Moving Abroad? What are some things to know. Of course, it does sound thrilling, if you’re relocating temporarily or for a longer duration for work and other reasons. Yet, there are several things that most expatriates wish they knew before they shifted abroad. Here’s taking a closer look at some of these aspects so that you’re well-prepared yourself.
The True Expense of Living Abroad: Budget Matters Beyond Rent
Most expats make the cardinal mistake of budgeting for just the house rent or accommodation costs before moving abroad. You couldn’t be farther from the truth. The true expense of living abroad goes way beyond rent. Some of the overheads to include in your budget include the following:
- Visa & Residency Fees (unless your employer’s paying for them)
- Global travel and shipping
- Security deposit (1-3 months’ rent) for accommodation
- Basic home necessities if you need them
- Monthly Costs- Electricity, water, cooling/heating, gas, internet, local phone
- Food & Grocery costs
- Transportation and/or Gas
- Healthcare and insurance costs
- Personal care and clothing
- Membership and entertainment costs
- School/college fees of children
- Currency exchange and banking charges
Choosing the Right Accommodation for a New Lifestyle
You know, finding and setting up a home is a lengthy, tedious, and cumbersome task, not to mention a costly one. In this case, most expats will benefit from booking furnished apartments in the cities they’re moving to. You can choose from both short-term rentals and long term rentals, depending on the duration of the stay. The latter offers great discounts along with all-inclusive rates in most cases (utilities, laundry, housekeeping, etc.). These units have all furnishings, appliances, security features, kitchens and cooking equipment, and necessities like Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, bed and bath linen, and more.
In fact, you can choose either family-friendly or corporate housing with amenities tailored to your needs (like workspaces, conferencing, cots and cribs, etc.). Many units come with access to building amenities like elevators, parking, pools, gyms, lounges, and more. So, you can save money on setting up a home, get all-inclusive rates, and then save some more by cooking your own meals in the kitchen. Service and support is always at hand, while you can move in immediately, once you land at the airport. Sounds convenient right? You bet!
Banking and Money Transfers Without the Hassle
As an expat, you’ll have to be sorted with your banking and money transfers once you’ve moved abroad. So, account for currency exchange rates and money transfer costs beforehand. You can embrace digital banking services or money transfer solutions that have lower fees and better exchange rates (examples include Wise or Bunq). When using ATMs, always decline the displayed exchange rate to view the rate of your card provider.
Consider banks offering online-only accounts with multi-currency support. Open your online account before moving, while having all documentation necessary once you land in the country.
Useful Packing: What To Pack and What To Leave
In case you’re booking your own serviced and furnished apartment, you don’t need to do a whole lot of packing! Some essentials include the following:
- Documents (birth certificate, driver’s license, medical records, insurance, visa, passport, prescription copies, travel insurance, and copies)
- Finances (local currency, debit/credit cards, etc.)
- Medication- Any prescription medicine, basic first-aid, etc.
- Electronics- Your laptop, tablet, chargers, smartphone, universal adapter, power bank, etc.
- Weather-appropriate clothing and essential items. You may use the 5-4-3-2-1 packing if you want (tops-bottoms-shoes). Also carry travel-sized essential personal care items and toiletries.
What Not to Pack:
- Furniture
- Bulky Toiletries
- Huge Quantity of Clothing and Shoes
- Items You Don’t Regularly Use
Furnished Apartments can Help Relocation go Smoother, with TheSqua.re in Your Corner
As you can see, furnished apartments will help you relocate smoothly. Just land at the airport, move into your apartment, and embrace home-like comfort, space, and privacy, like never before! Get huge cost savings, added perks, excellent amenities, and unmatched service throughout your stay. This is possible with leading providers like TheSqua.re by your side. Check verified listings in your chosen city and compare them before completing the online booking process smoothly, with flexible leases for your convenience.
It’s not just leading European and other global cities; TheSqua.re has apartments for all types of travelers throughout the USA and North America. Choose from fully furnished apartments in New York for business, relocation or extended travel , along with option in Los Angeles, Washington, Boston, Toronto, Denver, and more! Here’s to making your move abroad as hassle-free as possible with TheSqua.re’s unique apartments!
