Moving Abroad
Moving to Another Country: Final To-Dos
iStockphotoMoving to another country requires lots of preparations. Don't give up yet!
Your to-do list for moving to another country is probably rather intimidating, but do not fear, you are on the right track. If you’ve taken care of everything mentioned in the InterNations Prepare Your Move article, you are now ready to put on the final touches for moving to another country!
Health Check
Before embarking on your expat adventure and moving to another country, please make sure that both you and your family are in top form. Now is the time to make appointments for a comprehensive medical check-up with your family doctor, dentist, and pediatrician.
If you require any complicated treatment or expensive prescriptions, such as minor surgery or new contact lenses, get them now rather than wait for a medical emergency after moving to another country. Your doctor should also counsel you on necessary vaccinations and travel health, especially in tropical climates, and supply you with prescription drugs for chronic ailments that you may need when moving to another country.
Banking and Insurance
Contact your bank and figure out if you have access to your savings while you are abroad. Make sure your credit cards are valid, and whether there are any outstanding debts or mortgages you have to pay off before leaving. Knowing whether your bank will handle any regular payments for you after moving to another country is also good.
Does your bank offer services in your host country? If not, you should probably open a new current account at a bank that does before moving to another country. Try to make sure that you have sufficient funds for settling in and, more importantly, in case of an emergency.
Speaking of emergencies, you will need insurance abroad, but not all your policies may be transferable to another country. Contact your insurance company before moving to another county, and see which important health insurance plans will still be valid abroad. Your insurance provider should also be able to offer you qualified advice on any additional policies you might need for moving to another country, such as for example, travel or risk insurance.
Utilities
Before packing your bags and moving to another country, do not forget to contact your utilities companies and cancel your contracts for electricity, water, gas, etc. Remember to get in touch with your phone company and your internet service provider as well when moving to another country. In all of these cases, you may receive a final bill that you need to pay, either before moving to another country or from abroad.
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