Archive for the ‘International Moving’ Category

The Logistics of Moving Internationally

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

Anyone who has traveled internationally knows how complicated the process can get. There’s customs, paperwork, connections, documentation and a host of variables that have to properly be accounted for. If simply traveling to another country is this complicated, moving there must be even more so. Before you can even begin to process of physically moving your goods, you need to make sure that everything is coordinated properly so that your goods won’t get lost or stuck anywhere along the way.

A great way to coordinate the relocation of household goods overseas is to contact a global relocation company that can make all of the proper arrangements. Moving household goods internationally requires the cooperation and scheduling of multiple transportation companies and moving services. This can involve trucks, trains, aircraft and cargo ships. A relocation service will be able to effectively arrange all of these services so that your household goods can be transported efficiently and as affordable as possible.

So You’re Moving Internationally

Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

If you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and move outside of the United States, you are probably very excited about what the future holds for you. There are a lot of things to prepare for in order to make sure that everything will go as smoothly as possible. Do you have your passports, visas and other documentation ready? Do you have a job to go to? Do you know where you are going to live? These are all very obvious items that need to be taken care of before you fully commit to your international relocation.

Once all that is taken care of, it’s time to figure out the physical logistics of your move. Some people relocate to their new county with nothing more than the clothes on their back and a suitcase. Others, however, want to move many of the possessions in their home that they have accumulated over the years. Moving household goods internationally can be expensive and complicated. A good way to alleviate the stress is to take advantage of a global relocation company that can handle all of the difficult aspects of relocating your things in an affordable way.

After you have a arrived and settled own in your new country, it’s a good idea to integrate yourself with the new environment as soon as possible. Going to places where locals mingle and socialize is a great way to quickly feel like you are a part of the community and are at home. If you are not very familiar with the language, this is also a good way to become immersed, which will radically accelerate the pace at which you will be able to learn the new language.

Documents You Need for International Relocation

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Well before you actually move through a global relocation service to your new home overseas, you will need to secure the proper documentation to work or stay long periods of time in another country. It is recommended that you do this immediately after you have decided to move, as securing this kind of documentation can take a long time. There are many differences between the types of permits different countries requiring for working and prolonged stay, so it is best to research those things through their consulate offices or websites. Two main pieces of documentation required almost everywhere, however, are passports and visas.

The first thing you will need to even get out of the country is a passport. The process for getting a passport can take a few months, but there are convenient locations in every city to help you along the way. You will need things like your birth certificate, photo and social security number to process the passport. Most post offices and libraries offer specific hours to help people process their passport applications.

Next, you will need a visa issued to you by the country you are moving to. A visa is an authorization by the government of another country permitting a foreigner to enter that country for a specified purpose and period of time. The visa is usually stamped into your passport or placed on a separate sheet. A visa will be issued to you by a consulate of the country you are moving to. Depending on the size of the country and their relationship with the U.S., there may be multiple consulates spread around or a single one, usually in Washington D.C. Some visas can be obtained at the port of entry, but find out this information far before your travel date.

Are You Ready to Move Internationally?

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

A successful move to an international country can be as much of a mental challenge as a physical one. There is of course, the problem of moving all of your stuff overseas at an affordable price, but there is also the issue of social adaptation. For the physical, consulting with a global relocation company can be an easy and affordable way to transport your household goods to your new country.They will do most of the work, from arranging international transportation carriers to timing it perfectly with your pickup and arrival times. The only thing thing you need to worry about is packing and unpacking.

Before going forward with the adventure of moving to an international country, consider the following items and determine whether you are actually ready to take on such an enormous change in your life.

Language barrier – Do you speak the primary language of the country you are moving to? If you are moving to many western European countries this may not be a big deal, but when moving to places in Asia this may represent a rather large obstacle. Try to study the local language of your new home before you arrive. You do not need to be fluent, but being able to communicate simple concepts can be very helpful.

Customs – Learn the social customs of your new country. You may be surprised to find that many other places are way more strict with their social standards than the United States is. Even if certain things are not illegal, you may find that certain activities are frowned upon. Valuable information about cultural aspects like this can be found amongst other travelers and expat communities online.

Cost of Living – You may be surprised at how expensive some places in the world can be. Prices in many major cities in Europe rival the most expensive areas in the U.S. Gasoline is far more expensive in the rest of the world, which is something to look out for if you choose to drive in your new country. Food can also be a price shocker. You will find that some items, like many fruits, to be far more expensive in Europe.

Great International Cities to Move To

Monday, September 5th, 2011

You may have an itch to move somewhere out of the country, but don’t know exactly where. If you’ve never been out of the country before, it is a great idea to travel for a little while before committing to a new place. The cultural differences between the United States and the rest of the world can sometimes be vast. If you are thinking about moving to another place in North America like Canada or Mexico, you can travel there relatively cheap in order to experience what it may be like to make it your new home.

Europe may be an attractive location due to the similarity of it’s western culture and economy, as well as its widespread use of the English language. Cities in Germany like Frankfurt and Munich are large manufacturing centers with low unemployment and a generally high quality of life. Similar cities like Prague in the Czech Republic, Milan in Italy and Budapest in Hungary are large and exiting metropolitan areas that are home to top class universities and businesses. While diligent research and preparation is needed for anyone thinking of moving to these places, it’s a good idea to know what options are available in Europe.

Some people looking for opportunity outside of the western world may find the prospects of many large Asian cities exciting. Singapore is a city state that is host to a very advanced market economy with a large port and manufacturing base with close ties to western economies. Seoul in South Korea is also home to a large high tech manufacturing economy with many automotive and electronics companies. Macau and Hong Kong are close cities in China that have large economies based on manufacturing, tourism and gambling. These cities attract a lot of foreigners for settling and traveling due to their high pace of life.

