Expat Life: A Complete Guide to Living Abroad

Moving overseas isn’t just about changing your address, it’s about reinventing your way of life. Expat life is thrilling, unpredictable, and deeply rewarding. One day you’re sipping coffee on a sunny piazza, the next you’re trying to figure out why your bank rejected your passport photo. 

Unlike immigrants who typically move to settle permanently, expats often head abroad for career opportunities, better living standards, or the adventure of immersing themselves in a new culture. Some stay a year or two; others end up calling their host country home for decades. 

Living abroad means balancing the practicalities—visas, jobs, finances, healthcare, and housing—with the personal challenges of making friends, learning the language, and adapting to a new culture. In this guide, we’ll explore every side of expat living from preparing your move and managing your money to building a fulfilling life overseas. Done right, expat life can be the fresh start you’ve been craving. 

• What is an expat? 
• What are the pros and cons of expat life? 
• What are the best visa options for expats? 
• How to prepare for relocation? 
• How to find expat jobs? 
• Financial Planning 
• Expat Health Insurance and Healthcare 
• Expat Housing and Accommodation 
• Expat Education Options 
• How to integrate as an expat? 
• Frequently Asked Questions 

At its simplest, an expat (short for expatriate) is someone who has chosen to live outside of their home country for either personal or work purposes. Unlike immigrants, expats usually reside abroad temporarily, often maintaining citizenship and legal ties to their home country. 

Most expats relocate for: 

• Career opportunities: International jobs and remote work. 
• Family relocation: Moving for a spouse’s job, children’s schooling, or to be closer to relatives in other countries. 
• Lifestyle choices: Lower cost of living, better weather, or improved health care access. 
• Adventure and growth: Learning a new language, experiencing a new culture, or exploring the world. 

The pros of expat life 

1. Personal growth 

You get exposure to new perspectives, traditions, and histories that can reshape how you see the world. Living in a new country pushes you outside your comfort zone which can lead to a better understanding of yourself, the development of a deeper interest in world issues, and enhanced creativity. 

You also become better equipped to deal with change, and it leads to increased adaptability. Your social skills will improve as you’re forced to interact with people to get around daily. 

2. Cultural immersion 

Daily, basic interactions with locals and interacting with expat communities open the door to more authentic experiences like new food and activities you might not find in your old stomping grounds. By surrounding yourself with a new culture, you gain insight into how different people live around the world and it can even give you a better appreciation for your culture. 

You also gain the opportunity to learn new languages as immersion forces proficiency. In a PubMed study of learners of Spanish in Spain, immersed learners outperformed classroom-only students in comprehension and production tasks. 

3. Work-life balance 

We now understand more deeply how important it is to balance your professional goals with personal freedom and happiness. In many countries globally, like Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands, they emphasize shorter work weeks and provide longer holidays to give expats more time to spend with family and go on weekend trips. 

The Global Life-Work Balance Index by Remote found that countries like New Zealand, Ireland, Spain and Norway all lead the charge in the number of hours worked per week as well as the number of mandatory annual leave days. 

OECD data shows that the average American works about 1,811 hours per year, while in countries like Germany and the Netherlands, the figure drops to around 1,350 to 1,400 hours. 

4. Improved quality of life 

Moving abroad can dramatically improve your quality of life by lowering stress and increasing everyday satisfaction. Health care is often a major benefit. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), countries such as France and Spain rank among the best globally for accessible, affordable services, while Costa Rica is frequently highlighted as having one of the most efficient healthcare systems in Latin America. 

Personal finances also tend to improve for many expats. The Numbeo 2025 cost of living index shows that living in a place like Chiang Mai, Thailand can be nearly 30% cheaper than in New York City, while still offering modern amenities and strong expat communities. 

Safety adds another layer of life quality, with places like New Zealand and Portugal consistently ranking among the top ten safest countries in the world and according to Global Citizen Solutions’ Passport Index also rank high for overall great quality of life. 

Combine these factors with the ease of traveling to other countries from your new base, and it’s easy to see why surveys show most expats report higher happiness and overall life satisfaction after relocating. 

The cons of expat life 

1. Culture shock 

No matter how prepared you are, adjusting to a new country brings moments of disorientation. Everyday routines, from how people greet each other to when shops open, can feel foreign at first. 

Psychologists describe the “U-curve” of culture shock. There is an initial honeymoon phase followed by frustration and then gradual adjustment. 

According to the American Psychological Association, this process can last anywhere from a few months up to one year, depending on how immersed you are in local culture and how much support you find in expat communities. 

2. Starting over 

The logistics of moving overseas can be daunting. Setting up a house, opening a bank account, or even buying a SIM card requires navigating unfamiliar systems and paperwork. 

In fact, the OECD Migration Outlook has noted that bureaucracy is one of the top stressors for expats in many countries. 

The good news is that each hurdle you overcome builds resilience and adds to your skill set, making future challenges easier to manage. 

