Retire to the Sun

Until you spend a substantial amount of time in a country, it is hard to fully understand how you will be affected by the way things work.

You may have spent holidays there before, but have you seen the area during different seasons? Even very hot countries can have cold days, and there may be seasonal storms to contend with.

You can prepare yourself for moving abroad by reading about it and contacting others in the area who have made the move.

Localities where there are groups of expatriates frequently have associations and societies specifically to cater for them. Look on the internet for such organisations in your destination, or speak to your country's Consulate in the area, which will often have contact details.

By far the best way to find out what it's really like is to go and see for yourself. Before you commit yourself to a new life abroad by buying a property there, rent a place and experience the year-round climate and culture. It is better to discover the reality before you have sold up in your home country.

The legal and justice system
The legal system of any country is intrinsically linked to its culture and social heritage, including religious background.

The ethics and morals in your destination country could vary either subtly or greatly from those you know at home. Respecting these laws is vital for you to integrate into a new society and, obviously, will help you avoid legal issues.

Find out about the law in your new country, particularly if you are running a business. Read about the region in the country page on this site and in books on the subject.

If you intend to move to the Middle or Far East, laws can be very different from western society, especially for women. The justice system will also differ from your home country.

Knowing your rights and how the system works to punish offenders is a sensible precaution and will protect you in the same way as any other citizen of your new country.

The UK Law Society has links to information on most countries if you need advice. You can also find comprehensive information on European laws from the European Judicial Network.

Additionally, the Electronic Information System for International Law (EISIL), run by the American Society of International Law, is a good source. Always seek professional advice from a local or specialist lawyer if you have any doubts.

Police
Inevitably tied in with the law system of each country, the police see to it that the laws are enforced.

In many countries, police are armed, which can be offputting at first, particularly if you are moving from the UK. Similarly, attitudes to policing may be very different, with a more hard line approach than you are used to.

As in all countries, using your common sense will help you and the police to avoid unpleasant situations. Avoid dangerous areas, especially at night, and don't walk around with conspicuous cash or valuables.

Take great care of your identity documents, such as passports and driving licences; do not leave them lying around, even at home.

Use a bank safety deposit box or a home safe for keeping important documents secure. In the car, place wallets and handbags out of sight and not on the seats, whether you are in it or not, to avoid "carjacking" incidents.

If you are unfortunate enough to require the police for any reason, visit the local police station or call the emergency number for that country. Make sure you know this in advance, rather than when it is too late.

You are likely to need a police report for insurance purposes if you are intending to make a claim. As you might expect, being polite and courteous is likely to get you more help and a better level of service.

The courts
The judiciary service in any country will have its own way of dealing with offenders. If you are involved in court proceedings, do not expect a hearing to be the same as in your home country.

While some countries, particularly post-colonial countries, may have a system that harks back to the roots of being part of an empire which is familiar in many aspects, others can operate completely different systems.

Legal advice should be sought if you face a court appearance and are in any doubt as to the workings of the country's judicial system.

Utilities (Domestic matters)
The standard of supply and service offered by utility companies depends on both the country and the area you live in.

Do not take it for granted that your new property will be connected to gas electricity and water supplies. Find out in advance what supplies to the area are like and the cost of installation if not already existing.

Connecting to services (electricity, water, etc.)
Some countries offer utilities from a state-based, national supplier, giving you little choice between providers. Others have privatised suppliers, allowing you to decide which will be cheapest for you.

Research what is available in your area. You might be able to receive your electricity or phone calls from a private supplier more cheaply than the state company who provide the actual line into the house.

Electricity and water are usually metered, although the meter could be some way from your house. Make sure you obtain safety certificates for utilities from the property builder in a new property, from the previous owner, or from the utility provider.

Even in modern countries, it is common for there to be no mains connection, forcing you to use gas in cylinders.
They are available in many places, such as petrol stations, but you will need to load and unload them from your vehicle yourself and make sure you have a spare cylinder in case one runs out.

They can be heavy, so be sure that you are physically able to keep your supplies maintained, and if not, what alternatives there are.

If you live in a community of owners, you might have to pay a charge for utilities to be provided, with your personal usage measured by a meter. The charge may incorporate wider aspects of the are you live in, too, such as ground maintenance and security.

