When planning to move abroad, thorough research about your new destination is crucial. This ensures a smoother transition and helps avoid common pitfalls. In this blog post I’ll share some expert tips to make your research more productive and effective.

These are tips that I personally used over the years in my many moves abroad – and that I’ve helped clients from all over the world over the past decade.

One common mistake people make when researching their new destination is asking vague questions. For instance, asking “Are clothes expensive in country X?” will yield varied and often confusing responses. Instead, define what you mean by “clothes.” Are you referring to casual wear, formal attire, or specific brands? The more specific your question, the more accurate your answers will be.

For example, if you are interested in casual clothes, look up prices for brands you currently wear, like Gap or Benetton. Check the prices of these brands in the country you are moving to using trustworthy sources online, rather than relying solely on social media. This approach will provide you with concrete data to make informed decisions.

Once you have specific questions, use reliable sources to gather information. Websites of brands, cost of living calculators, and official statistics are good places to start. After gathering your data, you can use social media to confirm your findings. For example, you might ask in a local expat group, “I found that a pair of Gap jeans costs X in this country. Is this accurate? How frequently are there sales? Is tax included in the price?”

This method ensures that you have solid information verified by people who have firsthand experience.

You can find pretty much everything online, and the added bonus is that you get to practice reading in the new language!

Join the Expat Connection Facebook group and connect with expats and expats-to-be!

As humans, we have a cognitive bias that makes us more likely to pay attention to and remember information that confirms our pre-existing beliefs. This confirmation bias can skew your research and lead to biased conclusions. 

To counteract this, be conscious of your biases and seek out information that challenges your assumptions. Ask others to review your research and question your conclusions and when looking at posts on social media, remember to keep your confirmation bias in check!

This practice helps ensure that your decisions are based on a balanced view of all available information.

These research tips are not limited to just cost of living. They apply to various aspects of moving abroad, including:

• Deciding where to live
• Choosing schools for your children
• Understanding healthcare systems
• Navigating cultural differences

By following these steps, you will be better prepared for your move abroad, ensuring a more informed and confident transition.

Remember, after following these steps, you can then go to social media and, with a very specific and focused question, get valuable input to your questions. Use social media to confirm your findings.

Researching your new destination thoroughly is a vital step in preparing for a move abroad. Be specific with your questions, use trustworthy sources, confirm your findings, and be aware of confirmation bias. These strategies will help you gather accurate information and make informed decisions.

If you are preparing for your move abroad, check out the Expat Journey Program for more personalized support on your relocation journey. You’ll find all the steps you need to follow for a smooth move and life abroad.