Making the leap and leaving the U.S. behind is one of the most liberating decisions you can make — but the paperwork, services, and logistics can feel overwhelming if you wing it. This is the complete pre-departure checklist for US expats: every account to open, every subscription to cancel, and every document to lock down before your one-way flight takes off.
📋 What’s In This Guide
Click any section to jump directly to it on this page.
01 — Legal Documents & Identity
02 — Virtual Mailbox & US Address
04 — Banking & ATMs
05 — Travel Credit Cards
07 — Health & Insurance
09 — Housing & Property
10 — Travel Gear
01
Legal Documents & Identity
Before anything else, your documents need to be in order. These are the hardest to fix from abroad — handle them first.
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Passport ValidityMost countries require 6+ months validity beyond your stay. Renew early and request extra pages if you plan to stamp-collect.
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Visa ResearchLook into tourist, digital nomad, retirement, or long-stay visa options. Some require advance applications from the US.
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Driver’s LicenseRenew before leaving — it’s your most useful non-passport ID abroad and essential for renting vehicles or scooters.
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Birth CertificateGet a certified copy. Some long-term visas and residency applications require it — very difficult to order from abroad.
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Power of AttorneyGrant a trusted person in the US authority to handle legal, financial, or property matters on your behalf.
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Scan Everything DigitallyScan your passport, SS card, birth certificate, and insurance cards. Store in Google Drive or iCloud for easy access anywhere.
💡 Pro Tip
Apply for a passport card in addition to your passport book. It’s a cheaper, wallet-sized backup that works as a government-issued photo ID in many situations.
Apply for a passport card in addition to your passport book. It’s a cheaper, wallet-sized backup that works as a government-issued photo ID in many situations.
02
Virtual Mailbox & US Address
You need a real US mailing address to keep your bank accounts, credit cards, IRS correspondence, and state ID intact. A virtual mailbox gives you a physical US street address and lets you manage mail digitally from anywhere in the world.
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Traveling Mailbox — Recommended
A real US street address that scans and forwards your mail digitally. View, forward, shred, or download every piece of mail from your phone, anywhere in the world. Clean interface and a long-time favorite among expats.
🏦 Important: Banks Have Two Separate Address Fields
Due to federal regulations (USA PATRIOT Act), most major US banks cannot accept a virtual mailbox as your residential/physical address. However, you can list it as your mailing address for statements and card delivery.
Due to federal regulations (USA PATRIOT Act), most major US banks cannot accept a virtual mailbox as your residential/physical address. However, you can list it as your mailing address for statements and card delivery.
The standard expat setup:
• Residential address: A trusted friend or family member’s home address
• Mailing address: Your Traveling Mailbox address for all correspondence
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Choose Your State WiselyFlorida, Texas, South Dakota, and Nevada have no state income tax — ideal states to establish your residential address before leaving.
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Update All AccountsUpdate your mailing address with the IRS, Social Security, brokerage, credit cards, and Amazon to your virtual mailbox address.
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USPS Mail ForwardingSet up a USPS forward to your virtual mailbox for 6–12 months to catch anything you forgot to update.
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Set Up Direct DepositsRoute all income — pensions, rental payments, freelance — directly into your online bank accounts. No paper checks.
✅ Set up your virtual mailbox before you change any addresses. You need the new US address in hand first so everything flows correctly.
03
Phone & Communication
Staying reachable and keeping your US number alive is more important than most people realize — two-factor authentication, bank texts, and IRS correspondence all depend on it.
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Unlock Your PhoneContact your carrier to unlock your device before leaving. AT&T and T-Mobile unlock easily; Verizon users may need a new unlocked GSM phone.
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Port Your Number to Google VoicePort your existing US number to Google Voice so you keep it forever — free Wi-Fi calls and texts from anywhere. Must be done while still in the US.
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Tello — Best Budget US CarrierA popular choice for expats who want a low-cost active US number. Plans from ~$5–10/month — perfect for SMS verification and 2FA while abroad.
