Moving to a new country is an exciting and daunting prospect. There are so many things to keep in mind before you actually make the move, and even more afterwards. Here are a few things to keep in mind as an American expat living abroad.
1. Learn the local language
If you’re going to be living in a foreign country for an extended period of time, it’s important to learn the local language. Not only will it make life a lot easier for you, but you’ll also be able to communicate with locals more easily.
2. Get a good education
No matter where you live abroad, you’ll need to get a good education in order to make the most of your opportunities. In some cases, you may need to learn the local language in order to find work or to connect with the local community.
3. Be prepared for a new environment
When you move to a new country, you’ll likely have to adjust to a new environment. You may find it difficult to mix with people from your previous life, and you may have to learn to network and build relationships in new ways.
4. Get a good insurance policy
Whether you’re living in a major city or a small town, it’s always important to get good insurance. Not only will it protect you in the event of an accident or theft, but it can also help you in the event of a medical emergency.
5. Factor in your transportation needs
If you’re going to be living in a foreign country, you’ll need to factor in the cost of transportation. Not only will it cost money to get around, but you may also need to rent a car or use public transportation.
6. Make sure you have a valid passport
If you’re going to be living in a foreign country for an extended period of time, it’s important to make sure you have a valid passport. Not only will this protect you if you need to leave the country quickly, but it’ll also let you travel abroad without any problems.
7. Keep all the documentation you need handy
Whether you’re moving to a new country for the long term or just for a temporary stay, you’ll need to make sure you have the documentation you need. This includes your passport, visa, driver’s license, and any other documentation you may need.
8. Learn about the local healthcare system
If you’re going to be living in a foreign country for an extended period of time, it’s important to know about the local healthcare system. Not only will this protect you from any unexpected costs, but it’ll also help you get the care you need if something happens.
9. Budget carefully
Living abroad can be expensive, and you’ll likely have to learn to budget carefully. You may have to get used to paying high taxes, and to dealing with unfamiliar currency.
10. Have an emergency fund
Even if you don’t live in a foreign country, it’s always important to have an emergency fund. This will help you cover unexpected costs, such as a medical emergency or a car repair.
11. Make sure you have a support system
Whether you’re living in a foreign country on your own or with a support system, it’s important to make sure you have someone you can rely on. This can be a family member, a friend, or a group of expats.
12. Develop a good work/life balance
If you’re going to be living in a foreign country for an extended period of time, it’s important to make sure you have a good work/life balance. This means setting aside time to relax and enjoy your free time, but also ensuring that you’re taking care of your work responsibilities.
13. Be prepared for social challenges
When you move to a new country, you’ll likely have to adjust to a new social culture. You may find it difficult to mix with people from your previous life, and you may have to learn to network and build relationships in new ways.
14. Be prepared for a new culture
When you move to a new country, you’ll likely have to adjust to a new culture. You may find it difficult to mix with people from your previous life, and you may have to learn to network and build relationships in new ways.
15. Make sure you have a sense of humor
Living in a foreign country can be difficult, but it’s also fun. If you can keep a sense of humor about everything, it’ll make the transition a lot easier.
16. Be prepared for difficult weather
Living in a foreign country can be tough in the summer, when the weather is hot and humid, and in the winter, when the weather is cold and snowy. Make sure you have enough warm clothes, and be prepared for sudden storms.
17. File your taxes the American way
You can make use of platforms like the US Expat Tax filing software to make tax filing a breeze. The program take care of all the details for you, so all you have to do is fill out the appropriate forms online and submit them directly to the IRS.