Rubbish collection will probably be included (make sure what is and is not included in the service charges); on a private property, you will have to pay for similar services separately.

Employment of domestic help (builders, plumbers etc.)
Unless you excel at DIY, there will probably come a time when you require the services of a local tradesman.

The best way to find a good one is through a personal recommendation, so ask your neighbours and friends in the area for the names of a reputable person or company. If this does not prove fruitful, use the local phone directory or search the internet to find one.

Always get written quotes for the work you require, and detail exactly what it is you want done. Being able to speak the local language is a major advantage, as you can explain the job, understand any contracts that need to be signed and converse with the contractor as they work.

English-speaking contractors are often available in expatriate areas and cities, so look out for adverts and ask expatriate groups, either at meetings or online, if they can help.

Try to use qualified tradesmen, whether local or expatriate. There are cowboys who attempt to take advantage of foreigners or those new to the area.

Be cautious and do not be tempted to cut costs and go for the surprisingly cheap option - there is usually a good reason it is so cheap, and it could end up costing you far more in total. Insist on a full bill when the work is completed, which will give you some recompense if anything subsequently goes wrong. You will have no such cover if you pay cash in an attempt to dodge tax.

Make sure bills are stamped with the tradesman's VAT number, as you can usually claim work done against capital gains and other taxes.

If you are having work done for an insurance company, ask them to recommend tradesmen, as you will be able to recoup the money more quickly through one they have previously worked with.

Local culture, social attitudes and values
The phenomenon of 'Culture shock' (see 'Confronting the new culture', below) is well documented for expatriates finding themselves getting used to a new lifestyle, country and way of doing things.

To minimise the negative effects, a good knowledge of what to expect helps you understand the reasons behind the way of life.

The best way of doing this is to live in the area for an extended period before you move for good, but failing this, speak to local people and research the country and area thoroughly.

Confronting the new culture
You may decide to move to a region for its climate or because you find the ideal property there.

Do not underestimate the importance of local knowledge and culture, however. Are you happy to fit into a community where bullfighting and hunting are the norm, for example? Are you prepared for noise well into the night where staying out late is common? Do the religious views in the area concern you?

Culture shock affects almost everyone in a totally new environment, to a greater or lesser extent. It can be broken into five stages associated with your arrival in a new country:

• The honeymoon stage - when you have just arrived, and everything is exciting
• The distress stage - differences from your own culture and communication problems can cause anxiety, confusion and isolation
• The reintegration stage - anger or hostility towards the new culture compared to what you have left behind
• The autonomy stage - you become confident and able to handle the differences, feeling like you know your way around
• The independence stage - you understand the differences and similarities and incorporate both into your new lifestyle.

You can confidently make your own choices and act upon them. Typical symptoms of culture shock are illness, feelings of loneliness and anger and a tendency to idealise the country you have left behind.

It is difficult to avoid these feelings, but you can minimise the negative effects, firstly by being prepared for it. Learning the language before you go will help dramatically, as will researching the new culture.

Secondly, having a positive attitude will help; understand that your new country is different and always will be, and realign yourself with the local culture.

Be patient and open-minded to different ways of doing things. Accept that nowhere will be completely perfect and learn to deal with the negative side of life abroad.

Finally, try to integrate and meet new people as soon as you arrive, whether through work, social groups, or a hobby. Physical activity, including yoga or relaxation, can be a great help, as it gives you an outlet for your anxiety as well as helping you meet others with a common interest.

Importantly, look out for your personal safety. Take sensible precautions as you would anywhere - avoid dangerous areas, particularly at night. Check with the local consulate for any danger hotspots before you go.

The longer you stay in your new home, the more you will learn and be able to integrate. Do not put too much pressure on yourself to become a local overnight - these things take time, and will be rewarding in the end.

Public holidays and fiestas
Each country has its own festivals and celebration periods, often based around its religious beliefs. Some have a saint's day for almost every day of the year, which is celebrated like a birthday by those with the name of the particular saint.

Most English-speaking countries follow the Christian calendar, with Christmas and Easter holidays. Those with different religions celebrate different festivals, such as Chinese New Year in late January or early February, and have different calendars based on religious beliefs.

As part of adapting to a new culture, it is important to understand the role of such festivals in society and how they affect daily life. This will avoid causing offence and means you can prepare for changes to shop opening times and the like.
You may well enjoy joining in and celebrating too!

