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How to move to another country and start over.
So you’re ready for a change of scenery and want to move to another country?
Starting over in a new country can be a daunting task, but it’s also an exciting adventure.
With a little preparation, you can set yourself up for success.
Here’s how to get started.
Save your money!
Moving to another country is a big decision. It can be exciting and scary all at the same time. There are a lot of things to think about and plan for. One of the most important things is saving money.
You will need money for your plane ticket, to rent an apartment, to buy furniture, and more.
Here are some tips on how to save money for your big move.
- Create a budget:
The first step to saving money is knowing how much you have to spend. Make a list of all your expenses and track them monthly.
This will help you see where you can cut back on spending. For example, if you are eating out a lot, you can cook more meals at home.
Or, if you are spending too much money on clothes, you can go through your closet and only keep what you need.
Once you have a handle on your monthly expenditure, you can start putting away money for your move.
- Save automatically:
A great way to save money is to have a certain amount automatically transferred from your checking account into your savings account each month.
This way, you don’t have to think about it and the money is already set aside when you’re ready to move. Many banks offer this service for free or for a small fee.
- Get a part-time job:
Another way to save money is by getting a part-time job and putting all of the extra income towards your move.
You can work extra hours at your current job or get a second job if possible.
Search online or in newspapers for part-time jobs in your area. You can also ask family and friends if they know of any openings.
These are just a few ideas on how to save money for your big move overseas.
Be sure to create a budget, put away money automatically each month, and get a part-time job to earn extra income.
Passports & Visas.
Moving to another country is an exciting adventure. But before you can start your new life abroad, there are a few administrative tasks you need to take care of.
Applying for or renewing your passport should be at the top of your to-do list.
Unless you’re fortunate enough to have a passport that allows visa-free travel to your destination country, you’ll need to apply for a visa as well.
This can be a lengthy and complicated process, so it’s best to start as soon as possible.
Applying for a Passport (US citizens).
If you don’t already have a passport, applying for one should be your first step.
The U.S. Department of State’s website has everything you need to know about getting a passport, including where to apply, how much it will cost, and how long it will take.
In most cases, it takes anywhere between 2 weeks to 2 months to get a passport nowadays, but if you’re in a hurry, you can pay an additional fee for expedited processing.
Dealing with Visas.
Unless you’re moving to another country that has a visa-waiver agreement with your home country, you’ll need to apply for a visa before you can move.
The type of visa you’ll need depends on the reason for your move and how long you plan to stay in the country.
For example, if you’re moving for work, you’ll need a work visa. If you’re going to be studying abroad, you’ll need a student visa.
And if you’re just moving for the adventure of it, you may be able to get what’s called a tourist or visitor visa.
The best way to find out what type of visa you need is to contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country.
They should be able to tell you what documents you’ll need and walk you through the application process.
Oftentimes, the first step in applying for a visa is filling out an online application.
After that, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of employment or schooling, and pay a fee.
Once your application is complete, all that’s left is to sit back and wait for your visa to arrive in the mail.
Getting a passport and applying for a visa are two important steps in the process of moving to another country.
But don’t let them deter you.
With a little planning and some patience, anyone can do it!
Pick your top 4 countries.
Picking just 4 countries out of the hundreds of possibilities can be tough, but try to choose countries that excite you.
When it comes to choosing a new country to call home, there are a lot of factors to consider.
But if you’re drawn to a few specific countries, narrowing your options down can be a little easier.
When picking your top 4 countries, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:
Climate: Do you want a tropical climate, or something more temperate?
Culture: What is important to you in terms of cultural norms and values?
Work Opportunities: If you’re not retired, what are the work opportunities like in your desired country?
Cost of Living: How much can you realistically afford to spend on housing, food, and other expenses each month?
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, sit down and make a list of your top 4 countries.
Rank them in order from most to least desirable, and then start doing some research into each one.
Talk to people who have already moved there, read expat forums, and look into the visa requirements.
Once you have a better idea of what each country has to offer, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision.
Finding a place to live.
When moving to a new country, it’s important to do your research and find out what the housing options are.
In some cases, you may be able to find furnished apartments or houses for rent. In other cases, you may need to find a place to live before you move.
There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for housing:
-Check the cost of rent and utilities. Make sure the cost is affordable and that you have enough money to cover your expenses.
-Check the location of the property. Make sure it’s close to amenities like schools, grocery stores, and public transportation.
-Check the size of the property. Make sure it’s big enough for your needs.
-Check the condition of the property. Make sure it’s in good condition and has been well-maintained.
Another important factor is the type of housing you’re looking for. In some countries, apartments are the norm, while in others, houses or villas are more common.
Be sure to ask around and get recommendations from locals or expats who have already moved to the area.
Finally, don’t forget to budget for utilities and other expenses.
In some cases, you may need to pay a security deposit or set up a new utility account.
Make sure you have enough money saved up to cover these costs.
If you’re still having trouble finding a place to live, there are a few things you can do:
- Check online classifieds websites like Craigslist or the local equivalent.
- Contact local real estate agents or landlords.
- Attend open houses or viewings.
- Ask your new colleagues or acquaintances.
Language & Customs.
Moving to a new country can be an amazing and rewarding experience.
But it also comes with a unique set of challenges, chief among them being language barriers and cultural differences.
Here are a few pointers on how to make the transition to your new home as smooth as possible.
One of the best things you can do before moving overseas is to learn some of the basics of the local language.
Not only will this make life much easier once you’re settled in, but it will also endear you to the locals and help create a sense of community.
Even if you only know a few key phrases, making the effort to speak the language will go a long way.
In addition to learning the language, it’s important to also familiarize yourself with the customs and culture of your new home.
Do some research ahead of time so that you know what to expect and aren’t caught off guard by anything.
For example, in many Asian countries, it’s considered rude to blow your nose in public, while in Arab countries it’s considered an insult to refuse tea when offered.
By taking the time to learn about the customs of your new country, you can avoid any awkward social gaffes.
Conclusion.
Moving to another country is a big decision, one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
But if you’re prepared financially, emotionally, and mentally, it can be an amazing experience.
Be sure to do your research beforehand and stay flexible, after all, part of the fun is embracing the unknown!
David Peluchette is a Premium Ghostwriter/Travel and Tech Enthusiast. When David isn’t writing he enjoys traveling, learning new languages, fitness, hiking and going on long walks (did the 550 mile Camino de Santiago, not once but twice!), cooking, eating, reading and building niche websites with WordPress.