Thinking About Relocating? Here’s What You Need to Know Before Moving Abroad ????

Relocating to another country is an exciting but complex journey. Whether it’s for career growth, a better quality of life, or a personal adventure, moving abroad requires careful planning, research, and financial preparation to ensure a smooth transition.

Having lived in Ireland, Argentina, and now the Philippines, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of international relocation firsthand. From cultural adjustments to understanding employment laws and managing finances, each country comes with its own challenges.

If you’re planning a move abroad, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare and avoid the common pitfalls.

1?? Research, Research, Research ??

Before making the big move, it’s crucial to research everything about your new country.

?? Employment & Work Visa Laws – What permits or visas do you need to legally work? Some companies provide visa sponsorship, while others require you to have it beforehand.

?? Cost of Living – How much will rent, groceries, transport, and utilities cost?

?? Job Market – Are there opportunities in your industry? What’s the demand for your skills?

?? Culture & Social Norms – Understanding workplace etiquette, language, and customs can help you integrate smoothly.

?? Healthcare System – Will you need private insurance, or does the country provide free healthcare?

?? Pro Tip: Watch YouTube vlogs, read expat blogs, and join expat Facebook groups to get real insights from people who already live there.

2?? Visit If Possible (Before Moving) ??♂?

If your budget allows, take a short trip to your new country before fully relocating.

?? Walk around different neighborhoods to get a feel for where you’d like to live.

?? Test out public transport to see how easy it is to get around.

?? Visit grocery stores and malls to compare prices.

?? Observe the work culture and people—does it align with your expectations?

?? Pro Tip: If visiting isn’t an option, try virtual networking. Reach out to people on LinkedIn or expat forums to ask about their experiences living and working in your target country.

3?? Financial Preparation: Save More Than You Think ??

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is underestimating the financial burden of moving abroad. Some companies only run payroll once a month, meaning you could start working in a new country and not receive your first paycheck for 4-8 weeks!

?? Save at least 3-6 months of living expenses to cover initial costs.

?? Have emergency cash in case your salary is delayed.

?? Understand salary payment cycles – Some companies pay once a month and if you start mid-cycle, you may have to wait 6-8 weeks for your first paycheck.

?? Keep savings in an accessible account (not locked in investments).

?? Pro Tip: If possible, start freelancing or remote work before you move to have an extra income stream.

4?? Have a Plan B & C in Case Things Don’t Go as Planned ??

Even with the best preparation, things don’t always go as expected. Your visa might get delayed, your job offer might fall through, or you might struggle to adjust to the new environment.

? Plan B – Have a backup job in mind (even if it’s outside your field).

? Plan C – Have enough savings to return home if necessary.

?? Pro Tip: Look at alternative visa options (student, freelancer, digital nomad visas) in case your original plan doesn’t work out.

5?? Learn the Essentials: Language & Important Numbers ??

Even if English is widely spoken, learning basic local phrases will help in daily life. It’s also critical to memorize important emergency numbers in case of any urgent situations.

?? Emergency contacts (police, ambulance, embassy, landlord).

?? Your employer’s HR & payroll department (for salary concerns).

?? Local expat community contacts – Having support from fellow expats can be a lifesaver.

?? Pro Tip: Carry a small notebook with key emergency phrases in the local language, especially for medical or police situations.

6?? Understand Employment Laws & Your Worker Rights ??

Every country has different labor laws. Don’t assume your new job will have the same rights and protections as your home country.

?? Notice periods – How much time does your employer need to give you if they let you go?

?? Severance pay & redundancy rules – If you’re laid off, are you entitled to compensation?

?? Paid leave & sick days – Some countries offer paid sick leave, while others don’t.

?? Overtime laws – Are there regulations on how much overtime you can work?

?? Pro Tip: Join a local trade union (if possible). They can help protect your rights in case of workplace disputes.

7?? Build a Support Network ??

Relocating can be lonely and overwhelming, especially in the first few months. Surrounding yourself with the right people can make the transition easier.

?? Join expat communities, co-working spaces, or social clubs.

?? Attend local networking events to make friends and professional connections.

?? Stay connected with family and friends from home—it helps with homesickness!

?? Pro Tip: Try joining professional groups on LinkedIn before your move to start building your network early.

8?? Prepare for the Mental & Emotional Transition ??

Moving abroad isn’t just a logistical challenge—it’s also an emotional one. You may feel culture shock, homesickness, or even regret at some point. That’s normal!

?? Give yourself time to adjust – The first 3-6 months can be tough, but things usually get easier.

?? Take care of your mental health – Find local therapists or support groups if needed.

?? Celebrate small wins – Learning how to navigate the public transport system or ordering food in a new language is a big deal!

?? Pro Tip: Keep a journal or blog about your experience—it helps process your emotions and can be useful for others considering the same move.

?? Final Thoughts: Moving Abroad is a Challenge—But Preparation is Key!

Relocating to another country can be the best decision of your life, but it requires careful planning. The more prepared you are, the smoother your transition will be.

? Research everything before moving.

? Save more money than you think you’ll need.

? Have a backup plan in case things don’t go as expected.

? Learn the basics of the local culture & employment laws.

? Build a support network early.

?? Have you relocated to another country? What’s the biggest lesson you learned?

Drop your insights in the comments! ????

?? Follow me for more career & relocation tips! ??