If you are planning a move abroad, the internet is bursting with information and tips for would be expats. There are so many websites, apps and resources to help you on your way, the hardest thing about doing your research can be knowing where to start. We have been helping get people moving for well over a century and know exactly what people need when planning a move abroad. So, before you start scouring the internet, here is our pick of the top resources for moving abroad.
HSBC Expat Explorer
https://www.expatexplorer.hsbc.com/
If you’re just starting to plan your move overseas, HSBC’s Expat Explorer is a great place to start. The Expat Explorer survey ranks 39 of the most popular destinations across a number of criteria based on economics, experience and family. The rankings can even be personalised based on which criteria are the most important to you giving a real insight into the best possible destinations for you and your family.
Once you’ve narrowed the choices down, the country guides are packed with more in depth information about living and working in your potential new home. There are even great expat hints and tips to give you first hand advice from your fellow new arrivals such as “Befriend locals!” and “Learn the language and see how things open up for you”. The Expat Community section is definitely one of our top resources for moving abroad and has an inspiring and insightful selection of videos, blogs and tweets from intrepid expats all over the world to get prepared and excited for your move abroad.
Telegraph Expat
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/
Whether you’re investigating potential destinations or researching international job prospects, the Telegraph’s extensive expat section is packed with editorials, guides and first hand expat accounts as well as all the latest news from abroad. With 11 sections covering everything from expat money and property to health and education, you can easily find the answers to all of your questions. Make sure to check out this site, one of our definite top resources for moving abroad.
From earnest editorials examining the economic situation in various expat hotspots, to light-hearted blogs about daily life living overseas, you’ll get an excellent overview of life abroad. You can even sign up to an email bulletin to keep you up to date with all the latest expat news.
Bob in Oz
Like the million or so Brits who now call Australia home, Rob Kiernan ventured down under in search of a better life for his family. Almost a decade on, Bob in Oz is now a fully-fledged expat with a goldmine of information about moving to Australia.
The website has grown from a simple personal blog and is now one of the top resources for moving abroad and for planning a move to Australia. The in depth guides for each state and major city offer clear information and advice and are perfect for comparing possible destinations. There are also simple, step-by-step guides to everything from applying for a visa to finding a job in Oz. Bob’s blog itself gives you a funny and engaging insight into expat life in Australia, helping you feel more confident and ready for your move overseas.
A Piece of Perth
http://www.apieceofperth.com/
Perth currently attracts more British expats than any other city in the world. If, like thousands of other, you are considering a move to this beautiful city, A Piece of Perth is one of our must-see top resources for moving abroad packed with information about settling into Western Australia. There is incredibly detailed information and tips on every step of your move from planning and packing to settling in, schools and healthcare.
The website is run by two British mums who have made the move down under and are now loving life in Perth with their families. This first-hand experience shines through in their practical, helpful advice. The website also has an extremely useful directory of trusted local services. Whether you’re looking for financial advice or your nearest yoga class, the directory is an invaluable source of information. You can sign up for free membership to get access to the latest newsletters and posts as well as two free detailed suburb profiles. A Piece of Perth even has details of the latest expat events and meet ups. These informal picnics, barbecues and coffee mornings are a brilliant, fun way to meet fellow expats and make new friends in Perth.
Gov.uk – Living Abroad
https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/living-abroad
Once you’ve decided on your destination, gov.uk has all the practical information you need about getting your paperwork in order and ensuring a smooth transition into expat life, making it one of the main top resources for moving abroad. There is information on every part of moving and living abroad, from checking and legalising documents and applying for visas, to claiming a pension or registering a birth abroad. The simple A to Z layout is easy to navigate, and each process is explained clearly, succinctly with easy to follow instructions.
Should you need assistance while living overseas, gov.uk can help and will tell you exactly what you need to do. Whether you’ve been a victim of crime or taken ill abroad, this website will tell you how to seek help and compensation when necessary.
Expat Child
Moving abroad with children can be challenging and complicated, but, if handled sensitively and positively, is an incredibly rewarding time for both parents and offspring. Watching your child grow in confidence as they blend into their new home and a new culture is one of the most satisfying parts of moving a family abroad. Of course, if you are travelling overseas with young ones, there is more to plan and organise. Expat Child is a helpful, informative online resource for any expat family with everything you need to know about finding schools, dealing with homesickness and bridging cultural and linguistic gaps.
There is useful information about moving abroad and raising expat children organised by age range from babies and preschoolers right through to teenagers. The detailed, sympathetic articles will help you leap every hurdle from packing and jet lag to making friends and starting school. The website also includes the personal stories of expat parents who have faced the highs and lows of emigrating with children. Often funny, sometimes poignant, always insightful, these posts are top resources for moving abroad a great way to prepare for the emotional journey of moving overseas with kids.
Internations
https://www.internations.org/start/
Making friends and feeling part of an expat community is one of the key milestones to settling into your new home abroad. With almost 2 million members in 390 countries across the world, Internations is the World’s biggest online expat forum. Once you’ve joined you will be able to find like-minded travellers wherever you are and attend networking and social events in your new home. If you have a particular interest or hobby, there are groups and networks catering to all tastes. From Dubai diners to New York nightlife, you’re sure to find a group to suit your particular tastes.
Internations can even put you in touch with a local ‘ambassador’ before you move to help prepare you for the leap overseas. As well as the networking opportunities, the website also offers guides and information on almost every possible expat destination. There is material about all aspects of migrant life from money and work to family and friends making this one of our top resources for moving abroad.
Whether you’re still deciding where to go or already reasonably settled into expat life, online resources are an invaluable tool. From researching destinations and planning what to pack to making friends and gaining permanent residency, these websites can guide your way through the exciting journey.
