I'm an American who moved to the Netherlands. If I had to move abroad again, I’d do these 5 things differently.

Six months ago, Emily Pogue and her husband relocated from the US to the Netherlands. Reflecting on their move, she identifies a few aspects she would have approached differently. Firstly, Emily suggests booking a hotel for the first night in a new country. During their transition, they lived in a cold apartment with a faulty heating system and realized a hotel stay would have been more comfortable.

Secondly, she advises acquiring an international driving permit, which she and her husband did not obtain. Although the process was quick, it proved essential when they rented a car in Italy that required an IDP. Thirdly, Emily regrets not bringing more of her prescription medications. She had packed six months worth, but the Netherlands' health insurance process delayed her access to specialists, leaving her with insufficient medication.

Lastly, Emily emphasizes budgeting for unexpected costs. Their arrival in the Netherlands included an unforeseen €509 bill for trash service and wastewater treatment, along with the added expense of addressing moisture issues in their 100-year-old apartment. She encourages prospective expats to set aside time, resources, and flexibility to navigate such unexpected challenges.