Things To Know Before Moving Abroad: Lessons from Expats

So, you’re thinking about moving abroad? Great! Pack your sense of adventure (and maybe a good VPN), because life as an expat is nothing like a vacation—it’s thrilling, challenging, and occasionally bizarre. Here are some of the most unexpected lessons real expats have learned—stuff they wish someone had told them before they boarded that one-way flight.

1. You Will (Accidentally) Offend People

Cultural norms are a minefield. In Japan, tipping is rude. In France, smiling too much at strangers is weird. In some countries, waving with your left hand is an insult. You will mess up, but if you laugh it off and show a willingness to learn, people will usually appreciate the effort.

2. Bureaucracy Will Break You—Then Make You Stronger

If you think your home country’s DMV is bad, wait until you deal with visas, residency permits, and local tax laws in a foreign language. Documents will be lost, rules will change without notice, and officials might send you in circles. Accept that it’s part of the adventure and celebrate small victories like successfully opening a bank account (bonus points if you do it without crying).

3. Loneliness is Real, But So is the Expat Sisterhood

Making local friends is not as easy as Instagram makes it look. Locals often have tight social circles that aren’t open to newcomers. But fellow expats? They get it. Women, in particular, tend to form deep, supportive networks abroad—whether it’s through Facebook groups, coffee meetups, or a shared trauma bond over lost luggage.

4. Your Taste Buds Will Go on a Wild Ride

One day, you’ll wake up craving that obscure street food you once side-eyed. Maybe it’s fermented shark in Iceland, balut in the Philippines, or a chili-spiced fruit salad in Mexico. Your palate will change, and when you visit home, your old favorite foods might taste shockingly bland.

5. You Might Dress Differently—And Not Realize It

After a few months, you’ll start unconsciously dressing like the locals. Maybe you’ll switch to breezy linen in Europe, modest wear in the Middle East, or ditch makeup entirely in places where it’s just too hot to care. Then you’ll visit home and realize you now look completely out of place (bonus points if your mom asks, “What are you wearing?”).

6. You’ll Become Weirdly Passionate About Random Local Customs

One day, you’ll find yourself ranting about why siesta should be global policy or why American washing machines are inferior to the European ones. You’ll develop strong opinions about local traditions, and before you know it, you’re the one explaining them to new arrivals.

7. Reverse Culture Shock is Worse Than the Original Culture Shock

After adapting to your new country, going home can feel strange. Your friends and family haven’t changed, but you have. The grocery store aisles seem too wide, people talk too loudly, and suddenly, small talk about the weather feels excruciating.

8. The ‘Forever Expat’ vs. ‘Eventually Going Home’ Debate Will Haunt You

At some point, you’ll wonder: Is this my life forever? Some expats settle permanently, others bounce from country to country, and some eventually return home—only to feel like they don’t quite fit in anymore. There’s no right answer, only what works for you.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Chaos

Moving abroad isn’t just about new places—it’s about becoming a whole new version of yourself. Some days will be magical, some days will be frustrating, and some days you’ll just want a familiar slice of pizza. But if you keep an open mind, roll with the challenges, and build your own community, the expat experience can be one of the most rewarding adventures of your life.

Are you ready for the ride?