Natalie On occasion, potential expats ask us about common mistakes when moving abroad. As international real estate agents who sell holiday homes and houses for permanent living abroad, we have seen many foreigners make international moves. Most people succeed, and only a few return, primarily for family reasons.
However, all expats agree there are mistakes they wish they hadn’t made and unpleasant situations they wish they had avoided. Firstly, relax. Experts say moving house is one of life’s most stressful experiences, let alone moving home to a different host country.
Secondly, all mistakes can be rectified. If you consider the endeavour a learning experience when relocating overseas, it can be stress-free. So, what common mistakes should you be aware of, and how do you make a smooth transition?
Common Mistakes When Moving Abroad
1: Money Mistakes in Your Destination Country
Most expats use a cost budget for buying property and monthly living expenses. But forget to forecast the costs of living and daily expenses into the financial future. This is especially important for fixed incomes when considering monthly inflation and moving to a country operating in a different currency.
For example, some ex-pats in Turkey converted savings into Turkish lira and deposited the money into high-interest savings accounts. But over the last decade, the Turkish lira has devalued. So, should they want to move back home, they have reduced their savings. One tip is always to give yourself a buffer zone and emergency funds and check your tax liabilities. Costly mistakes with your money are hard to rectify, so prioritise this.
2: Overseas Visa Requirements and Health care Laws
Finding somewhere to live is only one of the critical aspects when moving overseas. Knowing the residency and healthcare laws is more important. Most countries stipulate how long foreigners can stay on a tourist visa before applying for residency visas. In addition, healthcare matters. One major illness, or a heart attack, will cost thousands. Know exactly where you stand on residency and healthcare insurance options. Also, photocopies of all medical documents should be on hand.
3: Using Removal Companies
Plenty of overseas removal companies will compete on prices to get business, and they reduce the stress of packing, transporting, and unpacking household items—however, research and plan. After you pay the removals company and navigate customs and taxes, it is sometimes cheaper to sell your items at home and buy brand-new tables, settees, chairs, etc., in your new home country. Sometimes, transportation costs are not worth the hassle and stress. If you ship your goods, only use a reliable removal company with a proven track record.
4: Neglecting the Paperwork and Legal Laws
Before packing, check all legal documents and permits. For example, your passport’s validity and notifying pension providers and banks of change of address. In addition, if you plan to buy a home or move assets abroad, check inheritance laws. Often, ex-pats need to make an additional will in their new home country because most judicial systems do not accept foreign wills. Finally, working professionals should check reciprocal tax laws to avoid hefty bills. Cross the T’s and dot the I’s with everything.
6: Lack of Local Research and Proper Planning
This is a life-changing experience, so join Facebook, online reviews, and ex-pat groups for the area you plan to move to. They are ideal for keeping an eye on news and developments. Additionally, these expats become valuable sources of information for residency, healthcare, pet relocation, driving, and other daily issues. Neglecting to learn as much as possible about your new town, village, or city will hamper your quality of life.
7: Ignoring the Culture and Traditions of Daily Life
Watch and learn about everyday life in your new host country. One mistake we see in expats moving to Spain, Turkey, France, and Portugal is stereotyping the country and its citizens. However, much like in your country of origin, every region is different in terms of traditions, food dishes, and cultural identities. Learn which topics to avoid and the history to avoid making social faux pas when trying to make friends with locals. Moving abroad is an amazing life experience, so enjoy opportunities to broaden your horizons.
8: Neglecting the Language Barrier
This mistake happens across the board, and although we meet working professionals who learn languages, retired expats often say they can’t. The good news is that experts say this is biological. The older we get, the harder language learning gets. However, this does not mean don’t try. Even learning one word a day helps foreigners settle in, gives them an advantage, and increases their quality of life. Sign up for language classes or take language lessons on a downloaded app.
9: In the Event of and Unexpected Expenses
Some expats first move to a new country of residence to try it for six months. They rent a house and play it day-to-day to see if they will adapt to life abroad. This is an excellent approach, but have a long-term plan and be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. For example, couples should discuss their action plan if the other falls ill. Working professionals should think about savings plans for starting a family. Look ahead for five years to discuss potential problems and processes of what to do.
9: Unrealistic Expectations
Some expats choose the opportunity to move abroad based on where they have holidayed for years. Subconsciously, they form an idea of the perfect life abroad, and then when the first hurdle arises, they don’t know what to do. Moving overseas brings several benefits, but keep a level head. Spending afternoons in bars while neglecting personal responsibilities and healthcare is reckless.
Relocating overseas is an exciting adventure, but also watch for unrealistic expectations that might hamper daily situations. These vary. They can expect red tape to run daily as they would back home. Frustration at the regulations and expecting them to change leads to stress.
It could be the time management of local workers or unexpected costs you usually wouldn’t have to pay back home. It can be the economic situation you avoid. Maybe the customs regulations are holding you back, or lines of communication are hampered. Expectations only lead to disappointment, so always keep an open mind.
10: Rushing to Buy Property
Last on our list of professional advice is that there is plenty of time to find your dream home. This is the costliest and biggest financial mistake of all the common mistakes expats make. Careful planning will ensure you find your dream home in a foreign country, so don’t use the first agent you find. Remember the additional expenses of buying, like the lawyer, translator, and notary fees. Look at banks for expats to help with the transaction, and most of all, know the property buying procedures and laws.
Our Services Save Time and Money
We are Spot Blue International, and we sell property overseas in popular retirement and holiday home destinations. Call us today and chat with an agent about more common mistakes when moving abroad. Also, see our portfolio of apartments and villas in countries like Spain, Portugal, and Turkey that attract expats from near and far.