3. Social isolation 

While life abroad is exciting, it can also feel lonely. Most expats report that building new friends takes longer than expected, especially when locals already have established circles. On top of that, expat friendships can be transient, as people often relocate every six months to a few years. 

Surveys from InterNations’ Expat Insider report show that over 30% of expats cite difficulty making friends as a key challenge of international living. Staying proactive by joining clubs, attending meetups, or volunteering are often the best ways to build a lasting community. 

4. Costs 

Relocation can be more expensive than expected. Private school tuition, private health insurance, and hidden costs like importing belongings or paying deposits up to six months’ rent can quickly add up. 

According to Numbeo, while some cities like Chiang Mai or Porto offer significant savings compared to New York or London, other destinations can have equal or even higher living costs. Careful budgeting before you settle in your new home country can make all the difference in the long run. 

5. Visa requirements 

Finally, residency isn’t guaranteed. Visa requirements vary widely, and most countries require proof of income, adequate housing, or valid health insurance to remain in the country legally. Missing deadlines or not maintaining eligibility can result in fines or even the loss of residency rights. 

Research from the Migration Policy Institute highlights that many expats underestimate visa renewal rules, which can cause unnecessary stress. Staying organized and setting reminders for paperwork is essential to avoid disruptions to your life abroad. 

The best visa option for expats depends on your priorities and personal preferences, but common choices include work visas, digital nomad visas, and permanent residence permits. Some common types of expat visas include: 

• Work permits and employment visas: If you’ve secured a job in your new country, your employer often sponsors this visa. Be aware: in many countries, your legal status is tied directly to that job. Change employers, and you may need to restart the process. 

• Digital nomad visas: Created for the growing wave of digital nomads, these allow remote workers with foreign employers to legally live abroad for six months to several years, depending on the country. Some good digital nomad visa options include the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa and Spain Digital Nomad Visa, which are two of the most popular options among remote workers. 

• Residency and Citizenship by Investment: Also known as Golden Visas, these programs allow foreigners to get residency and even citizenship in exchange for real estate purchases, job creation, or capital investment. The Greece Golden Visa and Turkey Citizenship by Investment are good examples of these options. 

• Family reunification visas: This is available to you if you’re joining a spouse, partner, or other dependent already living abroad. Family reunification visas are often the fastest route to settlement, but they do require proof of relationship and financial stability. 

• Student visas: Perfect for those pursuing international education. These visas often allow part-time work too. 

• Retirement visas: These are tailored to retirees seeking a slower pace of life in a new home country; these visas generally require proof of stable income or pensions, as well as private health insurance. Popular destinations include Costa Rica, Portugal, Malaysia, and Thailand, all of which actively welcome retirees with accessible programs. They are also all ranked in the top 10 countries to retire abroad by Global Citizen Solutions’ 2025 Global Retirement Report. 

Landing a job overseas takes research and persistence, but there are many paths you can take, namely: 

• Expat job boards and agencies: Sites like JobsinNetwork, GoAbroad, and Glassdoor often list international careers by region or industry. Many countries also have local job boards dedicated to foreign workers. 

• Networking: This remains the most effective strategy. Online platforms like LinkedIn can connect you with recruiters, but don’t underestimate offline networking. Expat communities, professional associations, and chambers of commerce often host events where newcomers can make valuable connections. 

• Company transfers: Multinationals frequently relocate staff with all costs with the company often carrying all the costs. If you’re already working for a global company, explore internal postings. They often come with generous relocation packages. 

• Teaching and seasonal work: In many countries, especially in Asia and the Middle East, teaching English remains a reliable entry point. Seasonal jobs in tourism, hospitality, or agriculture can also serve as gateways to starting a new life abroad. 

• Relocation packages: Expats moving with company support often benefit from packages that may include housing allowances, health care coverage, school fees for children, and even annual flights home. 

Sorting out your finances is one of the most important, and often overlooked, parts of preparing for life abroad. 

Financial security doesn’t just mean making sure you have enough money to cover rent and groceries in your new home country. It’s also about managing international banking, understanding tax rules, and making sure your long-term savings and retirement plans will not be disrupted by your time abroad. 

International banking 

Set up an international bank account before you move as this makes cross-border transference of funds much simpler. 

Take note of fees related to currency exchange as even small percentage charges can add up quickly when you’re transferring rent or paying tuition for school abroad. 

For easy transactions, use multi-currency accounts and digital banks like Wise or Revolut. These let you hold and spend in several currencies at once, often at much lower rates than traditional banks and are more mobile-friendly for on-the-go transactions. 

Accessing your funds locally is also important. Remember that some countries make it harder for non-residents to open accounts, so research your options in advance to avoid not having access to money when you arrive in your new country or face delays in setting up essential payments for crucial things like rent and utilities.   

Expat taxes 

Taxes can be one of the most confusing aspects of moving overseas. Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) between your destination and home countries can help prevent you from being taxed twice on the same income, offering crucial protection for expats earning across borders.  
 
