Relocating to Africa: 5 Practical Tips for Living Overseas

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Living abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. Whether you want to experience another culture, learn another language, or just escape from your daily routines, moving to Africa and living there for an extended period of time could be the perfect solution. Whether you’re interested in working for an NGO, teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), or simply exploring new career options, moving to Africa is a great idea. With its unique culture, breathtaking landscapes and friendly people, Africa has something that many other places do not. However, relocating to a new country can be challenging at times. Even though Africa is a popular destination among expats right now, it could still take some time before you find your feet and start enjoying this new chapter of your life. With that in mind, here are 5 practical tips for moving to Africa:

Research Your Destination

The first step of your move to Africa will be to research your destination. You could choose to relocate to one African country or more. Each country has its own culture and climate, so you will have to choose where you want to live based on your preferences. More than that, you will also have to take your own interests and skills into account to find the right destination for you. You will also have to keep in mind the political situation of each country, since you don’t want your stay to be disrupted because of unrest. You will research cultural differences between countries and cities, average monthly wages, and the cost of living in each place.

Plan Ahead

Since you don’t know when you will be able to leave your home country and move to Africa, many expats choose to relocate to a different country every year. This way, they can experience several cultures at once, and always have a new place to go back to when it’s time to move on. If you choose to do this, you will need to carefully plan your move. You will have to research several destinations and choose the one where you want to stay for an extended period of time. You will also have to find a job in that country, since you don’t want to be unemployed while you are staying in a new place. During your stay in each country, you should try to meet as many locals as possible. This will help you learn more about the culture of each place and make new friends at the same time.

Find the Right Housing Solution for You

If you are relocating to an African city, you will have to find a place to live. You could look for an apartment or a house to rent, or find a roommate. However, finding a roommate could be difficult if you’re moving abroad. Regardless of which option you choose, you have to keep in mind that some African countries don’t have strict building codes and could have faulty electrical wiring. This could be particularly dangerous if you’re moving to a place where you don’t know anyone. Finding a place to stay can be challenging if you are a foreigner looking for a place to live in Africa. You could try your luck on online platforms such as Airbnb or Homestay, but you will have to be patient and give it time before you find the right place for you.

Learn Some Key Words in the Local Language(s)

Even though most Africans speak English, a few words in the local language will always come in handy. You should learn a few phrases such as “thank you” and “hello” in the main language of the country where you are moving to. If you want to go even further, you could consider taking a language course before moving to Africa. This will help you immerse yourself in the culture and make new friends while improving your language skills.

Bring the Right Travel Essentials with You

Even though you will be living in a different country, you will still need to travel. You will want to bring the right travel essentials with you no matter where you are moving to. For example, you should bring water purification tablets if you are relocating to a country with unsafe water. This will prevent you from getting sick. You should also bring a first aid kit with you when you travel. This will help you stay safe and healthy no matter where you go.

Bottom line

Moving to another country might seem scary, but it’s an amazing experience that will challenge you and teach you a lot about yourself. Whether you decide to relocate to Africa or another continent, you will need to be prepared. Before you decide which country you want to move to, you will have to research the culture, political situation, and average monthly wages of each place. You will also need to find a place to live in, learn some key words in the local language, and bring the right travel essentials with you.