110: 30 biggest myths Americans believe about moving abroad
The Most Common Myths Americans Believe About Moving Abroad
When Americans think about moving abroad, they often imagine it’s expensive, complicated, or unrealistic. As a result, many never take the first step. These misconceptions stop thousands of people from pursuing life overseas, even though moving abroad is far more achievable than most people assume.
Below are the 30 biggest myths Americans believe about moving abroad — and the truth behind each one.
1. “It’s only for rich people.”
Many assume moving abroad is a luxury reserved for the wealthy.
In reality, plenty of visas require modest savings, and many countries have a lower cost of living than major U.S. cities. As a result, many expats move with $5k–$15k depending on the visa.
2. “It’s more expensive to live abroad.”
People often confuse vacation prices with daily living.
However, many European cities cost far less than Austin, Seattle, NYC, or LA.
3. “I need to ship all my stuff.”
Some imagine recreating their entire American home overseas.
Instead, most expats move with 2–4 suitcases and buy the rest locally. You can ship a lot of your things and furniture but it’s definitely not necessary and many people don’t actually do that.
4. “I’ll be too homesick.”
Homesickness feels like a major barrier.
Even though you might miss home, technology makes staying connected simple. Additionally, planning visits home every 4–6 months helps you feel grounded.
5. “I need my family’s approval.”
Many people feel held back by expectations or lack of support.
The truth is, families often become supportive once they see you thriving abroad. You don’t need permission to pursue your goals.
6. “I need everything figured out before moving.”
Perfectionism leads to overwhelm… which leads to not moving.
In most cases, you only need a visa, a housing plan, and your first few steps. After that, you’ll figure out the rest on the ground.
7. “Moving abroad is irreversible.”
People fear making a permanent mistake.
However, you can always move back. Many people try living abroad for a single year.
8. “It’s too complicated to get a visa.”
Visa confusion often stops people early.
However, requirements are usually straightforward once you identify the right visa type. For example, digital nomad and freelancer visas have clear checklists.
9. “Visas take years.”
Americans compare timelines to U.S. immigration.
In fact, many European visas are processed within 2–12 weeks.
10. “You need a job offer before applying.”
This assumption closes doors too soon.
Dozens of visas do not require job offers, including digital nomad, freelancer, student, job-seeker, and residence visas.
11. “I need to know exactly where to move first.”
Many get stuck researching endlessly.
However, you only need a shortlist. As you continue, you’ll get clarity while exploring visas, cost of living, and lifestyle preferences.
12. “You must speak the language fluently.”
This is one of the most persistent myths.
In reality, many countries have English-speaking workplaces. Meanwhile, you can learn the local language after you arrive.
13. “I need a lawyer to move abroad.”
Paperwork feels intimidating.
However, most expats complete their visa applications independently with no legal help.
14. “It’s unsafe to live abroad.”
Americans often assume the U.S. is safer.
However, many countries have lower crime rates and feel safer day-to-day.
15. “Companies won’t hire Americans.”
People think employers avoid visas altogether.
However, many companies hire international talent, especially in global industries.
16. “My U.S. degree won’t count.”
Education recognition is a common fear.
In reality, U.S. degrees are widely accepted and valued in many countries.
17. “Moving abroad will ruin my career.”
Americans worry about stepping away from the U.S. job market.
However, international experience often strengthens your career and expands future opportunities.
18. “The only jobs abroad are teaching English.”
Nope!
In fact, teaching ESL is one option, not the only one. While this is a pretty easy way to be able to move abroad (esp if you don’t have any or much job experience), it’s certainly not the only way.
19. “I must take a massive pay cut.”
People focus on currency differences.
However, salaries usually match local cost of living. Additionally, healthcare savings often put expats ahead financially.
20. “I’ll pay double taxes.”
Tax confusion creates fear.
However, tax treaties prevent double taxation in most cases. For example, most European countries have agreements with the U.S.
21. “Healthcare abroad is low quality.”
Lower costs lead Americans to assume lower quality.
However, many countries offer high-quality, affordable healthcare.
22. “Public transport is unsafe or unreliable.”
Americans compare transit to U.S. cities.
However, European public transport is clean, reliable, and widely used.
23. “Europe is too cold or dark.”
Weather concerns stop many people.
However, Southern Europe has mild, sunny climates year-round.
24. “I won’t find American products.”
People fear losing familiar comforts.
However, global brands are widely available — and local alternatives are often better.
25. “People abroad don’t like Americans.”
A major social fear.
However, most locals are warm and welcoming when you make an effort.
26. “I won’t make friends.”
Loneliness feels intimidating.
However, expats often build community quickly through coworking, classes, and meetups.
27. “If I move abroad and don’t like it, I failed.”
This belief creates pressure to make the perfect choice.
However, moving abroad is reversible. Trying something new is not failure.
28. “It’s selfish to leave the U.S. and my family.”
Family guilt holds many people back.
However, you can maintain strong relationships from abroad. In many cases, distance improves them.
29. “I’m too old to move abroad.”
People think moving is only for younger adults.
However, many visas have no age limit. People move abroad at every stage of life.
30. “I need to wait for the perfect time.”
This belief keeps people stuck for years.
However, there is no perfect time. You can always return if it doesn’t feel right.
Final Thoughts
A lot of barriers to moving abroad come from myths, assumptions, or outdated information. Once you understand the realities, moving abroad becomes far more achievable. You don’t need perfection, fluency, or massive savings — just a clear first step.
If you want more support, explore the episodes referenced in this conversation:
• Episode 104 : Before you move abroad: Take this one trip first
• Episode 49: Can I get a job abroad if I only speak English?
• Episode 91: US Expat Taxes: What every American moving abroad should know
• Episode 75: Healthcare systems in Europe: What Americans need to know
• Episode 30: Why I love living in London and why you might love it to
