Living The Expat Life – Part One

As a the 2009 guide to the most expensive cities in the world is released, I thought it would be a good time to start another series, this time entitled “Living the Expat Life.”

Living as an expat is something a lot of people dream of, and although it is a big step to take, the rewards can be great. There are few issues to overcome however, which will be the main focus of this series.

Part One – Taking the Plunge

Young or old, single or married – everyone has a different reason for wanting to move abroad. However, the majority of people who make the decision to move abroad usually have one thing in common – the sudden anxiety regarding their decision, and the natural worries that they are doing the right thing.

The truth of the matter is there is no easy way to dispel these worries. Worrying about the unknown is perfectly natural and can actually help you.

The trick is to organise your worries. Spend an hour writing down all the things that are concerning you, and all the things that you would like to know about your choice of destination. After doing this, you will have a clear idea of what you need to know in order put your mind at ease. Thanks to the internet, you can then spend as much time as you need researching, looking for schools or golf clubs, reading expat forums and getting the answers to your specific questions. You can even spend time learning a new language!

Security

Security is always a major concern when deciding to move abroad. Nowadays, we are more exposed to the bad things that happen in the world. That is not to say more (or less) bad things are happening now than at any other point in time, it just means we are more likely to hear about terrorism or atrocities than we were 20 years ago. As one self proclaimed expert on expatriates claims “if you want to stop worrying about terrorists, turn off your TV!”

Getting Organised

Here is a check list of things you should organise before you sally forth;

TRAVEL
• Immigration documents (visa, work permits etc)
• Passport valid for at least six months beyond the period of the assignment (including children); tickets and local currency
• Arrange transport of personal effects
• Insurance documents; emergency telephone numbers (including assignment location contacts)
• Immediate accommodation in assignment location
• Baggage within acceptable limits for travel; games/books for journey
• Compatibility of computers and electrical equipment

HOME
• Give adequate notice if leasing
• Ditto local utilities and services
• Check on security (alarms etc)
• Decision about home accommodation during assignment: Leave empty? Storage of furniture; maintenance; utility arrangements; check insurance cover; drain central heating; subscriptions cancelled or redirected; redirect mail
• If letting property, organise power of attorney in case the let is not finalised before you leave

PERSONAL
• Obtain copies of work references and details of willing referees; resolve any immigration queries
• Notify lawyers, accountants and financial advisers
• Ensure personal insurance set up for assignment
• Take: will; international driving licence; spare passport-sized photographs; original and photocopies of birth and marriage certificates
• Find out about facilities for pregnant women and giving birth
• Ditto language and/or familiarisation training

FINANCIAL
• Arrange and/or finalise tax arrangements in home location
• Notify bank; change direct debits, transfer standing orders etc
• Transfer of money and procedures; check credit card arrangements
• Seek advice on any modifications to personal insurance, pension or tax status

MEDICAL
• Obtain medical cover for yourself and family before leaving
• Immunisations; dental checks; supply of medical prescriptions; spare glasses

CHILDREN
• Take birth certificates; school search in assignment location; copies of home school reports
• Children to notify friends of departure and new address

OUT THERE
• Advise embassy/consulate of your presence in the assignment location in case of emergency

Coping with last minute doubts
My own personal last-minute experience came as I sat on an aeroplane waiting to leave Gatwick Airport one rainy January morning. Suddenly, as I looked out the window at the baggage handlers loading up the hold, I thought to myself “What the hell am I doing?” and I had a huge desire to get up and walk off the plane. The thing that finally convinced me to stay aboard and take the plunge was in knowing I could always get back onto the next aeroplane and be home within 24 hours.

In the end, you must accept that not all of your questions can be answered from internet forums. Eventually you will have to take the plunge and actually experience the expat lifestyle to know if it is for you.

Subscribe to the feed now and be notified when the following sections of the series “Living the Expat Life” are published.

1. Taking the Plunge
2. Arrival & Finding Accommodation
3. Staying in Touch with Home
4. Sorting out your Finances
5. Meeting People
6. Coping with Loneliness
7. Family Matters
8. Coping with life as an Expat Spouse