Considering relocating to another country?

I am Irish, a country with a long history of immigration. You all find Irish people all over the World. Some families have been abroad for generations. People leave their home country for lots of reasons. Sometimes it is a necessity i.e. for work, or to follow a partner or unfortunately due to issues encountered at home. Others leave for the adventure of travel. 

I lived in the UK, the US (on 2 occasions), France, Canada and I now live in Italy. I was relocated to France and the US (the 2nd trip) with work. Each time the experience was different and each had its challenges and rewards. When you get relocated for work, you usually get assistance which can include short term accommodation, financial assistance and support with logistics. This can be a great help. However, you are still making all the decisions and have to establish your own life ! 

The purpose of this post is to share some of the things I think are important to consider when making this life changing decision. Please note I am not an immigration, taxation or financial expert. All details and advice are based on my personal experience and are just to give you ideas of areas to consider. You should always research the country you are considering moving to and get expert advice on the processes and requirements.  Requirements will depend on how long you plan to stay, but a move even for a few months requires careful planning.

Regardless of whether a move is a monetary success for you, it will change your life significantly. I hope it will enrich it as it certainly did mine !

Financial Costs or Benefit

This is often the main consideration when moving. It can also be the biggest pitfall. it is virtually impossible to consider everything but I suggest you review the following:

• Stability of the currency of your new country
  • If its currency is prone to fluctuate, your financial projections may be redundant very quickly 
• The currency of the country you are leaving
  • Most people will be transferring money to a bank in the new country in the early stages for their start-up costs. Do ensure you monitor exchange rates and if you can, transfer money when the rates are in your favour.
• Opening a bank account
  • This can often be one of the biggest hurdles and time-consuming tasks. Regardless of what research you do and what sales materials you read, the proof with be when you start using an account.
    • A good web app is essential, allowing you to do basic transactions on-line, monitor your balance and set alerts 
    • Ensure you can link foreign accounts so you can transfer money as required
    • Ensure you can manage everything paperless. This is particularly important if you will be travelling. There is nothing as frustrating as receiving an important letter after a due date and having a difficult time to reverse something. Banks are notoriously bureaucratic in my opinion. I have rarely seen them reverse a decision as you didn’t receive a letter via your identified form of communication. Try and have as much sent via email or secure messaging (accessed within an app), as possible.
  • Ensure you understand what documentation you require to open an account
  • Ensure you understand what bank charges apply. Do they differ depending on residency status ? 
• Money Laundering Laws – It is normal in my experience to have to show proof of where you got funds from, when opening a bank account and transferring a large sum. I suggest you confirm this when opening an account. I thought I was very thorough when I opened a bank account in Italy. I asked several times if they needed evidence of how I was funding it. Two clerks told me everything was in order. However, when I transferred the money for my final house payment, the bank manager flagged it and put the funds on hold. I was then a day late transferring the final payment and was lucky that the seller gave me some leeway. I had to show the bank manager the paper trail from the US (Sales proceeds from my house sale transferred to the US bank, and then transferred to Italy). She took several days to review this and I ended up sitting outside her office for 4 hours, requesting her to approve the funds. I should have requested a senior staff member reviewed my application and initial transfers.

• You should always complete a cost of living budget to ensure you can live as you want in your new country. This can be detailed or a few quick calculations. I suggest you categorise costs as follows:
  • One off relocation costs – Visa or legal fees, new home (purchase or deposit on rental), shipping costs, furniture & fittings, costs to transfer utilities, new mobile phone and set up costs for a SIM card
    • Check electricity and power at your new home. It’s often not advisable to use adaptors on items that use a lot of power. These include hairdryers, toasters, kettles, TV’s, etc. You may need to purchase new items. Also, do consider the cost of adaptors you may need for appliances you take with you. It’s amazing how many you may need for (1) Lamps (2) Computers and printers (3) Spares for guests etc. Try and have USB outlets installed, as they will negate the need for adaptors and will be a godsend when you have visitors from foreign countries
  • On-going household and car costs – Gas, electricity, refuse, internet, TV license or broadcasting charges, cable or satellite charges, shared areas costs if in an apartment or condo, petrol, gas or diesel for your car etc
  • Annual costs – Property taxes, insurance (car, medical, household), car registration and tax costs, car maintenance costs etc
  • Grocery bill – Have a rough estimate of the costs of your typical weekly shop
  • Entertainment & Leisure – If you want to ensure you continue hobbies or have a certain social life do consider the costs. These can include costs to eat out, cinema, sports and gym, theatre or music venue etc.

Logistics

This, similar to financial consideration, is paramount to a successful move. 

