Living abroad
Living abroad raises a number of issues that don't affect short-term travel. Visas and insurance for short-term visits often don't allow longer stays, you won't want to stay at a hotel, you may be taxed locally, you may need a local bank account and so on. This article discusses some of these issues and provides summaries and pointers for other ones.
DestinationsWhere to go depends on why you are going to live abroad. There is some advice for specific circumstances in the articles about working abroad, studying abroad, etc.
VisaTourist visas seldom allow for long stays. They usually don't allow work or even volunteering, or allow them with strict limitations.
Culture shockWhen first arriving in a new culture, you'll probably have a "honeymoon" period, when the new culture seems fascinating and exciting. It may last for just a few days or for several weeks.
HousingFor long stays, tourist lodging is probably too expensive.
MovingWhen planning your move, allow for shipping costs and consider which things might be better bought at the destination than shipped. As a general rule, furniture and appliances are better bought on site than shipped.
ChildrenIf you have children, there is much to think about. Will one parent be staying at home with them? Is there a good daycare system? Should you get an au pair? A local nanny or housekeeper? What are the schools like?
CopeIf you are feeling homesick, you may want to find out which shops and restaurants offer a taste of home or something adjacent to it. You might also want to listen to radio stations or podcasts from home.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Living abroad" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Social security and healthcareAny social security and health insurance you may have at home may not cover expenses abroad.