Uprooting your entire life from one place to another is a significant challenge that takes lots of time and effort. But if you’re moving to another country, it makes everything much harder.
Whether you’re looking for exciting adventures, new career opportunities, or just a change of scenery, the planet is yours for the taking. And if you’re thinking about moving from the United States to somewhere in South America, you get the bonus of rich culture, stunning scenery, and warm hospitality, regardless of which country you move to in that continent.
But before you start fantasizing about gulping caipirinhas on a Brazilian beach or discovering the intriguing ruins of Machu Picchu – make sure you have a plan. With visa drama, potential language barriers, and all sorts of obstacles in your way, anything can happen.
That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate checklist to plan your international move, whether you’re moving to Brazil, Argentina, or wherever – you’ll be good to go. So, let’s start!
- Hire an International Moving Company
You might be able to get away with moving on your own if you were just moving across the city or within the same country. But moving overseas comes with its own set of challenges, and it’s a challenge you don’t want to take on alone. With so much planning and coordination required, you should seriously consider hiring an international moving company to help with this transition.
Also, Brazil, for example, has unique rules and regulations that can complicate the process of shipping your things. So, if you’re moving from the US to South America, choose a reliable company familiar with the rules. Be sure to get quotations from your top choices and determine which international moving company suits your needs best.
- Research Your Destination Country
Before hopping on that plane and making the big move, you might want to take some time to learn more about this country – your new home, especially if this is your first time being there.
You can start by looking up the local culture, customs, and traditions. The last thing you want to do is accidentally offend anyone by doing something seemingly harmless. Another great idea is to familiarize yourself with the local language. This will make your life a lot easier. If you learn even the basics, it can make a big difference in your daily interactions.
Another important thing you’d want to look up is the cost of living. Numbeo is an excellent tool to help with your research. But you could also use Reddit, Quora, and Facebook to search for posts from people in comparable living situations. You can expand your research by looking online at public transportation fares, food prices, internet packages, and other unavoidable costs. Make a plan so your expenses fall within your budget.
- Notify Relevant Parties
Before starting your new life, spread the news and not say an Irish Goodbye. First, tell your employer you’re leaving if you plan on leaving your job. It’s required in most cases and common courtesy to grant them enough time to look for a replacement. And if you’ve got kids in school moving with you, let the administration know and ask them to save a spot for your kids if you plan on returning in a year or so.
Now onto the subscriptions. Make sure to cancel everything so you’re no longer billed for things you’re not using after you move. This means the internet, newspaper, the gym – and anything else you’re paying for and won’t be needing!
- Get the Right Visas and Permits
Looking into the appropriate visas must be done well before you move. There are different visa requirements for each country, and they all change depending on what your purpose of stay is. If you’re moving to pursue higher education, you’d need a student visa, but if you plan on getting a job there, you’ll need a work visa.
Every country deals with visas and citizenship differently. If you arrive in your destination country with the wrong kind of visa, you may not be able to stay in the country or obtain permanent residence in the future.
Take time to go over the rules carefully and collect all necessary documentation. Have everything in order, from passports and proof of funds to employment letters and medical records. It might seem to be time-consuming, but it is a small price to pay for an easy entry.
- Plan Your Accommodation
There are many things to consider when deciding on a place to stay when you move to a new country. For example, if you’re taking kids along, you want to make sure your new place is in a good school district. And you want something close to your new job, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.
Arranging a place to stay from afar could be more difficult than you think. Luckily, relocation consultants and real estate agents can assist you in finding housing that meets your needs. Whether you’re looking for temporary housing or want to buy a home in a new country, let experts who know the local laws and real estate markets guide you.
- Update Your Insurance
Look at your present insurance policies, such as health, auto, property, and travel insurance, to see whether they cover your destination country. You must know what is being covered by your policy and what isn’t to avoid any surprises.
If your current policies are insufficient, consider getting extra coverage tailored to your new location. This could include international health insurance, automobile coverage that complies with local regulations, or real estate coverage that covers any hazards in your destination country. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, which is why you should have adequate insurance to protect yourself, your family, and your valuables during your stay in a foreign country.
Conclusion
Moving from one country to a new one is a huge life event. There’s so much to do and so much to think about. Still, remember that it’s also an opportunity for personal development, unforgettable experiences, and a new beginning.
Try to keep your drive alive and spirits high as you get around the logistics and paperwork. There may be times of doubt or unforeseen challenges but know that you can overcome them. Be open to new connections and opportunities, embrace the unknown, and submerge yourself in the local culture.
This is your opportunity to design your own life. So, take a moment to breathe, believe in yourself, and embark on this journey with an open heart.
