Moving abroad is a stressful experience, even if we feel ready to do so or have a job prospect already lined up. It opens up many new exciting opportunities but also unknown variables we might not know how to tackle.
What are the most common fears of moving abroad? And how can they be overcome?
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Language Barriers
Fear of cultural and language barriers is common when moving to a country with no English as its first language. In fact, while English is universal, not everyone speaks it, which is especially true in common everyday settings. The first time at the grocery store can easily become a haunting experience.
How to overcome this?
Start by learning the country language before moving. Make sure to learn the most common phrases, such as “Good morning” and “Thank you”, to help you establish a first connection with the locals and thus decrease the disconnect with the new culture. If you decide to make the new country your permanent home, you may want to undertake a full language course.
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Moving
Relocating your entire life and belongings abroad requires a long and painstaking process that can quickly become overwhelming. Hiring international movers is an excellent way to speed up the process and reduce stress. The movers will take care of all the details for you, from packing to shipping, all the way to custom clearance and even, at times, unpacking in your new home.
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Cost of Living
While the move can already prove expensive, you might be worried about the cost of living you’ll encounter. How should you plan for it? What are the prices you can expect?
It would be best to research such information before moving to put some money aside to be used in case of emergencies or settling in expenses. For example, in the Czech Republic, first payments for properties usually include first rent + utilities (usually around 2.000 – 10.000 CZK) as well as a security deposit (between 1 to 3 months of rent) and a commission for the real estate agent (in the amount of 1 month rent + 21% VAT), which altogether can easily reach an amount between 50.000 and 150.000 CZK. Another good practice is to create a plan to respect before and after your move, to keep your finances under control.
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Bureaucracy
To live and work legally in another country, depending on where you are coming from, might require you to obtain several documents. From visas to residence permits, navigating a new country’s bureaucratic landscape can be a nightmare.
To lessen the strain, you can look up a Facebook group of people looking to move or who have moved to the specific country you are interested in and ask them for advice or you can also hire a professional service to overcome language barriers and ensure you don’t miss any step.
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Safety
When we do not know the reality of the country we are going to move into, it is normal to ask ourselves “Is it safe?”.
In the case of Prague, the answer is yes. The city has often been rated high in safety indices around the world. However, even in safe areas, it is important to always apply common sense and research beforehand.
For a more complete outlook on the country’s situation, we would suggest checking not only government websites but also blogs of people living there and possibly finding ways to get in touch with locals.
Here at ReloCare, we offer 1 on 1 consultations to answer any questions you may have concerning your move abroad. From Cost of Living and Safety to Bureaucracy and Moving, our expertise is at your service to resolve all your doubts.
If you would like to know more, do not hesitate to reach out.
