It is not easy to relocate to a new country where English is not spoken. Dealing with a new language, a new culture, and legal concerns you’re unfamiliar with might be scary. We’ve compiled a list of the most common obstacles faced by expats from the US or the UK in Israel, as well as suggestions for how to overcome them.
1. Organizing the Actual Move
Physically transporting your belongings is required throughout the move. Moving flats is a hassle in and of itself, but when it comes to moving to another continent, you’ll have to deal with a lot more than just late movers. Crate shipping is used to ship your furniture and crates of other products, and it takes time to arrive. Other elements to consider are the cost, the company, and any items you would prefer to ship via air.
2. Getting Work Permits and Visas in Order
If you are relocating to Israel as part of a new job with a large company or corporation, it is likely that they will provide you with the necessary work permit and visa. In either situation, familiarizing oneself with the specifics and legislation is necessary to understand exactly what you’re working with. Another option is to let Local Port handle all of the details for you, saving you time and providing you with a great deal of peace of mind.
3. Finding a Place to Live
Apartment search is difficult enough without having to do so from halfway around the world in a nation where you don’t know the language. You’re going in blind without viewing the flats and without comprehending the fine print in the leasing agreement you’ll have to sign.
4. Getting Medical Insurance for the Family
Israel offers a variety of medical insurance coverage to many US/UK expats. They only need to contact an insurance agent who can explain the costs and coverage of each policy before making a decision.
5. Understanding New Finance and Legal Laws
Every country, including Israel, has its own set of laws. To stay out of problems, all expats from the US or the UK should educate themselves on these laws. This includes not just criminal law, but also tax legislation and financial management.
6. Getting to Know Your Area
Knowing your neighborhood before you move may be quite beneficial, from where the nearest supermarket is to where the nearest park is. It takes a little longer and is more complex than simply looking for the address on Google maps. You’ll need to either slowly get to know the area as you spend time there, or hire someone like Local Port to map out all of the significant attractions and companies in the area for you.
7. New Public Transportation
It’s difficult to adjust to different modes of public transit. You’ll need to memorize maps, bus numbers, and train schedules to get to and from work.
- Making Sure You Can Drive
You may not be able to drive in Israel simply because you hold a driver’s license. Every US/UK expat must have a license granted at least six months before their move, pass a medical and eyesight exam, and pass a vehicle control capacity test, among other requirements.
9. Learning a New Language
It’s never easy to learn a new language, especially one that isn’t Latin-based like French, Italian, or Spanish. You’ll learn faster if you’re entirely surrounded by individuals who speak the local language, but enrolling in a Hebrew class can also assist.
10. Moving with Pets
In Israel, there are numerous restrictions governing flying with pets as well as basic rules protecting pets that you should be aware of. Every US/UK expat should make sure they have all of their vaccinations and locate a veterinarian in their new city.
These are some of the most pressing issues confronting US/UK expats in Israel. Taking care of all of these details, on the other hand, might make it less scary and offer you more confidence and peace of mind to help your move go more smoothly.