Expat Life - My Top 7 Things That Only Expats Understand

Even though every expat is enjoying many great experiences,  challenges and adventures, there are certain expat things that almost all of us have in common and are experiencing. 

​Here is My Top 7 List of Things That Only Expats will Understand 

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1. The Immigration processes can be a nightmare
From understanding the immigration application process, to getting a list of requirements, to getting a Police Clearance Certificate, or sorting a full medical examination – the requirements and all the paperwork that may be involved in the process of obtaining a visa or work permit can be really exhausting. 

If you’re one of the many expats that have been through this, you probably wish there was an easier way to getting your visa renewal, or that a permanent residency didn’t take so much of your time waiting and filling forms. Not to mention the costs.

On the bright side, once you’ve gone through the never-ending immigration process and you get your visa, you feel an incredible sense of achievement – one that only expats can understand.

(Solution - need Help with Immigration or Visas? info@RetireinThePhilippines.org

2. Your diet changes
Once you’ve left your home country, you start missing things in a way you probably didn’t expect. Food is usually one of these things. Finding your favorite comfort foods becomes a challenge - but not impossible.
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For most expats, it becomes a matter of trying some new questionable food, and discovering you love the local cuisine. I discovered that I'm actually eating healthier and feeling better. The fresh produce is Awesome. Now I find it difficult to enjoy the produce when I return to the US. 

On another note, if you’re lucky, you’ll find a specialist import shop that sells products from your home country. If not, then you can still have many of your favorites shipped to your door. 
For more info, contact ​ info@RetireinThePhilippines.org

3. Some routines can become big challenges
When you’ve just arrived in a new country, doing your grocery shopping is not anymore the easy thing you could do in your spare 15 minutes – not only can you be confused about where to go, but you may find yourself not knowing what you should buy. And once you’ve bought it, you may realize you don’t actually know how to cook what you bought.

Fortunately, English is spoken in the Philippines. But, Expats living in a country that speaks an unfamiliar language can easily find some the simplest things considerably more complicated: asking for information (where's the toilet), buying the food you want or finding medicine in a pharmacy; suddenly become very challenging tasks. 

​Get Tips and Hacks at website: www.retireinthephilippines.org

4. You Value things differently
Expat life can make you change some of your priorities and value things differently – the more you move, the more you realize you don’t need to have so many ‘things’, especially when these things will involve extra expense, packing and shipping. At the same time, you start to really value the simplest things, like the first time you managed to order a meal in your new language.

Similarly, while it wasn’t particularly a big deal before to see a close friend or family member – the day you’re abroad and anyone comes from home to visit you can easily become the best day of your life. We have had hundreds of people from around the world visit us where we treat strangers like friends, and friends like family. 

Some noticeable values that have changed in me: Environment, Recycling, a Hot Shower, Fresh Food. We focus on keeping the environment nicer. I never realized how much more I could recycle. I enjoy a long hot shower (and miss it when I run out of solar heated hot water). My food is fresher, organic, drug free, and the taste is Soooo much better. 

5. Healthcare is not to be taken for granted
Wherever you are, ensuring you’re covered, and knowing where to get help is vital. Getting ill is bad enough, but when you’re abroad it can be 10 times worse – you can feel you’re dealing with a disease that you’d never heard about, or be conflicted about where to find a real medical doctor.  In addition to this, there’s the whole understanding of how the healthcare system works in your new location.

In many cases, expats opt for international health insurance, which can ease much of the stress; attend your queries in a familiar language, and ensure you can be treated whenever it’s needed.
​If you are considering a trip to the Philippines, you might want to consult with an expert: info@retireinthephilippines.org

6. People back home may see you differently
​Try not to take offense, but in the eyes of others, you may be really “blessed” to be living in some exotic destination, and the photos you’ve posted on your social network may be giving the impression that you’re living the good life.

Expats can be stereotyped and perceived as rich individuals or just extremely happy. But the truth is that everyone is different; a person can move to another country for many different reasons, and experience very different things & feelings. Expat life involves struggles, and it can often be isolating. Moving abroad can bring a mix of emotions, cultural changes, lots of paperwork, and it can take quite some time before expats can properly relax and enjoy life abroad.

To avoid the pitfalls, you may want to get expert advice so you can do things in the right order, learn how to do it faster, with less money, and less stress. Then you can start enjoying an exciting expat life. 
For more info, contact ​ info@RetireinThePhilippines.org

7. In the end, it’s all worth it
Despite all the difficulties and the hard times you’ve been through in your expat journey, you may feel that you wouldn’t want it any other way – and that being an expat is worth the struggles. Settling abroad fills you with confidence and a great sense of achievement. It makes you a more adaptable individual and stronger towards change and future challenges.

​Even with all my mistakes and troubles, I personally feel it has been the best Lifestyle decision that I've ever made. 

Final Note to a Happy & Successful transition to Expat Life: 
Avoid the time and money wasting pitfalls by seeking expert advice. It will get you to your goals so much quicker and with less stress. Nothing like this was available before, but it is now. Reach out for assistance at info@retireinthephilippines.org

by Greg Pasden
World Traveler, Coffee Entrepreneur, Best Selling Author