Moving to another country is a big deal. Exciting, yes, but also a little intimidating. If you’re getting ready to live abroad, you’ve probably got a dozen questions racing through your mind: What kind of visa do I need? How do I find a place to live? What about health insurance or taxes?
We get it. At Remitly, many of us have made the move ourselves, and we know how overwhelming it can feel. That’s why we put together this international moving checklist to help you turn chaos into clarity and feel more in control of the process.
Planning your international move
Planning an international move can feel like trying to juggle 20 things at once while learning a new language. However, millions of Americans migrate to countries all around the world every year. With the right approach, you can go from “where do I even start?” to “okay, I’ve got this.”
Pick the right destination for your lifestyle
The very first thing to do is think about where you’re going and why you’re going there.
Is it: affordability? A strong job market? English-speaking locals? Warm weather and beach access? Top-tier healthcare? A quick flight home for the holidays?
Start comparing places based on those priorities. Websites like Numbeo, Expat Exchange, and expat Facebook groups are goldmines for honest advice on cost of living, safety, housing, schools, and more.
A few popular destinations for Americans include:
- Portugal & Spain: Great for retirees with a relaxed lifestyle, affordable healthcare, and friendly visa options.
- Germany & the Netherlands: Ideal for professionals with strong economies and many English-speaking workplaces.
- Mexico & Costa Rica: Perfect for digital nomads and families, as it’s close to the US and rich in lifestyle perks.
Pro tip: If you can, take a short trip to your top destination before making the big move. Nothing beats getting a feel for a place in person.
Visas (yes, the not-so-fun part)
Visas are the golden tickets of international life. And no two countries do them the same way. Some ask for proof of income, others need a clean background check, and for some, it might feel like they want your entire life story.
Start by asking yourself: What am I going there for? Work, study, family, retirement, or just a new adventure. Each reason usually has its own visa category.
Begin by looking at the official immigration site of your destination. Then search for expat Facebook groups or Reddit threads to get real-world advice. Finally, make a list of what documents you’ll need to apply.
Pro tip: Bookmark your destination’s immigration site and set a monthly calendar reminder to check for any rule changes while you’re preparing.
Know what you’re signing up for (financially and legally)
There’s a curveball many Americans don’t see coming: you still have to file US taxes, even when you live abroad. The IRS doesn’t care where you’re sipping your coffee; as long as you’re a US citizen, you count.
That said, some tools and exclusions can help, like:
- The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE). This lets you exclude some of your foreign income from US taxes.
- The Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR). A form you need to file if you have over $10,000 in foreign bank accounts.
Break the move into bite-sized steps
You don’t need to do everything at once. Instead, divide the process into phases.
- Research: Figure out where you want to go and what life will be like there.
- Documents & legal: Handle visas, passports, and paperwork.
- Packing & housing: Decide what’s coming with you and where you’ll land.
- Money & logistics: Budget, open accounts, get insurance.
- Settling in: Language, community, culture, and adjusting.
Getting ready for your international move
Once you’ve planned your move, it’s time to get organized. This stage of the process is all about setting yourself up for success. Yes, it takes effort, and yes, the to-do list is long. But each thing you check off now is one less thing to worry about later.
Get your paperwork sorted (sooner than later)
Documents can take longer than expected, some require background checks, notarized forms, or health exams. Every country’s requirements are different. Common documents include:
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Proof of income or employment
- Health insurance
- Academic degrees or job certifications
Pro tip: Scan everything and store digital backups in a secure cloud folder. I can say from experience that it’s a lifesaver if anything gets lost or delayed.
Make a budget you’ll actually use
Budgeting for an international move includes the big things and all the “little” things that add up, like new SIM cards, transport passes, surprise admin costs, restocking your kitchen with spices, and of course, the random-but-necessary splurges like a cute throw blanket and houseplants.
