Moving overseas can present quite a minefield to overcome. Although the planning stage is intense, you can naturally expect some hurdles throughout the process, until you have settled into a new normality.
One of the best preparations for your move abroad can be ensuring you are fully equipped to tackle the challenges that await you. These preparations can be both practical and mental aspects.
Thanks to the world of technology, you can utilise the plethora of tools, designed specifically to aid expat transition into a new country of residence. Among these are essential international travel apps that can make it far easier for early life as an expat.
Organisation Apps
Moving abroad comes with many a task and it takes a certain level of organisation to keep on top of everything. For your own sanity and stress levels, seeking the support of an app designed to aid your organisation, can be a sensible move.
Packing Pro is a superb free app for expats, enabling the user to create a customised packing list that helps you to keep track of the overwhelming number of tasks associated with moving your life overseas. It can personalise your list based on the weather in your new country, the number of people you’re packing for, and whether you have children or pets. Unfortunately, this app is only currently available on iPhones, but there are similar versions on Android devices.
To keep on top of your money, XE Currency features live exchange rates of over 170 countries and can be used offline. It’s great for checking prices when you’re still getting used to a new currency. It can also be used to transfer money in different currencies.
Evernote has everything an expat would need to manage their life! The app enables you to capture lists, reminders, ideas and notes, all in one place – the ultimate online notebook. The basic version is free and available on any device.
Networking Apps
Making new connections is likely to be a top priority for many new expats. This can take time, as you gradually build up new activities. However, with the aid of technology, you can instantly connect with like-minded people.
InterNations is the perfect app for meeting other expats in a new country. The app allows you to access expat communities in some 420 cities across the globe and join groups based around specific interests and hobbies. Whilst the basic version is free, you can upgrade to a premium membership to access all the available benefits.
You may already be familiar with Meetup but you may not be aware that is an international app! It’s a fantastic tool to find local activities and make new connections with people aligned with your interests. Available on both Android and iOS, the app can be downloaded and used for free without much effort at all.
Communication Apps
Whilst back in the day, Skype would be the only virtual communication option, there are now even more stable platforms to choose from. That’s not to say Skype is no longer an option, as it does continue to be a favoured application for such requirements.
Zoom is a popular choice for virtual communications across countries. The app allows you to connect with multiple people at the same time, based anywhere in the world! The platform is considered extremely stable when compared to other similar apps, allowing you to have an uninterrupted face-to-face chat with your loved ones.
WhatsApp allows the user to send and receive messages, voice notes, phone, and video calls. It is straightforward to use and makes for an easy way to stay connected with your loved ones back home.
The Facebook Messenger application is not dissimilar to WhatsApp in its functionality. Both are free to use and easy to download, so it just comes down to preference.
Translation Assistance
When you aren’t fluent in the language of your new country, it can be quite a challenge to get through day-to-day tasks. This is dependent on the specific country – many countries may use English widely, but not as much in more rural locations. Thankfully, there are superb translation apps available to come to the rescue.
Google Translate is by far the most popular app for an instant translation aid. With continued updates, you can now translate street signs, menus and of course instantly translate English to almost any other language.
Whilst you could easily get by with google translate, it is still advisable to at least attempt to learn the local language. Duolingo is a free app that offers a fun way to learn a new language with games and engaging activities. It currently offers lessons in 19 languages, including Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese and Korean.
Navigation Support
Trying to get around in unknown terrain can be less than easy. With support from navigation apps, you can get around and find local amenities with ease.
As a general navigation aid, download CityMaps2Go which is an offline map designed for travellers and expats. The app features detailed and up-to-date maps as well as photos of locations and information on footpaths, cycle paths, and public transport.
If you’re an expat who will be relying on public transport, Moovit can also be a great help. Available to download on both Android and iOS devices, this little app provides real-time updates for local buses and trains in over 800 cities around the world.
Spotted By Locals is another app with information available offline. On this app, locals write about their favourite restaurants, bars, and other points of interest away from the tourist hotspots.
If you’re planning to move overseas, Britannia Movers International is the UK’s leading removals company with an international network of movers. We offer a full range of professional and reliable removals and storage services to help with your international move. Contact us to find out more information or get a Quick Quote for an idea of cost.
