Moving to another country for good can be difficult when there is a lack of research or preparation done. Regardless of why you are moving, be it for work or personal reasons, you need to ensure that you adhere to the requirements mandated by the country you’re moving into.

This process may seem time-consuming, but if you go to another country unprepared, especially one that you have never visited, you may be caught off guard when challenges arise. As cliche as it may be, it is always better to be safe than sorry—do some homework prior to moving so that you are mentally prepared. To help you better prepare yourself before the big move, we have gathered a list of what to consider before you make a permanent move.

5 Things to consider before migrating to another country 

1. Savings

Before you pack your bags and book a plane ticket, consider how much money it will take to complete the move. Costs may include but are not restricted to citizenship application fees, airline tickets, worldwide shipments, accommodation, and emergency expenses.

The conventional wisdom of having six months' worth of savings is sound advice - and it should be the bare minimum when moving abroad. We also recommend doing some research on the exchange rate and the cost of living in your new home, as well as creating a monthly budget plan. Always keep in mind to be prepared to pay exorbitant fees when moving abroad.

2. Have a healthcare plan

When you live in a foreign country, you will undoubtedly come into contact with the healthcare system. Before you enter lands, check if you will still be covered by your existing insurance provider.

Make sure you have all your medical records and get all the necessary immunisations. You may also want to find out if your prescribed medicines are allowed to be taken to the country you are moving to.

3. Culture

You need to get familiar with the culture before the big move. To start, do some research on the history of your new home and the current political environment. One way to do that is to indulge in books, movies, music and art that comes from the country, whichever method works best for you.

Try to learn as much as you can about the country’s perceived social norms and traditions and learn a few words or phrases that are commonly used in the country to further help you navigate better once you are there. This can help offset culture shock and minimise social alienation.

4. Find a job

Finding a job and supporting yourself in a new country is one of the most exciting but also frightening aspects of moving abroad. Try to get insight from expats to learn how they made it work and make sure the companies you are applying to are willing to support foreign workers.

You must also be confident that you are a promising candidate! Ensure that you can thrive in the jobs that you are applying for and that you can prove it. Of course, it is not just a one-way street! You need to ensure that the company checks your list of needs too. If you value work-life balance, avoid applying for jobs that require you to work overtime.

5. Contact your current bank

It is best to keep your current bank account to maintain a good credit score. Notify your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, and think about getting an international credit card to avoid foreign transaction fees.

You should also look into banks in your new city to see what paperwork is required to open a savings or checking account. Setting up an account can take quite some time, so even if you cannot get one before you leave, doing something as simple as gathering the required documents can save plenty of time.

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As you bid your loved ones goodbye and begin a new chapter of your life, we hope you consider these five tips to ease the process of your move. If you need to send money to your loved ones back home, TranSwap offers a better, faster, and cheaper solution than the banks. With TranSwap, you can make payments to more than 180 countries worldwide with just a few clicks. We offer the most competitive FX rates with no surprise charges, and you get to track your money in real-time with our platform. To sign up for a free TranSwap account, click here to get started now.

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