The day has arrived, and your bags are packed. It is time to embark on the long-awaited journey you have planned for years or maybe just months.
Your new life awaits you in another country. The goodbyes to friends and families and farewells are over. Your heart is sad to say goodbye to your old life, but excitement brews inside of you for your new life abroad.
Relieve sets in as you finally board the plane. You have waited and worked hard to make your dreams finally come true. You are ready for your new life or are you?
No matter how much we read and research about countries nothing compares to being there physically.
Once you arrive at your destination, you will have to deal with feelings of separation, and you will start comparing your country to the one you have chosen to move to.
What is the difference between an Expat and an immigrant?
An immigrant usually plans to live indefinitely in another country. An expat can live temporarily or permanently in another country without necessarily applying for citizenship.
I have been an expat in the United Arab Emirates for 18 years and cannot apply for citizenship due to the law of the country. That is another blog altogether!!
Leaving your country and becoming an expat can open your life to new experiences and challenges.
My ultimate list for becoming an Expat abroad!!
Join a Facebook group – Now I am no expert on other countries except the UAE if you have a question about finding a place in Abu Dhabi. Leave a comment.
I have been an expat for 18 years, and my experience has taught me that you need help when setting up a new home. Luckily the internet is a valuable tool. Facebook groups in the city or town you reside in will be the best source of information. When I moved to Abu Dhabi facebook was not even created and when it was created, I wasn’t familiar with the social app as yet. I had to learn on my own. You don’t have to.
Join a group and find out about the following :
Bank Accounts– Finding a bank that will provide you with the right protection and give you the rewards you deserve for banking with them.
New Home – Finding a place that is affordable and meets the criteria of your new lifestyle.
Furniture– Most groups are strictly for buying and selling furniture, home appliances, cars and much more. If buying used furniture and a used car is not your thing. Look out for sales and promotions. Don’t be afraid to ask the sales assistant or manager when the next sale or promotion will be.
Schools – If you are moving with children, you will need advice and recommendations from other expats about schools in the area. School websites are useful and will state the fee and curriculum information but getting advice from people who send their kids to the schools is far more beneficial to you.
Television Satelite, Internet, and Mobile – You will need to get yourself connected. Most groups will be able to recommend service providers that they use. Take this information and do further research. Most internet and telecommunications providers will offer different packages and promotions. Finding an excellent internet package can be a tough decision especially if you are signing a contract with them. Take your time and visit the provider personally to find the best, affordable and convenient package for you.
Driving License – Some countries will allow you to convert your current driving license easily. But there are driving licenses that are not accepted abroad, and you will need to do a driving test. Fear not! If you an experienced driver you will have no problem. Take care to budget for a driving school and license fees.
Health Insurance – In the UAE, it is mandatory to have health insurance. Companies usually offer medical insurance as part of your employee package. Other countries would be different. Find out how to apply through social groups and directly from government websites. Most importantly make sure you have medical insurance. Accidents can happen unexpectedly, and the last thing you want to do fork out money that will affect your moving budget.
Social life – You have joined Facebook groups, and you have settled into your new life. Now it is time to meet people and have fun in your new life. In the UAE, especially Abu Dhabi there are groups you can join, and there are local magazines and newspapers that will give you an insight on what is happening in the social scene. These references have been my go-to for the past 18 years and have helped me get the most out of my expat life.
Groupon – Groupon.com is a valuable website for me. It has helped me discover so much about a place even when I am traveling on holiday. I highly recommend using the application to find out about the city you are living in and the best part is you will get discounts.
For those of you who are interested in living in the UAE. Follow up posts will have more information about Abu Dhabi and Dubai. If you want information right away leave a comment or drop me an email. I will get back to you.
Good luck future Expat
Superlady!
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