Thinking About Expat Living? Read This First
So, you’re thinking about packing up and starting fresh in the United States? Or maybe you’ve already made the move and are wondering what comes next. Either way, expat living isn’t just about chasing new opportunities. It’s about stepping into a whole new way of life.
Moving abroad can be exciting, but it’s also filled with unknowns. From figuring out how to get a work visa or health insurance to adjusting to a new culture, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
And while starting over in a new country can open doors, it also brings challenges, especially when you're far from everything familiar.
Let’s start with the most important question: Why are you doing this? People choose expat living for various reasons, such as career opportunities, family ties, education, or simply the desire for a better life.
But whatever your motivation, it must be solid enough to carry you through the inevitable challenges ahead. Moving to a foreign country isn’t just about chasing sunshine or lower taxes. It's about building a life in a place that may not immediately feel like home.
If your reason is “I want something new”, you may need to think deeper. Ask yourself:
Am I looking for long-term growth or just a temporary escape?
Do I have clear goals, or am I expecting things to fall into place magically?
Can I adapt to a new culture and possibly a new language?
Knowing your "why" helps you set realistic expectations and gives you the clarity you’ll need when things get tough.
It’s easy to romanticize the idea of living abroad. You’ve probably seen the posts: morning yoga in the mountains, weekend café hopping in Mexico City, and slow walks through quaint American neighborhoods. But let’s be honest: expat life is not an extended vacation.
You’ll need to learn the systems, understand the laws, and live with the fact that the US, for all its opportunities, isn’t always easy to navigate. Housing costs, healthcare complexity, and immigration policies are real and can hit hard if you’re unprepared.
Letting go of the fantasy doesn’t mean giving up on your dream. It means seeing the full picture and stepping into this new chapter with open eyes and a practical mindset.
Adjusting to a new culture takes time. You might speak the same language, but cultural nuances, how people work, socialize, or even drive, can be surprisingly different.
For example, many expats are surprised by how individualistic American society can feel, especially compared to more community-centred cultures in Central America or Western Europe.
Don’t expect to feel at home right away. Learning to participate in the local culture, connect with neighbors, and even understand local humor can take up to one year, if not longer. Be patient with yourself, and give the experience the time it deserves.
And if you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Most expats go through it, no matter how prepared they think.
One of the most challenging aspects of expat living is the immigration process, and in the US, it’s anything but simple. Whether you're applying for a work visa, retirement visa, or transitioning from a tourist visa to a long-term stay, the visa requirements can be overwhelming.
The paperwork is extensive, the timelines can be unpredictable, and the rules may change without warning. It's not uncommon for expats to struggle with delays or denials if documents aren't filed correctly.
Some visas require employer sponsorship, while others demand proof of financial means or detailed documentation of your purpose for moving abroad.
Here are some common visa categories for the US:
H-1B visa – for skilled workers sponsored by a US employer
F-1 visa – for international students attending accredited institutions
O-1 visa – for individuals with extraordinary abilities
EB-5 visa – for investors
B-2 visa – for temporary visits, often used before securing more permanent residency
Depending on your situation, you may also need to consult an immigration attorney to ensure you take the correct steps.
Don’t assume it’ll all work itself out. Moving overseas demands organization, persistence, and a deep understanding of the visa application process. Set aside time and a budget to get it done right.
Healthcare in the US is high quality, but it can also be extremely expensive if you’re not insured. Unlike many countries that offer public healthcare access, the US relies heavily on private health insurance.
This means you’ll likely need to purchase a plan before or immediately after arriving, especially if your visa status doesn’t qualify you for employer-provided benefits.
Some expats make the mistake of assuming that travel insurance is enough. However, travel insurance is short-term and limited.
For long-term life abroad, you’ll need health insurance that covers hospital stays, outpatient care, prescriptions, emergency services, and possibly international schools or family coverage if you're relocating with children.
Here’s what to consider when choosing your healthcare plan:
Does the plan meet US minimum essential coverage requirements?
Can you access care from a large network of hospitals and doctors?
Is there flexibility to travel back to your native country and still be covered?
What are the monthly expenses and deductibles?
Even if you're going solo, with your spouse, or relocating with a family, a health insurance provider helps you find coverage that fits your lifestyle and budget without compromising care.
