Moving abroad can be a big change, and it does require a lot of consideration. It needs even more thought when you plan on moving overseas on your own. This can be a daunting experience as you will have no one to fall back on, you will depend solely on other expats and locals for help and socialization. Unless you are a social butterfly, this can be scary.
To ensure you are making the right choice when moving abroad solo, it is vital to think about all of the essentials. This post outlines three of the main considerations to remember when you are relocating overseas.
Destination Research
When you decide to move abroad solo, you need to remember that there are many different things to consider. This is a very big decision that will change your life totally, so completing research ahead of time is a wise decision. There are several factors to research about your preferred destination. The information you gather must focus on the practical aspects of relocating, such as the cost of living, healthcare systems, visa requirements, and so on.
To begin, you must thoroughly research the cost of living in your chosen location to ensure you can afford life abroad on your own. This will include looking at the average cost of food, healthcare, rent, transportation, and utilities. You can compare these costs to your budget or expected income. Additionally, you will have to look at the one-time expenses, like flights and transportation, relocation, and visa and residency permits, as well as ongoing costs.
Knowing how to research will help with this step. There are numerous online resources that you can utilize. The best way to get information online is through expat communities and forums, specifically focusing on your chosen destination. These resources can provide you with valuable insights through others’ experiences as well as the opportunity to ask questions. Social media can also be a useful tool to gather information.
Financial Planning
With your research completed, you can move on to planning your finances efficiently. This should help you create a realistic budget that accounts for both the essential expenses and potential discretionary spending. You should also establish an emergency fund to cover any unexpected costs, like job loss, medical emergencies, etc. It is advised to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses for this emergency fund.
There are numerous features to look at with financial planning. Your income will affect this, so you must consider whether you already have a job or will need to actively search after the move. If you plan on finding a new job, then you must research the job market and potential salary expectations before making a final decision. Working in a foreign country will have tax implications, too, which will need to be evaluated.
Another finance you might not have thought of, particularly if your home country offers its own benefits, will include insurance. You might not have to worry about things like health insurance in your home country, but it is often needed when moving abroad. Healthcare costs can vary significantly, with some countries being incredibly expensive, and international medical plans can ease some of this strain. Property and travel insurance should also be considered.
Practical Preparations
After researching and financial planning, you must begin looking at the practical preparations you need to carry out. This will include gathering and organizing the necessary documents that you need when moving abroad. There are various essential documents that you need to verify and pack. For example, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, while the correct visa needs to be obtained for the purpose of your stay.
As well as the documents, you must begin planning for your move. You are basically moving your life to a new country, so there is a lot to do. Packing is a major part of this process, and you will need to decide what items you are leaving behind. The cost of shipping should be compared with the price of new items in your host country; it might be cheaper to sell some of your belongings before you move, instead of transporting them abroad.
You should also look at things like forwarding your mail, notifying authorities in your home country, and tackling utility bills and subscriptions. When these aspects have been dealt with, you will have an easier time when the time to move arrives.
To conclude, there is a lot to do when you are moving abroad solo. It can be an overwhelming time, but you should feel excited. This is a massive step to change your life – hopefully for the better. With the help of this article, you will have a better idea of what to think about before you go.