Consider accounting for things like:
- Flights (and extra luggage)
- Moving services or storage
- Temporary housing or Airbnb
- First and last month’s rent
- Visa/residency fees
- Insurance (health, renter’s, travel)
- Local transportation
- Food and essential household items
- Buffer for unexpected costs (trust me, they’ll come up)
Sort out healthcare before you leave
Your US health insurance likely won’t cover you overseas, so this needs to be on your radar. There are a few common options to consider.
- Employer-provided global coverage: If you’re moving for work, ask about international benefits.
- Expat insurance plans: Certain companies offer flexible plans for US citizens abroad.
- Local public healthcare: Some countries let residents join their system, but it often depends on your visa.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to pack a personal health file with things like vaccination records, prescriptions, doctor’s notes for chronic conditions, and a list of emergency contacts and allergies.
Find local doctors
Once you arrive, you don’t want to be googling “English-speaking dentist near me” in a panic. Use expat forums or local Facebook groups to get trusted referrals in advance. You can also check to see if your new city has government health directories or hospital listings.
Prepare emotionally for culture shock
This part often catches people off guard. New languages, new rules, even new grocery store layouts, can all feel disorienting at first.
To soften the adjustment, you could try to:
- Learn basic phrases in the local language (apps like Duolingo or Babbel are great).
- Read blogs, watch videos, or follow social media creators who live in your destination.
- Learn local customs, such as how people greet each other, what’s considered rude, tipping expectations, etc.
Pro tip: Culture shock isn’t a sign you’ve made the wrong choice; it’s just part of adjusting. Give yourself time, space, and grace.
Packing, shipping, and getting your stuff (and pets) abroad
With a little strategy and a few smart decisions, you can make packing much easier.
Don’t pack your entire house
Before you even touch a suitcase, take a step back and ask yourself: Do I really need this in my new life?
Start with a simple system:
- Keep what you use often and can’t replace easily.
- Sell big-ticket items that aren’t worth shipping.
- Donate clothes and household goods you haven’t touched in a year.
- Store items you love but don’t need right away.
Pack with purpose
Start early and pack in phases. Begin with non-essentials like off-season clothes, books, and décor.
For moving day and travel, keep one carry-on or backpack with:
- Your passport and important documents
- A couple of changes of clothes
- Prescriptions and over-the-counter meds
- Toiletries
- Chargers and adapters
- Anything sentimental or hard to replace
Pro tip: Use color-coded tape or stickers, like red for bedroom, green for kitchen, so movers or future-you know where each box belongs without reading every label.
Choosing the right shipping option
There are a few main options:
- Air freight: Fast, but expensive. Best for a few essentials or tight timelines.
- Sea freight: More affordable, but slower, think up to 12 weeks.
- Shared containers: Perfect if you don’t have a full household to ship. You pay for only the space you use.
If you want everything handled for you, door-to-door services will pack, ship, clear customs, and deliver to your new place. It’s convenient, but pricier.
Bringing your pet? Here’s how to make it safe and stress-free
Every country has its own checklist, and it’s rarely as simple as “show up with a leash.”
Most places require microchipping (ISO-compliant), up-to-date rabies vaccinations, a health certificate from a USDA-accredited vet (usually within 10 days of travel), and parasite treatments or additional vaccines, depending on the country
Some destinations (like Australia and New Zealand) have strict quarantine laws. Others (like Mexico or many parts of Europe) are more flexible, but you still need to meet all requirements exactly.
Flying with pets can be a little nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time. You’ll want an airline that knows what it’s doing, so consider researching airlines with good reputations for pet travel. Also, check if your pet qualifies for in-cabin travel, crate requirements (make sure your carrier is IATA-approved), weather restrictions, and breed restrictions.
Turning your new place into a home
Feeling at home usually takes more than just arriving. It helps to think about how to plant roots, settle into your home, and start thriving in your new space.
Find a place that fits your life
If you’re starting in a short-term rental or Airbnb, this will give you time to explore neighborhoods and figure out what actually works for your daily life, including walkability, public transit, grocery stores, noise levels, and community feel.
When you’re ready for a longer-term place, chat with locals or other expats about which neighborhoods feel safe and welcoming. Also, consider using local real estate agents who understand how leases, deposits, and rental laws work.
