How I Relocated Abroad with No Money (And How You Can Too)
From Living in My Car to Traveling the World
A few years ago, I wasn’t scrolling through flight deals or planning my next adventure—I was living in my car, trying to figure out my next move. I’d hit rock bottom financially, and the idea of traveling abroad, let alone moving to another country, seemed impossible. But here I am now, waking up in different cities, sipping coffee in European cafés, and navigating new cultures—all without a massive savings account or a trust fund.
So, how did I go from broke in the U.S. to full-time travel abroad? Let me walk you through exactly how I made it happen—and how you can, too.
Step 1: House Sitting & Work Exchange (AKA Free Housing for the Win)
When my bank account was giving “we’re closed for business” energy, I knew I needed a way to cut out my biggest expense—rent. That’s when I discovered house sitting and work exchange programs. These are hands down the best ways to live abroad for free while getting to experience different places like a local.
House Sitting
House sitting is exactly what it sounds like: you take care of someone’s home (and sometimes their pets) while they’re away. In return, you get free accommodation. It’s like Airbnb, but instead of paying $200 a night, you’re paying in belly rubs for a golden retriever named Max.
I signed up for TrustedHousesitters and landed my first gig—a cottage in Ireland where my only responsibilities were watering plants and walking an opinionated border collie. No rent, no stress, just me and my new four-legged friend.
Pro Tip: Be quick to apply for listings, and make sure your profile stands out. Mention your love for animals, house maintenance skills, or even basic security knowledge (homeowners love that).
Work Exchange
If you don’t mind working a few hours a day in exchange for free housing, work exchange programs are a lifesaver. I used Workaway and Worldpackers to find gigs that covered my stay.
One of my best experiences? Working in a hostel in Spain—20 hours a week of light work (mostly checking guests in and keeping the kitchen from burning down), in exchange for a free bed, daily breakfast, and unlimited access to a very questionable karaoke machine. Was it glamorous? No. Was it free? Absolutely.
Step 2: Teaching English for Free Housing (Because Who Doesn’t Love a Free Bed?)
If you speak English, you can teach English. That’s the secret no one tells you. With a simple TEFL certification, you can move abroad with zero savings and have your housing covered.
I signed up for an online TEFL course and applied to programs that provided free housing in exchange for teaching. Within weeks, I had an offer from a school in South Korea, where they not only covered my rent but also paid me enough to start saving for future travels.
If you’re not into traditional teaching, there are also homestay programs where you help a family practice English in exchange for a private room and meals. Think of it as language tutoring meets cultural exchange.
Best Programs:
EPIK (South Korea) – Pays well and provides free housing.
JET (Japan) – A great way to live in Japan without breaking the bank.
Diverbo (Spain & Germany) – Short-term English immersion camps where you get free stays in resorts.
Step 3: Freelance & Remote Jobs (Because Money Is Still Kind of Important)
Free rent is great, but you still need money for food, travel, and the occasional emergency pint of ice cream. That’s where remote work comes in.
Before leaving, I set up profiles on Upwork, Fiverr, and Remote.co to find freelance writing gigs. My first gig? Writing blog posts for a travel website. It wasn’t a fortune, but it covered my groceries while I lived in Thailand for $10 a day.
Not a writer? No problem. Here are other skills you can monetize:
Graphic Design (Canva is your best friend)
Social Media Management (Every brand needs content!)
Online Tutoring (Teach English or any subject you’re good at)
Virtual Assistant Work (Basic admin tasks = steady income)
Pro Tip: Even basic skills can land you remote gigs. If you know how to Google things efficiently, you’re already halfway there.
Step 4: Digital Nomad Banking Tools (Because Adulting Is Hard)
In my early days of travel, I made a rookie mistake—using my regular bank card abroad. The fees nearly made me cry.
I switched to Wise and Revolut, two of the best banking tools for digital nomads. They let you hold multiple currencies, avoid insane fees, and withdraw cash cheaply.
If you plan on making money online while traveling, get a digital bank ASAP.
Step 5: Embrace the Chaos (Because It’s Part of the Adventure)
Let’s be real—relocating abroad with no money isn’t always a smooth ride. There will be moments when you question your life choices, like the time I got lost in Budapest and somehow ended up at a stranger’s dinner party. Or the time I accidentally ordered an entire fish—head included—in Vietnam. It’s all part of the adventure.
The key is to stay flexible, say yes to opportunities, and trust that things will work out (because they usually do).
Final Thoughts: You Can Do This
Moving abroad with no money isn’t just possible—it’s one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. By leveraging house sitting, work exchange, teaching gigs, and remote work, you can create a lifestyle of travel and freedom—without needing a trust fund.
So, what’s stopping you? Start your journey today: ✅ Sign up for TrustedHousesitters ✅ Get your TEFL certification ✅ Apply for remote gigs
Your adventure is waiting—no money required.
Thinking about making the leap? Drop a comment below or DM me. Let’s get you started on your dream of living abroad!
