Moving abroad is often seen as an exciting life change. Many people imagine sunny days in a new city, discovering local food, and building a new life in a different culture. For digital nomads and remote workers, this dream has become more realistic in recent years. Around half of destinations worldwide now offer so-called Digital Nomad Visas, which allow people to live and work abroad for a year or more.
But relocating to another country is not always as simple as it seems. Daily life quickly replaces the excitement of arrival, and newcomers must navigate unfamiliar systems, languages, and routines. Things like opening a bank account, finding housing, or understanding visa rules can suddenly feel complicated. Many expats say they underestimated how challenging these practical issues would be.
People who have already made the move often admit they made mistakes during their first months abroad. Some struggled to communicate, others found it difficult to build a social life, and many realised too late that they had not planned their finances or housing properly. These experiences can offer useful lessons for anyone considering the same step. Here are some tips from people who say they learned the hard way.
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Learn the language as early as possible
One of the most common regrets among expats is not learning the local language sooner. Some people move abroad assuming they can rely on English, especially in large cities. However, this can make everyday tasks more difficult than expected. Ordering food, explaining a problem to a landlord, or asking for directions can quickly become frustrating.
One expat who spent nearly a year living in Jakarta admitted she felt embarrassed about how little effort she had made to learn the local language. Writing on the travel blog The Travel Lush, she explained how frustrating daily situations could become without basic communication skills. “At one point, simple things like getting around in taxis or getting the air conditioner repaired were the bane of my existence because I couldn’t communicate at all,” she wrote. Even learning a few key phrases later made a big difference in daily life, helping her ask locals for directions and avoid misunderstandings.
Make an effort to build a social life
A lesson many people learn after moving abroad is the importance of building a social network. It can be easy to stay at home, especially for remote workers who spend most of their day working online. However, this can quickly lead to feelings of isolation. Living in a new country without friends or support can make even small challenges feel overwhelming.
Barbara Olpinski, who moved from Chicago to Poland in 2020, described her experience: “I cried copious tears, and I was worried I’d never fit in,” she told CNN. “It felt like no matter what I did, I couldn’t connect with anyone around me.”
Over time, she discovered a solution: “I started taking up a new hobby, and that’s when I began meeting people and feeling more at home.” Her experience shows that even small steps like joining local activities, attending community events, or trying a new class can help newcomers form meaningful friendships. For many expats, these relationships end up being the most rewarding part of living abroad.
Research what you might need to bring
Another common mistake expats make is assuming they can buy everything they need once they arrive. Victoria Kjos, who lived in Jakarta for nearly a year, explained: “When I got to Jakarta I realized that there were a lot of random little things I couldn’t find… absorbable bath towels, shower curtains, butter knives, and top sheets.” She added, “I only brought enough of these things to last me a few months. I figured I would easily find replacements here. I figured wrong.”
Doing research before moving can prevent these frustrations. Online forums and travel blogs often highlight which products are difficult to find in certain destinations. Bringing a supply of essential items from home can save both time and money, and make the transition feel much more comfortable during the first months abroad.
Understand jobs, visas and finances before arriving
Work and visa rules are another area where many newcomers run into problems. Some people assume they will easily find work once they arrive. Others underestimate how long visa applications or job searches might take. These misunderstandings can create stress during the first months abroad.
Planning ahead can make a big difference. It is important to understand visa requirements, work permits, and possible tax obligations before relocating. The growing number of Digital Nomad Visas has made it easier for remote workers to live abroad legally. However, applicants still need to meet income requirements and arrange insurance in many cases. Having savings to cover the first few months is also strongly recommended.
Choose housing carefully
Housing can also shape the entire experience of living abroad. Some expats admit they accepted the first apartment available without doing enough research. Later, they discovered problems such as noisy neighbours, poor maintenance, or inconvenient locations. Living in an uncomfortable home can make it harder to enjoy the new environment.
Spending time researching neighbourhoods and housing options can prevent these issues. Factors such as transport links, natural light, or proximity to workspaces may become important over time. Many experienced expats recommend short-term rentals at first. This allows newcomers to explore the city before committing to a long-term apartment.
Stay patient and keep perspective
Even with careful preparation, life abroad can still be challenging. Culture shock, homesickness, and unexpected problems are common experiences for newcomers. Many people admit they had moments where they questioned their decision to move.
However, most expats say these difficult moments eventually pass. Over time, people learn how to navigate daily life and feel more confident in their new surroundings. Finding routines, hobbies, and supportive communities can help make the transition easier. In the end, many say the challenges were worth it.
A growing trend in modern travel
Relocating abroad is becoming increasingly common as remote work expands. Digital nomad lifestyles have encouraged many people to experiment with living in another country for months or even years. Governments around the world are responding by introducing visa programmes aimed at attracting these workers.
Even with these new opportunities, experienced expats agree that preparation remains essential. Learning from the experiences of others can help newcomers avoid common mistakes. With the right planning and expectations, moving abroad can become not just an adventure but a sustainable way of life.
