Americans are taking scouting trips to determine if they can manage relocating to a different nation But securing a new residence in another country isn't as straightforward as just taking a trip there.
Hear it from Alex Ingrim, who hails from Washington originally, but departed for the USA to pursue studies in France, where he crossed paths with his current wife, Louisa.
In the past 17 years, Ingrim, who is 36 years old, has resided in France, Canada, the UK, Malta, and currently in Italy.
He's a financial advisor with Chase Buchanan USA based in Florence, which has roughly 70 clients. He advises fellow Americans about taxes and other financial planning involved with moving to Europe.
Below is his guidance for embarking on an exploration journey to locate a new residence overseas.
1. Go during the low season
If you’re traveling to your ideal location during high tourist season when the weather is pleasant, ensure to schedule another visit for the wintertime or the offseason.
This allows you to gain a deeper understanding of what it's really like to reside there permanently.
Ingrim informs Pawonation.com Make It that the experience at Spain’s Costa del Sol or winter visits to Cypriot vacation spots might significantly differ from those during the busy summer period. He adds that traveling in the colder months offers a truer sense of everyday life.
2. Maintain your stay for a minimum of 6 weeks
If you are committed to completely transforming your life with a move abroad, dedicate a minimum of six weeks to being in that country.
That's the least amount of time required before you can begin shopping and running errands as if you were a resident, according to Ingrim.
He mentions that if your stay lasts for two weeks, you won’t truly be engaging in full-scale grocery shopping. You can manage with merely patching up the small gaps in your usual daily routine.
Nevertheless, "if your stay extends beyond a month, you must consider various issues. For instance, you might not be able to use a laundromat and would require accommodations with laundry facilities."
An additional point worth mentioning: Many houses in Europe do not have dryers, making air drying your clothing the usual practice.
"Many small details that might make you think, 'Haha, it was so enjoyable during our trip,' could become extremely irritating after about six weeks," Ingrim states.
3. Perform the mundane chores
When you're overseas for an extended time, avoid slipping into vacation mode by handling your usual tasks like shopping at the grocery store, visiting the bank, going to the electronics store, or dropping by the repair shop.
Dine at the cafes and eateries where you typically spend your money when you're at home, rather than only indulging in places reserved for special occasions during travel. As Ingrim suggests, aim to grasp the actual budget based on your everyday living expenses.
Additionally, think about how your buying behaviors may need to shift and the potential effects this could have on your daily life.
" Ingrim mentions that they frequently hear from individuals who feel compelled to venture out for groceries multiple times per week. These residents reside on the third floor without access to an elevator within their building, leading them to question how they can manage carrying such quantities of food upstairs every couple of days.
Ingram mentions that although it may seem minor, it's a legitimate aspect to consider, which could necessitate a change in one’s way of living and potentially influence the arrangements you make.
4. Choose a house where you would enjoy living.
Aim to reside in an Airbnb or similar accommodation that aligns with the budget range you could sustain long-term. This approach allows you to assess the build quality, your spatial needs, and experience using a European-style kitchen firsthand, as suggested by Ingrim.
When selecting a neighborhood, focus on having essential amenities close by.
The initial aspect to consider is transportation — do you intend to drive, or will you depend on public transit instead? Should driving not be your primary mode of travel, is your area pedestrian-friendly?
Consider then how you enjoy spending your free moments and whether your environment caters to those preferences, suggests Ingrim. Do you have access to dining spots that appeal to you? Are there stores nearby that meet your needs?
If you're considering having children or already have them, look into regions with good school districts.
Ingram explains, 'It’s about finalizing the design of your accommodation and understanding how it aligns with your everyday routine within the community.'
Remember not to overlook your interests, such as having access to a local gym (which is less typical in Europe, according to Ingrim), or perhaps preferring an area with many bicycle routes.
"Whatsoever it may be, check if it’s easily accessible,” he remarks. “Otherwise, it will definitely become frustrating to locate it afterwards.”
Looking to eliminate stress over finances? Register now for Pawnation.com's latest online class Attain Financial Well-being: Enhance Happiness, Increase Wealth, and Boost Financial Security We’ll cover the psychology behind financial decisions, show you how to handle stress and develop good habits, and share easy methods to increase your savings, pay off debts, and plan investments for tomorrow. Begin now and enter code EARLYBIRD at checkout for a special 30% discount valid until September 2, 2024.
Plus, sign up for Pawonation.comMake It's newsletter To acquire advice and strategies for achieving success at your job, managing finances, and navigating everyday life.
Post a Comment