Moving away from America should not be taken lightly, especially if it is all you have ever known. However, sometimes life has other plans, and work changes or developments in family life can see people relocating abroad.
If this is the case, and you’re setting off for somewhere new, then knowing what to consider beforehand can be a useful step. Adequate preparation is essential in a lot of aspects of life, and moving abroad is no different. It can help you know what to expect, plan for your finances, and even ensure you stay healthy and happy in your new home.
With this in mind, this article contains four of the essential factors to remember when moving away from America.
Research the Living Costs
Once you’ve decided that you will be moving, it’s essential to look into the cost of living in your preferred area. This will include price estimations of the goods and services you will require after relocating, such as bills, food, healthcare, housing, and other necessities. It is important to remember that these costs will vary depending on the location; the cost of living will even differ from city to city.
The best way to compare living costs is to use how much you spend in the US against the possible expenses of your preferred location. With this, you can see how much it will cost to continue your current lifestyle in your new home. You will also know any differences before moving.
There are several cost-of-living calculators available online that you should make use of. All you need to provide is where you currently live, your preferred area for relocation, and your annual income. The calculator will include a cost of living index, which will usually assign locations with a score of 100 (the national average cost of living score). Areas that have been scored over 100 will have a higher than average cost of living, while places below 100 will have a lower than average cost of living.
If you do use a cost of living calculator, remember it does not include tax data, meaning it does not offer a complete overview.
Gather the Necessary Documents
To begin a new life outside the US, the correct documents are required. In some cases, relocating without the necessary documents can lead to refusal of entry upon arrival. This is why Americans moving abroad should request authorized copies of their documents prior to departure; it is encouraged to do this at least a month before you leave.
The documents you will need include:
- Birth certificate
- Bank statements
- Driving license
- Medical certificates
- Passport
- Pay slips
- Tax records
- Visa
- Work permit
Expats should also have digital copies of these documents in case the physical versions are lost or damaged during the moving process.
Choose the Correct Health Insurance
Although healthcare is related to the cost of living, selecting a suitable health insurance will likely require its own research. No one likes to imagine becoming sick or getting injured, but it is wise to prepare for the unexpected, especially when you are living in a new country. Health insurance will protect you from expensive medical bills and/or restricted access to healthcare wherever you move to.
But US health insurance won’t cover you anywhere outside America. This means knowing the options of health insurance for Americans abroad will allow you to select the best medical coverage for you. With a good health coverage plan, you will benefit from 24-hour emergency support, inpatient and outpatient medical care internationally, and more. You should look out for plans that offer worldwide coverage as well as travel assistance, such as evacuation in an emergency and repatriation.
To ensure you are adequately protected in your new country, you should receive all necessary vaccinations before jetting off. Living abroad can leave you exposed to diseases and other health risks that you won’t find in the US.
Select the Appropriate Accommodation
Looking for an apartment or a house when relocating abroad can be a difficult task, but there are ways to make it easier. If you want to “get a feel” of an area before making a long-term commitment, it is best to stay somewhere temporary, like a hotel or an Airbnb, for a few weeks or months. This will give you enough time to settle and find your next property.
When it comes to finding your next long-term home, you can either rent or buy a property. Rentals are most commonly used when expats are slightly unsure about their plans. It is easier for you to change your mind down the line with rented accommodation. Before you begin to rent, ensure you have researched how much you might have to pay; if you have already consulted a cost of living calculator, this might be a simpler process.
But if you want to buy a property instead, you will have to think about the purchasing process and the availability of houses. There are house auctions if you want a “fixer-upper” or pre-built developments if you want something brand-new. Choosing the latter will likely mean receiving your keys is delayed.
By using these four vital aspects prior to your departure, you will have an easier time as you leave America for your new home. These factors will not only prepare you, they will also protect you as you enter the next stage in your life.
