Going abroad checklist

As I get ready to live abroad for the third time in four years, I thought I’d share this wealth of information with all of you. It may feel like there are a million things you have to do before you go abroad – whether you’re studying abroad or au pairing – but don’t let this list intimidate you. Most items are straightforward and will actually help you to feel prepared and organized before your departure date.

If you’re going abroad for the first time, there are some to-do list items you may not be aware of, like letting your bank know you’re going out of the country or making copies of your passport to leave behind with family. Some other items on the list are up to your personal preference, whether you’d like to get a haircut or stock up on certain meds before you go. One thing I always like to remind myself and others is that you can buy so many things once you’re there. Save room and weight in your bag by foregoing your own shampoo or toothpaste and just pick up the essentials once you get there.

This list hopefully has everything you’ll need to do before you go abroad. Some items may not apply depending on how long you’re going for or what you’re doing once you’re there. If you’re studying abroad, your program may have additional items you need to do before you arrive. Same goes with au pairing. There might be things on the checklist you wouldn’t have thought of – like buying your host family a gift. Whatever your reasoning for going abroad, there’s sure to be adventure ahead of you. It’s best enjoyed organized, at least that’s what I think.

I hope this going abroad checklist will help anyone moving abroad. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below! Checkout my living abroad packing list if you need help deciding what to bring with you. Also – many of the items on this checklist can also apply to trips abroad, whether you’re going for a few weeks or a month. Download the going abroad checklist or view it below!

going abroad checklist

ONE YEAR OUT

• Make sure you have a valid passport 
• Start researching the visa process if necessary

SIX MONTHS OUT

• Apply for visa

ONE MONTH OUT

• See your doctor or notify them of travel plan, ensure you aren’t missing any vaccinations
• Call your health insurance to discuss any coverage abroad
• Buy insurance—I like World Nomads
• Call your pharmacy to get an advance on your prescriptions (typically they will need to put in a request through your insurance)
• Tell bank which countries you’re traveling to (and any states you might be flying through)
• Set up travel pass with your phone plan if necessary
• Cancel or pause gym membership
• Apply for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees (I like my Amex for this)
• Buy or set aside the luggage you want

TWO WEEKS OUT

• Haircut
• Wax and nail appointments
• Enroll in STEP program
• Email host family or school your flight itinerary 
• Take euros or other currency out of the bank
• Shopping trip to pick up over the counter meds, feminine products, and other last minute items
• Buy gifts for your host family, especially the kids (if applicable)
• Print photos, quotes, or inspiration to put on your walls when you get there

ONE WEEK OUT

• Arrange airport pick-up
• Make copies of your passport, visa, ID, vaccine card, travel insurance, and health insurance cards (leave one set with your family, bring a couple sets with you)
• Add your abroad address to your luggage tags
• Be sure to pack one set of clothes and toiletries in your carry-on
• Make a list of items you want to purchase upon arrival, like shampoo, toothpaste, etc.
• Start packing

UPON ARRIVAL

• Pick up essentials
• Place copies of passport and other documents in a safe place
• Buy a sim card and phone data plan
• Become familiar with your neighborhood 
• Start planning other travel

have any questions for me about living abroad? leave them in the comments below!