• If you plan to work in your new house ensure you have the following (1) Reliable electricity (2) Strong and reliable internet (3) You may need items couriered to and from the house. Review if this is possible ? (4) Do you need to purchase items to make a home office usable ?

• Doctors and Dentists

Hopefully you won’t become ill or require emergency dental care in the early stages of your move, but its an area to consider. If you require regular medication, consider asking your current provider to give you a back-up supply of medication.

• Do research prior to your move, the availability of these services near you
• Register with them and make introductions asap
• If you can’t register with a doctor, ensure you know where the nearest Emergency Department is 
• Review if there is a service on-line you can use prior to getting registered. There are several of these available within the EU, where you can get an appointment, have a consultation on-line and get a prescription emailed to you. This is just for minor issues and/or for an issue which was previously diagnosed.   

• Chemists and pharmacies 

These can be extremely helpful in a lot of countries to review minor injuries or issues. 

• They can often prescribe medications from overseas prescriptions or assist by dispensing small quantities in an emergency
• Lots of them also provide vaccinations
• In my experience, particularly in cities or tourist areas, some will have multilingual staff

Legal Considerations

While people will overstay after a visa has expired or move to a country without the proper authorisation, it’s extremely risky to do this. In my experience the following are things to consider and or complete:

• Taxation ID (all have country specific names)
  • In most countries you will need to get a Tax ID quickly. These include a Social Security Number in the US, a National insurance Number in the UK, a PPS number in Ireland or a Codice Fiscale in Italy. It’s usually a straightforward but bureaucratic exercise and you just have to follow the process regardless of how long it takes. 
  • Always research how to do this and do it quickly. Uses of this will differ by country but you usually will need one to open a bank account. I have also needed this to (1) Start household utilities (2) Get a mobile phone number (3) Hire contractors (4) Purchase or rent a house (5) Purchase a car

• Vaccinations and Inoculations
  • I had to prove I had all my childhood vaccinations during the US Green Card process. I also had to have a chest x-ray and some basic tests prior to getting a student work permit for Canada
  • This is an area which is very black and white and nonnegotiable so research it and plan ahead
• Can you buy a property and if so what are the considerations depending on your residency ?
  • In some countries non-residents can purchase a property but there are additional costs when it isn’t their primary residency. These can include (1) Property taxes (2) Customs costs to import personal items (3) Utility charges can be at different rates
• Can you drive a car ? 
  • Usually you can rent a car using a license from a different country or you could obtain an International driving license
  • You usually can’t be added as a named driver on a residents policy without having a license from that country
• Can you purchase a car ?
  • You usually have to be a resident of a country to purchase a car
  • You can often drive your own car on a foreign license for a specified time (often 6-12 months.) I was able to purchase a car and get insurance using my drivers license issued in California, for 12 months. After that, I needed an Italian one, or one issued from an EU country.
  • In some countries you have to have a license from that country before purchasing a car. I had to do my test in the US prior to purchasing a car
• Can you obtain insurance ?

You usually have to be a resident of a country for 6 months and one day to purchase local health insurance. You can review purchasing travel insurance as additional or temporary cover. 

• Sometimes you cannot make a first claim for a specified amount of time on a new health insurance policy
• Pre-existing conditions must be disclosed

Some car insurance companies do not ask about the driver’s residency. They require evidence of (1) primary location of the car (2) details of the drivers license

• It’s very rare that your driving record from one country, will be considered when moving abroad. So you often are seen as a new driver and the year 1 premium can be extremely high. Sometimes it can take up to 5 years before you see a reduction in a premium
• You can usually purchase household and contents insurance irrespective of your residency status. You just need to prove you own the property
• What documentation is required to cross a border and return?

As it may take time for residency or a visa to be approved and issued, you should review the following:

• Consider if you can leave and return while the process is on-going
• Your passport may need to be valid for the duration of a visa
• You may need to cross a border to get a visa validated
• When can you work?
• Once the process is completed, ensure you know what documentation is required when crossing a border. I went to Canada once and forgot my US Green Card. While immigration did allow me back into the country, I was interviewed for about an hour and had to provide lots of details to confirm my status. They issued me a warning, however they could have issued me a large monetary fine.

Social Life, Leisure Activities, Personal Grooming etc etc 

Quality of life is essential to consider when moving abroad. Do research what is available in your prospective new country and if there are any social norms or restrictions.

