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Lisa Cheng is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. A former editor at Travel + Leisure, she also contributes to Architectural Digest, Surface Magazine, Afar, and more. Lisa specializes in the culture and lifestyle sectors, with a focus on design, architecture, travel and wellness. A longtime New Yorker, and occasional expat, she now lives in the Bay Area.
From visa applications to new bank accounts, essential documents are key to establishing abroad.
Rules and regulations vary by country. Check guidelines on entry requirements, road rules and healthcare, as some medications may not be legal.
Leave packing and moving to a reputable moving company with the logistics expertise to handle international relocations.
What can be more exhilarating than a fresh start as an expat in a foreign country? Many Americans — close to 9 million according to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs — have asked themselves that question and chose to move abroad.
Adding to the appeal, more people are working remotely, and countries — such as Italy, Portugal, Mexico and Turkey — have been offering non-national digital nomad visas, making it easier for Americans to work and play across borders.
To help you navigate some of the preparation for your journey overseas, we spoke to Bob Thomas, vice president and general manager of North American Van Lines International and Michael Schmied, co-founder and senior financial analyst of the Swiss-based Kredite Schweiz, which provides financial guidance to clients relocating internationally.
Read on for expert guidance on what you must mark off on your moving abroad checklist.
When you’re transplanting your life to a foreign country where you may not know the language or are unfamiliar with the customs, everyday situations can feel complicated.
Planning and clearing the initial logistical hurdles can help you establish a groove in your new location. Here are seven things we consider essential in a moving abroad checklist.
Check your passport’s expiration date as soon as you confirm plans for moving abroad. Some countries, including most in Europe, ask for a validity of at least six months on a traveler’s passport. If your passport is close to expiring, apply for renewal early to avoid processing delays.
Next, you should apply for a visa. The application process will differ depending on the type of visa you’re applying for and the specific requirements of your host country. You can find these requirements at your destination’s embassy or consulate and the U.S. Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Important documents you may need include the following:
If you’re traveling alone with your child, border officials may request custody documents or a letter of permission from the other parent allowing the child to travel. This measure was put into place to protect against child trafficking.
Whether enrolling your children in school, opening a bank account or renewing your work permit, you and your family may need some essential documents to establish and maintain your new life abroad.
Besides a passport and visa, important documents may include these:
Moving can be a headache even if you’re staying in town. When it comes to moving abroad, the relocation process is not something to take lightly — you’ll deal with packing properly, customs clearance, taxes and duties, and valuation insurance.
Hiring a reputable international moving company can simplify the process, minimize delays and help you avoid extra charges for breaking customs rules. “It’s key to have professionals who are trained in every stage of international packing and shipping,” Thomas said.
Get a moving quote and book around seven to 10 weeks before your intended moving day. “This allows sufficient time to confirm documentation requirements, pre-book international transportation services and pre-advise the destination agent of the forthcoming international shipment,” he added.
When packing your belongings, determine what you plan to move to your new address and what you plan to store, sell or throw away. “Due to strict requirements on prohibited items and customs, it is best to leave the packing to the professionals,” Thomas recommended. “A detailed packing list is necessary for customs clearance with varying requirements depending upon the destination country.”
“The moving cost of an international shipment is determined by density — the combination of the shipment’s weight and cubic volume.” Bob Thomas
“The moving cost of an international shipment is determined by density — the combination of the shipment’s weight and cubic volume.”
Price can also impact your decisions on what to keep and toss. “The moving cost of an international shipment is determined by density — the combination of the shipment’s weight and cubic volume,” Thomas explained.
Avoid large, odd-shaped items and other items that don’t make sense when trying to keep the cubic volume to a minimum: rattan or wicker, large plastic, outdoor children’s toys or disposable diapers, for example.
Other items you should not pack in an international move include perishable goods and anything that could leak or cause damage to other articles — hazardous materials such as paint, matches, aerosol cans, gas canisters or other flammables, Thomas added.
Establishing a bank account in your new home country has many benefits. “It facilitates easier payment of local expenses and rent, reduces foreign transaction fees and offers favorable exchange rates,” Schmied said. “Local bank accounts also simplify receiving salary if you’re employed in the new country, as many employers prefer to pay into a domestic account.”
However, expats often face hurdles navigating the local banking regulations, which can vary significantly from those in the U.S., Schweiz added. They will also meet stricter documentation requirements for opening accounts.
Even as you open a foreign bank account, keep a bank account in the U.S. “It maintains your credit history, simplifies paying any ongoing stateside obligations (like student loans or mortgage payments) and provides an emergency access point to funds,” Schweiz said. ”Moreover, for tax purposes, having a U.S. account helps manage payments for any tax liabilities back home, making it simpler to file returns.”
Your U.S. license may not be recognized in your new home country. Mexico and Canada will accept a state driver’s license, but you may need to apply for an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) for many other locations. The IDP is primarily for travelers and is a short-term solution if you know you will drive a vehicle upon arrival.
Once you establish residency, you will need to get a local license. The U.S. State Department provides links to transportation and licensing authorities under the Travel and Transportation tab.
Before you leave the U.S., check out vaccine requirements for entry, employment or schooling in your new home country and any nearby areas where you may consider travel.
Routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), chicken pox and polio are often recommended. You may also need proof of medical tests or inoculations, such as the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) or the “yellow card.”
Book an appointment with your healthcare provider or a specialized travel clinic such as Passport Health. You can visit the International Society of Travel Medicine Clinic Directory if you need help locating a health facility.
Browse the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention country-specific pages to understand what common health concerns you may encounter. Meanwhile, the U.S. embassy and consulates can provide resources on medical assistance, directories for practitioners, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities for emergency and routine care.
If you’re taking prescription medications, verify that your medication is permitted in your new home country. Some common over-the-counter drugs in the United States may be considered controlled substances elsewhere.
Check your destination’s embassy, consulate or the International Narcotics Control Board for restrictions. You may need documentation from your doctor or an authorized health authority. Have your doctor prescribe alternatives if your medication is not allowed. A violation could result in confiscation, or even worse — time in prison.
The reality of moving abroad is that it can be lonely. But finding new friends and building connections can smooth the transition. Look into social networking groups with fellow expats. As you learn about a different culture and get acclimated, they can share your experiences — the challenges and joys — of exploring a new place you’ll soon feel comfortable calling home.
You can also find comfort in activities you did stateside — whether you start a garden or punch up your knack for interior decorating with local flair.
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