Living as an expatriate, or expat, comes with its share of excitement and challenges. But what is an expatriate? An expat is someone who has chosen to live outside their home country for an extended time. Whether you’re moving for a job, to enjoy retirement in a different setting, or just for the adventure of experiencing a new culture, adjusting to life in a new country requires preparation.
There are a lot of benefits that you’ll enjoy as an expat, but you’ll have to make sure that you are doing things the right way. Knowing the things you should do and what to avoid will help you navigate the transition smoothly and make the most of your new surroundings. In this article, we will go over several things you should know before setting out on your expat adventure.
Do your research
Before you move to another country, it's really important to do your homework. Every place has its own way of doing things, from how people celebrate holidays to how they shop for groceries.
Taking the time to learn about your new country’s culture, traditions, and daily routines will make settling in much easier.
There are also the practical matters that you should understand before moving. Knowing what to expect when it comes to getting a driver’s license, insurance, and healthcare is essential.
For instance, some places require you to get an international driving permit, while others might have you apply for a local license after a certain period.
Insurance is another key thing to sort out early on. Whether it’s health, car, or home insurance, make sure you understand what’s required and what your policy covers. Health insurance is especially important, as some countries don’t allow expats to access public healthcare without it.
It’s also helpful to learn a few basic phrases in the local language, even if many people speak English. Using the local language, even a little, shows respect and can make everyday tasks like buying food or asking for directions much simpler.
Don’t isolate yourself
When you move to a new country, having a good support network can really make a difference. It can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but having people around to help and share the experience with will make things much easier.
One of the best things you can do is to connect with both locals and other expats. Getting to know locals helps you understand the culture better and makes you feel more at home.
Meeting other expats is also important because they know exactly what you're going through. They’ve experienced the same challenges, so they can offer advice or just be a friendly face.
That said, it's a good idea not to rely only on other expats for your social life. While it's comforting to hang out with people who share your language and background, sticking only with fellow expats can limit your experience of the local culture. Getting to know locals can give you a much richer understanding of the place you're living in, and it helps you feel more connected to the community.
Do learn the local language
Learning the local language is one of the smartest things you can do as an expat. Even if lots of people speak English, being able to speak the local language makes daily life a lot easier. It shows you respect the culture and helps you feel more connected.
There are plenty of ways to learn the language. You can take classes, use language apps, or even just practice with locals. Sometimes chatting with someone at a café or a store is enough to help you improve. Locals often appreciate it when you try to speak their language, and they’re usually understanding if you make mistakes.
Don’t ignore your responsibilities
When you move to a new country, sorting out the financial and legal stuff should be one of your first steps. Every place has different rules for things like visas, taxes, and opening a bank account, so it's important to understand what you need to do. Make sure you know the visa or residency requirements, like how long you're allowed to stay and what paperwork you need to submit. Getting this sorted early will make your move a lot easier.
Taxes are another thing you’ll need to look into. Some countries expect you to pay taxes on the money you earn while living there, even if you're getting paid by your home country. It’s a good idea to talk to a tax expert so you know exactly what’s expected of you, both in your new country and back home.
You’ll probably also need to open a local bank account, especially if you’re going to be there for a while or working. It makes managing your money and paying bills much simpler.
