Have you got an offer to work abroad or do you send your employees abroad? Then you may find useful the ecommendations of the Expat Info Desk website designed for employees who are moving abroad for the first time and need to master their first days in a new city as easy as possible. The ten most important things include:
1. Map with street index
Thanks to a paper guide, you can reduce the likelihood of getting lost upon your arrival. It will also help you to identify suitable locations for long-term accommodation.
2. Skype
After arriving in a new country, you will have to manage a lot issues on the phone and your life can be much easier with Skype. You would be able to make calls for free or at least cheaper than from a phone booth or using a mobile phone. It will also be easier for you to keep in touch with your family and friends at home.
3. Prescription drugs
You may not be able to buy the medication you are taking for a long time in every country. Therefore, check the possibilities on advnce and possibly get your medication prescribed in your home country. Find out whether you can transport your medication to the destination country, too.
4. Health insurance
Do not leave without health insurance. Well in advance, make sure your health insurance covers all risks of long-term stay abroad and comes into force on the day of your arrival.
5. Cell phone
Before you can arrange a monthly fee for your phone calls in the new country, keep ready with a local phone number from which you can make calls using a prepaid credit.
6. Guide for expats
Find on the Internet, for instance at www.expatinfodesk.com/destinations/, a concise guide for expats in various countries.
7. Business cards
You will meet many new people, so have your business cards prepared. If you do not have a phone number yet, the cards should include at least your name and your e-mail address.
8. Contact phone numbers and e-mails
For emergencies, you should carry a list of important contacts both in the new country and at home. That includes emergency services, insurance, hotels and other places of accommodation, banks, schools, your employer, family, etc.
9. Important documents
Prepare yourself for the fact that will have to submit various documents from your passport, birth certificate or insurance to evidence of your dog vaccination details in the first weeks abroad. If you are moving with your family, make sure that you have all the necessary documents for all.
10. Local money
Even if you have previously secured a bank account and transferred money, always have some cash in local currency.
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