6 Tips for Relocating Abroad—and the Companies to Assist You

If you believe the U.S. could learn a thing or two about achieving a better work-life balance, you're spot on. According to Remote's second annual global life-work balance study, the United States ranks 55th out of 60 countries assessed. This dissatisfaction is a key reason many Americans opt to live abroad. Currently, over 8 million U.S. expats reside overseas, and an increasing number of Americans are seriously contemplating relocation. A recent survey by the Monmouth University Polling Institute shows that the inclination to leave the country has tripled since 1974. Those who have made the leap often cite perks like more affordable healthcare and a healthier work-life balance.

"When I left New York City and the U.S. at 25, it was because I believed there was more to life than working over 60 hours a week at a desk," shares Lola Méndez, a journalist and full-time digital nomad. "I was excited to explore the world and seek adventure. Now, nearly a decade later, I can't rationalize the exorbitant cost of living in the U.S. and the chaotic work/life balance. Moving back would mean a significant downgrade in lifestyle and a rapid depletion of my savings."

We talked to several expats living in different parts of the world, who shared their personal tips on adjusting to a more permanent life overseas.

Increase your savings

The idea of leaving everything behind to start fresh may sound incredibly romantic, but there are many practical considerations. Securing funds for your journey is perhaps the most crucial. It's essential to have a financial cushion for unexpected costs and daily life before moving abroad.

"Ensure you have sufficient savings to cover your trip, unforeseen emergencies, and potential flights back home," advised Méndez.

The amount you need to save can vary significantly based on your situation. Where will you be moving? Do you have a job lined up already? What are your housing arrangements? Are you planning to find a job after you arrive?

Financial experts suggest following the 70/20/10 rule, which allocates 70 percent of your income to living expenses, 20 percent to savings, and 10 percent to discretionary spending or additional savings. This budgeting strategy can provide a financial roadmap for your relocation and help determine how much you'll need to earn to sustain yourself in a new country. Additionally, having an idea of the cost of living will help you estimate average expenses in your new location.

Don't forget to look into health and travel insurance options.

One advantage of leaving behind a U.S. address is the opportunity to escape the hefty costs of U.S. healthcare. This is especially attractive for self-employed individuals who pay for private insurance out of pocket. While health insurance policies will differ in your new home country, many places outside the U.S. offer reasonable out-of-pocket medical expenses, so having insurance may not be strictly necessary. For example, according to International Living, a typical doctor’s appointment in Mexico usually costs no more than $50.

"I met my Danish partner in Bangkok and fell in love. We chose Denmark over the USA for several reasons, primarily due to healthcare," said Olivia Liveng, a travel writer, publicist, and expert now living in Copenhagen. "As a freelancer, health insurance in the USA was expensive, while in Denmark, it’s included with residency, making it very cost-effective." Liveng benefits from Denmark's public health system without additional charges for insurance.

However, no healthcare system is without flaws, so understanding the healthcare landscape of your potential new home in advance can help alleviate a lot of stress.

"I got really sick [after moving to Mexico]. Dealing with the medical system in a foreign country can be very daunting and complex," shared Perri Goldstein, a teacher residing in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. "I wish I had prepared better, but being generally healthy, it never crossed my mind."

If you’re contemplating a digital nomad lifestyle instead of becoming a full expat, consider using a travel insurance provider like SafetyWing, which offers budget-friendly travel medical coverage. This insurance includes protection for medical emergencies, hospital visits, and prescriptions. The caveat is that this type of travel insurance is tailored for those who plan to return to their home countries. It's appropriate for temporary long-term stays abroad but not for a permanent relocation.

Investigate the reality of living there

There’s a significant distinction between taking a vacation and relocating to another country. Although your daily life might involve a more relaxed pace and improved work/life balance, settling in a new country doesn’t mean you’re on an endless holiday. It’s crucial to invest time in understanding the real experiences of expatriates in your new destination.

"Look into all the practical aspects. Are you legally allowed to move there? What tax responsibilities will you have? How difficult is it to find a rental?" advised Charlie Neville, marketing director at JayWay Travel and an expat living in Prague, Czech Republic. "Prague is much easier compared to Berlin, where an open house can attract up to a hundred potential renters."

Experience life there for more than just a few days. Consider spending a month living like a local. Engage in everyday activities such as getting a haircut, cooking your meals, and attending expat meet-ups.

