In life, sometimes you just need a new adventure. Whether you’re fed up at work, running away from your problems, or just fancy a change, moving abroad is one of the best decisions you can make. However, it’s not as simple as packing a suitcase and jumping on a flight. There are all sorts of things you need to consider first. Here are the steps to take before moving abroad.
Save as much money as you can
First, you should save as much money as you possibly can. Moving abroad can be really expensive and you will need money to make it happen. Even if you’ve costed everything up, you should still keep saving up so you have an emergency fund. Whatever you think you need, save a little more (just in case).
Apply for or renew your passport
You will need a passport to move abroad. If you don’t already have one, you need to apply now. If your passport is out-of-date, you should renew it. This process is relatively straightforward and it’s worth doing before you plan anything else. Passports can take a while to come, especially if there’s a backlog of requests, so you should start the process now.
Apply for a visa
Some countries require a visa for entry. The visa that you need might be different if you’re planning to stay in the country, so you should research this before choosing a destination. Some visa applications are expensive and time-consuming, so it’s important to do your research before you get started.
Plan ahead for healthcare
Before you arrive in your new homeland, you should take care of important things like healthcare and dental. This will ensure that you’re covered from the moment you arrive in the new country. You might need help with medical record retrieval. Then, you will need to find a medical center that speaks your language and will accept you.
Do your research
The idea of moving abroad is often romanticized. You might be looking to move somewhere with beautiful weather all year round. Or you might be moving somewhere for the amazing food culture.
However, it’s important to do your research before you take this big step or you might find yourself moving back home from abroad. Look for social media groups of people that live in the new area and ask them for advice. You should be able to find some information about your new home on the internet.
Contact your bank and phone provider
When you move anywhere, you need to contact your bank and phone provider. However, when you move abroad, this is especially important. They might not be able to provide you with the same service in your new home and you might have to change suppliers. This is worth checking well before you move because you will need a bank account and working phone during the move.
Make copies of important documents
Moving abroad comes with a lot of documentation.
From visas and passports to birth certificates and driving licenses, you should make copies of everything. That way, if any emergency should arise, you have spare copies to prove who you are.
