Learn This One Language Trick to Instantly Blend in Abroad
My family has been moving slowly around the world for the last several years. First we were in a Spanish speaking country, then we lived in Japan for a couple …
Expat
Expat
Embracing Expat Life
Our Expat Journey Begins
In November 2020, our family took our new role of remote worker in search of a lower cost of living. With only a one-way ticket, we left the United States without a concrete plan. I was driven by a desire for new experiences and a better quality of life for our kids. Our adventure started with one year in the Dominican Republic, soaking in the sun and learning how to be expats. Living outside our native country was a major change but, in this specific case it lead to a much higher standard of living.
Navigating the Practicalities of Expat Life
Living abroad is more than adjusting to cultural differences in a different country. it requires understanding and managing practical aspects such as entry requirements, tax liability, and health insurance. We share our experiences with the foreign earned income exclusion, navigating US expat taxes, and the intricacies of finding housing and education options. Our goal is to help other expats manage these essential elements smoothly. Our main content is catered to US expats getting a digital nomad visa, permanent residency, or even dual citizenship.
Cultural Immersion and Building Connections
One of the most enriching aspects of expat life is the deep cultural immersion from learning a new language to integrating with locals. Living in Japan for two years, my kids not only learned the language but also visited historical sites far away from popular expat destinations. Our blog offers tips on how to quickly adapt to new environments. Everything from learning the local language to understanding cultural nuances that can help expats feel more at home in their host country.
Educational Opportunities Abroad
For families considering the expat life, education is a major concern. We discuss the benefits of international schools and how they were the best choice for expat children. Our experiences in different countries teach parents how to choose the best educational paths for their children abroad. If you are going to stay in a country for an extended period of time than local school with full integration might be the right choice.
Planning the Next Move: Portugal
As we prepare for our move to Portugal, I will discuss major factors like using rental income to qualify a passive income visa. Our journey proves that with the right preparation and resources, moving to a new country can be an easy process. American expatriates are making the conscious lifestyle choice to to move abroad for a significant increase in happiness.
Building a Life Abroad
Expat life is not just about living in a foreign country. You are attempting to turn your country of residence into your new home. From securing foreign tax credits to setting up bank accounts, learn to build a new life abroad effectively. We also explore how expats can maintain ties to their home country. Keeping in touch with friends and family is just as important as adjusting to your new life.
Connecting with the Expat Community
A vital part of adjusting to expat life is connecting with the expat community. These networks can be invaluable for support, advice, and friendship. We share how engaging with other expats has helped us navigate the challenges of living abroad. Hanging out with other like minded US persons can make the transition easier for new expats.
Our expat blog is a resource for anyone considering or currently navigating expat life. Through our posts, we aim to provide valuable insights from our years of experience. Join us as we continue our journey, exploring different cultures and sharing the lessons we learn along the way.
Making a Plan to Live Abroad For a Year
At least half of the people who want help moving abroad are nervous about committing to forever. The answer might be to just tell yourself your going to be living …
Why Are Americans Moving to Portugal?
We are an American family moving to Portugal. I know it seems like everyone is moving to Portugal. But, there are only 7,000 Americans living in Portugal. After 13 years …
Anecdotes and Statistics About Safety in Japan
When we first moved to Japan my daughters were 8 and 10 years old. Coming from a country with extreme gun violence and previously living in a developing country had …
Nomad vs. Expat: Understanding the Differences
Nomad vs. expat – this debate often surfaces among those dreaming of a life beyond their original borders. Are you contemplating a leap into a digital nomad’s adventurous lifestyle or …
Don’t Speak the Language – Communication Tips
It’s frustrating when you can’t communicate with foreigners or when you’re the foreigner who can’t understand the locals. Read on to learn how to overcome speaking a different language than …
Grocery Shopping in a Foreign Country
For both financial and practical reasons you might find yourself wanting to go grocery shopping in a foreign country. In most major expat regions there will be a very obvious …
Live Like a Local vs Living Like a Tourist
Not all long term travelers can be at Instagram worthy destinations all day every day. It is extremely expensive to live like a tourist full-time. Instead, nomadic families can learn …
Finding Housing in a Foreign Country
Moving to a new country is an avalanche of new experiences. You’ll find out so many nuances to the local procedures that you’ll be questioning who’s trying to prank you. …
My Brother Died While I Was Living Abroad
I cannot believe I am typing these words, but my baby brother has died. There are no words to describe the emptiness that I feel. At the beginning of my …
Nomad Family Packing Tips
In this post you will learn the best nomad family packing tips. Most families will never consider the idea of becoming a nomad family because it is ingrained in western …
Get a Second Passport
Most Americans don’t have a first passport, so suggesting you to get a second passport might be an odd concept to understand. Having a second gives you more freedom, an …