Relocate Bridge is a people-first platform that connects anyone planning a move abroad with local residents who already live in their destination. Instead of relying on generic guides or anonymous forums, you book a one-to-one video call with a real person who knows the place day to day. You get honest, first-hand answers to the questions that actually matter before you arrive.
How Relocate Bridge works
The process is simple. You browse local experts by destination and area of expertise, pick someone whose background fits your situation, and book a 30 or 60 minute session. The call happens over video, so you can ask whatever is on your mind and get answers tailored to your move. No scripts, no call centres, just a real conversation with someone who lives where you are heading.
Who are the Local Experts?
Local Experts are people who already live in the city or country you are planning to move to. Some were born and raised there. Others moved there themselves and have built their lives there over the years. What they share is genuine, first-hand knowledge of what it is really like to live in that place.
They can help you understand the things you may not find through a simple Google search, from choosing the right neighbourhood and understanding the banking system to finding work, starting a business, navigating everyday life, planning for retirement, understanding housing, education, healthcare, cost of living and much more.
Whether you are moving for a new job, starting a business, launching a startup, retiring abroad, studying, joining family, or simply looking for a fresh start, there may be a Local Expert who has been through it.
Browse profiles, explore their areas of expertise, read reviews from other Movers, and choose an Expert whose experience is relevant to your plans. Each Local Expert sets their own availability and session rate, giving you the flexibility to find the right person for your needs.
What you can ask a local expert
People come to Relocate Bridge with all kinds of questions. Housing and rentals, banking and taxes, healthcare, schools, visas, cost of living, transport, safety, and the daily culture of a place. You can also talk through specific relocation situations and get guidance that fits your timeline, your budget, and who you are moving with.
How Relocation Buddy fits in
Some questions are better answered by someone in the same boat. Relocation Buddy lets movers heading to the same country find and connect with each other, share the journey, and support one another through the first weeks abroad. It is a free, opt-in way to meet people who understand exactly what you are going through.
Is Relocate Bridge right for you?
If you are planning a move abroad and want real answers from real people, it probably is. Relocate Bridge works for anyone at any stage of their move, whether you are still researching, actively preparing, or already on the ground. Families, remote workers, retirees, students, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to arrive better prepared can benefit from speaking with someone who already lives where they are going. You can also become a Local Expert if you already live somewhere and want to help others make the same move.
Frequently asked questions
Here are the questions we hear most often. The first ten are the ones people ask before they book; the rest go deeper on payments, cancellations, becoming a Local Expert, and staying safe. If you can't find what you're looking for, the Resolution Centre is always available.
What is Relocate Bridge?
Relocate Bridge connects people planning a move abroad with Local Experts who already live in their destination city. Some are native locals who've known the place their whole lives; others moved there themselves. You book a one-to-one video session and get honest, first-hand advice from someone who knows the place day to day.
How does a session work?
Browse Local Experts by destination and expertise, choose a session length, pick an available time, and pay securely. You both join a video call at the scheduled time and ask your questions face to face.
Who are the Local Experts?
Local Experts are real people who already live in the city you're moving to. Some were born and raised there, others relocated there themselves. They share practical, lived knowledge of their area, set their own rates and availability, and after each session Movers can rate them and leave a comment about their experience.
How much does a session cost?
Each Local Expert sets their own price for 30- and 60-minute sessions, so the cost varies by expert. You pay the session price plus a small processing fee, with no hidden charges.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are 30 or 60 minutes. A 30-minute session is a quick intro or single topic; 60 minutes is a deeper dive. You can book a 30-minute session inside any availability window, including a 60-minute one.
Is my payment secure?
Yes. Payments are processed by Stripe, our payment partner. Relocate Bridge never sees or stores your card details. Your payment is captured when you book and held securely until your session is complete.
When am I charged?
You're charged at the moment you confirm the booking. The payment is held with Relocate Bridge and released to your expert after the session is complete.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel more than 12 hours before the session start for a full refund. Inside the 12-hour window the payment is forfeited and paid to your expert, since that time can no longer be rebooked.
How are Local Experts verified?
Local Experts verify their identity through Stripe when they set up their payout account. After sessions, Movers leave public reviews, so you can read about real experiences before you book.
What is Relocation Buddy?
Relocation Buddy is a free way to connect with other people moving to the same destination. You can find and message others on the same journey, share tips, and feel less alone in the move.
General
What can I ask a Local Expert about?
Anything relocation-related: housing, banking, healthcare, schools, visas, cost of living, transport, jobs, neighbourhoods, culture, and more. Each expert lists their specialties on their profile so you can find the right match.
What countries and cities are supported?
Relocate Bridge works worldwide. Use the Browse Local Experts page to search your destination and see who's available. New experts join regularly, so the network grows all the time.
Booking & sessions
How do I book a session?
Open a Local Expert's profile, choose your session length, pick a date and time from their available slots, review the details, and pay. You'll get a booking reference and the session appears in your upcoming bookings.
Where does the session take place?
Sessions happen over a video call built into Relocate Bridge. You join from your booking details page at the scheduled time, so there's no separate app to install.
Payments
What payment methods can I use?
You can pay by card through Stripe, including Apple Pay and Google Pay where available.
Can I use a promo code?
Yes. If you have a promo code, enter it at checkout and the discount is applied to your total before you pay.
Cancellations & refunds
What if my expert cancels?
If a Local Expert cancels a session, you receive a full refund automatically.
What if neither of us joins the session?
If both parties fail to join, the session is flagged for admin review before any payout is made.
Becoming a Local Expert
Who can become a Local Expert?
Anyone who has lived in their city for at least a year, enjoys helping people, and has genuine local knowledge to share. You don't need to be a professional consultant, just someone who knows the place well.
How do I become a Local Expert?
Sign up and choose the Local Expert role. Complete your profile with your city, expertise, rates, and a short bio, then set up your payout method through Stripe. Once your profile is live, Movers can find and book you.
Can I be both a Mover and a Local Expert?
No. Each account has one fixed role, chosen when you sign up. If your situation changes, you can request to delete your profile and sign up again under the other role.
How much can I earn?
You set your own rates for 30- and 60-minute sessions and keep 80% of the session price. The remaining 20% is the platform commission. A small processing charge is deducted from your share by Stripe when your earnings are released.
Do I need to set up payouts before I start?
It's highly recommended to set up your payout method so Movers can book sessions with you. If it's not set up, unfortunately they won't be able to book sessions.
Relocation Buddy
Is Relocation Buddy free?
Yes, completely free. There's no charge to join the directory or to connect and chat with other movers.
Is my information private?
The public directory shows only what's needed for others to find and connect with you. Sensitive details like your email and bio are not shown publicly.
Safety & trust
Are the reviews real?
Yes. Every review comes from a completed session. There are no ratings without a real booking behind them.
How do I report a concern about someone?
If you have a genuine safety, fraud, identity, payment, or harassment concern about another member, use the Report a Concern option on their profile. Reports are reviewed by our team, and no automatic action is taken against the person you report.
What is the Resolution Centre?
The Resolution Centre is for logged-in users who have an issue with a session, payment, or another member. You can submit a report with details and an optional attachment, and our team will investigate and get back to you.
Account
How do I delete my account?
You can request profile deletion from your profile settings. Requests are reviewed by our team before any profile is removed.