Tips for Getting Started and Making Connections
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential destinations, it’s time to move from dreaming to doing. This is where your detailed lifestyle planning kicks into high gear. Here is a practical, step-by-step approach to make the process smoother.
Step 1: The “Test Drive” Trip
Before you sell your house and ship your belongings, you must visit your top-choice country. Don’t just stay for a week in a resort. Rent an apartment for a month or two, preferably during the “off-season” to see what it’s really like. This reconnaissance mission is invaluable. You’ll get a feel for the rhythm of daily life, meet other expats who can share their experiences, and identify potential challenges you hadn’t considered.
Step 2: Create a Detailed Financial Plan
Meet with a financial advisor, ideally one with experience in expat finances. You’ll need to discuss:
- Budgeting: Create a realistic monthly budget based on your on-the-ground research from your test drive.
- Taxes: As a U.S. citizen, you still have to file U.S. taxes, even if you live abroad. Understand your obligations and how they interact with the tax laws of your new country.
- Banking: Figure out the best way to access your money. This usually involves keeping a U.S. bank account for Social Security deposits and opening a local bank account for daily expenses.
Step 3: Handle the Logistics of a Senior Relocation
This is the nuts-and-bolts part of the move. Start downsizing well in advance. You’ll be surprised by how much you’ve accumulated over the years. Decide what is truly essential. For most people, it makes more sense to sell most of their furniture and buy new things abroad rather than pay for expensive international shipping. Pack sentimental items, important documents, and anything you can’t live without. For everything else, ask yourself: “Can I easily and affordably replace this in my new home?”
Step 4: Build Your New Community
The secret to a happy expat retirement isn’t just a beautiful view; it’s a strong social network. Moving to a new place can be lonely at first, so be proactive about building connections. Before you even move, join online expat forums and Facebook groups for your chosen city. Once you arrive, dive in. Sign up for a language class, join a book club, take a cooking course, or find a local walking group. Pursue the hobbies you love. Much like you might explore U.S. natural wonders through the National Park Service, seek out your new country’s treasures and the groups dedicated to them.
