Written by Rita Serra | Updated July 16, 2026

Back in 2017, I was in a toxic relationship, stuck in a dead-end job, and quietly recovering from some health issues that had taken more out of me than I ever admitted out loud. I wasn’t living. I was just… enduring.

Then my relationship ended. It was painful and messy and necessary. And the moment it did, something clicked. I couldn’t keep going like this. I needed to make a change, a real one, not a “new gym routine” kind of change. A life change.

So I made myself a deal: save $12,000 in one year. Quit my job. Sell everything: my car, my furniture, all of it. And travel the world for a year to figure out what came next.

Twelve months later, I had the money. I handed in my resignation, packed what I could carry, and booked a one-way ticket to London. My family was so supportive, but they thought I was having a midlife crisis. Maybe I was. But I got on that plane anyway.

That was the best decision I’ve ever made.

If you’re reading this because you’re over 40 and wondering whether moving abroad as a woman is actually possible, whether it’s too late, too risky, or too unrealistic, I want you to keep reading. Because my story didn’t start with a perfect plan. It started with a breaking point. And life abroad as a single woman led me somewhere I never expected.

Is Moving Abroad Over 40 as a Woman Actually Realistic?

Yes. But not the way you might be imagining it.

It doesn’t require a trust fund, a partner, a remote job lined up, or years of planning. What it requires is a decision, a little money, and a willingness to figure things out as you go. I know that sounds terrifying. It also sounds like freedom because it is.

The female expat experience looks different for everyone. Some women plan meticulously for years. Others like me stumble into it. Both paths work. What they share is one woman deciding her comfort zone wasn’t worth staying in anymore.

Here’s how my story actually unfolded.

Why I Decided to Travel Full Time at 38

That first year of travel changed everything I thought I knew about myself.

I spent six to seven months just traveling in London, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Pure savings-burning, world-opening travel. No agenda, no itinerary, just showing up and seeing what happened. I visited around twenty countries. I saw the Scottish Highlands and the streets of Beirut, and the temples of Southeast Asia.

The Lebanon trip deserves its own mention. A girl I met while traveling invited me to visit her family there. I said yes because what did I have to lose, and what I got was a view of Lebanon from the inside, through a local family’s eyes. It made everything more real, more human, more memorable. Those are the kinds of experiences that rearrange you.

After Lebanon, I continued into Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. It was somewhere in the middle of all of that, somewhere between teaching myself to eat with chopsticks and watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat, that I understood: I couldn’t go back to the life I’d left.

How I Started Making Money While Traveling

About six to eight months into my travels, I was invited to teach at a school in Malaysia. No formal teaching experience required; they just needed a native English speaker.

I interviewed, got the job, and for one month, they paid for my housing, my food, and my transportation. Everything.

While I was there, I got my TEFL certification, which is a Teaching English as a Foreign Language qualification, and landed a job teaching English online.

From that point on, I was working every day, making enough to keep my savings balanced, and still traveling. If you’re wondering how to make money while traveling, this is one of the easier routes to try: Teaching English Online.

The Accident That Led Me to Albania

When my first year of travel was up, I flew back to the US. The plan was to spend two months with family, reset, save a little more, and then travel to South America for another year.

Then COVID hit.

I was stuck in the US for ten months. The world shut down. I was living with family and friends, not wanting to overstay my welcome, watching every travel plan I had dissolve. It was one of the hardest periods of this whole journey, honestly.

But something unexpected happened during that lockdown: I found an expat Facebook group for Albania.

I’d never seriously considered Albania. I barely knew anything about it. But I started reading the posts about Americans living there, a Mediterranean coastline, a community of people building lives from scratch, and apartments going for €300 a month.

I also discovered that Americans can stay in Albania for up to one year without a visa. No paperwork, no bureaucracy, just show up and live.

I did my research. Found a one-bedroom apartment in Saranda, a small town on the Albanian Riviera, for €300 a month. Sent a €100 deposit to hold it. Booked a one-way ticket. Told my family I was leaving again.

Moving to Albania wasn’t a lifelong dream. It was a practical decision that turned into the best accident of my life.

And I moved to Albania with the intention of staying for exactly one year.

That was almost six years ago.

The Practical Stuff Nobody Talks About

I arrived in Albania with modest savings and an online teaching income that covered my basics. When I first moved to Albania, my rent was €300, my groceries were cheap, and my lifestyle was simple and good.

