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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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Expat Life: 6 Essential Tips On Packing Up And Moving Overseas

So you have a great opportunity to move abroad and start life afresh. While that is all well and good, it is crucial to understand that it is not possible to just simply take all of your belongings come moving day. This is because you won’t find moving and subsequently shipping items abroad to…

5 US Places American Expatriates Need To Visit

Moving to a foreign country can be a difficult adjustment. There’s a new language to master, local culture and customs to learn, a new money system to use, and more. While it can be a very exciting time, it can also make you a bit homesick. If you are an American expatriate and you…

Which Countries Are Most Popular For Study Abroad?

Research from financial services provider, Remitly, into where students from each country are looking to study abroad. Top spot Canada was favoured by 36 countries in total, followed by Spain (13) and England (10). The research also revealed Harvard as the most searched for university in the world, followed by the University of California…

Separation Anxiety: Dealing With A Common Expat Problem

It’s normal for expatriates to feel homesick from time to time. But what happens when longing for familiar faces and places becomes the worry and distress of separation anxiety? An increasing number of expats struggle with the condition that detracts from the experience of living and working abroad. Thankfully, there are ways to deal with…

A Walkthrough To The Best US Counties For Expats

It is not easy to pick the best place to settle down in the US with so many to choose from, especially if you have relocated from a different country. With so many states, cities, and counties to choose from, it could get tricky. When picking the right location, you want to balance indoor and…

How Can Expats Remain Gut Healthy in A New Country?

Moving to a different country is a very big change, which requires a great adaptation. Expats must not only adapt to a new place and culture but their gastrointestinal system must, too. The bacteria that live in the gut, known as microbiota, also have to deal with changes in diet, lifestyle, and other important…

7 Things That You Must Do Before Leaving Atlanta

A trip to Atlanta, the capital city of Georgia, means a lot of different things to a lot of people. If you’re looking to party, then it’s all right there for you: the strip clubs and the glamour and oh-so-fun atmosphere that is not present anywhere else. As an outdoorsy person, there is something…

Maintain Connection With The UK Without Roaming Charges

What Do New Roaming Charges Mean? UK providers have reintroduced roaming charges for Brits abroad, due to Brexit, meaning connecting to the UK will be more difficult than ever. But no need to panic, Xpatfone, powered by Devyce, is the solution, a modern business phone system with a specific package for expats wanting to…

The Best Florida Cities For Digital Nomads

Nomadic life is a dream come true for many. Nothing beats the opportunity to swap the old 9 to 5 for a chance to work while traveling the world. And with technology on our side, the latter has never been easier. Everything you need to accomplish such a venture is a laptop and a proper…

How To Live Well As An Expatriate

There can be numerous advantages to moving to another country, from better financial prospects to fleeing a crisis. While there are potential advantages, there are also plenty of challenges facing expatriates living in a new country. Overcoming these challenges is essential to achieving your initial goals and a higher quality of life, and these…

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.