Do a trial run before moving abroad

Have you ever dreamed about moving abroad but worried that you might pick the wrong country, the wrong city, or even the wrong neighborhood? What if you get there, and it just doesn’t feel right? The best way to avoid this regret is to try before you buy.

Before making the big move, spending time in your potential new home can give you a real sense of what life will actually be like. This strategy can help you avoid costly mistakes, save time, and ensure you’re making the right choice. In this post, we’ll cover why testing a city first is so important, what to look for while you’re there, and how to plan a trial run that gives you useful insights—not just a vacation experience.

The Benefits of Trying Before Moving

Reality Check: What to do before moving abroad (Visiting vs. Living)

Visiting a place as a tourist is very different from living there. If you’ve only spent a couple of days in a city, you might not have an accurate idea of what daily life is like. Instead of relying on short trips, consider spending 1-3 months on a tourist visa to get a better feel for the place. Your ability to do a longer trip may depend on your work situation and your responsibilities back home, so if you can only swing a few days then that’s okay too! The goal is just to ensure you’re able to get a good feel for what life is actually like, not just whether the location is fun to spend time as a tourist.

This is especially useful if you’re choosing between multiple cities!

Testing Lifestyle Fit Before Moving Abroad

Does the city align with your personality, work, and daily needs? Think about things like public transport, walkability, and the types of activities available.

Checking Visa & Job Feasibility

Can you realistically move there based on visa and job opportunities? Networking can help you understand the job market. Try these strategies:

• Chat with someone working in a coffee shop on a laptop.
• Meet professionals through alumni Facebook groups.
• Connect with people on LinkedIn, especially those from your university.
• Sign up for networking events like those available on meetup.com.

Finding the Right Neighborhood Before Moving Abroad

A cheap apartment might seem like a great deal until you realize it’s in a dangerous area or has terrible public transport. Make sure the area fits your lifestyle needs and you’ll feel comfortable there.

What to Do Before Moving Abroad: How to Test a City

Explore Different Neighborhoods

Spend time in multiple areas to see which one suits you best. Some neighborhoods are great for families, while others are more suited for young professionals or retirees.

Talk to Expats & Locals

Join Facebook groups, attend meetups, and get honest opinions from those who live there.

Test Daily Life Logistics

Try public transport, grocery shopping, banking, and other everyday tasks to see how convenient they are.

Research Job or Business Opportunities

If you plan to work, check job listings, attend networking events, and visit coworking spaces to gauge the job market.

Consider the Weather & Seasons

A place that seems great in summer might be miserable in winter. If possible, visit during different seasons to get a full picture.

How to Plan a Trial Run Trip

Decide How Long You Can Stay

Your work situation and responsibilities back home will impact how long you can test a city. If possible, take advantage of remote work to extend your stay.

Find Short-Term Housing

Instead of a hotel, look for:

• Subleases (Google “sublease in [city]”)
• Facebook groups with rental listings
• Airbnb monthly stays (often cheaper than short stays)
• House-sitting opportunities (stay for free in exchange for taking care of a home and pets)

Figure Out Your Finances

• Live off savings or any passive/side income (rental property, freelance work, etc.)
• Pick up freelance jobs (copywriting, website building, virtual assistant, financial consulting, etc.)
• If employed, ask your manager if you can work remotely from another country for a few weeks

Set a Budget & Test Living Costs Before Moving Abroad

Live as you would if you actually moved there. Don’t overspend like you’re on vacation.

Make a Checklist of Must-Haves When Moving Abroad Again

Evaluate safety, healthcare, community, and lifestyle factors.

Time Your Visit Well

If possible, visit during different seasons to understand year-round living conditions.

Document Your Thoughts

Keep a journal or notes on what feels right (or wrong) about the city. I’d also take a lot of photos and videos. You may think you’ll remember everything, but it’s best to document your learnings to be sure you don’t get places mixed up or forget some details.

Final Thoughts

Moving abroad is a huge decision. Taking a trial run first can save you from potential regrets and ensure that you’re making the right move (pun intended hehe).

Have you ever tested out a city before moving abroad? What country would you love to try out first? Let me know!

Curious about life abroad? Don’t miss these related posts:

• How to Move to Another Country Permanently
• How to Deal With People Who Aren’t Supportive of Your Move Abroad

Need Help Choosing? Take the Quiz!

Still unsure where to start? Take our free quiz to find out which European city might be your perfect match: jordangiberson.com/quiz

Now you have a roadmap for selecting the best country and city for your move abroad. If you found this guide helpful, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone else dreaming of a new beginning overseas.