Living abroad can be an incredible adventure, even if you only move to another country for a few months. This is a great opportunity for you to experience a new way of life, have some adventures and learn about another culture. However, we all know that moving in the same city can be stressful enough, never mind moving to a whole other country. Before making such a big decision, ask yourself these questions first.
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Why Are You Moving?
Moving within the same country is usually for obvious reasons. We need a larger home, or we’re downsizing after the children have left the nest. We might move to relocate to be nearer family or a new job. Choosing to move abroad is more complicated. If you want to move to another country for adventure and new experiences, this is positive, but if you feel like you want to move because you’re trying to shake off some problems at home, you should probably stay and deal with them. Weigh up whether your reasons for leaving are enough to make leaving your current life behind, even temporarily.
Where Will You Live?
If you know you’re financially stable enough for a move, you still need to consider where you will live when you get there. Do you want to buy a property, or would be better with a rental, so it’s easier for you to come back if you find live abroad isn’t for you? For retired empty nesters, buying villa somewhere sunny, like Spain or the south of France are very popular. If you want to try something a bit different to what everyone else does, you could try renting an apartment in a chic city like Tokyo, spending a few months experience hygge in Norway, or take on a sewa rumah property in Indonesia.
Consider how you’ll adjust to the culture shock of a different country. How you will manage somewhere where you don’t speak the language?
How Will You Earn A Living?
Depending on your reason for moving, this may not apply. If you’re going abroad for traveling, study or moving after retirement, you may not have to worry about where you income is going to come from. If you are just moving, and are still working, you will need to consider how you will earn your living.
If you can, try and secure a job in the new country before you move. This will take a lot of the pressure off you when you first arrive and need to find work. If you plan on waiting until you’re settled in your new home to find some work, you still need to do some research into the job market before you go. Make sure you know what kind of demand there is for someone with your skills, and that you have at least some idea of the first companies you could apply to.
Of course, if you’re self-employed, you can take your work with you, especially if you work online. Becoming a digital nomad allows you to move anywhere in the world and keep working uninterrupted.
What Documentation Or Work Permits Will You Need?
Most countries have rules about how long certain kinds of visas or other documentation will allow you to stay in the country, and will have different permits for those planning to visit as a tourist and for those planning to work. Do your homework first so you know what is required before you move and can make sure you have all your paperwork in order ready for the change.
How Much Will It Cost You To Live?
The cost of living can vary enormously between different countries, so do your research first. If you’re thinking of moving to somewhere with a higher cost of living, you will need to consider whether you will need to change your line of work to help you afford this. However, if you’re going somewhere that is much cheaper, you may be able to work less, especially if you’re a digital nomad and already in control of your own workload.
Will You Have Healthcare Coverage?
In some countries, you visa or work permit will give you access to healthcare, but in other places, there are much stricter rules on who is covered and when that coverage kicks in. Embassy websites will tell you what you healthcare options are, but check first. If you have existing conditions that require ongoing medical treatment, this is very important to find out well in advance so you can make proper arrangements for your health.
What Are You Leaving Behind?
Before making the decision, have a hard think about who and what you will be leaving behind if you make the leap. What will you do with your home if you’re planning to be gone for a few months and then return? Will your job be there waiting when you get back? Do you have children that you will miss? If you have young grandchildren, think about how you might feel if you’re away from them during some of the most important parts of their growing up? Be prepared to feel homesick and miss your loved ones, and be sure you’re making the right choice before you commit.
Is The Job You’re Going To Secure?
If you do have a job offer waiting for you in the country you’re planning on moving to, are you certain the job is secure? If you’re relying on that job to afford life in your new home, you don’t want to find yourself out of work after a failed probationary period, or because of a company who change their minds about the offer before you start. Think twice about accepting a temporary contract. Double check how your permit to stay in the country will be affected if you do lose your job and are out of work for a while.
Can You Afford The Costs Of Moving?
Moving is always an expensive process, but moving abroad can be even more so. Different countries will have different fees attached to buying property, and even if you rent, there’s still plenty of extra costs involved. Will you rent a furnished property? Will you have to buy all new furniture when you arrive? What will it cost to ship your belongings abroad?
These are all important factors to consider. Have you moved abroad? What advice do you have for other considering this?
