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Tips For Moving To Another Country
Rod Morris
BE SURE - Moving can be extremely stressful, be as certain as
you can be that it's the right move for you before you go. If
possible visit the country before you make up your mind, don't
rely on other people's impressions. Ask yourself if the new
culture will really suit you (and your family).
BE PREPARED - ...For anything and everything to go wrong. Don't
assume that you'll be able to find the perfect job or house
immediately. If possible make sure you've got enough money to
see you through the first couple of months at the very least
(preferably longer). And to do that you'll need to...
BUDGET - As unglamorous as it sounds, good budgeting could be
what makes the difference between a successful relocation and a
disaster. Before you go, work out what everything is going to
cost during those crucial first months when you're trying to
find your feet in a foreign land.
DON'T DELAY - Start preparing as early as possible, just
getting all the necessary paperwork in order can take a long
time. Make a checklist of everything you need to do!
CHECK YOUR BENEFITS - If your company has initiated your move
you may be eligible for relocation benefits. Make sure you ask
if they haven't told you already!
HEALTH - Make sure that the country you are moving to has
adequate healthcare facilities and infrastructure to support
you (and your family), especially if you suffer from a medical
condition which requires treatment or medication.
YOUR HOME - Think about what you want to do with your current
home (e.g. sell it, lease it, leave it empty) and what kind of
accommodation will be most suitable in your new country. If you
don't know anyone in the new country who can help find
accommodation, consider the services of a relocation agent.
EMPLOYMENT - Will you be looking for work in your new country?
If so, consider starting your job hunt before you go (use the
Internet!) Will you be able to use your existing qualifications
or will a period of retraining be necessary? If you're moving
somewhere where they don't speak the same language as you then
you should...
LEARN THE LANGUAGE - Few skills will have such a positive
impact on your relocation experience as being able to speak, or
at least understand, the local language. Getting to grips with
the local lingo before you go is a great idea!
PAPERWORK - No matter how insignificant that old document at
the back of the bottom drawer may seem now, take it with you,
the chances are at some stage you'll have to show it to
someone. Moving countries can be a bureaucratic nightmare at
the best of times but if you come prepared with the necessary
paperwork you stand the best chance of a stress free
relocation. Things to think about include birth certificates,
wedding certificates, educational certificates, medical
certificates (including those for your pets!), etc.
FRIENDS & FAMILY - Don't forget to inform everyone of your new
address and when you're going (unless you don't want them to
find you, of course ;-) Seriously though, saying goodbye to
friends and family can be the hardest thing about leaving, be
prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride as the day of
departure draws near.
YOUR BELONGINGS - Will you be taking everything with you or
leaving some items in storage (or even getting rid of them
completely)? How will you move your belongings? Can you
transport them yourself or do you need the services of a moving
company? Set aside those things you need to take with you in
person so they don't get packed accidentally (passports,
tickets, etc.)
INSURANCE - Once you've decided what you're taking with you,
insure it. If you haven't already arranged appropriate
insurance (health/life/travel, etc.) for yourself and your
family as well...DO SO!
BANKING - You may need to open a new bank account in your new
country - look for information on the one which suits you best.
Do you need to close your current bank account? At the very
least you'll need to tell your current bank that you're moving.
CREDIT CARDS - Credit card companies need to be informed you're
moving. Also, will the credit cards you're taking with you be
widely accepted?
DRIVING - Depending on where you're going and how long you're
going to be there you may need to apply for a new driving
license or even take a driving test. Will you take your car
with you or buy/rent/lease one when you get to your destination
country?
UTILITIES etc - Gas, electricity, cable companies and so on
will need to be informed of your departure and contracts
terminated where appropriate. Make arrangements for final meter
readings and bill payments.
POST REDIRECTION - Having your mail redirected after you leave
can prevent you from missing something important.
ELECTRIC DEVICES AND MOBILE PHONES - Check whether or not your
TV, video, hair dryer, alarm clock etc will work in the new
country. You may need to take out a new network subscription
for a mobile phone (or buy a new one with a subscription) -
watch out for 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 you can access
from anywhere.
And finally, a couple of important tips for when you get to
your new country...
MAKE FRIENDS - Whether locals or fellow expats, nothing will
help you more than being able to rely on the assistance of your
friends when you need it. Don't think that socializing is time
wasted, it's what makes a new country feel like home.
DON'T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF - Moving to a new country is
difficult. Even when everything goes according to plan it's
still difficult. There will be times when you're physically and
emotionally exhausted but try not to let things get on top of
you. Don't be shy about asking for help or support, there are
plenty of people who have been there before.
Good luck!
About The Author: Rod Morris is the owner of Expat Focus -
http://www.expatfocus.com - a
leading web site for expatriates
and anyone considering a move abroad. Rod is himself an expat
having moved to the Netherlands from the UK and he has also
traveled widely throughout Europe, the US and beyond.
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