What do I need to do before moving to France?

Moving from America to France--what do I need to know/do?

• I am planning on moving to France within the next few years. I plan to stay there for two years before moving to Scotland, and I wanted to get a checklist going for things I will need to do before leaving. Obviously, my passport needs to be updated (it expires soon) and I'll need to get visas in order. What else do I need to do? What should I know?

• Answer:

  Do you need to work? You don't need French to work.. I know loads of people who can survive quite well without ever speaking French because they work on the internet, or work with other expats eg as gardeners, cleaners, or work for international companies speaking English all day..but of course having French will help open up some opportunities but again I'd say there are enough French currently looking for jobs that finding one is not going to be easy. It is very difficult to get a work visa if you are American.. I have an American friend who has been struggling for 2 years to find a way to live in France.. she hasn't succeeded yet. So I would say give some thought to getting a skill that you can practise anywhere in the world via the internet so you can always make money.. I would say this to anyone wanting to move around with their job.. I think the most common problem I see when people move abroad is not having enough money, and not being able to make anymore money either.. I would check out your tax situation before you move as you may be horrified by how much more you might have to pay..in many ways.. in general, jobs pay really poorly in France, and taxes are very high in France.. they have a set 35 hour week, so you are really tied to a max salary, unless you work for yourself and can earn good money from something. If moving somewhere popular with tourists, eg the Cote d'Azur be aware that finding housing can be tiring and difficult.. many flats will be let to tourists in these areas.. you have a better chance of finding housing only when you are in situ.. so consider a pre trip to organise your living arrangements Look up expat groups you can join so you don't feel lonely when you arrive.. MeetUp and Internations are two I'd recommend to you.. don't expect to be welcomed into French groups readily.. they are very focused on their families and group drinking or socialising within the French community is much less than in many countries..they do love to talk about food, and prepare dinners, so practise your cooking skills. I would not underestimate the culture change you are going to experience, and suggest you might do some study online about the differences between french and US culture.. obviously it might not all make sense til you are in France, but it won't come as a surprise when you hit it.. I moved to France 13 years ago, and really enjoy my life there.. All the best to you..