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!

How To Get A Student Loan As An Expat: 4 Ways To Fund Your Education

Taking your education to the next level is an investment in your future, and one which will repay itself many times over, not only in terms of opening up new career opportunities, but also when it comes to making you a more rounded human being. How do you fund your education? …

Expat’s Guide To Living In Atlanta

Whether moving to Atlanta or another place, you need a guide. It will help you accommodate and teach you all you should know. If you are interested in moving to Atlanta specifically, you are making a great decision! It is a gorgeous and lovely city, but also quite large. So, you will need some help….

7 Things You Should Know About Small Business Taxes in America

Making key financial decisions for your business is hard enough as it is, but money matters become increasingly complex when you start throwing in tax terminology and filing practices. But if you’re setting up an online business, it’s a good idea to speak to a professional accountant before submitting your small business taxes in…

4 Driving Tips for Expats Living in Texas

Life in Texas can be amazing for expats, which is why it’s a top destination chosen by those moving from overseas who want to live the American Dream to the fullest. Before you can get to this point, you need to consider some of the differences between Texas and your home nation so that you…

Simple Ways To Make Expat Life In NYC Easier

Being an expat in NYC has its challenges, and it can get complicated from time to time. However, expat life in NYC can be fun and easy if you make a couple of lifestyle changes. From joining expat groups to using public transport, here are a couple of the most important things that will…

6 Expat Job Hunting Tips To Get Your Dream Job

Almost all of us have been taught by our parents to continue our education so that we can have the perfect job that impacts both our own lives and the rest of society. As we get older, we really want to find our dream job, even if that dream job leads us to a…

Building Credit As An Expat: What You Need To Know

There are a few things you need to know about building credit as an expat. For one, the process is different in every country. And for another, your credit score may not even be applicable in the country you’re living in. So what do you need to do to build good credit? Read on…

Most Popular US States For European Expats

In the United States, there are many beautiful and diverse states and cities to live in. Obviously, people coming from abroad are going to have favorites. Some of the most popular US states for European expats include unexpected places where expats feel at home. When you need to decide where to live in the US,…

How To Become A Real Estate Agent In The U.S.: Tips From The Experts

If you’re interested in becoming a real estate agent in the U.S., there are several resources available to aid with your beginning. In this article we will talk to some experts in the field and get their tips on how to become a successful real estate agent. So whether you’re just starting out or…

UK Inheritance Tax And Domicile – What You Need To Know Today

UK inheritance tax follows you around the world since it’s based on domicile, not residence. You could live abroad long term and still be liable for this legacy tax. Here, Blevins Franks look at key facts about UK inheritance tax and domicile and how it could affect your intended heirs. 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.