I want to make a list of things I need to do before I move abroad
August 8, 2011 5:17 AM Subscribe
I'm moving to another country at the end of the week and I want to make a list of things I need to do before I go. Obvious is good.
I'm leaving my flat to go and work in South Korea and I have a disturbingly short list of things to take care of, probably because I have a mind like a sieve sometimes. I will pretty much leave the flat as it is and someone else will arrange to clear things later so that's fine.
Can you help me to make a list of things to do? Generic and obvious is fine. So things for making sure things are ok here, and things for the journey.
What I have so far:
Redirect my mail
Cancel electricity and utilities
Make sure my accounts are ok for telephone banking
Pick up visa
Book bus/train to the airport
Get travel insurance
Thanks.
I'm leaving my flat to go and work in South Korea and I have a disturbingly short list of things to take care of, probably because I have a mind like a sieve sometimes. I will pretty much leave the flat as it is and someone else will arrange to clear things later so that's fine.
Can you help me to make a list of things to do? Generic and obvious is fine. So things for making sure things are ok here, and things for the journey.
What I have so far:
Redirect my mail
Cancel electricity and utilities
Make sure my accounts are ok for telephone banking
Pick up visa
Book bus/train to the airport
Get travel insurance
Thanks.
Phone - check roaming plans or if your phone works with a local (Korean) SIM card
Cables and plug adapters for electronics
Several ways to reach your local contact once you get there (eg. mobile & home phone no., address written in Korean script so you can show it to a taxi driver, etc)
(You don't mention any plans for transfer *from* the airport and plans from that point on. Do you have this covered?)
posted by gakiko at 5:33 AM on August 8, 2011
Cables and plug adapters for electronics
Several ways to reach your local contact once you get there (eg. mobile & home phone no., address written in Korean script so you can show it to a taxi driver, etc)
(You don't mention any plans for transfer *from* the airport and plans from that point on. Do you have this covered?)
posted by gakiko at 5:33 AM on August 8, 2011
Have a go at learning to read Korean.
Pop a copy of your Korean contact info in your suitcase in case, in English and Korean, in case it gets separated from your plane on the journey over.
Learn how to say a few basic phrases.
posted by mdonley at 5:37 AM on August 8, 2011
Pop a copy of your Korean contact info in your suitcase in case, in English and Korean, in case it gets separated from your plane on the journey over.
Learn how to say a few basic phrases.
posted by mdonley at 5:37 AM on August 8, 2011
Get your travel shots. Not just for SK, but more so for other areas in Asia that you may end up visiting since they'll be so close. Hepatitis shots need to get spaced out a little, so the sooner you get those the better.
Someone may chime in and say it's cheaper to get these in SK, which is entirely possible, I suppose.
posted by backwards guitar at 5:37 AM on August 8, 2011
Someone may chime in and say it's cheaper to get these in SK, which is entirely possible, I suppose.
posted by backwards guitar at 5:37 AM on August 8, 2011
Back up your important info online using EverNote or Dropbox, including scans of all your important documents (encrypt with TrueCrypt if you're worried about security).
Don't keep all your IDs together (have the important ones on you, less important ones in luggage).
Make sure you have chargers for all your electronics and that you have the proper converter.
posted by pyro979 at 5:43 AM on August 8, 2011
Don't keep all your IDs together (have the important ones on you, less important ones in luggage).
Make sure you have chargers for all your electronics and that you have the proper converter.
posted by pyro979 at 5:43 AM on August 8, 2011
Defrost fridge
Clean oven
Take out trash
You say someone else is clearing out your apt but are they willing to do all that?
Is it a direct flight? If not, google your transit airport and check the layout for location of terminals/gates. Same with arrival airport so you'll know where to head after emerging from customs/immigration.
2nding getting your new address written down in Korean. You can do this at an information counter when you arrive.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 5:45 AM on August 8, 2011 [1 favorite]
Clean oven
Take out trash
You say someone else is clearing out your apt but are they willing to do all that?
Is it a direct flight? If not, google your transit airport and check the layout for location of terminals/gates. Same with arrival airport so you'll know where to head after emerging from customs/immigration.
