Inspired Overseas Living

Moving to another country means you will be subjected to the laws and regulations of their government and there are limits to what documents and licenses are valid in each individual nation. Before you leave and while you are abroad, there are a few things you should remember to do in order to ensure a safe, problem-free international experience.

1. Acquire necessary documentation: The US State Department has a list of all the countries with links to pages describing what documents you are required to obtain prior to arrival. You also need to make sure your passport is up to date because it will be needed for travel to and from your destination country. You will find yourself with quite a mess to fix if your passport expires while you are abroad and you need to return home.
2. Register with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate Office in your area: Whether you are moving or just traveling to another country it is always a good idea to make known your whereabouts with the state department so that in the event of an emergency or disaster they can assist you or know how to find you. The location, and contact information for all the U.S. embassies and consulates can also be found on the state department’s website.
3. Obtain a Valid Driver’s License: Even if you plan on living somewhere that doesn’t require the use of a personal vehicle, it is likely that at some point you will need to drive while living abroad. Some countries do not recognize a U.S. driver’s license and you will need to obtain a new one in your new home. The state department provides country-specific information for each nation where you can find out driving rules and regulations for the country to which you will be moving.