This was more than 5 years ago, and while still affordable, the cost of living has gone up significantly, not just for foreigners but for the locals as well. So if you’re considering moving abroad, please do thorough research on your city of choice.

For managing money across currencies and borders, you can use Revolut. It’s a great option for receiving payments and transferring money without being destroyed by exchange-rate fees.

To avoid ATM Fees when taking money out, I highly suggest you get yourself a Charles Schwab account.

If you’re moving abroad, please make sure to get this all set up before you leave.

Visas and residency

When my first year in Albania was up, I left for three months, traveled a bit, then came back and restarted my one-year stay. I did this twice before finally applying for official residency.

I’m now two years into a residency permit, which means I can stay permanently without the three-month exit requirement.

Every country has different rules. Do your research early, join expat Facebook groups specific to your destination, and connect with people who’ve already navigated the paperwork. It’s tedious, not impossible.

What I Actually Packed After Years of Trial and Error

After years of living out of a bag and then settling into a home abroad, here’s what I’ve learned: you’ll overpack, regret it, and eventually pare down to the essentials. The gear that’s genuinely made my life easier:

• A lightweight, carry-on-sized bag that fits overhead
• A universal travel adapter
• Portable Charger
• A good quality neck pillow for long-haul flights
• A crossbody anti-theft bag is non-negotiable for solo female travelers

The Emotional Reality of Starting Over Alone

This is the part people don’t really talk about. And it’s the part that matters most.

Moving abroad over 40 as a woman isn’t just a logistical change. It’s an identity shift. You have to let go of who you thought you were supposed to be- the career trajectory, the relationship timeline, the version of your life that other people had in mind for you.

Expat life over 40 has a specific texture to it. You’re old enough to know yourself well, but young enough to reinvent. You’ve shed enough of other people’s opinions to actually make a decision that’s entirely yours. That’s a powerful place to be, even when it’s terrifying.

Some days are lonely. Some days, I miss my family in a way that sits heavy in my chest. Some days I wonder if I’ve made my life harder than it needed to be.

But most days I wake up in a place I chose, with a life I designed, doing work I care about, surrounded by people I actually want to spend time with. As a solo female expat, I’ve built a community here that rivals anything I had back home, and I did it from scratch, in a country I knew nothing about, past the age when most people stop starting over.

I live by the sea. I travel easily because I’m already in Europe. I have freedom and peace in a way I don’t think I could have built inside the life I left.

That’s not nothing. That’s everything.

The women I’ve met here who’ve done the same walked away from their old lives and built new ones somewhere else. They all say the same thing: the fear before was worse than anything that came after. The anticipation was harder than the reality.

What I’d Tell Any Woman Thinking About This

You don’t need permission. You don’t need a partner. You don’t need a five-year plan.

What you need is:

• Clarity about what you’re moving toward, not just what you’re leaving behind
• Some savings: more is better, but it doesn’t have to be a fortune
• A skill you can take online: teaching, writing, social media, consulting, whatever you do well. Find a way to monetize your current skills.
• Willingness to be uncomfortable: for longer than feels comfortable

How to Know If You’re Ready

Here’s the question worth sitting with: Are you running from something, or running toward something?

Both are valid starting points. But if you’re only running away from a bad relationship, a dead-end career, a life that doesn’t fit without any sense of what you want instead, moving abroad might just mean bringing your unhappiness to a prettier location.

I was running from toxicity and stagnation. But I was also running toward freedom, possibility, and a version of myself I hadn’t met yet. That combination made the difference.

Ask yourself:

• What would I do if I knew I couldn’t fail?
• What did I want before other people told me to want something else?
• What am I willing to give up, and what can I not live without?

Your answers are your roadmap.

Moving abroad over 40 as a woman isn’t a fantasy. It’s not reserved for people with perfect circumstances. It’s available to anyone brave enough to take the first step.

Starting over abroad at 38 was the hardest and best thing I’ve ever done. My story started in a toxic apartment in 2017 with $12,000 and a breaking point. It took me from London to Beirut to Southeast Asia to a small town in Albania I’d never heard of. It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t the story I thought I’d be living.

