Staying Safe as an Expat: A Guide

Staying Safe as an Expat: A Guide

Job opportunities, new relationships, or travel experiences are many reasons why an individual might choose to move abroad to another country. While it certainly is exciting, you do need to remember to follow specific tips so that you can stay as safe as possible. This is especially important if you are in a completely unknown place with little knowledge of the local language. In this article, we are going to talk about some different ways that you can stay safe as an expat. We hope that you enjoy this Staying Safe as an Expat: A Guide. Sound interesting? Then keep on reading!

Staying Safe as an Expat: A Guide

Do your research on the destination 

One of the first things you should do before making a move is to do immense research on your chosen destination. This way, you can determine the best places to live and get an idea of the local laws. For example, you might try looking up the safest places in Mexico if that’s where you would like to go. Another thing you might want to look into is where the local authorities are located and what emergency numbers they use. This way, if you suddenly get yourself into a troublesome situation, you know exactly where to call. 000 for Australia, 999 in the UK, and 112 in Europe, it’s better the be safe than sorry!

Look into healthcare systems

Another very important step in moving abroad is to look into the local healthcare system. You might read that they are great but find out that they don’t offer coverage for expats until a certain amount of time has passed. This then means you might want to think about private insurance so that you are covered in case of an emergency. It can be a hassle but is something essential, especially for those moving to a country very different from their own.

Visit your local doctor 

Another step that most people forget to do before they move is to visit your local doctor. Depending on where you will be living, they might recommend getting certain vaccinations before you depart on your trip. You may also want to enquire about any prescription medications and determine that they are available in your new home. Some medicines can be cheaper in one place than in another. An example of this would be the enormous cost of asthma puffers in the US compared to AUS. 

Prepare yourself for unexpected circumstances

Floods in India, earthquakes in China, and cyclones in Japan, many places around the world are prone to natural disasters. While most locals are aware of this and have precautions in place, some expats might not know how to handle these situations. To avoid an accident and protect your safety, make sure you brush up on your facts and check out what common disasters occur in your new destination. It might just save your life.

Secure your new home

If you have purchased a home or are renting a property in an area that you don’t know that well, you’ll want to take some steps to secure it. Otherwise, you may be putting your life and your belongings at risk. If you can’t make the changes yourself, make sure you put some ideas forward to your landlord. It might also be able to benefit them in the long run. However, home alarm systems and surveillance cameras can be expensive, especially for those who have just moved to an entirely new country. This is why it can be wise to look at ways to secure your home without breaking the bank. 

Learn about the different transport systems

Another safety tip that most expats forget is to make sure you take a look at the different transport systems around the area where you will be staying. In some countries, while taking the train is a popular form of transport, others don’t recommend it. By finding out what you should and shouldn’t do, you can make sure you are as safe as possible during your commute. At least until you can afford your vehicle. 

Try not to stand out

Travelers and individuals who are new to an area are instantly made more of a target by burglars, home intruders, and other criminals. This is because they don’t know the area or the local laws well enough. To avoid getting caught up in a crime, try and find ways to blend in, rather than looking like a target. Dress like a local and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. It may sound a bit ridiculous, but in some places around the world with high crime rates, it can make a huge difference.

By following the advice above, you will be able to enjoy all the advantages of moving abroad while doing everything you can to remain as safe as possible. While it might be a daunting experience, remember that you are never alone. There are many online expat communities where you can connect with individuals who are in the same situation as you. Good luck!