Living far away from home is part of adulting. Going to a foreign country will also open up your mind, provide once-in-a-lifetime experience, and improve critical thinking in a way that will not be possible within the native borders.
Whether you do it during a mid-life crisis or after university, spending a year or so in another country is something many Australians want to be involved with. Probably you want to Canada and run a ski-lift or London and pull pints.
Whatever destination you choose, there are tips you should consider when moving abroad. Some of these tips include:
- Get Financial Advice
Too often, many Australians go abroad without understanding the financial ramifications until things get too late. Whether you have student debt, property, insurance, superannuation, or investments, any of these topics might trip up any Australian ex-pat in the future.
Getting financial advice before moving will enable you to understand what change in jurisdiction entails. In fact, there are Pre Departure Review services for every Australian planning to go abroad.
This review is a good starting point because it covers all the key areas you require and is priced at a level accessible to all.
- Acquire Insurance
If you have top international travel insurance, the policy will cover medical expenses, interruptions to flights, cancellations, theft of valuables, and damage to baggage. Without insurance, you will not be able to tour. You can check whether your employer insures you before leaving.
This is because the Australian government cannot pay for the medical evacuation or medical treatment abroad. Travelers and expatriates without the right travel insurance will be liable for covering medical expenses and other related costs they may incur.
However, if you’re not yet insured, you might have thousands of dollars on medical care. Most individuals are burdened financially for paying those costs.
- Stay Safe
While it might be challenging to travel abroad and relocate when necessary, it is still possible if you use the right channels. Though if you wish to facilitate a safe transition to a new government and country authority, you must carry out effective planning and follow all the best practices.
Because the risks are very high and the world is still struggling to contain the virus, you must research before going abroad. However, you can minimize the risks of spreading and catching the virus when relocating by checking all the protocols of your destination.
- Know What to Organize
This is where writing a list is among the most valuable tools. There are a lot of things to organize, including a driving license and banking. If you’re planning to drive abroad, you may need to get an International Drivers License. In some other countries, like in UK, you can set your driving test quickly through driving test cancellations
If you also intend to access money from the bank, you can consider affordable options for transferring cash overseas. Some of these options include Worldfirst, Transferwise, and OFX.
- Involve Your Kids
If you have kids, ensure you involve them as much as possible in arranging and planning each step of your move. Kids are particularly sensitive to house relocation, especially when it is to the other side of the world.
Asking for their preferences and opinions is a good way to keep them positive and engaged throughout the process. This way, the move will be something they actively participate in.
- Research the Healthcare System
Not every healthcare system is created equally. Like Australia, most healthcare systems abroad are excellent and efficient. However, non-citizens and newcomers might have access to all the privileges.
Luckily, Medicare Australia living overseas offers reduced or free doctor’s essential hospital treatment, appointments, and medicines. You may access these privileges, whether you’re on a visit to the UK, Canada, or the US.
- Have a Budget for the Moving Costs
Always have an approximation of the moving costs when planning your departure to your preferred destination. If you’re also moving with pets, you might need to factor in the costs of getting to a new home.
Based on how far you’re going, know that it can take several weeks, if not months, to arrive for your personal possessions and furniture. This means you might want to consider renting a furnished place temporarily.
- Learn to Live Like the Locals
If you contain yourself to tourist areas or a big city, you will miss out on what your new home provides. Be sure to make an effort to travel and take part in different sports to interact with individuals who don’t meet foreigners more often.
Closing Remarks!
Although international moves are stressful, determining how you want to travel overseas doesn’t have to be difficult.
Thanks to reputable international movers and reliable networks, getting the best moving company to handle everything is a cinch.
