93: The 20 biggest mistakes people make when moving abroad (and how to avoid them)
Biggest Mistakes When Moving Abroad
Moving abroad is exciting, but it’s also easy to make avoidable mistakes that can cost time, money, and peace of mind. In this post, we’ll cover the biggest mistakes when moving abroad and how to avoid them, so you can plan smarter, adjust faster, and make the most of your new life overseas.
Planning & Mindset Mistakes
1. Moving without a clear “why”
Leads to regret or impulsive choices.
Fix: Get honest about your goals (freedom, adventure, cost of living, political values, career growth).
2. Choosing a country based only on vibes or Instagram
Lifestyle photos don’t tell you whether you can legally stay or thrive there.
Fix: Start with visa options, then narrow countries.
3. Believing “moving abroad will solve my problems”
You bring the same problems with you.
Fix: Move for growth, not escape.
4. Comparing everything to the U.S.
The “In America, we…” mindset prevents adaptation.
Fix: Expect different — not better or worse, just different.
5. Waiting too long to start planning
Visas, housing and timelines sneak up fast.
Fix: Start 6–12 months ahead.
6. Over-researching and never taking the leap
Paralysis by analysis keeps you stuck.
Fix: Set a deadline or try a short “test move.”
Financial Mistakes
7. Underestimating moving costs
Flights, shipping, deposits, visa fees and emergencies add up.
Fix: Budget for the move plus at least 3–6 months of living expenses.
8. Not researching cost of living properly
Big-city Western Europe looks very different from smaller towns or Eastern Europe.
Fix: Use cost-of-living calculators and watch honest expat reports.
9. Not having an emergency fund
Unexpected fees, relationship changes, or job issues happen.
Fix: Save $3k–$10k depending on country and circumstances.
Logistics Mistakes
10. Not visiting first (if possible)
You might find the reality doesn’t match the dream.
Fix: Do a test visit to feel daily life and neighborhoods.
11. Not researching healthcare
Coverage varies — don’t assume it’s free or automatic.
Fix: Check visa health requirements and get expat insurance if needed.
12. Signing a long-term lease before seeing the home/area
You can’t judge noise, neighbors, or commute from photos.
Fix: Use short-term housing initially.
13. Not handling home-country paperwork before leaving
Taxes, phone contracts, mail, voter registration and benefits need attention.
Fix: Tie up loose ends before departure.
14. Not having a plan for how long you intend to stay
No timeline makes visa, job and housing decisions harder.
Fix: Set a flexible timeframe (short-term, multiyear, or permanent).
15. Not scheduling time to visit home again
No planned visits increases homesickness and logistical friction.
Fix: Budget and schedule return trips in advance.
Emotional & Social Mistakes
16. Not preparing for loneliness or culture shock
The first 3–6 months are often the hardest.
Fix: Normalize the dip and build a support network early.
17. Expecting to feel “settled” right away
Most people take 1–2 years to feel at home.
Fix: Give yourself time — settling happens in seasons.
18. Expecting others to put in the effort to build friendships
Friendships require proactive effort, especially abroad.
Fix: Be the one to reach out and create social routines.
19. Not taking steps to integrate
Sticking only to expat bubbles slows adaptation.
Fix: Learn local customs, basic language, and join local groups.
20. Not actually moving
Planning forever without action keeps you stuck where you are.
Fix: Pick a realistic move date, buy the ticket, and start the process.
Final Takeaways
Everyone makes mistakes when moving abroad — but awareness, preparation, and realistic expectations will make your move smoother and more rewarding. Give yourself grace. You don’t have to be perfect — just informed.
CTA: Want help figuring out where to go first? Take the free quiz: Which European city should you move to?
