What should I check before moving abroad?

First, confirm your legal route to stay. A tourist entry is not residency. Find the visa or permit that fits you, its income rules, and how long it lasts before renewal.

Second, sort out health coverage. Medicare.gov says Medicare usually does not cover health care outside the US, with some exceptions. Learn whether residents can join the local public system and what private plans cost at your age.

Third, know your obligations at home. The IRS says US citizens and resident aliens are taxed on worldwide income from all sources, wherever they live. The US State Department's Living Abroad Resources page also covers voting, retirement and federal benefits from overseas.

Fourth, test the money. Can you open a local bank account? Can you send money back out without controls trapping it? The Sovereo Index treats this exit test as the heaviest part of its Capital and Enterprise score.

Fifth, check daily life at street level. Look at the neighborhood, not only the national average. Stay a month or more before signing anything long term. For tax and visa details, check with a qualified professional in both countries.