How to Move Out of the US with No Money (9 Ways!)

Think moving abroad is only for trust fund kids or lotto winners? Think again. You don’t need to have a fortune to start a new life in another country—though you will need some funds for the basics!

With a little creativity, planning, and stubbornness hustle, you can make the leap without draining your savings. Here are practical ways to move abroad with very little money, sprinkled with tips from my own experience living and working abroad.

For reference: I worked three jobs for two years to save money and went abroad with only $6k in my name. I ended up living abroad and still do. It’s been over a decade, and I work for myself now. You can make this work!

1. Teach English Abroad

Teaching English abroad is one of the most accessible ways to move overseas with minimal cash.

Many programs, like South Korea’s EPIK or Japan’s JET, will even pay for your flight and provide free or subsidized housing. You’ll earn enough to save and explore while living comfortably.

I ended up teaching in Thailand myself for a few years, and since then, I’ve met countless people who’ve taught in South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Spain. The main requirement is being a native English speaker!

To get started, grab a TEFL certification—this one is easy and cheap! Typically, they also want you to have a Bachelor’s degree (in anything!), but some places accept teachers with no degree.

Pro tip: If you have higher education or experience in teaching, usually, the Middle-Eastern countries pay you really well, so you might want to check that out!

READ MORE:
Teaching English Abroad and Online
7 Best Online TEFL Courses to Teach English Abroad!

2. Become an Au Pair

If you love kids, becoming an au pair is a great way to move abroad and live rent-free.

As an au pair, you’ll live with a host family, care for their children, and typically receive a small stipend. It’s a popular option in Europe and Australia.

I’ve had friends who au paired in Spain and Italy and had good experiences.

The family provides housing, meals, and sometimes language lessons. You can find placements on websites like AuPairWorld or through agencies.

Heads up: You’ll work hard (kids aren’t exactly low-maintenance), and pay is often not the best, but if you’re flexible and open-minded, it’s an incredible way to explore another country without shelling out tons of cash.

3. Volunteer with Work Exchange Programs

If free room and board sounds good to you, volunteering with work exchange programs like WWOOF or Worldpackers is the way to go.

These platforms connect you with hosts worldwide who offer housing and meals in exchange for a few hours of work daily.

I’ve used Worldpackers before and found it a great way to meet locals, learn new skills, and save on accommodation.

For example, I once stayed on Lake Atitlan for free, a stunning volcanic lake in Guatemala, in exchange for some photography work—it was a win-win.

From farm stays in New Zealand to hostel gigs in Central America, there’s a gig out there for ya… Especially if you’re looking to go abroad with no money.

Pro tip: Research your hosts carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the workload and living arrangements before committing.

4. TrustedHousesitters

This one’s a personal favorite. TrustedHousesitters lets you stay for free in exchange for watching someone’s home and pets.

The catch? You’ll need to sign up for a membership (it’s pretty cheap and also 25% off with this link), but after that, your stays are free. You can do as many as you’d like!

I’ve used TrustedHousesitters to stay rent-free in gorgeous places all over the world.

One time, I cared for a golden retriever in the center of Berlin, Germany; another time, I cared for an adorable pug in a quaint part of London—it didn’t feel like “work” at all!

This is perfect for slow travelers who love animals and don’t mind trading a bit of responsibility for massive savings.

Pro tip: Build up your reviews by starting locally, then expand your searches once you’ve built trust.

5. Freelance or Work Remotely

Yes, freelancing or working remotely requires some skills and preparation, but it’s one of the most sustainable ways to fund your move abroad.

After all, if you want to move out of the US with no money, you’ll eventually need to learn how to MAKE money as you travel to sustain yourself. Start now!

Whether you’re a writer, graphic designer, social media manager, or virtual assistant, remote jobs give you the freedom to live and work anywhere.

When I first moved abroad, I freelanced as a writer while living in Southeast Asia. Since the cost of living was so low, I didn’t need to work full-time to survive.

Outside the US, most countries are more affordable—your dollars stretch further!

Reality check: Freelancing means you’ll need to hustle, but the payoff is worth it when you’re sipping coffee on a tropical beach instead of a dreary office cubicle.

6. Find a Job That Offers Accommodation

Plenty of short-term or seasonal jobs come with free housing, saving you a massive chunk of expenses. Think cruise ships, ski resorts, summer camps, or even hospitality roles at hostels or resorts.

While I haven’t done this myself, I’ve met people who’ve worked as hostel managers in Europe, dive instructors in Thailand, and ski instructors in Australia.

These gigs often cover your basic living costs and even some meals, letting you save most of what you earn.

7. Study Abroad for Free (or Cheaply)

Did you know that some countries, like Germany and Norway, offer free or low-cost tuition for international students? While you’ll still need to cover living costs, this is a far cry from the crushing tuition fees in the US.

Scholarships and grants can also help reduce your costs, and some study visas also allow you to get some part-time work—so don’t forget to research your options.

Note: Living expenses aren’t free, so you’ll still need some money upfront, but studying abroad can significantly lower your financial burden compared to staying in the US.

8. Join Humanitarian Aid or NGO Programs

If making a difference is your thing, consider joining a humanitarian aid organization or NGO that offers housing, meals, and sometimes a stipend.

The Peace Corps is a classic example, but there are smaller NGOs offering shorter-term opportunities.

While these programs require a serious commitment, they’re a great way to immerse yourself in another culture while giving back.

I’ve met travelers who’ve worked on clean water projects or taught in rural communities, and they said the experience was life-changing. There are often other perks for this type of work, like allowance, help with student loans, medical coverage, and more.

9. Apply for a Working Holiday Visa

A working holiday visa could be your ticket to living abroad if you’re under 30 (or 35, depending on the country).

These visas allow you to live and work in countries like Australia, New Zealand, or Canada for up to a year (sometimes longer).

They’re perfect for travelers who want to explore a new country while funding their adventures with short-term jobs.

I know travelers who’ve used working holiday visas to fund epic trips by working in cafés, farms, or even ski resorts. I did the Australia working holiday visa and SAVED over $20k USD! (yes, really!)

Heads up: You’ll need some initial savings (most countries require proof of funds) and possibly a flight out, but once you land a job, the cost of living often balances out.

READ MORE: 6 Working Holiday Visas for Americans

WAIT! There’s More…

Check out my other resources:

• How To Work Abroad & Travel The World
• How to Make Money While Traveling—73 Travel Jobs
• Longest Tourist Visas for U.S Citizens, How to Extend, & More

Read EVERYTHING about living, working, and moving abroad!

Grab my FREE guide to choosing the best TRAVEL JOB for you!

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