SettlyAI

First 30 days

You've landed. Now what?

The first month is the busiest. Here's what to do — and in what order — for each of the 10 destinations we cover.

Track my first 30 days All guides

Every destination

10 things every international mover needs to do first

These apply regardless of destination — in roughly the right order.

Day 1

Activate your local SIM or eSIM — you'll need a local number for almost every service.

Days 1–3

Complete any mandatory residence or address registration required by your visa.

Days 2–5

Open a local bank account — bring passport, visa, and proof of accommodation.

Week 1

Set up health insurance: confirm employer coverage or buy a private plan.

Week 1

Week 2

Sign a long-term lease once you've tested commute and neighborhood fit.

Week 2–3

Set up utilities: broadband, electricity, and gas where applicable.

Week 3–4

Apply for any required national ID, tax number, or work authorization card.

Month 1

Notify your Indian bank and financial accounts of your new overseas address.

Month 1

Enroll children in school if applicable — start early, waitlists are common.

By destination

Destination-specific priorities

Each city has its own quirks — what to do first differs meaningfully between Singapore, Dubai, Berlin, and Toronto.

Singapore

Plan my move →

Submit SG Arrival Card within three days before arrival.
Keep e-visa, return/onward ticket, hotel address, funds proof, and employment/relocation documents together.
Buy an eSIM or airport SIM after immigration.
Use MRT/taxi for the first week, then compare commute from shortlisted neighborhoods.
For long stay, evaluate pass route, housing deposit, school waitlists, and health insurance before signing a lease.

Recommended first stay

Pan Pacific Singapore — Central first-stay option for Marina Bay, CBD, and MRT access.

Budget: $210–$360 USD/night

United Arab Emirates

Dubai

Plan my move →

Confirm tourist visa channel before booking non-refundable flights.
Carry printed and digital copies of visa, hotel, return ticket, and sponsor details.
Use airport taxi/metro for the first transfer, then test commute at peak hours.
For relocation, estimate rent deposit, agency fee, Ejari, utilities, health insurance, and car/transport costs.
Compare employment, investor, freelancer, and company setup visa routes before selecting a long-stay path.

Recommended first stay

Rove Downtown Dubai — Practical first-stay option near Downtown, DIFC, and Dubai Mall.

Budget: $95–$180 USD/night

Portugal

Lisbon

Plan my move →

Confirm Schengen or long-stay route before travel.
Book flexible housing for the first two weeks.
Test commute from at least three neighborhoods.
Budget for deposits, language paperwork, health insurance, and tax advice.

Recommended first stay

Hotel Mundial — Central first-stay option for Baixa, Alfama, and transit testing.

Budget: $130–$240 USD/night

Canada

Toronto

Plan my move →

Pick immigration category before paying for services.
Plan winter clothing and first-month transit.
Compare school catchments and commute before leasing.
Budget for deposits, health coverage gap, and settlement costs.

Recommended first stay

Chelsea Hotel Toronto — Central first-stay option for downtown, subway, and school visits.

Budget: $160–$280 USD/night

United Kingdom

London

Plan my move →

Run the GOV.UK visa/ETA checker before booking non-refundable travel.
Budget for first-month rent, deposit, transport, and possible NHS surcharge.
Test commute zones before selecting housing.
Confirm right-to-work, study, or family-route evidence before relocation.

Recommended first stay

Citadines Trafalgar Square London — Central first-stay option for Underground access and neighborhood testing.

Budget: $220–$380 USD/night

Australia

Sydney

Plan my move →

Choose the exact Home Affairs visa subclass before gathering documents.
Plan health insurance and first-month accommodation before arrival.
Test train/metro commute from at least three suburbs.
Budget for rent bond, utilities, Opal transport, and setup purchases.

Recommended first stay

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites — Central first-stay option for CBD, Darling Harbour, and rail access.

Budget: $150–$260 USD/night

Germany

Berlin

Plan my move →

Select Schengen or national visa route before appointment booking.
Prepare health insurance and residence-registration planning.
Budget for deposits, temporary housing, and broker-free apartment search delays.
Check degree recognition or employer documents if using work routes.

Recommended first stay

Motel One Berlin-Alexanderplatz — Central first-stay option for U-Bahn/S-Bahn access.

Budget: $120–$220 USD/night

Japan

Tokyo

Plan my move →

Confirm embassy jurisdiction and visa route before booking.
Prepare itinerary, funds, invitation, or Certificate of Eligibility documents as required.
Test train commute and last-train timing before choosing housing.
Plan SIM, resident registration, bank, and health insurance steps for long stay.

Recommended first stay

Tokyu Stay Shinjuku — Central first-stay option for transit and neighborhood testing.

Budget: $130–$240 USD/night

United States

New York

Plan my move →

Confirm visa class and appointment route before booking travel.
Budget for health insurance, rent deposit, broker fees, and transit.
Test subway commute at peak and late hours.
Verify work authorization and employer documentation before accepting relocation plans.

Recommended first stay

Pod Times Square — Central first-stay option for subway and Manhattan commute testing.

Budget: $180–$320 USD/night

New Zealand

Auckland

Plan my move →

Confirm Visitor Visa, NZeTA, work, study, or residence route before travel.
Prepare funds, onward travel, and health/character documents where required.
Test commute across bridge/CBD routes before signing a lease.
Budget for bond, temporary housing, transport, and healthcare setup.

Recommended first stay

Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart — CBD first-stay option for transit, harbor, and neighborhood testing.

Budget: $130–$230 USD/night

Want this as a tracked plan?

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