The Daily WTF?
Compare the cost of living in that country to estimate how much you can afford to spend on housing if your company is not paying a per diem.
Research areas in the city you are moving to. Contact a local real estate agent to find a home to rent or buy. Look for areas where other expats might live. If you don't secure housing in advance, then book a room in a hotel so you have a place to stay in the meantime.
Figure out how you will get around. If your company isn't providing a car, then you will have to either buy one there or learn about the public transportation system. Some driving conditions abroad will be harder to adjust to, such as driving on the left side of the road, so you may opt for public transportation.
Start learning the language if you don't know it. Check your local community center for details on language courses. If you don't have time to do this before you leave, book a language immersion course in the country you are moving to. Many overseas universities and language centers offer these for new arrivals.
Find out about immigration requirements. Some countries have strict laws. You may need to get special papers or meet financial requirements before you can enter the country. Apply for any necessary visas and fill in any forms you need. Your company may help with this process.
Put your house on the market or cancel your tenant agreement. Hire a company that specializes in overseas moves. If you want to leave most of your belongings in the U.S., arrange for long-term storage.
Buy travel tickets and pack your suitcases. You need enough clothes and cosmetics to keep you going until the ship arrives with your belongings. This can take several weeks.
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