Are you looking for a new adventure? A change of scenery? A new challenge? Moving abroad can be all of that and more. It’s a chance to experience a new culture, push your personal boundaries, and discover new opportunities. It can also be a long and stressful process. To help you tackle this challenge, we have outlined some of the most important aspects of moving abroad and offered advice on everything from researching culture and customs to traveling with your favorite electronics. Read on to learn how to streamline your big move, and find the international power converters you need from ACUPWR today!
Your Research Checklist
Traveling around the world can be a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants experience, but when it comes to moving abroad, you have to do your research. Even if you’re moving to a country with a similar culture or language, a lot can change when you cross borders, and it’s important that you prepare and plan ahead before you make the commitment of moving. To get you started, we’ve outlined a few of the specifics you should research before your big move.
Culture
Moving to another country can be jarring, especially if you haven’t taken the time to learn about it beforehand. At the very least, you should try to hit the highlights in the country’s history and learn about some of the important figures in its culture, from government officials to celebrities. You’ll also want to look into the social norms of wherever you are moving and what kind of etiquette rules are in place in that culture. Not only can in-depth research ease culture shock and smooth the transition, but it can also help you avoid any embarrassing faux pas as you try to make new friends and business connections.
Language
English is a well-known language throughout the globe, but you shouldn’t depend on it, especially if it’s not the native language of your destination. Research what languages are spoken in the region you plan to move to — there may be several aside from the national language! You should also learn a few words and phrases, as well as a few slang terms or idioms. Even if you are moving from one English-speaking country to another, you should look into regional dialects or differing word usage to avoid any possible communication problems. For example, some common words in American English are not to be used in polite company when you are in the U.K.
Banking
The one common factor you’ll find in almost every corner of the globe is money. You’ll need it. Many people will recommend that you maintain a bank account in your home country to maintain your credit score and easily pay off bills or loans. Before traveling, make sure you inform your bank and credit card companies of where you’re going, when you’re traveling, and how long you plan to be there. Our best advice? Speak to a person, even if you submit an online notification, to make sure the message gets across.
You may also want to investigate setting up a new banking account in your new country. You may not be able to handle everything before your move, but you can at least research possible banks. Getting an international credit card may also be a good idea if your current card charges international transaction fees.
Transportation
Transportation is probably one thing you don’t think about your in your everyday life now, but it can become a big problem if you don’t plan ahead for your move. How do you plan to get from place to place?
If there is public transportation available in your new city, great! However, before you decide to depend upon it, make sure that it has stops everywhere you need to go and that it’s an affordable option. Many cities will offer several different kinds of public transportation, like buses in addition to subways, and it can be helpful to determine which method is best suited to your budget and your transportation needs before you move.
Do you plan to drive from place to place? You may need an international driving permit, and if so, you should research what kind of paperwork you will need to qualify. Your next problem is, of course, the car you plan to drive. Are you shipping your current car to your new destination? Is it feasible to simply buy or rent a new car when you arrive? You’ll want to make these decisions sooner rather than later, especially because shipping a car can be costly and time-consuming.
Healthcare
One thing you are almost guaranteed to need no matter where you move? Healthcare. There are several things you need to determine in order to keep yourself healthy abroad, including health insurance coverage and whether or not you will be able to refill prescription medications. You’ll also need to find a hospital or other healthcare center where you can receive treatment — the local embassy or consulate should have resources to help you find doctors or other providers.
When it comes to healthcare coverage, your current provider may cover you abroad. If you do plan to find a new provider, keep in mind that some countries may require you to find your own plan even if the region provides universal healthcare for its citizens. As for prescription medications, you should first determine if your current prescriptions are legal in your destination. Then, find out if they are easily accessible in your new location. If not, you should talk to your current provider about bringing an extended supply with you.
Electronics
These days, we use electronics almost every minute of every day. Powering those electronics can prove a new challenge when you move to a new country. Many regions have their own power standards and plug types that won’t necessarily coincide with the cords and chargers you bring with you abroad.
Some items, like a phone charger or an electric toothbrush, can be easily replaced once you reach your destination. Others, like larger appliances with highly specific power ports, will be harder to adapt. You’ll likely need an international power converter, and you need one you can trust. ACUPWR has done everything we can to provide you and other travelers with exactly what you need. Keep scrolling to read our advice on finding the right converter for your device!
Tackle the Paperwork
Moving abroad can be an exhilarating experience. It’s time to start fresh and explore a new place and new opportunities. However, if you don’t have the right paperwork, then your move can turn into a quick and disappointing trip. There are health clearances you need to pass, legal documents you need on hand, and a very specific pile of documentation you’ll need for each member of your family, whether you are traveling with kids, pets, or both.
