While sure, becoming an expat sounds like a dream. If you’ve got the heart of a traveller, the thought of packing up and moving to a new country is exhilarating. Just think about it: there’s the new food, new people, and new culture, plus it’s all so romantic and exciting, right? Besides, there are shows like Emily in Paris that seem to have a way of making expat life so dreamy. 

But here’s the thing: being an expat is not the same as being a tourist, and it’s about time the rose-tinted glasses came off. Seriously, this is such a major mistake that so many people make!

Sure, visiting another country on holiday is all fun and games, but living there? That’s a whole different ball game. It’s less “Instagram-worthy moments” and more “how do I even do this? Besides, moving to a new city in another country is not the same as moving to a new city in your native country (which people tend to get wrong). So, with all of that said, here’s exactly what you need to know!

Say Goodbye to Your Comfort Zone

Moving abroad means saying farewell to all those little comforts you probably take for granted. No, really, it’s true! So, just go ahead and think about it. Do you know where you’d buy basic groceries in a new country? How would you navigate public transport when you can’t understand the signs? And yes, there’s the dreaded language barrier.

Even if you speak the same language as the locals, there’s bound to be a culture clash. Something as small as how people queue can throw you off. In some places, queuing is almost sacred (like in Japan); in others, it’s more like organised chaos (like in China). Either way, you’ll have moments where you feel like the odd one out.

Then there’s the emotional side. A lot of ex-pats are more than familiar with this, and yes, it’s hard. So, just think of leaving your friends, family, and everything you know is hard. Even the most independent people feel it. The truth is, stepping out of your comfort zone sounds empowering in theory, but in practice? Well, it can knock you sideways.

The Red Tape Struggle Is Real

This might be where people struggle the most; actually, even students wanting to study abroad will make this mistake, too! So, if you think moving abroad is as simple as booking a flight and finding a cute flat, well, think again. The bureaucracy alone is enough to make anyone’s head spin. Here’s the thing: visas aren’t just handed out on a silver platter. They’re like golden tickets but with way more paperwork and a lot of waiting. Oh yes, don’t forget about the nonrefundable fees, too!

By the way, it doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve got the visa, there’s a whole list of other things to sort out: residency permits, healthcare, taxes, you name it. But even on top of that, each country has its own set of rules, and figuring them out can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing. 

Now, most people will try to look into an immigration lawyer because they tend to know the ins and outs of the system so that alone could help you a lot (but they don’t come cheap).

The Honeymoon Phase Doesn’t Last Forever

At first, expat life feels like a dream come true. Everything’s shiny and new, and you’re busy exploring your surroundings and basking in the novelty of it all. But this “honeymoon phase”? Well, you see, it doesn’t last forever. Sometimes, within the second week of living there, that’s when things start kicking in.

But if not, well, sooner or later, the charm wears off. What was once exciting starts to feel frustrating. The slower pace of life you loved? Now, it’s annoying because you can’t get anything done. That cute little café around the corner? They don’t have your go-to comfort food, and suddenly, you miss home more than you ever thought you would. This isn’t just you; in all honesty, this is something that literally happens to everyone!

Actually, this is where the real adjustment happens. You start celebrating the small wins, like understanding a conversation in the local language or finally figuring out how to pay your utility bills. It’s not glamorous, but these little victories are what keep you going.

Living Abroad Costs More Than You Think

People know this one, but it doesn’t really hit them until, well, it actually hits them! So, money’s a big one, and it’s something people often overlook when dreaming about expat life. The cost of living varies wildly depending on where you go, and it’s rarely what you expect. 

So, you have rent, food, and even everyday expenses that can quickly add up, especially when you’re new and figuring everything out. And if you’re earning in your home currency but spending in the local one, exchange rates can hit hard.

But then there’s the tax situation, which is… complicated, to say the least. Some countries might expect you to file taxes locally and back home (if you’re from the US, for example). It’s like jumping through hoops, and if you’re not prepared, it can become a nightmare.

Making Friends Isn’t as Easy as It Sounds

One of the biggest myths about expat life is that you’ll instantly make loads of friends and blend seamlessly into your new community. It’s not like that Emily in Paris show where, on day one, you somehow get hoards from friends. It’s really not like that. Just like back at home, building meaningful relationships takes time, effort, and a fair bit of trial and error.

Now, you can’t forget that language barriers and cultural differences can make it tricky to connect with locals, while the transient nature of expat communities means people come and go all the time. It’s not exactly a recipe for deep, long-lasting friendships.

So, Is It Worth It?

Well, yes, expat life is tough. It’s messy, complicated, and sometimes downright exhausting. But for some, the rewards outweigh the challenges. There’s a unique kind of growth that comes with living outside your comfort zone, learning a new way of life, seeing the world from a different perspective, and becoming more adaptable.