Moving abroad? Well, one thing is for sure, it will be an exciting opportunity. However, there’s a lot to think about before your journey. It could be an overwhelming one too. Emotions will run high, and you’ll start missing your home, family, friends, and homeland before leaving.
To make your overseas trip smooth, enjoyable, and free of fuss, we’ve compiled a to-do list to ease your relocation. Make sure to plan. This way, you are lowering the burden off your shoulders, minimizing the last-minute surprises.
Here are a few things to do to ensure that your experience of moving abroad is seamless and that you don’t hassle with things when D-day arrives.
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Moving abroad? Here’s what to pack
When moving abroad and planning your new adventure for living in the UK, there are several things that you should consider packing. Here are some essential items to consider:
Passport and travel documents
These are the most important items you’ll need to travel and settle in a foreign country. Ensure your passport is up-to-date and valid for at least six months from your travel date.
Visa and other legal documents
You may need a visa or other legal documents to enter and stay there, depending on your destination country. Ensure you have all the required documents before you leave.
Important personal documents
You should also bring critical personal documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and medical records. Keep them in a secure place, like a locked briefcase or backpack.
Medications and prescriptions
If you have any ongoing medical conditions, ensure you have enough medicines and prescriptions that last several months.
Clothing appropriate for the climate
Research the climate of your destination and pack clothing suitable for the weather. Also, consider cultural differences in dress. If you are moving to a country with predominantly cold weather, pack your jackets, hoodies, and warm stuff.
Electronics and chargers
Bring any essential electronics and chargers, such as laptops, cell phones, and cameras. Make sure you have adapters for your destination country. A power bank will always be a great gadget to have. The same goes for a hair dryer.
Toiletries and personal hygiene items
Bring a stock of your favorite toiletries, such as toothpaste, shampoo, and soap. Consider that your favorite products may not be available in your destination country.
Money and credit cards
Bring enough money to get you through the first few weeks or months, including local currency and credit cards. Ensure you notify your bank and credit card companies about your travel plans.
A few sentimental items
Finally, consider bringing a few sentimental items that remind you of home, like photos or small mementos. This can help ease homesickness and make the transition smoother.
Remember that the items you must pack depend on your destination country, travel plans, and personal preferences. Making a detailed checklist is a good idea to ensure you don’t forget anything important.
Banking and Finance
Do your research to ease your banking and finance issues before moving abroad. Opening a bank account seems hassle-free; however, this task sometimes becomes troublesome due to formalities.
In some countries, many banks refuse to open accounts for foreigners. Even in EU countries like Switzerland, foreigners are denied bank accounts due to regulations set by US Securities and Exchange Commission.
Many people from North America suffice with PostFinance, and their debit card can only be used within Switzerland and not outside. Apart from Switzerland, France, and the UK are other countries where you can face trouble. So, before you move abroad, conduct thorough research.
Of course, you’ll want a bank that lets you make free foreign transactions or at very few charges. You may also be dealing with multiple currencies, so unnecessary costs, especially in the beginning, won’t do you any good.
You can go with digital banking. Wise.com is one prominent name that would help you manage multiple currencies and transfer money in different currencies with no charges.
How to keep your number when moving abroad
Keeping your phone number when moving abroad can be tricky, but it is possible. Here’s how to do it.
Check with your current provider to see if they offer international services. Some providers offer international roaming plans that allow you to use your phone and keep your number while traveling. However, this can be expensive, so be sure to compare the costs to other options.
Another option is to port your number to a virtual phone service. This service allows you to use your phone number over the internet to make and receive calls as if you were still in your home country. Some popular virtual phone services include Talk Home App, Google Voice, Skype, and WhatsApp.
If you plan on staying in the new country for an extended period, getting a local SIM card may be best. This will give you a local phone number and allow you to use the local phone network. You can usually purchase a SIM card at the airport or a local phone shop.
Use a dual-SIM phone that can hold two SIM cards to simultaneously use your home country’s SIM card and a local SIM card. This can be a convenient option if you plan on traveling frequently or need to keep your home number for business purposes.
It’s important to note that some countries have specific phone numbers and portability regulations. Be sure to check with your current provider and the local regulations before making any decisions.
Moving abroad for work
Supporting your finances and expenditures in another country is not an easy task. You need to have a job. However, getting a job may not be that easy. Suppose you’re relocating to a country like Spain, Portugal, or Italy, where the unemployment rate is already very high.
Your chances of getting a job in these countries could be difficult. So, living close to nature and enjoying the enthralling scenes and spectacular beaches has a catch; finding a job could be another tormenting task.
Many EU countries have a right-to-work law as it is a legal requirement for anyone looking to work. You can work in an EU country if you are a citizen of the European Economic Area. On the employers’ part, hiring a person with no right to work can be expensive. So, to save themselves from the hassle, companies make it a requirement before opening a job.
For instance, you get a job in another country and relocate based on a work visa. Still, you are not entitled to the right to work. You must have a permanent resident or citizenship to start working.
