Expat Life Secrets: What No One Tells You Before You Go

Relocating to a foreign land is a dream for most. The notion of new cultures, new foods, and new experiences tugs at your heart. The expat lifestyle is not only about thrill.

It is also about difficulties, discoveries, and evolution. This guide is intended for anyone considering becoming an expat. Let’s have a look at the reality, using real-life examples.  We can compare the difference and what to do on how to become an expat.  

What Is Expat Life All About?

Expat life involves having citizenship in a country other than one’s own. It is exciting yet challenging. You will encounter novel languages, habits, and lifestyles. Here is an example of a 28 year old teacher named Sarah, who was raised in Ohio and later moved to Spain.

She enjoyed the sunny beaches, but struggled with the language differences. Activities that a normal person can attend easily, such as grocery shopping, were overwhelming for her when she first moved to Spain. 

Living an expat life, you will have mixed emotions everyday. One day exciting, and the next day, homesick. That’s normal. Life as an expat teaches you to be strong. It is all about accepting the unknown.

What is Expat Life and Why Choose It?

There are numerous reasons why people will leave their country and move to another country. Others pursue careers, while others seek adventure or love. For example, Mark who is an engineer, relocated to Japan at the age of 35 to work. He stayed in Japan because he fell in love with the culture.

Living abroad is an eye opener. You experience diversity, making challenging decisions and engage in social gatherings with people from all over the world. As a result, you experience both personal and professional growth.

Once in a life time opportunity emerges when you move abroad. Living in a foreign country, you get to live like the locals. Learn how to adapt to their tradition and to try something new. 

Emotional Rollercoaster

Being an expat means you have to be  emotionally strong. One day,  you are on  top of the world when you taste new food or meet local friends. On another day,  then you will feel lonely, sad or angry. 

Not being close to family or something familiar can be exciting or painful. Sarah’s first Christmas away from home was emotional because she missed her family. She joined her local friends in Spain. They celebrated Spain’s Three Kings Day and other Christmas traditions. 

Becoming an expat is not for the faint hearted. Experiencing challenges and rollercoaster moments is part of the reality. Keeping in contact with friends and family can ease the feel of loneliness. However, it is also important to reach out with local expats to engage in social activities. 

Plan Ahead Before You Move

The easiest part of an expat life is to plan and to do research. Find out about the culture, the visa requirements and the cost of living.

Let’s have a look at Maria who is a graphic designer. She always dreamed of living abroad. Then she finally decided to relocated to Thailand.

Unfortunately, she didn’t do any research for the visa requirements. It delayed her travel plans. Caused a lot of frustration but she learned a lesson, she won’t forget. 

So, do the research before you travel. Make a list if necessary. Plan for the unexpected. Moving to another country is not cheap, but with careful planning it is possible.

Finding the Right Place to Stay

An important factor for any expat is, finding a suitable place to stay. It is usually easier to rent a place. Some consider using airbnb for a week, to find local agents to help with a long term rental.

Consider your monthly budget and duration of rental. Living in an area where the locals live, is usually cheaper compared to an expat community. 

Viewing an apartment or house beforehand is very important. It is a good idea to find out about the neighbourhood and facilities. Living in a comfortable place makes a huge difference when you live abroad.

Adapting to a New Culture

Experiencing culture differences is still a shock to many people. Daily routines and customs differ from country to country.

Sarah who was living in Spain for 2 years,  had to adapt to late night dinners. In Spain, the locals eat dinner at 10 pm. It took her a while to get used to it.

Try learning a few local phrases if moving to a country, where English is not well spoken. Be friendly and kind to locals.  It gives a good impression that expats are friendly. 

Making Friends

It is important to create a social circle. Friends are vital to making expat life less lonely. Join local groups or connect with expat communities online, like Facebook or Instagram.

Maria, who is living in Thailand,  made friends during a yoga class. They welcomed her with open arms and made  her feel at home.

Be open to meeting new people. Other expats and locals can help with ideas, recommendations, or how to find a place. At the end of the day, it is easier to face a bad day with friends. So, make it a priority to go out and meet with friends. 

Managing Finances

How you manage your money is very import living the expat life. Many countries are affordable, but some are not. Making the right decisions to save, invest and use for daily expenses requires careful planning. 

Opening a local bank account can be a benefit to help reduce bank charges. This is useful if you are a freelancer or you are working for a company abroad as an expat.

Thankfully many digital money transfer options are available. Money can be easily transfered within a day. In case of emergency, a family member can send you money or visa versa. Keeping a budget is important to avoid unnecessary expenses. 

Healthcare Abroad

Healthcare insurance or travel insurance is a must have when traveling or living in a foreign country. As private and public services or facilities offered are different.

If you are looking for a stress free experience, and English speaking doctors, than you must have your own health insurance. Also read what the health insurance cover.

Being an expat, choosing your own health insurance can be difficult. Choose an insurance that fits your requirements. If you are working with a foreign company, health insurance will be provided.

A digital nomad would require travel insurance, because you travel to several countries in a year. Make sure the travel insurance covers the country you are visiting. 

If you have a pre existing medical conditions speak to your doctor before you travel. Keep all medical records on file via an online storage for easy access. 

Expat Challenges

It is not all glamour living an expat lifestyle. Getting use to living in a new country takes time. Misunderstanding occurs occasionally due to language barriers.

Missing home at first is part of the experience. Over time it gets better. Learning to explore new things and being open minded helps with the transitioning. 

The most important thing is to be patient. With any challenge, you learn something. Gradually, you start feeling stronger and confident especially after meeting a few local friends. 

Overcoming Homesickness

Feeling home sick is normal when you living abroad for the first time. There are ways to overcome this feeling. Find something to do, that helps you feel relaxed but also connected to home. 

Cook your favourite meal to relive memories or listening to your favourite music always does the trick. Join expat communities for easier cultural exchange. It helps with getting to know your new neighbourhood, best shop for groceries and where to go for weekend trips etc. Social interactions are the best remedies for overcoming feeling homesick. 

The Joy of Expat Life

The expat life is worth every cent you spend and earned. The experience alone is a game changer. The best part is taking the leap of faith and looking back how everything worked out at the end.

Another good thing is, meeting new people from different cultures. Engaging in daily routines with locals and blending in makes the experience easier. Also creating everlasting memories of great laughter.

I remember moving to Taiwan was a real nightmare. The language barrier and culture differences. Some how I managed to survive. I learned speaking Mandarin and how to drive a scooter. 

l also figured out, why many locals work so hard, it’s to save money for retirement. However, the best practice I have learned, with continuous practice and preseason, you can perfect  anything. There is always a method behind the madness. 

Last Thought

The expats’ lifestyle is a huge step in the right direction. Do your research before you move abroad. Talk with other expats beforehand on chat forums. Learn from their experiences to make an informed decision. 

Be adaptable and open minded. The journey is full of highs and lows, but it is rewarding as you grow as a person. Discover yourself and take the leap of faith. Your future self will thank you.