Moving Abroad? Here Are 12 Things You Absolutely Need To Do First

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Thinking about moving abroad? It’s an exciting adventure, but it requires careful planning for a smooth transition. From sorting out paperwork to understanding cultural differences, there’s a lot to consider before you pack your bags.

Moving overseas as an American can be stressful, but if you plan ahead, it can be a breeze. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 12 crucial things you absolutely need to do before making the big move.

Whether you’re chasing new career opportunities, education, or a change of scenery, these steps will set you up for success in your new home.

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Things You Should Do Before Moving Out of the US Learn the Language

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Things You Should Do Before Moving Out of the US Set up Your Bank Correctly

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Things You Should Do Before Moving Out of the US Get Your Necessary Visas

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Things You Should Do Before Moving Out of the US Documents, Documents, Documents

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Things You Should Do Before Moving Out of the US Get International Health Insurance

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Get International Health Insurance

Getting international health insurance is one of the best ways to ensure you’re safe and covered in emergencies. You can find deals from many reputable sources, such as Allianz and Cigna.

If you have a foreign employer, you’ll probably already have this set up for you. Ensure your coverage covers the country you live in and anywhere you travel to. Also, be aware that some countries require proof of global health insurance before you enter.

As an American, you’ll find that most countries are leagues beyond when it comes to the quality and price of health coverage. If you get in a pinch in many countries, getting the treatment you need won’t set you back for life. Still, it’s important to cover your trip in case of unforeseen complications.

Set up Your Bank Correctly

Depending on your bank size, you may need to tell them you’re traveling or living abroad. Some small banks have a limit to how long you, their customer, can be outside the country or the region.

Larger international banks make this a lot easier. They will keep up with your spending electronically, and you probably won’t have any issues replacing lost or expired cards.

This leads me to an important point. Update all your cards! Make sure you don’t miss any expiration dates that will give you unnecessary headaches.

Documents, Documents, Documents

Getting your documents in order ahead of time is a key to success living abroad. Each country is different and requires its own paperwork to enter.

The first and foremost document you’ll ever need is your passport. Save yourself a headache and renew your passport before traveling so you can stay outside the country for longer.

In addition to your passport, bring a newly updated copy of your driver’s license and international driver’s certificate. If you lose anything, you’ll have to rely on the US Embassy or a trusty DHL office near you.

Get Your Vaccines

Vaccines may be a hot topic for Americans living in the US, but if you want to move overseas, you’ll need them. In some tropical countries, having your updated shots is crucial.

In areas such as Peru and the Brazilian Amazon, you’ll need Yellow Fever and a lot of others. Of course, having a rabies shot is pretty important, especially in rural areas.

Schedule a consultation with your local travel doctor or clinic to get your shots. Tell them where you’re going and for how long; they will give you what you need.

Get Your Necessary Visas

No matter if you’re digital nomading or settling down to work for a company, you’ll need the right visa. Even for a quick visit, some countries require a visa for US citizens.

Set up your visas ahead of time online and give yourself several months of leeway in case something gets lost in the mail. Also, make sure your employer gets all the documents and paperwork they need.

Once you arrive, you must adhere to your visa dates. Overstaying could cost you a lot of money and even jail time. As always, know your local laws.

Know Your Local Laws

As mentioned before, knowing your local laws is important. And this goes well beyond visa laws.

It may seem like common sense, but each country has its own rules that its citizens and you have to follow. Sometimes, things as mundane as taking a selfie or chewing gum can be punished — looking at you, Singapore!

Whether you agree with them or not, you’re not from there. Respect local laws and customs, and you’ll be fine.

Research the Geography

This may also seem like common sense, but research where you’re going. It helps to know the streets, local businesses, schools, and parks in your area. And, of course, know where the local police stations and hospitals are.

Look at all the areas to avoid, too. Like US cities, most international cities have good and bad parts—well, maybe not Tokyo.

Go on Google Street View and literally drive around your neighborhood. Get a feel for your daily commute or simply try to understand the layout of the land. It’s fun and helps you get a sense of where you’re moving.

Know the Culture

Trips to Southeast Asia Wander Through the Markets of Bangkok, Thailand — © Kalyakan / Adobe Stock

If you know you’re moving somewhere ahead of time, there’s no excuse to be ignorant. In today’s digital age, you can find out everything online.

Moving to your new home and knowing the ins and outs of the culture can help you blend in. People will probably like you more, and this is a good thing in a new place.

Of course, you don’t have to go overboard. Mistakes are normal and can be really fun ways to meet new people and learn new things. Be prepared but open and let your guard down to learn new things.

Tie Up Loose Ends at Home

Haven’t talked to your family in a while? Having a rough relationship with a friend? One of the best pieces of advice I can give anyone moving from the US is to handle relationships.

Living overseas can get lonely, and in my eight years of living abroad, I’ve seen friends fade away. If you can, take time to stay in touch and even bring up difficult conversations.

When you’re living abroad, you can rest easy knowing that you handled your relationships back home. It will help you stay more connected to your home. And, the random messages from friends and family can make a world of difference on a bad day.

Close Unnecessary Accounts

Sometimes, we leave in haste and forget to close our old accounts. Unfortunately, this can result in unpaid bills and hits on your credit score.

In today’s world, it’s easy to stay on top of all your bills online. When you do, you’ll get all the notifications you need before leaving.

Cancel unnecessary apps, gym memberships, and other annual subscriptions that can cost you much money over time. This way, you’ll have the peace of mind to focus on what you need to do in your new home.

Learn the Language

This is my favorite tip for people thinking about living abroad. As Americans, we have a stereotype that we’re bad at learning languages. In my experience, this is simply not true.

Before you go, start learning grammar and vocabulary. Take online classes and practice as much as you can. When you arrive, be prepared to make as many mistakes as you can and keep learning.

After a while, you’ll make friends with everyday people and find your community in the least-expected places. The bonds you form just from learning someone’s language are almost too strong to imagine. If you put in the work, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you could ever gain from living overseas.

Develop a Coping Plan

Every single person who moves to a new country, whether on purpose or out of necessity, runs into tough feelings. From loneliness to feeling out of place, these feelings are a normal part of life abroad.

Do yourself a favor and set aside a coping plan. Whether it’s getting exercise, therapy, or having a group of friends back home you can chat with often, it all helps.

Even the best travelers will find moments of intense sadness living abroad. Know that it will come and have a plan for when it does. You’ll save yourself a lot of time to enjoy yourself in your new home.