19 Best Books About Moving Abroad (Updated 2024)

1. Moving Abroad: The Essentials by Diana Firican  

Rating: 5 stars  

Moving abroad is a process of many steps that requires guidance and experience from people who have already done it.  

In “Moving Abroad: The Essentials,” Diana does an amazing job of breaking down just how and what to plan for a successful move to a new country. 

This book helps create a clearer path to choosing a location, finding good resources, understanding the paperwork required to move, and ultimately making this new life abroad a reality!

Some of the topics covered in this book include: 

• Finding the country you’re ready to call home
• How to create a budget that works for your moving expenses
• Necessary paperwork and legalities to consider

“If you are thinking about moving abroad or in the process of doing so, then this guide is definitely for you! It is a very well researched and structured approach for preparing you for the journey – highly recommend it!” Read more reviews here.

2. Like a Fish in Water: How to Grow Abroad When You Go Abroad by Rich Kurtzman 

Rating: 5 stars 

A successful move abroad requires flexibility, open-mindedness, and confidence in yourself.  

Practicing these skills can create the difference between a great start to your life abroad or a rocky one that will send you right back home. 

In “Like a Fish in Water,” Rich gives practical insight on how to securely integrate yourself into your new life abroad, including:

• Learning how to navigate culture shock
• Finding ways to make friends and connections in your new city
• Strengthening your adaptation and flexibility skills overall

With the book, you’ll start taking note of your personal growth abroad and confidently pave a new way in a new city.

“Excellent! A must read for anyone thinking of spending any time in another country. The insights provide help to understand how to appreciate and enjoy the differences of other cultures, languages and ways of living.”  Read more reviews here.

3. How to Become an Expat: And move out of the U.S. by Ann Fourt 

Rating: 4.8 stars 

When planning your move abroad, it’s easy to focus on the big picture of establishing a new life abroad.

But what about the small details? What happens if you plan to move out of the United States and you’d still like to keep your old phone number? 

In the book “How To Become An Expat,” Ann covers many great questions that are often not answered on the internet, like: 

• What are some ways to manage your bank and mail from abroad? 
• How can you prevent identity fraud from abroad?

This book removes unnecessary stress from figuring out the often small details that create big headaches.    

“There is some very practical information listed in the book. Definitely recommend to anyone thinking or living outside the U.S. or are in the early stages of doing so. Good read!”  Read more reviews here.

4. Moving Away: The Emotional Side of Leaving by Brooke Baum

Rating: 4.7 stars 

If you’ve ever felt guilty for wanting to follow your dreams of moving abroad, “Moving Away: The Emotional Side of Leaving” is the book for you. 

Brooke shares her own experiences with the emotional side of moving in the book while sharing about how to deal with them in the process.

Some of the topics that she talks about are: 

• Fears about moving abroad
• Dealing with the emotional side of paving your own path abroad
• Learning how to make new friends and deal with losing touch with people from home

“Moving Away” is one of the books on moving that will both challenge and inspire you.

“Having just moved across the country three years ago, I could relate to so many things she was saying. I wished I had had this book back then. The practical advice and wisdom are priceless. Highly recommend this book.”   Read more reviews here.

5. How To Move Abroad and Why It’s The Best Thing To Do by Jessica Drucker 

Rating: 4.7 stars 

Tap into the 15 years worth of living abroad experience by the author of “How To Move Abroad and Why It’s The Best Thing To Do.” 

Jessica’s goal is to provide practical guidance and tips to help make moving overseas a reality for you. 

Each chapter easily breaks downs the most popular questions, including:

• How to financially plan for your move abroad
• Learning how to pay your taxes from outside your country
• Helpful ways to learn the local language, easily

While the book offers practical guidance, it also offers inspiration and motivation to finally make your living abroad dreams come true!

“Practical, useful, and full of actionable plans and tips, Drucker’s book reads like a guidebook written by a friend. Indeed, her thoughtful, practical approach to a challenging topic makes it feel approachable and possible. Highly recommended reading.”  Read more reviews here.

