It’s An Expat Life…
I’ve been thinking about this post for a while now and how to write it without sounding like a Debbie Downer. Without a doubt, there are many, many wonderful things about immigrating to a new country and living as an expat.
But, as with most things in life, there are some downsides, too. Some of them can be simply an annoyance, while others can be frustrating as all get out.
No matter what country you emigrate to, being an immigrant is going to have its fair share of frustrations, roadblocks, simple annoyances, and things that can bring about full-on emotional meltdowns. Fortunately I haven’t had one of those…yet…but I have had my fair share of frustrations.
Without further ado, here’s some of the frustrating things about being an expat.
Driving
This was my biggest fear, hands down. Learning the rules of the road in your new country is always a challenge, but when you switch to driving on the opposite side of the road from the opposite side of the car while shifting with your opposite hand…it is a whole new level of hell.
Here in SA roundabouts are everywhere, the whole pulling on to the shoulder so others can pass thing, infrequent speed limit signs (compared to the US), and a whole new set of painted road markings to deal with.
While I can drive on my US license for up to a year after getting my residence visa, after a year I’ll have to trade it in. While I’m not sure (at this time) if that means when I get my Temporary Residence Visa (TRV) or Permanent Residence, that’ll be a whole ‘nother bridge to cross with all the bureaucracy that comes with it.
In the four months I’ve been here, I have started driving. Although I’m not nearly as terrified as I was when I started, I know I have a long way to go. It’s like learning to drive all over again as a teen, which can be frustrating at times…especially since I’ll be 50 this year.
Banking
This turned out to be a bigger PITA than I was expecting. I knew there’d be some challenges, but I wasn’t prepared for how challenging it would be to open an account here.
Applying for a non-resident account here in SA requires extensive documentation including bank statement from the US, proof of income, passport photos, certified copies of every document, and the completion of a 12 page application. Then you’re only applying for an account, which you may or may not get. Add to that the expected 2-3 month waiting period for a decision and you can see how frustrating it can be.
Fortunately I can use my US cards (most of the time) to get through life with the day to day things like running to store, filling up the car, going for wine tastings, etc. Doing so, however, does carry some risks:
If my card is lost or compromised, it’ll take an Act of God to get a replacement sent to me.
I’m held hostage to the exchange rate. It’s been fluctuating between R14.75 and R16.00 per US dollar, so I use R15.00 when doing estimates in my head.
International transaction fees. Ugh. Fortunately my bank only charges 1%, but that’s for every single transaction, so it can and does add up quickly.
Here in SA, they don’t do checks, which is fine, but they do utilize EFTs for many, many things. Having a US account, I can’t do an EFT… which can be frustrating, especially if I want to do something as a surprise for Kim. Instead, I have to transfer money from my account to Kim’s account and have her do the EFT. So, again, fees and extra money is needed just to exist and function.
There are workarounds for this, like her adding me as an authorized user to an account, so all hope is not lost. Plus, I think after I get my TRV I can apply for a Resident account, so I will probably just hang on until then.
Language Barriers
I’m lucky in this area. English is one of the eleven official languages of South Africa (twelve, if you count South African), so I’m not completely lost in the woods. We live in a very Afrikaans area, so more than 90% of the time when we go somewhere, we’re greeted in Afrikaans. With very few exceptions, when I reply in English, the person will transition to English so we can converse. There’s still some things that are “lost in translation” so sometimes it can be a bit of a challenge, particularly when I’m trying to describe something I’m looking for and have no idea what it could be called in South Africa.
Another thing is when friends of ours switch between English and Afrikaans or rattle off multiple sentences in Afrikaans. No matter the language, being in such a situation can make you feel a bit like an outsider. I suppose that’s a universally common immigrant experience. It’s an odd feeling, for sure.
I am learning the Afrikaans language, and I can pick up words here and there in conversation or when listening to the radio. I even picked up a “Teach yourself Afrikaans” book from the store to help. I’ll keep you posted on how it’s going and maybe even someday do an entire post in Afrikaans.
Work and Taxes
How often have you seen stories where an immigrant comes to America and they’re not allowed to work in their chosen field because, rules? It’s fairly common where doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other professionals immigrate and because their qualifications aren’t recognized by their new country, they can’t find work in their field.
A number of countries do have things like work visas or “critical skills” visas, which, in theory, are supposed to make it easier for immigrants to work in their chosen fields.
These visas can be notoriously difficult to obtain and typically require employee sponsorship and an employment contract…and then, in some cases your visa is only valid for as long as your contract is. Plus, as an added benefit, most don’t allow you to change employers without a whole slew of headaches and the possibility of having your visa revoked.
Taxes are another thing. This is where it can get really confusing. US citizens are required to file US taxes pretty much no matter what. The country you emigrate to may have a Double Taxation Agreement with your home country which should provide some rights and relief.
Taxes are a subject that is way, way, WAY out of my wheelhouse so I’m not even going to pretend to give any advice outside of “get yourself a tax professional in the country you’re living in” to guide you through the ins and outs of international tax law.
Expat Life Isn’t For The Weak
In a post-Covid world where Remote Working is becoming a larger and larger part of the global economy, I cannot emphasize strongly enough that if you have the opportunity to live in and work remotely from another country you should jump at it. Broadening your cultural horizons and expanding your worldview by exposing yourself to another country, another culture, is an amazing, amazing thing that I wish more people would do…particularly Americans.
Being an expat isn’t as simple or carefree as what you see some Instagram Influencers say. There’s a lot to learn, lots to overcome, and lots to adjust to living in a new country. Don’t be a “typical American”, emigrate and expect everything to run the way you’re used to and then get bent out of shape when it doesn’t.
You’re the visitor. You’re the one who needs to adjust to the new culture.
Be patient… with your new surroundings and yourself. It’ll take time to feel like you’re getting settled and there will be days where you do feel like a stranger in a strange land, no matter the support system you have around you. It’s natural. It’s a huge life change, but one that can have rewards both material and immaterial.
Just be smart about it. Research where you’re going, what the laws are, what the requirements are for those things you take for granted (like driving and banking), so that when you do make the leap, you’re not caught off-guard.
If you are wondering just where to start… I recommend any of these three:
They have some country specific advice and some basic global advice about becoming an Expat.
If you do ever want or get a chance to visit South Africa, I highly recommend you do. It’s a wonderful country full of wonderful people, beautiful scenery, and some of the best food and wine on Earth.
If you do come visit, do consider staying at Highcliffe House in Gordon’s Bay. It’s a beautiful guesthouse with a stunning view of the bay. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks for stopping by… please “like” Biltong and Bourbon on Facebook, too…Lekker dag!
