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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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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…

Your Ultimate Moving Abroad Guide

Are you planning to move abroad soon? Moving abroad comes with its share of challenges and excitement. You are effectively leaving everything you know and embarking on a different journey where you will meet different people, cultures, and ways of life. If you are familiar with change, then you understand that…

Why Every Expat In Los Angeles Has A Side Hustle

Every expat in Los Angeles has a side hustle because the city makes ambition feel practical instead of distant. Newcomers quickly notice that the high cost of living pushes them to explore multiple sources of income. Many find that side projects bring security, confidence, and a sense of belonging. These extra jobs also expose them…

Moving With Family

Any international move is complicated, but moving with family takes even more planning. The first challenge is to deliver the message to the family. This will require a detailed discussion; they are likely to have a large number of questions but it may not be easy to get them to ask them initially. Children of…

Which Are The Best International Health Insurance Providers

Identifying which international health insurance provider will give the right options for you and any family is essential when moving abroad. There are some excellent options from which to choose and many are very affordable, especially when compared to options in the US. But which international health insurance companies are the best fit for you?…

What Expats Should Know About Moving To New England

Understanding what expats should know about moving to New England helps make relocation smoother and more enjoyable. The region blends history, modern living, and nature in a way few places do. Cities like Boston offer strong job markets and cultural depth, while smaller towns provide peace and tradition. Four distinct seasons shape daily life, from…

Expat Real Estate Investing: US Multifamily Playbook | Cross-Border Expertise

I’m a US multifamily expert who built an expat real estate investing practice from the ground up—remotely, across time zones, and through multiple market cycles. For more than a decade, I’ve completed dozens of cross‑border investing transactions, partnering with operators, lenders, and advisors to structure deals that protect capital and simplify reporting. Along the way,…

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.