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eSIM from Klook — Data on ArrivalBuy a local eSIM before departure for instant data the moment you land. Grab your eSIM on Klook → Much cheaper than airport roaming.
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Load Apple / Google WalletAdd all cards to Apple Pay or Google Pay before leaving the US — some issuers require US-based phone verification to add cards.
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Update 2FA AccountsSwitch bank and financial accounts from SMS 2FA to app-based authentication (Google Authenticator, Authy) so you’re never locked out abroad.
⚠️ Don’t cancel your US plan cold turkey. Banks, the IRS, and brokerages send verification codes to your US number. Keep Tello active or use Google Voice until every account is on app-based 2FA.
04
Banking & ATMs
Most traditional US bank accounts will drain you with foreign transaction fees and ATM charges. You’ll want at least 2 online banks with ATM cards in case one gets lost, blocked, or has issues abroad.
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Charles SchwabZero foreign transaction fees. Reimburses ALL ATM fees worldwide at month’s end. The #1 expat bank account.
Open Account →
Open Account →
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WiseHolds 50+ currencies at the mid-market rate. Best for sending money abroad or receiving foreign currency payments.
Open Account →
Open Account →
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Capital One 360No foreign transaction fees and a solid mobile experience. A great second bank to keep as a backup alongside Schwab.
Open Account →
Open Account →
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Don’t Tell Your Bank You’re MovingTelling a bank you’re permanently relocating abroad can trigger an account review or closure. If they ask about foreign transactions, just say you’re traveling.
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Set Up Zelle / VenmoLink these before leaving — useful for receiving US payments from friends, family, or clients without fees.
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Carry Backup CashBring $200–500 in USD for emergencies. Make sure bills are in new, clean condition — many countries and money changers abroad refuse worn, torn, or older-series bills.
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Never Use Airport Currency ExchangeAirport and hotel money exchanges charge fees of 10–15% or more — one of the worst financial moves you can make. When you arrive in a new country, use the ATM instead (Schwab reimburses all fees). Try to spend down your local currency before leaving a country rather than converting it back.
05
Travel Credit Cards
The right credit card setup earns you free flights, lounge access, and hotel nights — all with zero foreign transaction fees. Build your stack before you leave since approvals require a US address and income verification.
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My Complete Travel Wallet Setup
Want to see exactly which cards I carry, how I organize them, and what’s in my everyday travel wallet? I broke it all down — every card, every reason, the full setup.
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Bilt MastercardThe best catch-all card on the market. Earns 2x points + 4% Bilt Cash on everyday purchases with some of the best airline and hotel transfer partners available. Zero foreign transaction fees. A must-have card to keep active while abroad.
Apply Now →
Apply Now →
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Capital One Venture X$300 travel credit + Priority Pass lounge access + 2x miles on everything. The best all-in-one expat travel card.
Apply Now →
Apply Now →
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Capital One Savor3% on dining and entertainment worldwide. Pairs perfectly with the Venture X for a powerful two-card points setup.
Apply Now →
Apply Now →
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Wise CardSpend in local currency at the mid-market rate with low fees. Not a credit card, but essential for daily spending abroad.
Get Wise Card →
Get Wise Card →
Recommended Hotel Cards — Both chains have a strong international footprint. Get at least one to earn free nights abroad:
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IHG One Rewards CardInterContinental, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza. Thousands of locations across Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Includes a free annual night.
Apply Now →
Apply Now →
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World of Hyatt CardExcellent value per point, strong luxury properties worldwide. One of the best hotel programs for frequent travelers.
Apply Now →
Apply Now →
💡 Apply for new cards at least 60–90 days before departure so they arrive, you’ve hit the welcome bonus spend, and they’re loaded into your digital wallet.
06
VPN & Digital Security
A VPN is non-negotiable for expats. You’ll need it to access US streaming services, protect yourself on public Wi-Fi, and keep your bank from flagging logins from foreign IP addresses.
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Surfshark — Recommended VPN
The easiest VPN to set up and one of the most affordable — unlimited devices on one subscription. Streams US Netflix and Hulu, secures public Wi-Fi, and keeps your banking logins clean. Low price, no compromises.
