Top 5 Tips for Brits Moving Abroad

So, you’re thinking about trading those rainy British mornings for sunshine?

Moving abroad is a wild ride—equal parts exciting and terrifying. Whether you’re chasing career goals, beach life, or just looking for change, here’s how to make sure your move is a smashing success:

  1. Ditch the ‘Brit Bubble’ and Embrace the Local Vibe 🌎

It’s tempting to hunt down the nearest pub serving a Sunday roast, but if you wanted a full English every weekend, you could’ve just stayed home. Moving abroad is your golden ticket to experience a new culture—so immerse yourself!

Learn the language (at least enough to order food without resorting to exaggerated hand gestures).
Say yes to social invites—locals will give you a more authentic experience than sticking to expat circles..
Understand local customs—you don’t want to be that Brit who complains that the shops close at 2 PM (looking at you, Spain 🇪🇸).

👉 Pro tip: If you really want to blend in, watch local TV shows and follow native influencers—culture isn’t just about food and landmarks!

  1. Sort Out Your Paperwork Before You Become a ‘Lost Tourist’ 🗂️✈️

Yes, it’s boring. No, you can’t just ‘wing it.’ The last thing you want is to land in your new country only to find out you needed a visa you definitely don’t have.

🔹 Visas and residency permits: Find out what paperwork you need before you get on the plane. Every country has different rules, and some take longer than others to process applications.
🔹 Healthcare: The NHS won’t be there to save you anymore 🏥. Check if you need private insurance or if you can access public healthcare.
🔹 Banking: Your UK bank might not cut it abroad. Research local banking options so you’re not stuck paying foreign transaction fees every five minutes 💳.

👉 Pro tip: Join expat forums for your destination—they’re gold mines for bureaucratic survival hacks.

  1. Budget Like a Boss (Because Exchange Rates Can Wreck You) 💸📉

Your pounds might stretch far… or they might disappear faster than you can realise. Before you move, make sure to:

💰 Know the cost of living—Don’t assume it’s cheaper just because it’s not London. Rent, groceries, and transport vary wildly between countries.
💰 Plan for hidden costs—Visa fees, deposits, currency exchange losses… they add up.
💰 Get a side hustle—Many expats pick up remote gigs, freelancing, or tutoring English to make extra cash.

👉 Pro tip: Use budgeting apps like Revolut or Wise to track expenses and get the best currency exchange rates.

  1. Pack Smart: Your Wardrobe Needs a Reality Check 🎒👚

You don’t need five jumpers in Australia or a suitcase full of summer dresses in Norway. Think climate, lifestyle, and what you’ll actually wear.

Essential documents—Make digital copies of passports, visas, and important papers. Losing them abroad is a nightmare.
Plug adapters—Your UK charger won’t work everywhere, and no one wants to live in a constant state of 1% battery anxiety 🔌.
Sentimental stuff—A little piece of home (a photo, a childhood teddy, or even your lucky mug) can help with homesickness 🏡.

👉 Pro tip: Sell or donate things you won’t need—lugging an unnecessary amount of ‘just in case’ items will only stress you out more in the long-term.

  1. Mentally Prepare for the ‘Am I Really Doing This?’ Moments 🤯

Moving abroad is an adventure, but it’s not all sunshine and easy living. There will be moments where you feel lost, lonely, or just straight-up regretful. That’s normal. Before making the jump, make sure to think about the following points:

🧠 Culture shock is real—At first, everything is exciting. Then comes frustration (why is everything so different?!), then adjustment, and finally, feeling at home. Accept that there will be ups and downs.
🧠 Make friends early—Loneliness hits hard when you’re in a new country with no social safety net. Be proactive about meeting people.
🧠 Stay in touch with home—but not too much—FaceTiming mum is great, but if you’re glued to UK news and group chats, you’ll struggle to settle in.

👉 Pro tip: Keep a ‘why I moved’ list. On tough days, reminding yourself of your goals helps push through the rough patches.

Final Thoughts: Go Big or Go Home (Literally) 🌍

Moving abroad isn’t just about a new postcode—it’s a chance to grow, challenge yourself, and collect experiences you’ll never forget. So say yes to new things, embrace the chaos, and remember: the best stories start outside your comfort zone.

And if you need help with the actual moving part (because trying to fit your life into a suitcase is already stressful enough), Crown Relocations has your back 😉. Let’s make your move a proper adventure.

👉 Ready to take the plunge? Check out our services and start your journey today! 🚀