Things To Do Before Leaving To Your New Home
Research the country and location you will be moving to.
Researching the country and location you will be moving to is an important step before moving abroad. This includes learning about the culture, customs, and etiquette of the country, as well as the local language. This can help you understand the expectations of your new community and make it easier to navigate daily life in your new home. Researching the cost of living, best places to live, job opportunities, and the political and social climate can be also very useful. You can research through the official government website, travel guides, and blogs written by people who have lived in the country or region you're moving to. It's also a good idea to connect with expat groups or forums to get insight from people who have already made the move.
Obtain Necessary Documents
Obtain necessary documents such as a passport, visa, and any other legal requirements. A passport is required for international travel, and you may also need a visa to enter the country you are moving to. The process and requirements for obtaining a visa can vary depending on the country, so it is important to research and understand the specific requirements for your destination.
Additionally, you may need to obtain other legal documents such as a work permit, residence permit, or proof of insurance. Some countries require that you have a certain level of health or travel insurance to enter the country, so make sure to research these requirements as well.
It's advisable to apply for the documents as early as possible and check the expiration dates, as some of the documents may take a long time to process.It's also important to keep in mind that you will need to renew your visa or residence permit if you plan to stay in the country for an extended period of time.
Arrange Housing and Transportation
For housing, you have a few options: you can rent an apartment or house, stay in a hotel , airbnb or hostel temporarily while you look for a permanent place to live, or you can use a furnished rental service or home exchange program. Researching online and reaching out to local real estate agents or expat communities can help you find suitable housing options.
When it comes to transportation, you should consider how you will get around in your new location. This includes researching public transportation options, such as buses and trains, and determining if you need to purchase a car or bike. It's also a good idea to look into the cost of parking or the availability of car-sharing services.
It's advisable to make the arrangements before you move, as it can be more difficult to find a place to live and transportation once you arrive.
Also, if you are moving with a car, you should check the importation regulations, and the costs of registration, taxes, and insurance.
Research and compare healthcare options, including finding a doctor and obtaining health insurance.
It is important to understand the healthcare system in your new location and whether you will need to purchase health insurance.
You should research the quality of healthcare available in your new location, including the availability of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers. It's also a good idea to look into the cost of healthcare services and the availability of health insurance.
You can also research and compare different health insurance options. Some countries have a public healthcare system that is available to all residents, while others have a private healthcare system. It is important to understand the difference between the two and how they work in your new location.
You should also research the availability of English-speaking healthcare providers, or if you need to find a translator or interpreter.
It's also important to check if your current health insurance cover you abroad, or if you need to purchase additional coverage.
Determine Which Items You Will Bring
Start by identifying the living situation in Mexico City. Will you be living in a permanent residence, or regularly moving from one place to the next? If living in a permanent residence, how much space will you have? Also, most airlines will charge a fee for extra luggage, so be picky about what you bring with you. Take into account the weather in Mexico City, for the clothes that you will be bringing.
Store, Sell or Donate Everything Else
After determining which items you will bring with you, the next step is to identify which of the remaining items you will keep in storage, and which you will give away. Try to sell old possessions on Craigslist, Amazon, or eBay, and donate the remaining items that don’t sell to a local thrift shop.
Turn Off All Utilities
You certainly don’t want to receive a surprise utility bill from your utility company while living abroad. Be sure to check that all lights, heat, and water have been turned off in your home before you leave, and be sure to cancel or pause your plan with your utility company. Notify important parties of your move, such as banks, credit card companies, and government agencies.
Sell or Rent Your House
Explore sites like Craigslist, or work with a realtor to sell your house. Keep in mind that selling or renting your house can take anywhere from a month to a year, so start the process as soon as possible.
Sell Your Car or Arrange for it to Be Shipped
The cost of shipping your car can vary greatly depending on the size of the car and the distance that it will need to be shipped. As a reference, shipping a car from the U.S to Mexico typically ranges from $950 for a compact car, to $2000 for an SUV.
Take into account that cars with foreign plates need to have a special permit called Temporary Import Permit (TIP) that can be acquired via the Banjercito website. A TIP is legal document that allows a foreign-plated vehicle to be imported to and driven in Mexico for a defined period of time. The vehicle must be exported (driven out of Mexico) before the TIP’s expiry date. If you fail to export the vehicle and surrender/cancel the TIP, you will lose your deposit, you will not be allowed to import another vehicle in future; and you can also face fines and have your vehicle confiscated.
If you intend to drive your car with foreign plates beyond the 25km border zone (checkpoints exist), or anywhere outside of a defined Free Zone, you must have a Temporary Import Permit to avoid fines and confiscation of the vehicle.
Get familiar with the local currency and exchange rate.
This can help you budget and plan for expenses in your new location.You can research the local currency and exchange rate by looking up financial websites or consulting with a financial advisor. It's also a good idea to check the daily exchange rate, as it can fluctuate depending on the current economic conditions.
It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local banking system and find out if it's possible to open a bank account in your new location before you move.
You can also look into different options to access your money such as credit cards, debit cards, and international money transfer services. Some of these options may have a lower cost and more favorable exchange rates than others
Make a list of important contact information for your destination country
Some important contact information to include on your list are:
Emergency services (police, fire department, ambulance)
Local hospitals and clinics
Local embassy or consulate of your home country
Contact information for your landlord or property manager
Contact information for your bank, insurance company, and other financial institutions
Contact information for your employer or school
Contact information for any friends or family members who live in your new location
It's also important to remember to update your list regularly, and to provide a copy of it to a friend or family member in case of emergency.It's also important to remember to take a copy of your important documents, such as your passport, visa, and any other legal documents, with you and store them in a safe place.
Set up Mail Forwarding
You do not want your mail to pile up when you have other things to tend to after your move. Be sure to set up mail forwarding to your new location.