Whether you’re moving abroad because of work or some other reason, the possibilities are endless. Learning about new cultures is a rewarding experience.
What is important to do from day one (and even before day one, while you’re still in the U.S.) is to connect with the local expat community. There is always something new to learn and be aware of and, sooner or later, you’ll need a recommendation or two, whether it be the latest digital trends or what to see and do.
However, some things must be dealt with before you set out, one of which is planning your revenue and calculating taxes.
Taxes: What to Know
There are a couple of things to keep in mind when it comes to taxes. Firstly, you should familiarize yourself with the taxes and payment deadlines of the country you’re moving to. Secondly, there are federal and state taxes to consider.
The expat community can help you a good deal in this matter. If you decide you need an accountant, also look for trusted recommendations.
Your Income
Depending on what you’re planning to do workwise once abroad, you should make some calculations. It is really impossible to pick one tip that will work wonders for everyone, but there are some ideas how to secure stable payments if you’re planning to work remotely or turn to digital nomadism.
If you’re counting on your website for revenue, you should make an attempt to optimize it before relocating. Crucial things to consider are mobile users (responsive website), your brand’s online visibility (SEO optimization) and advertising (copywriting and similar).
If you’re counting on other income sources, you can always make additional money online either through your website or via freelance platforms.
What to Expect Once Abroad
Depending on your country of choice, cultural shock can be small or huge. Presumably, you will have familiarized yourself with what to expect beforehand, but nothing can really prepare you for all the subtleties of a different culture.
For example, if you’re relocating to Japan, you may wish to experience the onsen, but the real deal may be quite different from what you imagined. There are all kinds of activities to enjoy and all kinds of food to taste.
It is difficult to sum up all expectations different people have from the country they’re relocating to. It is always recommended to get yourself accustomed to the new country at your own pace while enjoying different experiences locals recommend.
Local recommendations are not to be disregarded easily, as nothing beats first-hand experience. The only general tip would be to always stay open-minded and respectful of the local culture. Don’t be spoiled and expect to enjoy a rich lifestyle if relocating to a poorer country. Rather, observe the people and learn from them.
Choosing Accommodations
Choosing accommodations is the first usual conundrum for many. Airbnb and similar services may be the first choice, but they are not necessarily the best one. The first rule to follow is: never book and pay in advance accommodation you haven’t seen first.
If you’re traveling alone, usually the best option is to book an affordable hotel or hostel and take your time finding the right apartment/house/shared accommodation. The initial costs of this strategy are nothing compared to the costs of a wrong accommodation choice.
Conclusion
Life abroad can be an exciting experience, but it also comes with a couple of conundrums. Because no one can really foresee what the future may bring, unforeseen circumstances can occur at any time. One recommendation is to collect ALL of the documents you think you might need, make copies, and also store additional copies with family or a trusted friend back home. Common documents you may need depending on the occasion include passport, hotel and flight information, work permit, visa, birth certificate, marriage certificate, international health insurance card, medical documents, social security documents and academic records for any continued learning that you have in mind.
As mentioned above, being open-minded and keeping in touch with the local expat community are two crucial things. The rest will come with time. Just be sure that you have everything up-to-date, whether that be insurance policies or mobile phone plans.
If you see the relocation as a new adventure, things will be easier and more enjoyable. Even if you’re relocating because your boss wants it, you can always look at the bright side of life and turn the occasion around. Remember that there’s always something new to learn, and interesting people are just waiting to connect. Enjoy this new stage of your life to the fullest!