2nding getting your new address written down in Korean. You can do this at an information counter when you arrive.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 5:45 AM on August 8, 2011 [1 favorite]
copy of your visa as well as your passport (i learned this the hard way...)
pick of a copy of Lonely Planet for South Korea, so if your newly learned phrases don't stick in your head you can always point to the characters in the book.
posted by nanhey at 6:13 AM on August 8, 2011
pick of a copy of Lonely Planet for South Korea, so if your newly learned phrases don't stick in your head you can always point to the characters in the book.
posted by nanhey at 6:13 AM on August 8, 2011
Notify your credit and debit card companies that you are going to be traveling so they don't freak out and turn off your cards at the first transaction from outside your home country.
posted by ChrisHartley at 6:51 AM on August 8, 2011
posted by ChrisHartley at 6:51 AM on August 8, 2011
Disclaimer: my experience is based on UK -> Japan.
Tying up loose ends at home:
-- Notify your bank and credit card company that you're going overseas. Check their regulations first so that you know how to phrase this: for some accounts, "I'm moving abroad" will lead to the account being closed, whereas "I'm going to be working abroad for a while" won't.
-- Where are your possessions going while you're abroad? If you're putting them into storage, learn from my mistake and get insurance, however difficult it may be to find someone who'll cover out-of-the-house storage. Containers can leak. Furniture can go mouldy.
-- Go through the last twelve months of direct debits and standing orders to get a complete list of services to cancel.
-- Make sure you know when your mail redirection will expire and how long it will take to arrange an extension.
For the journey:
-- Check the baggage rules for the airline, and weigh and measure your bags. Check that your bags are light/manoeuvrable enough that you'll be able to climb flights of stairs with them.
-- Make sure you have your new address on you when you get on the plane; you'll probably need to fill it in on an immigration card. (Make sure you have a black or blue pen on you as well.)
-- Make sure you know how you're going to get from the arrival airport to your new home, and from there to work on the first day.
-- Take some non-perishable food, so that you've got something to eat even if you're too tired or too daunted to go to the shops when you arrive.
-- Take a phrasebook/pocket dictionary, travel guide, contact numbers and addresses, any important documents, and a change of clothes in your carry-on. Just in case.
For administration:
-- Original documents you might need include your birth certificate, degree certificate, driving licence and (obviously) passport and visa. Get official copies if you can, and take several unofficial copies (photocopies) of each as well.
-- Find out now whether you need to get any documents apostilled.
-- Take some passport-sized photographs with you.
For everyday life:
-- Whatever you usually keep in your medicine cabinet, get a pack or two to take with you. Painkillers, plasters, antihistamines, that sort of thing. Check the Customs regulations, though, especially if you're going to take any decongestants or anything that includes codeine.
-- If you're female, take a stock of sanitary products too.
-- If you're bigger than the average Korean, assume it'll be difficult to get clothing over there. If you'll be there for long enough, make sure you've got warm clothes with you.
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 7:41 AM on August 8, 2011 [2 favorites]
Tying up loose ends at home:
-- Notify your bank and credit card company that you're going overseas. Check their regulations first so that you know how to phrase this: for some accounts, "I'm moving abroad" will lead to the account being closed, whereas "I'm going to be working abroad for a while" won't.
-- Where are your possessions going while you're abroad? If you're putting them into storage, learn from my mistake and get insurance, however difficult it may be to find someone who'll cover out-of-the-house storage. Containers can leak. Furniture can go mouldy.
-- Go through the last twelve months of direct debits and standing orders to get a complete list of services to cancel.
-- Make sure you know when your mail redirection will expire and how long it will take to arrange an extension.
For the journey:
-- Check the baggage rules for the airline, and weigh and measure your bags. Check that your bags are light/manoeuvrable enough that you'll be able to climb flights of stairs with them.
-- Make sure you have your new address on you when you get on the plane; you'll probably need to fill it in on an immigration card. (Make sure you have a black or blue pen on you as well.)
-- Make sure you know how you're going to get from the arrival airport to your new home, and from there to work on the first day.
-- Take some non-perishable food, so that you've got something to eat even if you're too tired or too daunted to go to the shops when you arrive.
-- Take a phrasebook/pocket dictionary, travel guide, contact numbers and addresses, any important documents, and a change of clothes in your carry-on. Just in case.
