A lot of people would like to experience life in another country at some point in their lives, particularly if there is a place that means something special to them or they are passionate about travel. Whether you do this for a few months, relocate for your career for a few years, or decide to move abroad when you retire, there is a lot to carefully consider before you commit. Below are some examples of the important points to think over if you are interested in making a move abroad.
1. How Long Do You Plan to Live There For?
Of course, these plans might change depending on your circumstances, but you do need to think about how long you intend to live abroad. Is this going to be a permanent move? Or will you return after a year? These timelines will impact things like the type of visas you will need, finding work abroad if you’re not retired, and whether or not you will need to lease your property back in your home country or sell it. It can also allow you the opportunity to plan your time in the country you’re visiting more effectively to see everything you want to see.
2. How Much Money Will You Need?
Moving to a new place can be expensive at the best of times, but moving to another country can incur additional expenses that you do need to think about. Logistical issues such as shipping your belongings to your destination, finding a property to lease or purchase abroad, the cost of visas, registering cars abroad, and even the difference in exchange rates are all things that can take a long time or organize and even cost you money. You do need to carefully assess your financial position before your commit to a move like this, and think about how you will be able to afford it and remain comfortable.
3. Finding a Home
You will also need to find a suitable home when you move abroad, and whether you rent or buy, you’ll have to view options to make sure that you have a good home to settle into. You might find that leasing a short-term let via sites like Airbnb can help you find temporary accommodation until you can get into something more long-term, but remember to factor this into your budget.
When you are looking at properties to either lease or buy, make sure that you have done plenty of research into the areas you are interested in. This includes things like crime rates, distance to hospitals, schools if you have children, and other local amenities. You should also think about what kind of property will be suitable for your needs, especially if you’re purchasing property and will be there for a long time. It can be handy to start researching real estate agencies to make sure you have a reliable agent, like Turkey Homes, which is a firm that deals with available houses and properties available in Istanbul and other areas.
4. Learning a Foreign Language
It’s also important to make sure you can communicate with the locals when you move to a new country, so taking the time to learn the correct language is essential. You don’t have to be fluent by the time of your move, but knowing more than a few phrases is a must. This will make it much easier for you to settle into your new home and make friends in the area. You will also become more confident speaking in a foreign language the more you use it and immerse yourself in the local culture. You can use apps to learn different languages and this can be helpful, but you may find that taking official classes before you move is more beneficial, as a tutor can help you more with things like accents and inflections.
5. Understanding the Culture
It’s also worth researching the culture in the country you are planning to move to, as it might be vastly different from the one you grew up with. Understanding the culture can help you to make connections and also learn how to respect the people and places in your new home. Even if some customs might feel strange to you, it’s important to acknowledge their significance, as this can make it easier for you to settle in.
If you are thinking about relocating abroad, remember these considerations to help you prepare for such a big move so that you can get the most out of it and feel settled quicker.
