Settling in

When you arrive in your new country, you'll want to make yourself at home. There are plenty of ways in which you can get involved with the local life and culture. Not being at work might mean that you have to use your imagination a little more when it comes to meeting people, but it will give also you ample time to really explore your new surroundings, make friends and find new ways to fill your day.

When you arrive

Register with your local British Consulate, which will be able to help in the event of an emergency. A list of British embassies abroad can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.

Get in touch with other retired expats

Most consulates will also have information on expat groups and activities in your area.
The Internet is also a good way to find out what's going on in your new location and there are usually many online noticeboards where retired expats can share information and make contacts. Get started with the list of links at Expat Expert.

Register with the local authorities

If you have moved to another EEA country, you will need to apply for residence within three months of arriving.
Make sure you give your form E121, if you have one, to the organisation running the sickness insurance scheme in your new country. This is a form specifically for retired people. For more details, go to Health issues.

Get to grips with the language

You may have done some classes before you left home, but you might want to book some additional ones on arrival.
If you want to learn in your own time, Linguaphone, offers audio and online courses.
You could also offer English conversation lessons in exchange for lessons in the language of your new country.

Get involved in the social scene

Try to find local versions of the things you enjoy doing at home, such as sports or evening classes.
Subscribe to the local English language newspaper to find out what's going on in your area.

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