But it’s mine. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Ready to start planning your own move? Download my free guide: The Ultimate Moving Abroad Checklist: 47 Things to Do Before Leaving the U.S. and join thousands of women who are done waiting for someday.

FAQ: Moving Abroad Over 40 as a Woman

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The post Moving Abroad in My 40s: The Truth About Starting Over appeared first on Rita in Wanderland.

Written by Rita Serra | Published July 30, 2026

Let me be honest with you, and I mean really honest.

Because if you’ve been scrolling through Instagram watching women sip coffee on European terraces, wandering cobblestone streets with a linen tote bag and a sun hat, you might think living abroad is one long, beautiful exhale. And sometimes, genuinely, it is.

But sometimes it’s sitting alone in your apartment on a Tuesday night, listening to the wind off the Ionian Sea, wondering why you feel so empty when you live somewhere that looks like a postcard.

I’ve been living abroad solo in Saranda, Albania, for over five years now. Five years. I’ve watched friendships form and dissolve. I’ve battled bureaucracy that made me want to scream into a pillow. I’ve had moments of pure, electric joy, and moments where I questioned absolutely everything.

So this post isn’t the highlight reel. This is the real thing. And I’m writing it because I think you deserve to know what you’re actually signing up for before you book that one-way ticket.

The Reality of Building Community When Living Abroad Solo

I first moved to Albania during COVID. And here’s the thing about COVID that nobody talks about in the expat context: it was actually, weirdly, a golden era for expat communities.

The world had paused. People weren’t moving around. They were settling. And Albania, with its low cost of living, its stunning coastline, and its relative freedom during lockdown, became a magnet for digital nomads and expats from all over the world. And for the first time, living abroad solo felt genuinely easy.

I made friends fast; more friends than I’d made in years back home. We went to dinners together. We cooked together. We explored. It felt like the best version of a life I’d always wanted.

Then COVID ended. And people started moving again.

One by one, then in waves, the people I’d built my life around packed up and left. The community that had felt so solid turned out to have been held together by circumstance, not roots. And I was left in a much quieter version of the place I’d fallen in love with.

Here’s what I’ve learned: expat communities are transient by nature. That’s just the reality. People come, people go, and if you’re someone who stayed, like me, you have to be prepared to keep starting over, socially, again and again.

And I’ll tell you something else nobody warns you about: the expat community isn’t always what you’d hope. It can feel like high school all over again: cliques, drama, gossip. I choose not to engage with that. I’d rather have two or three real friendships with locals and fellow long-termers than be part of a social scene that exhausts me.

But finding those real friendships? It takes time. It takes putting yourself out there when you’d rather stay in. It takes energy that, some days, you just don’t have.

The Loneliness Is Real: Even When You Love Your Life

I want to be careful here, because the last thing I want to do is make living abroad solo sound impossible. I have friends here. I have a life here. I genuinely love Albania, and I have no regrets about moving.

But loneliness and loving your life are not mutually exclusive. I’ve learned that the hard way.

It shows up in small moments, mostly. A birthday that’s celebrated with people who’ve known you for two years instead of twenty. A holiday where you FaceTime your family and pretend it doesn’t sting to see them all together in your mom’s kitchen. A Sunday morning when the whole town feels quiet, and you realize there’s nobody to just call up and say, “Want to grab coffee?”

And Saranda, where I live, is a small beach town. In summer, it’s alive. The restaurants are open, the beach is full, the energy is there. But in winter? It goes quiet. Really quiet. And if you’re not someone who is deeply comfortable in solitude, and some days I’m not, those winters can feel very long.

This is something I wish someone had told me more explicitly. The city you choose matters as much as the country. A big expat hub like Tirana, Lisbon, or Medellín has more going on year-round. A small beach town like Saranda is magical in summer and can feel isolating in winter. Know which one you actually need.

I’ve also had to grieve the version of connection I had back home. My family. My old friends. The shorthand you only get from people who’ve known you your whole life. No amount of beautiful Albanian sunsets replaces that. You carry those people with you, but you also learn to live with the ache of missing them.

The Bureaucracy Will Test Your Patience: And Sometimes Your Sanity

I want to laugh as I write this, because honestly, bureaucracy abroad is one of those things that sounds manageable until you’re actually living it.

Visa renewals. Residency permits. Bank accounts that require documents that require other documents. Rules that change without notice. Offices that are “open” but nobody answers. Forms in a language you don’t speak, for a system that doesn’t always make sense even to the locals.

