Tips for moving to another country

BE SURE: Moving can be extremely stressful, make sure it’s the right move for you before you leave. If possible visit the country before deciding, do not rely on other people’s impressions. Ask yourself if the new culture really suits you (and your family).

BE PREPARED – …for anything and everything to go wrong. Don’t assume you’ll be able to find the perfect job or home right away. If possible, make sure you have enough money to get you through the first few months at a minimum (preferably more). And for that you will have to…

BUDGET – As unglamorous as it sounds, a good budget could be the difference between a successful relocation and a disaster. Before you go, find out how much everything will cost during those crucial first few months when you’re trying to find your place in a foreign land.

DON’T DELAY – Start preparing as soon as possible, just having all the necessary paperwork in order can be time consuming. Make a checklist of everything you need to do!

CHECK YOUR BENEFITS: If your business has started its move, you may be eligible for relocation benefits. Be sure to ask if you haven’t already been told!

HEALTH – Make sure the country you are moving to has adequate health care facilities and infrastructure for you (and your family), especially if you have a medical condition that requires treatment or medication.

YOUR HOME – Think about what you want to do with your current home (eg sell it, rent it, leave it empty) and what type of accommodation will be most suitable in your new country. If you don’t know anyone in the new country who can help you find accommodation, consider the services of a relocation agent.

EMPLOYMENT – Will you be looking for a job in your new country? If so, consider starting your job search before you go (go online!) Will you be able to use your existing qualifications or will a period of training be required? If you move to a place where they don’t speak the same language as you, then you should…

LEARN THE LANGUAGE – Few skills will have as positive an impact on your relocation experience as being able to speak, or at least understand, the local language. Familiarizing yourself with the local slang before you go is a great idea.

PAPERWORK – No matter how insignificant that old document in the back of the bottom drawer may seem now, take it with you, chances are you’ll need to show it to someone at some point. Moving across a country can be a bureaucratic nightmare at the best of times, but if you come prepared with the necessary paperwork, you have the best chance of a stress-free relocation. Things to think about include birth certificates, wedding certificates, educational certificates, medical certificates (including those of your pets!), etc.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY – Don’t forget to let everyone know your new address and when you’re leaving (unless you don’t want to be found, of course 😉 Seriously, saying goodbye to friends and family can be the hardest part of leaving, Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster ride as game day approaches.

YOUR BELONGINGS: Will you take everything with you or leave some items in storage (or even get rid of them altogether)? How will you move your belongings? Can you transport them yourself or do you need the services of a moving company? Reserve those things that you need to take with you personally so that they are not accidentally packed (passports, tickets, etc.)

SECURE – Once you’ve decided what you’re going to take with you, secure it. If you haven’t yet taken out appropriate insurance (health/life/travel, etc.) for you and your family as well… DO IT!

BANKING – You may need to open a new bank account in your new country; look for information on the one that suits you best. Do you need to close your current bank account? At a minimum, you’ll need to let your current bank know you’re moving.

CREDIT CARDS: Credit card companies must be informed of your move. Also, will the credit cards you carry with you be widely accepted?

DRIVING – Depending on where you’re going and how long you’ll be there, you may need to apply for a new driver’s license or even take a driving test. Will you take your car with you or buy/rent/lease one when you arrive in your destination country?

PUBLIC SERVICES, etc – Gas, electricity, cable companies, etc. They must be informed of their departure and the contracts terminated when appropriate. Arrange for final meter readings and bill payments.

POSTAL REDIRECTION: Having your mail redirected after you leave can prevent you from missing something important.

ELECTRICAL DEVICES AND MOBILE PHONES – Check if your TV, VCR, hair dryer, alarm clock, etc. will work or not in the new country. You may need to subscribe to a new network for a mobile phone (or buy a new one with a subscription); beware of roaming charges with your current phone if you use it.

EMAIL: If moving means you can’t keep your current email address, consider a free web-based email account that you can access from anywhere.

And finally, a couple of important tips for when you arrive in your new country…

MAKE FRIENDS – Whether locals or expats, nothing will help you more than being able to rely on your friends for help when you need it. Do not think that socializing is a waste of time, it is what makes a new country feel like home.

DON’T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF – Moving to a new country is hard. Even when everything goes according to plan, it’s still hard. There will be times when you are physically and emotionally exhausted, but try not to let things get the best of you. Don’t be shy about asking for help or support, there are plenty of people who have been there before.

Good luck!