Things Nobody Tells You About Renting an Apartment Abroad

Finding a place to live abroad can be exciting—but also full of surprises. From hidden costs to unusual rental practices, the process is rarely as straightforward as it is back home. Here are the things nobody warns you about before you start hunting for an apartment overseas.

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1. Furnished Apartments Are the Norm

In much of Europe, Asia, and Latin America, apartments come fully furnished—down to dishes, curtains, and appliances. Sounds great, but the flip side is that furniture quality isn’t always the best. You may be stuck with a lumpy bed or tacky décor. It’s convenient for short-term stays but can feel limiting if you want to make a place truly your own.

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2. Deposits Vary

In the U.S., you’re used to 1-2 month’s deposit and last months rent. Abroad? It varies, but overall, it can be pretty straightforward. In a lot of situations, you’ll likely only need one month’s deposit, but some countries have strict rules. In places like Germany, deposits are tightly regulated, while in Southeast Asia, it often comes down to whatever the landlord feels like charging.

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3. Lease Lengths Aren’t Standard

Six-month or even month-to-month contracts are common, but sometimes great spots require a 1-year-plus commitment. While this flexibility is great for nomads, it also means less stability. However, some places will offer a small discount for each year you commit to.

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4. Agents and “Key Money”

In Japan and Korea, it’s common to pay “key money” or agent fees just to secure a place—sometimes equal to multiple months’ rent. It’s not a deposit, and you won’t get it back. For newcomers, it feels like a scam, but it’s simply how the rental market works.

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5. Utilities Aren’t Always Included

That “cheap” apartment may not look so cheap once you add electricity, water, Wi-Fi, and building fees. In tropical places like Thailand, air conditioning can double your monthly bill if you’re not careful. Always ask what’s included before signing.

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6. Scams Are Common

Rental scams are everywhere. Fake landlords advertise properties online, ask for deposits upfront, and disappear. It happens in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. To avoid this, never pay before seeing a property in person or through a trusted agent.

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7. Appliances and Amenities Can Be Weird

Washing machines in the kitchen, no ovens in Europe, squat toilets in some parts of Asia—apartment setups abroad can be very different from what you’re used to. These quirks aren’t deal-breakers, but they’re things you’ll want to know before committing. Personally, I don’t mind any of these things at all!

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8. Word of Mouth Beats Listings

In many countries, the best apartments never make it online. Locals find housing through personal connections or by walking around neighborhoods looking for signs. As a foreigner, tapping into expat Facebook groups or asking locals can lead to much better deals than relying on Airbnb or real estate websites.

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