An Important Checklist for a Successful Move Abroad
There are so many things to do when you’re preparing to move abroad. Apart from the butterflies in your stomach and the excitement in the air, there are also challenges and panic attacks. But let us assure you, it is reasonable to feel these things. After all, you’re moving to a new land, full of opportunities, places to explore, cultures to immerse, and things to learn. So, where do you start? As a global citizen, you will soon adopt the clever skill of making a checklist for your travel. To make it easier for you, here’s a checklist for a successful move overseas.
Travel Checklist
Passport & Visa
Make sure your passport is updated, and it is valid for more than six months. Research your visa requirements for the countries you will be staying in thoroughly. Some passports don’t require a visa, or you may qualify for a visa on arrival. If you have to get a permit, it is essential to start your applications as early as six months due to the processing time. If you are a US citizen, you can check visa requirements for the specific countries you will be visiting.
Shipping
When you’re deconstructing your entire life to move to a new country, packing can be daunting. Travel light and ship what you can’t carry. Sometimes, it may cost more to ship packages, so research on additional luggage costs. Compare to see which is more cost-effective. Similarly, do not pack everything, only the essentials. It will cause you less stress lugging all your belongings to your new home.
Documents
When moving to a new country, have all the necessary documents with you. Make a few copies of your original documents and organize it in a file so that you’re not rummaging through your bag at the immigration. It is also an excellent habit to adopt as you will feel a lot more confident and be stress-free when you know all your relevant documents are accounted for.
Plan your first night overseas
Plan, plan, and plan. One way to ensure you have a smooth journey is to plan your trip, especially your first night in a new country. After multiple flights and sitting through hours of layovers, you will be tired. If you have your home secured, great. If not, make sure you have booked yourself a place to stay the night.
Health Checklist
Get international health insurance
When moving to a new country, it is vital to research the healthcare system and its facilities. Some states have tight regulations or expensive healthcare. Countries such as the UAE, China, and the USA have a costly healthcare system. If you are unsure about the medical facilities, purchasing a global health insurance plan is your best option. You can check out the Cigna plan offered by Expat Financial.
Vaccination
Similarly, make sure you are vaccinated before you move to your new country. There are harmful diseases in certain countries that can be avoided with proper medical treatments. Some states require you to get necessary vaccinations before you arrive.
Pet Checklist
For those who want to travel with their furry friends (that’s all of us), research about the regulations. You may find this vital information on government sites. Make sure your pets got all their necessary vaccinations and are up-to-date with all their shots. You may require to get a microchip for your dog as well. Organize all your pets’ documents in a separate file with all the information listed.
Additionally, find out what’s the proper procedure to fly your pets, and don’t forget to ensure your pets are also comfortable throughout the journey.
Finance Checklist
Before moving to a new country, tell your bank that you’re moving. The best way to ensure you have access to all your debit and credit card is to speak directly speak to someone at the bank. Similarly, keep some cash at hand as sometimes you may land at odd hours or not have easy access to an ATM.
In the first week of moving to your new home, you should open a local bank account. It will help you quickly transfer your funds.
Technology Checklist
If you’re planning to stay in a country for a long time, buy a local SIM card with prepaid options. You don’t want to be paying a lot for roaming services. On the other hand, make sure all your financial accounts, sensitive information are secured with passwords and security questions. You should also keep a written list of all the passwords and information in case you are unable to unlock your phone once you land.
On the other hand, you save a lot of stress when you invest in an international adapter. It saves you space, and you don’t have to worry about using it anywhere.
