You got bit by the travel bug and went on numerous vacations as a result, but now simply visiting another country is not enough. Now, you have been bitten by the moving abroad bug, and you want to live in a country you love. You may be ready to make this giant leap, but before you jump, it is crucial to ensure you are prepared. You must take steps to ensure you are ready for this change. Following these four steps will help make the change more manageable.
Check the Status of Your Passport
First and foremost, you must check whether your passport is expired. If it is, you will need to renew it as soon as possible. A valid passport is needed to apply for a visa, and the passport must be valid for at least six months. If your passport expires while you are still abroad, you must visit your closest U.S. Embassy or consulate to renew it.
Apply for Your Visa
You will also need to apply for a visa and ensure your passport is up-to-date. This can become the most stressful part of moving abroad since there is the potential of being denied for any reason. To help lessen the risk of that happening, make sure you look into the official government of the country you are moving to see which supporting documents you need for your visa application. You will probably also need to make an appointment with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security so you can give them your fingerprints and photograph.
Organize Your Finances
Moving abroad is not cheap. Before making that leap, you must ensure your finances are in order and have enough to make this big move. It is also essential to contact your bank to inform them of your move so they can set it up and send money abroad from your accounts when needed. You may also want to get an international credit card to avoid foreign transaction fees. Once you get settled, you may also want to look into banks in your new city and see what will be needed to set up a savings and checking account.
Do Your Research
If you have been bitten by the travel bug and are already familiar with the area you are moving to, then you have probably already done plenty of research on the country’s culture. Still, another level of research is needed when you are moving there permanently.
You need to research which is better for that specific area when it comes to your belongings. Is it better to ship your items, store them, or sell them? You will want to know the logistics and cost of each and determine which is better. You will also need to determine if you will be using your new city’s public transportation or if you are planning to drive yourself around. You must consider which will be more cost-effective and make the most sense in that specific city.
Moving abroad is exciting. It is the opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture and environment. But, to ensure the move is seamless, it is best to follow these steps.
