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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 Foreigners Love Florida

You’re not alone if you’ve visited Florida on vacation and considered making it your permanent home. There are several compelling reasons to relocate to the Sunshine State. It’s not difficult to see what it has to offer, whether you’re looking for your first job out of college or looking for the ideal retirement spot. Here are…

Best Outdoor Activities For Expats In New Jersey

New Jersey, known as the Garden State, offers a diverse range of scenic landscapes and cultural attractions. For expatriates moving to and living in the US, understanding the local recreational opportunities can aid in a smoother transition to their new environment. Outdoor activities for expats in New Jersey provide an opportunity not only for relaxation…

The Best Northern Virginia Cities For Expats To Settle Down

If you want to truly enjoy yourself after moving, pick the best city to make your home! So, let’s go over the best Northern Virginia cities for expats to settle down! Arlington: urban living with green spaces Arlington offers urban living with ample green spaces, making it one of the best Northern Virginia cities for…

How Fluctuating Exchange Rates Can Affect The Price Of An Overseas Property

The foreign currency market is the largest and most traded financial market in the world, with more than $6 trillion traded each day, and over 80% of the foreign currency trading is for speculation purposes. The main drivers that influence exchange rate movements are economic and geo-political events, and technical trading by investment banks. These…

5 Essential Tips For Expats Starting A Freelancing Career Abroad

As an expat starting a freelancing career abroad, you may feel overwhelmed by the many challenges that come with this lifestyle. Freelancing requires self-discipline, the ability to manage your time, and a commitment to developing a robust network of clients and contacts in your new country. However, with proper planning and execution, you can create…

Make Miles Count: Essential Tips For An Unforgettable Road Trip

Are you itching to hit the open road on an adventure of a lifetime? Road trips offer freedom and flexibility, allowing travellers to chart their own course across scenic landscapes with lasting memories. But how can you maximise the kilometres you travel? Making wise choices along the way will help you have a good time…

How To Acclimatise To Heat – FAST

Already this year, Portugal and Spain have seen their hottest April temperatures since records began. The overseas living experts from YourOverseasHome.com have compiled a list of seven tips to help families stay comfortable and safe in the heat – from loading up on electrolytes, to turning DOWN the air con. Christopher Nye, overseas living expert…

How To Streamline The Process Of Moving To A New Home

Moving to a new country across the world can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience. From packing up your belongings and saying goodbye to friends and family, to filling out all the paperwork for transferring utilities — the process of moving internationally can become quite complicated. However, being organized ahead of time can make…

How To Buy A House Back In America When You’re Living Abroad: 5 Essential Tips

Taking the plunge to purchase a home in America while residing overseas may sound like a tall order. But, fret not! Equipped with the right insights and tactics, this process can be simpler than you ever imagined. Today, we’ll guide you through some essential tips to streamline this process, from researching your desired market to…

Navigating The Path To The United States: A Comprehensive Guide To Immigrating To The US

Here we provide an Infographic from Hansen & Company providing insights into the various pathways and requirements for immigrants to the US. It covers essential aspects such as eligibility criteria, visa categories, steps in the naturalisation process, and more.

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.