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.

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The Importance Of A Life Insurance Review For Expats

You may have read that you should review your life insurance on a regular basis. If you’re living abroad, temporarily or indefinitely, a life insurance review is more important than ever. Here are ten reasons why an expat life insurance review is important. This article was written for Expat Network by International Citizens Insurance …

What Makes Expats At Higher Risk Of Substance Abuse?

Nowadays, many people choose to go expat for better job prospects. This is not at all surprising since many countries might offer a better quality of living than your home country. But regardless of all the benefits, there are also some downsides. All the changes that come with relocating abroad can cause a lot of…

10 Of The Best Cars To Choose As A New Expat

It’s often a challenge to learn how to drive safely in a foreign country because there are so many road laws that we’re unfamiliar with. But, some vehicles are safer, cheaper, or offer smoother rides, meaning the right car can help expats learn the rules faster without breaking the bank. The…

How Can Foreigners Buy Property In The USA?

Trying to buy a property in the US is one of the most terrifying things a foreigner can do. This is due to the possibility that many foreigners may not fully understand the laws and norms governing real estate ownership. After having to be aware of all the proceedings, the procedure is fairly easy. Foreigners…

Top 4 Property-Types Usually Listed On U.S. Real Estate Auction Sites

U.S. real estate auction sites are a great place to find listings of homes, condos, and other properties that you may not have found on a traditional realtor’s site. Some of the most common types of properties listed on these sites include bank-owned properties, foreclosed properties, and short-sale properties. Therefore, checking…

Biggest Expat Fears And How To Overcome Them

Everyone has a dream country they wish they could move to, and many individuals are working to achieve that dream. However, moving to another country comes with a plethora of tasks and difficulties one will have to face. There is a lot to learn and to adapt to as an expat. Let’s discuss some…

Moving Back to the USA After Time Abroad? 4 Tips to Make it an Easier Transition

America is the land of opportunity, but plenty of US citizens head overseas to further their careers, see the world, meet new people and broaden their horizons. When the time comes to return home, there are all sorts of administrative challenges involved, as well as cultural and emotional obstacles to overcome. So what can you…

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…

Planning To Start An LLC In Indiana? Here Are Some Tips

As anyone planning to start an LLC in Indiana knows, there are a few key steps involved in setting up your business. From choosing the right structure for your company to understanding the tax and registration requirements, it can be overwhelming. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the basics, so you can be sure you’re…

How Can You Afford A Car Straight After A Big International Move?

Moving to another country can be expensive. While the precise costs will depend on things like how far away you are moving, the cost of living in the country you are moving to, and the size of your family, you should be prepared to pay for not only moving and transportation costs but also packing…

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.