Written by Jenny Silva, for distribution on The Vital Fam.
Here are some practical tips that we have learned while living on mission overseas. Taking time to thoughtfully prepare for life overseas can remove stress and free you up to labor for the eternal kingdom!
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving
thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
ATMs/Accessing Cash
It can be tricky figuring out how to access cash from your US bank without excessive fees. The
biggest financial game-changer for our family has been Charles Schwab Bank.
Pros:
- Unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide. That means that ATM fees charged overseas will be
credit back to your account automatically each month.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Relatively high daily limit for withdrawing cash ($1000 USD)
- No fees
- Good 24-hour customer service/fraud services
- Excellent customer service and flexibility to address issues like overdrafts without fees, if
you contact Schwab to problem-solve.
Cons:
- No physical bank locations. Checks need to be virtually deposited, or mailed in. Direct
Deposit options are best!
Tip: Always choose ‘charge in local currency/no conversion’ when you are at an ATM. This opts
for your bank’s exchange rate instead of the ATM’s. This will always be a better deal for you.
Credit Cards
It’s wise to have a travel-friendly credit card on hand for emergencies and big expenses. If you
can pay off the balance in full every month, using rewards credit cards can add up to
significant savings. (Make sure that you choose a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction
fees.)
Depending on how much you travel, specific credit cards give major perks. Here are some that
have helped our family:
- United Quest Credit Card: This card gives two free bags per person on United and partner
flights. For our family, the savings far outweigh the annual fee. I recommend checking which
airlines serve the country you are moving to, and check the perks of that airline’s credit card.
Compare the costs of the annual fee with the savings you’ll have per year to make sure it’s a
good deal for you!
- Capital One Venture X: This card gives 2% back on all purchases, 5% on flights booked
through Capital One Travel, and 10% back on hotels through Capital One Travel. It also gives
access to airport lounges (free food in the airport is a huge savings!) We use this card for
everyday purchases and on non-United flights and travel.
Insurance
Do research and assess what your healthcare needs will be in the country you’re moving to. Is
healthcare cheap enough that you can save to cover healthcare? Is there subsidized
government healthcare that you’ll be eligible for under your visa? If you need overseas
insurance, we have positive experience with IMG Insurance, a company that offers short and
long term insurance options. Costs are paid out of pocket, and then reimbursed by insurance.
Phones
Maintaining a US phone number can be important for accessing your online banking/credit
cards and taking care of business back home.
SIM Cards:
Look for a smartphone that supports dual SIM cards. You’ll most likely need a physical SIM
card slot for your overseas phone number, and can convert your US phone number to an e-
SIM. Make sure your phone is unlocked by your provider to enable dual SIM cards.
Carriers: Do some research about what US carrier offers good, affordable coverage in your new
home country. In Eastern Europe, we have found that T-mobile offers the best affordable
coverage. Calling from your number on wifi is free, and and data and texting are free.
Passport
When applying for/renewing your passport, select the option for an extended 52-page
passport. The cost is the same, and you won’t run out of pages as quickly
Hoping this practical little article summarizing important things to line up before and international move helps give you some resources and forethought as you step into this new adventure and/or calling!
Jenny Silva is serving the Lord Jesus in Kosovo alongside her husband and kids. They operate a coffee shop ministry called Newborn Brew. Newborn Brew is a community center and coffee shop that’s sharing the gospel in Pristina, Kosovo.
If you’d like to read more about their work and partner with them, you can do that here.
If you’d like to contact Jenny and the team directly, you can reach out via email at churchatnewborn@gmail.com
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