Getting Ready To Go

There will be a lot of different tasks to juggle before you move, so I’d suggest jotting target dates for stuff like getting your passport, medical exams, shipping your stuff etc. – all the prep tasks required.

Leave room for delays that might pop up too.

Communication is key – so share your timeline with the mission agency and your church family so everyone’s on the same page. Use a spreadsheet, calendar, or something visual to track progress.

Make sure to update your timeline whenever new info comes up.

Love2Serve has created a free infographic to get you started!

One of the most important early steps is securing essential documents like passports and visas required for your destination country.

Research the various visa options available for religious workers or long-term residents. Research which visa categories make the most sense for your situation – some may restrict in-country work while others like religious visas may not suit creative-access nations. Research visa options and requirements, checking directly with each nation’s official visa guidance websites when possible to avoid outdated third-party information.

Understand the specific information and supporting materials needed – this may include details on initial accommodation, flights, purpose of stay, etc. Some visas require booking travel after approval, while others need firm plans beforehand. Ensure you have all necessary application items prepared. Confirm visa processing timelines to meet your departure target and allow plenty of time for document requests, especially passports.

Your organisation may be able to advise you, otherwise you could consider reaching out to visa specialists like CIBT.

Most mission agencies will require criminal background checks for accepted missionaries prior to deployment. Schedule time to complete any required screening like a criminal records check or DBS. Your agency may handle requesting it on your behalf.

Ensure you keep both a digital and physical copy accessible in your records. For international candidates, find out if checks can be transferred or if new ones are needed for residence in the destination country. Complete background verification promptly to avoid delays.

Clear screening is fundamental for overseas religious organizations trusted with vulnerable populations. Undergoing required checks demonstrates your integrity and commitment to meet entry standards.

Schedule complete medical exams and consult a travel clinic to assess health needs and get immunizations recommended for your destination.

Obtain childhood immunization records for any boosters required. Allow enough time to complete multi-dose vaccines or follow-up on any health issues discovered.

Discuss your prescription regimen in detail – for medications you take, get an official letter or prescription to carry when traveling. Research if your host country allows entry with your specific medications, as some are considered restricted substances.

Taking these proactive health steps demonstrates good stewardship as you prepare. Arrive physically and spiritually ready to serve through obtaining proper vaccinations, doctor clearances, and verified medication permissions needed for your overseas home.

Meet with a tax professional to understand any financial implications of living abroad as a missionary. Determine if you need to maintain residence in your home country or if you can declare an overseas address. Learn how earned income, donations, and other funds will be taxed in your host country. Set up a system for paying estimated taxes. Be aware of reporting requirements and double taxation treaties to avoid surprises.

Consult with your agency and supporters on best practices for receiving donations while maintaining accountability. Clarify how retirement account contributions will be handled moving forward. Getting educated on expatriate finances and tax laws for religious workers protects your ministry and personal finances. A little upfront diligence prevents significant headaches down the road.

Oscar provide practical financial preparation.

Once accepted, start creating a detailed monthly budget to understand costs of living and ministering in your destination location. Research expat forums online or connect with missionaries onsite to benchmark realistic expenses like housing, food, utilities, transportation etc. Factor in ministry costs, travel home, and savings goals.

 Be comprehensive but overestimate variable costs until you gain in-country experience.

Develop a draft budget to share with your agency and home church when fundraising. Emphasize it is a projection that will be refined once on the field – plan to closely track actual costs during your first 6 months overseas and adjust accordingly.

A thoughtful preliminary budget demonstrates good stewardship while giving flexibility to adapt as realities become clearer over time.

Here is an updated budget template with annual costs grouped, pension/national insurance contributions added, figures removed, and an emergency buffer line included:

ANNUAL COSTS:

Travel Home | | | Annual |

Visa Renewal | | | Annual |

Medical Care | | | Annual |

Research banking options in your future home country to understand requirements for opening local accounts as a foreigner. This may not be possible until after arriving but gives helpful context for when you get there.

Also explore top banks in your home nation that provide ATM access internationally, low foreign transaction fees, and favorable exchange rates – you may need to rely on this account initially. Look into wire transfer logistics so supporters can contribute funds from abroad. Consider account security and accessibility when traveling to remote areas.

Obtaining local currency may be complex at first, so have a backup plan. With wise advance research, you can swiftly set up banking onsite that allows accessing and exchanging money from home supporters.

Make both electronic and physical copies of important documents like passports, visas, insurance info, medical records, background checks, etc. Leave one set with trusted home contacts and carry one when traveling.

Research if your destination requires carrying notarized passport copies and whether you will need an international driving permit for your destination country and acquire one if required.

Share access with in-country contacts who can act on your behalf in an emergency. Give emergency contacts at home and on-field access to any will or estate planning paperwork. Scan medical documents to share with local contacts who can communicate with hospitals/doctors if needed.

Duplicating key paperwork ensures you and your support system can quickly access critical information abroad if necessary for coordination, care, or response.

If possible, take a short 1-2 week trip to your future mission location prior to moving long-term. This allows you to explore potential housing options, experience the local culture, meet any on-field teammates, and determine if it feels like a good fit.

Tour different neighbourhoods or locations you may want to live in. Get a sense for availability of familiar amenities and products – make note of items to bring with you when you move. Begin building relationships with local people and ministries you’ll be serving.

An exploratory trip provides invaluable insights while you still have time to process observations and address concerns. You want to arrive prepared both logistically and emotionally. Exploring the region you’ll call home gives a preview to smooth your transition.

When sorting your flights, check if your agency can land discounted charity fares, extra luggage allowance or change flexibility. That inside access can really help.

