Moving to another country can be an exciting experience, bringing a new culture and lifestyle into your world. Success in your new location often depends on how well you plan for it. Setting up housing, researching schools or finding a new job are some of the big things that have to be organised but it’s also important to check all the smaller details. Taking the time to complete solid planning and gaining knowledge about the process will ensure you don’t miss any of the important steps. Here’s some key things to address before you get on the plane: Money talks Moving to another town can be expensive but moving abroad costs even more. There are many unique costs that come along with the process. Visas and other legal clearances have to be paid for, the long-distance shipping of possessions, possible taxing by two different countries, accommodation and flights to the new location. With all of the potential costs, experts recommend having at least ten months of living expenses saved up before you make the big move. If you don’t have that at the time then it’s advisable to wait until you’ve saved up. If you can’t wait then make sure you have enough saved to cover initial housing costs, unexpected medical needs and emergencies. Do your paperwork Work out all your tax arrangements as you could end up paying for tax in two countries. Ensure all your documents are organised and placed in a safe place together and ready for travel. It could complicate things if you arrive in your new destination only to find out you’re missing a document required for you to live there. You will need to spend a lot of time filling out official visa and passport forms for your current country of residence and your new one. It’s a good idea to make copies of every important document you have ever signed and every policy and legal document you have in your name. Spend some time working out overseas money transfers, submitting new tax information to the authorities, obtaining necessary health clearances. If you are bringing along family members or pets, arranging for them to have the proper documentation and quarantine arrangements for them to accompany you. If forms are incomplete you could end up spending a lot of time and money on international phone calls or visits to your country’s embassy. It’s best practice is to confirm several times that you have everything you need, signed, completed and backed up in case of loss. Address your health needs It's a good idea to research the overall health care system of your destination country so you know what to do In any situation. You will need to take a look at your current health insurance policy and might be required to buy a new one that will provide cover in your new country. It’s important to check if you have enough of any necessary medical supplies or medications for your travel and refills for if anything gets lost or damaged. You will also have to check how you will get new prescriptions and if you are permitted to bring the health care items into the new country. Ensure that none of your medications are considered illicit drugs in your new country of residence. Access to your finances Since everyday instant transfers take place across borders, you may think your current banking system will move with you to your new home - but this is not the case. You will need to set up access to your finances in your new country by choosing a bank for a local account and delivering the necessary paperwork before you actually move. It’s also important to notify credit card companies that you are moving so they don’t freeze your account due to activity in a different location. Other money matters to address before you leave include setting up automatic payments for any bills that will come out after you move and consulting an accountant to work out your tax situation in the new country.