r/expats

My husband and I have been mulling over moving to the UK for years.
He is Canadian, I am dual Canadian and British Citizen with a lot of family at home.
He is a Mechanic by trade, but also has significant experience in the brewing industry.
I am a nurse and I am aware I would make significant less working as a nurse within the NHS.

We travel to the UK every year. We love the way of life in the UK compared to Canada. We both have little family here in Canada, and not very active social lives.

We are scared to bite the bullet, sell and uproot our lives. We have been considering going for an extended trip for a few months first. I am not sure what would be a definitive deciding factor that would make us feel like it is 100% right.

Would love to hear from others that moved back to the UK. How did you finally decide? How did it go? Do you have regrets?

edit: I was born in the UK and moved to Canada when I was a school age child. I have spent every summer in the UK and also did sixth form and some college there. I have never worked there full time.

Thanks

Hello!

We are a couple with a 2 years old child. We are both at our late 30s. Both of us have experience living in other countries and we both liked the experience. We have lived in currently where we live for more than 10 years (my wife has basically grown up here) and we have been thinking to move to a new country for adventure and for the life experience. Recently I have got a job in the country we both are interested but the visa is temporary (2 years) and pay is slightly less than current job. I can of course have possiblillty to extend it if my employer agrees. Personally I don't want to go through the hussle of getting the extention (I will anyway work as hard as reasonably possible), but like to think it as 2 years experience since anyway we don't mind coming back where we are currently.

We have been saving money and have like 580k euro asset(etf, stock, cash).

We think that financially we lose some money on moving, visa application etc and get pay cut but it aligned with our value and give us experience we will value for the rest of life. But honestly, the moving efforts, potential risk of not able to find job after the 2 years(not likely given the experience helps to add more possibilities for job search and also I have good resume and skills), looking at our child seems to be confused why there are no furniture suddenly( since we are selling them) makes me wonder if it's worth it.

I appreciate some opinion or experience who actually did the similar move just for experience for short term. Thanks!

Dear all,

just wondering whether anybody else has the same situation as myself: whilst I live as an expat / immigrant for many years abroad (20+), I still need to periodically recharge battery by visiting home country.

Just to give a bit of a context: I live in the Netherlands for 20+ years and I can say pretty much only nice things about the Netherlands (yes, I know there are problems, but there are problems everywhere). But I just can't do it without visiting home, where I literally recharge. If I don't visit home for long time I get a VERY strange feeling as if the energy is sucked out me and then eventually I get physically ill. When I was younger and was not divorced, was actively building carrier in the Netherlands, I could survive by visiting home only once a year (but even then it was difficult ). But now, when I am divorced (so, I supposed I do not have this home-like energy my family was giving me) and also I am older, plus carrier building does not excite me that much. I need to visit home much more. I tried other things (go on vacation somewhere else), it helps a bit, but nothing like visiting home. The year 2020 when we all couldn't travel was very hard.

So, anybody has the same or it is just me being weird ?

I’m a very warm and expressive person, thinking about moving to the northern part of Europe because I love cold climates and quality of life is much better over there than in any other part of Europe. Due to me being a EU citizen and overall loving Europe, I don’t consider moving to any other part of the Europe (but maybe USA???). So I’m very curious if I’m gonna feel isolated if I move to Norway/Sweden, cause I’m introverted and prefer to have many friends. I love to have convos with strangers, I easily can support any convo, I’m a good listener too hahahaha. I love to frequently invite people over, cook for them, I love hugs, don’t mind any friendly physical contact like shaking hands, kissing in cheeks or smth. So I’m curious if I’m gonna get depressed in scandi/Northern Europe, I’m not a fun of overly protective of their personal space people who think that it is rude to suggest them some spontaneous trip or give a hug when we became friends already.

I’m based in Luxembourg and, I’m going to start a new job in Prague.

I’m looking for solutions to bring my suitcases with me.

It’s not a lot of stuff, but still too much to carry with me by myself.

All my stuff fits in 4/5 suitcases.

Train is not going to be possible, flying will also be almost impossible.

I’m thinking to drive there, but what are the options if I rent a car ?

I’m running out of ideas. Thanks for your suggestions.

