3 Must-Haves Before Making Hijrah (That Most People Overlook)
If you're planning to make Hijrah—especially from the U.S.—there are three essential things you must have in place before you go. These are not just nice to have; they’ll save you time, money, and major headaches.
1. An International-Friendly Bank Account
My personal favorite? Charles Schwab. Hands down, it's the best option for anyone moving abroad. Here’s why:
No ATM fees (even internationally!)
No monthly maintenance fees
No foreign transaction fees
You do have to open an investor account when you sign up, but you don’t need to actually invest. I personally do, but it’s totally optional. Just open it, leave it empty, and focus on the checking account where your money will go.
One thing to watch out for: they do give you interest on your balance. Simply call or message them and request to waive it. I did this after my first month, and they removed the interest from my account—no problem.
Extra tip: If you’re married, open a joint account so you each get a debit card. That way, if one card gets lost while you're abroad, the other person still has access to the account.
2. A Google Phone Number
You’ll need a way to make and receive calls internationally—for free. Get a U.S.-based Google Voice number (Google “Google Phone” to get started). It’s free, and you can make calls and receive texts using Wi-Fi.
Important: Change the phone number on all your major accounts (banks, emails, etc.) to your Google number. If you ever need two-factor verification while abroad, your old U.S. number won’t help—but your Google number will.
3. A U.S. Mailing Address
You’ll still need access to mail for things like social security, tax forms, or job paperwork. Before leaving, ask a family member or trusted friend if you can use their address.
Bonus: Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery. You’ll get email alerts with photos of your incoming mail, so you’ll know exactly what’s arriving and when. It’s a great way to stay on top of important documents while living overseas.
These small steps make a big difference. May Allah make your Hijrah easy and full of barakah, ameen!
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