Part 15 of 31 Things Americans Should Think About Before Moving Abroad: Time Zone Differences

By Darien Wilson

Mastering Time Zone Differences When Living Abroad

When the clock’s not on your side, planning is everything.

Americans may be divided on a lot of things, but here’s one thing we all agree on:

the time change is the worst.

And did you know? Depending on where you move abroad, calculating time differences could be even more complicated. For example, there are several weeks each year, in both spring and fall, when the U.S. is in Daylight Saving Time and the Netherlands isn’t. Just when I think I’ve finally nailed the time difference and mental math, it shifts—again.

Mastering Time Zone Differences: Why It Matters

When you move abroad, tracking time differences becomes second nature—because it has to. Between:

• Zoom meetings with U.S. clients,

• Facetiming with your mom,

• and trying to catch that one friend who always forgets you're six hours ahead,

…it can get chaotic fast.

How to Make It Easier

Here are a few tried-and-true tips that help you manage time zones like a pro:

Use Scheduling Tools

Tools like Calendly are a lifesaver. They automatically convert time zones for everyone involved, so no one has to do mental math.

Set Up a Time Zone Clock Wall

Go full 1980s newsroom and hang up a few labeled clocks: "Austin," "Amsterdam," "Tokyo." It sounds old-school, but it works.

Embrace Asynchronous Communication

Not everything has to be real-time. Use voice notes, scheduled emails, Slack messages, or even old-fashioned email to stay connected on your own terms.

Warn Your Friends and Family

You will text someone at 2 a.m. their time.

Hopefully, they will mute your notifications when they go to bed.

It Gets Easier

At first, time zone math will break your brain.

But like military time and the metric system, you eventually adapt.

I’ve absolutely missed events because I calculated the time wrong—have you?

Final Thought

Mastering time zone differences is a hidden skill you gain when living abroad. It’s annoying at first, but with the right tools and habits, it gets easier.

And hey—if you’ve ever thought, “Wait, what time is it there again?”—you’re not alone.

Did you find this helpful? Are you planning a move abroad? Work with me to make your move from a place of clarity and organization.

© 2025 ​Darien Wilson All Rights Reserved