6. The Mobile Life by Diane Lemieux and Anne Parker 

Rating: 4.7 stars 

To successfully move your life and not just your house, the book “The Mobile Life” suggests looking at your move from all angles, including: 

• Your goals
• Motives
• Opportunities to move abroad
• Possible challenges 
• Reassuring your level of commitment to the goal 

Though it may sound easier said than done, Diane and Anne explain and draw inspiration from past major expeditions to help share the necessary skills, mindset, and action required to take the chance to live abroad. 

The book also goes in-depth to share some of the identity shifts you’re bound to experience throughout the different phases of moving abroad, even if you’ve done it more than once. 

“So informative and touches on everything you would need to think about when moving abroad.” Read more reviews here.

7. The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life by Anu Partanen 

Rating: 4.6 stars 

“The Nordic Theory of Everything” is a memoir about moving to another country that draws on the personal experiences of Anu, a Finnish girl managing the “simple” things, the American way. 

Anu moved from Finland to New York, where she began to notice and ask questions based on the following:

• The way childcare works in the U.S
• How to buy a new cell phone
• And the often confusing process of doing your taxes

Similar to books like “The Year of Living Danishly” – the book received high ratings on Amazon for its eye-opening comparisons and twists on the typical books about living abroad!

Its growing popularity has made this book one of the best living abroad books. 

“The author draws an interesting comparison between the U.S. society and the societies of the Nordic countries, especially Finland. I found the book to be very thought provoking and interesting read.”  Read more reviews here.

8. A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle 

Rating: 4.6 stars 

A classic book about living in Europe is “A Year In Provence” by Peter Mayle. The author retells his experience of making one of his childhood dreams come true: living in a French village.

Peter takes you through the experiences he encountered during his first year living in Provence, from:

• Participating in local festivals 
• Mingling with new neighbors 
• Learning how to adapt to the food and climate

“A Year in Provence” is one of the best books about moving on to live out your dreams of moving to your ideal destination. It is a book that transmits the real, good and not-so-good,  emotions that come with moving abroad. 

“Having recently spent some time in Provence, I took the plunge and purchased. I am so glad I did, a truly enjoyable read, local people presented as real people with characteristics, rather than as stereotyped “mad French ‘characters'”. All the time, I actually felt I was there, such is the skill of the writing.” Read more reviews here.

9. Getting Out: Your Guide to Leaving America by Mark Ehrman 

Rating: 4.4 stars 

In “Getting Out,” Mark gathers his experience and lessons learned to help you prepare for the small details when establishing your new life abroad, including:

• Security in a foreign country
• How to go to a doctor in your new homeland
• Figuring out if you are required and how to pay local taxes 

This book gets into the details of moving abroad so that you can become self-reliant when you land in your new home country. 

The best part is that the book is often updated with current information while covering many different countries. This makes it one of the best books about life in other countries.

“This is a wonderfully comprehensive guide to moving abroad, temporarily, for a job (and how to find one, abroad), or permanently, perhaps for retirement. It covers a wide range of countries, focusing on 61 very varied countries, worldwide.”  Read more reviews here.

10. A Better Life for Half the Price – 2nd Edition: How to thrive on less money in the cheapest places to live by Tim Leffel 

Rating: 4.4 stars 

Deciding that you want to move abroad is one thing; the next step is deciding where you can afford to live well.

In “A Better Life for Half the Price,” Tim, an moving abroad expert, offers insight to help you find a home in some of the lowest-cost destinations in the world, including:

• Average costs in these inexpensive countries 
• Quality of life in each of these countries
• A detailed list of pros and cons of living in any of these countries

You can upgrade your life without making a ton of money, and this book will show you just how. 

“If you are interested in moving to a cheap place to live or just want to travel to many places that isn’t so expensive this is a great book. I have read many of the chapters many times and refer back to the book often when planning.”  Read more reviews here.

