Moving all the way from Nashville to Tangier, Morocco—a distance of 4,377 miles—began as a lighthearted suggestion by newlyweds Ricoyo and Arleevia Lyles but turned into their new life two months ago.

The couple first explored the coastal town during their honeymoon in September 2023. They quickly fell in love with the local cuisine, stunning architecture, and welcoming culture. Ricoyo then proposed the idea of making it their home.

“I didn’t expect her to show any interest, but she responded, ‘That could be really cool,'” he shared. With both working remotely—Ricoyo in finance and Arleevia in public relations—and having no children, the transition seemed manageable.

For Ricoyo, a 40-year-old originally from the Bahamas but raised in Nashville, living abroad had always been a cherished dream. “I often fantasized about growing up in the Bahamas or immersing myself in a different culture,” he reminisced. “From a young age, it has been an aspiration of mine.”

The couple was drawn to Morocco not only for its affordable cost of living and accessibility to Europe and Africa, but also as a potential place to start their family. With Arleevia, 26, currently pregnant, safety was a crucial consideration for her. “As we plan for our baby, safety is at the forefront, especially as Black Americans facing racial issues back home,” she explained. “These thoughts are always present for our child and for him (Ricoyo) as a Black man.”

However, for many Americans, the thought of packing up and leaving their familiar surroundings can be overwhelming, especially for those without remote jobs. As a result, moving abroad often remains a fantasy for many.

Ricoyo expressed similar concerns before committing to the move. “I tended to overthink it,” he admitted. “It felt like such a monumental task. What would my daily life look like?”

Here’s a glimpse into the experience of moving abroad, along with advice from new expats.

Consider a trial period

To truly gauge whether a place suits you, it’s wise to visit before making a permanent decision. The Lyles suggest people spend an extended period there to truly experience the lifestyle. “Try staying for a month and see if you like it; adapt to the local climate,” Ricoyo said.

Having the option to return to the U.S. if things don’t work out provided comfort to the Lyles. “Keep in mind that nothing is forever; you can always change your location or return home,” Arleevia reassured. “If we find it’s not for us, we always have our home base.”

As Americans, the couple benefits from a visa exemption in Morocco for up to 90 days. They can then visit another country, like Spain—which is just a short ferry ride away—and return. Many nations, such as those in the European Union, Indonesia, and Japan, permit up to 90 days of visa-free travel as well. If one’s occupation allows for it, a digital nomad visa can extend the stay legally—lasting one year in Spain or even two years in Portugal—and can be approved in just a few weeks.

Frequent visits can also help individuals explore their potential new home. When Dennis Bailey first traveled to Porto, Portugal, for a week in 2019, he instantly connected with the city’s laid-back and friendly atmosphere. “I prefer a relaxed lifestyle, and this was a perfect fit compared to Washington, D.C.,” he reflected, and he has since published “Olá Portugal: Why I Moved to the Land of Sun and Sardines (and How You Can Too).”

“I realized I could escape the grind,” he thought.

At the time, he was considering retirement but had concerns about finances. “I don’t have much in savings and my pension is limited,” he noted about the high cost of living in the U.S. “My apartment in D.C. alone cost $3,000 a month.” Now, he enjoys an apartment in the beach town of Carcavelos for roughly half that amount, and he was dissatisfied with the political environment at home. “All these factors made a difference,” Bailey, 71, said.

After his initial trip, he returned to Lisbon for further exploration and advised others to undertake at least two trips. “Visit at various times of the year and in different regions,” he suggested. “Discover some smaller towns in the interior.” Although he appreciates the leisurely lifestyle in Portugal, others who are drawn to such a way of living may find it doesn’t fit their daily taste.

What are the logistics of moving abroad?

Not everyone is in a position to simply pack up and move overseas, whether it’s because they have family responsibilities or a job to maintain. When Bailey relocated, he was single, and his adult daughter lived on the West Coast, leaving him free from any attachments in the U.S. As a freelance journalist, he also had the flexibility to work from anywhere, which meant he didn’t need to search for a job in Portugal to secure his visa.

Generally, moving can be quite difficult, and relocating internationally often requires extra effort and a bit of bravery. The Lyles tackled the decision to move by creating a list of pros and cons to assess whether leaving their family was worth it, and they took about a year to finalize their plans.

Since 2021, Bailey has been living in Portugal under the digital nomad visa, which grants him residency for two years with the option to renew. He handled the visa application independently and found it to be quite manageable as long as he was organized. Furthermore, he had a Portuguese woman he met during his travels, who is now his wife, help him find an apartment, thus avoiding the expense of renting in two locations. He will qualify for citizenship after five years in the country.

However, he faced some difficulties with the tax laws as an expatriate. Therefore, it might be wise to seek professional help for navigating the sometimes complex legal responsibilities of living abroad. “Be cautious about what you find online,” he advised. “I recommend getting an accountant familiar with expat taxes, and also hiring a realtor.” He had assistance in obtaining the Portuguese equivalent of a Social Security number, as well.

In domestic moves, people often retain most of their possessions, but moving internationally necessitates more challenging choices and minimal packing. “It’s tough to part with so many belongings,” Bailey acknowledged. The other option is to ship your items overseas, a process that can be extremely pricey.

The Lyles shared similar sentiments. They found it particularly challenging to secure approval from their employers and decide what to take with them. They chose to stay temporarily with Arleevia’s family in Las Vegas before their flight, leaving their valuables behind. In Morocco, they’re searching for a fully furnished rental.

What is it like to acclimate to a new culture?

The expat experience seems to be going well for both the Lyles and Bailey so far. In the three years since moving to Portugal, Bailey reports seeing his daughter more often than when he lived in the U.S., and her visits are longer as well. He appreciates the Portuguese tradition of enjoying long dinners and the cultural attitude of “desfrutar,” which means enjoying the present moment.

<p”Since then, I have learned a lot about Portuguese culture; they truly excel in maintaining a work-life balance,” he said. “They prioritize leisure and family time, which is very important to me.”

For both sets of expatriates, overcoming the language barrier has been one of the biggest challenges of adapting to a new country. In Morocco, the most commonly spoken languages include Arabic, French, Berber, and Spanish, though English is also found in many areas. To gain citizenship, proficiency in Arabic or Amazigh is necessary.

Moreover, cultural variances can also impact their experience, such as Morocco’s inclination towards cash transactions, unlike in the U.S. where credit cards are prevalent. It’s crucial to familiarize oneself with local laws and customs prior to moving to ensure respectful behavior. “Do your research. Different countries operate under various laws,” Alveeria remarked. “It’s vital to be culturally aware and empathetic, rather than imposing your American standards and mindset because that’s not how everything works.”

With a baby due in April, the couple plans to give birth in the U.S. and return to Morocco by summer to raise their new family for at least several years.

“Sometimes it’s nice to take a step back and take a break from the ‘drama,'” Ricoyo stated. “I encourage others to step out of their comfort zones.”