By Maria Boulieri,
Moving abroad can be really fascinating, but at the same time, it can be stressful, especially if you are moving alone. And feeling stressed for that is a totally acceptable and normal feeling. It is true that when you are moving, you leave many things behind and, most importantly, you have to leave your loved ones. Also, you are going towards the unknown, you do not know what the new place and people are going to be like, whether you will fit in or not, and if you’ll manage to handle everything alone. Based on my personal experience, I want this article to be a brief summary of the points that you should make sure you won’t forget to check before packing your stuff and leaving, so that you can be the most relaxed possible and enjoy the process to its fullest.
- Bank issues
Before leaving your country, make sure you have informed your bank that you’re about to move. Sometimes, banks can block your card if they see transfers via foreign websites they have marked as unsafe or if they see many transactions for a long period in a country different than the one you have indicated in your contact details. It is not pleasant at all to be alone abroad with a blocked card and to try to solve the problems via your mobile with the bank (been there many times). Also, ask for the fees the bank will charge in case you’ll need to take cash out of an ATM. If the fees are too high, it may be better to have more cash with you, just in case. Furthermore, if you’re using online banking, make sure you keep on using the same number so that the bank can send you the verification codes. In case you are thinking of changing your number when you go abroad, ask your bank what the process of making this update at your information is so that you won’t stay without the e-banking option.
- Mobile company
If you move and decide to keep your home country number, don’t forget to check with your telecommunication company that everything will work properly once you’ll be abroad. According to European legislation, if you travel from your country of residence to another EU country, you don’t have to pay additional charges for using your mobile phone. This is known as “no-charge roaming” or “roaming like home”. However, a problem may arise if you have a contract with a company in your home country. In my case (Greek company), they informed me that my program will be valid only for the first four months. After that, I will have to go back to my home country and make at least one phone call to prolong my program for another four months. Otherwise, the number will still be functioning, but without the minutes and data of my program; everything will be charged separately. So, in some cases, it will be more convenient to have a local number. In that case, as mentioned above, make sure that your bank is aware of the number you’re using.
- Pharmacy
OK, that’s an important place that you better not forget to visit before leaving! And I list this as important because, when I moved for the first time abroad, I thought that all the medicine in my home country are the same in terms of names and substances in other countries too. Even though that can happen, this is not always the case. Usually, even if it’s the exact medicine, it is called with a different name or it’s something different, but not with the same substances. So, as you’re maybe used to taking the same medicine for years or you have a specific condition, I would advise you to buy from your country the ones that you’re using the most and, if this is not possible, be sure at least about the substances, so that you can ask for alternatives.
- IT check
Another very important thing to check is your devices, as this is something that is usually either expensive to change or it will cause you a hard time in case something goes wrong. Be sure that you have everything you need, and that they are in a good condition. For example, all the small things such as chargers, earphones, power banks, etc. Also, the “big” things, for example, check that your mobile has memory left, as well as your laptop. I would suggest visiting a professional if you have any doubt about the functionality of your laptop or mobile before leaving. Better fix them before leaving than pretend they are not a problem, like a crack in the screen or a defective button. You never know what will happen abroad, so better play safe!
For me, these are the four top places you have to plan a visit before leaving in order to feel more relaxed and comfortable with the idea of moving. However, always keep in mind that whatever you need, you can also find it abroad, so don’t freak out if something doesn’t go as planned… This is also part of the “plan”. Enjoy!
