Tips for moving abroad for the first time
Expat and Digital Nomad Life

17+ Incredibly Useful Tips for Moving Abroad for the First Time

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Living abroad is one of the most life-changing experience you will ever have. Whether it’s for work or personal reasons, moving to another country means leaving your family, friends, and your comfort zone — but it also means meeting new people, seeing new places, tasting new food, and so on.

For me, living abroad is a huge learning process and I think it’s something that you need to personally experience to understand. Ever since I was a kid, I’d read and watched stories about OFWs and expats but I couldn’t really relate to it until I moved for a year to Malaysia.

In this article, I’ve written down my insights and asked other travel experts for their advice for moving abroad for the first time as well.

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1. Give it time

Group shot in Melaka
Me with officemates. Hello!

One of the most valuable tips I’ve read about moving abroad is to give it at least 6 months. Initially, I thought that was too long. Later on, I realized that it’s important not only to adapt to your new environment, but also to feel comfortable, and this is just the ideal length of time to see where you stand.

The point is, the first few weeks will be difficult. You might not like your new home, but after a while you may feel differently. (Or it can be the other way around.)

I’m in my sixth month in Kuala Lumpur. I feel like I still have a lot of things to learn, but I’ve familiarized myself enough and have settled into a routine. The anxiety of dealing with the unknown has mostly died down, and I actually look forward to the next days.

Related Read: What it’s like living in Malaysia

– By Katherine (of this blog)

2. Be kind to yourself

Moving from one place to another is always hard: you have to find a new place to buy your food, make new friends, get used to new surroundings, and be fiercely independent (if you’re moving alone). Now, throw a new country into the mix, and you could have a new continent, time zone, language, diet, and entirely different way of life. Suffice to say, that’s a lot for your body and mind to handle.

Relax! Be kind to yourself. You’re growing accustomed to an entirely different world, and you don’t want to accidentally make yourself sick on top of it!

– By Crashed Culture

3. Let go of expectations that things will be the same

Living/working abroad is more joyous when you let go of the expectation that your new country will be “just like home.”

Frequently, I’ve witnessed travelers craving brands and other conveniences from “back home.” They often also express frustration and discomfort with their new environment. I find that by approaching my new home with curiosity, I find treasures I never even knew existed and more things to love (instead of discontentment). Finding humor in uncomfortable or awkward predicaments and being able to adapt is also incredibly advantageous. Admittedly, I miss consistent hot showers and internet but what I have gained is far more valuable.

– By LETgo: Grab Opportunity

4. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable

Tips for moving abroad: be comfortable
By Bee Anything But Boring

Moving to a new country is a HUGE change, especially if you don’t know anybody or if there is a language barrier. In order to not feel so alone in the beginning, I had to actively remind myself every day to embrace the new experience and to step outside my comfort zone. Join meet up groups to find people with similar interests, be a tourist in your new city and explore new neighborhoods, and lastly don’t be afraid to take solo weekend trips.

You only live once, and to live in a new country is an experience most people never get to have, so be sure to take advantage of it!

– By Bee Anything But Boring

5. Embrace the differences from your home country

When moving abroad, you’ll quickly notice that many things are just not the same as at home: administrative processes are different, trash is not recycled the same way and even the Chinese take away tastes not like it used to at home. Believe it or not, comparing the differences can pile up easily to huge frustrations and headaches – embrace the differences! Accept them as they are: as verities, not as competition.

– By Salut From Paris

6. Sign up to a travel-specific bank account to save money

Tips for moving abroad: choose city to live in wisely
By My Trip Hack

I made the rookie mistake of going away for a year, and not joining a bank that’s tailored to travelers. I naively assumed my British bank would do the job. But each time I used it, I was charged around $5 — sometimes more.

So if you’re heading off traveling, research the best bank for people from your home country. You will need to apply for an account so try to apply a couple of weeks before you go. In the UK, for example, Monzo and Revolut are both popular, as they don’t charge you anything for cash withdrawals.

Each ATM transaction may only cost a few dollars extra — but if you’re travelling long-term, this really adds up. If you take cash out every 2 weeks and you travel for 6 months, you would spend around $80 (minimum) on ATM fees. So do a little research before you go, and save loads!

– By Hats Off World

7. Choose the city to live in wisely

One of the key factors impacting the quality of your experience abroad is the area of the city you live. I recommend choosing an area where local people have experience in dealing with foreigners (when it comes to registration and accommodation topics), there are different events around where you can meet like-minded people both local and international, and the area has a decent safety record.

When I came first time to Delhi, I based myself in a close proximity to the office because that looked convenient. Little I knew how many bureaucratic and cultural issues I would experience many foreigners haven’t ever faced while living in the same city. I just seemed to be the first foreigner to base myself in that area.

