How to Budget for Moving Abroad

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Moving to a new country: it’s exciting, it’s exhilarating, and maybe it’s just a little bit intimidating. Making sure all your finances are in order before you hop on that plane will help you. You will feel a little more secure and confident when you get to your new home. Here’s how to get started.

Define your goals

First thing’s first. Be clear about why you’re moving abroad and what you hope to get out the experience. Did you get a promotion? Or are you planning on being a digital nomad and freelancing your way through Europe? Are you working as a sailing instructor in the Bahamas and traveling the Caribbean in your free time? Having goals will help you prioritize your budget and allow you to spend more on the things that matter to you.

Add up your debts

Make a list of any financial obligations you’re taking with you when you move. These might be student loan payments. If you’re a homeowner you’ll still need to consider that mortgage payment in your plans even if you’re renting or Airbnbing your house while you’re gone. Everything will probably turn out fine, but there’s always a chance your renter falls through or you can’t fill up your Airbnb schedule. You’ll need to have some savings set aside to step in with the mortgage payment if that does happen.

Know what funds you have coming in

If you have steady employment lined up, this step should be easy. This number would be your monthly take-home salary, or what you get paid after taxes, healthcare, etc. are taken out. If you don’t have a steady job lined up, do your best to estimate your average monthly intake. You can do this by searching around on cost of living websites like Expatisan to figure out what everyday items costs.  Many expat bloggers have also shared their own experiences finding work abroad. If you have monthly debts that you’ll need to pay in U.S. dollars, then it’s very important you know what the exchange rate is between the dollar and whatever currency you’ll be paid in. This will help you understand what percentage of your income will go towards paying bills.

Find the right neighborhood

Try to keep your budget in mind when you’re searching for the right neighborhood. Finding a place near public transportation might help eliminate the need for a car and taxi. It might also mean ruling out that London apartment with the picturesque view of Big Ben. It looks like a fairy tale, but as one of the most expensive cities in the world, chances are you’re going to be paying a premium for that London view. This is where using EX currency converter can come in handy. Know what your money is worth in your new destination. Is the view more important to you or is it more important to have that money available to travel or go out with your new friends? You can use GoodMigrations’ Neighborhood Explorer to find the best neighborhood for you in the top global expat cities. When you’re budgeting for your home, you should also keep in mind any fees associated with renting in your new city. For example, you may be responsible for paying for the required credit check or for providing first and last months’ rent up front.

Plan for Day to Day expenses

How much will it cost to live your day-to-day life in your new city? For example, if you’re moving to an island nation, groceries and other common items might be more expensive because they need to be shipped in. Or, if you’re moving to a big city, restaurants and bars may be more expensive than small-town living. You can do some research online to get a feel for the cost of some of the things you might be buying weekly.

Budget for the Actual Move

Now that you know how much you’ll need to live on before you get that first paycheck and how much you need in case of an emergency back home, you can figure out how much you need to actually get you and all your stuff there.

How will you get there?

Planes, trains, or automobiles? What’s the best way for you to get to your new home? If taking your car is practical, that might cut down on some of the moving costs since you can pack it full of the essentials (assuming you’re moving to a country you can safely reach by car). Just be sure you budget for gas, food on the road, and any accommodations you’ll need to stay in during your move.

What do you need to bring?

Before you start talking to movers, figure out what you need to move. Will you bring furniture with you or is your apartment fully furnished? If not, be sure you compare the costs of shipping your items or buying new ones once you arrive. The same goes for items like bulky winter clothes. If you’re moving to a warmer climate, you may be paying to move something that you’ll never need. 

Do you need a professional?

If you plan to use an international moving company, it’s important that you get 3-5  moving quotes before you dive into a contract. You might find that one company offers more services compared to a cheaper company that may offer fewer. Comparing prices and services will help you get the biggest bang for your buck.

Is Fido or Fluffy coming with you?

If you’re bringing your pet internationally you may have to budget for separate travel arrangements to make sure they get there safe and sound. You’ll want to check with your new country and see what you’re required to do to register your pet. That might mean getting them up-to-date on vaccines, license and registration fees, or even time in quarantine when they first get there.  

Kylee Della Volpe is a writer and editor for mortgages.com. She loves traveling and writing about personal finance. If she could move anywhere in the world it would be Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

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