10 tips to make your living abroad transition easier

Are you looking to move abroad for work? If so, there are a few things you can do to make the transition easier. In this blog post, we will provide 10 tips that will help make your move smoother and less stressful. So, whether you’re moving to another country or just doing some long-term travel, be sure to follow these tips! 

1. Get Google Voice

So you’re headed to another country and you’re trying to figure out the whole phone situation. Do you get a new sim card? Do you use your old one and just pay the international fees?

Well, there’s another option that you may not have thought of- Google Voice.

Google Voice is a telephone service that was created by Google. It is a form of Voice Over Internet Protocol, or VoIP.

With Google Voice, you can keep your old number (which is great for security and convenience reasons like two-factor authentication) and you don’t have to worry about expensive international fees.

However, Google Voice has its limitations.

Google Voice only offers its call forwarding and voicemail services to US numbers, so if you’re living in another country, you’re out of luck. And according to Reddit, if you don’t use that number for about two months, anyone else can snatch it up.

Alternatively, you can consider Google Fi.

With Google Fi, you can use your phone as you normally would, with calling, texting, and data all working over either wifi or a cellular network. So, whether you’re in the US or abroad, Google Fi has you covered.

2. Apostille documentation

An apostille is a document that another country recognizes as being genuine. To get an apostille, you need to have your documents authenticated by a government official.

This is usually required for things like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and diplomas. You will need these documents for opening bank accounts, getting a job, and applying for a visa.

3. Get VPN

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network.

A VPN is a way to encrypt your internet traffic and make it appear as if you’re accessing the internet from another location. This is useful for things like getting around geo-restrictions for banking sites.

There are many different VPN providers out there, so make sure to do your research and find one that suits your needs.

4. Seek professional help to file taxes

Taxes.

Just the word can strike fear into the hearts of even the most level-headed people.

It’s especially complicated when you’re living in a foreign country.

You may be required to file taxes in both your home and host country. And if you’re self-employed or have income from investments, the process can be even more complicated.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to seek professional help when filing taxes as an expat.

A qualified tax advisor can help you determine what taxes you need to file and ensure that you don’t miss any important deadlines. So don’t wait until the last minute to start working on your taxes.

5. Open a bank account that is available in both your home country and your host country

Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience. There’s so much to think about, from finding a place to live to learning the local language. But one thing that’s often overlooked is opening a bank account.

This can be a tricky process, especially if you’re not familiar with the local banking system. That’s why it’s important to open a bank account that’s available in both your home country and your host country.

A bank account that is available in both countries will make your money easily accessible if you ever need to return to your home in a hurry. If you are worried about bank fees for currency conversion, you can consider using Instarem to facilitate easy, fast and secure overseas transfers with great rates and low fees.

*rates are for display purposes only.

Instarem is a digital platform that helps you send money abroad to over 60 countries. If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to send money to your family or friends, Instarem is the perfect solution. Simply Download the app or sign up online.

And don’t forget to let your credit card companies know about your move. If you don’t, they may quickly decline transactions, leaving you stranded in a foreign country without access to funds.

6. Voting rights

Voting is a fundamental right of all citizens.

However, there are some countries where voting is compulsory, and if you are an overseas elector living in one of these countries, you will need to register to cast your vote.

Overseas electors can register to vote in their home countries, provided they meet the requirements. Each country has different rules and regulations around this, so be sure to do your research before casting your ballot.

In general, most countries require overseas electors to submit a registration form and provide proof of identity and residency.

But once you’re registered, you’ll be able to have a say in the democratic process, no matter where in the world you may be.

7. Travel insurance

For anyone living abroad, one of the most important things to sort out is health insurance.

However, as an expat, it can be tricky to get your hands on a policy that meets your needs. In the meantime, travel insurance is a great option for covering any medical emergencies.

And, once you do finally manage to get set up with a local health insurance plan, traveller’s insurance will come in handy for making sure you’re covered when you travel.

So, whether you’re just getting started as an expat or you’ve been living abroad for years, make sure you have the right insurance in place – it could save you a lot of hassle (and money) in the long run.

8. Downsize your move

So you’re moving to a new place and you want to downsize your belongings to make the move easier. But where do you start? Everything in your home has sentimental value, and you can’t bear the thought of getting rid of anything.

Now the goal is to get it down to just two suitcases.

Here’s a tip: store or sell everything except your clothes and personal effects. That includes furniture, electronics, decorations, and anything that requires you to ship it in a container. Leave behind anything that is cheap and replaceable.

If you haven’t physically touched it in the past month, chances are you don’t really need it. This rule of thumb should help you determine what you can live without. So go through your things and start packing up for the move!

9. Get your medical records

For anyone living overseas, it’s important to get a copy of your medical records and prescriptions. Not only will this come in handy in case of an emergency, but it will also make it easier to get medical care in a new country.

If you need to see a doctor or medical professional while you’re away from home, they’ll have all the information they need to provide you with the best possible care. Plus, it’ll save you the hassle of explaining your medical history and current medications all over again.

10. Designate someone to receive your physical mail

When you move, you’ll still need to keep up with your government letters, bank mail, and other important documents. That’s why it’s important to designate someone you trust to handle your mail or get a virtual mailbox.

They can help to keep track of everything and make sure that nothing falls through the cracks – forwarding your mail to your new address, or even holding onto it until you’re ready to move back home.

Most importantly, stay calm and organized

With proper preparation (and some help from your friends and family), you can make the transition to living overseas seamless. And before you know it, you’ll be settled into your new home sweet home.

Good luck with your move – and happy travels!