– By My Trip Hack

8. Look for accommodation in advance

If you’re moving to a new country, it’s best to ensure that you have a house lined up for the first month (or so). In many cases, it’s very hard to look for houses from abroad and unless your employer is taking care of this, it’s better not to have the stress of finding somewhere to live while getting adjusted to your new country (which is stressful!). Ensure that you have temporary accommodations for the first 1-2 months arranged before you move.

– By WanderlustingK

9. Make your home feel like home

Cozy bed

One of the best things you can do when you’re an expat in a new home is make it feel like it’s your home. Even if you’re not staying too long, or you’re worried about accumulating too much stuff, there are some great small things you can do to feel at home.

Bring photos of your friends and family to decorate your walls. You could buy a small piece of local art or bring a favorite one with you as well. Get nice bedding, that makes you feel comfortable and cozy. Small and inexpensive touches like candles or cushions can really make a difference. Set yourself a small budget to get what you need to make you feel good about your new home!

– By Migrating Miss

10. Learn the language… or at least the basics!

Learning the language is definitely a “must-do” when moving abroad most especially if English is not their first language. It does not have to be a perfect score, but learning the basic pays a lot.

Phone apps like Duolingo, HelloTalk and Lingua.ly are three of the best free phone apps that I have been using and you too can start with it.

I usually familiarize myself with the most important phrases like asking for help and directions and apologizing. If you want to be a little extra, you can also learn how to greet people in their language, although I don’t think it is very necessary because the majority can understand “Good Morning, Thank You, Goodbye, etc” nowadays.

Aside from the phone apps, you can also enroll yourself in language courses in the neighborhood.

In addition to better everyday communication, learning a new language can also open up new opportunities. For example, if you’re contemplating a move abroad, whether it’s to Sydney or any other exciting destination around the world, consider the invaluable skill of learning a new language. Sydney, being a multicultural hub, is a prime example of a city where language proficiency can greatly enhance your experience. Take French courses in Sydney, and you’ll not only embark on a linguistic journey but also pave the way for broader horizons.

Whether it’s securing a job in a foreign-language workplace or immersing yourself in the unique French cultural heritage that thrives within the city, acquiring the basics of a new language can be a transformative step towards unlocking a world of opportunities. So, as you prepare for your overseas adventure, remember that learning the language, or at least the basics, can be your passport to a richer, more enriching experience.

– By The Travelling Pinoys

11. Think long term

Moving to a new country is fun, but did you ever think about planning ahead? If you’re thinking of staying for a while, check out programs like the Greece Golden Visa. These programs let you become a citizen if you invest in things like real estate or a business.

Getting citizenship by investing can make you feel safe in your new country. You also get cool stuff like being able to travel without a visa, better schools and healthcare, and more chances to do business. It might not be right for everyone, but it’s something to think about. Especially the Greece Golden Visa, if you want to stay in your new home in Europe for a long time.”

12. Read expat blogs

Tips for moving abroad: join Facebook groups
By The Blessing Bucket

After moving abroad for the first time, I felt utterly lost. That’s why I thought I should be better prepared the second time around. And who would know better than people who have already moved there?

When I moved from Finland to Denmark, I read any expat blog on Denmark I could find. I became aware of things I hadn’t even thought of or couldn’t even have dreamed of (e.g. that the first payment for a rental apartment could be 7 months rent in Copenhagen). It definitely saved me from some ugly surprises!

– By Nomad Epicureans

13. Find expat groups in Facebook

It’s very likely that there are Facebook support groups that you can join for whichever country you are moving to.

I am living in Japan as an English teacher currently. And I am a part of several expat groups on Facebook: support for English teachers in Japan, support for ladies living in Japan, support for cooking food in Japan, you name it! I am a member! These communities are always super helpful. If you have a question, someone has an answer! So you never need to feel alone.

I highly recommend a quick Facebook search for “expats in…” Go out there and find that tribe!

– By The Blessing Bucket

14. Read local or national newspapers

The internet is both a blessing and a curse for expats. While it’s great for research and keeping in touch with friends and family back home, it can put you in this weird bubble – a bubble where the media and conversations you’re participating in are from back home rather than your new country. There are plenty of ways to pop that bubble, but one I definitely recommend is to read a local or national newspaper in your new country.

It’ll make you feel a lot more integrated, and give you plenty of good conversation starters as well.

– By Worldwide Shopping Guide

15. Integrate with the locals

Drinking cheers

Moving abroad is amazing — it was one of the best (free) lessons I ever got, and what I learned, I learned from fellow immigrants and locals alike!

