There are several reasons why people move overseas. One of the main reasons is employment. Perhaps someone you know found a better job opportunity in a different country, and they needed to move to provide a better quality of living for themselves and their families.
Some people move out of their country for education and to gain independence. Different countries have different curriculums, and some want to attain higher education, which their home country cannot provide. With that, learning to live independently is a great skill. Moreover, it’s also an excellent experience for growth. You can use the learnings of living alone as you develop self-confidence and trust in yourself.
Some people move abroad, looking to broaden their horizons, learn about a different culture, and find themselves in the process. Adapting to a different culture can be difficult, and most experience “culture shock” in a foreign country. However, it’s all part of life to become a stronger and better version of yourself.
There are many ways to move abroad, but some countries might be more expensive than others. Your finances are one of the primary considerations you need to evaluate if you want to move out. It all depends on your main reason for moving. From there, you can decide how much you need to be able to move smoothly.
Reasons Why Living Abroad Can Be Expensive
1. Collecting and completing requirements
When you choose to live abroad, you must gather all the paperwork and permits needed to fulfill your stay smoothly and legally. Aside from the travel passport, you will also need to apply for a visa to live and work abroad. This will allow you to stay in a country for a limited time and for a specific purpose.
Once you’ve moved into your new home, you will also need to apply for a work permit if you are going to work. Work permits will allow you to find employment opportunities in another country, but getting one in other nations can be difficult as they follow various regulations and protocols. Talk to a consulate office ahead of time to clarify the application process regulations and requirements.
If you have pets, they will also need veterinary records and health certificates if you want to bring them to another country. Ask relevant agencies if they need to undergo quarantine before releasing you in your new country.
Other documents that you might need to move, pay taxes, clear shipments, and apply for permits might include the following:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage license or documents that prove you are eligible for marriage
- Medical, dental, and immunization records
- Tax records
- School reports and transcripts
- Divorce, adoption, and child custody documents
- Driver’s license
- Wills
- Travel insurance paperwork
- Credit cards
2. Moving and buying belongings
It’s impossible to bring all your things once you move to another country. Even if you could, it would just weigh you down, and the number of things you want to bring might end up incurring more sea or air transport expenses. Transporting household goods overseas can range from $1,000 to $30,000, depending on how you take and move them.
What you can do is assess how much stuff you’re bringing with you and do your research on packing and shipping them to your destination. Get removals insurance to protect your belongings in case something unexpected happens. Then do your research and compute the average amount of stuff you will buy once you move to your new residence.
Some of the things you will likely need to bring with you are the following:
- Important documents
- Medicines and medical aids
- Electronics
- Clothing
- Toiletries
- Items that remind you of “Home”
3. Getting housing
One of your most significant expenses while living overseas will be your housing. Your destination will likely have various budget and luxurious houses. While popular expat cities will have local networks or bulletin boards filled with apartment listings, you can do your online research to get an idea of how much your housing cost will be.
Overall, finding a place to live abroad can be frustrating, tiring, and longer than expected. Be ready to have extra money to pay for a hostel or guesthouse for up to a few months. You could look for a friend willing to let you stay with them shortly until you get, and if you’re lucky, you might even meet someone willing to let you live for free and safely.
4. Getting food
Depending on the location of your choice, food can also range from cheap to expensive. Shopping at local grocery stores is usually the most practical way to get food, and that’s if your housing has a functional kitchen. In most countries, it’s cheaper to shop for food and cook than eat outside.
Once you get settled into your new home abroad, roam around the local grocery stores and be mindful of your pocket money when trying out local delicacies. Planning a weekly food budget can help you control your food expenses, but don’t deprive yourself of having a nice meal out once in a while.
5. Exchange rates and cost of living
When you move abroad, you will most likely transfer your funds into a local bank account to pay for mortgage and utility bills. Remember that you will lose a lot more money if the exchange rate is bad at the transfer time.
Take the time to consider your destination country’s cost of living. The grass is always greener until it’s not anymore. Your salary might not reach as far as it did when you were home, or your pension won’t last as it would at home. Ensure your compensation is enough to match the fluctuating exchange rates and living costs.
Taking the Leap
People generally think that someone moving abroad means they’re off to live a better, carefree life of glam and comfort, but this is not entirely true. Many obstacles will come your way once you start moving into a new place with new people, new living conditions, and new currencies.
Many countries worldwide are relatively cheap for moving, settling, studying, and living. Some of these countries are Argentina, Vietnam, South Africa, Malaysia, and Bulgaria. Once you’ve decided on a destination country, make sure you plan ahead and always come prepared for whatever circumstance awaits you in your future home.
