5 Steps before Moving Abroad

1. Skype Credits

As a traveler, it is common to purchase a SIM card for the country you are visiting. However, this can present challenges when needing to make international calls, such as contacting your bank to cancel a stolen card or communicating with your school about admissions and payments. To mitigate these issues, it is recommended to purchase Skype Credits before embarking on your journey. This allows for the ability to call any phone number directly through the Skype app, using only a Wi-Fi connection. This can be a cost-effective solution, as international calls can be expensive. It is advised to allocate a budget of $10 for Skype Credits, to ensure you have the necessary means of communication while traveling.

2. International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a valuable document for long-term travelers and expats, as it allows you to legally drive in over 120 countries. This can save you thousands of dollars in driving lessons and governmental fees, especially if you're moving to a country where you're required to take a driving test or obtain a local driver's license. Additionally, in some countries, police officers specifically look for individuals who cannot present an IDP. This is particularly common in tourist hotspots such as Ubud in Bali. Obtaining an IDP is a simple process, requiring only a visit to Triple A, presentation of your driver's license, a passport photo, and a fee of $20. It's important to note that this document not only protects you while operating cars, but also applies to scooters and motorcycles.

3. Google Translate

When traveling abroad, being able to communicate effectively is of paramount importance. While English is widely spoken in many countries, it is not always the primary language and language barriers can arise. To mitigate this, utilizing a translation tool such as Google Translate is a valuable asset. By downloading the official language of the country, as well as other common languages in the area, one can translate while offline and remain prepared for any communication challenges that may arise. Additionally, for those working in the tourist industry, it is advisable to download languages such as French, Russian, and German, as these are commonly spoken among international travelers. Overall, being proactive and prepared in terms of language barriers can greatly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of communication during international relocation.

4. Register with your Embassy

It is highly recommended for travelers to register with their home embassy before embarking on their journey abroad. By doing so, individuals will be kept informed of any potential conflicts or issues in the area through email updates from the embassy. The registration process can typically be completed online and it is advisable to complete this step prior to leaving one's home country. While most notifications from the embassy should be considered with caution, there may be instances where important information is provided. For example, through registering with my embassy, I was made aware of a temporary restriction on bringing cameras on flights departing from Dubai, which would have otherwise caught me off guard at the airport.

5. Use a Virtual Private Network

Many countries have strict internet censorship laws, and accessing certain websites or social media platforms can be impossible without a VPN. For example, in China, popular platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google are all blocked. In addition, many Middle Eastern countries have strict laws regarding online content, and accessing certain websites can lead to legal repercussions. By using a VPN, you can bypass these restrictions and access the information and services you need while abroad. You may use your VPN to access streaming sites that may otherwise be unavailable overseas. Additionally, a VPN can also protect your personal information and online activity from hackers and government surveillance. When using public Wi-Fi, it’s important to remember that your personal information can be easily accessed by hackers. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it much more difficult for hackers to access your personal information. This is especially important when traveling to countries with less stringent cyber security laws.