It all begins with an idea, moving abroad, and it is an exciting idea. However, moving can also be time-consuming and stressful, especially when moving to a new country. To make your relocation abroad as smooth and exciting as possible, here is our moving abroad checklist for simplifying your move.

The process of moving abroad to a new destination typically takes about 3 to 6 months so planning will help minimize surprises and allow you to enjoy the transition. We have organized an outline of things to do as the moving date gets closer to facilitate the process.

1. Update Your Passport and Obtain Your Necessary Visa

There are different requirements for traveling as a tourist, business and moving to a country. For U.S citizens you can review the visa search tool first. Keep in mind that the visa application process can take six months or longer, so apply as early as possible.

2. Book Your International Ticket

Examine flight prices to your destination country as soon as possible, and set up price alerts to notify you if a flight becomes available for the amount that you are hoping to pay.

3. Package and Ship What You Can’t Carry Along

Shipping items internationally can be expensive, so it may make more sense to pay for an extra luggage bag on your flight to your host country. Compare the cost of shipping items internationally to the price of the extra luggage bag to see which makes more sense.

4. Make Copies of All Important Documents

Make copies of your passport, license, birth certificate, medical records, marriage certificates, and health insurance in case the original copy is lost. For added safety, laminate each of these documents to keep them protected from wear and tear.

5. Make Arrangements for Your First Night in Your Host Country

While “winging it” with housing can provide a fun experience, make sure that you at least have somewhere to stay for your first night. Between dealing with jetlag and trying to navigate through an entirely new city, having a place to sleep lined up before you arrive will eliminate quite a bit of unnecessary stress.

6. Staying Safe While Abroad

Before leaving for your host country, make a plan for staying safe while abroad. Start by examining the Department of State’s travel warnings to understand the biggest threats in your host country, whether it be avoiding certain areas, or preparing for certain diseases.

7. Get Some Local Currency

Before leaving for Mexico (or your host country), visit your local bank to pick up some of your host country’s currency. Airport currency exchanges typically offer a poor exchange rate, and finding somewhere to convert your money to your host country can be stressful in the midst of your move. While using a credit or debit card may be your first choice, some countries rely more heavily on cash than others. On top of this, having cash with you in the case of a frozen debit or credit card.

8. Set a Budget

Take some time to put together rough estimates of your monthly expenses and ensure that the lifestyle you expect and the lifestyle you can afford will be the same. Use a cost of living comparison tool as a benchmark to identify the expected change in pricing for housing, food, entertainment, etc.

9. Take Language Lessons

You should learn basic phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “do you speak English.” While English is a common second language in much of the world, many will be annoyed if you approach them and assume they speak English. To learn Spanish, try using Duolingo or Pimsleur’s language lessons

10. Purchase Medical Insurance

Ensure that you’re financially covered in case of injury or illness. We recommend identifying a medical insurance plan that will give you the freedom to choose any hospital, with 24-hour emergency assistance.

11. Get Necessary Immunizations

From malaria to typhoid, there are a handful of harmful diseases that can easily be prevented with proper treatment. Explore this list of immunizations that are recommended for each country.

12. Visit the Doctor for a Checkup

Go to the Doctor to go through the yearly checkup routine to ensure that there are no pressing health matters to take care of before leaving.

13. Set Up an Account You Can Use Overseas

We recommend setting up an account with a large, international bank like HSBC or Citibank that own Banamex, simplifying your relocation by allowing you to open an international bank account in your country before relocating. In addition to that, try exploring Schwab Bank, which includes international ATM fee reimbursements, meaning that you will never have to pay a fee for using an ATM while abroad.

14. Inform Your Current Bank/Credit Cards About Your Move

Call your bank to inform them of your expected arrival in your host country and a list of other countries you expect to visit in the coming weeks. You should also check if any credit or debit cards have a foreign processing fee. These fees can add up quickly and drastically increase your living expenses. If all of your credit cards have a foreign transaction fee, consider opening a new credit card or withdrawing larger amounts of money when visiting ATMs in your host country to minimize flat withdrawal fees.