For administration:
-- Original documents you might need include your birth certificate, degree certificate, driving licence and (obviously) passport and visa. Get official copies if you can, and take several unofficial copies (photocopies) of each as well.
-- Find out now whether you need to get any documents apostilled.
-- Take some passport-sized photographs with you.
For everyday life:
-- Whatever you usually keep in your medicine cabinet, get a pack or two to take with you. Painkillers, plasters, antihistamines, that sort of thing. Check the Customs regulations, though, especially if you're going to take any decongestants or anything that includes codeine.
-- If you're female, take a stock of sanitary products too.
-- If you're bigger than the average Korean, assume it'll be difficult to get clothing over there. If you'll be there for long enough, make sure you've got warm clothes with you.
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 7:41 AM on August 8, 2011 [2 favorites]
seconding manyleggedcreature , It may have changed since I was there last but if your boobs are any bigger than a B cup, you'll need to take lots of bras.
posted by Wilder at 8:42 AM on August 8, 2011
posted by Wilder at 8:42 AM on August 8, 2011
I would recommend a credit card (and possibly debit) that does not have foreign transaction fees. The Capital One Venture is the one I use but there are many others out there. This could save you a lot of money in the long run. Good luck.
posted by Odinhead at 10:45 AM on August 8, 2011
posted by Odinhead at 10:45 AM on August 8, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks for the tips everyone. I should be met at the airport, but will take contact details. Looks like I'll need to buy a few clothes as well if I can't count on anything. I'd imagine Seoul caters for foreigns to some extent though?
posted by Not Supplied at 12:35 PM on August 8, 2011
posted by Not Supplied at 12:35 PM on August 8, 2011
--give someone else your travel dates, abroad contact info, and a spare key to your place
--any particular nutrition supplements/bath products you like may be hard to get abroad, so stock up (but double check customs/airline regulations)
--if you're bringing a computer or electronics, chargers. Also voltage converters if the electricity is different.
--regular travel things like sunglasses, sunblock and hats, waterbottle, notebook & pencil, a guidebook, a camera, a good comfortable (but cheap looking) bag to carry these things in
--find out where the local US consulate is, just in case. write it down in a couple places
--list of important addresses or phone numbers, to keep with you just in case.
posted by everyday_naturalist at 12:35 PM on August 8, 2011
--any particular nutrition supplements/bath products you like may be hard to get abroad, so stock up (but double check customs/airline regulations)
--if you're bringing a computer or electronics, chargers. Also voltage converters if the electricity is different.
--regular travel things like sunglasses, sunblock and hats, waterbottle, notebook & pencil, a guidebook, a camera, a good comfortable (but cheap looking) bag to carry these things in
--find out where the local US consulate is, just in case. write it down in a couple places
--list of important addresses or phone numbers, to keep with you just in case.
posted by everyday_naturalist at 12:35 PM on August 8, 2011
oh, super obvious, find out how to use the payphones and dial numbers. It may be the same, but a lot of countries are different.
posted by everyday_naturalist at 12:43 PM on August 8, 2011
posted by everyday_naturalist at 12:43 PM on August 8, 2011
-stomach medicine and acidophilus probiotic supplements. You will have stomach trouble at some point.
-if you have any dietary restrictions or allergy concerns, research what you can eat. Even the mcdonalds may be different.
-(optional) a blog, facebook, and/or flickr account for keeping in touch with people while traveling.
-a journal or drawing supplies
posted by everyday_naturalist at 1:01 PM on August 8, 2011 [1 favorite]
-if you have any dietary restrictions or allergy concerns, research what you can eat. Even the mcdonalds may be different.
-(optional) a blog, facebook, and/or flickr account for keeping in touch with people while traveling.
-a journal or drawing supplies
posted by everyday_naturalist at 1:01 PM on August 8, 2011 [1 favorite]
Vitamins. Spices. Antiperspirant. Large size shoes if applicable. Sunglasses (prescription glasses are high quality and very cheap; not so for sunglasses). Passport photos. Copies of important documentation and scanned copies thereof deposited into a dropbox account. Addresses chanegs with banks, student loan companies, etc. All regular billed services (cell phone, power, cable, etc.) cancelled. Reserve your airplane seat and book special meal if applicable. Get some cash ready (international ATMs are hard to come by). Learn the Korean alphabet (seriously, shouldn't take more than an hour or two). Get help from a Korean to absolutely NAIL the pronunciation of your address (even slightly mispronouncing it will get you blank stares from a taxi driver). Make sure you have cell number of whomever is picking you up at the airport- the LOCALLY dialable number, and not the number to dial if you're calling from overseas.
