So, you decided to make the leap to move overseas! In my experience, there’s plenty of advice about what to do before you leave: getting your visa, packing, etc. What I didn’t find much of was solid guidance on what to do in the first week abroad after you actually arrive.
In this post, I walk you through what to do in your first week abroad, including an easy downloadable checklist you can take with you. Use this guide to settle in faster, avoid stress, and feel more at home right away!
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First Week Abroad Checklist: What to Prioritize
Discover the most important tasks to tackle in the first 7 days after your move abroad. Check these to-dos off your list and start building your new life abroad!
1. Researching Neighborhoods When You Move Overseas
This is one of the first things you can do after moving abroad (but before you move is better). Use local forums, Facebook groups, and expat sites to compare safety, commute time, things to do, and public transport.
As helpful as online research can be, I always recommend visiting neighborhoods in person if you can. Take note of where grocery stores, gyms, cafés, parks are. It’s easier to get the vibe of the neighborhood when you can experience it instead of looking through a screen.
Take note of the proximity to things you’ll need every day: transit, markets, maybe work or school. If you’re moving to a place that’s well connected (like Madrid) it may not be a huge deal if you have a long commute, but better to be aware.
2. Set Up Apartment Viewings
Within the first few days after moving (or better yet, before you move), you should book several apartment viewings so you have options. I recommend booking at least 3-4 showings scheduled over the course of a few days.
If you’re moving to Spain, the best way to do this is through Idealista. Through their website, you can look for apartments in your desired area and arrange viewings.
When you go on an apartment tour, ask about included utilities (electricity, water, gas) vs extra costs. Most apartments in Spain will also have a community fee that goes toward maintaining the building.
You should also check what kind of documentation or financial requirements they have for the application process. In Spain, if you’re on a digital nomad you may have to provide up to 6 months of rent at the time of signing the lease, but it depends on the landlord. For more on what you need to know about apartment hunting in Spain, read my full guide on finding an apartment as an expat.
Check the apartment’s condition: heating/cooling, plumbing, insulation, etc. But remember – you’re in Europe. The standards are a bit different here, and you’re almost guaranteed to hear your next-door neighbors through the wall. This is just a part of life abroad!
3. Setting Up Phone & Internet in a New Country
Signing a phone contract can be a surprisingly complicated part of moving abroad. My biggest advice: Buy a temporary, no-contract SIM or plan first to secure your phone number through a short-term plan.
Here’s the issue: You’ll need a local phone number to open a bank account, and to open a phone contract, you need a local bank account. It’s a chicken-or-the-egg situation, and in my experience, this is the best way to navigate it with minimal frustration.
Once your bank account is set up (more in the next step), switch to a long-term phone contract that bills directly to your bank account.
Make sure to compare mobile network coverage and speed in the areas you might live — you may only have one or two options depending on your area.
One thing to know: you’ll likely want to keep your old phone plan active in your home country, otherwise you’ll lose access to that phone number which is typically tied to a lot of different accounts and contacts.
In this case, get a cheap phone plan in your home country (ideally with an e-sim), then ask for an e-sim once you arrive in your destination so you can operate your phone with both. Turn off data roaming and set calls/texts to only on WiFi for your foreign phone plan so you don’t get charged international rates!
4. How to Open a Local Bank Account After Moving Abroad
Even if you use something like Revolut or Wise to transfer money (which you should), a local bank is essential for paying rent, utilities, phone bills. Do your research on the best bank for you in your destination country before you arrive for a smoother process.
When you go to open your bank account, make sure to bring all required documents. This usually includes passport, proof of address (utility bill or lease agreement with your name and address), cell phone #, and proof of funds. For the proof of funds, this could be a work contract, savings, or past month’s invoices if you’re a freelancer.
Don’t forget to inquire about bank fees, card delivery, online banking, etc!
5. Learn Your Way Around — Essential Services & Daily Life
After you find an apartment and take care of the “big things”, make sure to find your daily needs like a go-to grocery store, pharmacy, gym, cafés, etc. This will help you quickly settle into your new routine!
Don’t forget to locate your public transport stops, nearest hospital or clinic, and learn your new country’s emergency hotline as well. Less fun, but necessary!
As you get settled into your new home, explore where to buy basic household items. This helps you feel like you’re really living there, not just visiting.
6. Immigration & Residency Paperwork You Need Right Away
In many countries you have deadlines to register your residency or file local government paperwork. This is a crucial step that CANNOT be forgotten or ignored!
For example, in Spain you first need to get your Empadronamiento appointment (local address registration through city hall), and then book your TIE appointment at the police station (to get your ID card). You can book your appointment online, but if you hire a lawyer, they should be able to help you secure an appointment more easily. For whatever reason, in Spain it’s very hard to get an appointment and it may take some time until you see an opening, so make this a priority!
7. Understanding Local Taxes When You Relocate
Another important detail to get ahead of is taxes (fun, I know). As an expat, it’s important to determine whether you qualify for special tax status in your new country (for example, the Beckham Law in Spain).
My advice with everything (especially in Spain) is to start early. Tax filings sometimes have strict deadlines and require documents you may not think of until too late!
8. Health Insurance and Healthcare Setup Abroad
If your employer doesn’t provide local health insurance, make sure you find private coverage before you move. This is usually a requirement for your visa when you move abroad if you’re not covered by an employer.
When you arrive, it’s best to register with a local doctor or clinic right away. It’s a pain, but you’ll be glad to have this done next time you need to go.
Research the local health system, including how it works, where to go in emergencies, what’s covered, etc. It can be a headache at first but you’ll be glad to have a basic understanding.
9. Building a Daily Routine in a New Country
Start settling in and work out your “new normal”. For many people, this could include your route to work or school, best times to run errands, where to walk your dog, etc.
I highly recommend joining clubs or groups (expat, hobby, language) or using Meetup to meet people and build connections. For more on buidlign your community, read my blog about the best ways to meet new people abroad.
Now that all the life admin work is done, explore your city like a tourist! Have fun and celebrate the dream you’ve finally brought to life for yourself. You should be extremely proud — don’t forget to stop and celebrate how far you’ve come.
10. Exploring Your New City: Be a Tourist at Home (and Have FUN!)
Make sure to build in time to explore your new city with curiosity: try a café, take photos, walk unfamiliar streets. Every day will feel so different at first, but with time, the novelty wears off unless you make it a habit. Try to mix things up! One of my favorite things I did when arriving in Madrid was take a walking tour of the city.
I like to make mini-goals for the week like trying a new local dish, going to a local market, practicing speaking in the local language, etc. This makes every “win” even more exciting.
Document things in whichever format suits you best! Whether it’s a journal, photos, blog (like me), whatever helps you reflect. Moving abroad is big — celebrating small wins matters.
Downloadable First Week Abroad Checklist
Use this checklist to tick off what needs your attention, so nothing important slips through the cracks.
Final Thoughts
Moving abroad is one of the best things you can do for yourself — it’s challenging, yes, but the growth, adventure, and unexpected joys more than make up for it. In your first week, try to balance handling the essentials (bank, phone, residence) with giving yourself space to breathe, explore, and feel your new life settle in around you.
You’ll make mistakes, things will feel awkward, and that’s totally normal. But each small step (finding your grocery store, nailing down your routine, registering your papers) builds toward the comfort of “home” in your new country.
If I were starting again, I’d give myself grace and remember that feeling settled takes time. Enjoy the ride — you’ve got this!
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