THE ULTIMATE JAPA GUIDE by NTRADEX
Seems like there was an unspoken “let’s all JAPA in the middle of the night and not tell anyone” memo that we must not have received, but regardless of the fact that you’re planning to move like a thief in the night, we’d like to make sure you’re at least doing it right; Here’s some essentials we’d advice you to have in mind while making your japa plans so that your first few weeks in a new country would be relatively hiccup free, or as hiccup free as a sly’s week can get 🚶🏽♀️🚶🏽♀️.
- A VALID INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT AND VISA✈️:
This is probably the most obvious thing you’d need in order to relocate and you might be a bit surprised to see this on the list but you would also be just as surprised at how many people got to the airport and realized it was missing, who do you think made the monsters we all know and love and like to call “AIRPORT DADS”?. It goes without saying: no travel can happen without your passport and don’t forget to confirm visa requirements and get them sorted well ahead of time.✅
- MONEY 💰:
I’m going to hold your hand when I say this but you look like BOO-BOO The clown 🤡 when you stand in the airport with your mouth agape when you’re told the exchange rates and I’m not going to say you deserve it but…🤷🏽♀️. In order not to be the person googling “black market rate in airport” at the boarding gate, Use the NTRADEX app to get the foreign currency you need and you can be rest assured it’s fast, secure, and with rates that won’t make you cry. Do THIS before leaving Nigeria and come back and thank us😎.
- UNIVERSAL ADAPTERS AND POWER BANK🔌:
In this time and age, having your phone die on you and not being able to charge it without interacting with a stranger (at literal gunpoint by social anxiety if I might add), or run around trying to buy outrageously priced chargers and adaptors at the airport, is a huge inconvenience and a nightmare. In order to avoid that, a universal adapter and a fully charged power bank will go a long way. Remember, Different countries = different sockets🌎.
- MEDICATIONS AND SKINCARE🧴:
Some countries might not carry some of your trusted or favorite skincare and pharmaceutical brands and you’re stuck not only trying to navigate life in a new country with a very different climate than you’re used to, then here comes your skin and allergies to add a very fat juicy cherry on top🍒! Our advice? Buy at least 6 months’ worth of the necessary medications, supplements and skincare products🤲🏼.
- SUGAR, SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE🥘:
This is what we like to call a “Naija Essential kit” because once your taste buds get accustomed to super flavorful and unique spices🌶️, there’s no going back. We’re not saying pack dried fish or locust beans in your box or anything of the sort, but a little Pepper soup spice, Indomie, suya spice, garri etc will definitely make you miss home a little less and make the move less jarring. Getting enough to last the next three months till you’re able to properly explore and locate affordable local stores and restaurants that serve and cater to the Nigerian cuisine.
Moral of the gist? Pack smart, plan ahead, and let us handle the currency hassle. That way, you focus on the fun parts—like taking that first airport selfie🤳🏽 .
