Tips For Becoming An Expat

You may have dreams of traveling around the world so you can experience different cultures. If you are single, it may the perfect opportunity because you likely do not have any other obligations than taking care of yourself. However, you may be hesitant to make the leap into being a nomad because you believe that you must live out of a light backpack.

However, with the right amount of flexibility, preparation and expectations, you can make a smooth transition into the expat lifestyle. When settling into another country, it means that you must deeply understand your surroundings. Once you have settled into your new routine, you will be able to find a career and lifestyle that you love.

Here are the nitty-gritty secrets on how to start on your journey, what you should expect once you begin and the countries that are the most open to foreign professionals.

Is the Expat Life the Life for You?

Before you pack a year’s worth of tankini bathing suits, unless you are financially stable, you will need to make money to live. So, you should find out about the work and visa restrictions for the company you have chosen. Is the country very friendly to foreign workers? Are there certain companies or industries that do not allow foreign employees?

Other questions you should ask to determine which areas are the most favorable for expats who are looking to work are:

• Does the country put age restrictions on its work permits?
• Will a time limit be placed on the work permit?
• Must you have confirmed employment before applying for the work visa?
• Must you have a work visa while applying for employment?
• Will the visa be valid only for the job you are applying for, or can it be used with another company?
• What will happen with the work permit if you are not able to work for a time due to injury or illness?

Settling in Your New Country

If you are seriously considering ‘putting down roots’ in the new country, consider the obstacles that may arise during the process. Remember, you will be entering this new country and you will have to follow new government rules, laws, customs and requirements.

When you live abroad, simple things that you may take for granted now may become more difficult. For example, how will you find housing? Is there an online classified website, do you need a real estate agent or broker? Will your employer assist you with housing? Can you use the employees at your new job as references?

Before making the decision to become an expat in a certain country, take some time to do basic research. How do residents set up utilities? Do you need a bank account in the country in order to get electrical or phone services? Do you need a specific type of visa to get basic utilities?

If you do not want to go through the hassle, consider alternatives. Maybe you can use a pre-pay service for utilities, or share housing with someone who has everything set up.

Keep in mind that it will likely take some time to get everything established. If you are moving from a faster paced society to a tropical location, you will find that locals take a laid-back approach in everything, including business affairs. Do not be surprised if it takes you a month just to set up your cell phone service.

Safety

Safety will be another consideration when deciding if life as an expat is the best decision for you. If you will be traveling alone, it is essential that you get to know the locals. Introduce yourself to your neighbors, co-workers and even the cashier at your favorite new restaurant. Use common sense and get to know your surroundings.

You do not have to be scared to live abroad, however it is important that you stay alert. Know what type of risk you could potentially be walking into, and create a safety plan. Know how late you should be out, the areas you should avoid and the best way to manage your money. Keep up with the local news so you will know what is going on around you.

How to Make a Living

If you are moving to a country that is not welcoming to foreign workers or you do not have a job, you will need to consider prepaying for all of your major expenses. Connect with other expats online, and set aside at least two months of rent before you leave.

You will also need to have money available for transportation, food, utilities and your basic needs.

Knowing what you are walking into is the most important thing for an expat. Do your research, stay realistic, take a deep breath and enjoy your new life.