When picking a place to live, many American expats often go to Canada or Mexico. But, based on their geographical locations, these two countries are not really that different from the US. That’s why France and other parts of Europe have become increasingly attractive destinations in recent years.
France is especially loved by American expats because of its quality of life, diverse culture, great healthcare and political stability. However, if it is your first time moving to France, there are a few things to familiarise yourself with to make your relocation easier.
5 Things to Know Before Moving to France
Healthcare is Mandatory
One of the main things you need to know before moving to France is that health insurance is mandatory. You can’t even get your visa approved if you don’t have life insurance. The French health system is designed this way to ensure people don’t go bankrupt every time in case of a medical emergency.
As an expat moving to France for the first time, you won’t have the French public health coverage (PUMa) just yet. So, how do you get your visa approved?
This is where you will need temporary France trip insurance, which will cover the gap until you are eligible for PUMa. That means it will allow you to complete the visa approval and handle any medical emergency before you get the public health coverage.
English is not Widely Spoken
Most people ask: “Will I get by speaking only English in France?”
The short answer is ‘mostly no.’ The default language in France is French. In fact, there is very little chance you’ll get to speak to any locals in English unless it is in major tourist areas. So, learning French is a must if you want to avoid stress.
Speaking a little French makes it easier for you to navigate daily life, including banking, healthcare and grocery shopping, among more. You can use apps, sign up for online classes or language exchange groups to learn the language before moving.
Cost of Living Varies
Another thing you need to know is that the cost of living varies from one location to another. For instance, Paris is expensive compared to smaller towns. You’ll pay more for rent, groceries and other things if you decide to live in the capital.
The best way to approach this is to have a budget beforehand. Make sure you consider everything, including utilities, local taxes, health insurance and public transport, before you decide where to live.
Managing Finances and Taxes
When you get to France, start by opening a bank account. You will need things like proof of residence, ID and sometimes a visa. The options available include local and international-friendly banks (the latter is better for expats as it has English support and offers multi-currency options).
US taxes still apply to you as an expat. But you will also need to pay some taxes to the French government. Check out this expat tax guide for more information on what is required of you.
Having a Support Network Helps
Last but not least, it is important to build yourself a support network when moving to France. If you have friends, whether locals or other expats, navigating social and bureaucratic challenges becomes a lot easier.
You can meet other expats and make new friendships through expat groups, cultural events, online forums and co-working spaces. Make sure you are active in these groups, learn the language and try to contribute something to the table to maintain the friendships and benefit mutually.
Conclusion
It is important to learn these things before moving to France because they save you time, money, stress and bad surprises. So, if you are planning to relocate to the country as an American expat, take a few minutes to read through and pick up the important points that could make the process a lot easier.