If you are planning to move to Asia, then you will no doubt be very excited. Whether this is a move for work purposes or purely personal reasons, moving to this wonderful continent promises some fantastic experiences. Of course, a large part of moving to this part of the world from somewhere else is what to consider before you go and what to expect when you get there. By taking the time to get good advice on what you need to know when moving to Asia, you will be ahead of the curve in terms of making it a success.
What do you need to know when moving to Asia?
As with moving to any new country, there are various things to take into account. Many will be the usual sort of thing that any move abroad would entail, whereas some will be specific to the region itself. Read on to find out just how you can prepare your family for the big move.
Get your visas sorted
One of the major things to get sorted before you travel is your family’s visas. These can take a while to get through, so don’t leave it until the last minute to look at. Take the time to check online the visa regulations for your circumstances at the embassy of the country to which you are traveling. Once you know what documents you need, apply for them well in advance so that you have them for all your family as needed when you travel.
Think about work
Obviously, if you are moving to Asia for work, then this should all be sorted out. Your job will be in place and your company should have completed any paperwork needed to enable you to begin when you arrive. Of course, if you arrive in Asia and are needing to find work, then your situation is a little different.
The best way to find out about any available openings is by getting involved in the local and ex-pat community so that you can network. Not only will this enable you to find something quickly, but you will also be able to get advice on any forms that you need to complete to work, depending on which Asian country you are in.
One word of warning – many Asian cities such as Hong Kong and Singapore work longer hours than a lot of other countries globally. If you are traveling to places like this, be prepared to work hard but play harder!
Education for your children
If you have a family, then you will naturally want to make sure that their education is looked after in the country to which you are moving. Many families making the move abroad now choose an international school in this respect.
There are many benefits to your child attending an international school, which is why they are so popular. Not only do they provide superb-quality education in internationally recognized qualifications, but they also allow your children to mix with children from different cultures. Many parents also find that it helps their children settle better in the new country.
A lot of parents moving to Asia will choose this type of institution – from an American international school Hong Kong to a similar school in Singapore, there are lots from which to choose.
Check up on local laws
Wherever you are moving to in Asia, you need to make sure that you are aware of the local customs and laws. Being up to date on the law is especially key so that you don’t end up in trouble by mistake! For example, in Singapore there is a ban on most types of chewing gum, which could net you up to a $500 fine if broken! Obviously, when it comes to local customs, these are well worth getting to know also to avoid any embarrassment in your new country.
Be prepared for the weather
It may seem an obvious tip, but make sure that you are prepared for the humid and hot climate of the country to which you are moving. Most Asian countries are very humid in this regard, so you need to make sure that you can handle this before you go. The tropical climate gives around 90% humidity usually, so wearing loose-fitting cotton clothes is wise.
Make sure to get up to speed before you leave
If you are moving with your family to Asia, then the above points are worth taking into account. Not only will they help the move go more smoothly for you all, but it will also make your Asian adventure more amazing. Take the time to get all your paperwork in order and be aware of all the other tips that we have mentioned, and you will have a great time whether you are on a family vacation or moving.
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