If your primary reason for expatriating to another country is to escape bad money decisions like credit card debt – think again. That kind of stuff can follow you around the world. Relocating to another country will not magically alleviate the problem.

To the contrary, you need to have your personal finances in tip top shape before committing to an overseas life. Consider the expenses even before setting foot into your new life: work permits, moving companies, insurance, one or more trips abroad to search for housing.

Once you arrive, there’s the deposit to put down on a rental, money for a car, taxes, insurance, medical. Then there’s the always reliable unexpected bill or fee. One thing you can be sure of is the necessity of a decent sized savings account or income before making the big move. There are certainly worse things that can happen to a person than running out of money in a foreign country but it’s right up there with other “great ways to have a bad day.”

So that makes saving money a high priority before departure. It’s not complicated. You’ve heard the drill before. Set aside a little each month and before you know it – voila – a savings account which can also come in very handy when you decide you hate that mountainside shack in Ecuador and are ready to move back to the United States.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you…

The Jetsetter Team

Flickr / alancleaver 2000

Tags: expatriation, finances, savings account