Living Abroad
Expat Living: Tips upon Arrival
Arrival day is exciting, but it can also be intimidating.
So you have succumbed to the lure of expat living and have packed your bags to finally realize your dream of moving to a foreign country? No matter if you have chosen an urban metropolis or have decided on a rather rural, romantic lifestyle. For most people, the moment when they get off the plane is the scariest and most stressful of all.
The international airport in your country of choice will be your first stop on the road to expat living. At this point you may have already endured a long flight, cramped into a seat between two strangers for countless hours. Expat living and overseas assignments take a lot of effort and the first few days are especially tough and nerve-wrecking.
Expat Living: Fact-Finding Trip
Before you take a deep breath and dive into the experience of expat living, you should take some time to test the water. Make a few visits to your home-to-be to prepare yourself for the reality of expat living in what may be an unknown country.
During this fact-finding trip, you can gather important information on your host country and the pros and cons of living there. You can also use this “vacation” to learn more about the city you will be living in and to meet one or the other expat living there. You should also ask around for information on food and water safety. In some countries you cannot drink tab water, for example, as it will make you sick.
This way, you can build your own local network which will make expat living in your host country much easier. If you take a to-do list with you, you can make sure that your research on your host country will be effective.
Expat Living: Arrival
The day of arrival can be extremely stressful for brand-new expats. Everything is different and takes getting used to. You may indeed be overwhelmed with all those new impressions. However, with our arrival tips, you will learn, step by step, what to do after you get off the airplane.
Expat Living: At the Airport
The arrival at the airport is especially hard for those who have never been abroad for a longer stay and don’t know how to travel with a lot of luggage. But don’t worry, with enough preparation nothing should go wrong.
Make sure to keep essential items such as medication, clean underwear, tooth-brush and, of course, your passport and visa documents in your carry-on luggage. Also, keep your host country’s customs regulations in mind when you pack your suitcase. Some of your more personal items may be completely unproblematic in your home country. But for an expat living in your host country, they might raise some eyebrows at the local customs or may even get you in serious trouble
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