Nifty Nomad Country Guide: How To Prepare For Your Move 2025

Bring sufficient cash for initial expenses and tips.

Schedule your arrival for weekends to allow adequate time for adjustment, but keep in mind that many businesses may have limited hours. Choose off-peak travel times to avoid long immigration queues and heavy traffic.

Reconfirm your arrival time and check-in process with your accommodation host or landlord. Make sure to save offline copies of the address and all relevant contact details.

Research and plan to avoid rush hours at your destination to minimize time spent in immigration lines and traffic congestion.

Download all relevant transportation and navigation apps before your departure. Remember to save offline maps of your destination area for backup navigation.

Prepare a detailed budget for immediate arrival expenses, including transportation costs, food, and any potential accommodation deposits you may need to pay.

Save offline copies of your accommodation address and all key locations you might need to visit. Download local map data for offline use in case of connectivity issues.

Research the locations of nearby essential services such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and ATMs. Make note of their operating hours, especially if you're arriving during a weekend.

Research local telecommunications providers before departure to understand coverage areas and plan options. Consider post-paid plans for longer stays.

Set up a reliable VPN service before departure to access content from home and ensure secure internet usage.

Always maintain a backup internet connection option besides your primary SIM card. Consider portable WiFi devices or international data plans.

Download local transportation, food delivery, and payment apps before arrival. Install offline translation and navigation apps.

Use bank debit cards or money transfer app cards for foreign currency withdrawals. Decline ATM conversion offers and use your bank's exchange rate.

Avoid street money changers and unofficial exchange stalls. Only use authorized services to prevent scams.

Always decline automatic currency conversion at point-of-sale terminals. Choose your bank's exchange rate for better rates.

Set up money transfer apps like Wise or Revolut before departure for better exchange rates and easier money management.

Carry some cash for emergencies but rely primarily on cards and digital payments for better exchange rates and security.

Research and save contacts for nearby hospitals, clinics, and 24-hour pharmacies that cater to international patients.

Save your embassy's address and emergency contact numbers. Register with your embassy's traveler program if available.

Research safe neighborhoods and areas to avoid, particularly during nighttime. Join local expat groups for current safety advice.

Download personal safety apps that work in your destination. Consider apps with GPS tracking and emergency alert features.

Understand local water safety and prepare appropriate water purification methods if necessary.

Download offline language packs and translation apps before arrival. Test them with your destination's language to ensure functionality.

Prepare digital or physical language resources specific to your destination. Consider pocket phrasebooks for offline reference.

Use language learning apps to practice basic conversation skills before arrival. Focus on practical, everyday situations.

Learn to recognize basic written characters or alphabet if different from your native language. Focus on essential signs and numbers.

Learn key words for directions, transportation, and location descriptions to help with daily navigation.

Research appropriate attire for different situations, including religious sites, business settings, and public spaces.

Understand local table manners, meal customs, and appropriate behavior in restaurants and homes.

Learn about personal space, public behavior expectations, and social hierarchies in your destination.

Research local religious practices and respectful behavior at religious sites and during festivals.

Understand actions, gestures, or topics to avoid in your destination to prevent unintentional offense.

Aim to travel with carry-on luggage only to save on fees, time at airports, and eliminate risks of lost or delayed baggage.

Remember that less is more - you can always buy items at your destination but it's harder to reduce an overflowing bag.

Create a versatile wardrobe with minimal pieces that can be mixed and matched. This saves time on daily clothing decisions.

Check weather forecasts and pack accordingly. Consider storing seasonal clothing when not needed.

Prioritize essential work equipment while minimizing redundant devices.

Use packing cubes, compression bags, and cable organizers to maximize space and maintain order.

Passport, visas, insurance cards, emergency contacts, and payment methods. Keep digital and physical copies of important documents.

Laptop, chargers, adapters, and essential peripherals for maintaining productivity while traveling.

Versatile clothing that can be layered, including a daily uniform of basics and merino wool items.

Travel-sized essentials including solid shampoo bars and compact hygiene items.

Essential adapters, chargers, and backup solutions for staying connected.

Basic first aid supplies, medications, and prescriptions needed for your journey.

Consider clothing rental services or secondhand shopping at your destination to vary your wardrobe without permanent additions.

Use seasonal storage for items not immediately needed, or consider shipping items ahead to longer-term destinations.

Implement a one-in-one-out policy when acquiring new items to maintain minimal luggage.

Replace physical items with digital versions where possible (books, documents, maps).

Prioritize items that serve multiple purposes to minimize total carry weight.

Research items available at your destination rather than carrying everything from home.