The New Expat Guide to Social Media

You finally did it. You packed your bags, got on a flight, and made your way to a brand new country. You’ve now earned the coveted title of expat.

You also have no friends, no job, and no idea what’s going on.

You have two options: First, you can flounder your way through with no guidance. Second, you can use social media to build the life of your dreams.

Option 2 sounds a lot better, doesn’t it?

expat moving abroad

When you’re an expat, social media becomes so much more than just a place to showcase your life’s highlights. It’s where events happen. It’s a place where friends are made. It’s also a place where jobs can be found, and so, so much more.

Here’s how to use it to your full advantage in your new home:

1. Facebook

Maybe you’ve had “The Book” since middle school, but now you actually need it.

Take it from someone who knows, I’ve relocated three times with no prior knowledge of the locations. In fact, I owe almost everything to the Facebook groups I joined along the way.

If you’re in a major city, take five minutes and simply search “[Your Location] Expats” and you’re bound to find at least one group with a few thousand people.

These people will likely speak English and will certainly be ready to answer your questions. If you’re in a smaller town, join the groups from a nearby city.

Even if you never meet up with anyone, it’s a great resource to have at your fingertips to get a feel for the area from the people who’ve been there the longest. Very often, these groups include friendly, English-speaking locals, so you’ll really get the inside scoop.

Most of these groups have fairly strict rules about what you can and can’t post. However,  if you don’t find what you’re looking for immediately, you can refine your Facebook search until you do.

Top Facebook Groups to Join

  • Housing/Flatshare. Use this for finding a place to live with decent people you can actually speak to before you move in;
  • Jobs. Companies and individuals post here when they want employees, just be sure to check it regularly as opportunities come and go fast;
  • Free Stuff. Expats are always coming and going, so these groups are rife with plenty of secondhand furniture and clothes;
  • Women’s Groups. Many cities have women’s only expat groups which are extra friendly and supportive; and
  • Travel Groups. Especially for women, groups like Host a Sister could provide you with opportunities to go on international adventures with other expat women.

In addition to joining groups, you should pay close attention to special events. Many cities offer everything from festivals to professional workshops to art classes — and they can all be found on Facebook.

Don’t worry if the attendance count is low. It’s not always an indicator of how many people show up. Have a little faith!

2. Instagram

Ah, Instagram. It’s every traveler’s favorite way to show off. Oppositely, it could be your favorite way to find new destinations. Perhaps you used to spend hours scrolling and pinning to see the exotic places your favorite influencers have traveled to, but now, you can too!

Bookmark posts that feature cool stuff you want to see, but keep your expectations in check. One gorgeous photo on Instagram doesn’t mean an entire city is always worth visiting or calling home.

Therefore, it’s crucial that you do your research to prevent buying an expensive plane ticket only to find out that a beautiful staircase is the only cool thing in a 50 mile radius.

using instagram as an expat

My favourite way to use Instagram is as a stepping stone to find travel blogs that cater to your specific tastes.

The outdoor girl that’s always at the top of a mountain with her cute dog? She probably has a hiking blog that details how to get to that same view.

The foodie who posts pics of the most stunning food you’ve ever seen? They probably have a map of the city’s best restaurants on their website.

The totally amazing woman who travels all over the world sharing her travel tips, favourite places, and awesome products? Yup you guessed it, that’s Alex, the editor of this very blog. Look at you, you’re here now! Aren’t blogs great?

social media for expats

3. Youtube

If you don’t have the time to read full blog posts every day, check out Youtube for travel vloggers.

Just know that you may have to sift through some fluff to find the good stuff. Search for accounts such as Prague’s Honest Guide, a local Czech who tells you the truth about the city. He’ll tell you what’s a ripoff, places that are safe after 10pm, and other gritty realities that commercial vloggers tend to leave out.

4. LinkedIn

If you’re an expat, freelancer, or like to change jobs frequently, keep your LinkedIn up to date. Recruiters are always on the prowl, and even if you’re not currently looking for a job at the moment, you’ll always get new messages when you update my profile.

Trust me when I say don’t close any doors!

One last piece of advice: don’t be shy. Your new home is full of people who felt or feel exactly like you do now, and reaching out for advice or sending out an invitation for drinks is completely normal.

social media for expat guide

You never know — a stranger you invite out for a drink for your 25th birthday could end up being your best friend for life (also take that lesson from me).

<style=”text-align: center;”>The moral of the story is this: get online, get social, and get going!

Travel Resources

Interested in moving abroad? Read more expat and international travel travel tips here.

Want to connect with other likeminded travelers? Apply to join the East Coast Contessa Pinterest Group boards here.

Want to read more from this author? Learn more about Meredith Clarke here and here.

expat on social media

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking to sell, buy, or trade your car from the comfort of your home? You’ll want to check out @driveway_hq! 

Driveway.com makes it easy to find the value of your current vehicle through a convenient evaluation process that only takes a few minutes. Instant offers are valid for 7 days.