Preparations for Moving Internationally: Part Two

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

Last post we listed some useful tips for planning an international move. That post covered many of the essentials for moving internationally, but there are still many smaller things that many people may overlook. It’s important to go over every detail when moving to start your new (temporary or permanent) new life in a foreign country. Remember, traveling abroad is not cheap, so anything you may forget may be lost for the duration of your stay or perhaps forever.

-Find out what educational opportunities exist for you or your children. Many countries with expatriate communities have international schools that teach in English. Some people may prefer to enroll their children in local schools where foreign students can be immersed in the new language and culture. This option can help a family better adapt to their new home if they are planning on staying for a long time.

-If you’re bringing a pet, schedule necessary vaccinations, procure documentation and obtain a proper pet carrier. If you’re not planning on bringing your pet with you, allow ample time to find a new and welcoming home for your furry or feathered friend.

-Purchase airline tickets as soon as a travel date has been selected, and ask about luggage restrictions. If initial plans are to stay in a hotel, make reservations as soon as possible. The sooner you book your travel the cheaper prices will usually be; although, it is always a good idea to keep a lookout for reduced fares and reservations.

-If you’re shipping a car, have it serviced by a trusted mechanic before the move. If the new country accepts foreign insurance policies, compare costs in both countries to make the cost of keeping your car as cheap as possible. It’s usually cheaper to buy insurance in your country of residence, but there are exceptions.

-Remember to cancel magazine subscriptions and dues-based memberships or have them forwarded to your new home. Fill out forms at the post office or at their website to have your mail sent to your current address.

Preparations for Moving Internationally: Part One

Monday, August 15th, 2011

Moving to a new country can be an exciting prospect. Whether it’s for a new job, school, adventure or even just a change of pace, moving internationally can present a ton of new opportunities both socially and professionally. Planning ahead is essential. There are a lot of things that you need to take care of before you leave your old home and head for your new one. Knowledge of specific laws and customs for the country you’re moving to is key, but here are a few general tips to consider when planning your move.

-Research the laws and regulations of your new country. Find out things like any required visas and permits, required vaccines, restrictions or taxes on shipped household goods and vehicle taxes.

-Submit your applications for passports, visas and permits as soon as possible. Check to see if any will become invalid shortly after the move. For example, if your passport will expire in the coming year, renew it early.

-It could take awhile to get important documents and records, so gather things like birth certificates, green cards, social security cards, medical records, academic records, employment records, proof of residency and living wills and testaments.

-Decide what financial accounts are essential and notify the appropriate banks that you will be moving to a new country. You should also consider online international banking for easy transfer of funds. Shred any statements, credit cards and paperwork that won’t be needed.

-Use an International Relocation Service. Relocation services take all the guesswork and hassle out of physically moving your household goods to a new country. You can have your stuff picked up at your old home and dropped off at the new one hassle free.

 

Global Compensation Management: Part One

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

Being able to accurately manage and measure a company’s global relocation and mobility costs in real-time is EXTREMELY important. If not managed properly, it can increase in complexity as a company increases in size and expands its international operations.

Today, many Global Relocation companies are becoming antiquated in managing global mobility financial reporting, which can ultimately require significant resources.  Reimbursements, payments, cost estimates and compensation balance sheets are often processed manually, and the resulting data isn’t always fully-captured, analyzed, and reported on.  As a result, Corporate International Movers could be opening themselves up to unintended compliance and data risk, as well as world-wide payroll reconciliation issues.

In the era of compliance and regulation, a company’s global mobility program is greatly affected by its ability to effectively manage compensation. Ideally, companies should be in a situation where they can control costs and manage payroll to do what it is intended to do on a world-wide basis—accurately pay and record salaries and all associated assignee benefits.

What can companies do to leverage technology in order to reduce cost, increase accuracy, compliance and reporting capabilities in the global mobility space?

Getting Everything You Need from a Global Relocation Company

Sunday, July 3rd, 2011

The International Relocation Company that you choose will be a vital resource in the transition to your new home and should therefore regard you as importantly as you regard them. They should be determined to build a close relationship with you. An essential part of this close and trusted relationship is the provision of an experienced, friendly, and trusted move coordinator (or equivalent) by the company in question. The move coordinator is your main point of contact for any questions, comments, or concerns regarding your move throughout the relocation process. The Move coordinator should do all they can to provide you with the best possible services in all aspects of the move at both origin, destination and all in-between!

First class service, business class delivery…

A quality International relocation goes far beyond providing the heavy lifting service provided by all international moving companies. If you trust your move to a company like Unipack Global Relocation you can expect to choose from a whole range of services from handyman and maid services to finding a new Tennis Club! Support is a priority and we offer a range of online guides, FAQ’s and tips to help plan your move.

Relocating is Hard but Exciting

Friday, July 1st, 2011

Is the prospect of international relocation something that fills you with excitement and intrigue or do you find yourself becoming bogged down by the anxieties that naturally come with the prospect of moving yourself, your family, and your possessions to a foreign country?

Quality matters…

If you are moving abroad then you need to be able to entrust your international relocation to a caring and responsible international moving company whom you can rely upon for providing you with cutting edge moving and relocation services that are an essential part of the smooth transition from A to B.

No half measures…

When caught up in the stresses which are traditionally associated with international relocation one can be easily taken in by moving companies offering gimmicks or cheap rates when the true key to stress-free international relocation is a quality and personalised service with an effective and uncompromising delivery. A worthy moving company will have perfected the fine balance between experience and adaptability, which will demonstrate itself in the tailor-made services they provide to you. Prioritising your needs as an individual is essential and allows you to exert a comfortable level of control and trusted dependency over your international relocation.