Have you made the big decision to move abroad? Congratulations! There are so many benefits to relocating overseas, and you get to experience them all. While you may be feeling somewhat overwhelmed and stressed, that’s completely normal. It is a big commitment and a significant change! In this article, we’ll discuss eight different tips to help you relocate overseas. You’ll be settling into your new home in no time!
Save, save and save
One of the most critical steps in relocating overseas is to set yourself a budget for the move. If you think you have enough saved up, take the extra time and save more! Moving abroad can be very expensive initially, especially if you don’t already have a job lined up. It’s better to have more than not enough in the bank, so maybe take a few extra months to make sure you’re prepared. You’ll also have to consider the cost of getting all of your belongings overseas, and you probably already know how expensive it is to add on extra baggage! Check out this Moving Abroad Checklist so that you don’t forget anything!
Apply for your visa and work permits
Undoubtedly one of the most important things you need to get sorted before relocating overseas is your visa and work permit. Whether you’re expanding your business or moving for a new job, in some countries, if you are caught without one, you can be deported immediately and won’t be able to come back! You also want to make sure that you apply for the right visa, as there are many different options, each with different requirements. An employer will check your work permit before hiring you, so make sure you take it with you to any interviews.
Choose whether to ship or sell
One of the most substantial expenses of moving overseas is the cost of transporting your goods. There are a couple of different routes that you can go, but it ultimately depends on your budget and number of belongings. If you have relatives still in the area, you might consider loaning or storing your belongings with them. However, this isn’t always possible. The next step is to either pay the shipping on all of your items or think about selling what you will no longer need.
Think about transportation
When you move overseas, it’s crucial that you consider your transportation options. If you aren’t taking your car with you or purchasing one, you want to be able to make your way from place to place still. This means you’ll have to choose a home that is close to public transport so that you can quickly get to and from work. If you’re thinking of catching the train or bus, it might be beneficial to purchase a pass first before you arrive.
Copy and keep essential documents with you
Birth certificates, bank statements, and passports are all important documents that you’ll need for your big move. If you haven’t already got a second copy, you might want to consider making one straight away! Without them, you might find yourself facing problems in your new country. Also, aim to keep them with you in your backpack or handbag, just in case your luggage goes missing!
Keep your necessities with you
If you have a lot of different things to move internationally, it’s vital that you remember to keep any necessities with you. As mentioned above, luggage and storage containers can go missing! If you have any medication, scripts, or expensive belongings, try and keep them with you in your carry on. This way, if something gets lost, you still have your essential items.
Sort out your finances
When moving abroad, your finances can get a little messy. Some people recommend switching banks, while others say you should stay with your first credit card company. To help with the decisions, it might be best to speak to your financial planner before departing on your journey. This way, you can get all of your assets in order and find out what will work best for you.
Read up on rules and regulations
And lastly, you want to make sure you read up on any government rules and regulations before you move. Some things that were legal in your home country might not be! So it’s better to be prepared than face a nasty fine. Did you know that it’s illegal to chew gum in Singapore? It’s better to be safe than sorry!
And that’s it! Hopefully, by following the above, you’ll be ready to get settled in and start your new life. Enjoy forming new friendships, finding your dream job, and, most importantly, taking the time to get to learn more about yourself. While this might be a significant change, there is so much of the world that you should get to enjoy and love. Good luck!