11. Moving to Uruguay by Juan Ignacio Pita 

Rating: 4.4 stars 

Dreaming of moving to South America? Stretches of white sand beaches and a safe living environment are a few reasons expats all over decide to move to Uruguay.

If these characteristics catch your attention, as well as upgrading your life for less, consider picking up “Moving to Uruguay.”

In his book, Juan shares some of the topics, including:

• The best neighborhoods to move to in Uruguay’s biggest cities
• Expat tips and lessons to take experience from
• A guide to local culture and language

Juan is Uruguayan and has also lived as an expat in other areas of the world. His insight and expertise are paramount for anyone looking to move to Uruguay.   

“Very good content. You feel a sense of trust when reading this, particularly given the vast experience Tim has, and continues to gather from his world travels. As an expat, I think this is a must read.”  Read more reviews here.

12. If You Could Live Anywhere: The Surprising Importance of Place in a Work-from-Anywhere World by Melody Warnick

Rating: 4.4 stars 

The rise of remote work, even in traditional occupations like the medical and education field, has made it possible today to move out anywhere in the world.

The question then becomes this: where exactly should you move to? In “If You Could Live Anywhere,” you’ll go beyond the typical pros and cons list of a city and jump straight to personal alignment, including:

• Personality
• Income
• Work/life balance 

Considered one of the best books about expats sharing why they chose their new country,  this book sheds a light that goes deeper into helping you answer the question.

“What an excellent and well-balanced book that seeks to provide insight into the places we call home when anywhere can be that place. Now that tethers to a place – in the form of a job- are no longer necessary, we need to be connected to where we are more than ever!”  Read more reviews here.

13. U.S. Taxes for Worldly Americans: The Traveling Expat’s Guide to Living, Working, and Staying Tax Compliant Abroad by Oliver Wagner 

Rating: 4.4 stars 

Americans must continue paying taxes, no matter where they live. 

Taxes are not always a fun topic, but it’s important to be educated to avoid government issues. 

In this tax guidebook, Oliver – a certified public accountant – shares information that will truly make tax season feel like a breeze:

• How to avoid tax fines and issues while living abroad 
• Feel confident when filling out tax forms

The contents published inside this book make it easier for anyone from a physical job to a digital nomad to be ready for taxes anywhere.

“This is basically a bible for anyone who wants the ins and outs of taxation when living abroad. As an LLC owner, there were definitely crucial information that could be used to assist my digital nomadic lifestyle. The step-by-step guide on filing forms and schedules is immensely helpful.” Read more reviews here.

14. Living Abroad Successfully: What, When, Where, How by Rachel Smets 

Rating: 4.4 stars 

In “Living Abroad Successfully,” the author shares some great ideas to consider when you’re just starting to play with the idea of moving to your dream city, including:

• How to manage your emotions with culture shock and adjustment
• How to weigh out the pros and cons of a new city
• Learning the proper success mindset of an expat 

The author, Rachel, shares helpful tips based on her personal experience moving abroad. She creatively educates you while cheering you on with ways to start a new life abroad. 

The book also touches on the sensitive topic of maintaining important connections to home and how to deal with the inevitable emotional shifts in yourself. 

“I have lived abroad for a number of years and even I learned new and useful tips from this clear and insightful book. In particular I appreciated the advice on housing options and renting vs. owning a home. The interviews with expats gave many useful perspectives. This is not a book about living abroad in any particular place, but rather how one can live abroad successfully no matter where that might be. I also appreciated the author’s recommendations and resources. Recommended!”   Read more reviews here.

15. The Expatriate’s Roadmap to Successfully Moving Overseas: All You Need to Know About Living Abroad by Cynthia Caughey 

Rating: 4.3 stars 

Learn from the mistakes of past expats in the book “The Expatriate’s Roadmap to Successfully Moving Overseas.”

The information and lessons are coupled with tips on how to do your own valuable research on your desired country. 

