Moving to another city is always a stressful thing. Stress can make us forget even the essential necessities that we need to settle down. Here’s a useful to-do list for all the newcomers:
1. Get your local ID and tax number
Getting or updating your documents is something to be made a top priority, as this can prevent you from doing many things on this list, such as opening a bank account or accessing local healthcare.
2. Choose your doctor/dentist
Secure your health first. In countries where public healthcare is available, you need to pick a personal doctor to whom you will be going first when something’s wrong with your health. Ask your colleagues at work to recommend a good dentist who wouldn’t rip you off.
3. Pick a bank
This is so much fun for some people, like myself. I love comparing conditions and benefits that banks are offering, but it is also of great importance. Check if the bank is offering all the services that you need, and what their conditions are for transferring the money back to your home country. Believe me, you want to do your research before you sign a bunch of papers without reading the “fine print”. Nobody wants to go through all that administration twice. You might want to bring someone who can speak the local language as well!
4. Find the best ways to commute
Ask around about the common ways that people commute in your new city. What is the availability of public transportation? In some cities, bicycles and taxis are more popular than dated trams or buses that are circulating. Use the Internet routing tools such as Google Maps to find the best way to get to work, the gym or your favorite green market.
5. Pick your favorite grocery store
We are spending too big a chunk of our lifetime shopping for groceries to waste it in some dump that looks like a warehouse. Surely, from time to time it is worth going to these places to get a good deal on some products, but you want to be enjoying your shopping at a nice place. Try it, and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
6. Get new clothing and furniture
Moving to a new place is an excellent excuse to get rid of the clothes and the furniture that you always secretly hated. If your new city has IKEA or H&M, that’s great, but try to find out where locals are buying their clothes and furniture. Buying at those stores will help you immerse yourself in the local way of life.
7. Choose a hairdresser
Everyone needs a hairdresser. Ok, almost everyone. There are still the ones and twos of people whose hair-trimming skills are good enough for a self-haircut. But everyone else needs a professional to do it. Since the prices of their services can vary significantly, investigate before you are sorry.
8. Get involved in learning the local language
Going to these classes is a good way to meet other expats and expand your circle of friends. Plus, it makes your everyday life much easier. If you already know the local language, I suggest you get involved in learning a new language or a craft, or join a cause or a club (e.g., a drama club, pet rescue centre).
9. Ask people about the cheaper ways to get stuff
Flea markets, thrift stores, used bicycle auctions, and local bidding websites can save you some money that you can use for a day trip around the city or going to that amusement park that everyone is talking about.
10. And don’t forget to find your asylum
Find a special place where you can get yourself on a date from time to time. It can be a restaurant, a café, a park or just a bench in your neighborhood. But having that one spot that you love is really important to have, wherever in the world you are.
This top 10 list was submitted to us by a guest author and International School Community member.
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