Free checklist

47 things to sort before you leave the US

Print this page or save it as a PDF. Product rules change, so verify prices, coverage, eligibility, and laws with the provider or destination before acting.

Phone & connectivity

  • Check the exact carrier unlock policy for your phone.
  • Confirm the phone is unlocked after the request completes.
  • Verify the exact model supports your planned SIM and eSIM combination.
  • Choose how you will keep or replace your US number.
  • Test SMS and Wi-Fi Calling on the US line before departure.
  • Buy a landing-day data plan for the destination.
  • Compare local carriers at your home and workplace addresses.
  • Install the messaging apps used by local contacts.

Accounts & money

  • List every account that still sends security codes by SMS.
  • Move supported accounts to an authenticator or security key.
  • Record the actual recovery method for each critical account.
  • Test both registered hardware security keys.
  • Check each bank’s residence, travel, and contact rules.
  • Turn on transaction and sign-in alerts.
  • Save each issuer’s international support number.
  • Carry payment cards from two issuers in separate places.
  • Compare card conversion, ATM, and foreign transaction fees.
  • Test a small withdrawal and card purchase before relying on them.

Documents & recovery

  • Check passport validity against the destination’s entry rule.
  • Save the nearest US embassy or consulate contact details.
  • Scan only the identity and legal documents you may need.
  • Keep full card numbers and CVVs out of ordinary cloud folders.
  • Encrypt sensitive document copies.
  • Make a controlled offline copy of essential records.
  • Test access to those records in airplane mode.
  • Write an emergency-access plan without putting every secret together.
  • Set up and confirm supported recovery contacts.
  • Review insurance requirements for theft reports and claims.

Devices, work & power

  • Check laptop and phone battery health and software support.
  • Run a complete computer backup.
  • Restore a test file from the computer backup.
  • Confirm the phone completed a recent backup.
  • Check device-protection eligibility and destination service limits.
  • Verify every charger says Input: 100–240V.
  • Use a destination-rated non-surge power strip or buy one locally.
  • Test primary internet during your real work hours.
  • Test a separate backup connection during a live call.
  • Get written employer approval and confirm work authorization where required.

US logistics & first week

  • Set up a mailbox service if needed, confirm whether it is a CMRA, and check current USPS forwarding rules.
  • Update important senders directly instead of relying only on forwarding.
  • Ask each institution which mailing and residential addresses it requires.
  • Export a medical summary, medication list, and immunization record.
  • Confirm medication import rules with the destination authority.
  • Inventory app-store regions, subscriptions, and local-app needs.
  • Download offline maps for the destination.
  • Record visa or entry deadlines in the calendar.
  • Review the full setup after the first week and fix what failed.

Last reviewed: August 22, 2026. This checklist is general information, not legal, tax, financial, immigration, employment, or medical advice.