Living abroad, one of the most important things I did was my expat scouting trip. I have gone on multiple expat scouting trips, thinking each place might be my next home. However, as much research as I did, I found the most helpful information on my scouting trips.

If you are planning on working as a remote worker or a digital nomad then you can always incorporate your scouting trip as you work.

In order to help you find your home, I have developed a comprehensive guide to help you find the answers you will need to better acclimate to your new home. 

Often, I hear about expatriates moving all their possessions to a new country only to return to their home of origin in a couple of years. I want to help prevent these expensive mistakes and help you know you will be happy with your decisions.

What is a Scouting Trip?

So, you might be wondering what is the purpose of a scouting trip.

A scouting expat expedition is sampling the waters before deciding to move (or not) to a country. 

I have traveled to three continents and many countries, searching for a home. The best decision I made was to gain knowledge of which countries I would not want to live. 

So if you find out these places will not meet your expectations or needs, we will help you out in the long term.

At first, spending all this money and time visiting a place you are most likely relocating to may sound unreasonable. But it’s a wise choice and a thoughtful investment toward your expatriation tasks. 

In the long term, it can save you time and money. So, do not take someone else’s word for your next move to a foreign country. It is vital to have first-hand information by finding out for yourself. Here is a primer on how to make the most of your expat scouting trip.

Get Organized

An expat scouting trip is a task in itself. Therefore, it must be well-planned to be successful and help you make an informed decision. One item question to ask before leaving is: “What are my goals during this scouting trip?” 

Consequently, be transparent about what you want to acquire while staying in your new home country. A strategic to-do list is a method to ensure you stay on track for your scouting trip. Even though it might be irresistible to spend time visiting tourist sights and relaxing at boutique cafés, remember that a scouting trip is not a vacation. 

However, it does take time to experience some of the tourist destinations. A scouting trip does not need to be business all the time, but a day to unwind from collecting information will also help you process the city’s culture. 

So, ensure your schedule is packed with ways to collect information about the country. Schedule face-to-face encounters with locals and expats. Visit neighborhoods you might like to live and window shop. A well-planned scouting trip can open your eyes to the country’s cost of living, culture, safety, and health. 

All these factors will help determine the quality of your future expat life. 

What to Do during your Expat Scouting Trip?

An expat scouting trip will only give you a layer or two about the country. Therefore, you will not know as much about the country as you will learn from living there. However, you can obtain plenty of guaranteed knowledge during your visit to understand if you could see yourself living there. 

First, stay in a neighborhood that is not a tourist destination but within your budget. Therefore, the location should be close to your future workplace (if you have already secured a job). Secure a flat or a shared house instead of a hotel.

Shared living spaces allow you to shop, cook with local produce, and interact with other expats or citizens. 

Go Explore

Pick a weekday morning to check out different neighborhoods. I suggest you shop to observe the costs of the communities. Traveling to various locations will also know how long it takes to travel from A to B. 

Therefore, you will answer some of your questions about daily life. Is it faster and more enjoyable to stroll around or utilize public transport? What are the transportation fares, and are there methods to lower the monthly travel expenses? 

Visit a coffee shop for a break in your travels. Even if unfamiliar with the language, attempt to read or listen to the news. You will be surprised about what you can quickly pick up with the language. Digital translators can help you understand some of the current and international affairs affecting the country. 

Therefore, reading or watching the news will provide context as you learn about the country’s background and plans. 

Enact your Action Plan as you Explore

Therefore, this subsequent action plan might be tiring, but it’s worth putting in the effort. Try to visit a couple of banks and talk to their customer service. Part of the requirements to live in your new hometown will mean you must open a bank account. You will want to know if there are bonuses to open up with different banks while on your expat scouting trip. 

Similarly, you will want to do the same with telecom service providers. Therefore, you will know monthly internet, mobile phone, and television costs. Lastly, visit a few real estate agencies to learn about accommodation types, availability, and prices.  

If you are moving with children, visiting your top preferable (remember the research and checklists you created before departure) schools is a must. International schools have high fees; by now, you should probably know if your employer is willing to cover some of the education costs. Public schools may also be a good option, depending on the country you are moving. Speaking directly with the head of the school will give you an insight into the education system and teachers’ behaviors.

Interact with Those Living in the Prospective City

Try to interact with as many of the citizens as much as possible, even if you are only making small talk. You will want to know if they are friendly. Finding out they are willing to go the extra mile to help you might mean you have found where you want to live. 

If you don’t communicate in the same language, are locals comfortable utilizing one of the widely spoken languages, such as English, Spanish, or French? 

Overall, an important question to ask yourself now and then during your scouting trip is: “Do I see myself living here in the long run?” How do you feel among the crowd? Is the culture shock (if any) giving you a sense of excitement to explore the traditions or disengaging you? Of course, this is a lot to take in, and one should remain as accurate to their values as possible without lacking an open mind. It’s not necessary to answer all the questions at once. Instead, take this food for thought with you back home, and take some time to process the outcome of your scouting trip.  

