Did you notice that the international money transfer process has been a complex issue in the past? The reasons making this simple procedure complex are many. However, some of the best international money transfer services, including those provided by ACE Money Transfer, have made the same a relatively simple process. Millions of Filipinos residing overseas trust its services to send money to Philippines online; the same is the case with countless diasporas from other low-to-middle income countries.
These issues include the time a transaction is likely to take, service charges, currency exchange rates being offered and most importantly, the security of a given transaction. Owing to these few factors, many expatriates still consider banks to be the best option to send money online despite the long time banks take and the huge fee they charge.
People from developing countries move to the developed world to find better employment opportunities. Work opportunities exist in developed countries, given that these countries have stable and expansive economies. You can easily get a job as an expatriate as long as you have what it takes to get employed.
Eventually, on starting to work and earn money, these expatriates send money to their loved ones and families through the world’s most credible online money transfer companies like, ACE Money Transfer.
Let’s now take a quick look at the critical points expatriates must consider as they prepare to become expatriates by going to other countries.
Essential considerations for expatriates and their international money transfer(s)
Here are the most important considerations for expatriates working in countries other than their own. These points are emphasised much because going to another country is a serious commitment to yourself and your family. Any negligence in this regard can lead you to immense troubles.
A new environment for working
You must consider the working environment of the country you choose for relocation. It is essential because the working environment of your country is critically asymmetrical to the one you are moving to. For example, some countries will have a long weekend, giving you ample time to enjoy and recreate. On the other hand, other countries will have tight schedules, long weeks, and extended working hours.
Many countries will have different modes of payment. Some will offer weekly payments while others may provide daily wages, yet others may give monthly salaries. Therefore, it is crucial for you to deeply consider what corresponds to you and your needs and requirements as an expatriate. As an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), you must consider whether your family needs money weekly or monthly so that you can get a reasonable job and instantly send money to Philippines to meet their needs.
Cultural adaptation
Different countries have different cultures and norms that the people of that country strictly follow. You will find it challenging to adopt those practices in the beginning. And since these customs and norms bind an entire community together, much effort is required to enter that bond. Therefore, try to study those norms and customs closely and adapt to the new environment as soon as possible.
Education for your children
If you plan to relocate to another country with your family, you must consider the education system where you want to go. The country’s kind of education and fee structure, etc., must be considered before relocating. Also, if you already have school-going children and relocate, you need to ensure their study continuity is not disrupted.
Healthcare service availability
Filipino expatriates prefer to go to the UK for numerous benefits, including the best healthcare system. Healthcare is free and subsidised for emergency and long-term medical care in the UK. Of course, as an expatriate, if you happen to have access to free or high-quality yet cheap healthcare services in a foreign land, it is bound to save you lots of money.
Concerns about salary and personal finances
It must also be considered deeply. The role you will adopt at your new workplace, the remuneration you will get and most importantly, the tax matters are essential to understand fully. If you find it difficult to understand, you are advised to consult a tax expert. Besides, see to it that the salary and other financial benefits, if they exist in the first place, benefit in ways that subscribe to your needs as an expatriate.
Establishing new relationships
Moving to a new country without knowing anyone can be a little tricky. Of course, if you are engaged with, for example, your employer online before relocating, you will feel connected somewhat the moment you land. But, otherwise, it will be challenging to make new friends initially. You must, however, understand that establishing new friendships is extremely important for healthy social survival.
So far, you have seen the most important consideration for overseas workers. All of these considerations are general. Or rather, these can be understood as simple rules to follow while relocating to or living in different lands.
But, have you ever wondered what personal traits you may require to lead a successful life as an expatriate in, for example, the UK? Of course, it is not simply about going to the UK, finding work and then sending money back home. It takes a lot more about the personality traits that you find below.
Personal traits required for a successful expatriate life
Here are a few personal characteristics that make you all set to be a successful expatriate, regardless of which country you come from and which country you work in.
A generally curious attitude
You would have seen many people simply not interested in moving around and meeting new people. These people will merely be in trouble as expatriates due to their attitude. Against this, a curious attitude to explore more and meet new people will help you connect with others quickly and easily.
Be emotionally intelligent
You must act intelligently and ride your emotions instead of being ridden by them. Furthermore, ensure you have a complete idea about how you appear to others in a foreign land regarding your emotions and how to respond to others’ emotions.
An organised personality
As an expatriate, you must remember that you will be doing all of your tasks yourself, initially, if not for a long time. For that purpose, you need to have an extremely organised personality, not having which you will find yourself in grave trouble as an expatriate.
Flexibility and adaptability
Adapting to a new culture is a must for survival. If you can adapt quickly and have a flexible personality, you will have a pleasant expatriate life. And if you do not have this personal trait, you better think multiple times before relocating to another country.
Skills of languages
It is an essential trait that you must have in your personality. Communicating in the mother tongue of the country you relocate to is necessary. Besides, it is not crucial to have complete command of the language; a few phrases and sentences used in your daily routine will suffice at the start of your expatriate life.
Have leadership qualities
You must have this quality in your personality. You never know which role you are assigned and what number of people your team will comprise. And you will screw it up if you do not have leadership qualities. You can try and mimic the leaders in the world by doing what they, as leaders, did in their lives. It will be a healthy exercise.
Build patience
In other cultures and countries, things may not move as fast as you think or are used to experiencing in your native land. Therefore, having immense patience in your personality as a personal trait is essential for moving to a foreign country. Never rush if you are trying to adjust to new settings.
As an expatriate, you must have all the traits that have been explained amply above. The general rules that are stated earlier are also equally important to follow. But, being honest with yourself while trying to analyse if you have all it takes to become an expatriate in the light of the above will help you immensely to lead a successful life as an expatriate.
ACE Money Transfer makes international money transfers easy and smooth when catering to the expatriates’ remittance needs. It offers the lowest fee for a money transfer to Philippines and 100+ other countries in a secure manner. It provides its valued customers with the best currency exchange rates that enable them make huge savings every month.
