Find yourself contemplating a move to another country? There are a few basics you might want to consider before you set sail for new horizons.

According to a recent study, moving is the most stressful thing a person can experience in their life, so it’s not surprising that you might need help to manage this task (especially when moving abroad). Here we explain the most stressful things about moving abroad and the tools that help face those obstacles in the best way. 

Look into real estate that’s suitable for business travellers.

Whether you’re moving for a month or a year, you will need to find accommodation immediately. Serviced apartments are often favourable for busy lifestyles, and they offer more space to live in and relax than a hotel room. There are no hidden costs and they usually offer a friendly on-site team for assistance. Different continents offer different styles of real estate; so whether you’re moving to Soho in New York City, or have your eye set on Setia Walk in Malaysia, there is always inspiration for your new home.

Find a Place to Work Away From Your New Home

With the rise of digital nomads, many business travellers want the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. It is no surprise then that some people move abroad to do just that. If this is your case and you don’t want to be alone working from home every day, you may be interested in finding a coworking space. Coworking spaces offer more than just a desk. You’ll get fast Wi-Fi, necessary office equipment, a relaxed atmosphere, and a community of people who have the same lifestyle as you. The price and quality of these sites may vary. Desks Near Me will help you find the right one for you. “WorkFrom” offers a similar service, but it also includes cafes and bars where you can work.

Convert Money Easily

Since PayPal fees can be remarkably high and exchange rates are almost always unfavorable, you will need an alternative to transfer your money abroad. Unfortunately, your bank will not be a better option so you may want to try TransferWise. With TransferWise, you can easily send money from your bank account in your country to a bank account in your new country of residence. And all transferring at the real exchange rate and with low and transparent commissions.

Staying Connected is a Priority

Not knowing how to get around in a new city can be quite a daunting experience, but fortunately, Google Maps will take care of it. The software integrates with local transport networks to give you the best routes and schedules in your chosen language. You can even specify the date and time you want to leave or arrive. So as long as you have Wi-Fi, you can plan the route and avoid getting lost. If you don’t have Internet access, look for well-known chain restaurants. They often offer, for the price of a cup of coffee, free Wi-Fi, and clean bathrooms. So rest, have a coffee, and find out how to get where you want to go.

Plan in Advance

To-do lists are often the best way to organize anything. This is why Wunderlist has become an essential tool for many people. It’s easy to use, the free option gives you the feeling of a premium service, and there’s a satisfying sound every time you mark something as done.

Make Sure You Can Receive a Visa

This should be your first task. Unless you’re a citizen of the European Union moving to another European community country, you should check if you will need a visa. These range from student and work visas to investment visas. You could also get a visa if you move because you have married a citizen of that country. In any case, your first stop is the visa section of the government page of the country in question. There you will find a detailed explanation as well as the necessary procedures to request it. Whatever your option, it is advisable to request it well before you move, since trying to get it once you arrive is more complicated. When you are ready to apply, or if you need help to do so, contact the consulate or embassy of the country to which you are moving.

Understand Taxes

Before taking off, investigate if you have to continue paying any taxes to the government of your country of origin and how to do it. This can be a complicated task, so we recommend that you contact a tax specialist. An expert will be able to help you make sure everything complies with the law and indicate any deductions or assistance that you could request.

Cover your Back

If you already have health insurance, find out if it covers you if you live abroad. The usual thing is that the insurance provider confirms whether you’re taking an international trip or if it is a question of moving to another country. If not, you may have to look for local health insurance, even if the country you are moving to has public health care, as foreigners do not always have access to it in some places. However, even if you have health insurance, do not forget to bring copies of prescriptions you may need, and of course, be sure to get the recommended vaccinations for the country you’re moving to if they are needed. If you have children but don’t have life insurance, now is the time to do it. Once you are covered, you will know that they will be safe if something happens to you. And that will comfort you even more when you are in a foreign country. 

Start Saving Right Now

After verifying that you can receive a visa, your next move should be to start saving as much as possible. If you don’t plan to take many things with you, now is the time to sell them. You could get enough money to cover the expenses of the move itself (in addition to a mattress), and in the best case, enough money for the six months following the move. And if you move to a more expensive country, don’t forget to bear in mind that the standard of living there will be much higher!

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