How to Stay Safe in an International Move
Congratulations on your move to a new country! You are embarking on an amazing adventure where you will learn about new cultures, eat amazing food, and accomplish goals that you never thought were possible. However, while you may be excited, you don’t want to forget about safety, especially if you are going somewhere you’ve never been.
Before you board your flight, you need to read this guide. We will tell you about the best precautions for navigating COVID-19, how to protect your belongings, and help your family feel safe and secure during your big move.
COVID-19 Precautions
Although vaccines are showing us the light at the end of the tunnel that is the COVID-19 pandemic, we are not yet out of the woods, and some countries may have stricter guidelines than your country of origin, so research is essential. At a minimum, many countries may require that you are vaccinated before you even cross their borders, so it is important that you get the vaccine before you leave so you are ready for anything. If you are still skittish about receiving the vaccine, schedule an appointment to talk through your concerns with your doctor, and keep in mind that vaccines do go through a rigorous approval process.
While COVID-19 is the main fear right now, there are many other dangerous diseases that exist across the globe as well, so you need to study ahead of time to make sure that you are protected. Go online and look at the news in the country you’re moving towards, and if you want the best answers, seek the advice of an epidemiologist. They study health issues that occur around the globe and in our communities. They can tell you about warning signs and how to stay protected.
If you are moving with your children, it is important to prioritize them as well. Moving can be very stressful, especially for kids that may just be along for the ride and are unsure of what awaits them in their new home. Help your kids adjust by comforting them and maintaining similar routines when you arrive, like going to bed at the same time and having the same pre-sleep routines. Also, be aware of how jetlag can lead to sickness and make sure that everyone in the family is hydrated. If you are bringing medicine, make sure it is properly labeled so you know where it is at a moment’s notice.
Of course, you should also always follow the basic safety guidelines of washing your hands, not touching your face, and socially distance by standing six feet away from others.
Protect Against Theft
While you are getting used to a new home, especially when it is in a foreign country, it is important that you stay safe and protected and reduce the risk of theft. Petty theft is a major concern in many countries, so do your research ahead of time to learn tips and the high-crime areas that you should avoid. If you are robbed while walking around with your family, you will not only lose your belongings but you or a family member could be injured in the process.
When you first arrive in town, make sure that you keep your luggage near you and within eyesight at all times. If you must take public transportation via a train or bus, take the time to look around the vehicle and spot any dangers, and if you have a bad feeling, choose a different way to get to your destination. Those who count on a backpack to hold their belongings should keep it in front of them and wallets should never be kept in a back pocket, as it is easy pickings.
It is also important to protect your money during the move. Notify the credit card companies that you are leaving and where you are going. If you don’t, the company may put a lock on your card if you try to use it. On top of that, if your cards are stolen and brought to a different country, the company will become suspicious and let you know so you can cancel the accounts. In addition to your cards, keep some paper money in a safe spot like a sock or shoe, so you have the cash you need to get to safety if your family becomes lost.
Communication Is Key
Even after you get settled, communication with your family and your loved ones should be your top priority. Whether you get sick, lost, or you hit financial straits, you will want a way to reach out to someone who can help. If you are moving on your own, set up a schedule where you call your family at home at certain times every day and stick to it. That way, if you lose your phone or find yourself in trouble, your family can become suspicious and try to assist.
The odds are that there will be a different way of calling out in your new country then you are used to so do your research ahead of time so you can call out immediately in the case of an emergency. The smartest way to go is purchasing a phone plan that allows you to call out of and within every country you plan to visit and make sure that the phone is always charged. On that note, also make sure to purchase the correct type of plug and voltage converter for your destination.
Once you reach your destination, one of the first things you should do is to get the phone numbers of all local emergency services and hospitals so you can call them if you get sick or hurt. You should also get the contact information of the embassy of your country of origin. You should contact them in the unfortunate event that you lose your passport, need forms notarized, or if you happen to get arrested.
In the end, moving to another country could be the best chance you ever make, but caution is necessary. By following the tips above, you can have a seamless transition and begin enjoying your new life with confidence.