The following excerpts from ExpatExchange add great validity to the need for doing your homework before you head overseas as an expat. After all of your careful preparations and travels, you're still living a new life in a foreign country and you’ll find that the better you’re informed about your new environment, the easier your expat transition.

But, you’ve finally done it. Now it's time to realize all of the dreams you had when you first pondered a move to another part of the world. Expatriate life is rich and has many rewards, but it also requires a conscious effort to truly assimilate into a new culture. We've got a few ideas to help you on your way, and to enjoy the journey from start to finish.

There are some pitfalls to avoid. It's easy to get discouraged for all kinds of reasons, and it's important to understand that you are going through an adjustment process. Be patient.
Get a Secure Handle on Your Finances – This suggestion from Living and Working Abroad - Living and working abroad can have a certain allure, but at the same time you need to be practical and flexible with your finances – especially if your work requires frequent relocation. It could take weeks or even be impossible to open a new current account every time you move. So, well before you leave, it makes sense to plan and organize your finances. This will save headaches when paying rent and deposits up front and arranging emergency reserves of cash could come in handy. Finally, living abroad may give you good opportunities to build up tax efficient savings and investments for the future

Be Organized, Stay Busy - You may be getting tired of our focus on organization, but we think it can make all of the difference in settling into a new country. We've got a few ideas to make sure you don't forget anything while you are busy building your new life.
Expat Clubs - It sounds silly, but it is so important to

Understand that you are not the first person to move overseas. If there are expat clubs in your area, you should take advantage of them and all that they have to offer.
What if you can't work - There are often problems for dual-career couples that are limited to one work visa while living abroad. Don't panic! Turn an uncomfortable situation into a positive. Here are a few options.

Take advantage of being overseas - Many people move overseas and put off doing many of the activities they dreamed about until it is too late. Don't be one of them! This will also cut down on your idle time, too much of which can lead you to question whether or not you made the right decision.

After all, if you live the life abroad you dreamed about, you'll think about home a lot less!

Dating - Predictably, singles often have a very different experience living overseas than their married counterparts. We'll give you some advice on how to navigate a new and probably more intimidating dating scene. Our first installment will feature places and events in Costa Rica that’ll not only make your stay there pleasurable, but exciting, as well.