[supprimé]

Actually I never dreamt about the American dream, I didn't know about it. I went to the US to get my masters and get away from my dysfunctional family. Then I realized I like it here, also because I wanted to be away from my parents. I chased after the green card, it was a life or death situation for me, and finally got it in the winter of this year. The honeymoon ended after a few months of getting that beautiful card. Then now I am thinking, wtf did I do to myself? I have no friends, no family, and no partner here. I'm 33 woman and have never been in a relationship. I have been in survival mode for almost 9 years and neglected this side of my life.

I have never felt so lonely, I have been alone for so long but never had a problem with it until recently. Today is July 4th, it might not hit the same for some Americans but it hits differently for me, I am spending it alone in my apartment, getting drunk alone. I tried to cheer myself up and eat sorbet and cheese burgers this afternoon but I kept crying while driving, could barly see the roads. I'm not regretting my decision to make it here. But it taught me a lesson that happiness is not necessarily what you achieve in life, who you're getting away from, or money. It is being surrounded by the warmth of family and friends..

Hello, I currently live in the US and I’m scared of where the country is going. However, I’m currently learning Spanish (around a b1 level) and I really enjoy it a lot. However, my dream prior to all this was to pursue theoretical mathematics as I deeply adore mathematics and I’m good at it. With spanish, I was considering moving to Spain as I did spend a month there for an accelerated intermediate Spanish program and I genuinely loved my experience there. In fact, I originally wanted to do this program as a means to finish my language req (my school requires up to intermediate level classes completed in a foreign language for my college) to focus on math but now I want to move to Spain in an effort to escape America (I’m a homosexual and I also have autism so I’m scared of what’s happening and I’m also an atheist).

I felt free in Spain. I could walk for an hour and not be anxious about where I’m at because it was extremely safe, I don’t drive so the public transit and amount of sidewalks was incredible, everyone was so kind and patient when I spoke less than perfect Spanish but made an effort, I had a host mom who I genuinely want to see again someday, nothing was sky high in price, extremely lgbtqia+ friendly, religion was prevalent but not pushed on me at all, I could go on. I’m aware of the less pay but as long as I can be reasonably comfortable with finances I’m fine with that. I just want to be able to live the only life I have.

However, if I pursue theoretical math to become a professor and learn Spanish I could have a much harder time moving to Spain if I choose to pursue it again at some pt when it’s already going to be very difficult. My plan for Spain is to do applied math and a Spanish double major as I’ll still graduate on time based on my assessments and I would go to Spain for a masters in applied math, complete the degree than find work in the year-1.5 year time frame that I would be given. Worst case scenario, I’ll return home and find work that should pay pretty well given I do well in school.

I’m torn on these 2 paths. On one I’m scared of America’s future and on the other I don’t want to throw away my greatest passion.

Please give advice if possible. Thanks.

Hi everyone!

I’m 22F, and I have Italian citizenship. I’ve wanted to move to the US for years because I genuinely think I’d have a better quality of life there.

I’m starting university now, and my plan is to work remotely, save as much money as I can over the next few years, and hopefully have enough savings by the time I graduate to make a move if I find a way.

Right now I work remotely for US companies doing admin work, customer support, data entry, and some basic application support. I’m bilingual, but I don’t have a super in-demand skill that would make companies want to sponsor me, so I’m trying to be realistic.

I’m honestly just looking for any advice from people who have done something similar or know what options exist. It feels like every path I look into has a catch, and I don’t know if I’m missing something.

I’d really appreciate any advice or ideas. I’m willing to work toward something over the next few years if it gives me a real chance. Thanks!

Hi everyone.
I’m a girl living in Sweden (not originally Swedish), and I’m halfway through my master’s while working with my bachelor’s degree. I recently met an amazing guy from Munich, and we’ve fallen in love.
I’ve always wanted to live and work abroad, so moving to Germany isn’t just about him. The problem is that the job market is awful right now. I’ve been applying everywhere, even for student jobs, but no luck.
My boyfriend is incredibly supportive and has a really good, stable job in Germany, which is why moving to Sweden isn’t really an option for him.
The good part is that I can continue my master’s online, I receive Swedish student financial aid regardless, and my current employer has even told me I can try living in Germany for three months and come back to my job if it doesn’t work out.
Everyone around me keeps saying I’m making a huge mistake and rebuilding my life for a man. But my gut keeps telling me to just go, give it a shot, and if it doesn’t work, I can always come back.
Would you do it? Has anyone here taken a leap like this? I honestly don’t know if I’m being brave or just stupid.

