How to Become an Expat Q&A

I recently collaborated with Western Union to give some tips and tricks on “How to Become an Expat“. Check out the full article for lots of advice from fellow travel bloggers and influencers!

Keep reading to see some of the questions that I get asked most frequently!

What tips do you have for visa applications and obtaining a visa?

Before you leave for any trip I would say double, triple, quadruple check visa requirements for that country! Each country differs, and unfortunately, it’s totally up to you to do all the research to ensure you can actually enter the country. I’ve known way too many people who either didn’t know about the visa requirements for a certain destination or didn’t have the proper documents, and they wouldn’t allow them on the plane.

A simple Google search will usually point you in the right direction but be careful with third party websites that claim they can get them for you fast. Travel.State.Gov is the U.S. government’s official travel website and has everything you need to know regarding visas, including if you can get them upon arrival or not.

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Wanderlust got the best of me and I ended up booking a last minute flight to travel solo in Aruba! ☀️🏝🙋‍♀️ . To be honest I probably would have preferred to not come solo since it’s such a vacation destination…but like the majority of the places I travel solo to, if I didn’t just go alone, I’d probably never get to go! This is also probably because I decided last Friday to randomly come here and can rarely give anyone advance notice, plus it’s easier for me to just GO. 🤷‍♀️😂 But! That’s how you can tell who is a real traveler vs the ones who only go when a trip is offered! (And take all pics at only hotels). . Other reasons why I came are bc it wouldn’t stop raining in LA, I need to go get my dog in FL anyway (don’t ask how I decided it’s “on the way”), and bc my bucketlist this year is going to the World’s best islands! . Anyway me and my photographer (JK I’m taking this with a tripod and the remote is in my hand behind my hat) are having a swell time beach hopping today! See them all on my stories! (And thanks to everyone who notified me of my nip slip…deleted!🙈) . I’m trying to be as budget friendly as possible which is partially why I chose here, the last minute flight was only $150! Non-perks of booking last minute during high season though is the hotels of my choice are pricey, but at least I’m saving on transportation by taking the bus since I didn’t realize my license was expired and couldn’t rent a car when I got here! 🤪 . Also, the flamingos might not happen bc my collab with that hotel wasn’t until May (I’m impatient) and I’m not paying $400 to stay there and it’s still over $100 for a day pass…probably shouldn’t even promote it since it’s so expensive anyway lol, but for those who wanted flamingos…sorry! Maybe I’ll learn how to photoshop in birds like everyone else does 😂 (jk again) . Do you have any questions about traveling solo or booking last minute travel plans? I’m eating lunch w my tripod right now so feel free to ask me anything below! . 👖👒: @coco.and.carmen 👛: @luludharma . #solotravel #traveladdict #lastminutetrip #aruba #bocacatalina #bestbeaches #mylifesatravelmovie #alyssaramostravels #selfietography #sonyar7iii

A post shared by Alyssa Ramos 🌎 Solo Traveler (@mylifesatravelmovie) on Feb 5, 2019 at 12:14pm PST

What do you do to prevent culture shock?

I love learning about new cultures and venturing to far-off lands that I couldn’t have even imagined existed when I was younger. This yearning for knowledge and deep interest in new cultures always pushes me to do my research before I travel to a destination.

The more you take time to understand the culture, rituals, and beliefs of a society, the less likely it is that you’ll be “shocked” when you step foot off that plane. I’ve spanned the globe and have definitely felt like a fish out of water in certain countries, cities, or townships, but, my willingness to be open and accepting is what has allowed me to see the beauty in over 90 countries!

What do you wish you knew about health insurance?

I was always one of those travelers who shrugged my shoulders at the thought of paying for insurance. I’m not clumsy, I’m alert, and I try to plan ahead, why should I need insurance? Then, I started doing Group Trips and realized I was responsible for the safety of others and thought twice.

Luckily, I got full insurance coverage on the rental car I flipped in Patagonia, but I wish I knew my regular travel insurance wouldn’t cover anything unless I was “Dead or Dismembered”. The same insurance company also refused to cover me on my Kilimanjaro trip (which requires a high level of insurance), making me realize it didn’t do me any good. I wish I had looked into what it covers more in depth before getting an annual plan.

