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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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Cost of Living Comparison – UK vs USA

You may be considering a permanent move from the UK to the USA. In this case, it’s best to do your homework first and consider the cost of living for moving to the USA before you pick up and go. Moving to the US from the UK may be more…

All You Need To Know About Florida Expat Health Insurance

Florida is one of the most popular expat locations, and for a good reason. A wonderful climate, beautiful scenery, delicious food, and a variety of entertainment options attract many people to start their life here. The Sunshine State boasts plenty of job opportunities and recreation options, as well as hot weather and sandy beaches. However,…

Health Insurance For Expats Doesn’t Have To Be Daunting

If you’re moving abroad, there’s a lot to think about. It can be a stressful process and one that requires a lot of time and energy – and that’s before you even arrive in your new country. Arranging healthcare might seem like another daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. …

5 Tips For Expats To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

Leaving your country to live in another one is a childhood dream for many. But when we actually shift to another country we realize what a challenge it is. Moving to a new country can open better opportunities for us and helps us grow bigger in terms of our professional capacity but living as…

7 Fitness Tips For Expats In A New Country

Moving to a new country is a challenging task. It means starting a new chapter in your life, changing your environment as well as your habits. While it’s a great way to broaden your views and explore new cultures, it also presents unique challenges. Everything is new and exciting, but also stressful. Additionally, you…

Wanting To Work As An Expat Partner? Do You Really Want To?

When your partner is offered a career enhancing opportunity abroad and you decide together to take the step, the family will enter a whole new phase in family life. If you are happy to leave your job behind and look forward to spending more time with the family and building a new life in the…

Biggest Cultural Shocks Expats Experience In New York City

New York City is a popular destination for expats with many people finding career opportunities taking them to the Big Apple. It can be a very different lifestyle to what people are used to. Here we set out the biggest cultural shocks expats experience in New York City. New York City…

Biggest Expat Communities In Louisiana

Louisiana is not just one of the most beautiful states in the US, but it’s also one of the most diverse. Most people know it for its mild climate, low taxes, and amazing scenery. However, the Bayou State has a lot more up its sleeve. Over the years, many expats have come here and…

Tips And Tricks On Tax Preparation In The U.S.

One of the best things about being a United States citizen is that you get to enjoy many constitutional rights and benefits. Well, this is as long as you abide by the law and, of course, pay your taxes as you should when they are due. As a matter of fact, tax evasion is…

What Everybody Must Know About The US Housing Market In 2021

As more people moved from the city to the suburbs during the pandemic in 2020, the housing market boomed and this continued through 2021. The real estate market is experiencing surging prices, scarce inventory and a backlog of new construction. Some people worry about the housing market crashing, others are looking to get in…

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.