Going overseas to work is exciting and scary at the same time. For one, you have to adjust to the culture and the language (if it’s a non-English speaking country). Moreover, the cost of living might be just as expensive (if not more expensive) than living at home.
Saving money should be a priority while working. But if you are living in an expensive country, here are the best ways to build your savings account despite the high cost of living:
1. Look for cheap accommodations
There are lots of affordable accommodations for both workers and students in fancy places, such as London or Paris. You just have to know where to look.
Start your apartment search at least a few weeks in advance before your flight. Scour the Internet for places near your future workplace that offer cheap rentals. If you know someone in that area, ask them to help you find a good place. Find accommodation with on-site amenities that can help you save more money, such as laundry facilities, a gym, and free Wi-Fi.
2. Find roommates
Sharing your home with a stranger sounds disconcerting. However, it is one of the best ways to save money while working abroad. If you are staying in a country where English is not the first language, living with a local can also help you learn the native tongue.
To find a suitable roommate in your future home, check out the local online listing websites in that country. Also, some sites specifically target people trying to find roommates, so be sure to check those out as well.
2. Eat where the locals eat
Food is one of the most significant expenses when living or traveling abroad. During your first few days, treat yourself to the touristy restaurants and must-try dishes. After that, find the places where the locals eat, also known as the places where food is cheap, tasty, and authentic.
At the same time, look for markets that sell fresh and affordable food. By cooking your own meals, you can stick to your budget and explore the local food culture simultaneously.
3. Learn how public transport works
It can take a while to get used to another country’s public transport. But once you get the hang of it, you won’t have to spend money on ride-hailing or taxi services anymore. Before your job starts, find the best possible route from your apartment to your workplace. If you are taking the subway or bus, buy a card as soon as possible so that you don’t have to obtain a single-journey ticket every time.
4. Take advantage of cheap entertainment
In high-cost cities, entertainment can be expensive. Sure, an occasional pub crawl or bus tour should fit in your budget. But for other times when you have no money to spare for entertainment, find affordable options, such as local shows or free museum trips.
Living in another country to work is a challenge in and of itself. And if you’re living in a fancy country, it can be ten times harder. To help yourself stick to your budget and save money in the process, use these strategies when adjusting to your new home.