I also wish I knew that there are certain travel insurance companies for different people, and even some that can include regular health care!

What do you do to learn the native language?

Let’s be honest, as an adult, it’s extremely difficult to learn a new language, especially when you’re busy with travel, work, and life! But, showing natives your willingness to try makes all the difference. A lot of people are so afraid of making a mistake that they just give up altogether. Give it a go! Most locals will be happy that you’re trying to communicate, even if it’s “broken.”

Before I go to a new country, I’ll use free apps like DuoLingo or Rosetta Stone to learn fun and simple phrases that will get me by. “Hello,” “thank you,” “where’s the bathroom,” “I need help,” “excuse me,” “sorry,”  these are all important phrases to learn no matter where you’re traveling!

I also will engage with my Instagram audience and ask people to send me videos of them pronouncing words and phrases correctly!

How do you get connected to the expat community?

Thankfully, because of social media, it’s easy to connect with people from all over the world. There are so many wonderful online resources for expats. From private Facebook groups to online forums, there’s really something out there for everyone. I’ve been part of Facebook Groups that have hosted local meet-ups for expats, and it’s given me the opportunity to learn from people who are also living on the go.

Having the opportunity to share stories, tips, and tricks is always valuable. Plus, traveling alone and working remote can feel isolating at times. It’s always nice to make connections, whether they’re digitally or in-person.

How do you stay close to friends and family?

WhatsApp is an absolute lifesaver. I have the ability to stay in contact with my friends and family without ever having to worry about data overages or roaming fees.

I’ve also been told by friends and family that since they watch my Instagram Stories every day, they feel like I’m never really even gone! It’s such a great feeling to be able to go back to LA to see my friends and feel like nothing  has changed!

With my family, my mom and I are extremely close, and one of my biggest accomplishments has been showing her parts of the world she’s never seen before. Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of money. So, to be able to take my mom to exotic places that are worlds away from my modest upbringing has been an absolute dream.

How do you plan for transportation?

These days I’m a bit spoiled and always try right away to see if Uber works in the country I go to. If it’s a far distance though I do a Google search on the best way to get from A to B using public transportation. Then I use my Google Maps on my phone to get info on the next train/bus and how to get to the platform (you’d be surprised how much info you get from the Maps app!).

If I’m going to a country that I’m unsure or uneasy about, I’ll contact the hotel or airbnb host and make prior arrangements to be picked up.

For transportation around the area in general; I usually walk everywhere. I claim it’s my workout. If it’s too far though or at night, I’ll again try the Uber option and if not available, hop in a taxi.

How do you meet people abroad?

Since I’ve been traveling solo for about 6 years now, it’s very normal for me to just start talking to anyone I come in contact with. If I’m at a bar, I talk to people around me, I always try to chat up my taxi or Uber driver, and of course…social media and apps make it really easy as well.

Many times people will write me on Instagram saying they live in the place I’m traveling, so I’ll host a meet-up in a public place to meet them. I’ve also made great use of dating apps like Tinder, by putting “Not looking for dates or hookups, I’m a travel blogger looking for friends or photography collabs” on my bio then swiping away.

I don’t typically stay at hostels, but those are basically made for travelers to meet each other! Even if you don’t actually stay there, you can still hang out and meet some people!

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What is your favorite part of the expat experience?

Getting the opportunity to experience what life is like in other countries and in other people’s shoes is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever experienced.

Before I traveled, life in the U.S. was all I knew, and the thought of how other people live in the world seemed just foreign and complicated. But discovering things like the fact that I could live like a queen in a fancy apartment in Thailand for just a couple hundred dollars a month, get $5 massages, and eat all the delicious food I want for next to nothing, really opened my eyes. I won’t even get started on how cheap and awesome it is to live in Bali!

Experiences like those are probably what has kept me from getting a home in the U.S. Compared to living abroad, living in the U.S. is expensive, there’s so many different fees and taxes, and life just seems more hectic.

When you live abroad, you get the chance to learn and feel what life is really about, and meet new people who can help show you that as well!