What did you not realize you should do before leaving?
Posted by playrawkstar@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 104 comments
We’re in the final weeks leading to our move from the states to Europe and are going through our to do lists. I’m sure there is so much we haven’t thought of - what didn’t you think to do before you left?
KEVOKELL22@reddit
One thing I wish I'd done is set up a way to access my US bank account easily from abroad. A lot of banks block foreign IPs or require a US phone number for 2FA, and it's a pain to sort out after you've left. Also, make sure you've got copies of all important documents (digital and physical) — you'll need them for residency permits, etc., and check if your health insurance covers you during the transition period. Good luck with the move!
Sighlence@reddit
idk if it’s still possible, but I transferred my mobile phone number to google voice just as I was leaving, so that I could continue to receive texts to it—still have it 7 years later
other than that: * eat at your favorite mexican restaurant. lord knows good mexican food is impossible to find in Europe
btw, it might be helpful if you list what is on your to-do list, so commenters can suggest things that aren’t already there
Open-Buddy8160@reddit
Did you transfer out of your us phone provider, or are you still paying them?
wasntready4thejellly@reddit
My traditional first meal whenever I fly back to the States has always been a burrito.
cerealobsession@reddit
Oh how I miss “American” Mexican food! I live in England and the locals will say to me, “We have Taco Bell. Isn’t that the same thing?”. 😩
JustEmmi@reddit
Jesus Christ that’s horrible 😭
elevenblade@reddit
Just a heads up that there are some great Mexican restaurants and food trucks in Stockholm. I moved here from San Diego, CA so use that as a reference point. La Neta is my current favorite but there are other good ones.
bigredsweatpants@reddit
I will add I had some great Mexican this past weekend in Copenhagen. Could have knocked me over with a feather! Might be the best I’ve had in Europe.
sunking37@reddit
Do you have the name?
bigredsweatpants@reddit
I believe it was Hija de Sanchez, in a food market on the city centre, their parent restaurant is Sanchez I think.
sunking37@reddit
Thanks! I'll check it out next time I'm there.
Firm_Speed_44@reddit
Look at a map and you'll understand why we don't have Mexican restaurants, at least not many.
deetoni@reddit
Heads up, the “big beautiful bill” has changed a lot of things about people living overseas and getting money back and forth…
So heads up, I don’t remember when it goes into effect, but trump definitely does not like people transferring money out of the country…
We have an accounting firm, so hubby was reading about these changes…
I don’t remember specifics but there’s going to be a high penalty on withdrawal…
You probably ought to read it all if you are an immigrant from the usa. I don’t use expat, because we are immigrants, when we move to another country and I dislike people trying to change language.😉
Don’t reply about it, because I won’t respond.
elevenblade@reddit
If you have retirement accounts in the USA: IRAs, 401ks, Keoghs, etc; strongly consider moving them to Charles Schwab or some other similar expat-friendly financial institution before you go. Merrill Edge unilaterally and without warning closed my spouse’s IRA and mailed a paper check to our last known USA residence. This created a huge problem for us — we first tried contacting Merrill and Bank of America (their partner) via multiple means but there was no appeal. The reason given was simply that we resided outside the USA. Apparently they were tipped off because we logged in too many times from abroad.
My spouse ended up having to buy a round trip plane ticket to retrieve the paper check, open an IRA with Schwab and deposit the check their before the 30-day window ran out and the IRS would consider this a taxable distribution.
We’ve been with Schwab for five years now and are very happy with them.
Another piece of financial advice: A WISE and/or a Revolut account is a hugely valuable tool. These are an easy way to move money from one country to another and will save you a bundle on foreign transaction fees, currency conversion fees and exchange rates. The WISE debit card also works in automated systems like parking lots, self-serve gasoline stations, train ticket dispensers and vending machines — credit cards from the USA frequently fail to work in these situations because they use chiå-and-signature rather than chip-and-PIN.
