10 Tips to Help You Thrive in a Foreign Country
Moving and staying in a foreign country can be scary. Experiencing a new culture, different foods, and isolation might make you anxious.
You will find yourself questioning all your decisions asking; was this a good idea? And a lot of What if…?
People move to look for employment or economic prospects, reunite with family members, or pursue higher education.
Although you may be excited to move to a new country you cannot ignore the negative emotions of being in an unfamiliar place. You will most likely need help with the language, laws, culture, customs, and ideologies.
According to a recent report, there were 281 million international immigrants worldwide in 2020. This accounted for 3.6 percent of the world’s population. This number has been increasing over the last five decades.
Living in a new country may be hard, but with the right mindset and a good mindset, you will have the best experience as each day will be an adventure.
We have compiled some top tips to help you enjoy the new experience and thrive in your new country.
1. Learn the language
Moving abroad where people speak a different language can be nerve-wracking. This is because you cannot make simple requests like asking for directions.
While living abroad or planning to visit a foreign country it is always good to learn the language basics such as greetings or asking for help.
A translation app or platform such as google translate can be a convenient way to help you communicate with the locals.
2. Connect with ex-pat communities near you
While moving to a new country you will need insights into how life is in that country, its people, whether they are friendly or not, and is the city safe.
You can get this information by searching online or reading posts. The best way to find detailed answers based on personal experience is by joining a community of people who already live there (ex-pats).
By joining an ex-pat community, you will hear about others’ experiences moving into a new country and how they coped with the challenges.
Communities such as internations and expat.com can help you make personal connections with other ex-pats living in Kenya.
3. Research your surroundings -understand culture and norms
A little bit of research can help you choose a location that's ideal for you and make relocating overseas a lot simpler.
For example, if you like a quiet neighborhood, there is nothing worse than being stuck in a crowded apartment building.
4. Be flexible and open-minded
When moving to new and unfamiliar surroundings it is always good to be open-minded and willing to experience new things. This is because the culture, the people, and the general way of doing things are different.
To make your experience more enjoyable, you should be willing to try new things. Try new foods at the local restaurants, attend music and cultural events, or interact with the locals more.
Try to understand the local customs and be receptive to the different ways of doing things. For example, if the locals are accustomed to saying hello, shaking hands, or bowing or hugging.
No matter how well you plan there will be unexpected issues along the way. If you want to avoid feeling fatigued, you must be flexible enough to go with the flow.
5. Know how you will pay taxes and any documentation needed
Do foreigners have to pay taxes? The answer is yes. When working in foreign countries you will have to pay income tax.
For example in Kenya, foreigners have to pay income taxes whether they are employed or business owners.? Expats have to pay taxes on wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, or any other ‘gratuity paid.
However, ex-pats are exempted from other mandatory deductions such as NHIF (National Hospital Insurance Fund) and NSSF (National Social Security Fund).
In Kenya taxes are filed annually by the end of June, to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Information about foreign taxation can be found here on the KRA website.
Documentation
There are also important documents that you should ensure you have when moving to a new country.
You must have your legal papers and other required documentation in order to make your move as easy as possible and to be ready for any emergency.?
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For example, you will need a visa, passport, work permit, proof of vaccination, and any other requested documents.
6. Medical and healthcare
It might be difficult to move to or live in a new country, and form culture shock to language barriers. One thing that most might forget is access to medical care and health services.
A successful and happy existence in your new home nation depends on maintaining good physical and mental health.
Research medical facilities and healthcare and common infections and diseases in the region.
For instance, when traveling to Kenya, ensure you and your family get these vital vaccinations:?
Insurance
Different countries have varying standards of medical care. Public/government medical facilities may provide services that are below international standards.
Public hospitals are also prone to bureaucracy and this can lead to long delays in accessing medical services.?
That is why many ex-pats prefer private medical facilities for their healthcare needs. These facilities may be costly and that is why it is advisable to get medical insurance coverage for you and your family.
7. Stay in touch with family
Even though it is exciting and feels like an adventure, being in a foreign country can make you feel alone and homesick.
Staying in touch with your family helps you fight loneliness and acts as your support system whenever you feel like giving up and going back.??
Nowadays there are too many tools available to us to help us communicate with family, including video chats and social media.
8. Make friends with the locals
The best way to improve your language skills and learn about a new culture is to interact and make friends with locals.
Every culture or nationality has its own customs or traditions; with some locals as your friends, they will teach you all you need to know.
Hanging out with the locals you might gain lifetime access to their particular cultural expertise. You become a more compassionate and active global citizen as a result.
9. Know how to deal with your finances
Handling finances is one of the most common problems of living in a foreign country. Issues like struggling with house payments, taxation or simply sending money home may be a challenge.
Taxes
Tax laws vary from country to country, but filing taxes while living abroad can be particularly difficult. You can avoid mistakes by familiarizing yourself with the tax laws of your new country.
Exchange rates
Foreign Exchange rates can have a huge impact on your purchasing or spending power especially if you are living on a budget.
Taking time to understand the exchange rate and finding the best exchange platform for your money can help you manage your money better.?
Find the best way to money transfer
People relocate to different countries for various reasons and one major reason is to work. While working abroad, you might need to send money back home for school fees for your children or relatives or simply to take care of your family's needs.
Many banks charge outrageous fees for money transfers and bank transfers might have delays.?
Using online money transfer solutions such as Upesi Money Transfer is more affordable and ensures fast delivery to your loved ones.??
Have you ever moved to another country to study or work? Did you encounter any unexpected challenges? If so, please share your experiences in the comments.