First thing you should do is integrate with people around your workplace: locals or those who have lived in the city you’re in for quite some time. When they ask you to go out for drinks, for a coffee, for lunch, or tea: go for it! Time away from the office or your school can lead to you getting to know the area better. These people are your key to knowing where the best (and maybe cheap) places to eat and hang out, what are the events happening during the weekends or after work/school, and where can you travel to. They may be your lifeline when it comes to navigating your way around the financial system, the groceries, how people generally act, you know: the culture and how you should integrate more.

Often, people move abroad and find people within their similar culture. While that is all good, I’d say leave your comfort zone behind, integrate with the locals, and who knows, they might like your culture back.

– By A Journey We Love

16. Sign up in a class

Tips for moving abroad: hackathon
By Little Joys and More

Joining a class is a great way to meet people and learn a new skill! You may not be able to beg strangers on the street to be your friend, but having a common interest is the best conversation opener. Take a yoga class on the beaches of Barcelona or learn how to dance salsa in Mexico City.

You can find classes to suit you on Meet Up and Couchsurfing, and often the first class is free. It can be nerve-wracking turning up to places alone, but brave it and I promise you will not regret it. I have lived abroad in four different countries and have met many of my closest friends this way!

– By Unblown Away

17. Join a non-profit cause

There are many perks of joining a non-profit organization when you move abroad. Not only is it a way to meet people interested in the same cause than you, but it is also an opportunity to learn more about the culture and how the system works in your new community.

As part of a campaign, I joined to save the Great Barrier Reef, I increased my knowledge of the coal industry and the overall political organization of Australia. It’s been helpful to avoid feeling like an outsider during election times.

Plus, volunteering can also provide your first hand-on experience in the country with the referrals and network you may need to land a job.

– By My Favourite Escapes

18. Start a project

The homesickness tends to really knock you down when you’re alone. Something that really helped me was having a project to occupy my mind. A project like starting a travel blog, learning to play a new instrument, writing a novel, teaching yourself a new language. A hobby that is productive and has to be done when you have alone time. Otherwise, all free time will leave you feeling bored and wishing for home.

Do something positive that will challenge you until you settle into your new life.”

– By Ink for Miles

Are you an expat? What other tips would you give to people who are living abroad for the first time? We’d love to hear about it in the comments! 🙂

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Tips for moving abroad for the first time | Tips for expats

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9 Comments

  • Umadevi

    Hi, not sure this is the right place to find out to solve my problems. I m really looking out to move to another country. I just going thru my divorce and want to start my life all over again. I want to do something in a very peaceful environment. Financial is another constraint but I would like to work at the new environment. At present I m an early childhood educator. I m willing to work aa volunteers as long as food and accommodation provided. I m simple abd moderate living woman. Pls advise.

    • Katherine

      Hi Umadevi, sorry to hear about your situation. I’m not sure what advice I can give since your options are very broad. Perhaps look into FB groups for expats or those looking for educator jobs abroad? Best of luck to you!

  • Mohana Das

    I’m bookmarking this post! Everything here is so helpful and I can relate because I moved to the US two years back and I remember struggling with the cultural differences the first couple of months.

  • Michelle

    Really enjoyed these tips! I’ve recently relocated as well (going on 4 months now) and am still struggling to make new friends. Although it helps that there’s a fairly large community of people from my country here anyway 🙂 But it’s also partly because I’m so lazy and would far rather watch Netflix than go through the stress of meeting perfect strangers through MeetUp.com etc.! But reading this post has definitely encouraged me to take the plunge 😀

    • Katherine

      I need to improve on that as well. Honestly my friends in KL are also expats from my home country (Philippines). I’ve installed MeetUp but have yet to attend an event. In other expat groups including Internations, the people who message me are guys who obviously want to just hookup. Pfft. But hopefully, I’ll learn the art of befriending other people too haha.

  • Sarah

    Super tips! I’ve recently moved abroad and it’s been a great experience. I definitely have to get out there more and meet new people though. Since I am with my husband it’s harder to motivate to do that! Another tip I would give is to try to incorporate local customs into your own life. We are in the Netherlands and one of the first things we did is buy bikes because to be Dutch is to have a bike and ride it everywhere no matter the weather!

    • Katherine

      Hi Sarah, that’s a great tip and example. 🙂 I’m trying to think what local custom I’ve incorporated here in Malaysia aside from eating roti canai for breakfast haha.

  • Josy A

    You have some really good tips here!

    I think it depends on how different the culture and language is from your own. I mean, I am from the UK, so I found it a lot easier to move to Canada then when I first moved to Japan.

    Having said that, sometimes it’s the challenges and the joy of language learning that can make life more fun. I had sooo much fun in Japan!

    • Katherine

      It definitely helps when you have a positive attitude towards learning! Rather than looking at it as “difficulties”, appreciate them as what they are – an opportunity to learn and evolve. 🙂

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