Moving to a new country is a daunting yet exciting experience. Before you take the plunge and move to your dream destination, there are some essential things you should do first in order to be fully prepared for your overseas adventure.
Research
The first step you should take when preparing to move abroad is doing your research. Read up on the culture of the place you’re going to, as well as any potential issues or problems that could arise due to language barriers or cultural differences. You should also make sure that you’re familiar with local laws, safety regulations and healthcare systems – especially if they differ significantly from what you’re used to back home.
Tax Implications
You will need to be aware of your tax and super requirements before you leave Australia and move to your chosen destination. To figure out if you need to pay tax or not all depends on your personal situation. For example, are you going to remain an Australian resident while overseas or not, as this may have an impact on how you report your tax and to whom.
It is vital that you understand and obtain specific accounting and taxation advice suitable to your individual circumstances prior to your arrival at your new destination. For more information, head over to the Australian Taxation Office.
Banking
When settling into a new country, it’s important to open a bank account. Many banks now even provide accounts specifically designed for newcomers and credit cards tailored to building up credit history. It can also make it easier to transfer money from your home country, or pay for goods and services where international payment options are limited. Additionally, setting up local accounts prior to arrival can help make settling in smoother overall, as it lets you access any funds you need without having to wait for banks to process transfers or foreign currency exchanges.
Having access to these services can make a big difference when establishing yourself in your destination country!
Find Out If You’re Eligible To Work
Before you can start working overseas, it’s important to check if you’re eligible to do so. Depending on your visa, there may be restrictions or caps on how many hours you’re allowed to work each week. For example, in Australia students are able to work up to 40 hours every two weeks during school term, while in the UK and Malaysia student visas allow 20 hours of work per week during semester or school breaks longer than eight days respectively.
Moreover, many countries require that non-student visa holders apply for a social insurance number – or something similar – before they can begin working full-time. In Canada, for instance, permanent and temporary residents must first apply for a social insurance number after arriving in the country – this process usually takes about 20 days after submitting the application.
Considering these factors is essential when planning to move abroad, as it will help manage any potential financial issues related to employment or other income sources down the line!
Understanding Visa Requirements
Understanding visa requirements is a critical step before moving overseas. If your plans involve staying for more than six months, it’s important to visit the immigration website of your destination country to ensure you’re eligible for a visa and understand all the specific requirements. In some cases, a government may even require applicants to take an approved English language proficiency test to study or work in the country.
Hiring a registered migration agent can offer invaluable support when it comes to preparing documents and completing your visa application. Migration agents have expertise and experience when it comes to applications, as well as providing advice throughout the process. All these steps are necessary if you want to make sure your transition from one country to another will be as smooth as possible!
Create A Budget
Creating a budget before moving overseas is crucial for new immigrants. Depending on the country and visa type, you may be required to have some form of savings as part of your visa application. Additionally, living costs abroad can be more expensive than expected, so it’s important to put aside money to help you settle in.
Fortunately, many governments provide online cost of living calculators that can give you an idea of what expenses you’ll need to cover. For example, New Zealand’s cost of living tool provides detailed information about the cost of everyday needs such as housing and transportation.
Discover Transportation Options
Figuring out your transportation options is an important part of settling into your new home. One factor to consider is the distance between your residence and any nearby public transportation. If you opt to live outside a city centre, you may need to get around by car, in which case an international driver’s license might be necessary. After a few months, however, you will likely have to apply for a local driver’s license instead.
For those moving to a country with icy roads and snowfall, it may be wise to take some driving lessons so that you can have confidence when driving in difficult conditions. By discovering all the transportation options available to you, you can ensure that getting around in your new location is as stress-free as possible!
Apply For Health Care Insurance
Depending on your destination country, you may not be eligible for health coverage automatically. However, if you are on a work or permanent resident visa, you should be able to apply for publicly-funded healthcare. However, there could be a waiting period before your coverage kicks in – so it’s important to purchase insurance to stay protected during this time.
It’s worthwhile checking with the local government regarding your rights when it comes to healthcare and make sure you are aware of all the options available to you. That way, you can ensure that you’re always covered and can enjoy peace of mind during your transition!
Search For Housing
When it comes to moving overseas, searching for accommodation can be one of the most exciting tasks. You get to explore your new neighbourhood online, check out local restaurants and plan where you might socialise with friends – all before you even arrive!
If you’re moving abroad with a work visa, your employer may be able to help you find temporary accommodation. Similarly, universities usually offer housing solutions for international students such as on-campus apartments or homestay partnerships. Finally, joining local housing Facebook groups is also a great way to search for rental properties on a temporary or long-term basis.
Overall, finding an ideal place to live is a key part of settling into your new home away from home and can put you in the right frame of mind for starting this exciting chapter of your life!
Don’t forget the little things
With the hustle and bustle of moving abroad, it can be easy to forget about the small details. However, these are just as important as the big things – so make sure to take note of them!
Before leaving home, close any utility accounts you have, such as internet, water and electricity. Don’t forget to do this before the cut-off date to avoid any extra charges. Unlock your mobile phone too, so that you can use a local SIM card when you arrive at your destination. It’s useful to purchase power plug adapters for your device chargers ahead of time too.
Finally, bring one or two little items with you that remind you of home – something such as packing a favourite snack food or face wash can really help ease any transition woes. A little bit of preparation goes a long way in terms of reducing stress upon arrival.
Moving abroad can be one of life’s most rewarding journeys but it requires careful preparation beforehand to ensure a smooth transition into your new surroundings. Take the time now to make sure all paperwork, insurance policies, visas and banking set-ups are complete so that when it comes time for departure, all you have left to do is enjoy this incredible experience! Contact OSS today!