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<\/figure>\nI’ve done extended stays in Paris and South Africa, and the packing lessons hit different when you’re not on a two-week vacation. You’re setting up a life. That changes what matters.<\/p>\n
My rule:<\/strong> If you haven’t used it in the last 30 days in the US, don’t bring it abroad. Your lifestyle will change faster than you think.<\/p>\n This guide breaks down what to pack when moving abroad by region \u2014 because packing for Portugal is not packing for Thailand, and packing for Cape Town is not packing for Medell\u00edn. Climate, plugs, health prep, and documents all vary. Here’s what actually matters.<\/p>\n Western Europe is milder than most Americans expect \u2014 winters hover between 40\u201355\u00b0F in Lisbon and Barcelona, summers hit 75\u201390\u00b0F. Southern Europe (Greece, southern Spain, coastal Italy) gets hot and dry in summer but stays mild in winter. Germany and northern France require a proper coat from November through March.<\/p>\n Pack for all four seasons if you’re staying long-term. Layers are your best friend.<\/p>\n Europeans dress more intentionally than Americans. The “athleisure everywhere” look that works in Austin doesn’t land the same in Milan or Paris. You don’t need a formal wardrobe, but you do need pieces that work across contexts.<\/p>\n Kim’s European tip:<\/strong> Pack one black dress or pair of dark chinos plus a blazer, and you can go anywhere \u2014 beach town lunch to Michelin restaurant dinner. Europeans respect the effort to dress up; Americans typically underdress.<\/p>\n Need the full visa document checklist<\/a> for your destination? Download the 2026 Visa Checklists PDF<\/a> \u2014 it covers Portugal, Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Thailand, and more.<\/p>\n Latin America is not one climate. Mexico City and Bogot\u00e1 sit at altitude (7,000\u20138,600 ft) and are surprisingly cool year-round \u2014 55\u201370\u00b0F. The coasts (Cartagena, Puerto Vallarta, M\u00e9rida) are hot and humid, 85\u201395\u00b0F year-round. Andean cities like Cusco and Quito are cool with intense UV.<\/p>\n Pack versatile layers and serious UV protection regardless of destination. Knowing what to pack when moving abroad to Latin America starts with understanding altitude.<\/p>\n This is where Latin America packing differs most from Europe:<\/p>\n In Mexico and Colombia<\/a>, US dollars are often accepted in tourist areas. Always have some local currency for markets, street food, and transport. ATMs in city centers are safe \u2014 rural ATMs less so. Withdraw at banks during business hours when possible.<\/p>\n Hot and humid year-round \u2014 85\u201395\u00b0F average. Two seasons: dry (Nov\u2013Apr) and wet (May\u2013Oct, with daily afternoon downpours). AC is everywhere indoors, so bring a light layer for restaurants and coworking spaces.<\/p>\n Pack minimal, pack light. You will sweat. Everything dries overnight.<\/p>\n Bali tip:<\/strong> Rent a scooter ($80\u2013$100\/month) within your first week. It changes everything \u2014 you’ll go where you want, when you want. Take a 30-minute lesson first if you’ve never ridden one. Grab (the Uber of Southeast Asia) works in cities if you prefer.<\/p>\n Africa is not one climate. Cape Town is Mediterranean \u2014 like California \u2014 with hot dry summers (75\u201385\u00b0F) and cool wet winters (50\u201360\u00b0F). Morocco’s north is Mediterranean, while Marrakech hits 100\u00b0F in summer. Nairobi sits at altitude and stays comfortable year-round (65\u201375\u00b0F) \u2014 it’s nicknamed “city of eternal spring.”<\/p>\n Pack for your specific city, not a generic “Africa” stereotype.<\/p>\n My dollar in Cape Town versus my dollar in France<\/a> felt like two different incomes. The lifestyle-to-cost ratio in South Africa is exceptional \u2014 but the load-shedding situation is real and will affect your daily life. Going in without a plan for backup power is going in unprepared.<\/p>\n These apply everywhere:<\/p>\n Packing is just one piece. The bigger challenge is sequencing everything else \u2014 selling your stuff, closing accounts, getting documents in order, booking your landing accommodation.<\/p>\n I’ve mapped out the full 90-day pre-departure timeline in the 90-Day Relocation Planner<\/a> \u2014 it follows the M.O.V.E. Method\u2122 framework and breaks down exactly what to do at 90, 60, and 30 days out.<\/p>\n If you’re still deciding where to move, the Country Finder Quiz<\/a> matches you to destinations based on your priorities \u2014 cost of living, visa accessibility, language, climate, and remote work infrastructure.<\/p>\n And if you want the full system \u2014 country comparison data, visa checklists, budget calculator, packing guides, and relocation planner all in one place \u2014 that’s the Move Abroad Toolkit<\/a>.<\/p>\nWhat to Pack When Moving Abroad: By Region<\/h2>\n
Europe: Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Greece, Croatia<\/h2>\n
Climate reality<\/h3>\n
Clothing that works<\/h3>\n
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Tech and remote work setup<\/h3>\n
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Documents and finance<\/h3>\n
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Latin America: Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Peru<\/h2>\n
Climate reality<\/h3>\n
Clothing that works<\/h3>\n
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Health and safety prep<\/h3>\n
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Finance note<\/h3>\n
Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia (Bali), Malaysia<\/h2>\n
Climate reality<\/h3>\n
Clothing that works<\/h3>\n
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Tech considerations<\/h3>\n
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Health and tropical prep<\/h3>\n
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Africa: South Africa, Morocco, Kenya<\/h2>\n
Climate reality<\/h3>\n
Clothing that works<\/h3>\n
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Tech and power reality<\/h3>\n
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Health prep<\/h3>\n
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What NOT to pack (universal)<\/h2>\n
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Your 90-day departure timeline<\/h2>\n
Ready to figure out your destination?<\/h2>\n