Image: Mexico City by Edmund Garman (CC BY 2.0)
Expats love the adventure of moving abroad. This excitement is an inevitable product of facing the unknown. But it’s also true that the unfamiliar can be scary—whether we fear leaving family and friends, not integrating into a new culture or crime in our new location.
Safety should always be a priority, but there isn’t any need to be afraid if you are prepared to adapt your lifestyle in order to be safe in your new environment.
How to move abroad
Medically prepared: Ensure you (and any family members coming along with you) have medical cover before you move. If you do at some point need the help of a doctor, dentist or paramedic, no one wants to be in a situation where they have to foot a huge bill for treatment.
Gadget-less: Think carefully about the expensive gadgets you are taking with you. Ask yourself, will you really be able to use them in public without making yourself vulnerable to those who may be looking to steal from unsuspecting people? You are already a target for pickpockets because tourists and expats can stand out among the crowd.
Helping hand: Seek out a friend, a friend of a friend or an employer who is already living in your next destination and ask them for help when deciding which areas are the safest to live in. You could also ask about any areas to avoid while on foot or travelling by public transport.
How to stay safe
Focus forwards: When you arrive in your new home, remember to always keep your luggage at the front of you and never ever keep a wallet in your back pocket.
Key ready: Your house or flat keys should be in your hand and ready to open your door (not at the bottom of a handbag) especially if you are returning home late at night.
Street wise: Always opt to use the ATM machine inside the bank rather than those out on the street (you may want to avoid counting cash outside too!).
This guest blog post was written by Expat Explorer, brought to you by HSBC Expat.