing conditions in…

The Texas Lifestyle: Ideal Suburbs For Expats Seeking Comfort And Connection

The Texas lifestyle has become a major draw for expats seeking a balance of comfort and opportunity. With its warm hospitality, diverse culture, and thriving economy, Texas offers a unique blend of modern living and tradition. Suburban areas, in particular, provide the perfect setting for those who value open spaces, excellent amenities, and a sense…

Comparing Quotes From Moving Companies

Make sure you get quotes from three potential removal companies. Then you will need to evaluate them and make a choice. Price will clearly be a factor, but you should decide what is important to you and ensure that you take these into account and avoid choosing the cheapest and then incur more cost down…

The 10 Most Affordable Places To Retire In The South Of The USA

Stretch your savings and live your golden years to the fullest in these budget-friendly cities and towns. The decision about where we want to spend our retirement involves complex variables that include our families, health, interests, aspirations, and finances. As the cost of living continues to rise, finding the right city or town to make…

Expats – Plan Your Retirement Abroad

Many expats having spent a proportion or all of their career abroad get used to a different climate and lifestyle and do not feel drawn back to their home country when considering their retirement. There are many options for retiring and it is a very personal decision on where to retire. For some retiring where…

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,…

How To Claim The UK State Pension Abroad

You can continue to claim your State Pension when you decide to retire abroad, provided you have paid enough UK National Insurance contributions to qualify. If you have not yet started receiving your pension you can get a State Pension statement to tell you how much State Pension you may get In order to claim…

Accessing Healthcare When You Retire Abroad

Retiring abroad is a major decision and one of the key issues if we are to get the best out of life in retirement wherever we are is access to good quality healthcare. The accessibility of healthcare should be one of the key factors in the decision on where to retire. There can be a…

How To Write A Resume For An International Career

Resume expectations differ significantly in various countries and regions around the world, so it’s important to prepare your resume for the specific country where you hope to work. Research the resume customs of your target region, check out resume examples to help you get started, and adjust your resume accordingly to maximize your chances…

10 Best U.S. States For A Fall Road Trip

As summer fades and the air turns crisp, the arrival of fall inspires us to enjoy colorful landscapes and seasonal joys. Enchanting forests, golden valleys and majestic mountains are blazing with color, while serene beaches offer an idyllic environment for recharging. Now, with each region showcasing its own autumn appeal, it’s the ideal time to travel. Written…

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.