Hi everyone!

I’m from Spain and I’m really excited because I’ve just been offered two jobs teaching Spanish at university in Indonesia. One is in Jakarta and the other is in Denpasar (Bali).

A few weeks ago I was 100% sure I’d choose Bali… but now I keep changing my mind.

I’m not moving for a few months or just for the experience. If everything goes well, I’d like to stay for a few years, so I’m thinking about where I’d actually enjoy building a life.

One thing I’m a bit worried about is making friends. Bali looks amazing, but I wonder if a lot of foreigners are just passing through. I’d love to have a stable group of friends instead of constantly meeting people who leave after a few weeks or months.

Jakarta makes me think of a bigger city, more culture, more events, more food, and maybe a more settled expat community… but then everyone warns me about the traffic 😅.

If you were in my position, which one would you choose and why?

I’d especially love to hear from people who’ve actually lived in either place. What surprised you the most? What do you wish you’d known before moving?

Thanks! 😊

Hi everyone!

I’m 22F, and I have Italian citizenship. I’ve wanted to move to the US for years because I genuinely think I’d have a better quality of life there.

I’m starting university now, and my plan is to work remotely, save as much money as I can over the next few years, and hopefully have enough savings by the time I graduate to make a move if I find a way.

Right now I work remotely doing admin work, customer support, data entry, and some basic application support. I’m bilingual, but I don’t have a super in-demand skill that would make companies want to sponsor me, so I’m trying to be realistic.

I’m honestly just looking for any advice from people who have done something similar or know what options exist. It feels like every path I look into has a catch, and I don’t know if I’m missing something.

I’d really appreciate any advice or ideas. I’m willing to work toward something over the next few years if it gives me a real chance. Thanks!

Hi Expats :)

I’m an Aussie expat in my early 30s, currently based in the UAE. I work in AI / deep tech and have been here for a couple of years.

I recently accepted an offer with a London based startup. The role pays well, includes equity, and I genuinely believe in the company’s vision. London also appeals to me personally: I would like a fresh start, to date more seriously, and enjoy being closer to Europe.

After accepting, I was approached through a referral for another UAE-based role. I wasn’t actively looking, but the offer is financially much stronger on a net basis. I would save significantly more (2.2x) by staying in Dubai.

The UAE role is also interesting and prestigious, but I am concerned about work culture: obvious hierarchy, communication style in upper management, psychological safety, and likely very demanding hours. They’ ve been upfront that the role would require significant availability around very senior leadership. I understand the nature of that and would want to give the role my full attention, but I am concerned about whether that level of intensity would be sustainable for me.

Career wise, I work across the AI / deep tech supply chain, including LLMs, AI infrastructure, chips, data centres, and hyperscaler arrangements. So part of me wonders whether London could open up more global options later, including possibly returning to Dubai or Abu Dhabi for a final savings push, or even moving to another AI hub like California. I genuinely don’t know where Iwould end up after London - definitely not in Australia though (for personal reasons).

So I am trying to decide whether to take the UAE role and maximise savings now, or go to London for the personal reset, equity upside, and broader long term optionality.

Has anyone here chosen between a high-saving expat role and a move that seemed better for your long term life?

Would you optimise for money while the opportunity is there, or take the lower savings option if it feels more aligned with the life you want?

Thanks all :)

Moved-abroad folks: in your first months, was there any call or task you kept putting off because you had to do it in a language you weren't fluent in? (booking a doctor, sorting a SIM, calling a landlord, uni admin, etc.)

Curious about:

• What was the most stressful one, and what did you actually do about it?
• Did you ever get someone else to make the call for you? (friend, partner, paid service?)
• Or did you just avoid it / switch to a company with English support?

As an expat with no US address or smartphone, which bank can offer a no-fee US checking account? Looking for responses from real expats.

Not sure if this is the right place to ask. Basically I am an American citizen with ILR in the UK, and my partner carries both a HKSAR passport and a French passport and is in the UK on a work visa.

We are just considering future plans regarding his UK ILR, kids, etc.

It occurred to us that if we had kids here, they would be eligible for 4 passports.

