A skilled entrepreneur with over four decades of experience in the financial services industry, Thomas P. Ivanyi serves as the CEO of Private Equity Direct, LLC, which he founded. Thomas P. Ivanyi enjoys engaging in cultural studies in his spare time, including living internationally. The following is an illustrative list of tips on preparing to live abroad.

1. Visit possible relocation destinations. Visiting the places you may consider moving to before making concrete plans will give you the chance to explore the area and get to know the neighborhoods. Avoid making a decision based upon a single vacation weekend. Always check the U.S. government websites for up to date notices on safety and health issues.

2. Prepare paperwork and residency documents. The responsibilities of living in your home country will also apply once you move to another one; you will still need to pay taxes, obtain proper identification, and the like. You will also need to find out residency requirements and arrange for housing in advance.

3. Know your rights. Working abroad requires contracts, permits, and paperwork, so knowing your rights can help your transition. This is especially important if your employee contract will determine the length of your stay.

4. Prepare a budget. Determine how much you will need for food, housing, travel, and other living essentials before you move and budget accordingly.