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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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Why Tennessee Is The Perfect Place For Expats

Why do people move? There are many reasons. Some move to be closer to the hustle and bustle of a big metropolis. Others move to run away from it. Some people move to be closer to their work, or they move because of work. Others want a change of scenery. Some move to be…

How You Can Travel Safely As An Expatriate

Traveling is all about having fun, seeing new places, experiencing different foods and learning about various cultures. This enjoyment can go downhill fast when something happens to compromise your welfare. Your safety is a serious enough issue when you’re in your home country, but it can be downright unnerving when something happens in a…

5 Ways To Prepare For Your USA Viewing Trip

From Monday 8 November the US Government will relax its borders to fully vaccinated Brits. If you’ve been dreaming of buying a home across the pond, now is the perfect time to start planning your USA viewing trip. Bethany Hemsley, overseas relocation specialist at USA Property Guides, shares her five top tips for a successful viewing…

9 Little Known Factors That Affect Your Health

Many factors have an impact on our health, such as what we eat, how we sleep and our habits and hobbies. While lifestyle choices and genetics play a large role in our health, our social and physical environments can also impact our wellness. In this article, we’ll discuss the lesser-known determinants…

How To Set Up A Small Business In America

Over the last few years, there has been an increased awareness about the need for people to be in control of their professional lives. The Covid-19 virus outbreak and the lockdown that ensued served to remind people that they must pay attention to being their own bosses. When studying the effect…

How To Meet New People In NYC

8.6 million people live in New York City, and most of them seem to be rushing through the streets without time or desire to have a chat with someone new. However, a city with that many people is abundant in places where you can meet new friends. It’s no wonder this city is one…

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…

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.