We’ve all seen the pretty pictures online: a person working on their laptop on a balcony looking at the Italian coast, or someone drinking coffee in a cool café in Paris. People make moving to another country sound like it fixes everything – like you can just get away from your boring life and start living some big, great thing.
But anyone who has moved to another country knows that it’s not one long vacation. Sure, living somewhere else can be great, but after a while, the fun wears off. Then you have to deal with real life. Like taxes, when to put out the trash, and feeling lonely in a way you never thought about before.
So, if you’re thinking about moving, here’s what it’s really like to live in another country in 2026:
The Fun Part vs. The Not-So-Fun Part
At first, everything is cool. The confusing streets are seen as cute, and not being able to find your favorite food is just part of the experience. That’s the good time.
But after a few months, that feeling goes away. Suddenly, those streets are a pain when you’re carrying stuff, and not knowing the language feels like a wall instead of a game. That’s when things get hard.
What it’s really like: Moving to another country doesn’t fix your problems; they’re just happening somewhere else. You still have to wash clothes, you’re still going to have bad days, and you still have to deal with boring stuff—only you might not understand the language that well.
Getting Through the Paperwork
Nobody tells you about all the forms you have to fill out. Getting permission to live there, opening a bank account, or trying to figure out how health insurance works can be a nightmare.
In a lot of countries, just getting internet or a phone can be a pain, with so much annoying stuff to do that you just want to give up.
Tip: Before you move, find local groups online, like People Living in [City]. They have great info on getting through the paperwork in your new city.
That Lonely Feeling
You can be in a city with millions of people, like Tokyo or London, and still feel totally alone. It’s a lot of work to make new friends.
Back home, you have history with people. But in another country, you have to explain everything about yourself. Some people just hang out with other people from their home country because it’s easier. That can be helpful at first, but it stops you from getting to know the local culture.
How to deal with it:
- Say Yes more: Go to that weird get-together or take a class somewhere.
- Accept that you’ll miss things: You’re going to miss big events like weddings and even funerals. Learning to deal with that feeling of missing out is a big part of living in another country.
Who Am I Now?: Feeling Like You Don’t Really Belong
One of the weirdest things about living in another country is that after a while, you kind of feel like you don’t really belong anywhere.
When you go back home for a visit, you realize you’re not really the same as your friends anymore. Their lives have changed, and the news you used to care about doesn’t seem that important. But in the country where you live, you’re still seen as a foreigner.
Being in the middle can be hard, but it also lets you see the world in a different way, without just seeing things the way one culture does.
Feeling Down: Mental Health
Studies show that people living in another country are more likely to feel anxious or depressed. Losing your old friends, dealing with the stress of moving, and feeling like you have to be happy all the time can be too much.
It’s okay if you’re having a hard time. It doesn’t mean you made a mistake by moving. It just means you’re a person.
So, Is It Worth Moving?
After reading about all the hard parts, you might be wondering why anyone would do it.
Well, even with all the paperwork and feeling lonely, moving to another country changes you in ways that staying home never could.
- You become stronger.
- You learn that things can be done in different ways.
- You see the world differently, which makes you better at understanding other people.
Quick List for People Moving to Another Country:
- Don’t expect too much: Don’t think everything will be great in the first year. Just try to get things working.
- Learn the language: Even knowing a little bit of the language will help a lot.
- Plan for extra costs: It’s not just rent. You might have to fly home in an emergency, or you might end up paying more for things until you figure out the local prices.
- Find a place where you feel comfortable: Find a café, a gym, or a park where you feel like you fit in. It’s the first step to feeling at home.
What I think: Living in another country isn’t like a movie. It’s messy, great, tiring, and something that will change your life. If you know what you’re getting into, you’re more likely to have a good time.
Disclaimer: while we aim to spark your interest and keep things entertaining, please treat everything shared here as food for thought rather than a rulebook for life. Since we don’t have a crystal ball and your situation is as unique as a fingerprint, we cannot guarantee accuracy or specific results, nor should you rely on this as professional advice. Please take these insights with a grain of salt, do your own homework, and always consult a qualified expert before making any big moves—because what works for one person might not work for all!
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