There are so many words to describe becoming an expat that range from terrifying to mind-blowing. You are probably about to embark on one of the most amazing experiences of your life but it comes with a lot to consider.

To make sure you are best prepared and so that you can get the most enjoyment out of this experience, we have 13 tips for a smooth transition.

#1. Get your paperwork in order

Work permits  and visas will probably take the longest to get in order depending on where you are planning to move. You should also make sure you have copies of your qualifications, resume, and get your references in order if you are going to be looking for a new job. If you are moving with your children, get copies of school reports and any other potential documents you will need to register them in a new school.

Have a hard copy of all of your important documents (including photocopies of passports, driving licenses, and birth certificates) in a folder. Also, scan them all so that you have a digital copy.

If you are relocating to the Caribbean/Bermuda region, all of this will be taken care of in advance in liaison with your new employer.

#2. Get a physical check-up

There are several reasons for this. First, you may need it for the visa, again, depending on the country you are moving to. If you do have any medical issues, you will understand far better in English than in a second language plus it will help your get the right health insurance. It will also help you to ensure you have the right medication. Remember that it might take you time to register with a doctor in your new country and get access to the necessary medication.

#3. Schedule a visit before the move

This will depend on your personal circumstances. If you are younger and have more flexibility, this might not be necessary. Nevertheless, if you have a partner and/or children, you will all become expats, so everyone should have a taste of what life is going to look like.

#4. Decide what you are going to do with your home

Are you going to rent it out, sell it, or leave it vacant? If you are planning to rent it out, it might be worth looking into a property manager as it isn’t always practical for you to do this remotely. Selling it will ease your financial situation, but it does mean packing up everything and taking it with you or paying for storage. Even if you choose to leave it vacant, make sure someone is there to look in once in a while and more importantly, check your mail for anything important.

#5. Rent before you buy

Don’t get carried away with moving emotions and start looking for properties to buy before you have landed. You need to get a feel for the area before you commit to buying. This will also help you with things like transport to and from work or school. Even just a short period of renting will give you a better understanding of the process to buy a home and associated taxes and costs.

#6. Be flexible with your work

In a perfect world, you will finish your current job in time to move and start a new job soon after arriving. That’s not to say that this can’t happen. But always be flexible in case things like visas and work permits take longer than expected.

#7. Organize your finances

Related to the previous tip, be sure to have sufficient savings to cover the costs of moving. To avoid panic, it’s a good idea to have enough in your account to cover the cost of living for 6 months of living expenses. It’s never a good idea to rely on credit cards, especially if you don’t know the terms and conditions for using the card in a different country.

#8. Learn the language

There is going to be a lot going on in the next few weeks and months and leaving the lingo to the last minute is going to overwhelm you. The earlier you start practicing the basics of the new language, the more confident you will be when you arrive. Private classes are obviously a great option but if this isn’t feasible, there are a number of great apps that will teach you grammar, speaking, and listening skills.

#9. Unlock your phone

Another tip for peace of mind is to make sure your mobile phone will work as soon as you land. If your phone is unlocked, you will be able to buy a local SIM card and use your phone straight away.

#10. Pack wisely

One of the greatest rules you should always try to stick to is to prepare what you need to take and the money you have to take. Then halve what you need to take (your wardrobe may well change a lot anyway) and double the money you have to take. The more you pack, the more it will cost you.

#11. Get involved with the locals as soon as possible

Most locals will welcome expats—while they are keen to learn about local culture and not comparing their home country to their new country. There may be foods, drinks, and practices that seem very strange to you. Don’t discount them just because they aren’t the norm for you. One of the main points of being an expat is to gain new experiences. Try as many different things as you can.

#12. Ask questions about local norms

Again, most locals and other expats are more than willing to share advice with those who ask. Business culture varies greatly from country to country and so do social ‘expectations’. Learning about these new cultural differences can prevent awkward situations and help you to make friends.

#13. Expect a culture shock

At some point, it will come and it might even be the craziest thing that makes you miss home: seeing particular people, eating your favourite food or missing your traditional celebrations. Don’t dismiss these feelings and pay close attention to family members who might be going through the same thing.

Find ways to listen or watch programs in your mother tongue. Have one night a week when you eat a meal that you would normally eat. Keep in touch with friends and family (much easier today than it ever has been). The initial big culture shock will pass but don’t be surprised if aftershocks occur at times like birthdays and holidays.

If you want a job on the Islands, visit our jobs portal to see the latest vacancies.

Are you hiring? Book a Discovery Call if you’re hiring and see how we can help.

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