There are many expenses to be
met when you first arrive in your expat home. Relocation expert David Hollins
offers 10 tips for keeping them in check
Buy second-hand
If you’re moving to a city
with a large and well organised expatriate community, for example Tokyo,
Jakarta or Sao Paulo, you can often find furniture and appliances through
expatriate focused websites. These online communities will have sales when
other expatriate families are moving and want to leave behind fairly new items
and are a great way of kitting out your home for a fraction of the price.
Check out ‘the next big thing’
In most big cities there are
the popular, trendy neighbourhoods and those that are tipped to be the 'next
big thing'. For a better deal, consider moving into an up-and-coming
neighbourhood. These areas tend to change for the better quickly – it's great
to be part of that transition and to say you were there before it was on top.
Keep accommodation costs down
If you’re travelling alone or
as a couple, consider sharing a flat or house with other professionals. Your
room cost will be significantly lower than renting a whole place, and it only
has to be for the short-term while you save. For families, short-term rental
agreements are a good way to downsize while hunting for a permanent home.
Rental properties that come furnished are another good way of cutting costs,
since you won’t need to ship as much over.
Establish the best season
If you have flexibility, look
into the peak seasons for moving to your new location and find a time when it
is considered a better seasonal market for finding housing, for example the end
of the school year. This will help ensure you get more for your money.
Pick the right moving day
Some moving companies may
charge more to unload your belongings into your new home on a weekend than a
weekday. Be sure to ask if rates vary depending on the day.
Consider your social life
You may think that living
outside the city centre will save you money on accommodation, but keep in mind
where you plan to socialise. You may spend more on taxis home after an evening
out with friends in the city, which can soon add up if you’re on a budget.
Find the freebies
When arriving at your new
destination one of the first things you’ll want to do is explore, but scoping
out the area doesn’t have to mean paying for expensive tour guides and
activities. There’ll be plenty of things to see and do without breaking the
bank such as hiring a bike and taking yourself on your own tour, trialing the
local gym or exercise class for free or visiting the local museum and learning
about the history of your new home. Forums are also a great way of getting tips
from other expats nearby, plus they’ll often arrange meet-ups.
Understand taxes
Moving to a new country while
you have financial ties to another can be a tax headache and costly if you end
up paying tax twice by mistake. Talk to your bank before you leave to advise
them of your plans and get expert financial advice. This way you’ll be able to
know exactly what the tax requirements are and how they affect you – saving
money in the long-run.
Cut down your bills
Say goodbye to expensive phone
and TV bills when you move abroad. There are many ways you can keep in touch
and up-to-date with all the latest TV shows without adding to your monthly
outgoings. Skype, free messenger apps and social media are all great ways of
speaking to your loved ones without spending a penny. You needn’t sign up to
costly TV packages either because thanks to the likes of BBC and ITV iPlayer
you can keep up-to-speed on your favourite dramas and chat shows.
Do your research
The more you get to know your
new city, the more efficient you’ll become at managing everyday expenses. It’s
typical to spend more during your first year in a new location because you’ll
go to the closest supermarket. If you make an effort, you can find the little
known or less expensive options like a local market or Chinatown. Read more
about Travelling Tokyo
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