When you’re ready to buy, its inventory of more than 30,000 new and used cars makes finding the perfect one a breeze. Simply search inventory by year, make, model, color, gas milage, and more. Driveway will even pick up your old car or deliver your new one right to your doorstep!

As someone with a busy travel schedule, Driveway takes the stress and hassle out of searching for a new car so I can explore on my own time. From road trips in the mountains to quick spins around the city, wherever I’m going it helps me get there.

Driveway. The way better way to buy and sell your car online. # AD
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of traveling, it’s that sometimes less is more — especially when it comes to packing. {ad}

These days, I’ve definitely been utilizing carry on’s rather than checking a bag but, I’m not exactly the lightest packer 🤭 so I’ve had to master the art of maximizing less space.

This is where Pebbler packing cubes come in! 🫶🏻

Pebbler’s chic five piece set includes a convenient laundry bag and comes in sleek colors like black and sand. Let me tell you — they make packing, unpacking, and organizing clothes a breeze. Made of water-resistant material, double zippers for easy access, and breathable mesh, they help keep clothes wrinkle free, save space, and make for a smoother travel experience. They are the ultimate travel and packing essential!

Tap the link in my bio and use code “𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐗𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐀𝟏𝟓” for 15% off your Pebbler order to enjoy a smoother, lighter journey on your next adventure!

#PebblerPartner #Amazontravelfinds #travelhack #packinghack #Pebblerpackingcubes #packwithme
𝟓 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐠𝐚, 𝐓𝐍: 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟑! @visitchatt 

1. @lodgecastiron Museum + @sopitt_bigbadbreakfast. Located in the heart of cast iron’s hometown of South Pittsburg, Tennessee, this museum is a must for those who love cooking, history, food culture, and very large skillets! After the museum, grab brunch at Big Bad Breakfast (the chicken + waffles and cornbread omelet are 😍)
2. @rembrandtscoffeehouse. This cozy European style cafe serves unique coffee drinks and teas, fresh-baked breads, breakfast sandwiches, and beautiful pastries. Try a raspberry vanilla iced brew with an Egg + cheese biscuit sammy ♥️
3. @huntermuseum of American Art. Built in 1905, it became an art museum in 1952. It’s collection spans the history of American art from the colonial period to the present day and includes paintings, sculptures, contemporary studio glass, and crafts. The views of the Tennessee River from here aren’t shabby either!
4. @hellomontyonmain. This chill Southside hang out serves amazing beer, craft cocktails, and shareable plates. Order the Cast Iron Cheese Dip, the Fried Brussel Sprouts, and the Cast Iron Caramel Apple Crisp.
5. @meanmugcoffeehouse. Established in 2011, this quirky, lively coffeehouse boasts reclaimed wood & brick accents and serves unique coffees and light bites. Order a Mean Mug Nitro Cold Brew with Peach cold foam, and an egg + avocado toast! *don’t forget to check out the @kelseymontagueart mural next door for a fun photo opp!*

Are you planning to visit Chattanooga, Tennessee soon? 🇺🇸 {Ad} #hosted
—————————
#VisitChatt #ChattanoogaTN #Chattanooga #tnvacation • Southeast USA • Visit the USA • USA roadtrip • summer road trip •
5 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙤𝙜𝙖, 𝙏𝙚𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙚: 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩 2!

If I learned anything during my recent trip to @visitchatt, it’s that there’s so much more to the city than meets the eye. It’s home to some of the most popular attractions in the US, sure, but it also boasts plenty of hidden gems and unique local experiences. Add these 5 locations to your Chattanooga itinerary (you won’t regret it!):

- Tennessee Aquarium @tennesseeaquarium. Home to more than 12,000 animals representing close to 800 species, it features two sections (Ocean and River) and is one of the largest aquariums in the U.S.
- 1885 Grill @1885grillstelmo. This southern coastal restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, high quality steaks, and comforting soul food. Order their wings with Carolina Gold BBQ!
- Rock City Gardens @seerockcity. Located on Lookout Mountain, Rock City Gardens features a 4,100-foot Enchanted Trail with incredible rock formations, magical caves, native plant species, waterfalls, and a panoramic view of Seven States!
- Massey’s Kitchen @masseyskitchenlookout. This Mediterranean inspired restaurant just opened in June and is Chattanooga’s new hot spot. The food is incredible and their outdoor patio is perfect for dining al fresco. Order the baked feta 🤤
- The Read House Hotel @readhousehotel. This historic jazz era hotel from the 1870’s has hosted famous people including Oprah, Winston Churchill, Walt Disney, and Elvis Presley. It’s even rumored to have a permanent guest — a ghost in room 311!

Keep an eye out for Part 3 and let me know which location you would visit first! 🇺🇸 {ad} #hosted
___________________
#VisitChatt #VisitChattanooga #Chattanoooga #ChattanoogaTN #onlyinTennessee #tennesseeaquarium #tnvacation • southeast U.S. • U.S. road trip • visit the U.S. • United States travel •
If you’re looking for the perfect end of summer U.S. vacation destination, Chattanooga, Tennessee is it. @visitchatt 🇺🇸 

I recently spent a few days exploring this lively town for the first time, and unsurprisingly found so much to love about it. If you’re planning a trip to the U.S. soon — or you live here and want to explore more of your own backyard — you won’t regret putting it on your travel bucket list. 