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Upgrade Your Devices NowBuy a new laptop or tablet in the US before leaving — trade-ins, warranties, and Apple Store support are much easier at home.
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Back Up to the CloudGoogle Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox. Make sure photos, documents, and critical files are fully synced before departure.
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Never Bank on Airport or Hotel Wi-FiPublic Wi-Fi is a prime target for hackers. Never log into your bank, brokerage, or email on unsecured networks. Always connect through your VPN first — even on hotel Wi-Fi. Also turn off AirDrop and Bluetooth when you’re not actively using them; both can be exploited in crowded public spaces.
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Pay with Apple Pay or Google Pay — Not the Physical CardWhen you swipe or insert a card, your actual 16-digit card number is transmitted in plain text — easy to intercept with skimmers. Apple Pay and Google Pay use tokenization: your real card number is never shared. Instead, a one-time encrypted code is generated for each transaction that is useless to anyone who intercepts it. My card got hacked 3 times swiping — I now pay exclusively by Apple Pay. If a merchant doesn’t accept it, I pay cash.
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Password ManagerUse 1Password or Bitwarden to store all login credentials securely. Losing account access abroad is a nightmare without one.
⚠️ Download and test your VPN before arriving in your destination country. Some countries block VPN websites — making it impossible to download once you’re there.
07
Health & Insurance
US health insurance almost never covers you abroad. Getting this sorted is one of the most important — and most overlooked — steps. Don’t skip it.
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Genki — Recommended International Health Insurance
European-based nomad insurance with strong global coverage, transparent pricing, and solid emergency benefits. One of the cleanest plans available for expats and long-term travelers — no surprise exclusions.
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Final Doctor & Dentist VisitGet a full checkup and dental cleaning while still covered on your existing US insurance. Take care of anything outstanding before you lose that coverage.
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Travel VaccinationsVisit a travel clinic for destination-specific vaccines — typhoid, hepatitis A/B, yellow fever, rabies, depending on where you’re headed.
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Prescription StockpileGet a 3–6 month supply of any prescriptions. Bring documentation for customs and research availability at your destination.
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Eyeglasses / ContactsGet an updated prescription and a spare pair of glasses. Contacts can be ordered online but frames are harder to replace abroad.
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Cigna GlobalComprehensive long-term expat coverage. Excellent option for families or those settling in one country for a year or more. Customizable plan tiers.
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GeoBlueUS-network-backed international plan. The strongest option for expats who travel back to the US frequently and want seamless coverage both ways.
✅ Check if your travel credit card includes trip delay, medical evacuation, or travel accident coverage — this can supplement (not replace) a dedicated international health plan.
08
Taxes & Legal Affairs
The part most people procrastinate on — and the one that can cost you the most if ignored. US citizens owe taxes on worldwide income regardless of where they live.
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Create an IRS Online Account FirstIRS verification requires a US phone number — do it before leaving. Use your account to prepay taxes quarterly if you have rental income, dividends, or self-employment earnings. Skip quarterly payments and the IRS charges an underpayment penalty at year-end.
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Foreign Earned Income ExclusionSpend 330+ days abroad and you may exclude up to $126,500 (2024) of earned income from US taxes via the FEIE (Form 2555).
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Learn Your New Country’s Tax RulesMany countries require you to pay local income taxes once you establish residency. Some have US tax treaties — others don’t. Research your destination early to avoid surprises.
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FBAR & FATCA ReportingOver $10,000 in foreign bank accounts at any point during the year? You must file FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) annually.
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Hire an Expat Tax AccountantEssential if staying long-term where local taxes apply. You may pay that country first, then file US taxes and claim a foreign tax credit. Use Greenback Tax Services or 1040 Abroad.
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Establish State Tax DomicileOfficially establish domicile in a no-income-tax state (FL, TX, SD, NV, WY) before leaving to avoid continued state tax obligations.
⚠️ The US taxes citizens on worldwide income — you must file a return every year, even if you owe nothing.
