So, you’re thinking of moving abroad? Amazing! Whether you’re chasing sunshine, cheaper living, or just a new adventure, it’s a big, brave move. But here’s the thing: for all the Instagram-perfect snapshots and dreamy travel vlogs, living abroad isn’t always as smooth as it seems.
Sure, it can be life-changing in all the best ways—but only if you’re ready for the stuff no one really talks about.
Let’s dive into five things you really need to know before you pack your bags and hop on that plane.
1. Your Grocery Store is Going to Break Your Heart
You won’t realize how attached you are to your usual store until you’re standing in a tiny local market, searching (in vain) for something as simple as cheddar cheese or baking soda.
Shopping abroad can feel like a treasure hunt—only sometimes the treasure doesn’t exist. You’ll face unfamiliar brands, strange packaging, and shelves full of products you can’t even identify. And if you love cooking? Prepare for some serious adjustments.
Take Shaoxing wine, for example. It’s a staple in many Asian dishes. But if you’re living in, say, rural Europe, you’re probably not going to find it easily. Instead of giving up on your stir-fry dreams, check out this guide for a handy replacement for Shaoxing wine. It’ll save your dinner (and your sanity).
Learning how to substitute ingredients is a real skill you’ll pick up—and it makes you a better, more flexible cook.
2. You’ll Miss Weird Things
Yes, you’ll miss your family and friends. But you know what else? You’ll miss dumb stuff.
- Your favorite toothpaste.
- The smell of your neighborhood coffee shop.
- How easy it is to return things on Amazon.
- The exact way your local barista makes your drink.
- And yes—drive-thru anything.
These little comforts sneak up on you. They’re not dealbreakers, but they can trigger waves of homesickness you weren’t expecting. Be kind to yourself. Missing things is part of the process, not a sign that you made the wrong decision.
The good news? You’ll also gain new favorite things—new routines, treats, and places that become yours.
3. Finding a Place to Live Can Be a Rollercoaster
When it comes to housing, what looks dreamy online might not live up to the photos. And depending on where you’re going, it can be harder than you’d expect to find something safe, clean, affordable, and not already booked by other expats or digital nomads.
If you’re not into spending a fortune or living out of a suitcase forever, here’s a tip: check out PropertyUnder20K. It’s a global listings site that specializes in affordable homes—and not just fixer-uppers either. You’d be surprised what you can find with a bit of digging.
Keep in mind: real estate prices change, and availability varies, but deals do exist. It’s all about timing and being open-minded.
4. Bureaucracy Is a Beast (But You Can Tame It)
No one tells you how much paperwork is involved. It starts before you even leave—visas, bank accounts, insurance—and follows you well into your new life. Expect to wrestle with forms, rules that change without notice, and slow-moving offices.
The trick? Be organized. Really organized. Make copies of everything. Keep digital and paper files. Expect delays.
And if you’re moving somewhere where English isn’t the first language? Get help. A local translator, lawyer, or relocation consultant can save you a ton of stress.
You don’t have to know it all—you just have to know where to get help.
5. You Might Not Feel “At Home” for a While
Even if you love your new country, there’s usually a weird in-between phase. You’re not quite a tourist, but you’re not a local either. It can feel a bit lonely or disorienting at first.
You’ll find yourself second-guessing social cues, fumbling through conversations, and craving the ease of home. That’s normal.
But then something shifts. You start recognizing faces in your neighborhood. You get invited to a local event. You figure out where to buy the best bread.
And slowly, you stop feeling like you’re on the outside looking in.
So… Moving Abroad, Should You Do It?
Absolutely. But do it with eyes open and expectations in check. Moving abroad isn’t a magic solution to life’s problems—but it is an incredible opportunity for growth, joy, and discovery.
Be flexible. Be curious. And give yourself a big dose of patience.
Oh—and when you can’t find what you’re looking for at the grocery store? Just smile, improvise, and remember you’re building a new life, one meal (and mix-up) at a time.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Move:
- Research visa and residency options before you go.
- Pack light—seriously, you don’t need as much as you think.
- Join local Facebook groups or expat forums.
- Learn a few key phrases in the local language.
- Always have an emergency fund.
- Say yes to invites, even if you’re nervous.
- Take breaks from social media if it makes you homesick.
- Remember: no one has it all figured out.
Moving abroad is messy, magical, and totally worth it. Just don’t expect perfection. Expect real life—with a much better view.
And who knows? You might just find your dream home for less than your last couch. 😉