Questions you must Answer on a Scouting Trip

20 Things to Put on Your Expat Scouting Trip

Here are 20 items you should do and check on during your expat scouting trip. Some of these are specifically for families. However, many of these suggestions will apply regardless of whether you are having children or doing this moving solo.  While this list isn’t exhaustive, it is something you can use to think about some of your personal needs.

1. Check the availability of housing. Availability will determine the cost and quality of life you will experience living abroad.
2. Discuss how to handle your money with a banker. You will want to understand the foreign banking laws for expats.
3. Confirm what visa is necessary with an immigration lawyer to understand what documents are required when you relocate.
4. If you are moving with your pet, verify the laws for the importation of animals. Guarantee rentals will allow pets. Examine whether there are local veterinary services.
5. On your scouting trip, visit the local supermarkets to get an idea of food prices. You will also find what food is available and the quality of the food.
6. Determine what you can not obtain in the country. Therefore, this will help you plan what to bring and what adjustments are necessary.
7. Speak with other expats about their daily challenges and how they manage to deal with these situations. Ask these individuals about climate, culture, costs, health and safety, and transportation. Ask about schooling, recreation, and language learning if they also have children.
8. Visit local schools and learn about the educational costs and environment. Try to converse with both local and expat parents in these school systems.
9. Learn about the costs and quality of healthcare. While in the prospective country, visiting a hospital, a doctor’s office, and a health insurance provider is essential. Check the availability and expenses of prescriptions.
10. Locate something for you and your kids to enjoy: sports, clubs, culture, and volunteering.
11. Learn about the local job market for yourself and your children in future years. Decide what is in demand and what future talents are needed. Learn about compensation and benefit levels.
12. Walk as much as your feet will allow. Visit diverse areas of the city/area during various days and times.
13. Get to know the locals. Speak to people as you encounter locals as often as possible. Therefore, you will get an accurate picture of the area. Then you will better understand what it’s like to be a part of their community.
14. Go shopping at the mall or different markets. Get an opinion of the quality and types of clothing and footwear. Make certain that you can find clothing and shoes in your size. Observe the prices of appliances, furniture, and electronics. 
15.  Rent a furnished apartment with a kitchen. Therefore, this will allow you to try local foods and get used to how locals live. It will be a more realistic experience for your family than hotels and restaurants.
16. Try to establish a realistic budget. Learn about power, water, internet, healthcare, schooling, entertainment, clothing, and food expenses.
17. Explore transportation options: You might be able to establish a less car-oriented lifestyle than is possible in most North American locations. Try the buses, the metro, walking and bicycling, taxis, and ride-sharing platforms. Building a daily life centered around walking will elevate your mental and physical health while helping you live within your budget.
18. Visit various neighborhoods in the city AND several other towns to get a well-rounded view of the general area and way of life.
19. Foreign language courses for immigrants. If you are moving to an English-speaking country, then this will not apply. However, many countries have programs for immigrants to learn the language. As you immerse yourself in the new country’s culture, you will want to learn some vocabulary. If you don’t already know the language, these in-person courses can help you understand and save you some money. 
20. Remember to take a break from these items. 

Atypical Last Thoughts

In the grand tapestry of relocating to a new place, a scouting trip emerges as an invaluable investment, bridging the realms of fiscal prudence and temporal efficiency. Time, once spent, is an irretrievable currency; it slips through our fingers, leaving behind only the echoes of missed opportunities. On the contrary, money judiciously spent on a scouting trip is an investment that can yield returns far beyond its initial cost.

A scouting trip is not just a superficial precursor to immigration; it is a strategic move that can save you from pitfalls and streamline the process. Beyond the logistics, a firsthand experience of the environment, culture, and day-to-day nuances of your prospective new home is priceless. It provides insights that no amount of online research can encapsulate.

Nuances in Traveling

Consider this: the nuances of local life, the rhythm of the community, and the intricacies of daily living. These are the facets that a scouting trip unveils, granting you a level of preparedness that transcends any virtual understanding.

One of the other ideas is to group multiple locations nearby for your scouting trip. You can look at the best places for digital nomads to relocate.

To navigate this intricate journey effectively, consider maintaining a dedicated notebook. Document every detail, from cultural nuances to potential neighborhoods, as these notes will be your compass during the immigration process. A tangible record of your observations and insights becomes an invaluable resource, guiding you through the complexities that lie ahead.

For those embarking on this journey, a humble piece of advice: invest in the process. Invest in yourself. Secure that notebook, pen down your impressions, and let each page tell the story of your exploration. It’s not just about moving; it’s about a transformative experience, and the more you invest in understanding it, the smoother your immigration journey will be.

And, of course, don’t forget to subscribe to my channel! Stay tuned for more in-depth insights, tips, and stories to accompany you on this transformative expedition. Because in the realm of relocation, knowledge is power, and your journey deserves to be empowered. Subscribe now, and let’s navigate this path together!

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