Did you know you could choose a new country to move to get your travel fix?
Struggling to decide how to choose a country to move to? I’ve been there and can help!
Moving countries is an awesome way to travel.
As an expat, you can base yourself in another part of the world where you’ll be able to continue to earn money to help you continue to travel, get explore another culture from within, and travel in another region without having to save as much money before you go.
Most people make the decision to travel or move overseas with a destination in mind, like when I moved to Spain to teach English.
But sometimes you just know you want to explore the world but may not know where to start.
In case you’re having a hard time narrowing down your choices, or you’re just not sure where to start, then let’s look at some crucial points that can help you choose the best expat country for you.
Of course, there are many obstacles to moving abroad and it’s not always that easy, but there are certainly some things you can control…
Pick a climate
Are you a beach bum or a snow bunny?
Prefer urban scrawl or rolling hills?
Do you live in a tropical country and want to experience life in a cold one, or maybe you want something similar to what you know?
Choosing where you want to live abroad can mean making a complete change, or sticking to what you know and like.
It can also save you money if you move to a similar climate because you’ll have a suitable wardrobe!
I don’t think the climate should affect your choice when moving country too much because you can make the most of any place.
When I studied abroad in southwest Canada it rained pretty much nonstop for 4 months and I still fell in love with Canada.
If we waited for the weather to be better before we went exploring I’d still be sitting there 5 years later! The weather becomes a part of the experience, you just need the right clothes.
Read More: 10 Favourite City Breaks During Winter in Europe
What’s nearby?
Sometimes choosing which country you want to live in as an expat is also about what’s nearby.
If you base yourself in South America you’ll find it easiest to explore the countries in that area, similarly, if you base yourself in Europe you can be in several other countries within an hour or two flight. If you want to live in Australia, then it’s big enough to keep you occupied for a while, and New Zealand is just a hop across the ditch!
Obviously, where you want to live abroad depends on where you’re from, but coming from New Zealand means anywhere I move abroad gives me so many more opportunities for travel.
Looking at the bigger picture when choosing the country to move to can make for a much longer, more exciting stay.
But am I allowed to live there?
This is the big question when you’re choosing where in the world you want to live.
Unfortunately, you can’t always live where you want to, so be flexible and realise anywhere is a great new experience.
The biggest question is: Can you get a visa to live in that country?
Do you need a work visa to live abroad or can you work without one?
If you’re younger than 30, or sometimes 35, and depending on where you’re from, there are a wealth of working holiday visa opportunities.
For Kiwis and Aussies, the UK Youth Mobility Visa is almost a right of passage. Similarly, many people from Ireland and the UK plan a working holiday in Australia or New Zealand.
If you’re older than 30 and working holidays aren’t an option it doesn’t mean you’re out of luck! You just need to be a little more creative about your expat country of choice.
Can you get a visa somewhere to teach English? Do you have skills that would mean a company might sponsor you for a working visa? There are always some countries, like Germany, where you can apply for a freelance visa if you have your own business and income.
If you can’t get a visa but you want to travel long term, then consider volunteering across several countries in exchange for your accommodation and food with an organisation like HelpX.
Just be aware of how long you can stay in a country as a tourist, overstaying on a visa can cause problems if you want to return at a later date.
Read More: Teaching English in Spain with the Auxiliar de Conversacion Program
Job opportunities
Looking at job opportunities in another country could be a deciding factor when you’re choosing a country to move to. Y
ou could begin your country search by looking at which opportunities you can find for example picking snowboarding instructor and therefore Canada or teaching English and therefore South Korea.
Equally the work opportunities could be the last thing you consider in your search, for example, you could have decided to move to Australia, and then look at whether you want an admin job in the city, or to work in a pub in a small town.
Whenever you choose to consider what work you might be able to secure it can make or break your plans so it’s vital you spend a lot of time researching what’s currently available to you should you move to a particular country.
There are some typical expat jobs in particular countries, or you may be able to work in your chosen field. Here are some practical tips for searching for jobs abroad:
- Find out what the number one job website is for that country, and start marking jobs.
- Contact or register with temp agencies (although they often prefer you to be there)
- Use your network. Get back in touch with anyone you know who has been there, knows someone who has or knows someone who’s there. Both to get the lowdown on the job market and to make contacts.
