Essentials?

Well, the most essential of all if you're expatriating to any country that speaks a language different than your own is to learn the language. The language barrier is the single largest cause of expats failing to adapt to their new country. You need to speak enough of the language to get by in day-to-day living, communicate with neighbors, merchants and shopkeepers, co-workers, doctors and nurses (which could save your life in an emergency) and with authorities if something goes wrong.

Next is to learn as much about the history, culture and traditions of your host country as possible, that will help you fit in and be one of them,

Cheers,
William James Woodward, EB Experts Team

An open mind and a non-judgemental attitude?

(By the way: Why are you posting this question in several Expat forums in various corners of the Internet?)

1.  A good attitude
2.  A good attitude
3.  A good attitude
4.  Learn the language
5.  Don't expect things to be the same as back home.... adapt
6.  Learn the customs

Are you an expat of thinking of becoming one?

Bob K

A really good umbrella.

beppi wrote:

An open mind and a non-judgemental attitude?

I used to think expats were inherently open-minded.  It seems to me that you have to be open-minded to be an expat.  Now I know that expats can be the most judgmental people in the world.