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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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The Impact Of Giving Up Your Job To Become An Expat Partner

Not everyone outside the expat community responds positively when you talk about being an expat. Sometimes judgement is apparent; you can be seen as a spoiled, stay-at-home expat partner with no material needs or wants, spending lazy afternoons at the pool-side sipping cocktails with friends. This may or may not have been true many decades…

A street view of DAMBO, one of the best neighborhoods for expats in Brooklyn

Brooklyn NY Is One Of The Best Neighborhoods For Expats

New York City leaves nobody indifferent, and that’s a fact! Some would even say it’s the greatest place in the whole of America! What makes it unique is the distinctive vibe that each of its five boroughs has. From the ever-glorious Manhattan to the culturally diverse Queens, hip-hop-dominated Bronx, secluded Staten Island, all the way…

Research Study: How Has COVID-19 Affected Expats’ Mental Health?

For mental health awareness week 2021, William Russell surveyed over 1,100 expatriates in five countries to reveal some worrying stats about expat mental health. Expat Network is publishing the results here from an article originally published by William Russell. Written by Inez Cooper, Co-Founder & Managing Director, William Russell The…

Choosing An Appropriate Advisory Firm For British Expats In The USA

Cross border USA/UK financial advisory services is a highly specialised area within the financial services industry. The point of this, brief, article is to ensure that you and the firm you are considering engaging have the knowledge, expertise, and capability to offer you a full service. Written by Mark James of…

How To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle As An Expat

Being an expat is both a challenge and a great experience. People who have been living abroad for many years have experienced countless adventures and have faced every opportunity for a better life. While these are just some of the positive impacts of living in another country, there are still considerations to reflect upon,…

5 Tips For Dealing With The Stress Of Moving Abroad

It is easy to get the travel bug when everyone on social media posts photos of fantastic vacation spots. The idea of moving abroad and living as a nomad, moving from one country to the following sounds exciting and utterly glamorous. Still, when it comes to actually taking the step and moving away from your…

7 Things You Should Know About Moving Overseas With A Pet

Moving overseas with a pet is an arduous task that requires a lot of forethought and planning. Most travelers leave their pet to a care facility to avoid all the hassles and loads of paperwork associated with bringing a pet abroad. However, parting ways can be a hard choice for people having a deep…

Tips For Those That Want To Retire Abroad

Retiring might sound like an amazing idea as you go to work every day. Yet, once the reality kicks in, you may wonder how to keep busy during retirement. One answer to enhancing this golden period of your life could be to move abroad and live a life in the sun. How easy it…

California Cities That Offer A Great Expat Lifestyle

Being an expat and finding your footing in the US sounds exciting from afar, but this way of living comes with some challenges. However, once you get the hang of it and make peace with the fact that you need time to get used to some things, it’ll all go much more smoothly. Good…

How To Nail The Video Interview

Technology and connectivity are a gift to the modern day expat, presenting them with a way of communicating globally – regardless of their geographical location. And, with video interviews now being carried out by almost 80% of employers thanks to the pandemic and implementation of lockdown restrictions, global job seekers now have more opportunity than…

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.