Albania is actually more straightforward than a lot of countries, and I’m still perpetually navigating paperwork. If you’re thinking of moving somewhere with more complex visa requirements, go in with your eyes wide open about what that process looks like, and budget both time and money for it.

I break down what that actually involves, country by country, in my guide to digital nomad visas for Americans.

The language barrier is part of this, too. I’ve been here five years, and my Albanian is still basic. Albanian is a genuinely difficult language; it’s not like picking up Spanish, where you can get by quickly. Most younger Albanians speak English, which helps. But the moment you need to navigate something official or local, you feel the gap acutely.

My advice: find a local person you trust who can help you navigate systems when you need it. Build that relationship before you need it urgently. It has saved me more than once.

The Financial Reality Is Not Always Pretty

Here’s something I’ll admit openly: there have been stretches living abroad where money was scary. Like, genuinely scary.

When your income is remote and variable, from freelance work, teaching English online, blogging, and social media management, there’s no safety net in the way there might be back home. No family nearby to call in a pinch. No familiar healthcare system. No credit history in the country you’re living in.

Albania’s low cost of living is one of its biggest draws, and it’s real. My rent is a fraction of what I’d pay in the US. Food is affordable. Life here doesn’t cost much. But “affordable” doesn’t mean “free,” and when income dips, even low costs feel high.

I’ve genuinely had to ask myself: what happens if this doesn’t work? What’s my backup plan? Do I have savings that could get me home if I needed to go? These are not fun questions to sit with, but they’re responsible ones.

The romantic version of living abroad solo doesn’t include these conversations. I’m including it here because I think financial resilience, not just financial freedom, is one of the most important things to build before you make a move like this.

After Five Years Living Abroad Solo, I’m Ready For Something New

Here’s the most honest thing I’ll say in this whole post: I’ve been in Albania for five years, and I’m starting to feel stagnant. I want something new. I want a bigger city, more to do, more opportunities to grow. I love Albania, I really do, but I’m not sure it’s where I build the next chapter.

And you know what? That’s okay. That’s allowed.

One thing living abroad solo has taught me is that your needs evolve. The place that was perfect for you at one stage of your life might not be perfect for the next stage. The version of me who arrived in Albania during COVID needed exactly what Saranda offered. The version of me today needs something different.

This life is not a destination. It’s a practice. You’re constantly adjusting, reassessing, deciding. That can feel exhausting, or it can feel like freedom, depending on the day.

So… Should You Move Abroad Solo?

Yes. If it’s calling you, yes. Living abroad solo is genuinely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

But go in knowing the full picture. Go in knowing that the community you build might shift beneath you. That loneliness will visit even when you love your life. That bureaucracy will test you. That money stress doesn’t disappear just because your rent is cheap. The city you choose matters enormously.

Go in knowing all of that and then go anyway. Because the version of yourself that comes out the other side? She’s someone worth meeting.

I’m over 5 years into living abroad solo, thinking about my next move, still figuring it out. And I wouldn’t trade this life for anything.

If you’re thinking about taking the leap, start by reading How to Move Abroad as an American and Debating on Moving Abroad. Find the Best Country for You. Both will give you a grounded, real-world picture of what the process actually looks like.

The post Living Abroad Solo: The Hard Truth After 6 Years Abroad appeared first on Rita in Wanderland.

Written by Rita Serra | Updated March 22, 2026

I sent a $100 deposit to a girl I’d met in an Expats in Albania FB group, for an apartment only seen in photos, in a country I’d never visited. My family thought I had completely lost my mind.

It was 2020. By that time, I had come back after traveling for a year through Southeast Asia and Europe, and then COVID hit, and everything stopped. I found myself back in the U.S. for ten months, waiting for borders to reopen.

I first heard about Albania from a NZ solo female traveler who was already living there. She had started a Facebook group about life in Albania, and from there, I found my way into an Expats in Saranda group.

I started following the community, getting to know the people who were already living there, and eventually made friends with a few of the people living there. That’s when I decided to take the leap and just book that ticket and move to Albania.

I’ve been here for over five years now. I have an apartment I love, a life that fits me better than anything I’ve had before, and zero regrets.