Gathering Important Records
When moving abroad, a lot of decisions go into what you should bring and what you should leave behind. When it comes to paperwork, however, you should always err on the side of caution. You’ll want to carry your driver’s license, birth certificate, and immunization records at the very least. We also recommend holding onto tax records and any pertinent medical records.
Checking Your Passport
Before traveling abroad or applying for a visa, you’ll need a valid passport. Some countries even require you to have a valid passport for a minimum of six months before your date of travel — research your destination to learn more about their passport laws. Once you have received your new or updated passport, make a copy for your digital and physical records. You’ll be glad you have it if anything happens to the original.
Securing a Visa
A visa is an endorsement placed within your passport that grants you permission to travel or move to another country, typically for a specific amount of time. It may require an interview, medical screening, fingerprints, or some combination of other factors. The requirements will often depend on the type of visa you are applying for. A student visa, for example, will often require documentation of your enrollment in a university or other educational institution. To learn more, you should be able to find information from a government website associated with your destination country.
Applying for a Work Permit
If you plan to work in your new city, you will need a work permit. This should be a high priority on your list — make sure you apply before you leave! A work permit almost always represents legal allowance for you to work a specific job for a specific company. You may need a printed job offer or some sort of contract in order to qualify. You should also keep in mind that some countries limit how many work permits they will issue for different classifications of workers, and that if the quota is full, you’ll simply be out of luck. You can contact the embassy or consulate at your destination to learn more.
Once you have all the paperwork taken care of, you can focus on the more exciting parts of your journey. It’s an adventure, after all, and planning ahead can help you enjoy every moment. Keep reading for more advice on moving abroad, and don’t forget to find the international power converters you need from ACUPWR!
Protect Your Electronics
You have a lot of decisions to make when it comes to what to bring with you abroad and what you’ll leave behind. One thing is for sure, though — you’re likely to have a few electronics that will be a hassle to replace. Fortunately, all you have to do is find the right power converter for your needs, and you can use your device seamlessly in your new country! Below, we’ve outlined the three steps to finding the right voltage transformer for your needs.
Determine the Wattage
First, you need to know the wattage of the device – or devices – you plan to bring with you. Look for a number next to the letter “W” on the device or its packaging — that number is its wattage. If you plan to use your converter with several devices, then you’ll need to check them all. The one with the highest wattage will be your determining factor when it comes to finding a voltage transformer. A 300-watt international power converter, for example, will work with a 300-watt device as well as a 100-watt device.
As you shop for power converters, you may come across the “rule” that you need a voltage transformer with two times the wattage of your device just to be safe. That rule only applies to low-quality, cheaply made transformers. At ACUPWR, we offer the Tru-Watts™ guarantee: our products are bench tested and guaranteed for 120 percent of their stated wattage, so what you see is what you get.
For more guidance on choosing the right wattage for your needs, use our chart and step-by-step explanation!
Determine the Relevant Power Standards
Next, you need to know what voltage standard you have been using for your devices, as well as the voltage standard in your new country. In the U.S., for example, the power standard is 120 volts. The U.K., on the other hand, uses 230 volts. If you are moving from one to the other, then you will need a voltage transformer that converts 110-120 volts to 220-240 volts. ACUPWR’s AU series has you covered!
To research the power standards in other countries, visit our page on world electricity standards and explore our alphabetized list. Then, you can shop ACUPWR’s collection of international power converters by your voltage transformation needs!
Determine the Relevant Plug Types
The final step in narrowing the wide world of power converters is to find the right plug types for your devices and your new country. Not only do different regions have different power standards, but they also configure outlets differently. Each plug type has been assigned a letter by the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Association (TIA), which you can use to find what you need.
As an example, Type H plugs are used exclusively in Israel and the surrounding areas. Type B plugs, the grounded three-prong version you’ll see in the U.S., Canada, and beyond, is what comes standard with most ACUPWR products. However, each of our power converter series can be customized with the input and output plug types you need.
WorldStandards.eu has a list of plug types you can explore, and if you can’t find the options you need listed among ACUPWR’s products, contact us! We’ll be happy to match you with the perfect voltage transformer from our inventory.
Choose ACUPWR Today
Moving abroad can be stressful, but choosing a trustworthy voltage transformer is one thing you can cross off your checklist with ease. ACUPWR offers unparalleled quality, safety, and reliability. Not only do we construct our products with high-quality components and test each one to uphold our high standards, but we also stand behind our promises.
Each ACUPWR power converter comes with 24/7 customer support, a lifetime warranty, and up to $10,000 in damage protection. Why do we go above and beyond? Because we know our power converters can deliver. Learn more about how the cheaply made competition stacks up against ACUPWR, and order your voltage transformer today!