It seems like a huge boon to be able to give them 4 passports, but I'm curious about drawbacks that might not seem so obvious? The only one I can think of is double taxation through the American passport. What else do we need to consider?

Two years ago I moved abroad with my wife. She was working for a multi-national company for a few years, but said company ceased operations in our country. They offered her to continue working for them but on another country. We decided to give it a go. At first it was kind of exciting, but then I got extremely worried and sad, I didn't want to leave my family behind. I was literally crying at the airport...

The first few months were the "honeymoon phase" and everything was new and exciting for us. Then I got depressed because I couldn't find a job in this new country. About 8 months later I could finally get one. It's a low-paying remote job but it's fine. The thing is, now that the dust has settled, we are both working, have our routine, etc, etc... I hate it here. The weather is absolutely awful and there's nothing to do. Even if you want to go for a walk you're gonna have a bad time because it's always fucking hot and humid and you can't breath. I've tried to be more positive about everything, but I'm thinking more and more often about coming back to our home country. She also doesn't like the weather and stays indoors all the time but she's happy with it.

There are several things on our country that are not OK and we don't like, but living here made me appreciate my home a whole lot more. I have a new-found love for my country... she hasn't. We spent Xmas and New Year with our families twice already but is no cheap trip, so I can't visit whenever I please.

I don't have a career. She, on the other hand, does. And that's THE issue: she's not going to give up her career to come back to our home country and start from scratch. I feel like she'd have to choose between her job/career or me and our old country. It's a delicate situation and we talk from time to time about it, but we didn't reach any conclusion about anything yet. I feel like I have to "keep holding on", but don't know for how long. I feel down most of the time, and long for my family and my country.

We love each other and I don't want this issue to be the end of our relationship. Has anyone here experienced something like this and/or want to give any advice? Thanks.

Some background: I closed the restaurant I ran for seven years, and we decided to move our family from Germany to Australia for good. I flew out first, on my own. My wife and our two young kids follow next month. So right now I'm setting things up alone on the other side of the world.

I expected the logistics to be the hard part. They weren't. The first few days were.

The drive from the airport to where we're headed, I cried almost the whole way. First it was just grief out of nowhere, hitting me that I was alone at the far end of the planet, no kids, no wife, no parents, no friends. Then closer in it flipped to crying out of relief, six months of work finally turning real. I've never been on an emotional swing like that.

The first two or three days weren't good. Grim little room, rain that didn't stop, and for the first time in months, actual quiet to think instead of just grinding through a list. That quiet was the hard part. I realised I'd rushed the goodbyes, especially with my own parents, and I'd give a lot to have taken more time over that. It landed properly that I'll now see the people closest to me every couple of years instead of every week.

The thing that surprised me most: being alone wasn't the little break I half expected. It just showed me how much my family is the actual home, not the place. Sleeping alone, waking up alone, eating alone drove that home fast.

It's not all heavy. The first drive into the hinterland here had me shouting with joy in the car like an idiot. And I'm past the lowest point now, starting to look forward to them landing instead of just missing them.

I'm putting this here because the version people usually post is the arrival photo with a caption about living the dream. This is the other half of it. If you've moved somewhere far on your own, did the first days hit you like this too, and how long until it settled?

I'm moving close to Vienna in a few months and I'm struggling to learn german while I'm not living there, immersed yet. What were some of the things that helped you learn? I am a native English speaker and have C1 Italian, but from what I understand it takes longer to learn German than Italian.

Any tips would be extremely welcome.

My husband is European, we have kids and live in EU. We'd like to buy a house. Seems like now would be a good time to go to CA, and move back to EU when we are older and need healthcare, with USA savings.

How does one...do this? Get him visa first, then jobs, then house? How much pain are visas to deal with, is it predictable or they just throw you out randomly with no warning?

I have no idea how to be an adult in USA and it looks like a big learning curve. Any tips from people who did it? Or you figure it out pretty quick?

Technically...I would plan to not pay more than 30% of our combined after-tax salary to housing. This is what we do now but we don't pay healthcare...? I see on job offerings that most pay for health insurance but is that usually good enough? Do you have to play games with coverage and copays?

If you did this yourself, did you have any surprises with costs that you didn't expect when you went to USA?