"[I wish I had known] how harsh and dark winters can be," Neville reflected. "All my previous visits were during summer and autumn, and that year had a stunning fall. But when I moved, the reality of winter truly set in."

Finding familiar items from the USA, like specific food brands or personal care products, can be a challenge, so being proactive about your needs can really help.

"Feminine hygiene products have been particularly difficult to find while living abroad," shared Méndez. "I switched to a menstrual cup in 2016 before moving to India, as purchasing tampons had proven to be a hassle in countries like Albania."

Plan regular visits to see family and friends

Moving abroad doesn’t mean you have to cut ties with your life back home—unless that’s your intention. Many expats discover that adapting to a new lifestyle often includes feelings of homesickness for friends and family. Having planned visits can provide something to look forward to as you settle into your new surroundings.

"My family means everything to me, and not seeing them daily is the toughest aspect of living in Copenhagen—more challenging than the bitter winters," Liveng expressed.

Get acquainted with the local language

It might take some time to achieve fluency in your new country's language, especially if you weren't familiar with it before moving. However, learning some essential words and phrases in advance can help you stand out from typical tourists and foster connections with the locals who will soon be your neighbors.

"I wish I had focused on learning Danish before my life got hectic," Liveng shared. "I should have enrolled in Danish classes immediately upon moving. Denmark offers free, in-person Danish lessons for the first five years of residency, making it quite accessible."

You can start by mastering a few phrases using an app like Duolingo, or immerse yourself in an online course through platforms like Rosetta Stone or Babbel. A Michigan State University study revealed that students who completed a Babbel Spanish course showed significant improvement in their communication skills after 12 weeks.

Fully engage by making your new home your own

As you explore different neighborhoods, renting short-term can be a smart move. Once you find a place that feels like home, committing to a rental (or purchase) and personalizing it with your own decor can make your decision feel more definitive.

"Many people I know live in Airbnbs or sublets filled with cheap, unattractive furniture, and they often say it never feels like home," remarked Jenny Hart, a travel writer currently residing in Mexico City. "If your stay is short, signing a lease and investing in furniture might not be practical, but having full creative control over your living space is the best way to feel at home in a new country. When I moved, I brought along many artworks and personal items, transforming my apartment into a safe, cozy, and familiar haven, even in an unfamiliar culture."

Moving abroad resources

Whether you’re going solo or enlisting the help of a full-service expat relocation firm, a wealth of resources awaits you when you choose to move overseas.

For those starting from scratch, companies like Expatsi can assist U.S. citizens in finding their new homes abroad. Founded by Jen Barnett and Brett Andrews, Expatsi begins with the Expatsi Test, designed to match you with the ideal country based on various factors such as preferred climate, cost of living, political climate, healthcare quality, and more. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive guide for all your relocation needs.

Navigating the necessary documents and paperwork to legally reside in a new country can be quite frustrating and time-consuming. Moreover, if mistakes are made, you might find yourself frequently visiting the consulate. Collaborating with an agency can alleviate some of the stress and burden of research.

"By working with an agency, you’ll save time and avoid multiple trips to government offices since they ensure your paperwork is complete beforehand," explained Neville from JayWay Travel. "Currently, I’m pursuing my Czech citizenship through a local agency named 4expats."

Certain companies specialize in specific fields, such as Search Associates, which assists in placing teachers in schools worldwide. Securing a job before your move can simplify the paperwork process significantly.

"I was fortunate because my school in Mexico helped me navigate much of the paperwork, particularly regarding work visas and insurance," Goldstein noted.

The key takeaway

No matter why you wish to relocate to another country, it's undeniable that your time abroad will infuse your life with vibrant experiences. Luckily, there are trailblazers who have paved the way for others. Ultimately, after you've made the significant choice to leave the USA, done your homework, and prepared yourself, all that's left is to trust your instincts and take the plunge. You won't truly know until you experience it firsthand.

"Disengaging from the daily happenings in your home country becomes feasible. Pick the right destination, and you can escape the stress of 'culture wars' and contentious political debates," Neville noted. "As you move abroad, you're likely to make expat friends, but this doesn’t only include people from your own nation. Having an international circle of friends is one of the most rewarding aspects of living abroad, as they bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and traditions for you to explore."