Walking through the streets of Bratislava with Safiye, I can’t help but reflect on the fears that come with moving to a new country. The unknown, the bureaucracy, the financial risks—these thoughts cross almost everyone’s mind before taking the leap. But are these fears justified? Or are they simply the result of reading too many horror stories online? Let’s break them down one by one as we sip on our espressos at Konditorei Kormuth, enjoying the scent of freshly baked pastries in the air.

Safiye and I are food lovers, no doubt about it. We never skip a good meal or a chance to try something new, whether it’s a historic café or a tiny street food stall. Every trip we take is a mix of sightseeing and feasting, and honestly, we never come back home weighing the same as when we left. It’s almost a tradition now—two or three extra kilos per trip, but hey, every bite is worth it! Let us continue while we are spending time and thinking about moving to Slovakia.

What if I get scammed?

One of the biggest fears people have is being scammed, especially when dealing with visa processes or residency permits. And honestly, it’s not an irrational fear. I’ve come across countless stories online where people have paid thousands to so-called ‘consultants’ who disappeared the moment they received the money.

Safiye looks up from her slice of medovník and shakes her head. “Remember that guy on the forum? The one who paid €5,000 and found out later that his application was never even submitted?” she asks. I nod. Another person shared how they were tricked into renting a ‘fully furnished apartment’ only to arrive and find an empty space.

The best way to avoid these situations? Double-check everything. Verify the legitimacy of companies, read reviews from multiple sources, and if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

What if I can’t handle the bureaucracy?

Paperwork is a nightmare. No matter which country you move to, there will always be documents to submit, stamps to collect, and long lines at government offices.

At UFO Restaurant, overlooking the Danube River, Safiye laughs as she remembers something she read: “I thought I was moving to Germany, not 1940s Soviet Union,” someone had said after three months of struggling with a simple work permit. Another expat in Italy joked that he needed a permit just to apply for another permit.

The key to surviving bureaucracy? Patience and persistence. Things will take time, and you might have to redo paperwork multiple times. But as long as you follow the rules and keep track of deadlines, you’ll get through it. We clink our glasses of Slovak wine, knowing full well that we’ve been through our own share of ridiculous paperwork struggles.

What if I run out of money?

Financial worries are a huge stress factor when moving abroad. What if you can’t find a job? What if your savings disappear faster than expected?

We’re at Slovak Pub, digging into a hearty plate of bryndzové halušky, and I remember reading about a guy who moved to Spain with enough savings for six months, expecting to find a job within that time. Two years later, he was still unemployed and had to return home. Another expat in Thailand admitted he underestimated the cost of living and ended up sleeping in a hostel dorm for months.

The lesson here? Always have a backup plan. Calculate your costs realistically, save more than you think you’ll need, and make sure you have a way to sustain yourself before making the move.

What if I don’t fit in?

Cultural differences can be tough. The language barrier, unfamiliar social norms, and even small things like how people greet each other can make you feel out of place.

As we enjoy our coffee at Urban House, a cozy spot in the heart of the city, I recall a post from an American in Japan who spent six months feeling completely isolated because he didn’t speak the language. Another expat in France mentioned that locals seemed friendly at first but never invited him into their social circles.

The best way to adapt? Be open-minded and proactive. Learn the language, make an effort to understand the culture, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Safiye reminds me how we once struggled to order food in a local market, but after a few weeks, we were joking with the vendors and feeling more at home.

What if I regret my decision?

Moving abroad is a huge life change, and it’s normal to have doubts. What if you leave everything behind and realize it was a mistake?

At Modrá Hviezda, as we enjoy a late dinner in the warmth of a candle-lit stone cellar, I tell Safiye about an expat in South America who spent his first year hating everything—he missed home, struggled with the language, and questioned his decision every day. But by his second year, things started to fall into place, and now he says it was the best choice he ever made.

Adjusting takes time. Not every day will be perfect, but that doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice. Give yourself time to settle, and if things truly don’t work out, you can always go back or try somewhere new.

At the end of the day, moving abroad isn’t easy. There are risks, uncertainties, and plenty of challenges. But for every horror story, there’s also a success story—someone who found a new home, a new career, or a new way of life.

So, if you’re thinking about making the move, don’t let fear hold you back. Do your research, prepare yourself, and take the leap. Who knows? It might just be the best decision you ever make.

By the way my wife has a YouTube channel if you want to take a look just click here. But I should share that we are not living with the camera so sometimes she record sometimes we just focus on our trip you can’t find this day that we discussed about moving abroad because we just want to spend time and think about the moving.