I tell you this not to convince you to move to Albania, but because I think it matters to know that the life you’re imagining is actually possible. Moving abroad as an American is more achievable than most people think, and right now, more Americans are making this move than at any point in recent history.

This post covers everything you need to do before you leave, from choosing your destination and sorting your visa to setting up your finances, healthcare, and housing. I’ve done all of it. Here’s what actually works.

Successfully Move Abroad as an American

Choose Your Destination When Moving Abroad Alone

One of the most exciting parts of learning how to move abroad is deciding where to go. But it’s also the step that requires the most careful thought. Your dream location needs to make sense not just for your lifestyle, but also for your long-term plans.

Think about the cost of living and how it aligns with your budget. A country might look affordable at first, but rent, healthcare, and transportation can tell a different story once you dig into the numbers.

Then there are the visa requirements; some destinations make it relatively simple for Americans to stay long-term, while others require proof of income, employment, or ancestry connections.

Beyond the paperwork, consider what kind of daily life you want. Do you thrive in a fast-paced city, or would you prefer a slower lifestyle by the sea?

Is learning a new language exciting to you, or would you prefer to be somewhere where English is widely spoken? These questions will shape not only where you move abroad but how happy you’ll feel once you’re there.

If you’re not sure where to begin, I’ve put together a full guide that breaks countries down by lifestyle, like which destinations are best for families, which ones work well for entrepreneurs, remote workers, students, or retirees, and which countries are a good match

If you’re moving to work in the healthcare industry. You can read the full guide here: Debating Moving Abroad? Find the Right Country for You

Understand Visa & Residency Options

One of the first hurdles you’ll face when moving and starting over is figuring out how to stay legally. Americans have several visa pathways, and the right one depends on your situation.

The government ties work visas to employment with a local company, while immigration authorities grant student visas to those enrolling in an approved educational program. Increasingly popular are digital nomad visas, designed for remote workers with online income.

If you’re looking to retire abroad, some countries offer retirement visas based on proof of stable income or savings. And if you have close relatives living abroad, family reunification visas may also be an option.

If you’re considering Europe, it’s important to understand the Schengen 90/180-day rule. As an American, you can spend up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Zone without a visa.

This is fine for short-term stays, but it won’t work if you want to live in Europe long-term; you’ll need a visa or residence permit that extends your stay.

Timing is everything when it comes to visas, which is why you should start your research early. Some applications require months of processing, background checks, and even in-person interviews. Waiting until the last minute can leave you with fewer options or force you to delay your move.

Another key detail is whether you should apply while still in the U.S. or once you arrive abroad. Some countries require you to secure your visa before entering, while others allow you to switch from a tourist visa to a residence permit after arrival. Knowing which path applies to your chosen destination can save you time, money, and stress.

Gather Your Essential Documents

Before you even think about leaving your life behind, make sure your paperwork is in order. Having the right documents ready can make or break your move abroad. The last thing you want is to be scrambling for them last minute.

• Passport: Most countries require it to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. If yours is close to expiring, renew it well before you begin any visa applications.
• FBI background check and fingerprints: These checks are only valid for six months, so timing matters. Request them early enough to meet application deadlines, but not so early that they expire before you submit your paperwork.
• Certified copies: Have official copies of personal documents like your birth certificate, marriage license, and if you’re moving with children, their school transcripts or immunization records. Governments and institutions often require these for visas, residency permits, or school enrollment abroad.
• Apostilles and notarization: Authorities in many countries require you to apostille or notarize documents before they recognize them legally overseas. An apostille is a special certification for international use, and the process can take time depending on your state. Check the requirements for your destination country, so you stay prepared.
• Multiple copies: Make both physical and digital copies of everything. Keep originals in a safe place, but have backup copies for consulates, landlords, schools, and employers. You can save yourself stress by carrying extra copies in case you lose the originals in transit.

Organize Your Finances to Afford to Move Abroad

Money management is one of the most practical (and often overlooked) parts of moving abroad. Setting yourself up with the right financial tools will save you a lot of stress once you’re overseas. This is also one of the best ways to ensure you can actually afford to move abroad without encountering unexpected expenses.

Open an international-friendly debit/credit card
Banks like Charles Schwab and Fidelity offer debit cards that refund ATM fees worldwide, which can save you a surprising amount over time. Open an account that works seamlessly abroad so you avoid expensive withdrawal fees.

