Many people can only dream of living in a city as wonderful as Paris. However, around 22,000 expats call this charming metropolis home with many more contemplating packing up and trying life as a Parisian. As wonderful as it is to call Paris home, it has its pitfalls.
So, what can an expat expect when living in Paris? While there are undeniable benefits such as exceptional food and a culture steeped in a rich history, you can expect a few challenges.
How To Fit In
Moving to any new neighborhood is going to be challenging with the classic “getting to know the neighbors” routine. Multiply that by at least ten and that’s pretty much what you can expect when moving to another country. In a city like Paris, expect the unexpected. This is a vibrant city full of people from all over the world and you can expect a little bit of an adjustment period. Of course, it also depends on your personality and how willing you are to make friends with the locals. Most people are easy to get along with so just be friendly and you’ll fit in most neighborhoods.
Funding Your New Life
Living in a city such as Paris isn’t exactly cheap but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life. It’s always a good idea to make sure you have enough money to fund your life for at least a few months but at some stage, you will need to find a job. There are plenty of opportunities for employment in Paris and if you speak French, your chances of finding your dream job increase instantly. Even if you don’t speak the language, you can still find employment as a freelancer or teaching English.
Prepare Yourself for Bureaucracy
One of the things you won’t like in Paris is trying to get things done. From signing up for a phone plan to obtaining residency, there’s a lot of paperwork and bureaucracy that needs to be taken care of and it often progresses at a snail’s pace. Forget about trying to rush things and definitely don’t try to get officials moving faster because it may have the reverse effect.
Where To Hang Your Hat
There is an old proverb that states, “Home is where you hang your hat” and when you decide to move to Paris you will need a place to call home. Where you choose to live will depend on your needs and your budget. Fortunately, moving to Paris and finding accommodation can be easier than you think. Simply use a reputable online platform and choose the filters that apply to your circumstances.
Learn The Language
While you can get by in France without actually speaking French, your life will be a lot easier and more rewarding if you learn the local language. Learning a new language can be quite challenging but if you plan on living in Paris for any length of time, you will need to learn how to speak, listen, read and write in French. On the upside, there is no better way to learn a language than to immerse yourself in the culture.
Moving to Paris won’t be easy but it doesn’t need to be overly difficult. With a little research and effort, you can overcome the challenges and enjoy life in Paris like the millions of Parisians already living there.