Getting the right private insurance early on saves you money and stress. In fact, having the right plan can mean the difference between quality treatment and unexpected bills that eat into your affordable cost of living.
Even if you’re an accomplished professional or have lived independently for years in your own country, moving to a foreign country like the United States can make you feel like a beginner again.
From navigating public transportation to opening a bank account or learning how to pay utilities, everyday tasks can suddenly become unfamiliar and overwhelming.
Don’t be surprised if you have moments when it feels like you’ve left your whole life behind. Many expats describe the first few months as the most disorienting when the novelty fades and the reality of being in a new country sinks in. But that’s okay. It’s part of the process of building your new life.
Before your big move, building a serious financial cushion is essential. The cost of living in many American cities, especially big cities like New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles, can be significantly higher than in other countries.
Even smaller cities may surprise you with unexpected monthly expenses, like car insurance, tipping etiquette, or the cost of private school if you’re relocating with children.
As a general rule, plan for:
Up to one year of living expenses, especially if you arrive without a job.
Initial costs include deposits for rent, furnishing your apartment, or buying a vehicle.
Emergency funds for unexpected issues such as medical bills, visa delays, or a sudden need to travel back to your home country.
And remember: exchanging money between many countries may come with international transfer fees or less favorable rates. Be smart about how and where you hold your savings.
Financial preparation can make or break your first year as an American expat. It can also give you breathing room to focus on building your life rather than stressing over your wallet.
Even if you’re highly skilled or have years of experience, finding a job in the US as an expat can be challenging. Visa limitations, local job market conditions, and unfamiliar hiring practices can slow things down. Employers may prefer local candidates or require specific certifications that don’t transfer from your native country.
Some sectors, like tech, healthcare, or academia, may offer more straightforward paths to sponsorship. But in many industries, you'll have to compete with locals who already know the system and speak the local language fluently.
You may need to start with temporary or freelance work. That’s one reason digital nomads have increasingly chosen the US as a flexible base, offering remote work while adjusting to life abroad. However, patience and persistence are key for those looking for traditional full-time roles.
It helps to:
Tailor your resume to American standards.
Join online and local expat communities for referrals and advice.
Be open to roles outside your original field while you build a network.
Don’t underestimate the value of connecting with other expats. Many are willing to share leads, provide support, or just listen to you when job hunting gets tough.
Housing in a new country, especially in the United States, can be surprisingly difficult. From understanding lease terms to competing with local renters, expat living often starts with confusion and compromise.
If you're arriving in a big city like New York, San Francisco, or even Houston, you might be shocked at how competitive the rental market is and how much landlords require upfront.
Renters may need:
A U.S. credit score (which most expats don’t have at first)
Proof of employment or local income
A large deposit, sometimes up to one year of rent in advance
Additionally, the cost of living can be significantly higher than in many countries, especially for short-term leases or furnished units.
While cities with a strong expat community, like San Miguel de Allende, Ho Chi Minh City, or Costa Rica are known for their affordability, US cities can quickly eat into your savings if you're not careful.
To make the transition smoother, consider:
Other expats’ advice through online forums and expat communities
Temporary housing options like Airbnb or extended-stay hotels while you search
Shared housing or co-living spaces are popular among digital nomads
Wherever you land, expect to deal with cultural differences in renting, from lease structures to tenant responsibilities.
Moving to the US often means cutting back—literally. Depending on the size of your accommodation and shipping costs, you may be unable to bring everything from your home country.
Many new expats arrive with the essentials and gradually purchase what they need. While this can feel like starting over, resetting your lifestyle is also a great opportunity. Ask yourself:
Do I need all this furniture, or will I adapt it to a smaller space?
Can I rent or buy secondhand when I arrive?
What’s more important: sentimental belongings or convenience and mobility?
Cities with many international schools or expat communities often have online marketplaces or Facebook groups where other expats sell their belongings at affordable prices, which is perfect if you're on a tight budget and looking for a lower-cost setup.
This phase can feel a bit overwhelming, but many expats find it liberating. Less stuff often equals less stress and more freedom to focus on building your new life in a new culture.
