When you are about to start your international move from your home country to a faraway destination, there are so many things to arrange and it might be likely to overlook the actual costs of the relocation – but it doesn’t need to break the bank! Here are the top tips to keep your expenses in order: 1. Perform some research The more you get to know your new city, the more efficient you’ll become at managing everyday expenses. Don’t shop at the closest supermarket – if you make an effort, you’ll find the less expensive options. If you are driving a car ask around about gas prices and if you are relying on public transportation, try to find the easiest and cheapest route. There are a lot of apps that can help you with this. 2. Figure out the best season If you have a flexible schedule, find a time that is considered a better seasonal market for finding housing in your new location, such as the end of the school year. This will help ensure you get more for your money. 3. Learn about taxes Talk to an expatriate tax adviser in advance. Your everyday tax consultant may not have experience of international tax implications. So, be sure to find out if they know what they’re talking about – you don’t want a shock at the end of the year. 4. What is “the next big thing” in the city Most bigger cities have popular, trendy neighbourhoods and those that are tipped as the “next big thing.” But how can you tell if a neighbourhood is up-and-coming? Watching retail moves can be a great way to spot emerging areas. To get in early is the key – it’s also great to be part of the transition and say you were there before it was on top. 5. Observe accommodation costs Whether you’re moving alone or as a couple, consider sharing a property with other professionals. Your room cost will be significantly lower than renting a whole place, and it only has to be short-term while you save. For families, short-term rental agreements are a good way to downsize while hunting for a permanent home. Renting properties that come fully-furnished is another good way of cutting down costs, since you won’t need to ship as much. 6. Second-hand options If you’re moving to a city with a large, and well-organized expatriate community – for example, Tokyo, Bangkok or São Paulo – you can often find furniture and appliances through expatriate-focused web sites and groups. Online communities will have sales when other expat families are moving and want to leave behind fairly new items – a great way to fill your home for a fraction of the price! 7. Discover freebies One of the first things you’ll want to do is explore. But checking 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 visiting the local museum or renting a bike. Forums are also a great way of getting tips from other expats nearby – plus, they’ll often arrange meet-ups. 8. Always put your social life in consideration You may think that living outside the city centre will save you money, but bear in mind where you plan to socialize. You may find yourself spending more on taxis home after a night out in the city with friends. 9. Reduce telecommunication bills Video calling with Skype and FaceTime, messenger apps like Snapchat and WhatsApp, and social media channels like Facebook and Twitter are all great and free ways of staying in touch with your loved ones. If you need more information about moving abroad, check out our destination guides. We are here to help you move your world!