Individuals considering relocating to another country should test out their prospective expatriate life first, according to an online expat magazine.

Rhiannon Davies, director of ShelterOffshore.com, suggested that those thinking of living, working or retiring overseas should spend time in a country on a tourist visa before committing to moving there.

Would-be expatriate medical insurance policyholders should also ‘always rent a property before you consider buying so that you can make sure you really do love the country enough to stay’.

Ms Davies recommended doing research into the best part of the adopted country to live, so as to be sure there are plenty of expat healthcare facilities, schools and other necessary services, and ensuring you are up to date on the condition of the property market and tax laws before investing in a home.

Her comments come as the government of South Australia launched an initiative to entice young British adults to come to the country, offering them temporary jobs in such fields as beer-tasting and koala-catching.

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