So what exactly can you organize before you leave that will facilitate your move? This post covers everything: legal documents, visas, timezones, expat communities, flights, packing, mail, connectivity, security, and insurance. Save it, work through it, and don't skip the boring parts. The boring parts are usually the ones that bite you later.
Legal and Documentation
Before you decide on where you want to start your adventure, you need to do a little homework. How long are you allowed to stay? Do you need a visa? Are there long-stay work permits? And are you allowed to "work" while you are there?
Some countries don't seem to care if you are going to work online, but others are not. Make sure you know what you are allowed to do, and perhaps how to discuss this with immigration when entering the country.
True story. My husband had recently been laid off and we were traveling to watch a Buffalo Bills game across the border. When we arrived, the customs agent asked what we do for a living. I had been a customs agent for 3 summers so I was well acquainted with what the officer wanted to know. My husband, however, was ready to go into a huge storytelling session about his current situation. Before he could answer, I advised the officer we were both CPAs. He let us through without any other questions. We were not coming to work, just a quick day trip. If officers hear you are unemployed it can raise more questions and sometimes refusal.
As of December 2024, over 60 countries offer digital nomad visas, enabling remote workers to reside and work legally within their borders. These visas typically allow stays ranging from six months to a year, with some programs offering extensions up to five years. Recent additions to this list include South Korea, Italy, and Japan.
Check to see if there are any vaccinations or other health precautions for your destination. Make sure your passport is updated and has enough time before expiration. You don't want to land in a new country and suddenly need to update your passport because there is only 6 months until expiration. I suggest making photocopies of all your credit cards, passports, and other documents that could get lost. Most places also have documentation requirements for pets. These seem to be getting a bit more complicated and costly. Research to ensure your furry buddy doesn't get left behind.
Timezones
Sometimes it is overlooked, but make sure you consider the time zone you will be living in, and what timezone you might have clients in or need to be online. A couple hours difference might be okay, but if you need to talk to clients a full 12 hour different time zone, consider how your work-life might be and if that will fit your lifestyle. We looked at moving to Bali but the time difference from North America was too great, especially with a family.
Facebook Groups
Now you may be of the opinion that you don't like to use Facebook or you prefer to use other social media tools. You can absolutely research expat communities in any form of social media. However, Facebook groups have been hands down the most informative groups I've found.
Interesting fact: in Costa Rica most businesses do not have websites. It is actually quite costly for a CR website, so everyone uses Facebook for their businesses. Also, WhatsApp is the most popular messenger used in Costa Rica. Before moving to a location, search for Facebook expat groups. I was able to ask many questions or simply search my queries within the group and get lots of easy information.
Of course, for things like visas, you will need to check other reputable sources and government agencies. Most Facebook groups are free to join and have copious amounts of information from where to live, cost of living, safety, restaurants and groceries, and more.
Flights and Accommodations
It may go without saying, but booking your flight and accommodations is the second step after deciding where to go. You may have already been to your first destination, or it is your first time. Either way, make sure you have accommodations for at least 1 to 4 weeks. This may be in terms of a hotel, hostel, Airbnb, or a friend's place. Landing and then trying to wing it once there will just add unnecessary stress.
When I moved to the Cayman Islands, I was fortunate enough to have my employer organize accommodations for the first month. When we moved to Costa Rica, we had a good idea of the area we wanted to live in and secured a long-term rental for 1 year before arriving. At the time, long-term rentals were few and far between, so we were very happy to lan