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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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Can Poor Indoor Air Quality Increase Asthma Attacks?

With many expats living in locations with increasing levels of pollution and poor indoor air quality what is the impact on health and the likelihood of suffering from asthma? We look at the causes and what you can do to reduce the risk. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Livia Neistat,…

Guide To Healthcare Plans In The U.S.

When moving to the U.S. the healthcare system can be bewildering with the many different options. Duquesne University have set out a handy guide explaining healthcare basics and the different healthcare plans in the U.S.. We have republished this here with their agreement to help you to understand the differences and the benefits of each….

How Do Different Countries Treat Mortgages For Over 60s?

With the current economic turmoil due to both Brexit and Covid-19, many UK mortgage brokers have continued to be accused of being ‘ageist’. Mortgages for Over 60s can be difficult to obtain. This is because many are lowering their maximum age limits on traditional mortgage lending for an older borrower from 80/85 to an…

Expat Guide to Retiring in Florida

If you are a retiree or plan on retiring soon, you must have thought about moving to another country and spending your days surrounded by fantastic nature and beautiful landscapes. You may have considered Florida as a possible destination where you can live your best life and live surrounded by palm trees, eternal sunshine, beaches,…

6 Tips To Stay Safe When Flying While Pregnant

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic and its impact on different parts of the world continue to flood our news and social media. You’re probably wondering how COVID-19 could affect your loved ones, especially if you have a young baby or are currently pregnant. On top of that, if you have travel plans coming up, you…

The American Visa Waiver Program and ESTA

An ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) gives you permission to travel to the United States for up to 90 days for business or pleasure where you hold a nationality that’s exempt from requiring a visa. It does not guarantee you entry to the US which is decided by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP)…

Impact Of Taking On An International Assignment On Mental Health

A major new piece of research* by AXA Global Healthcare has shed light on the impact that working on an international business assignment has upon mental health. Of the 500 international workers who were surveyed in seven different countries, just one-in-ten (10%) said that working abroad has had a negative impact on their mental health….

How To Stop Worrying And Feel Better As An Expat

Are you worried? Are you feeling lonely? Do you work elsewhere and already miss your loved ones? You are not alone. People worry all the time; it is only human to worry. However, if not regulated, mild worrying can easily transition to chronic worrying and eventually cause panic disorder, anxiety, and depression, especially if you…

Child Abduction By Spouse – Precautions and Legal Remedies

Child abduction by one parent from another following marital breakdown can be a harrowing experience. Prevention is preferable as legal remedies can be expensive and difficult. Here Samara Iqbal of Aramas Law explains the legal remedies and practical precautions available. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Samara Iqbal, Director & Solicitor of Aramas Law Ltd …

Top 3 States For Expats In The U.S.

What are the top 3 states for expats in the US? As the fourth largest country in the world (by land area), it can be difficult for expats to choose where to live in the United States, especially if they really don’t know where to start. Deciding which location has the most to offer…

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.