How to get a job abroad before moving abroad?
Getting a job abroad before moving can be a great way to ensure that you have a stable source of income and a purpose for relocating. Here are some steps that you can follow to increase your chances of securing a job before you move.
Before you start looking for jobs, it’s essential to research the job market in the country you’re interested. This will help you identify the industries and job positions that are in demand and determine if your skills and experience match the requirements.
Use social media and professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your target country. You can also attend virtual job fairs, conferences, and events to meet employers and learn more about job opportunities.
Your resume and cover letter should be tailored to the job you are applying for and highlight your relevant skills and experience. Make sure to showcase any international experience or language skills that you have.
Once you have identified job openings that match your qualifications, submit your application. You may need a video or phone interview with the hiring manager or recruiter to discuss the role and your qualifications.
You may have to be flexible with your job search and consider temporary or contract work as a way to get your foot in the door. These positions can often lead to permanent roles once you have demonstrated your skills and commitment.
Make sure to research the visa and immigration requirements for the country you want to move to. Some countries may require a work visa or residency permit before you can start working.
Interesting read: Here are Traveling Essentials for Every Destination
Moving abroad with pets
Before you take a step, it’s better to review the regulations of the country you are relocating to. The process of taking your pet with you could be a little complicated. Some countries mandate the insertion of a chip into the pet for identification.
You’ll also have to show proof of rabies shots, tapeworm treatment for dogs, and specific vaccines that vary for different pets. Additionally, according to the law of some countries, your pet may have to spend a fixed time in quarantine.
So, before making your move, visit your vet and ensure your beloved animal is vaccinated and all its documents are clear for international travel. After a thorough check-up, the veterinary doctor will tell you whether the pet is healthy for hours of travel, considering the stressful travel compartments for pets in planes.
Complete all documentation and carry the paperwork with you. Otherwise, the authorities may detain your pet before flying or even after landing in your host country.
Buy the necessary medications before your flight. Some medicines may be readily available in your country; however, they may not be available in the country of travel. So, pack your medications for a month or two until you find a good veterinary doctor.
Moving abroad without a Job
Some people are skeptical when it comes to moving abroad without a job. Of course, you can emigrate even if you don’t secure a job – depending on the country you’re going. As we know, each country has its own rules, and you must abide by them. Still, you can relocate without any job.
How to move abroad with no job at hand is another question. Start by choosing a country where you want to stay. Make a list of 3-4 countries in case the visa regulations for those without jobs are strict.
Do proper research on their visa rules before you start with the logistics and everything else. For instance, if you can visit a country for 30 days on a tourist visa and don’t find an employer who can sponsor you, then it will be hard for you to turn the visit visa into work.
Many countries have flexible visa requirements; however, living in a country permanently is quite different from visiting a place for sightseeing and exploring. For instance, you are on a tourist visa to London, Los Angeles, or Singapore. During your short stay, you may find the place welcoming.
However, can you stay there permanently? Can you afford to be there? Living here longer can be difficult if you don’t have a job in these expensive cities. You’ll have to pay for your commute, stay in hotels, hostels, meals, and many more things. So, ensure you have enough money in the bank until some cash starts rolling.
Lastly, try to relocate to a country where your acquaintances live. If your family or friends live there, staying there until you find a job will be easy as they’ll probably give you accommodation and bear other expenses.
In many countries, if you have an immediate family like parents, children, or spouses, their visa regulations may not be that strict, and you may get a special visa. This way, you can open the doors of countries with strict visa regulations for those trying to relocate without a job.
How to find a job?
Now, a job is what you are after before and even after you relocate. Finding a job depends on factors like which country you are in, what position you are looking for, and how much experience you’ve got.
Suppose you are after an entry-level job that pays hourly and gives you flexibility, like working in a grocery store, restaurant, housekeeping, etc. In that case, you can manually distribute your resume by walking around the area. Also, watch hiring boards and flyers spread during the day.
If you’ve got a skill or experience in a certain trade, search online. Websites like Indeed and LinkedIn may ease your search for a job based on your skillset and experience. However, don’t forget to change your location and contact details on the profile to a different country.
When you are new in a country and even if you are vastly experienced, don’t let go of the jobs that require less experience. You know you are short on cash and need it to fulfill your expenses. Try to grab whatever is on offer. Online job portals have made it easy to find all sorts of jobs.
Expat forums or groups on social media are also tried and tested methods of getting jobs in your new country to stay. The people in these groups have gone through what you are going through now. So, they’ll help you and give you useful tips and tricks on finding work after moving abroad.
This will also help you build your network and new friends. You never know who’s in the group. Some might be hiring at their places. So, make new connections as they can help you later, even if not now.
Conclusion
Moving abroad and leaving your native country can be scary for many. However, if you are ready to make a move, remember that it’s not as difficult as it seems. Just be prepared for some hard and tricky times initially; after some time, you’ll get through and start reaping huge rewards.
One important tip to make your stay easy is to make and activate connections in the new location. This way, you can reduce stress and achieve little goals quickly.
