What I Wish I Knew Before: Moving Abroad Tips You Could Use!

When I first decided to move abroad, my mind was filled with Pinterest-perfect scenes: cosy cafés in new cities, spontaneous weekend getaways, and the thrill of learning a new language.

What I didn’t expect were the small hiccups, cultural missteps, and moments of unexpected loneliness that came with it. And unfortunately, I did not know someone who could give me moving abroad tips.

If you’re thinking of making the move or already packing your bags, this article is for you. I am sharing the honest, unfiltered version of my journey and moving abroad tips I learnt through experience: the good, the hard, and everything I wish someone had told me before I left.

1. Culture Shock is Real (and That’s Okay)

I thought I would adjust quickly. I was wrong.

The first few weeks felt like being dropped on another planet. People interacted differently, stores closed early, and I couldn’t even figure out how to use the public transport system. I remember standing confused in a grocery store because I did not know any brands of cereal available there. (Yes, really)

What I wish I knew:
Culture shock isn’t just about language, it’s about everything familiar being… unfamiliar. It comes in waves, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Be patient with yourself. The disorientation fades gradually, and you ease in.

Tip: Permit yourself to feel all the feelings. Journal them. Talk to others who’ve been there. Always remember, you’re not alone.

2. Bureaucracy is a Beast

Nobody told me that half of moving abroad is paperwork. Visa applications, tax forms, health insurance registrations, the list is almost endless. One form needed another form, which needed an in-person appointment that couldn’t happen for weeks at a time.

What I wish I knew:
Start the paperwork early. Like months early. And don’t rely on just one source for information. Rules change, and even official websites can become outdated.

Tip: Create a “moving folder” with every document you could possibly need, both digital and hard copies. Bonus: Keep scanned versions in your email, phone or cloud.

3. Making Friends Takes Time (and Intention)

I imagined meeting new friends instantly, like some magical expat version of college. In reality, people had established routines and social circles, and I didn’t know where I fit in.

What I wish I knew:
Making friends as an adult, especially in a foreign place, takes real effort and a lot of it. And sometimes, rejection, too. But with consistency and a little vulnerability, real connections do come.

Tip: Join local Facebook or Meetup groups, attend language exchanges, or volunteer. Say yes to invites, even when you’re tired.

4. Home Becomes a Bit Complicated

I didn’t expect to miss small things from home: my favourite brand of tea, casual chats with the neighbourhood who knew my name, or even the smell of my garden after it rained.

What I wish I knew:
You’ll start to live in-between two places, always slightly missing one or the other. That tug never fully goes away, and that’s okay.

Tip: Create tiny rituals that connect you to both homes. A weekly call with family, cooking dishes from your childhood, or carrying a photo you love.

5. Budgeting Will Save You (Again and Again)

I thought I was financially ready. Then came the “hidden” costs, bank fees, emergency health expenses, language class deposits, and the fact that my remote work income felt less because I was paying rent.

What I wish I knew:
Living abroad can be more expensive than you think. Even in “cheaper” countries, unexpected costs creep up.

Tip: Overestimate your initial budget. Track every expense during the first three months. Build an emergency fund before you go.

6. Learn the Language (Even If Badly)

I procrastinated on learning the local language, thinking English would be enough. Spoiler: it wasn’t. Not knowing how to communicate even at a basic level made me feel isolated.

What I wish I knew:
You don’t need to be fluent, but making the effort changes everything. Locals appreciate it. It opens doors, both literal and metaphorical.

Tip: Learn 10 survival phrases before you move. Use apps like Duolingo or Babbel, and speak even if your grammar’s a mess.

7. Not Every Day Will Be an Adventure and That’s Normal

I thought moving abroad meant constant excitement. But many days were just… regular. Grocery shopping. Laundry. Work stress.

What I wish I knew:
Living abroad is still living. It’s not a permanent vacation. And that’s a good thing. It means you are truly adapting.

Tip: Celebrate the small wins, navigating a local bus, having a conversation in the local language, and finding your go-to coffee shop. Those are victories, too.

8. There’s No One “Right Way” to Do It

Every blog, video, or Instagram post makes it look like there’s a perfect way to move abroad. There isn’t. You will figure out your own rhythm. Your own path.

What I wish I knew:
Comparison is a trap. Some people settle in instantly. Others take a year. Your pace is valid.

Tip: Focus on progress, not perfection. Growth doesn’t always look like forward movement. It often loops, pauses, and reroutes.

Final Thoughts and Moving Abroad Tips: You’re Stronger Than You Think

There were days I questioned my decision. Days I felt alone, lost, or deeply homesick. But every single one of those days taught me something: resilience, humility, flexibility.

Now, years later, I look back and realise: I grew more than I ever could have staying in one place.

So, if you are moving abroad, or thinking about it, I have only one advice. Go for it. But go prepared.

Go with an open heart, a curious mind, and a whole lot of grace for yourself.

You’re not just changing your location; you are expanding your world.