Get your phone, Wi-Fi, and tech sorted early
The sooner you’re connected, the easier everything else becomes. That includes ordering takeout when you’re too tired to cook or navigating back home when you’ve gotten completely lost.
A few main things to tackle include:
- SIM card or eSIM. Most airports sell prepaid SIMs with data and local calling.
- Wi-Fi setup. If you’re moving into your own apartment, consider checking installation timelines.
- Power adapters. US plugs rarely fit abroad. Buy a few universal ones and a voltage converter if you’re bringing electronics from the US.
- VPN: A must-have if you want to access US streaming sites or protect your online banking info.
Pro tip: Use two-factor authentication for your important accounts and update your security settings before you travel.
Set up your money situation like a local
Opening a local bank account is essential for handling rent, bills, and getting paid. Look for banks that work with foreigners, ask what documents you’ll need (typically a passport, visa, and proof of address), and watch out for fees. And don’t close your US account, it’s still useful for managing credit or student loans.
Making friends abroad takes effort, but it’s absolutely doable. Start by joining language exchanges, hobby groups, or volunteer projects, and don’t be afraid to make the first move. One genuine connection can make a new place feel like home, even if it takes a few tries to find your people.
Start with school early
If you’re moving with children, finding the right school is probably one of your biggest decisions.
You’ve got a few options:
- International schools: Often follow US or British curricula in English; this is great if you want continuity, but they can be pricey.
- Local public schools: Usually free and a great way for kids to learn the local language and culture.
- Homeschooling: Legal in some countries, restricted in others.
Register for emergencies (because life happens)
Things go wrong, so it’s better to be prepared and never need it than vice versa.
- Sign up for the US Embassy’s STEP Program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). It lets the embassy know where you are in case there’s a natural disaster, political unrest, or other emergencies.
- Know the local emergency number.
- Keep a copy of your passport, visa, health insurance, and emergency contacts in your phone and printed in a folder you can grab quickly.
Pro tip: Save emergency phrases in the local language (like “I need a doctor” or “Call the police”) just in case.
After the move
Once you’ve landed, unpacked (mostly), and figured out how to order coffee in your new city, there are still a handful of important things to do behind the scenes.
Tidy up the admin stuff (before it becomes a headache)
The not-so-fun stuff is what keeps everything else running smoothly. Make time to update your address with local authorities, banks, healthcare providers, and your US accounts. Add reminders to your calendar for visa renewals, tax deadlines, and anything else that might sneak up on you.
Keep learning and exploring like a local
Once the dust settles, don’t stop discovering. Join a neighborhood cooking class, check out a small gallery, try local foods, or just take a different route home and see where it leads. Little adventures add up to a real connection.
Stay close to your people, even from far away
Schedule regular check-ins with family or friends, swap updates in group chats, and share photos or little stories from your day. Virtual movie nights, shared playlists, or even cooking the same meal across time zones can help keep your community close, no matter the miles.
FAQs
How soon should I apply for my visa before moving?
Ideally, three to six months in advance, as processing times vary widely and some documents may take time to gather.
What are the most overlooked costs of moving internationally?
Things like kitchen essentials, SIM cards, admin fees, and unexpected “new city” purchases (like transit passes or a second-hand bike) often add up quickly.
How do I find housing when I don’t know the local rental process?
Start with short-term rentals while you explore neighborhoods, then connect with local realtors or trusted expat groups for help navigating long-term leases.
What should I pack, and what should I leave behind?
Bring essentials, sentimental items, and electronics you’ll use daily. Leave behind bulky furniture, American appliances (they often don’t work abroad), and anything you can cheaply replace.
How do I choose the right health insurance abroad?
Look into expat insurance plans or local public options based on your visa status, and make sure emergency care and prescriptions are covered.
What’s one thing people forget to do after moving abroad?
Set reminders for visa renewals, residency updates, and healthcare registration. These deadlines sneak up fast if you’re not tracking them.