09
Housing & Property
What you do with your US living situation before leaving has long-term financial implications. Think this through carefully.
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Sell, Rent, or KeepDecide whether to sell your home, rent it out for passive income, or maintain it as a US base. Each has major tax and lifestyle implications.
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Sell or Donate BelongingsMercari and OfferUp are the easiest ways to sell furniture, electronics, and clothes fast. Facebook Marketplace for large items. Donate the rest.
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Think Hard Before Renting StorageIs the monthly fee really worth the value of the items? Are you actually coming back? For most expats, it’s easier and cheaper to sell everything and buy back what you need. Travel light.
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Book First 2 Weeks AbroadLand somewhere comfortable — Airbnb, hotel, or serviced apartment — while you scout neighborhoods for a longer-term rental.
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Sell or Store Your CarKeeping a car registered and insured while abroad is expensive. Sell it, or leave it with family if you might return within a year.
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Property ManagementIf renting your home, hire a local property manager (typically 8–12% of rent) to handle tenants, repairs, and emergencies.
10
Travel Gear
The right gear makes long-term travel dramatically more comfortable. Buy it in the US before you leave — quality items are harder to find, more expensive, or non-returnable abroad.
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My Full Travel Gear List
I’ve tested dozens of bags, gadgets, and travel accessories over the years. This is everything I actually carry and recommend — no fluff, only what I use daily on the road.
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Universal Travel AdapterMost of the world runs on 220V with different plug types. A quality all-in-one adapter is essential — overpriced at airports and scarce in smaller towns.
Shop My Pick →
Shop My Pick →
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Passport WalletA slim RFID-blocking passport wallet keeps your passport, cards, and travel documents organized and protected. One of the most-used items you’ll own as an expat.
Shop My Pick →
Shop My Pick →
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Sling Bag / Day BagA compact sling bag is perfect for daily exploring — keeps your phone, wallet, water bottle, and essentials secure without the bulk of a full backpack.
Shop My Pick →
Shop My Pick →
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Travel Light — This Is ImportantMost airlines only allow 7kg / 15lbs for carry-on bags. If you’re slow traveling or bouncing between countries, checking multiple heavy bags gets old fast — and expensive. Most clothes can be purchased abroad for less than you’d expect. The less you carry, the more freedom you have.
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Final Pre-Departure Tasks
The last 30 days before your flight. Tie up loose ends and get your head right.
- ✓Cancel recurring subscriptions — gym, cable, internet, streaming services you won’t use, local delivery apps
- ✓Book a one-way or flexible ticket — one-way gives you freedom; check if your destination requires an onward ticket for entry
- ✓Get a will in place — especially if you own property, have investments, or have dependents back home
- ✓Share your itinerary — leave trusted people your destination address, emergency contacts, and a check-in schedule
- ✓Transfer car title and registration — if selling, get all paperwork completed before you leave
- ✓Cancel or downgrade car insurance — keep renters insurance on any stored belongings if applicable
- ✓Join expat Facebook groups for your destination — invaluable for housing leads, local tips, and finding community on arrival
- ✓Download offline maps — Google Maps offline or Maps.me for your destination city, in case data is spotty on arrival
- ✓Pack light — 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on maximum. Almost everything can be bought abroad, often cheaper
- ✓Say your goodbyes properly — this part matters. Give yourself time for it.
💡 Final Reminder
The goal isn’t to do all of this perfectly. Handle the irreversible stuff first — documents, bank setup, virtual mailbox, tax residency — and let the rest sort itself out as you go. Most expats wish they’d left sooner and worried less.
The goal isn’t to do all of this perfectly. Handle the irreversible stuff first — documents, bank setup, virtual mailbox, tax residency — and let the rest sort itself out as you go. Most expats wish they’d left sooner and worried less.
You’re Ready. Now Go.
This checklist covers everything you need to do before you leave the US — for good, or just for a year. Work through it section by section, starting with documents and banking, and you’ll arrive at your new home with confidence instead of chaos. Have a question about any step? Drop it in the comments below — I’ve been through all of it and I’m happy to help.
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