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!

Studying Abroad? Follow These 7 Tips For An Easier Student Life

If you’re considering studying abroad, congratulations! It’s an amazing experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life. But before you pack your bags and catch a plane, there are a few things you should know to make your student life overseas a little easier. Follow these seven tips and you’ll be…

How To Involve Your Family Back Home When Expecting a Baby Abroad

Whether you’re a digital nomad that moves around frequently or a part of a couple that’s found their forever home, it can be stressful to be away from family when you’re expecting a baby abroad. However, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your family back home in the loop while abroad….

Everything You Need To Know About Moving To Florida

The US doesn’t lack amazing places to live in, but Florida might be the richest of all the states with it comes to livability. This state receives thousands of new residents each year, mostly due to its amazing weather, great economic status, and friendliness for all. If you’re planning to move to the Sunshine…

How To Celebrate Special Occasions For Loved Ones Back Home After You’ve Emigrated

As much as moving to a different country for work, study, relationships, and a score of other reasons can be exciting, one thing is for sure. Adjusting to being far away from loved ones is among the most expected yet difficult challenges any emigrant can face. And while it will probably take a while before you…

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…

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.