Don't worry about probiotics, you can get them here easily (Pulmuone makes good ones and Yakult is everywhere), but definitely bring some pepto bismol tablets (not because you're bound to get sick here, but because if and when you do, you'll wish you had it and it's not available here). Check any long term prescriptions you're taking; they may not be available here (memail me if you'd like me to check the Korean sites).
Laptops almost always already have a converter built into the cable, you'll just need a new adapter. If you're bringing any 110-v appliances, you can get a step-down transformer pretty easily. Dang. What else? Those are the biggies. Good luck!
posted by holterbarbour at 4:56 PM on August 8, 2011
Don't worry about probiotics, you can get them here easily (Pulmuone makes good ones and Yakult is everywhere), but definitely bring some pepto bismol tablets (not because you're bound to get sick here, but because if and when you do, you'll wish you had it and it's not available here). Check any long term prescriptions you're taking; they may not be available here (memail me if you'd like me to check the Korean sites).
Laptops almost always already have a converter built into the cable, you'll just need a new adapter. If you're bringing any 110-v appliances, you can get a step-down transformer pretty easily. Dang. What else? Those are the biggies. Good luck!
posted by holterbarbour at 4:56 PM on August 8, 2011
Make sure you know the PIN on your credit card, if there is ANY CHANCE you will need to withdraw cash from it. Don't count on debit cards working--credit cards are much more reliable.
posted by equivocator at 6:13 PM on August 8, 2011
posted by equivocator at 6:13 PM on August 8, 2011
Glad to hear you're on your way after the previous question. Since you're going to be transferring a lot of money, register with an FX Broker in the UK before you go. This will ensure you get better rates than Korean banks will offer when you buy sterling with your won. MeFiMail me for more info.
ManyLeggedCreature gave great advice upthread - follow it.
It is possible to get suitable clothes in Seoul, but much easier to buy at home where the sizes & styles are what you're used to and where you can easily find the shops and communicate with the assistants. Remember that Korea goes from hot, humid summers to cold winters, so bring a wide range of items.
If you're in Seoul, you will be able to get some of the traditionally hard-to-find-in-Korea items like antiperspirant and non-Korean spices. However, it's always better to bring a starter supply of these items while you're getting the hang of local shopping. Speaking of which, set up an account with Gmarket.
I know you have someone to clear your flat, but dividing all your belongings into 'go to Korea' and 'stay in UK' boxes might help you to avoid missing some important stuff. Bring some comfort items (food, books etc.) for those days where you just want to be back home.
Oh, and ignore the advice upthread about taking your phone. It almost certainly won't work in Korea; there isn't such a thing as a 'Korean SIM card', since Korea is on CDMA. Also don't worry about the people talking about step-down transformers; like those referring to the 'local US consulate' and 'pepto-bismol tablets', they're assuming you're American. Get used to it; plenty of Koreans will do the same thing...
Good luck.
posted by Busy Old Fool at 6:36 AM on August 9, 2011
ManyLeggedCreature gave great advice upthread - follow it.
It is possible to get suitable clothes in Seoul, but much easier to buy at home where the sizes & styles are what you're used to and where you can easily find the shops and communicate with the assistants. Remember that Korea goes from hot, humid summers to cold winters, so bring a wide range of items.
If you're in Seoul, you will be able to get some of the traditionally hard-to-find-in-Korea items like antiperspirant and non-Korean spices. However, it's always better to bring a starter supply of these items while you're getting the hang of local shopping. Speaking of which, set up an account with Gmarket.
I know you have someone to clear your flat, but dividing all your belongings into 'go to Korea' and 'stay in UK' boxes might help you to avoid missing some important stuff. Bring some comfort items (food, books etc.) for those days where you just want to be back home.
