Are you an American that has just moved to Europe, you are just about to move to Europe and want to know what to expect when you get there? Have you noticed that things are a little different in Europe than in America and want to know if you’re missing anything else?
Expat life is a wonderful thing. It’s exciting to live in a new country, learn the language and culture, meet new people, and enjoy the freedom that comes with being an outsider. But before you jump on your next flight to Europe or somewhere else abroad, there are some things you should know about moving overseas to make sure your transition goes smoothly.
Europe is a continent of many cultures, languages, and customs. The American expat will need to understand that they are no longer in the United States and should be open-minded about their new surroundings. If you want to know what to expect, here are a few key points.
You Will Have to buy US Products Online
As someone born and raised in the states, you might be used to the incredible number of options you have available to you, even the products that are exclusively found in the states. Oftentimes, you won’t be able to find any of the products that you know and love in the stores in Europe.
However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to buy them at all when you are in Europe. Ordering online has been made easier than ever before with stores like MyUS, which allows you to buy products that are mostly found in the states. This site allows US expats to continue to enjoy their favorite products from the US wherever they are.
While they may be a bit more expensive than they would be back home because of shipping rates, and import tax, it is still an incredibly convenient way for people to get the products that they know and love.
You Will Have to Adjust to a new culture
Europe, while not the biggest continent, has a lot of different countries within, and you are bound to run into a lot of various cultures wherever you go. As a US expat, It’s important to be considerate of the country’s culture, how local residents live, and how everyone communicates.
The last thing you want to do is disrupt their daily lives, cause a scene, or even be disrespectful to the locals. While it may take some time to get used to, this is incredibly important. Being aware of the cultural differences between you and the country’s residents will allow you to be more respectful as a guest in a new country. Before you head over, it is a good idea to read up on the culture and customs in order to prepare yourself.
You Will Have to Prepare for the Move
Moving locally is difficult as is. You need to pack up your whole house, find a new place to live, make plans to move all of your belongings, and more. However, moving to Europe, or even just to another country, there are so many more things that need to be considered, such as visas, logistics, jobs, finding a home without actually seeing it in person, and moving your life all the way across the world.
Research is a key element to this point of the move as you can figure out how to budget for it and even learn what logistics need to be considered before moving.
You Will Have to Learn About the Healthcare System
Last but certainly not least, another very important factor that needs to be considered is healthcare. Healthcare systems differ from country to country. The US is known to have exorbitant medical rates but as an expat in Europe, this could be the same for you there too.
Some countries will offer free healthcare, some will offer lower prices, and some will make medical aid something that is very affordable. Europe is a lot cheaper than America when it comes to healthcare, but it is important to do your research on the healthcare system of the country you are going to in order to make sure you know your rights.
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.