Relocating to a foreign country can be very exciting, but in addition to the major decisions to be made, there are numerous details to deal with as well. First, make copies of all birth certificates, passports, vaccination cards and insurance documents. In case of emergency, you will want to have everything easily accessible. Leave copies with a trusted friend or family member as well.
You will also have to decide which movers or relocation services that you plan to use for your international move. Moving overseas can be tough, but it is much easier when you hire the right movers. Also if you want to take a more hands off approach to your overseas move be sure to hire a highly trusted full service moving company.
Be sure to register with the State Department so they have your travel details, including telephone numbers, addresses of your previous home and the new one, emergency contact information and any other relevant information. You can learn more about this service and register at no cost online, at http://travelregistration.state.gov.
Find out if you and your family have insurance coverage in the new country. Ask your insurance agent if he or she can recommend an insurance company in case your present policy does not cover certain cases, such as dental care or major surgery.
You will also need to familiarize yourself with the laws and customs in the new country. The State Department can help you learn about the laws of various countries, but you can do a lot on your own to make the transition smoother, including studying the language, geography, weather patterns, and various other aspects of life, and always remember that you will be subject to all of the laws that the citizens are. There will not be any way to avoid penalties and possible imprisonment if you break another country’s laws. U.S. citizenship does not guarantee any special treatment.
Will you be able to buy food and other staples and cook all of your meals with ease? Learn about the area that surrounds your new home, especially if you have any family members with dietary restrictions or other special needs. Can you walk to the stores and carry your purchases home, or will you need public transportation? It can be very difficult to manage children, bags and bus lines, or find a taxi. Different countries often have unofficial taxis which are drivers and their own cars, who make their living driving passengers around. It is a matter of personal choice whether you feel safe using these services, because there are unscrupulous people in all walks of life. Take precautions such as never travelling alone, and do not carry excess cash with you, and learn enough of the native language to be able to make yourself understood and to comprehend basic sentences.