Oh, and ignore the advice upthread about taking your phone. It almost certainly won't work in Korea; there isn't such a thing as a 'Korean SIM card', since Korea is on CDMA. Also don't worry about the people talking about step-down transformers; like those referring to the 'local US consulate' and 'pepto-bismol tablets', they're assuming you're American. Get used to it; plenty of Koreans will do the same thing...
Good luck.
posted by Busy Old Fool at 6:36 AM on August 9, 2011
Just an add on to ManyLeggedCreature's comment.
I travel A LOT for work, yet I wish I had known some things before I moved from Japan to China.
Taking care of stuff at home
- Nthing notifying your bank. My bank freaks out when I deposit money into my account in Japan from overseas as well as when I withdraw, and they call me every single freaking time.
- Checking your bills for the past 6 months to 1 year is an excellent idea. I realized after I moved that I forgot to cancel a subscription.
- Change your billing addresses for your credit card. Even if you plan to get a local credit/debit card, it's better to have one on hand until you get settled in. I still use my Japanese credit card, but now my billing address is my parents' address. (I couldn't change it to an overseas account, but your situation may be different)
- If you're putting stuff in storage, take pictures of everything before they go in. While you're at it, take pictures of everything you plan to send to Korea. I have no idea of how SK customs work, but my stuff got stuck in China customs for 2 months.
The trip
- Know how to get to where you're staying in case you cannot meet up with your contacts. It's happened to me before.
- Take some food, both in your carry on and in your check in. The food in your carry-on is in case your luggage gets lost. The food in your check-in is so that you've got something to eat when you get to where you're staying.
For administration, I completely agree with ManyLeggedCreature's comment.
For everyday life:
- Bring cash. Like, enough to live on for 1 month. Although I was paid from the 1st month that I moved here, I could not access the bank account for several reasons. If I hadn't brought enough cash, I would have ended up living on like $10 for 3 weeks.
- Assume that for the first month, you will have no idea on where to buy stuff. Bring anything with you if you are particular about certain brands. The sanitary products idea is a great example of this. Another example is that if you must use dandruff shampoo, bring at least a month's worth since it will take a month before you find something that you like. If you don't care what shampoo you use, then you don't need to worry about this.
posted by xmts at 7:23 AM on August 9, 2011
I travel A LOT for work, yet I wish I had known some things before I moved from Japan to China.
Taking care of stuff at home
- Nthing notifying your bank. My bank freaks out when I deposit money into my account in Japan from overseas as well as when I withdraw, and they call me every single freaking time.
- Checking your bills for the past 6 months to 1 year is an excellent idea. I realized after I moved that I forgot to cancel a subscription.
- Change your billing addresses for your credit card. Even if you plan to get a local credit/debit card, it's better to have one on hand until you get settled in. I still use my Japanese credit card, but now my billing address is my parents' address. (I couldn't change it to an overseas account, but your situation may be different)
- If you're putting stuff in storage, take pictures of everything before they go in. While you're at it, take pictures of everything you plan to send to Korea. I have no idea of how SK customs work, but my stuff got stuck in China customs for 2 months.
The trip
- Know how to get to where you're staying in case you cannot meet up with your contacts. It's happened to me before.
- Take some food, both in your carry on and in your check in. The food in your carry-on is in case your luggage gets lost. The food in your check-in is so that you've got something to eat when you get to where you're staying.
For administration, I completely agree with ManyLeggedCreature's comment.
For everyday life:
- Bring cash. Like, enough to live on for 1 month. Although I was paid from the 1st month that I moved here, I could not access the bank account for several reasons. If I hadn't brought enough cash, I would have ended up living on like $10 for 3 weeks.
- Assume that for the first month, you will have no idea on where to buy stuff. Bring anything with you if you are particular about certain brands. The sanitary products idea is a great example of this. Another example is that if you must use dandruff shampoo, bring at least a month's worth since it will take a month before you find something that you like. If you don't care what shampoo you use, then you don't need to worry about this.
posted by xmts at 7:23 AM on August 9, 2011
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Original documents like college degree, divorce decree etc - copies notarized and/or originals with you in your personal luggage
any medical records, prescriptions and medications
copy of passport scanned and kept on file as well as with local contact
cash in hand for immediate use on arrival or withdraw from atm
posted by infini at 5:27 AM on August 8, 2011