If you want more information on WISE DM me and I can send you a wall of text I wrote up a while ago. I’m not affiliated with them, I’ve just been a happy customer for over a decade.
temp_accinfo@reddit
Just curious, did you use a VPN during those logins? Or without a VPN.
deetoni@reddit
VPN and we also have an accounting firm.
We also use wise to transfer money.
elevenblade@reddit
No, and that was also a lesson learned. I’m currently using a private (AKA ”residential”) VPN for such things.
deetoni@reddit
Please seek the advice of your accountant and your financial advisor… as to what’s best for you.
Each country is different…
Trekker_Cynthia@reddit
Charles Schwab closed one of our IRAs without notice. Just got an email that a rather large check was heading our way. We were in the process of moving from Coimbra to Porto and thank goodness it arrived before we were fully out of the apartment. Yeah, no chance given to move it on our own so some nice penalties were applied as well.
Naprisun@reddit
In the same vein, keep your us number stashed on one of the hosting services. Having a real number that’s been migrated to voip seems to work way better than just getting a virtual one.
The ideal order is to set the number you’re keeping as the primary number on all your accounts, do 2fa and verify on everything. Then migrate the number and you should keep getting the essential texts.
Also consider keeping all of your numbers if you have family. We tried to get my wife a new credit card to keep her report active and it simply would not work with my migrated number. I think her not having an associated number on her credit report threw all kinds of red flags.
minimagoo77@reddit
In the new bill, there’s a clause taxing expats 3.5% when you move your money from an American bank to a foreign bank iirc. Tax
Team503@reddit
You don't deserve downvotes for this, it's a perfectly relevant and factually true comment.
alucardian_official@reddit
So much for supporting your troops
elevenblade@reddit
We are dual US/EU citizens so this shouldn’t apply to us (as it is intended to apply only to non-US citizens) but it’s still going to be a pain in the butt verifying our citizenship. Appreciate the heads up.
nycrachel@reddit
What's an expat friendly institution besides Schwab? I have Schwab for checking/stocks and Fidelity for my 401k.
elevenblade@reddit
No personal experience but I have heard that some US credit unions are known to be expat-friendly. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen it on this or other related expat / immigrant subs.
Team503@reddit
I maintain an account with a local credit union in Texas, had zero issues. Of course, I didn't call them and tell them I was moving either.
Charming_Spinach_362@reddit
maybe Navy Federal?
pinkfully161718@reddit
State Department Federal Credit Union
KarelKat@reddit
Fidelity has some restrictions on foreign residents when it comes to EFTs and investing new money but they won't close your accounts.
Playful_Net_139@reddit
THANK YOU
I was about to start panicking over this being a possibility
KarelKat@reddit
Don't panic :) go search on r/fidelity or post there to ask if you have more questions, their official support staff answer questions there.
Team503@reddit
I used Wise as my primary bank account (I know it's not technically a bank) for the first year and a half living in Ireland, had exactly zero problems.
Also, a good way around the issues with cards not working is to use Apple/Google Pay instead; it always works in my experience, even when the physical card won't.
playrawkstar@reddit (OP)
I had assumed Schwab would be saving us from the foreign transaction fees. Good to know that WISE was a better option for daily usage. Did you set that up before you left?
JustEmmi@reddit
I’m preparing to move to Australia & set my WISE account up already. I did it so I could also get the physical card mailed to me ahead of time. There’s also a digital one, but I figured having the physical just incase was a good move.
elevenblade@reddit
Yes, though after we were safely ensconced in the EU I changed our WISE profile to show that we were living there now.
There are quite a few US credit cards that say they have no foreign transaction fees but they still may be charging you a currency conversion fee and/or giving you a haircut on their exchange rates. One of the things I really like about WISE is that they are so transparent about what everything costs.
Charming_Spinach_362@reddit
pls send me your Wise "wall". Im still in the planning stages. I dont even know how DMs work on reddit, but I will try! Thanks so much.
ledledripstick@reddit
Make sure all marriage/birth certificates are apostille (authenticated with official seal).
