To many people, moving overseas is a dream come true — but, as we all know, there’s usually a cost attached to making dreams come true. While moving to a new country can make financial sense in the long run (for instance, if the cost of living is cheaper), getting set up can be expensive. After all, you’ll need to transport your belongings, send money overseas, and generally just figure out how to live within your means in your new home.
In this post, we’ll run through some handy tips that’ll help you keep the costs of moving as low as possible.
Speak to Locals
You can’t be all that surprised if you end up spending more than necessary if you just turn up in a foreign land. It’s not that locals will be out to extract you from your money, it’s just that you won’t have many other options other than to go with whatever feels right to you. That could mean that you end up spending way too much for an apartment, among other large expenses. One way to avoid this is to utilize any local connections you have before and after you move. They might be able to help you find a reasonably priced apartment and minimize other costs, too.
Take Only What You Need
You might want to take all of your home comforts with you, but remember that, the more you take, the more you’ll pay. Transporting your belongings overseas can be an expensive ordeal, so it’s important to really consider how much you need those items you were planning on taking. Would it make more sense to sell them, and then buy replacements when you arrive in your new country? You might be able to avoid costly moving expenses altogether if you can fit all your items into a couple of suitcases.
Get Smart About Transferring Money
You’ll need access to money in the local currency when you move — but remember that many people end up paying way more than they should to get that access. It’s generally best to avoid making international money transfers using your bank since they’ll charge you a small fortune for the job. Instead, look at specialist money transfer companies. There are businesses that can send money to UK from USA for a fraction of the cost of what you’d pay if you used your bank. It’s best to convert some cash before your arrival until you figure out how to cheaply withdraw money in your new country, too.
Limit Your Visits Home
Moving overseas is a big deal, and you can understand why people look to make trips back home shortly after they’ve arrived. After all, they miss their friends and family! However, remember that the costs of visiting home can quickly spiral out of control if you’re going every couple of months, especially if it’s a transatlantic flight. Also, in addition to saving money, avoiding going home in the first few months after you arrive will just help you to settle into your new home.
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