Get a no foreign transaction fee credit card
Many U.S. credit cards charge an extra 3% every time you make a purchase abroad. A no-fee card lets you spend in local currency without worrying about hidden costs, and you’ll often earn travel points or rewards at the same time. 

Personally, I use Chase Sapphire Preferred, and it’s been a game-changer for my travels. Not only has it saved me money on every transaction overseas, but it also earns me points on all my travel-related purchases, from flights to hotels to even train tickets abroad. 

You can quickly collect points and redeem them for future travel. This is a smart way to stretch your budget. What I also love is that it’s a great starter travel credit card with a relatively low annual fee.

It still offers perks like travel insurance, purchase protection, and flexible reward redemption through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Set up a money transfer account
Services like Wise and Revolut simplify safe transfers between U.S. and international banks. This is especially useful if you’re living abroad long-term.

Understanding Taxes When You Move Abroad

Taxes are one of the least glamorous parts of life abroad, but they’re also one of the most important. The IRS surprises many Americans by continuing to require annual tax returns even after they leave the United States. Even if you earn nothing in the U.S., you must still file while living overseas.

Key terms to know:

• FEIE: The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) allows you to exclude a portion of your foreign-earned income (over $130,000 as of 2025) from U.S. taxation if you meet certain requirements.
• FBAR: The FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) is required if you hold more than $10,000 across foreign bank accounts at any point during the year. Failing to file these forms correctly can result in penalties.

In addition to U.S. taxes, you’ll likely owe taxes in the country where you live. The good news is that the U.S. has tax treaties with many countries to help prevent double taxation. Understanding how these agreements work is key to avoiding paying more than necessary.

International tax laws can get complicated quickly, especially if you’re self-employed, own property, or plan to stay long-term. Hiring an expat tax advisor saves money, reduces stress, and ensures accurate filings in both countries.

Secure Healthcare Coverage

Healthcare plays a crucial role when moving abroad alone, and many countries also require it for visa approval. Some immigration offices will not approve your residency application unless you show proof of valid health insurance. That’s why it’s important to make sure you arrange coverage before you leave.

You should also understand the difference between travel insurance and expat health insurance. Travel insurance covers short-term trips, focusing on emergencies, lost luggage, and unexpected cancellations.

Expat health insurance is designed for long-term stays abroad. It provides comprehensive coverage, including routine doctor visits, hospital care, and sometimes dental or maternity benefits.

Once you arrive, explore the public and private healthcare options in your new country. Countries with public healthcare systems often provide affordable, high-quality care. Depending on your location, you might face waiting lists or limited access to English-speaking doctors.

Private healthcare delivers faster access and a wider choice of providers, though at a higher cost. Deciding on public, private, or a mix depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and your destination’s healthcare system.

Find Housing Abroad and Start Adjusting to a New Life

Finding housing abroad often feels overwhelming at first. I struggled with where to look and what to trust, but once I learned the process, navigating rentals became much easier.

With patience and research, you can secure a place that feels like home and take your first real step to a new life abroad. This step is where many people realize they are truly stepping into a new life; it’s not just theory anymore; it’s daily reality.

Decide between temporary housing and long-term rentals
Begin with short-term housing to explore neighborhoods before committing. Once you understand the area, sign a longer lease with confidence.

Know where to search
Use Airbnb for short stays, check Facebook expat groups for community-shared listings, and browse local property websites to see true market prices. Compare across platforms to avoid overpaying. On Facebook, search Expat [name of city or country] to find communities of other expats and locals that can help you with anything you need. This is also a great way to meet new people.

Understand leases and deposits
Know that deposit rules vary by country, and sometimes landlords expect several months of rent upfront. Read the lease terms carefully and confirm your rights before signing.

Watch out for scams
Stay alert for anyone demanding money before you view a property. Avoid vague contracts or offers that sound too good to be true. Request a written lease and, whenever possible, inspect the home in person before paying. Also, I recommend that if there’s a contract, getting it notarized is suggested.

Set Up Tech & Communication

Staying connected abroad requires some planning, but setting up your tech the right way saves you time, money, and stress. I learned quickly that keeping my U.S. phone number, finding the right SIM, and preparing for basic tech differences made life a lot easier once I settled in.