Snoo-94703@reddit
Unless the plan is to use these apostilled documents within 3-6 months, it’s not worth the time or effort. Normally there’s a clock that starts after they are apostilled; depends on the country.
ledledripstick@reddit
Many countries in the EU require that you register with city hall or the local police or authorities as soon as you arrive and those documents should be apostille.
deetoni@reddit
We are in Spain, had our NIE and just before our visa was approved we registered with, what I refer to as the city hall.
DryAbroad8236@reddit
Can you expand? How would I find information like that?
Appreciate your help.
ledledripstick@reddit
Just google “which EU countries require registration upon arrival?” There you will find the list.
playrawkstar@reddit (OP)
We’re waiting for these to return before we leave. I know they are typically valid for a set amount of time so we’re planning to handle residency before they expire.
ledledripstick@reddit
Most places that require registration, require the registration between arrival and 6 months anyway. If they expired you are probably outside of the rules of registration.
LaneSE1980@reddit
FBI criminal background check/clearance. I needed one to establish residency in my new country and had to fly back to the USA to get fingerprinted and to get this form.
RlOTGRRRL@reddit
We were able to mail our fingerprints from overseas and scan them and email them to an expediter too.
Knowthyselves@reddit
Did you do then for Portugal by chance?
GaoAnTian@reddit
I have done this multiple times and it differed by country but often I was able to go to a national police bureau overseas and have them fingerprint me and then I mailed in the form. I was told if I did them myself they were not valid and the police agency needed to sign and stamp the FD 258 form. I have also at times been able to get my fingerprints done at a US Embassy but that very much depends upon the people working there and if they are willing to be helpful.
Knowthyselves@reddit
Did you do then for Portugal by chance?
GaoAnTian@reddit
Nope.
playrawkstar@reddit (OP)
Did you need the hard copy for this? We got this done but their site advised against getting it mailed.
Charming_Spinach_362@reddit
Not needed for where I'm aiming, but just in case, does the FBI file expire in a short period usually,? I realize it may depend on country.
RlOTGRRRL@reddit
It depends on country. Some country's might request an apostiled fbi background check.
hydrocarbonjovi@reddit
When was this? I did the fingerprints myself and mailed in the form (internationally) to the FBI with zero issues just a few months ago.
mayapie@reddit
Do you know if you get fingerprints ahead of time if they expire?
jashbgreke@reddit
Move to a state that doesn't have state income tax
playrawkstar@reddit (OP)
How did you handle this given that you moved abroad?
jashbgreke@reddit
I didn’t, I moved abroad to study and didn’t know anything about it. Stuck paying NJ taxes, but coming to an end soon since I’m moving back to the US
utardeded@reddit
Would a post office box suffice?
jashbgreke@reddit
Not sure, I didn’t do it and have been stuck paying NJ taxes
brittbertt@reddit
I would not have considered this, great consideration.
eml_raleigh@reddit
The first thing that I needed a VPN for right after I moved to Europe was to pay my electric bill on the house back in the U.S. Expect nonsensical things to be geofenced and pay for a non-scammy VPN so that you can pay your last electric bill, download medical records, etc.
playrawkstar@reddit (OP)
Great idea!
NoWorking23@reddit
Go to the dentist for a cleaning. You never know how long it will take to find a dentist you like in your new country.
playrawkstar@reddit (OP)
Just did this last week!
Traditional_Green127@reddit
Gifts for flight attendants. Something small.
Making sure you've got all your documents organized and with you on carry on. Checked in luggage can get lost, and those important things should stay on your person!
Max out all Health benefits before you go! Get those glasses, compression socks and gloves, insoles, massages, dental cleaning, etc, before you leave.
Space saver bags are such an underrated space saver..... seriously, get a few of those for all your clothes... plus a few travel ones foe your carry on. I flew as a family of 4, and fit fleece blankets and small pillows in our carry on while taking up no space... with kids, this made such a massive difference.