In expatriate communities in countries with different religious beliefs, your 'home' traditions are often observed, although avoid causing offence to local people with your own celebrations.

Religion
Whether or not you are a religious person, remember that the culture in your new country may be strongly influenced by religion.

Find out about how this will affect you and if you would find it restricting. Not all countries have a tolerant attitude to different religions, and it can be a very sensitive subject, so be aware of local customs and beliefs.

Meeting and greeting people
Conventions on how to greet someone can be very different even within regions of a country. It also depends on how well you know the person and the social situation.

Understanding the language and culture beforehand can give you clues as to how to behave, and when to use formal or familiar terms.

Watch what others do and follow the lead of how a local person greets you. If in doubt, greet them formally, with title and surname, and a handshake, unless greeting a child, when you can be informal.

You will soon be asked to use more familiar terms if they are happy with it. The same applies to kissing and embracing - don't do it unless you are invited to or it would seem strange not to. In the Far East, you will probably only need to bow if bowed to.

Invitations
As with greeting people, the formality of an invitation depends on who you are inviting (or who is inviting you), the event, and the local conventions.

Observe social etiquette, following the lead of others, as you would in your home country. If you are sending invites to a black tie do, keep it formal and expect the reply to be so, too.

For a casual party with friends, decide on the level of politeness required - a spoken reply may be enough. Observe any stated dress codes.

It is common in most countries to take a gift to a dinner party. This causes problems in itself, but again should be judged according to occasion and invitee. A bottle of wine, flowers or chocolates should suffice in most cases, but check that there is no cultural significance attached to them; in Italy, for example,carnations and chrysanthemums are flowers for the graveyard.

Learn what you can about social customs, accept that sometimes you will make mistakes and just enjoy yourself!

Eating out
A wide variety of restaurants and brasseries are common throughout most countries. You will be able to get most styles of food in major cities and resorts, but will be more limited in rural areas.

However, small or rural places are often where you find the best traditional foods, cooked and served rustically. Cultural eating traditions vary so much worldwide that it is a good idea to read up on best practice before you go.

In the USA, asking for a doggy bag is almost expected, whereas in Italy you will cause offence by doing so. Slurping your food quickly is de rigeur in Japan, but is considered rude elsewhere.

Leaving a healthy tip is expected in many countries; in others, such as Spain, tips tend to be much smaller as service is usually included. Watch what others do, especially if you are eating with guests, colleagues or friends, and follow suit.

You can often eat a good meal out as cheaply as eating at home, and it is a great way to try local foods and drinks. Take sensible health precautions when eating abroad; go to clean establishments, where you can watch food being cooked freshly, if possible.


Taboos (what not to do)
With the huge variety of cultural backgrounds around the world, knowing exactly what to do - and what not to do - is tricky.

If you are not familiar with the region's social etiquette, research it before you go. Be polite, avoid being overly informal, and dress appropriately for the occasion.

By far the best way of avoiding social faux pas is to observe local people and see what they do. It is impossible to know it all as soon as you arrive, but over time you will probably learn to love, or at least put up with, the local customs and accept them as part of the charm of your new home.

See the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for further information on what not to do in various countries around the world.

The problem of the 'trailing' spouse
A common problem for couples moving overseas is one of the pair having the time of their life, while the other is miserable and pining for the home they have left behind.

Even if you move to an area where you have spent happy holidays together in the past, all can seem very different if one of you is frequently out working or pursuing a leisure interest, with the other left at home.

Without the ability to make new friends while your partner is off making their own, it is all too easy to suffer from culture shock (see 'Confronting the new culture?', above). This often turns into a desire to return home for one partner, while the other is having the time of their life.

Obviously, this can put considerable strain on the relationship. Matters are made worse if financial ties mean you have no choice but to stay and stick it out, spoiling the years of your life you have worked so hard towards.

Avoiding such issues is down to preparation and attitude. Knowing the language is a great way to avoid isolation, as you will be able to participate in the local community.

Living in the area for a while before you commit yourself, financially and emotionally, to moving is also highly recommended. Finding local groups where you can both follow your interests and hobbies is important, and you can even make contact with them beforehand.

You do not need to do everything together, simply make sure you are both able to enjoy yourselves when together and when not.