I always wanted to visit European countries, and this was an opportunity to visit another continent. Through my journey, I’ve learned a lot about adapting to a new culture, managing finances, and balancing studies with work. I hope my story and the practical tips I’ve gathered along the way will help you prepare for your own adventure abroad. When I first arrived in Portugal, I experienced significant cultural differences.
From the local cuisine to social norms, everything was new. For instance, the Portuguese love their seafood, which was quite different from what I was used to. Before moving, research the cost of housing, food, transportation, and other expenses. I found that renting an apartment in Lisbon was quite expensive, so I initially opted for shared accommodation to save money.
Also, don’t forget to budget for health insurance and other essential needs. Portugal offers a blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant opportunities. Whether you’re traveling for business, education, or to experience the culture, a visit is the perfect way to test the waters before committing to a long-term move. This guide will help you prepare, with links to detailed steps for first-time travelers, practical advice, and even a free consultation option to guide you further.
Portugal’s climate was a welcome change from Kenya’s. The warm summers and mild winters were pleasant, but it’s essential to prepare for the weather conditions. Investing in appropriate clothing for each season will make your stay more comfortable. Ensuring all your paperwork is in order before you leave is crucial. This includes your visa, passport, academic or work-related documents, and any required health certifications.
Health care in Portugal is excellent, but it’s essential to have adequate health insurance. I initially relied on travel insurance, but I quickly switched to a local health insurance plan to cover any medical needs. This switch gave me peace of mind and access to quality healthcare
Embracing the new culture, trying local foods, participating in traditions, and making an effort to understand the local way of life enriched my experience. There’s a common belief that going abroad might lead to wealth. I saw a Facebook comment once where people seemed to believe that living abroad equates to owning wealth or being rich.
First of all, it’s true that some of the richest kingdoms are in Europe. However, just like back home, there are extremely wealthy people, but the real question is: in terms of career and opportunities, does going abroad change how we seek jobs, how hard we work, or how we plan our finances?
This can be a discussion for another day. However, from my experience, it doesn’t. The key to succeeding abroad lies in having a broader and open-minded perspective. Hard work, smart financial planning, and adaptability remain as crucial as they are at home. Another key thing to consider before leaving Kenya is setting clear objectives.
I believe a good story starts with a solid plan. If you want to go abroad, getting there is the easy part; staying relevant and keeping up the momentum is the real challenge. With well-defined goals and objectives, you won’t be focused on competing with your peers but rather on competing with yourself. This mindset helps you stay motivated and continuously strive for personal and professional growth.
Deciding Your Purpose for Visiting
Your purpose for visiting determines how you plan your trip and what you’ll focus on during your stay.
- Scouting for Education: Check out universities, meet admissions teams, and explore student neighborhoods.
- Exploring Investment Opportunities: Plan visits to real estate agencies, attend local business events, or meet potential partners.
- Cultural Exploration: Enjoy Portugal’s unique festivals, iconic landmarks, and authentic local cuisine.
A clear purpose will help you organize your trip better and make the most of your visit. If you’re unsure about where to start, book a 30-minute free consultation for personalized guidance. Unless you have family in the country you are visiting, be prepared to face some impossible choices. In Portugal, for example, for someone seeking employment, there is a gap period during which you may not be able to get hired or legally work
Securing Your Passport
If you’re a first-time traveler and don’t have a passport yet, don’t worry—getting one in Kenya is a straightforward process. You can Apply in Nairobi: Visit the Kenyan Immigration Office or start your application on eCitizen Kenya if you or if you need detailed guidance?
Pro Tip: Ensure your ID and birth certificate are up-to-date before beginning the application process.
Setting Up Banking for Travel: A Guide for M-Pesa Users
Traveling to Europe or any other international destination requires more than just packing your bags; it calls for careful planning of your finances. If you’re like me and often rely on M-Pesa for your day-to-day transactions, you’ll quickly find that it may not be enough for seamless international travel. Here’s a guide to help you set up banking solutions that work globally and make your travel stress-free.
1. Open a Bank Account with International Access
If you don’t already have an active bank account, now is the time to open one with international capabilities. Banks like KCB and Equity Bank offer accounts linked to Visa or Mastercard, which are widely accepted around the world.
These accounts not only allow you to make purchases abroad but also enable ATM withdrawals and online transactions in foreign currencies. Make sure to check the account features, such as foreign transaction fees and currency conversion rates, to choose the one that suits your needs best.
2. Utilize Digital Banking Apps
Digital banking platforms are a game-changer for international travel. Apps like Revolut and Wise (formerly TransferWise) make it easy to manage foreign currency, transfer money, and even spend directly in different currencies without hefty conversion fees.
- Revolut: Known for its multi-currency accounts, Revolut allows you to hold and exchange money in multiple currencies at competitive rates. It also offers a virtual card for secure online shopping and a physical card for in-store purchases.
- Wise: Wise specializes in low-cost international money transfers and provides an account that lets you hold over 50 currencies. You can also get a debit card to spend directly from your account.
Both platforms can be linked to your existing bank account or M-Pesa, making it easy to top up your balance and manage expenses on the go. Signing up is straightforward, and you can do it entirely online.
3. Why These Solutions Work
Having a banking solution that works globally is essential for convenience and security during your travels. Whether you need to book a hotel, pay for a train ticket, or shop in a local market, an internationally accepted payment method saves you from the hassle of carrying cash or relying on expensive money exchange services. Moreover, with digital banking apps, you get the added benefit of real-time tracking of your expenses, which helps you stick to your travel budget.
By taking these simple steps, you’ll be ready to manage your finances effectively during your travels, leaving you more time to focus on exploring new places and making unforgettable memories. Whether you’re traveling for work, study, or leisure, setting up the right banking solutions will give you peace of mind and the financial freedom to enjoy your journey.
Generally, living abroad is a significant step that comes with both exciting opportunities and potential challenges. By preparing adequately, keeping an open mind, and being proactive in your planning, you can make the most of your international experience. Whether you’re moving for studies, work, or adventure, remember that every challenge is a chance to grow and every new experience broadens your perspective.
