A+ Expat Corner: Guide to Moving in a Different Country as an Expat
Living in a foreign country is a like an adventure. It unlocks new opportunities and extraordinary experience. As exciting and daunting as it seems, it unfolds new challenges as well. This includes adjusting to a warmer or colder climate, a big shift in routine lifestyles, eating unfamiliar cuisine, and starting a new life.
Being an expat is not a simple choice, so it takes a lot of courage to finally decide to leave your own country. To start things off the right foot, it involves a great deal of planning and preparation. Here are the major things expats should prepare and take note of before the big move:
MONEY, BANK, AND DOCUMENTS
SAVE AS MUCH MONEY AS YOU CAN
What is the cost of living and the exchange rate in your new country? Moving to the other side of the globe brings a lot of expenses such as visa application, plane tickets, rent or housing, medical, and emergencies. It is advised that one should at least have a six-month-worth of savings when moving abroad. During your few first months, it is also inevitable to pay for unexpected costs, so it is helpful to prepare a monthly budget plan to avoid overspending.
SET UP A SAVINGS ACCOUNT IN YOUR NEW CITY
Research and compare the best and most convenient banks in your new city. Find out the necessary documents you will need to set up a savings or checking account. You can also apply for an international credit card to avoid the hassle of carrying cash all the time and prevent foreign transaction fees.
MAKE COPIES OF ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS
Before you officially relocate, make sure you have hard and soft copies of your important documents—passport, birth certificate, driver’s license, immunization and medical records, and other identification cards. Easy access to these documents will save you time and worry just in case you need it in the future.
DRIVING AND GETTING AROUND
Before you jump behind the wheel abroad, consider first the laws, customs, and safety level in that country. You should familiarize yourself with the road and watch out for particular danger zones.
There are certain countries with unique road laws. For example in Thailand, one can get arrested for driving without a shirt, or in Europe, there is no right turn on a red light. Whether you are shipping your current car, buying a new one, or planning to rent, make sure your car is roadworthy. Depending on which country you live in, you may also need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you move.
CULTURE
Culture shock is a common experience when you move abroad. As an expat, adapting to people’s attitudes and behaviors is one of the biggest challenges you may encounter. Learning the language, at least the basics, makes the cultural transition so much easier. Study some simple words or phrases or if you have time, enroll in a language course. If you get acquainted with their social norms and etiquette, it will offset your culture shock, help you make new friends, and learn to love this foreign country eventually.
Expat communities are also growing worldwide, so whenever you feel an emotional shift, always remember that you are not alone. Engage with expat groups that suit your interests and exchange cultural knowledge with them through social media, blogs, and other events.
FOOD
Food is closely connected to a country’s culture. Discovering their local cuisine is part of the expat journey. One huge tip is to eat with the locals and eat like a local. You do not have to try the bizarre delicacies like the snake wine in Vietnam or fried flies in Bangkok. If the food looks unappealing, always show respect. Opening yourself to new food will push you out of your comfort zone. No matter how difficult it is to make adjustments, your taste buds will slowly learn to adapt and get accustomed to the aroma and flavors.
If you have dietary concerns, try to find healthy alternatives with the same nutritional value of their local food. And before you even miss home, have a list of the restaurants and cafes that serve dishes from your home country to treat yourself once in a while.
HEALTHCARE
KNOW THEIR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
It should be a top priority to get as much information as possible about the healthcare system in the country you are moving to. With any country, the quality of healthcare can vary, especially in places with low population density. Have detailed research into what healthcare services are available and their costs. Check out their medical facilities, statutory care, health standards, and emergency treatments. Their standard of healthcare might not be on par with your home country. Knowing these things will give you the right expectations and prepare you for future emergencies.
ENSURE AN INTERNATIONAL HEALTHCARE PLAN
There are unanticipated incidents a person may undergo when living overseas and one of those is facing emergencies or accidents. While no one wishes to get injured or sick, ensuring a health cover is an essential thing to consider. Having a plan with international coverage is more than just financial security. It will reduce your stress, immediately attend to your emergency concerns, answer your questions in a familiar language, and make sure you get the best medical assistance and treatment whenever and wherever you need it.
In short, there is peace of mind when you know you are protected abroad. For as low as $28/month, EasyCare+ gives you international protection, whether you plan to travel or if you want to get the best healthcare locally. Each of our health plans is tailored to your specific needs. You can have access to a network of over 10,000 doctors, hospitals, and clinics in more than 150 countries.
Contact us to get in touch with our Brokers or Get a Quote now.
Since 2008, A+ International Healthcare has been providing best-in-class medical health plans around the world. To know more about our products and services, visit http://www.aplusii.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter for more updates.
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