5 Traps Checklist | DON'T MOVE YET

Use this checklist before committing to any international relocation. Check each warning sign you can identify.

1 THE $200K QUESTION — Financial Downside

Financial 0/5

✓

I have calculated my maximum financial loss if the move fails

✓

I know the resale value discount in my target market (typically 30–50%)

✓

I have accounted for: relocation costs (both ways), legal fees, income disruption

✓

I have calculated opportunity cost of moving my capital abroad

✓

My downside number is known (not blank)

2 FOLLOW THE MONEY — Information Bias

Information 0/4

✓

For every source of advice, I can answer: Who pays them?

✓

I have identified affiliate links in the YouTube videos I've watched

✓

I know the commission structure of the real estate agents I'm talking to

✓

I have spoken to people who LEFT my target country (not just those who stayed)

3 THE EXPAT ECHO CHAMBER — Psychological Bias

Psychology 0/4

✓

I understand that expats defend their own decisions (sunk cost, cognitive dissonance)

✓

I have asked expats: "What would you do differently?" (not "Do you like it?")

✓

I can distinguish between social media performance and lived reality

✓

I have NOT relied primarily on expat Facebook groups for my research

4 THE LEGAL SYSTEM — Legal Risk

Legal 0/4

✓

I know whether my target country uses Common Law or Civil Law

✓

I understand how presumption of innocence works differently there

✓

I know who bears the burden of proof in property and contract disputes

✓

I have consulted a lawyer IN my target country (not a relocation consultant)

5 DAILY FRICTION — Lifestyle Reality

Friction 0/4

✓

I have spent 30+ consecutive days in my target country (not a vacation)

✓

I have dealt with: a local mechanic, a government office, a medical provider

✓

I understand the difference between vacation tolerance and long-term tolerance

✓

I have a realistic plan for if I need to leave (exit strategy)

Your Score

out of 21