Being In the Know!

There are some basic pieces of information that one needs to know before one embarks on the
relocation itself. Somehow the ´handbook´ or lack of never seems to be available. Websites, tips, chat rooms etc.. all have some of the bits and bobs that you need, but never the whole picture. On top of that, there is always the under the table, most important facts, that never seem to come to light, until you report of some mishap or other and everyone seems to nod there heads in agreement, knowing exactly what you mean!

For example: If you are going to a developed country, it is not necessary to pack ´everything but the kitchen sink´ for the price that you will pay for overweight, far outweighs the inconvenience and adventure of going to buy the appropriate items in your new abode. Airlines today are far more strict with their overload, plastic bags with those items that would not fit in your case, food and general extra packages that you choose to pack yourself up with.

One has to plan to have accommodation for at least a week, whilst you look for an appropriate room or apartment, that will fit both your needs and budget. Be prepared to go out of the city limits in your quest. Each country has its own set of rules and regulations and if you are determined to stick within your means, you may find this more time consuming as well as stressful on your nerves and feet, than previously thought. Of course I am not talking to those who will be relocating under the umbrella of a company, together with schooling and apartment budget laid on, but to those of us, who seek opportunity elsewhere, whether for adventure, escape, language, love or just to travel, even all of the aforementioned.

How much you choose to pay or where you will rest your head for the first nights is personal, but as a further tip, may I suggest that you make sure there is a local Internet cafe or center nearby (as more often than not the Internet in the hotel is either expensive or unobtainable), you are near to metro/subway/underground and buses and know the prices of local transport tickets in advance to get the best options.

For one such as me, who claims to be 'old fashioned' in the ways of computer surfing, I have surpassed and shocked my former abilities of myself, by becoming out of necessity, quite computerised; this of course has been more out of necessity than will. There is also all kinds of other information that you will only learn and glean upon arrival, but do not be afraid to ask strangers for help as more often or not, locals will know better and be more accommodating in answering your questions than fellow ex pats.

Points to look out for and request information on are telephone cards, if you have a bank account, the costs for calls are much cheaper. In some countries such as China, they will take the fee off your prepaid card, but you will need the assistance of a Chinese person to help you achieve that. This will make incoming calls cheaper and not charged at the full rate. As for Internet (of course use the facilities at work) there are many kinds of service, but a prepaid key
makes you independent and usually comes with its own Sim and prepaid hours. This can be then topped up easily either monthly, or as needed. The cheapest of course would be to get Internet that is attached to a land line, but this will depend on your future landlord.

Surprisingly enough, in Italy it is very difficult to get passed the Government red tape, even if you have a European passport, that includes opening Bank Accounts, receiving monies from abroad through Money gram and other inconveniences. Let me add that there is always a way
round, don't give up, just look for a foreign outpost that services nationals from other countries to be more helpful. Credit cards will be an almost impossibility, you are better off to buy a prepaid one from your own country, or incur the costs of using your own from back home. Don't
grimace and say that you are used to paying only with plastic, for when you are abroad and as of yet unsure as to your regular or permanent salary, cash is better.

Health insurance, unless you have the appropriate European card, is something you should have
and there are plenty of websites that offer cheap coverage. In some countries, such as China, even though there are plenty of Clinics or Hospitals for foreigners, they are expensive and even moreover reluctant to treat you unless for emergency. If you have become a permanent resident this may be otherwise and have been known to return monies after complaints have been lodged. When I broke my leg they were unwilling to treat me in the Mainland and also the emergency treatment was poor as they were so afraid to do something wrong, that they did in fact not put something right.

Lastly and most importantly, be prepared for the worst. Even if a job has been promised in writing, emails and phone calls exchanged, expense incurred in your moving and relocation to the place of your new employment, things can still go wrong and you may find yourself jobless, out of funds and with a signed contract on a room or apartment before you can pause for breath. Does this seem unlikely or unfair? Yes to both, but these things happen. At best, it would be to have an online interview with video or if you can afford it, go first for a scout and face to face interview before you set out upon your way. Even if work is given or provided, it does not mean that you will be given the appropriate workload straight away and it will take time to build up trust and rapport for you to obtain the necessary position.

The phrase 'when in Rome, be like the Romans' I can now vouch as being one of the truest statements, not so for China, for one can never be like them even if you have lived there for 25 years, but in Rome, as opposed to the rest of Europe (France included, there you just have to be able to speak French) if you do not fit into their category of 'Roman' you will not fit in at all.
Remember forewarned is forearmed.