A Positively Moving Experience
International Moving Tips (Part 1)
International Moving Tips (Part 1)
Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take ya
Bermuda, Bahamas, come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego,
Baby why don’t we go
– Beach Boys
You have decided that America is not the place for you. Burgers, baseball, and apple pie just isn’t working anymore. Or maybe you love it, but you company has decided relocated you to Russia. Or maybe you’ve just pulled off the crime of the century and it’s time for you to find a new home on an island that has no extradition treaty with the US. Either way, there is a lot to be done before you’re ready to hop on that plane to a whole new world.
Documents
Documents, documents, documents. If nothing else, remember these. First: your passport. You’re not going anywhere without a valid passport. Make sure everything is up to date. You don’t want to miss your flight because the expiration date on your passport was yesterday. Next: visas. Do you need a business visa? Do you need a student visa? Figure out which one fits your situation and apply for it as soon as possible. If you have questions, go to the embassy for information. They will answer anything that confuses you and as well as help you figure out if you need any other paperwork for entering the country. If possible, get a multi-entry visa instead of a single entry. This is a lot less hassle, especially if you want to travel a bit after you’ve settled into your new home. As a security precaution, it might also be smart to digitally scan all of your documents. That way, if you have the misfortune of losing them, you’ll always have proof. Also remember to bring your birth certificate and if you’re married, your marriage license. You might not need them, but better safe than sorry.
Money
International travel means international money. Euros, rubles, NTD, wons, yuans; make sure you understand the exchange rate. Some, like the euros, have a lower exchange rate so you get less for your dollar. Others, like NTD (New Taiwan Dollar), have a higher exchange rate of approximately 30 to 1, giving you more for your dollar. You should also keep an eye of the fee charged for exchanges. These are unavoidable, but some give fairer rates than others. Certain banks have the exchange option, though it is sometimes restricted to specific types of currency. There are also places such as Omnex and Travelex, located in the heart of the city, that are dedicated to foreign currency exchange. Another way to have money exchanged is through credit card. The fees on this tend to be lower because banks have more access to different types of currency. With the credit card you can charge it or use international ATMs to withdraw money. If all else fails, you can always change your money in the airport or hotel. This, however; should be the last option. Though it may seem convenient, they are notorious for high transaction fees.
Once you have reached the country of your preference, the money you have exchanged should hold you over until you can open a local bank account. Each bank is different and might require different types of paperwork. Do some research and remember to bring all the necessary paperwork.
Packing
Packing when you’re moving domestically is bad enough, but packing for international relocation is even worse. The important thing to remember is to pack minimally. There are things you need and then there are things that you’re attached to, but don’t need. Always remember to pack toiletries because you need those right away, no matter where you go. Even slip in a roll of toilet paper or two to hold you over until you’ve familiarized yourself with the local shops. Anything you need right away should be packed with the luggage your plane luggage: clothing for the season, documents, toiletries, laptop, etc. Anything else can be packed for international moving. Just remember that you don’t need to bring that ratty old couch or the scratched up table in your kitchen. Furniture can be bought anywhere, especially when since can take up to months for your stuff to arrive. Everything else you don’t bring, but want to keep can be stored in a storage unit. Also, be sure to check importing restrictions. Certain countries forbid certain things so make you know what they are. This can save you a lot of trouble later.
Finding Movers
Finding the right mover is vital to making the transition as easy as possible. Every company provides a list of different services. At Noah’s Ark, we have different services for the beginning of your move all the way to the end. We will pack your stuff in America and meet you in your country of choice to help you unpack. Our moving skills range from normal furniture to specialized categories such pianos, valuable artwork, and antiques. We have over 30 years of experience moving fragile cargo. Our trained professionals are licensed and insured which is a very important point to consider, especially when moving overseas. For the things you don’t want to bring, we also have storage services you can use.
Moving overseas is not easy. There are a lot of different factors to consider when relocation internationally. It is important to cover every detail before you leave because there is no returning, not unless you’re willing to shell out a grand to fly back for forgotten jewelry. So far we’ve covered the big things: documents, money, and packing. Next time we will cover the smaller particulars, no less important, but easily overlooked. Being prepared is the #1 way to lessen the stress of international moving.
