The EU and the Eurozone
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership of 27 countries that cooperate on trade, laws, travel and citizens’ rights.
The Eurozone is the group of EU countries that use the euro (€) as their official currency, currently 20 EU members. All eurozone countries are in the EU, but not all EU members use the euro.
The first 30 days
Focus on three things in the first month: legal basics (registration, insurance, tax ID), everyday infrastructure (banking, communication, transport), and social integration (language, local networks). The checklist below highlights the common oversights and practical steps you can take right away.
Major things newcomers often overlook
Legal & administrative
- Register your address / residence — many countries ask you to register at the town hall or police station after a short stay; check local deadlines and what documents are needed.
- Get a tax number / ID — needed for employment, opening accounts and public services; rules vary by country.
- Health cover & EHIC — if eligible, apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) through your national provider and understand what it covers vs private travel insurance.
- Register with your embassy/consulate — enroll where possible (e.g., STEP for US citizens) so authorities can contact you in emergencies.
Practical & financial
- Open a local bank account quickly — employers, landlords and many services require one; bring passport, proof of address and a letter of employment where possible. (Country-specific steps vary.)
- Get a local SIM & data plan — cheaper and more reliable than roaming for day-to-day life.
- Understand rental & utility contracts — read notice periods, deposit rules and who is responsible for repairs.
- Learn waste & recycling rules — many towns have strict schedules and fines; check the municipality website as soon as you arrive.
Mobility & everyday navigation
- Learn public transport — find city maps, ticket apps, and pass/zone rules (monthly passes often save money).
- Sort banking credit history — if you plan to rent long-term or get loans, learn how your credit or proof of income is considered locally.
- Learn a few useful phrases — greetings, how to ask for directions, ordering food, it reduces friction and builds goodwill.
Social & cultural actions to prioritise in month one
Small, deliberate social steps early on reduce loneliness and speed up practical problem-solving.
- Practice local greetings and phrases — 5–10 phrases go a long way in shops and with neighbours.
- Join local meetups or expat groups — platforms like InterNations and Meetup help you find helpful people and practical tips fast.
- Explore your immediate area — find the closest pharmacy, grocery, post office, and transport hub during week 1.
- Try local food markets & small restaurants — great for taste and learning local timetables and social norms.
- Attend one community event — a market, local festival or museum night will give context to how people socialise.
- Observe work-life norms — note local lunch times, closing times and weekend patterns to avoid faux pas.
- Be patient and open-minded — adaptation takes time; small consistent interactions matter more than dramatic efforts.
Quick “first 7 days” action plan
- Day 1–2: Register temporary address with landlord; buy a local SIM; find nearest supermarket and pharmacy.
- Day 3–5: Open a bank account (or start the application), apply for EHIC if eligible, and register with your embassy/consulate if you want that safety net.
- Day 6–7: Visit the town hall or check the municipality page for residence rules; locate transport ticket machines and download local transit apps.
Practical resources
Below are high-value official and community resources to consult quickly.
- European Union — official portal. Good for background on EU institutions and rights.
- Your Europe (europa.eu) — practical living & residence information per country.
- European Commission — EHIC info — how the European Health Insurance Card works.
- Expatica — country guides on banking, visas and daily life for expats. (Practical how-to articles.)
- InterNations / Meetup — places to meet other expats and find events.
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) — US citizens: consular registration for safety alerts.
Stories & lessons from others (short takeaways)
Many experienced expats say the same two things: start small and be consistent. A missed registration or a delayed bank account often causes the most friction, not language ability. Seek help early (from an employer’s HR, a relocation agent, or a local expat group) rather than waiting until a deadline becomes an emergency.
Disclaimer
This guide is informational only and does not constitute legal, tax, immigration or medical advice. Rules and practice change by country and over time, for official decisions consult national government websites, your embassy/consulate or qualified local professionals.
