Living Abroad Advice: 11 Things You Should Never Do
Avoid common mistakes and thrive overseas with this essential advice for living abroad. Learn what not to do, and how to do it right instead.
Living abroad isn’t just about packing your bags and catching a flight. It’s a complete lifestyle shift that pushes you out of your comfort zone and into unfamiliar territory. While the rewards are plenty — new experiences, cultures, and opportunities — so are the challenges. One wrong move can affect your relationships, your safety, or even your legal status. That’s why it’s essential to know not just what to do, but what not to do.
In this article, you’ll discover 11 key mistakes to avoid when living abroad and more importantly, how to avoid them. Whether you’re planning a move, freshly settled, or just curious, these tips will help you navigate life overseas with confidence and respect.
The Don’ts of Living Abroad
Moving abroad is exciting, but it’s not always easy. You have to adapt to a new culture, laws, and way of life. While making mistakes is natural, some can seriously impact your experience. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a smooth transition.
1. Ignore Local Customs and Traditions
Every country has unique customs. Ignoring them can make you seem rude or disrespectful. Simple gestures, greetings, and manners vary across cultures. For example, in Thailand, touching someone’s head is disrespectful, while in France, greeting with a kiss on both cheeks is common.
What to Do Instead
Before you arrive, research cultural etiquette. Read travel blogs, watch documentaries, or join expat forums. Observe how locals behave and follow their lead. If you’re unsure about something, politely ask. Showing respect will help you build positive relationships.
2. Assume Everyone Speaks English
English is a global language, but not everyone speaks it. Assuming people understand you can make communication difficult and seem disrespectful. Locals appreciate it when foreigners try to speak their language, even if they make mistakes.
What to Do Instead
Learn basic phrases like greetings, numbers, and common questions. Download a translation app or carry a phrasebook. Take language classes or practice with locals. Even a simple “thank you” in the local language can create a good impression.
3. Disrespect Local Laws
Laws vary between countries, and breaking them can lead to serious consequences. What’s legal in your home country might be illegal abroad. For example, chewing gum is banned in Singapore, and jaywalking can result in fines in Germany.
What to Do Instead
Familiarize yourself with local laws before you move. Read official government websites or talk to other expats. If unsure about a rule, ask locals or legal experts. Follow laws strictly to avoid unnecessary trouble.
4. Isolate Yourself From Locals
Some expats only socialize with people from their home country. This limits their experience and prevents them from truly understanding the culture. If you don’t interact with locals, you miss out on opportunities to learn and grow.
What to Do Instead
Step out of your comfort zone. Join local events, take up hobbies, or attend language exchange meetups. Befriend colleagues or neighbors. Making local friends will help you understand the culture better and feel more connected.
5. Compare Everything to Your Home Country
Saying, “Back home, we do it differently,” can annoy locals. Every country has its own way of doing things, and constantly comparing can make it harder to adapt.
What to Do Instead
Adopt an open mindset. Instead of comparing, try to appreciate the differences. Embrace new customs, food, and daily habits. Accept that some things will be better, while others might be more challenging. Adaptation takes time, but a positive attitude helps.
6. Ignore Money and Budgeting
Many people underestimate the cost of living abroad. Not tracking expenses can lead to financial problems. Currency exchange rates, banking fees, and lifestyle changes can affect your budget.
What to Do Instead
Create a budget before moving. Research living costs, rent, transportation, and food expenses. Use expense-tracking apps to manage your spending. Open a local bank account to avoid high international fees. Plan for unexpected costs to stay financially stable.
7. Forget to Learn Basic Emergency Procedures
Emergencies can happen anywhere. Not knowing what to do in an emergency can put you at risk. Different countries have different emergency numbers, healthcare systems, and safety protocols.
What to Do Instead
Learn the local emergency numbers for police, fire, and medical help. Know where the nearest hospital and pharmacy are. Keep important contacts saved on your phone. Have a basic understanding of first aid, and carry necessary medical documents.
8. Expect Everything to Be Easy
Moving abroad is exciting, but it’s also challenging. Language barriers, paperwork, and cultural differences can make simple tasks feel overwhelming. Expecting everything to go smoothly will only lead to frustration.
What to Do Instead
Be patient and flexible. Accept that challenges are part of the experience. Give yourself time to adjust and ask for help when needed. Break big tasks into smaller steps to make them more manageable. Keeping a sense of humor can also help you stay positive.
9. Overlook Health and Travel Insurance
Healthcare costs vary by country. Some nations offer free healthcare to residents, while others have expensive private systems. If you don’t have the right insurance, a medical emergency could drain your savings.
What to Do Instead
Get comprehensive health insurance that covers local hospitals and clinics. Check if your home country’s insurance works abroad. Some visas require proof of insurance, so review the rules before moving. Consider travel insurance for additional coverage.
10. Ignore Visa and Residency Requirements
Ignoring visa rules can lead to legal issues, fines, or deportation. Many countries have strict immigration policies, and overstaying your visa can cause serious problems.
What to Do Instead
Always stay updated on your visa status. Check renewal dates and required documents. If you plan to stay long-term, research residency permits or work visas. Consult immigration experts if you need help understanding the rules.
11. Disrespect Religious or Political Sensitivities
Many countries have strong religious or political beliefs. Making insensitive comments can offend locals or even result in legal consequences. Some countries have strict laws about criticizing the government or religion.
What to Do Instead
Be respectful and avoid discussing sensitive topics unless you fully understand them. Listen more than you speak, and observe how locals approach these subjects. If in doubt, stay neutral and focus on learning rather than debating.
Final Thoughts
Living abroad is a life-changing experience, but it requires effort, patience, and respect. By avoiding these mistakes and following the right steps, you can enjoy your time, build meaningful connections, and adapt successfully.
Remember, always keep an open mind, embrace new challenges, and make the most of your international adventure.