Have a little notebook of to dos, questions, lists, etc. I have one that lists things to get rid of, things to buy upon arrival, any questions I have like "what happens to....". It's a great way to make sure I have everything I need. Whenever I have an idea, thought, or question, I jot it down. I also have an items list of boxes and their content for the items being shipped.
Make an itinerary of what you need to do and when after arrival. Eg, drivers licence, address registration, open bank account, register for family dr, etc.
Get a copy of your driver's licence history for the MTO, and a policy history from your insurance provider. Get an international licence a few days before departure. Get a copy of your medical history from your Dr, along with extra meds if you have any. Make sure you get the pharmacy receipt as well for when you're traveling as you'll need to show that to customs.
Team503@reddit
This isn't a bad post at all, but I can't agree on gifts for flight attendents. It's not at all like tipping a waiter - waiters live on their tips. If they didn't I wouldn't tip except for exceptional situations.
Traditional_Green127@reddit
That's personal preference. OP asked for ideas. No one is forcing you to give gifts to the flight attendants.
Team503@reddit
It's outright weird, IMO, but you do you.
playrawkstar@reddit (OP)
I hadn’t considered pharmacy receipts, I assumed labels on the containers was enough.
Traditional_Green127@reddit
Unfortunately the label is not enough. You need the receipts, the one the pharmacy prints out. You may get a friendly customs rep who will let it go, but that's a big risk, especially depending on the meds. Highly controlled substances like ADHD meds would be asking for trouble with no receipts.
cr0mthr@reddit
How do you get an international license before departure?
Team503@reddit
They won't help in the long run; you'll still need to get a local driver's license eventually.
In Ireland, you can use your US license for one year before you must switch.
twilight-2k@reddit
Check to see if you need one for the country you are moving to. Some places let you drive on US license for a limited time and require you to get a local license anyway.
Traditional_Green127@reddit
Even if the country doesnt require you to get an IDP (International Drivers Permit), it's best to have one. When driving without one, it is up to the discretion of the officer as well if you're pulled over. Many places like car rental companies will refuse to rent to you if you don't have one. It's honestly better to just pay the $25 or whatever the minimal cost it is, than the headache if you run into problems without it. They're valid for 1 year. Even though you'll have to change over your driver's licence before the year is up, it is such a minimal cost.
fromwayuphigh@reddit
AAA offers them, but you can also get them abroad.
cr0mthr@reddit
Good to know, thank you!
GaoAnTian@reddit
And make sure to check how long you can use the international drivers license in the country you are moving to. Is it 30 days? Or up to a year?
hydrocarbonjovi@reddit
Just be warned that the shipping can be very expensive. Ours would have been over $100 to ship (didn't complete it due to payment processing issues). It's best to do before leaving to save money.
GirlyScientist@reddit
Gifts for flight attendants???
Traditional_Green127@reddit
Yeah. Ive been flying back and forth between Europe and North America for 30 years. A few chocolates, gift cards, candies, etc for the flight attendants has always been on my list of to dos. While I don't expect better treatment, I do typically get better treatment. So many people forget they are humans, and much like any service job (waiters, bar tenders, etc) they get the brunt end of the stick. Showing some gratitude towards FA's is no different than tipping the waiter.
krnewhaven@reddit
President of the flight attendants’ union rolls up.
Snoo-94703@reddit
2nd the space saver bags. I lived out of those the first 2-3 months.
If you’re selling your car, make sure that you have all of your required documents for an official sale before you visit the dealer/DMV.
