The start of your expat journey can be daunting, even for seasoned travelers. This time you are staying, not going back home. Visa in hand, where next? The very start of the process is planning your move. Then, when you arrive in your new country, you might need to start practicing or learning the language. You will certainly need to get used to new customs. It is also a good idea to meet new people to share their experiences with you.
Sometimes, the simplest moments hold the deepest wisdom. Let your thoughts settle, and clarity will find you.
Planning the Move
There are many factors to consider when moving to a new country. First, ask yourself: what will I take with me? The distance you are traveling can greatly influence what you pack. Traditionally, expats from the UK (pre-Brexit) took everything when moving to the EU, as there were no customs checks and shipping was relatively inexpensive.
If you are traveling halfway around the world, shipping costs will be high. You should consider what you will need in your new country. Do you need to arrange a storage solution upon arrival or move directly into your new home? Some people choose to sell their belongings back home and travel with just their personal items. I’ve seen many photos of people arriving at Lisbon Airport from the USA, especially, carrying 10+ carry-on bags along with their pets.
Language
If you are moving to a new country that has a different language, it is a good idea to start learning the basics before you arrive. Simple greetings, colors, time, and dates are all good basics to know. Of course, also learn how to order your favorite drink. Quero uma copa de vinho tinto (Portuguese) will go a long way toward earning respect from the locals, rather than saying, I would like a glass of red wine. If you don’t get it quite right, they won’t mind, but it will help break the ice.
There are many online resources to learn languages, and many are free, such as the Memrise app. You might also be able to join a language class in your home country, especially for major languages like French, Spanish, or German. If you are moving with children, it is especially important to get them learning as soon as possible. This will make their transition into school much easier.
Cuture
Culture is harder to learn, and sometimes you will need to change your personal habits. When I moved to Portugal, we did not have smartphones—yes, it was that long ago. The biggest changes for me were getting used to a slower pace of life and a more bureaucratic, paper-based administrative system. You will still find that you need a stack of paperwork to get anything done in Portugal. Even though they are trying to do more things online, many tasks still require paperwork.
The UK has become predominantly cash-free in recent years, with most transactions now taking place electronically. However, in many parts of Europe, cash remains extremely popular and is still widely used for everyday purchases, even in large and bustling cities. The way people interact with their bank managers, particularly in countries like Portugal, can be quite different from what you might be used to if you are from the UK or the US.
My advice would be to embrace the slower pace of life you will encounter and to appreciate the less automated but much more personal and attentive service that comes with it.
Meet People.
Social Media and Online Groups
Join Facebook groups like “Expats in Portugal” or local area groups to find events and meet-ups. Meetup.com is also popular for finding interest-based gatherings, especially in bigger cities like Lisbon.
Language Exchanges
Join local Lanuage Lessons group, often held in bars or cafés in cities and towns. At the start of the school year many High Schools offer evening classes in Portuguese aimed at achieving A2 certificate for citizenship.
Join local sports/hobby clubs
Tennis or Yoga groups, local Gyms or hobby groups, are all grat ways to meet people with similar interests, and Facebook is a great way to find out what is on in your area.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a excellent way to meet community-focused individuals, where I live there are many volunteer groups helping with Amimals, local Comunities, Beach Clean-Ups and more. Many are connect to Portuguese organisations so another great way to improve your lange skills at the same time.
Wrapping Up with Key Insights
There are a lot of things to consider when moving to a new country. I have just scratched the surface here, but hopfully I have given you some ideas and links where you can research a bit more to get ready for your move or to help you to adjust to your new Home.