Before you leave
What to set up while you still have a US address, a US phone number and a working login — the things that are far harder to fix from Japan.
Does Zelle Work in Japan or Internationally? What Breaks When You Leave the US (2026)
Zelle does not work in Japan or any country outside the US. Here is why it breaks, what happens to Venmo and PayPal after you move abroad, and what to set up before you leave.
TreasuryDirect and I bonds from abroad: the locked account nobody plans for (and the 16-week unlock)
TreasuryDirect blocks new accounts from abroad. Existing accounts lock when you move. Unlock via FS Form 5444 with notary. Embassy processing takes 16 weeks.
Federal student loans when you move abroad: the $0 IDR payment, explained
How FEIE reduces federal student loan payments to $0 on income-driven plans while working abroad. Key caveats: interest keeps accruing, forgiveness is taxable.
Selling your US home before moving abroad: the Section 121 timing window most expats miss
Home-sale capital gains exclusion up to $250k/$500k with 2-of-5-year ownership rule. Understand when to sell and tax residency timing for expats moving abroad.
Medicare when you move abroad: keep Part B or drop the $202.90/month you can't use?
Part B covers nothing abroad but carries re-enrollment penalties if dropped. The decision hinges on whether you'll return to the US for care.
How much money should you save before moving to Japan? A real-numbers breakdown ($8k–$22k)
How much to save before moving to Japan: $8k–$22k total. Covers apartment move-in, flights, visa, setup, living buffer, emergency fund, and ongoing US costs.
Bank 2FA without a US phone number: which logins actually work on an authenticator app
Most US banks now support authenticator apps for 2FA, but password resets still need SMS. Here's how to switch each account type before leaving the US.
How to keep your US phone number when moving abroad (about $5/month)
Keep your US phone number when moving abroad by porting to an MVNO before you leave. Essential for 2FA and banking access. Costs about $5/month.
Does Google Voice work for bank 2FA? Which banks reject it, and what to use instead
Google Voice keeps a US number free — so why do some banks refuse to text it? How VoIP detection works and how to test your accounts before you leave.
Keep a US phone number for bank 2FA after moving abroad: what breaks and what works
Move abroad, your US SIM dies, and suddenly you can't log into your bank, brokerage, or credit cards — the 2FA code goes to a dead number. Here's what actually breaks, why VoIP isn't enough, and how to keep a real US number for a few dollars a month.