To help you plan, below are 5 things not to miss when in The Scenic City: 

📍Ruby Falls (@rubyfallscave) Millions of years old but discovered in 1928, it’s the largest underground waterfall in the U.S., and is located more than 1,120 feet under the surface. 
📍Wildflower Tea Shop & Apothecary (@wildflowerteashop) This whimsical vegan-friendly coffee and tea shop stocks a wide variety of loose leaf teas and herbs and other locally made products. I recommend getting the Iced Chocolate Chai with oat milk for a cold treat!
📍Lookout Mountain Incline Railway (@ridetheincline) With a 72.7% grade, it’s one of the steepest passenger railways in the world. The ride is well worth it with stunning views of Lookout Mountain from the top!
📍Frazier Five and Dime (@frazierfiveanddime) Anything you order at this North Shore eatery will be 10/10, but I especially loved the street corn with hot Funyuns and the cheesy cauliflower au gratin 🤤
📍Walnut Street Bridge. With a 1/2-mile span, it’s one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world and provides amazing view of the riverfront. 

Which location would you visit first? Let me know in the comments below, and stay tuned for parts 2 + 3! 
______________
#VisitChatt #VisitChattanooga #chattanoogatn #chattanoogatennessee #onlyintennessee (AD) *hosted* • USA Travel • USA Explores • summer travel • visit the USA •
Welcome to one of the most underrated southern cities in the U.S.: @visitchatt! 

While most travelers flock to Music City year after year, just a couple hours drive southeast you’ll find a true gem hidden in the lively city of Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

Here’s some fun facts about the “The Scenic City”:

✧ MoonPies were invented here! These graham cracker marshmallow sandwiches are covered entirely in melted chocolate and are so delicious.

✧ It’s home to the Incline Railway, one of the steepest passenger railway lines in the world!

✧ Chattanooga boasts one of the largest collections of American art in the country at the Hunter Museum. 

✧ One of the world's longest pedestrian bridges can also be found in Chattanooga.

I’ll be sharing more from my time in @visitchatt, and you can also see what I experienced there by clicking on my Chattanooga highlight badge above.

Have you visited Chattanooga yet? 
📍: Chattanooga Choo Choo 
—————
#VisitChatt #VisitChattanooga #Chattanooga #chattanoogatennessee | southern cities | summer travel | summer road trips | visit the USA |
PSA: The person who sent you this wants to plan a trip to Cartagena, Colombia 🇨🇴

There are a million reasons why Cartagena deserves a spot on your travel bucket list, but since I can’t list them *all*, here are a few:

𝐀𝐧 𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞:
Cartagena is home to some of the best restaurants in Colombia from high-end eateries and charming cafes, to the finest seafood and unfussy local markets.

𝐕𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬:
Cartagena boasts vibrant, laid-back neighborhoods with stunning street-art, hip cocktail bars, street performers, food stalls, and rooftop restaurants.

𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬:
Enjoy a beach close to the city or take a boat to the nearby islands (Rosario, Playa Blanca, or Isla Grande). Some resorts even offer private beach experiences such as the Beach Club at @dreamsresorts Karibana Cartagena. 

You can plan your very own Cartagena adventure using @beachbound, an online travel agency that allows travelers to plan every aspect of their luxury beach vacations all in one place. In addition to Cartagena, you can choose from 69 other destinations throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Europe, and the U.S. 

If you want to save even more money, sign up for email and SMS texts and receive $150 off your first booking 💕#BeachBound #WhatareYouBoundFor #dreamsresorts 
———————————
Cartagena • Colombia travel • Cartagena de Indias • South America • summer vacation •
Food and travel are intertwined. Almost any memorable journey starts (and ends) with a great meal, and my trip to Cartagena was no exception 🇨🇴 

Cartagena has just about any type of cuisine a traveler could want or imagine. From local delicacies to unique international fare, during our stay at @dreamsresorts Karibana Cartagena, we were able to taste foods from all over the world at each of their five on-site restaurants. From the freshest local seafood to freshly baked pastries, it was an amazing experience!

Everything we ate was absolutely delicious, but my favorites are below:

• Fried fish (pescado frito)
• Caramelized banana pancakes
• Torta de Tres leches
• Coconut rice
• Coconut fish soup (sancocho de pescado con coco)
• Colombian style arepas (with quesito Colombiano)
• Guava and cheese pastries (Pastel Gloria)
• Oyster au Gratin
• Seafood risotto with truffle smoke
• Pasta alla Ruota (pasta in a cheese wheel)
• Copoazú ice cream (white chocolate)
• Chicken pasteles
• Colombian empanadas 

Which of these would you try first? 🍲🍤🍮🥥🦪🥭

——————————
@dreamskaribana #BeachBound #WhatareyouBoundFor #cartagenadeindias #colombiatravel #cartagenacolombia #colombianfood
Copyright 2023 © All rights Reserved | Privacy Policy