What to Sort Out While You’re Still in the USA

(Before You Move Abroad and Realise It’s Too Late)

If you’re planning a move overseas, especially to Portugal, there are certain things that are far easier to deal with while you’re still physically in the United States.

Some tasks can only be done inside the US. Others technically can be done from abroad, but become slower, more expensive, or far more stressful than they need to be.

This guide focuses on the less glamorous side of moving countries. The admin. The systems. The things people usually wish they’d sorted earlier.

If you’re planning a move from abroad, our relocation services to Portugal can help you secure visa-compliant housing and plan your move.

packing your dog up to move

Start With Your Passport

Check the expiry date now.

If your US passport is due to expire within the next couple of years, renew it before applying for a visa. Many visa and residency processes expect a passport with plenty of validity left, and renewing from overseas takes longer and involves more hoops.

This is one of the simplest wins you can give yourself.

Get Your Phone and Numbers Properly Set Up

Your US phone number will matter longer than you expect.

Banks, financial institutions, and government systems often rely on phone-based security, and many of them behave unpredictably once you’re abroad.

Before you leave:

• Activate anything that must be activated inside the US

• Use a phone that supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM

• Keep your US number active in some form if possible

Once you arrive, you’ll almost certainly run two numbers for a while. That’s normal. Don’t rush to cancel anything until you’re sure you no longer need it.

Move Away From SMS Security

Text-message security codes are fragile overseas and less secure in general.

Wherever possible:

• Switch banks and platforms to app-based authentication

• Set up backup login methods

• Make sure you can access accounts without relying on a US mobile signal

This step alone prevents a huge amount of frustration later.

Commit to a Proper Password Manager

Moving countries multiplies logins.

New banks, healthcare portals, visa systems, utilities, tax platforms, and local services all mean new passwords. Trying to remember them, or relying on browser saves, quickly becomes a mess.

Choose one password manager and use it for everything. It removes mental load at a time when you’ll already have plenty.

Scan Every Important Document

You will be asked for paperwork more often than you expect.

Scan and securely store:

• Passport

• Birth certificate

• Driving licence

• Marriage certificate

• Vaccination records

• Prescriptions

• Insurance documents

Make sure you can access these from both your phone and your laptop. Being able to pull up documents instantly can save entire trips to offices.

Driving Licence and Apostilles

If you plan to exchange your US driving licence in Portugal, timing matters. You can drive on your US driving licence until you are 60 (if it’s registered - getting it registered is another matter!).

Portugal requires certified driving records and apostilles, and these documents often need to be recent. Getting them while you’re still in the US is simpler and cheaper.

Check:

• When your licence expires

• Whether you can renew early

• The current exchange rules for your state

Also know that not everyone needs to exchange immediately. If you’re living somewhere walkable or relying on public transport, waiting can be a sensible choice.

Set Up Government Accounts Before You Leave

US government websites are much easier to access and verify while you’re still in the country.

Create accounts for:

• Social Security

• The IRS

• Any other federal service you might need later

Authentication and identity checks can be far more awkward once you’re overseas.

Marriage Certificates and Certified Copies

If you’re married, you will almost certainly need certified copies of your marriage certificate at some point.

Visa applications, residency, banking, inheritance, and even healthcare paperwork can ask for them.

Order multiple certified copies before you leave. You’ll use more than you think.

Medical Prep Before You Go

Healthcare systems don’t overlap neatly.

Before leaving:

• Arrive with several months of prescription medication

• Download your medical records

• Get proof of previous insurance coverage

• Handle routine vaccinations in advance

Some medications commonly prescribed in the US are restricted or harder to obtain in Europe. Research this early and plan accordingly.

Also be aware that some US healthcare portals block overseas access. Download what you need while you still can.

Over-the-Counter Medicines Are Different

Many everyday medicines in the US are handled differently in Portugal.

Pain relief, allergy medication, and sleep aids are typically sold through pharmacies rather than supermarket shelves, and prices can be higher for familiar brands.

If you rely on specific products and they’re legal to bring, arriving with a small supply can be helpful.

Plan Your US Address Carefully

Even after you leave, parts of your financial life still expect a US address.

A virtual mailbox works for many things, but not everything. Some institutions won’t accept commercial-style addresses, and others may temporarily freeze activity when details change.

You may need access to a genuine residential address for:

• Banking

• Investment accounts

• Pension providers

• Unexpected verification requests

Avoid changing addresses across multiple institutions all at once. Many systems impose short security holds after updates.

Think Seriously About Taxes Before You Move

Before leaving the US, understand how your tax situation will look over the next several years.

This includes:

• How US and Portuguese tax rules interact

• What changes once you become tax resident

• Whether any pre-move steps make sense for your situation

Some decisions are far easier to make before you move than after. Even a short planning window can make a difference.

Test International Money Transfers Early

Set up your international money transfer system before you need it.

Wise, Revolut, and similar services are commonly used, but don’t wait until an urgent payment depends on them. Send a test transfer and make sure you understand timings and limits.

Have a Proper Computer

A phone or tablet isn’t enough.

Portuguese banking, visa paperwork, government portals, document uploads, and scanning tasks are all far easier on a laptop. Many processes are awkward or impractical on mobile devices.

If you don’t already have a reliable computer, buy one before you leave.

Translation Tools Save Time

Install at least two translation apps before you arrive.

Using one to translate Portuguese into English and another to translate your reply back into Portuguese makes emails, WhatsApp messages, and appointments far smoother.

It won’t make you fluent, but it will make daily admin less draining.

Use VPNs Carefully

A VPN can help with accessing US-based services, but it shouldn’t be left running constantly.

Some Portuguese systems behave differently if they think you’re in another country, including payments and ticketing platforms. Use VPNs intentionally rather than automatically.

The Bigger Picture

Most moving stress doesn’t come from Portugal.

It comes from unfinished US systems that no longer quite work the way you expect them to. Phone numbers, logins, documents, addresses, and access.

If you handle those calmly and early, the move itself feels far more manageable.

And future you will be very glad you did.