If you are planning to move across the world, you best be prepared for the challenge. Moving to another country is tough but it’s especially complicated when you’re relocating to a country that is thousands of miles away.
Whether you are moving to study abroad or you fancy a change of scenery, there’s no better time than now to start planning your move. After the last two years where nobody has been able to travel abroad, you might be desperate to head to a new country.
Whatever the reason for your relocation, it’s likely that you’re excited to get moving. However, it’s not all fun and games. There are lots of things to organise if you want the journey to go smoothly.
Knowing where to start when it comes to the planning of your relocation is easier said than done but don’t worry! We’ve collected lots of top tips and tricks to make moving house less of a nightmare.
Organise Your Health Insurance
Purchasing worldwide health insurance should be at the top of your priorities when you plan to relocate to a new country. Any expat requires health insurance to access the healthcare system in their new country.
Without valid health insurance, you might not be able to get treatments and therapies. If you fall ill, you may be turned away at the hospital if you can’t show proof of your insurance.
Even if you are accepted for treatment at the healthcare facilities, you might end up paying a lot of money for your medical bills if you aren’t covered by a health insurance company.
Find the Cheapest Shipping Quote
If you plan to ship all of your belongings over to your new country, you will need to book an international shipping company. Depending on how much you own, this can get very expensive.
Shopping around for the cheapest quote that you can find will help you to save money during your move. Call a few different shipping companies to get several quotes so that you can choose the cheapest option.
Make sure you go with a trustworthy company that is known for efficient and reliable service. Ideally, find a company that offers insurance to cover potential loss or damage to your belongings.
Apply for a Visa As Early As Possible
Your visa application should also be another top priority. It takes several weeks for visas to be completed and approved, so aim to get your application in as soon as possible.
Ideally, you’ll want your visa to be active well before you relocate. The last thing you want is for your move to be delayed because your visa hasn’t been approved.
Depending on the reason for your move, you will need to apply for a specific type of visa. If you’re studying abroad, you’ll need a study visa and if you plan to work in your new country, you’re going to need a work visa.
It’s vital that you get the right type of visa. Otherwise, you might not be able to complete your move and stay in the new country.
It’s also important that you provide the right information. As part of your application, you will be required to fill in details about your financial situation and housing arrangements. Make sure these details are as accurate as possible.
Visas usually last around 12 months so you will need to reapply after this length of time if you plan to stay in your new country. After several years, you can apply for permanent residency.
Learn the Language and Cultural Differences
If you’re moving across the world, chances are that the new country will have a completely different culture to the one you’re used to. The locals there may also speak a completely different language.
Many people don’t realise how impactful cultural differences can be. You might find that you feel completely thrown off by the huge differences between the culture in your home country and your new country (known as ‘culture shock’).
Before you relocate, take the time to learn about the culture in your new country. Learn about what’s socially acceptable and what not to do if you want to avoid any angry stares from the local residents.
Even though it’s important to integrate into the society of your new country, it’s also good to keep your own culture alive! Spot the similarities between the culture you’re used to and the new culture that you will be adopting, and keep these in mind.
While you are researching the culture of your destination country, start learning the native language too. Find apps or websites that teach you the basic phrases.
It’s unlikely that you will become fluent before you move but knowing the basics will make it much easier for you to interact with the locals from day one.
