7 Mistakes Expats Make - While Living & Moving Abroad
In this episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter I wanted to share my personal experience as an expat in Portugal and discuss common mistakes that people often make when living and working abroad. Whether you're an American or from anywhere else in the world, moving to a new country can be daunting. That's why it's important to be aware of the potential pitfalls to avoid.
First and foremost, it's crucial to consider the cost of living in your new location. Underestimating expenses is a mistake many people make, especially if you're coming from a place with a lower cost of living. Additionally, relying solely on technology for communication and navigation is another mistake to avoid. Basic language skills can go a long way when your phone battery dies or when you can't rely on translation apps.
Understanding the local work culture and life balance is also crucial to adapting to your new environment. Without going into so much more detail, I'll let the rest be said in this week's episode...
If you're considering living and working abroad, whether it's in Portugal or elsewhere in Europe, it's important to be prepared and avoid common mistakes. In to this episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter we'll talk about living abroad, expat life in Portugal, and the mistakes to avoid. Don't miss out on the valuable lessons I've learned through my experience as an expat in Portugal.
00:00 - Opening Thoughts & Intro
00:24 - Not Planning Your Expat Finances
02:12 - Falling into the ‘Expat Bubble’ and keeping your distance can both be a hindrance..
04:22 - A Vacation ISN’T Your Day To Day Life
07:24 - Assuming that the working culture abroad will be the same as where you’re from
08:26 - How far your salary will actually go
10:43 - Relying too much on tech
12:05 - Maintaining a sense of humor
14:39 - Closing Thoughts & Outro