How to Prepare for Living Abroad: The Communication Checklist Nobody Gives You
Most people think moving abroad is all about flights, paperwork, housing, and packing. But one of the most important things to prepare for living abroad is something much simpler: communication.
Once you relocate, staying connected suddenly becomes more complicated than expected—between time zones, roaming fees, weak internet, new SIM cards, and the emotional reality of distance.
Here’s a practical communication checklist that can make life abroad much easier from day one.
1. Decide what happens to your home phone number
Before you move, think about whether you still need your current number for:
- banking verification codes
- work contacts
- family communication
- important accounts
Many people keep their original SIM active for receiving messages, even if they mainly use a local number abroad.
2. Don’t rely only on messaging apps
WhatsApp and Messenger are useful, but they don’t solve everything:
- some relatives prefer regular calls
- internet connections aren’t always reliable
- emergencies may require direct phone access
If you want to properly prepare for living abroad, make sure you have both app-based and phone-based communication options.
3. Plan around time zones
One overlooked challenge of living abroad is scheduling communication.
A simple solution:
- create regular call routines
- agree on weekly calling times
- use shared calendars for important conversations
Consistency matters more than frequency.
4. Build a backup communication system
Internet issues happen. Phones get lost. Apps fail.
Your communication setup should include:
- a primary messaging app
- a backup contact method
- cloud-saved contacts
- an affordable international calling option
Think of it as part of your travel safety plan.
5. Remember that voice still matters
Texting is convenient, but hearing someone’s voice creates a stronger emotional connection—especially when you live far away from family and friends.
Regular voice calls can help reduce feelings of distance and maintain routines that feel familiar.
Where KeepCalling fits in
After you prepare for living abroad, the next step is finding practical tools that help you stay connected easily and affordably.
This is where KeepCalling.com can help.
KeepCalling.com offers international calling, mobile top-ups, flexible calling plans and travel eSIMs designed for people living, working, or traveling abroad. It’s especially useful for keeping in touch with family members who may not always use messaging apps.
