If you're planning on living abroad long term, you probably know there's a lot to learn and do before you go. Here are the basics.

Try to learn as much as you can about your host country ahead of time. Beyond books and publications, most of the information you'll need can be found online. Among your most essential online resources are the Chamber of Commerce, your host country's embassy, and the U.S. State Department. For example:

• When you're ready to begin your research, the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs provides instant access to the latest fact sheets on more than 200 countries. Called "Country Specific Information Sheets," they cover entry requirements, security conditions, and other details relating to foreign travel.
• Sign up to receive the Bureau of Public Affairs' Background Notes, covering the people, land, history, government, economy, security, and political conditions in the country you're visiting.
• Connect with U.S. citizens already living abroad. How? Find the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in that country. They won't connect you with individuals due to privacy laws, but they may be able to help you find clubs or associations catering to American citizens in the area.
• Explore the netTrav Traveler's Lounge and its ever-growing social network of like-minded travelers. Whether long-term residents or vacation travelers, their blogs will provide valuable insights. You can even create your own netTrav Travelers Lounge blog. Make netTrav social networking your special comfort zone to help keep in touch with family and friends and make new ones along the way.

The U.S. State Department wants you to be safe and secure abroad. In fact, it's one of the department's highest priorities. As such, it's a very good idea to register your presence with the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, easily done by visiting the Department's travel registration website and filling out a simple, private form with your overseas contact information. U.S. embassies and consulates are there to help if needed, especially if you've encountered legal, medical, or financial difficulties, or there's an emergency in the region or back home. Registering also entitles you to a free account with the latest travel/health alerts and other useful information.

The travel section of the U.S. State Department's website is chock full of important information about everything from preparatory requirements to reentering the U.S. There's also a comprehensive tips for traveling and living abroad section.

Allow 4-6 weeks for routine and 3 weeks for expedited passport processing. If absolutely necessary, it's possible to get your passport even faster. Find more information here.

• Unless you have a club connection or employer to refer you to rental listings, search the Internet for "rentals abroad" along with the country name. There are many books, magazines, and international newspapers you can use as resources as well.
• If possible, visit the country before actually moving there, as "boots on the ground" will yield more information than researching from afar.
• Give yourself plenty of time to do your on-site research. There's a lot to know beyond just "where" and "how much," such as neighborhood safety, proximity to places you'll need to go, and transportation.
• If you're renting, decide whether to rent something furnished or ship the necessary items from the U.S.

• Before you leave, find out exactly what your health insurance covers overseas. If your health insurance covers you abroad, be sure to take your insurance policy ID card and claim forms. Beware that few policies cover medical evacuation back to the U.S., so depending on where you're going, consider buying medical evacuation insurance.
• If your insurance policy doesn't provide comprehensive travel and/or medical evacuation coverage, the State Department's list of insurance companies that do may be helpful. This section also includes a list of medical evacuation companies.
• For a free list of doctors and hospitals in your new host country, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
• For information on required immunizations, general health conditions, water safety, and more, visit the Centers for Disease Control.
• The World Health Organization provides alerts and comprehensive health-related information for countries around the world.
• AIDS/HIV testing may be required by your host country. Find out before you leave by consulting the U.S. embassy or consulate in your host country.
• Keep all medications in their original containers, and make sure you take original copies of any prescriptions. Keep them handy when going through customs in the unlikely event you're asked to show them.
Also, if you have any unique medical problems or medication allergies that require you to wear medical alert bracelets, wear those overseas as well.
• More health-related information is available in the Traveler's Health and Traveler's Insurance sections of the netTrav Traveler's Lounge.

• Federal Benefits: If you're receiving Social Security, Veteran's Benefits, or any other payments from the U.S. government, contact the sending agency. Inform them of your overseas travel plans and learn the procedures for having your checks sent overseas or deposited into a U.S. bank account.
• Bank Accounts: Some countries offer U.S. Dollar bank accounts – good to have when the dollar is strong. If you keep your money in a U.S. bank, you can convert it to the local currency as needed – good protection against any currency devaluation in your host country.
• U.S. Income Taxes: U.S. citizens must report income earned abroad on Federal income tax returns. You may be entitled to certain deductions, credits, and exclusions, so consult your tax accountant and the Internal Revenue Service for details.
• Foreign Country Income Taxes: Your host country may also require you to pay income tax. Check with the country's embassy in the U.S. and the U.S. embassy or consulate in your host country.
• Wills: If you own any assets in the U.S. and abroad, have two wills, one conforming with the laws of each country and each referring to the other.

• U.S. Citizenship: Your citizenship is not affected by long-term residence abroad. However, there are certain requirements for the acquisition of U.S. citizenship by children born to American citizens abroad. Consult the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your host country.
• Marriage, Divorce, Birth, and Death abroad are covered on the U.S. State Department website.
• Arrest: If you are arrested abroad, you have the right to contact the consular officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Consular officers can't get you out of jail or give you legal advice, but they can give you a list of local attorneys, contact your family and friends, arrange money transfers and supplies, and attempt to resolve any unacceptable conditions where you are being held.
• Pets: Many countries have stringent requirements and prohibitions regarding animals, so check with the embassy of your host country before taking pets. Be aware that the U.S. government does not provide emergency or evacuation assistance to pets in overseas crises.
• Driver's License: The embassy of your host country can tell you whether your U.S. driver's license is acceptable, if you need an international driver's permit, and whether you'll eventually need to apply for an in-country driver's license.
• International Driver's Permit (IDP): If needed, get it before you go. The IDP translates your information into multiple languages and is recognized by more than 150 countries. Print the IDP application, follow the instructions, and take it with your state driver's license and two passport photos signed on the back to the local Automobile Club of America. To apply by mail, send the application and passport photos along with a $15 fee to:
  • AAA/IDP
    1000 AAA Drive, Attn: Mailstop #28
    Heathrow, FL 32746

Learn how to fit in and get what you need. It's in your best interest to learn at least the basics of the local language. You'll want to know enough about the people and local customs to avoid cultural faux pas. Follow the old adage, "When in Rome, do as the Romans," by acclimating to the local culture. Begin managing your expectations and mindset in advance. Your patience may be tried because things don't always go as smoothly as they do back home. There might be shortages of goods and services you're accustomed to obtaining effortlessly. Consider yourself a student of the local culture, as well as a teacher of your own culture whenever invited to do so.

Stay in touch with your family, friends, and community in the netTrav Traveler's Lounge. You'll be amazed how excited people back home are to hear your stories.