Don't expect your daily rhythm to stay the same when living abroad. Your routines, whether it's grocery shopping, gym schedules, or even when and what you eat, are shaped by your environment.
Once you arrive in a new city, especially in a foreign country like the US, everything from store hours to social habits may clash with what you were used to in your own country.
For instance, dinner in the US tends to happen earlier than in Latin America. Work hours may be longer or more rigid than in other countries like South America or Western Europe. You may find that weekend leisure involves yoga classes, weekend trips, or outings to historic sites, a shift from your previous lifestyle.
Adjusting your routine may not be easy initially, but it's vital to settling into your new culture. Eventually, these changes will become second nature until you realise you’ve fully adapted to your expat lifestyle.
Food can be one of the most comforting parts of the home and one of the hardest to replace when moving overseas. You might miss familiar dishes, ingredients, or even the way meals were shared.
Many expats struggle with eating habits when they first move, especially in places where they don’t speak Spanish or the local language.
You'll likely encounter different food customs and ingredient availability in the US. You may need to substitute or completely reimagine your usual meals. Eating out regularly can quickly inflate your monthly expenses, especially if you live in a big city with a high cost of living.
Here’s how you can ease into a new eating routine:
Explore ethnic markets or specialty stores for familiar ingredients
Try local dishes as a way to connect with the local community
Take Spanish classes or other language courses to navigate menus and labels better
Prepare your meals when possible for an affordable cost and greater control
Over time, adapting your diet becomes easier and more enjoyable. It’s a key part of embracing life abroad.
One of the most overlooked emotional challenges of expat living is loneliness. Just as if you had moved to Mexico City or somewhere in Costa Rica, moving to the US, whether that's to Chicago or any other city, making new friends can be difficult. This is especially true if you're not fluent in the local language or unsure how to break into the local culture.
You’ll quickly realize that your built-in support network from your home country isn’t there. That’s why many expats actively seek out strong expat community networks or join expat communities online and in person. They serve as valuable spaces to meet other expats, share experiences, and get practical advice.
Ways to build a social life abroad:
Join digital nomads meetups or professional networking events.
Enroll in local clubs or fitness groups, like yoga classes.
Attend cultural or language exchange events.
Volunteer with a local cause.
Be patient. Friendships take time, especially when navigating cultural differences. But the effort is worth it. Many expats say the expat friends they make become lifelong connections.
As you immerse yourself in your new life, you may drift apart from friends and family in your native country. Different time zones, work schedules, and new routines can make it harder to maintain regular contact. Even with video calls, messaging apps, and social media, the emotional gap can widen over time abroad.
It’s not always anyone’s fault, and it’s just part of what happens when you live in a new country and focus on building a better life. However, it’s still important to stay connected with your roots. That connection offers emotional support, perspective, and a lifeline when things get tough.
Here’s how to keep those relationships strong:
Schedule weekly or monthly check-ins.
Share everyday updates, not just the big milestones.
Invite loved ones to visit your new city.
Return for visits when possible, especially during major holidays.
Balancing the world you’ve left behind with the one you’re building takes work, but it’s part of what defines the expat lifestyle.
Expatriate life offers the chance to live on your terms, enjoy weekend trips, visit historic sites, and fully embrace the thrill of life abroad. But behind the Instagram-worthy moments lies real work, real sacrifice, and often, real solitude.
Before you leap, reflect:
Are you ready to navigate the visa application process, choose the right health insurance, and endure the bureaucratic grind of moving overseas?
Can you emotionally manage culture shock, cultural differences, and being far from your home country?
Are you financially prepared for the cost of living, rising monthly expenses, and those bills that always arrive at the worst time?
Will you be proactive, such as learning a new language, adjusting to a new culture, and connecting with the local community?
If you can answer yes—or even "I hope to start working on it"—you might be ready for the exhilarating reality of expat living.
Yes, expats struggle at first. But over time, with persistence and an open heart, you’ll find expat friends, build your version of an authentic expat lifestyle, and create a future that feels both bold and deeply personal.
And when you're ready to take that next step, whether understanding your private insurance options or just wanting to feel more confident about living abroad, visit WellAway. We offer expert-backed resources, guidance on private health insurance, and support tailored specifically for expats in the US.