Landing in a new country for work is exciting, overwhelming, and sometimes a little chaotic. Between figuring out transport, adjusting to a new office culture, and trying to remember which aisle the milk is in, financial admin can slip to the bottom of your list. But the truth is, the sooner you sort out your money matters, the smoother the rest of your settling in a new country journey becomes.
Think of this as your first-30-days post emigration checklist. A friendly, practical guide to help you tick off the essential money tasks that every South African needs to handle when moving abroad.
Top 3 takeaways on things for expats to consider when moving abroad
- Your financial setup in your new country will influence your tax obligations back home, your savings potential, and your ability to send money to SA smoothly.
- Getting your banking, tax, and payroll basics right early prevents expensive mistakes later, especially when moving from country to country for work.
- FinGlobal can help you make sense of your remaining SA assets, South African tax residency status, and cross-border money transfers so you can focus on building your new life.
Read more: Moving out of South Africa – how to get your assets and funds offshore safely.
Your first 30 days financial starter pack after moving overseas
Below is your practical moving abroad checklist with all the key steps every South African expat should tackle as soon as they arrive.
1. Open a local bank account but keep your South African one active
One of the first things you will need when moving internationally is a local bank account. Your employer will usually require it for salary payments, debit orders, and local verification.
Why this matters:
- You want a clean financial footprint in your new country.
- It helps you build credit for future rentals, car finance, and insurance.
- Many countries require a local account for tax refunds or social security payments.
What expats often miss: Keep your SA bank account open, especially in your first year. You may still need it for debit orders, investments, or money transfers. Closing it too soon can complicate your relocating abroad checklist, especially if you still have financial ties or tax processes that must be completed in South Africa.
Read more: Keeping your South African bank accounts and financial connections post-emigration.
2. Understand your new payslip and tax deductions
Your first salary will tell you a lot about your financial life in your new country. Make time to sit with HR or payroll to understand:
- Income tax withholding
- Compulsory pension or social security contributions
- Optional retirement benefits
- Health insurance deductions
- Any expat allowances
Why this matters: Countries all tax differently. You need clarity so you can plan ahead, especially if you might qualify for a foreign tax credit or income exemption in future. Understanding your payslip also helps you avoid double taxation and comply with both countries’ requirements.
Your payslip will also determine how you prepare for your first tax season overseas, which is a key item on any checklist when moving abroad.
Read more: 7 Financial things you need to do before (and after) you leave South Africa permanently.
3. Set up safe, affordable remittance options back to South Africa
Most expats will send money back home at some point, whether to support their family, maintain a bond, or keep contributing to investments. That is why remittance planning is essential during your first 30 days.
What to do next:
- Compare transfer/forex providers on fees and exchange rates.
- Confirm how long transfers take from your new country to SA.
- Make sure your SA bank details are correct and active.
- Track when exchange rates favour transfers to get more for your money.
This step belongs on every moving to another country checklist because cross border money flows involve both countries’ financial regulations. Getting this right early avoids delays and surprise charges later.
Read more: Can I open a bank account offshore before I physically emigrate from South Africa?
4. Understand how your first tax return abroad will work
Every country has different tax years, filing rules, and residency tests. Once you arrive you need to know:
- When your tax year starts and ends
- Whether you become tax resident on arrival or after a time test
- Which income must be declared
- Whether you must still file in South Africa
- How tax treaties affect you
This is one of the most important things to consider when moving abroad, especially if you have income that spans both countries in your first year. If you do not get your tax residency status right early on, you may face assessments in both countries that could have been avoided with proper planning. On the other hand, you’ll also need to know how to handle your tax returns back in South Africa.
5. Get familiar with currency exchange and conversion costs
Working in one currency and having financial ties in another is all part of the expat experience. But currency movements can either work for you or drain your money quietly in the background.
Here is the quick moving overseas checklist for managing forex confidently:
- Learn what affects your new country’s exchange rate
- Track the Rand’s performance so you can time transfers
- Understand conversion fees on your bank account
- Use authorised platforms for foreign exchange
- Check remittance limits in both countries
Smart expats build these habits early because they can make a meaningful difference to long term savings.
Your new life starts with strong financial foundations
Your first month abroad sets the tone for everything that follows. When you work through a clear relocating overseas checklist and take control of your financial setup early, you protect your income, avoid compliance headaches, and give yourself the freedom to enjoy your new adventure.
Whether you need clarity on your remaining SA assets, help with tax emigration, or support with international money transfers, FinGlobal’s expert team is ready to guide you every step of the way. Let us handle the compliance and red tape while you focus on building your new life with confidence.
To find out more about our trusted financial services for South African expats around the world, leave your contact details below and we’ll be in touch to get the ball rolling!