Does the thought of becoming an Expat scare you? Here are nine tips on helping you make a smooth transition into life abroad.

1. Be Certain About Your Move

Moving is stressful. Go for the right reasons. If possible, visit the country before you make up your mind and most importantly, make your OWN opinions.

2. Will Your Benefits Follow You?

If this is a corporate move you might luck out and be eligible for relocation benefits. Ask, it’s worth knowing. If you are on Social Security, check with the embassy, the more information before the move, the more comfortable you will feel.

3. Make a Budget

Taking the time to make a budget is sometimes the difference between a successful relocation and a disaster. Before you go, find out what you can expect as your new cost of living…budget for the unexpected!

4. Insurance – What Type and Where?

Take the time and prearrange for the appropriate insurance (such as health, life, and travel) for yourself and your family. Find out what type of health care options, even insurance, and infrastructure are available to support you, especially if you suffer from a medical condition that requires treatment or medication.

5. Banking – Here or There?

More than likely you will need to open a bank account in your new country – look for information on the one that suits you best. Bring reference letters from your bank at home. Is it wise to keep your current account open? Most likely yes; do your homework and find out what foreign transaction fees you might incur. At the very least, you’ll need to tell your current bank that you’re moving.

6. Can I Take My Credit Cards?

Your credit card companies will need to be informed you’re moving; it is wise to also see if the cards you hold are widely accepted.

7. Will You Need to Exchange Currency?

When moving abroad you might not be using the same currency as your homeland. Therefore, even a 5 per cent shift in the exchange rate can make a huge difference in how far your money stretches. There are websites which can help, checkout www.x-rates.com and select the currencies. It provides historic information and you will know whether your exchange rate is good – and whether to wait a few more days before you run to the bank.

8. Yes, There Is Paperwork

Use this rule: if you might need it, take it. No matter how insignificant a document seems, it’s better to have it on hand, than be without. Chances are, at some point, you’ll have to show it to someone. Important documents you will want to think about include: birth certificates, police reports (often needed for immigration processing) wedding certificates, educational certificates, and medical certificates (including those for your pets).

9. Go Ahead, Make Friends!

Friends are like a security blanket, whether locals or fellow expats, nothing will help you feel more at ease than being able to rely on the assistance of your friends when you need it. Socializing is not time wasted, it’s what makes a new country feel like home. Picking up and moving to a new country can be both a bureaucratic and emotional nightmare at the best of times, but if you are prepared, you stand a good chance of a stress-free relocation.