Get to know the authorThere’s never been a better time to become a US expat. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more companies than ever are willing to hire remote workers and/or allow their current employees to work remotely.
But moving to another country means so much more than having a new address — it’s a truly life-changing opportunity. As experts in providing US expat tax services, we’re well aware of the benefits that come with living abroad — here are just a few.
1. Shake Things Up
Once you establish a routine and become accustomed to it, it’s easy to feel restless. Some people can cure that restlessness by starting a new job or picking up a new hobby — but others can’t. If you fall into the latter camp, a completely new environment may be exactly what you need. Move abroad as a US expat, and you’ll be instantly presented with new places to go, people to meet, and things to do.
Read more: How To Become A US Expat — Tips To Plan And Prepare
2. Appreciate Other Cultures
Whether you settle down in a fixed location or opt for a nomadic lifestyle, becoming a US expat exposes you to a whole new set of traditions and practices. Cuisine, music, literature, art, and architecture are just a few of the many things you’ll be able to enjoy. And with more time to spend in an area than the average tourist, you’ll be able to explore beyond the main attractions for a truly authentic experience.
3. Meet New People
After establishing a group of friends and acquaintances, it’s easy to stick with them and not push yourself to meet others. But as a US expat, you’ll be both surrounded by new people — locals and fellow expats alike — and highly motivated to meet them. Classes, language exchanges, hostels, clubs, teams, and organizations are all great ways to meet folks who are just as eager to make friends as you are.
4. Enjoy a Lower Cost of Living
Not every foreign destination will be cheaper to live in than the US, but there is an awful lot that are — especially if you live in a major metropolitan area. US expats often find that even the most expensive cities in another country will feel affordable in comparison to their former cities of residence.
The average price of rent in notoriously expensive London, for example, is still about 46% cheaper than it is in New York City, which adds up to significant savings. Work with a US expat tax expert, and you might just end up with even more extra money in your pocket.
5. Travel the World
If you decide to become a digital nomad, you can, of course, go from destination to destination anytime you like. But even if you choose one home base, you may find that traveling to other countries is cheaper and easier. Because the US is so large, visiting another country often requires long journeys and expensive tickets. In many other places in the world, though, countries are significantly smaller — so going from one to the next means shorter trips and cheaper tickets.
Read more: The Best Countries To Move To From The US — Your Ultimate Guide
6. Learn a New Language
The best way to learn a new language is to immerse yourself in it completely — and there’s no better way to do that than by moving abroad.
And there’s no need to worry if you don’t have prior experience with the language. You can often find intensive language classes abroad that help you rapidly establish a foundation. If you live with a native speaker, you’ll develop your language skills even faster.
With your newfound language skills, you’ll be able to get around easier, meet new friends, and maybe even expand your career opportunities.
7. Grow as a Person
Ask almost any US expat, and they’ll tell you that moving abroad has helped them grow in ways they would never have otherwise. Moving to an entirely new place by yourself is a crash course in independence and self-reliance while meeting people from different cultural backgrounds is an excellent way to gain new perspectives and open your mind.
Jump Start Your Life as a US Expat
Even if life as a US expat can feel challenging at the beginning, you’re almost sure to gain lifelong memories, a greater appreciation for other cultures, and incredibly valuable experience.
One thing that doesn’t have to be challenging is dealing with US expat taxes. Bright!Tax’s US expat tax services do the heavy lifting for you, so you can spend less time filling out forms and more time enjoying your life abroad.
Ready to start filing your taxes, or just want to learn more? Contact us today to find out how we can help.
