Planning

If you are considering moving outside of the United States, figuring out where to go can be a challenge. Approximately 9 million Americans do live abroad, but they are spread out all over the world. And, considering there are more than 190 countries on the planet today, finding a way to narrow down your options is wise.

While every expat will have different goals and preferences, there are a few nations that nearly everyone should consider. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are the top five countries for expats that are worth exploring.

1. New Zealand

When it comes to the quality of life and how easy it is to get acclimated, New Zealand is a favorite for expats. It is practically effortless to integrate with the locals, particularly since virtually everyone speaks English and the culture is incredibly laidback and friendly. Plus, it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The landscape is magnificent, and there is so much to do, including everything from kayaking to mountaineering.

New Zealand is also an ideal home base for anyone who wants to explore Southeast Asia and Australia. There are a variety of emigration visa and work permit options too, so it is possible to keep a solid income going while working locally with the right paperwork. Just keep in mind that New Zealand can be a bit expensive, particularly when it comes to housing.

2. Germany

Offering amazing beer, incredible food, and a convenient location in the middle of Europe, Germany is a great option for expats who love to travel and experience local cultures. You can reach Italy, Austria, or Switzerland in a few hours by car, or can fly to almost anywhere in Europe in just two hours.

Plus, Germany is filled with a lot to see, including everything from the Black Forest to Frankenstein Castle. And, if you want to experience Oktoberfest celebrations like none other, Germany is the place to be.

A decent number of Germans speak English too, but you are better off if you learn the language. It’s also important to note that it is a bit complicated to make a move to Germany permanent (or even long-term) and the job and real estate rental markets can be a bit competitive, especially in Berlin.

3. Uruguay

If you want to head to South America, Uruguay is worth considering. The country is incredibly stable, both economically and politically. Plus, it’s surprisingly progressive, and the population is highly educated. In most cases, you’ll find that newcomers are welcomed with open arms and locals are willing to help new arrivals who are trying to get their footing.

Once there, you’ll discover fantastic cuisine, stellar wines, and beautiful Atlantic beaches. Even during the winter, the temperatures hardly ever fall below freezing. Plus, Uruguay’s national soccer team is world-class, making it an excellent option for fans of the sport.

The cost of living is pretty decent in Uruguay. However, getting a car can be surprisingly expensive, and having one is a necessity if you are outside of Montevideo (which has an amazing public transit system). Additionally, electronics are incredibly costly, so you’ll want to bring a smartphone with you. Just keep in mind, even though Uruguay is pretty low-crime, muggings aren’t uncommon.

Additionally, don’t expect to find many English speakers here. If you don’t know Spanish, it’s best to learn it before you head to Uruguay.

4. South Korea

South Korea has become increasingly popular with expats over recent years. The cuisine and culture are both worth exploring. Seoul offers a combination of local delights and comforts from back home, all with a shockingly low crime rate and reasonable overall cost of living. Additionally, you’ll find some of the fastest Wi-Fi speeds in existence as well as an incredibly convenient public transit system.

About half of younger South Koreans also speak English. Plus, many of the local signs are translated into English as well, making the transition a bit easier. However, unless you’re coming in to teach English to locals, getting a job can be incredibly difficult. Plus, the weather can be pretty extreme, with frigid winters and scorching summers being common.

It’s also important to note that online censorship does happen in South Korea, though it isn’t as extreme there are it is in some other areas. In most cases, the restrictions are focused on specific political issues or those that might contain illegal content. However, with the right VPN, you can use the internet just as you would back in the United States, so it’s a relatively easy issue to solve.

5. Canada

Few countries are as welcoming to expats as Canada. Newcomers are embraced with open arms, and the culture is accepting of people from practically all walks of life, making it one of the most tolerant nations on the face of the planet.

Since nearly everyone speaks English – aside from some residents of French Canada – it’s easy to integrate into the country. Plus, Canada’s varied landscape is gorgeous, offering plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy biking, hiking, skiing, kayaking, surfing, and practically any other imaginable activity.

Just keep in mind that it can be hard to crack into the local real estate, rental, and job markets. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, real estate prices have skyrocketed. Plus, a surprising number of businesses prefer to hire Canadians over foreigners, regardless of whether you have strong skills and can speak the language.

Moving to a foreign country can be a great experience, but before you move, you need to be fully prepared for this life changing event. When you move abroad for a long period of time, you should consider how you will maintain your finances, health care and relationships. It can be easy to overlook some details while you are still in the comfort of your home country; however, it is necessary to have your plan in order before your departure date. It can be stressful and sometimes even dangerous to live abroad if you have not taken the time to plan out the important details. Before you move out of the country, it is essential that you consider the following five questions.

1. Are all of your health needs taken care of?

Before you move, you should visit your doctor and have a physical examination to make sure you are in good health. You should find out if you have any health conditions that need to be treated before you leave. Also, you should consider getting the recommended or required vaccinations for the country you will be traveling to. Additionally, you may want to look into different international health insurance or travel insurance plans. Finally, you should stock up on any medications that you take regularly and find out if those medications are available in the country you will be moving to.

2. How will you stay in touch with your family and friends?

If you will be leaving behind family and friends, it is important to decide if you plan to maintain your relationship with them. If you would like to stay in contact with them, then it is essential to figure out how you will be communicating while you are away. Fortunately, technology allows you to stay in touch even if you live far away. You may want to look into phone cards, video and voice chat programs and international phone plans. If one of your loved ones does not know how to use these forms of communication, you may want to help them set it up before you leave.

3. Are you financially capable of moving?

Moving abroad long-term can be very expensive. When you live in another country it can be difficult to get a job or you may encounter unexpected expenses. Before you leave, you should make a budget to ensure that you will have enough money to survive while you are out of the country. Additionally, it is good to have an emergency fund with enough money to get you through financially difficult times. Sometimes when you are living abroad, things do not go as planned; therefore, it is important that you always have enough money to buy a plane ticket home.

4. How long do you plan to live abroad?

It is important to know how long you plan on living abroad. Your plan does not have to be exact but you should have a general idea. It may be helpful to consider the following questions: Do you want to live abroad for a specific amount of time or indefinitely? Do you plan on visiting your home country during your time abroad? How will this time abroad affect your relationships and career in your home country? You should consider your answers to these questions, so that you can determine how moving abroad will affect your lifestyle and your future.

5. Who will provide you with social support?

No matter where you go, it is always important to have a group who provides you with social support and comfort. If you live abroad, it is essential that you have some sort of social support. It can be a difficult adjustment living in a new culture; therefore, it may be helpful to have people who you can talk to about your experiences. Before you leave your home country, you should figure out where you will find your support network once you get to your new destination.

In order to successfully enter this new chapter of your life in another country, it is important to have a solid plan before you move. If you have everything in order before your departure date, you will be able to enjoy your expatriate experience, without worrying about all of the loose ends. If you put enough planning and consideration into this move, you will be more likely to have a safe, healthy and prosperous life while living abroad. You should consider these five questions, so that you can be sure you are fully prepared to move out of the country.