• I like to eat out alone periodically. Therefore this is something which I need to be able to afford to do and also do it comfortably
• Going to the Cinema has always been one of my main hobbies. There are no cinemas near me in Italy and I miss going a lot
• Gym or sports, if you play golf or any sport regularly will you be able to do this when you move and what are the associated costs? I love going to the gym either to work out alone or to attend spinning classes. I haven’t been able to do either since I moved to Italy and I miss it also
• I walk a lot so living in an area I can walk is essential to me. When I lived in the US, I would often go for a walk after work when it was dark. So living in a place where I can walk safely is important to me. There are lots of trails, streets and hills where I live in Italy.
• Hairdresser and Barbers – If you like to get your hair done professionally periodically, ensure you find a place that suits you quickly. Ensure you can afford to get this done when you want. Gentlemen of course have grooming requirements for hair and facial hair so need to consider these also
• Beautician and Dermatology – I would consider this inline with hair dresses and groomers

Weather

It rains a lot in Ireland and we do have four seasons. I love the long bright days during the summer. After living in California for so long, I now prefer living in a warm climate for as much of the year as I can. 

• I firmly believe that the weather has a huge impact on our wellbeing, so this is a major consideration for me
• It can also impact greatly on your budget, if you have to purchase a new wardrobe as you don’t have suitable clothing 
• If you have never driven in snow or used chains on your car wheels, do consider this when moving to a country where it snows a lot
• Do consider the impact of the weather on your hobbies. While I prefer hot weather, I don’t mind walking or hiking in the rain or snow

Proximity to home or where your family live 

When you still have family in your country of birth or another country, always consider how to get there in an emergency. I have had to fly to Ireland on several occasions due, to an emergency or for a funeral. It’s never an easy journey. 

As parents age this can become a very difficult scenario and something to  consider. People who retire to another country may have a similar quandary if they have children or grandchildren in a different country.

Consider the Time Zone difference also, if you plan to call people regularly. This should only be a minor inconvenience and something you can just plan around.

Language and customs 

In my experience you are usually made welcome or just left to your own devices when you relocate. I have never met any resistance or hostility. However, sometimes people can have major issues, so I think it’s important to understand the culture and demographics as you research a location.

I think it’s extremely important to acknowledge you are a visitor and the adage of ‘When in Rome” does apply. You are the one that should adapt to the local customs. I have lived in countries where I was always treated as a foreigner or visitor and I think you need to develop a thick skin and just accept it. I was the “Chick with the Accent” for years in the US and am now “Signore Inglese” in Italy.

You can do lots of things to try and be accepted. You should support local businesses i.e. shops, cafes, garages etc. If you need to employ anyone to help you, get local help. I had my house in Italy renovated when I moved in and most of my contractors were local. The service and support was always excellent and I do think this was because I live here full-time. I also see the contractors regularly as I go about my day. I have often asked a quick question or arranged something when out for a walk.

If you move to a country with a different language, it’s important to do your best to learn the language. I spoke basic French when I moved to France and had enough of a foundation to build on and also to communicate on the basics. I didn’t know any Italian before I moved to Italy and I am doing my best to learn and improve all the time. “Google Translate” is my best friend and I regularly practice phrases before going somewhere. This included when getting my car serviced, my hair done, going to a dry cleaners etc. I also apologise in Italian before starting a conversation. If I know I won’t be able to converse well, I ask in Italian if they speak English. I always apologise for my lack of Italian and I brush off their apologies if they say sorry, that they can’t speak English. I can count on one hand when I have encountered someone rude and not wanting to converse when this happened.

It is extremely rewarding when you start communicating comfortably and don’t have to bring notes with you, or start typing or talking into Google Translate. Again, you need to develop a thick skin as people may correct your pronunciation or comment on your accent. It takes a long time to talk like a native and some people never manage it. 

Food

I love my food and I am vegetarian. While I have travelled extensively in countries with a predominately meat culture, I wouldn’t like to live in these countries full-time. Even though vegetarian options have become more readily available, there are still minimal choices in some countries.

If you have a dietary requirement or preferences, do research what you can purchase in a grocery shop or what the options will be available when eating out. I loved living in France but it was difficult eating out in French restaurants. There are only so many times you can have pureed potatoes and haricot vert !

I spent 6 weeks traveling around Japan and loved everything about the country. I wouldn’t want to live there for any length of time as it was hard to eat in traditional restaurants. While I loved the ambiance in local restaurants, choices were often only boiled white rice, green beans or vegetable tempura. I also had to check if fish oil or fish sauce was added to dishes. 

Final Thoughts !

Getting the opportunity to live in another country is a privilege. You will learn a lot, make amazing memories but you will experience challenges. Therefore do try and do some planning before you go, to make the transition as seamless as possible.

I’d love to hear your opinions on this post in the comments section. Please tell me if I missed anything major or any experiences you would like to share. 

If you are considering a move, do go and take the plunge – it will be an unforgettable experience !!!