- Join Facebook groups for expats in your country of choice, they are full of useful hands-on tips and could even lead to work.
- Evaluate your skills and think about whether you could do any standard expat jobs
- Think outside the box, your first job may just be for you to get your feet under the table in your desired country, it doesn’t have to be forever!
When I first moved to Scotland I signed up with a temp agency and worked random jobs (I’m a pro at stuffing envelopes) before landing the position I had for the rest of my visa through the normal job application process.
My number one suggestion is to find something you can do while you are waiting for something you want.
That might mean working in hospitality for a while even if it’s not your favourite, working for the hostel you’re staying in or pulling staples from files for 8 hours a day as one lucky friend of mine did.
It’s all worth it to live abroad right?!
Read More: The Best Expat Jobs That Help You Travel the World
Ultimately it doesn’t matter which country you choose to move abroad too, the people you meet, and the experiences you have will make it what it is, which is hopefully one of the best experiences of your life.
The crucial part of deciding which country is to begin the process and actually do it.
You’ll never find the perfect safety net that will tell you absolutely everything you need to know, sometimes you just have to take the leap and book your ticket!
Still stuck on where to move abroad? Check out the Best Expat Cities.
And see What You Should Know Before You Move Abroad.
Have you travelled by moving countries?
How did you decide where to go?
Here’s all the information you’ll need to have the best expat experience you can.
Expat Stories and Inspiration – read about other peoples expat lives
- Expat Stories from around the world
- Quotes to inspire you to move country
- Expat Life
- Why Moving Abroad Solo Could Be Your Best Decision Yet!
- Why You Need to Live Abroad
- Best Expat Cities to Move to
- What You Should Know Before You Move Abroad.
Money and Tips:
- Manage Your Money as an Expat
- How To Save Money to Move Abroad
- Crucial To Do List For After You’ve Moved Abroad
- How to Save Money To Travel As Couple
- How to Make Friends in a New Country
Job and Visa Tips:
- 12 Best Jobs for Expats
- How to Apply for a UK Youth Mobility Visa
- How to Become a Full Time Blogger
- How Bloggers Make Money
- How to Start Housesitting in Europe (And Why You Should)
- How To Teach English In Spain – Auxiliar de Conversación Program
Sonja x If you liked it, pin it!
Great tips here! I’ve lived in England (>1 year) and Turkey (6 months) before moving to Australia (>3.5 years). That’s a fantastic way to travel and fully experience a different culture. For now I’ve found my balance in Brisbane and settled there!
Thanks Eloise! Living abroad is so different from travelling, you really get a chance to immerse yourself. That’s great you’ve found somewhere with balance. I’m still searching for it!
In the meantime I’m living on the Gold Coast, it’s a small world!
Hi Eloise! Wow you moved a lot in a relatively short period. I am thinking of moving but I am scared. Is it easy to keep moving?
Hey Sonja, love to speak to you about how you moved from one place to another! I love listening stories of how people can migrate from one country to another because that is exactly what I try to do as well! I’m from Canada, and lived in France, Singapore and now in Hong Kong. We can share stories!
Hey! Feel free to send me an email if you like :). I’ve moved in a lot of different ways, firstly as a student, then on working holiday visas and now on a spouse visa!
The local food is in my top 3 criteria personally, especially if it’s a long-term expatriation!
Cécile, a French expat in San Francisco 🙂
Haha very good point!!! I should add this in 🙂
Hello & Kiora Sonja,
I got back from Work and Holiday Visa in Australia. Sadly to say, I should have found your website in the prior time. I also felt a little bit sad that I withdrew Work Holiday in NZ where I was supposed to be there yet. But it’s happened!!!! Gotta redirected my life again & accepted my crazy decision. I recently have read some of your articles, right, those are very informative and helpful!!!!! Sort of things for me to list and make some decisions to pick a country for my next destination. I’m gonna stay positive for whatever reasons and be more inclined towards my gut feelings as well. Much appreciate to your amazing advice!
Support & Hugs 🙂
Hey! I firmly believe things always happen for a reason and you’ll figure out why it’s meant to be this way in the future! Good luck with the new search!
Thanks Sonja for this great post. I am still not sure where I want to move it and I find it very hard to decide.
It’s so hard and sometimes it’s more about where you can go as well!