Another important consideration for expats is tax residency. Many countries apply the 183-day rule, meaning that if you spend more than half the year in a particular place, it becomes your country of tax residency. 

The United States is an exception to this, as U.S. citizens are taxed on their worldwide income regardless of where they live. In addition, many expats choose to diversify their assets through international or offshore banking and investment accounts, which can help optimize tax efficiency and support long-term wealth growth while living abroad. 

Healthcare is something most expats tend to think about first mainly because many countries won’t even approve your visa without proof of health insurance.  

Having the right health care coverage also gives you long-term peace of mind and can prevent potentially unpredictable financial costs from popping up.  

Comprehensive health care insurance plans usually cover hospitalization, outpatient care, maternity, and sometimes dental and/or vision.  

You can also look into moving to countries with the best healthcare for expats. Many places such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer high health care standards. Medical tourism hubs like Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur are known for high-quality hospitals at a fraction of costs in, say, the United States. A heart bypass that costs $120,000 in the U.S. may be around $15,000 to $20,000 in a place like Thailand.  

Always identify which hospitals in the nearby vicinity of your new city or town accept your insurance before you need to use them.  

Make sure to look for insurance policies that include medical evacuation, especially if you’re moving to a region where advanced hospitals are far away. For example, retirees in rural Costa Rica often choose plans with air ambulance coverage that will airlift them to San José or Miami.  

Keep repatriation in mind as some policies cover the international transfer of patients to more appropriate medical facilities, often located in their home country, to receive continued care or to be with family and friends.  

Finding a home abroad can be both exciting and stressful. Housing markets vary dramatically by country. 

Short-term housing 

Many expats start their first few months abroad by staying in serviced apartments or renting Airbnbs. 

Expat forums and Facebook groups often list sublets or shared housing, which can be cheaper and is simultaneously a great way to meet people. 

Long-term housing 

Expect to pay steep deposits to rent an apartment or house. In Japan, renters often face the concept of “key money”, which is an extra nonrefundable fee equal to 1 to 2 months of rent. In Germany, deposits of up to three months are standard. 

Shipping furniture abroad can be expensive. Renting furnished apartments or using furniture rental services is a more practical option and bridges the gap. 

Expat-focused real estate agents know both the market and landlord expectations, making negotiations smoother and they can look over contracts for you. 

Common pitfalls 

• Misunderstanding contract terms. Such as automatic renewal clauses in places such as Austria or longer or shorter notice periods than you’re used to in your home country. Or if you’re renting in Lisbon, Portugal requires you to sign a 12-month minimum contract while in London you get a more flexible 6-month short-term contract. 

• Underestimating utility costs. For example, in Dubai, water bills for a family of four can reach around $70 to $100 per month, largely due to desalination. By comparison, if that same family is living in Mexico City, they may pay under $20 per month thanks to subsidies but the downside is that supply can be less reliable. 

• Not checking neighborhood transport links. A charming villa on the outskirts of Rome, Italy may seem like a bargain, but you must take into consideration a potential daily 90-minute commute into the city center. 

For families, schooling can make or break a relocation decision. Understanding the local education system is essential, whether you are considering public, private, or international schools, and you should account for language differences, curriculum, and extracurricular opportunities. 

International private schools offer familiar curricula like the IB, British GCSE/A-Levels, or U.S. systems. Some countries with the best education (for example, Germany) offer tuition-free public school education. 

Higher education abroad is also appealing. Many European countries offer low-cost or tuition-free university programs, even for foreigners, which is a blessing when compared to the steep U.S. fees. For example, Norway’s higher education is tuition-free, provided the student covers their own living expenses while studying.  

Raising third-culture kids (TCKs) requires extra support. Children adapt quickly but may struggle with their identity when moving between countries. 

Schools, community centers, and youth clubs are great anchors for kids’ social life and help to build confidence. 

According to a Harvard Business Review study, TCKs often grow up to be highly adaptable adults with strong cross-cultural skills which can be seen as a hidden benefit of expat family life. 

Integrating as an expat requires openness, cultural curiosity, and practical adaptation. 

Start by learning the local language and customs, which foster deeper connections and daily comfort.  

Even learning a handful of phrases (“thank you”, “where is” and “how much?”) goes a long way in showing respect and building trust with locals as well as overcoming the frustration stage of culture shock.  

Online communities (like Internations or local Facebook groups) are great for quick advice on everything from visas to where to buy your favorite peanut butter. 

Meetups, sports clubs, and chambers of commerce events help expats and locals mingle in person. Additionally, volunteering or taking classes (from cooking to yoga) introduces you to people outside the expat bubble.  

Embrace local traditions, cuisine, and social norms while sharing your own culture to create mutual understanding. Respect local etiquette. In Japan, for instance, bowing is customary, while in France a kiss on both cheeks is common among friends. 

Observe and embrace national holidays, traditions, and food customs, it deepens your appreciation for your new home country and helps you feel part of it.