Some of the topics in the book include:

• The possible legalities of staying in a foreign country
• How to decide which country is right for you, and why
• How to earn a living while living abroad, and the different income opportunities 

The real-life expat experiences inside give this book my vote as one of the best books about life in other countries.

“I really liked this informative book! The author has laid it out so that you don’t go into this dream with those colored glasses! All the little intricacies that you didn’t think about was explained thoroughly. Loved it and highly recommend this book if you’re thinking of moving to another country.”  Read more reviews here.

16. Free At Last: Live, Love & Work Abroad: How to Find Jobs and Build Your Career Anywhere by Kristen Palana and Jacqueline Seidel 

Rating: 4.2 stars 

“Free At last: Live, Love & Work Abroad” is a book about two seasoned travelers who have experienced international living for the past decade.

Kristen and Jacqueline share invaluable advice and experience based on their own journeys and from friends on almost every continent. With this book, you’ll be able to take actionable steps in your own way, and on your own time.

Inside, you’ll find topics covering: 

• How to find the perfect working holiday or a short-term job opportunity
• How to start a budget
• Mindset tips for those deciding to return home after working abroad

“This book is one of the most helpful and thorough guides on living abroad I have ever come across. In a very humorous and informal way, Kristen and Jacqueline cover everything you will want to know about before you jump right into your big adventure.” Read more reviews here.

17. Moving Out, Working Abroad and Keeping Your Sanity: 11 secrets to make your expat & digital nomad life better than you imagine by Levi Borba 

Rating: 4.1 stars 

In “Moving Out, Working Abroad and Keeping Your Sanity,” Levi shares 11 lessons he learned in 8 years after moving abroad alone. 

Like many, he had big goals to start a new life in the country of his dreams, which meant exciting new beginnings, as well as growing guilt for leaving his family to move abroad. 

Some of the topics covered inside include:

• How to feel like a local in your new home
• Helpful advice for both yourself and your family readjusting to changes
• Practical advice to befriend your neighbors and earn their trust 

“If you are going to be an expat soon, this is THE book to get. Very well researched. Lots of details on how to survive, thrive and still stay connected to homeland. The author’s stories are very touching especially his grandma’s story. I could relate to the 5 different stages starting from honeymoon to yearning. Especially liked the resources at the end.”  Read more reviews here.

18. Should I Stay or Should I Go? by Paul Allen 

Rating: 4 stars 

Moving abroad may look pretty on social media, but is it right for everyone? 

The writer of “Should I Stay or Should I Go” goes in-depth with you while asking you a few crucial questions. These questions will help you decide if moving abroad is right for you.

• Do you have the mindset and flexibility to move abroad?
• What are your reasons for moving?
• Where do you predict your happiness lies – at home or traveling? 

This is a great book to pick up and sink into its questions if you’re someone who is unsure of where or how they’d like to see themselves thriving in the world.

“Any valuable primer about life abroad must provide a comprehensive view of the realities involved with an international relocation. This involves an accurate assessment of the advantages and disadvantages, the risks and the rewards, and the marvels and the laborious details inherent to any move abroad. Paul Allen’s aptly titled book will truly assist those who want to explore whether or not living overseas is for them.”  Read more reviews here.

19. Expat Women: Confessions by Andrea Martins and Victoria Hepworth 

Rating: 3.7 stars 

Imagine girl talk for women travelers, covering topics from dealing with emotional shifts that come from moving abroad to intercultural relationships and more. 

That’s what “Expat Women: Confessions” is all about! 

Andrea and Victoria have traveled all around, moving on their own or with partners. Together, they have gathered their experiences, as well as that of other expat women all over the world. 

In the book, some topics covered include: 

• Maintaining family connections at home
• Dating locals
• How to stay safe as an expat woman

You will learn how culture shock sneaks up on you, how to make friends when language may be a barrier, and so much more.

“Whether it is your first experience living abroad, or a seasoned long-term expat, this book gives practical advice which is invaluable. Don’t go overseas without it!” Read more reviews here.