Housing Hunt

Check housing availability, quality, and costs.

Visit neighborhoods at different times of day to get a feel for the vibe and safety.

Ask about pet policies if you’re moving with furry friends.

Money Matters

Speak with a local banker about how to handle your money as a foreigner.

Learn about currency exchange apps, international money transfers through apps, taxes, and banking laws for expats.

Visa & Legal Basics

Meet with an immigration lawyer to confirm which visa you qualify for and what documents you’ll need.

Ask about residency requirements and how to maintain your status.

Pet Prep

Confirm the laws for importing pets and any required vaccinations or paperwork.

Look into local veterinary services and pet-friendly rentals.

Grocery Recon

Visit the local supermarket to check food prices, quality, and availability.

Explore farmers’ markets, fish markets, and butchers to see how local and fresh the produce is.

Ask locals about seasonal foods and where they shop for the best deals.

Expat Insights

Connect with other expats to learn about their challenges and how they manage.

Ask about climate, culture, costs, health, safety, and transportation.

School Scouting

Visit local schools and speak with both local and expat parents.

Explore part-time English schools (where courses are taught in English one week and in the local language the following week) and full-time English schools (where all courses are taught in English and the local language is taught as a second language from the start).

Get a feel for the environment, curriculum, and costs.

Healthcare Check

Visit universal healthcare facilities to understand the quality and accessibility of public healthcare.

Explore private healthcare facilities to compare costs, wait times, and services.

Check the availability and costs of prescription medications.

Kid-Friendly Activities

Find sports, clubs, cultural activities, and volunteer opportunities for your kids.

Look into language classes or other ways to help them adjust.

Job Market Research

Learn about the local job market—both for yourself and your kids in the future.

Find out what skills are in demand and what pay and benefits look like.

Neighborhood Walks

Walk through different areas of the city or region at various times of day.

Get a sense of the local vibe, safety, and amenities.

Local Connections

Strike up conversations with locals to get a true picture of the area.

Ask about their favorite spots, hidden gems, and tips for newcomers.

Inquire about utilities—how they’re handled, charged, and paid (e.g., online, in person, monthly, or quarterly).

Shopping Spree

Visit local markets and malls to check out clothing, footwear, and household items.

Note the quality, styles, and prices of appliances, furniture, and electronics.

Test-Drive Living

Rent a furnished apartment with a kitchen to experience local life firsthand.

Cook with local ingredients and explore the area like a resident, not a tourist.

Budget Breakdown

Create a realistic budget based on local costs for:

Bonus: Cultural Immersion

Attend a local event or festival to experience the culture firsthand.

Try a new activity 

(e.g., cooking class, language lesson) to see if it’s something you’d enjoy long-term.