Keep your U.S. phone number
Use services like Google Voice or Tello to hold onto your American number. This makes two-factor authentication, banking, and staying in touch with friends and family much simpler.

Choose the best SIM or eSIM abroad
Buy a local SIM card or set up an eSIM for affordable data and calls. Compare local carriers as soon as you arrive to avoid overpriced tourist plans.

Use a VPN for security and access
Install a VPN to protect your online banking and secure connections. A VPN also helps you access U.S. streaming services that may be restricted abroad.

Prepare for voltage and plug differences
Research the voltage standards in your new country and bring the right plug adapters. Using the wrong setup can damage your devices, so check before you plug in. This list is my favorite tech gear I’ve been using for the last 8 years abroad.

Download helpful apps
The right apps can simplify everything from navigation to translation to budgeting while abroad. I’ve rounded up my favorites in this guide: 10 Best Apps to Use When Moving Abroad

Adjust to Culture & Daily Life

Moving abroad means more than just changing your address; it means adapting to a new way of living. Embracing the differences rather than resisting them will help you settle in faster and feel at home sooner.

Learn the local language (or know when you can get by in English)
In some countries, English is widely spoken, and you can manage without much effort. In others, learning the basics of the local language will open doors, build trust, and make daily life much smoother.

Navigate public transport, groceries, tipping, and social habits
Expect differences in how you get around, shop, or interact with locals. Public transport may replace driving, grocery shopping may involve local markets, and tipping may not be common, or even welcomed. Observe, ask questions, and adapt to local customs.

Recognize how daily life feels different from the U.S.
Simple routines, like paying bills, seeing a doctor, or eating out, may look very different when you move abroad. Instead of comparing everything to the U.S., approach these changes with curiosity. Over time, they’ll become your new normal.

Emergency Planning

Living abroad brings incredible opportunities, but it’s important to prepare for the unexpected. Having a plan in place gives you peace of mind and helps ensure you’ll have a great life ahead, even when surprises come up.

Register with the STEP program at the U.S. embassy
Sign up for the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This connects you with the local U.S. embassy, keeps you informed of safety updates, and helps officials reach you quickly in an emergency.

Know the local emergency numbers
Don’t assume 911 works everywhere. Learn the local numbers for police, fire, and medical emergencies as soon as you arrive, and keep them saved in your phone. Not only should you know the local numbers for police, fire, and medical emergencies, but you should also learn how to say these phrases in the local language because it could come in handy if you need help.

Also, there is an app called Emergency Call that helps you find emergency phone numbers for your current location in case of an emergency. The Emergency Call app requires an Internet connection and access to the GPS receiver to function properly.

Keep backups of documents digitally and physically
Scan passports, visas, IDs, and important paperwork, then store them securely in cloud storage. Carry paper copies in a safe place as well, so you have access even if your phone or laptop is lost.

Maintain an emergency fund
Set aside money that you can access quickly in case of unexpected travel, medical costs, or sudden changes in your living situation. Even a few thousand dollars can make a major difference in a crisis.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Relocate and Start a Great Life Abroad

Moving abroad changed everything for me. Not just where I live, but who I am and how I see the world. The paperwork is temporary. The bureaucracy is frustrating. The loneliness is real sometimes. And none of it has been enough to make me regret a single day of this life.

If you’re seriously thinking about making the move, the best thing you can do right now is start. Do not book a flight. Do not quit your job. Just start with a list of what needs to happen before you go.

I made that list for you.

Download the Free Moving Abroad Checklist: everything I wish I’d had before I left, organized so nothing falls through the cracks.

If you’re ready to relocate and want to dive deeper into choosing the perfect country for your lifestyle, don’t miss my full guide here: Debating Moving Abroad? Find the Right Country for You

5 Essential Questions to Ask Before You Move Abroad

What kind of lifestyle do I want?
Urban hustle, beach vibes, nature-focused, quiet towns, or big city; what kind of daily life feels right for you?

What’s my budget?
Consider cost of living, healthcare, housing, and taxes; what can you realistically afford?

What kind of climate do I want?
Year-round warmth, four seasons, or something milder?

Are you willing to adjust to slower systems, fewer amenities, or a different standard of living?
The convenience and familiarity you’re used to in the U.S. might not exist abroad, at least not in the same way.

How important is proximity to family and friends?
Do you want to be close for visits, or are you okay with long-distance?

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