10 things to consider before moving abroad

As we have experienced now a move from one continent to another and know how NOT to do it I would like to share some helpful tips with you about the preparation, packing, etc. of the big move.

1) Pack some essentials rather than random stuff and do not move your whole household //

   Seriously, there is an IKEA almost everywhere around the world. Face creams, perfumes, books, decorations. I mean, really? You move to another country, not another planet. Probably they also have toothpaste and shampoo, don`t you think so? We had the luck to get a storage for Florians stuff. It made sense for him because he has valuable items. However there is no way to ship it here for a reasonable price. Besides there are thousands of fully furnished apartments targeting people who come here with 2 suitcases and will not stay forever.

2) Arrange an insurance for the time you stay abroad //

 This is something that has to be done. Inform yourself about a suitable insurance, go on the internet and look for expats in the same situation, how they solved this question. It is important, no one wants to live without coverage for the worst case.

3) Terminate running contracts on time //

What helped us a lot was going through our statements of bank accounts from the last months and see who gets money from us on a monthly basis. There is the fitness club, libraby, internet provider, smartphone internet flatrate etc. To all of these you write a letter with your notice of quit and voilá! It is not that complicated to leave a life behind. Mostly they even have a clause for the case of moving abroad. Be careful with your rental apartment. In Germany they have a cancellation period of 3 months! Everything else can usually be cancelled within one month.

4) Do not stress out with a big farewell party //

If you move abroad, your friends are usually informed and get excited with you. Those who care and take part will show up anyway to hug you and have a glass of wine. And those who do not are not worth to throw a giant party for. Moreover nobody has the time and energy for that besides the packing and organizing. Our very last evening in Germany we spent with the closest family and that was the best way we could do. 

Out little Farewell with 2,5 guests. Parents plus the dog.

5) Start looking for an apartment after you arrive //

Yes, we do have internet and can arrange a lot of things virtually. Nevertheless it is totally different when you see, touch, smell and feel things. A new apartment is probably the hardest decision to take abroad. It is your new comfortzone, your comfy nest in a new strange world. Inform about the prices, budget your rent and contact a realtor. In the meantime, stay in a longterm apartment which is less expensive than a hotel.

6) Inform yourself about visa regulations //

This is something we should have done earlier. Thailand is complicated when it comes to the question how you are allowed to stay in this country. Until I figured out how is really works and what kind of visa types exist, I was already here for a few weeks. Even the Thai embassy in Germany was not helpful in that question. When you are not in the lucky case of being a spouse and do not want to marry out of legal reasons, then one has to be clever enough to find another way. You are responsible for your visa, no one else will take it in hand for you.

7) Have a first aid-kit and required vaccinations //
Apart from the health insurance consult a doctor for the required vaccinations and a first-aid kit (or go to a pharmacy and put one together yourself). I am scared as hell of hospitals, doctors and needles and was very grateful for our little equipment here in the beginning consisting of German pain relief pills, cough tablets, my birth control pill and Florians contact lenses. After a while you are familiar with the pharmacies here and dare to try the foreign medication but until then you are on the safe side. Not every little cough has to be treated with antibiotics, Thailand.

8) Locals helping you with larger purchases are worth a mint //
We had two big-ticket items when we came here: the apartment plus the car. Bangkok is despite what some people say really foreign-friendly therefore a lot of business people speak good English. However some papers like the car documents remain in local language. That is why it is ingenious to have some local friends on the spot to negotiate at your side and have a look at the documents.

"Hondi"

9) Theory and practice are two different animals //
That is a rule applying to every case of moving abroad. You can read, inform, do proper research on certain topics and still be disappointed at some point. And that is absolutely okay. You are taking this adventure to learn new things, fall down and fail. But never forget to get up again, shine bright and do not be shy to ask for help because you are not alone and there are so many people out there with the same struggles.

10) At the end look into the bright future ahead and let go //
This is the last tip on my list for you but probably at the same time the most important one. Let go of old habits, routines, attitudes, make yourself free. This takes time and is not a process of a few weeks or months and probably never finished. Give your mind the chance to develop in a new environment. Settle old scores if you have some in your home country, because everywhere you go, you always take the weather with you - nicely said by Crowded House.