Are you feeling nervous as your international move date is approaching?
You’re not alone to notice this strange feeling as over 80% expats go through this isolated phase during the international relocation as per AXA Global Healthcare’s research. Some find moving abroad a big change in their social circle. And others, they just don’t want to deal with complex paperwork and customs.
As an international relocation company, we work with different expats and help them make a smooth transition from their home country to UAE. And we’ve noticed some similar patterns, some challenges that every 3 in 5 expats face during their international move. Let’s discuss these key international move challenges and their solutions, below.
Challenge #1: Immigration & Visa-related Paperwork
What most expats dread – but can’t ignore – in their international moving journey is the immigration related procedures and visa paperwork!
It feels frustrating to review every document, go through ever-changing visa policies and exhausting documentation. And that energy-consuming fear to lose any important document behind that can jeopardise your whole travelling plan. The challenges double when you’re travelling to UAE where different visas have different requirements according to your profession or sponsorship.
One way to avoid any unpleasant situation while boarding the plane is to start 3-6 months early. Understand the visa requirements, make a checklist and collect each document that will help you in immigration related matters. Plus, keep a digital copy of your travel documents in case you lose the printed ones.
Challenge #2: Locating Ideal Accommodation
As an expat in Dubai, finding an apartment becomes rather difficult when you’re not aware of the place!
It’s not a week-long trip to Dubai where you can just check into a hotel room. You’re going to stay here but the problem is that you’re not familiar with real estate market in the UAE. Plus, the language is another barrier if you’re travelling from a non-Arabic speaking country.
You might plan to go for an Airbnb until you find a suitable rental option. But this may not work well when you’re taking your furniture with you. One way is to seek help from friends who are already living in Dubai. Or you may even ask the relocation company to make a few real estate recommendations. Alternatively, you can check the local expat forums and find a good apartment deal before beginning your moving journey.
Challenge #3: Shipping Your Belongings Safely
I still laugh on my situation when I had to wait for my furniture for almost a week after relocating to Dubai. Empty apartment, clean space, and several calls to my relocation company, the experience was no less than an awful event.
What I lived is a nightmare for many expats in Dubai when they first move here and must wait for their packing boxes to arrive. But you don’t necessarily need to experience this awful situation when shipping your belongings with you to Dubai.
Experts advise on working with a FIDI-accredited moving company only. Or look for IAM membership in your relocation partner’s credentials. Plus, having someone experienced by your side can be a great help for dealing with custom delays or what you can (or can’t) bring with you to UAE. This way, you can get an assurance that your furniture will be handled by responsible agency.
Challenge #4: Managing Your Finances Abroad
Most expats in Dubai feel stuck when dealing with financial matters in Dubai!
These financial matters range from currency conversion to opening a bank account and dealing with different fees while conducting a transaction. You may feel overwhelmed while filling that bank form. Or maybe, you’re not good at taxation.
But you still must make those transactions, get a new bank account and learn all about finances in Dubai. And as a first safety measure, you must notify your current bank account about your move. This way you won’t face the card blockage in the UAE until you have your new banking credentials up and ready to use.
Challenge #5: Embracing New Culture
It’s hard to quickly shift from saying ‘Hi’ to Salam’ when you’ve lived in a non-Arabic country all your life!
It’s one of the many changes that expats go through after moving to Dubai. There’s no denying of culture shock but with time, you can adopt the new way of living here in Dubai.
As an expat, you may feel alienated for not knowing the culture and local norms. And this may push you towards feeling homesick. The best way to deal with these challenges is to seek expat communities. Alternatively, you can find people who are from your home country to feel a sense of belonging. And most of all, start learning about UAE’s culture so you can fit in.
Final Words
Where relocating to Dubai offers opportunities to grow, it can prove challenging, too.
- You may face documentation related issues if you don’t start early.
- Or find it difficult to locate an ideal accommodation in Dubai.
- Similarly, hiring a trusted relocation company is also vital when shipping your furniture.
- And you must figure out finance related matters in Dubai as early as you can.
- Lastly, you must connect with your expat community to avoid feeling homesick.
Are you preparing for your international move and have no clue where to start?
The Move It can be a trusted option that matches your description of a reliable relocation company in Dubai. You may find the help by dialling 800 668348 where and connect with our relocation experts.