Be sure to watch out for super cheap tickets with tiny baggage limits – don’t get stuck with surprise fees! Also stick with ATOL protected vendors for peace of mind.

Consider extending any layovers a few days to rest up before diving into your new ministry season. Pre-departure is stressful – extra transition time might help you start stronger.

Confirm who will pick you up at the airport and how you’ll get around those first few days. Share your detailed travel plans with your sending agency and home church folks so everyone can track your arrival.

Booking strategic flights and having local pickup arranged means less headaches as you embark on this big move. You want to show up feeling focused and ready to fully engage. Spend time praying over your travel too. God’s got this!

If you need to arrange your own private accommodation then it may be helpful to pre-booking housing once you have your flight arrival date, try starting with temporary lodging like an Airbnb apartment. This lets you explore neighbourhoods and commutes once you arrive. You can get a feel for areas before committing long-term. Plus short-term rentals often have free cancellation which is handy if your flights shift around.

If you scope potential places during a preview trip, take lots of photos and notes to review later. Talk to locals too about recommended areas and complex rentals. Join some local expat Facebook groups, you can crowdsource housing leads, amenities info and more from fellow expats.

Having lodging sorted ahead of time, even if just initial accommodations, makes those first few weeks way less stressful. And you can extend or find something permanent once you get the lay of the land.

When deciding whether to ship stuff from home, weigh if it’s cheaper long-term to sell bigger items and replace abroad. Shipping furniture or appliances can get really pricey.

For essentials you want to bring, look at air freight vs. sea shipping costs and timing. Air is pricier but so much faster. Make sure you’ll be there to receive shipped items when they arrive. Also check if your host country charges import tax on foreign shipments – that can add up. If you’ll return home within a few years, storing belongings domestically may save money vs. shipping twice. But for a one-way move, often better to sell and replace.

Carefully pick your must-haves and explore all shipping options. Having familiar items from home really helps ease transition Shock those first few weeks. If friends visit that first year, see if they can pack any go-to items in their luggage for you.

World Customs Organisation

The WCO site contains links to customs administration web sites of many countries.

OAG

OAG is the world’s leading independent source of flight schedule information and OAG.com has the largest list of flight schedules from around the world. The site also lists basic details about the customs restrictions of different countries.

HM Customs & Excise

For information about any UK export restrictions or customs information for when you enter the UK.

DirectGov

This website provides the latest and widest range of public service information from the UK government. It includes: UK Passport Info & Application, UK Consulates & Embassies, Immunisations and Travel Health, Country Travel Advice, Customs & Duties Information.

Further advice on packing and customs can be obtained from any of the shippers listed in Shippers.

Now you’ve decided what you are shipping or packing, it’s time to make a list. You will be spinning so many plates at this point, that having a list can help you to avoid leaving anything crucial behind.

Keep your essentials (like electronics, paperwork , currency and medication) in your hand luggage as well as anything you may need quick access to. It may be worth also including a few sets of spare outfits in case anything happens to your luggage during transport.

Here is a list of some of the essential items to include when packing for overseas service:

• Passport and visa documents
• Medical history and vaccination records
• Prescriptions and medications
• Official identity documents
• Ministry resources and materials
• Hard drives with important documents
• Laptop/tablet and chargers
• Phone unlocked for international SIMs
• Bank cards and cash in destination currency
• Insurance cards and emergency contacts
• Validated luggage and ID tags
• Clothing suitable for climate and dress code
• Travel adapters and power converter
• Toiletries and hygiene items
• First aid kit
• Extra glasses/contacts if needed
• Photos and small gifts from home
• Light jacket or umbrella
• Journal and pens
• Devotional books and Bible
• Cultural guide/language dictionary

Having essential personal items, electronics, documents, ministry resources, medical records, and financial accounts accessible is crucial when relocating internationally as a missionary.

Other tips on ‘what to take’ and packing can be found at any of the following websites:

• https://missiontravel.org/blog/missions-trip-packing-list
• http://preparemymission.com/packing-101
• https://mightygoods.com/train-travel-packing
• www.packpnt.com
• www.onebag.com
• http://upl.codeq.info
• www.travelite.org

As you prepare for your relocation overseas, remember to contact any subscription services, memberships, utilities etc. to cancel, pause or change your address.

Redirect or close out accounts like phone, internet, gas, and electricity to avoid unexpected charges from your home country. Consider mail forwarding via a nominated friend or family member as well.

Take inventory of all automatic payments and bills to handle accordingly before departure. Ask trusted contacts to periodically check any property while you are away.

Make sure to check on health, travel and life insurance needs before you go abroad. Health covers regular care, while travel protects on trips back home. Look into repatriation coverage too in case an emergency means you need to return home for treatment. It can get crazy pricey without it! Review all policy terms closely – some exclude “dangerous” regions. Check excess fees too so you know out-of-pocket costs.

Talk to your agency too about any insurance or retirement benefits they provide missionaries. Many organizations have group policies you can join that offer comprehensive coverage. Make sure to factor the premiums into your monthly budget. Also get any legal stuff like wills, power of attorney in order in case an emergency arises. Hopefully that never happens, but better prepared.

Check Out Oscar’s Medical Guidance: https://oscar.org.uk/resources/health

Love2Serve has numerous articles and printable resources.

WEC has a free online course booklet to help you prepare.

Broadcast Network’s module 1 unpacks some aspects of preparation training.

Broadcast Network Module 2 focuses on the practical steps and things to consider before moving overseas.

Oscar provides additional assistance to help with your practical preparation.