Jetlag, culture shock, and traveler’s diarrhea are some of the immediate challenges of moving to a new country.
But as you continue to settle in your new home far away from home, you soon realize that there are even more significant issues to contend with. If you’re not adequately prepared for these realities, your life can be one of the most boring and uncomfortable.
Fortunately, there are several tips to navigate the challenges of living in a new country. This article highlights the top six things to check into after moving to a new country.
Find a Safe Residence
It doesn’t matter whether you’ll be living in a foreign country for only a year or the rest of your life. It’s essential to find a suitable residence. And nothing defines the suitability of a home better than security features.
Ideally, searching for secure apartments should commence several months before moving into the destination country. Conduct your research on housing options for expats.
Many cities have suburban belts explicitly designated for expats. One advantage of renting or leasing a home in these areas is that you’re more likely to interact with fellow expatriates. Besides, these zones are usually manned by armed security and 24-hour surveillance, making them safe to live in.
Just ensure you’re clear on the payment terms. When selecting between a rental and lease agreement, you should consider the latter. Leasehold properties tend to be more affordable in the long run.
Get Your Finances in Order
One question many ask before moving to a new country is, ‘how much does it cost to move overseas?’
There’s no standard yardstick for the amount you’ll pay to move to another country. The actual figures depend on factors like the geographical distance and paperwork required. For instance, it’s cheaper to move from the United States to Canada than to move from the US to China or Japan.
But since you’re already in your destination country, the more pertinent question would be, ‘how do I get my finances in order?’
One tip for managing your finances in a foreign land is to familiarize yourself with the foreign exchange rates between the local and your home currency. That will give you a rough estimate of what essential commodities cost and protect you from being scammed by unscrupulous traders.
Also, unless you’re planning to permanently live in the new country (in which case you’ll need to get a job at some point), be frugal in your expenditure.
Make Friends
Even if you’re lucky to have settled in an apartment with a few compatriots, it’s still essential to go the extra mile in making new friends. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to network as an expat.
First, try to join local clubs, especially those offering travel abroad programs and events. You could also use social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to network with potential friends.
A word of wisdom, though – do not make it too obvious that you’re an outsider. Otherwise, you may attract people who’re only out to swindle you.
Familiarize Yourself With the Laws of the Land
This is an area many expats usually skimp on, only to find themselves on the wrong side of the law. But it’s incredible how habits you might consider typical back home could be outright illegal in your new country of residence.
For instance, while vaping is legal in the United States and Canada, the same practice is outlawed in Cambodia, Thailand, and many other countries. Similarly, while chewing gum is legal in almost all countries, these products are banned in Singapore unless used for therapeutic purposes.
You can only imagine the inconvenience you’d be subjected to when Singaporean police waylay you to explain why you’re walking the streets majestically blowing bubbles.
Accustom Yourself to the Etiquettes of the Local Cultures
Donning thigh-high skirts, giving crushing handshakes, and clapping as a means of applause may not raise eyebrows in many countries. But in some cultures, these habits may be considered a hallmark of the uncultured in society.
So, as you endeavor to acquaint yourself with the laws in your destination country, try to accustom yourself to the etiquette of the different local cultures.
For instance, Italians believe that the man should go through the door first, followed by the woman. That’s the direct opposite of what many cultures believe in.
In India and many Muslim-dominated countries, eating with your left hand is considered poor etiquette. That’s because the left hand is considered unclean since it’s usually used for wiping in the bathroom.
Maintain Touch With Your Folk Back Home
Living thousands of miles from your native country can be an anxious experience, especially if you do not have your near and dear ones around you.
Thankfully, you can overcome this anxiety by maintaining constant touch with your family and friends. All you need to do is designate specific hours every day or on selected days of the week just to catch up on life on the other side of the ocean.
You might consider group voice calls or chats. That way, you can feel safe in each other’s presence despite the physical distance.
Final Word
No matter how well prepared you are for expat life, there are always challenges to navigate. We hope you can bookmark this article as a reference point for when you plan to move to a new country.
