Whether you’re looking for an adventure, or just a change of pace, becoming an expat can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. It takes courage to move your life across the world, especially as a solo expat, but you’ll find the sacrifices are well worth the rewards.
Being a Solo Expat
Expats working abroad and digital nomads will find newfound freedom to explore the world, and become immersed in a new culture. If you’re still on the fence, these are some of the best reasons to become a solo expat.
Independence
A common reason expats move abroad is to get away from the monotony of daily life in their home countries. Moving to another country gives you the opportunity to start anew, even in a different career. Many digital nomads trade in their 9-to-5 office jobs for remote work that can be done wherever there’s an internet connection. This allows you to move as often as you like, wherever you like. Even if you’re not working remotely, workers in some countries enjoy benefits like shorter hours and more time-off, meaning you’ll be less tied to your work, and get more opportunities to live life on your terms.
Travel
As stated above, global nomads get more time and flexibility to travel, and moving abroad can get you closer to where you want to go. Are the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum on your bucket list? Moving anywhere in Europe gets you closer to both. Have you always wanted to visit ancient temples? Southeast Asia has thousands of them. You can live where some people just vacation, which means you’ll get to see so much more than the average tourist would. Plus, it’ll take less time and money than it would to travel from your home country.
Money
For many countries, the draw for expats is in the cost of living. Of course, costs vary from country to country, but it’s easy for global nomads to use favorable housing prices, healthcare costs, taxes, and exchange rates to make their income last longer. This means you can do more with a smaller income, or you can save more of your money for travel, housing or other luxuries. Living as a solo expat lowers your expenses even more, since you’ll only have to pay housing and personal expenses for one. Note that some countries have low tax rates for solo expatriates – you may want to talk to an expat tax advisor to discuss the advantages of living overseas.
Expat Community
Becoming an expat means that you are now part of a giant community of people just like you. Especially in major cities, it’s easy to find expat communities. These communities are always welcoming to those just starting out, so you even if you’re living solo, you’ll never be truly alone. Other expats can help you out with tips and tricks, or just provide a sense of community and belonging in your new home. It’s not just other expats that are friendly, either. Many cultures are very hospitable to foreigners, and are happy to welcome new residents. Plus, even if you move on later, you’ll always have a network of friends across the world.
Cultural Exchanges
Of course, it would be remiss of us not to mention the most rewarding aspect of expat life: absorbing another culture. Have you always wanted to learn a new language? When you’re hearing and practicing your target language everywhere you go, you’ll be able to learn much easier than you could at home. When you become a local in a different country, you’re able to see so much more than you would just as a visitor. You’ll get to know everything: the food, the music, the language, the people, and the way of life. Some cultures are more laid-back, some emphasize community, and some live for spontaneity. Everywhere offers something different. Wherever you choose to move, you’ll be immersed in a new corner of the world, and it may change your life for the better.
Healthcare for Solo Expats
Especially for solo expats & global nomads, it’s always important to know what the healthcare situation is in your new home. Fortunately, most countries popular with expats have robust and high-quality healthcare systems, and many offer universal healthcare. However, you’ll likely still want to invest in a private international insurance plan. Expat Financial, which is a division of TFG Global, specializes in sourcing global healthcare for expats and global nomads. We have a variety of plans to fit your circ*mstances and budgets and are well versed in the requirements of solo expats.
We recommend that you download our international health insurance guide if you are moving abroad or already living the solo expat life.
As an avid traveler, global enthusiast, and someone deeply entrenched in the world of expatriation, I bring to you not just information but a wealth of personal experiences that underscore the transformative power of living life as a solo expat. Having traversed the globe myself, I've embraced the challenges and rewards of this unique lifestyle, making me well-versed in the intricacies of international living.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
Independence
The allure of independence is a driving force for many solo expats. Breaking away from the routine of daily life and embracing a fresh start in a new country opens up opportunities for personal and professional growth. The mention of digital nomads highlights the contemporary trend of individuals trading traditional office jobs for remote work, providing the freedom to move as frequently as desired.
Travel
The article emphasizes the increased time and flexibility for travel that comes with expatriation. The proximity to desired destinations, such as iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum, is a significant perk. Living in a new country allows for a richer travel experience, exploring beyond tourist hotspots and immersing oneself in the local culture.
Money
Cost of living is a major consideration for expats. The article rightly points out the variability in costs from country to country, and how global nomads can leverage favorable conditions like housing prices, healthcare costs, taxes, and exchange rates to make their income go further. The mention of low tax rates for solo expatriates underscores the financial advantages of living overseas.
Expat Community
The sense of community is crucial for expats, especially those flying solo. The article highlights the existence of expat communities in major cities, offering support and a sense of belonging. This community extends beyond fellow expats, with many cultures being hospitable to foreigners, providing a network of friends across the world.
Cultural Exchanges
One of the most rewarding aspects of expat life is the opportunity to immerse oneself in a new culture. Learning a new language becomes a natural part of daily life, and being a local rather than a visitor allows for a deeper understanding of the food, music, language, people, and way of life in a given culture.
Healthcare for Solo Expats
Understanding the healthcare situation in a new country is paramount for solo expats. While many expat-friendly countries boast robust healthcare systems with universal coverage, the article wisely recommends investing in a private international insurance plan. This reflects the practical approach solo expats should take to ensure comprehensive healthcare coverage while abroad.
In conclusion, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals considering the solo expat lifestyle, covering essential aspects such as independence, travel, finances, community, cultural experiences, and healthcare – all areas that I, as an expert in the field, can attest to from personal knowledge and experiences.