If it’s in your budget, purchase any high priced electronics (like phones, cameras etc) bc typically they are much more expensive in Europe vs the states. BUT, with the tariffs this may have changed, so take this advice with a grain of salt. Also make sure you have all of the proper converters for those electronics.
fromwayuphigh@reddit
Any electronics that convert AC to DC (e.g. phones, laptops, some others) do not need transformers. The only item I own that still requires one here is my KitchenAid, which is over 25 years old and on its last legs. Get rid of that stuff and buy here. All you need worry about for those few items are plug adaptors.
oddwanderer@reddit
I wish I had frozen my credit 🤷♀️
Evening_Try_7187@reddit
…
Team503@reddit
https://www.reddit.com/r/MoveToIreland/comments/x1ptw9/pre_and_post_move_checklists_lend_a_hand/
I keep a pretty extensive checklist for moving at that link. There's a lot on there, but I'd emphasize locking your credit and opening an account that can handle international funds. I use Wise, quite pleased with them.
mmoonbelly@reddit
One thing we did do but a lot of people might forget.
get a full copy of your medical records from your doctors / hospital if you’ve had surgery
My wife had a high-risk pregnancy and we left the US when she was seven months pregnant so we made certain to get a physical print out of her notes.
playrawkstar@reddit (OP)
Great idea!
Automatic-Winner2000@reddit
Mail forwarding, updating address and phone number in all banking apps (MFA is a pain), click photos of all your luggage/boxes/cargo (if you need to file an insurance claim, this is the first thing they ask), close out utilities, interim health insurance, and visit all your fav spots before you leave! Also, get a US number with Tello or other providers to keep your banking accounts active.
playrawkstar@reddit (OP)
Good call on the photos! Definitely hadn’t thought of that.
Pale-Candidate8860@reddit
Say goodbye to my grandpa.
jillyfish44@reddit
So difficult but so true. Moved to Australia from the states in January of 2020 and by the time I was able to fly home again after Covid restrictions lifted, both of my remaining grandparents had died. ❤️❤️ one of the prices we pay to live abroad.
Playful_Net_139@reddit
Set up two factor authentication with a reliably available number
The absolute headache I have experienced even 2+ years after moving to access some of my financial accounts just because I overlooked this step… Make sure you do it with your former company’s HR too. Sitting on hold trying to be to access your 401K is a nightmare, and then to find out they can’t authenticate a major change like that from outside the country……. Ugh.
cerealobsession@reddit
We had our family and friends download WhatsApp. We use it for all of our messaging, voice and video calls.
eml_raleigh@reddit
I listed some things in a blog post https://medium.com/@esther.bike/what-to-do-while-youre-still-in-the-u-s-5e9822f28f52
elevenblade@reddit
Just wanted to emphasize the point that Google Voice doesn’t always work for all 2FA. We chose to keep our USA T-Mobile account. Not the cheapest option but it has been very reliable for the last eight years we have lived in the EU. We travel a fair amount and T-Mobile has worked everywhere we’ve been around the globe, including many places where our Swedish mobile service provider hasn’t. Tello seems to also be popular with many expat Redditors.
No-Personality-9938@reddit
Will second the T-Mobile plan. Means we can use it in the U.S. when we frequently visit and also have found it cheaper to add a data plan when going to places in Asia vs our European carrier.
discoelectro@reddit
As a fellow Tello user, hello 👋
LiterallyTestudo@reddit
This is the way
eml_raleigh@reddit
Completely agree. I have an account at 1 credit union that only offers SMS from a 5 digit sender so VoIP does not work.
nadmaximus@reddit
The state you were residing in continues to affect various things, effectively forever. For example, France doesn't have a reciprocal agreement with all US states for driver's license exchange. It would have been possibly easier/cheaper to establish residence in a different US state before leaving. State taxes, voting, and more are involved.
HVP2019@reddit
Many people move abroad with plans to stay there forever, but few years into migration they suddenly realize that
their parents are getting old and it is time to change plans and move back, or
their furniture kids will be born and raised in foreign country without grandparents, aunts, cousins so they change plans and move back.
The other typical thing immigrants mention is variation of: “I knew this( language, integration, loneliness…) will be bed,… but I didn’t realize just how bad it will be” .