Posts Tagged ‘Moving Overseas’

Advantages to Using a Global Relocation Service

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

The economies of the world are now more interconnected than ever. Businesses and individuals now regularly move not only within their own country, but around the world. The reasons for this are numerous, from reducing costs and tax burdens to finding new opportunities for growth. Many manufacturing companies are relocating their operations to East Asia and India while professionals from developing countries find themselves moving to the west to find jobs.

Using a global relocation service like Unipack makes the physical relocation of a company or family seamless and stress free. Most transportation companies can only move cargo within a single nation or between major international hubs. This means that, in order to relocate overseas, coordination between many different transportation services and government bureaucracies needs to take place. For someone not experienced with the process, this can be a nightmare. A global relocation service can take care of all the necessary details.

When using a global relocation service like Unipack, one needs to only provide the necessary information and the rest is taken care of. Customs forms, bills of lading, import/export documentation and transfer requests are all handled, providing a door-to-door service that is stress free. By using a service like this, a global relocation customer can concentrate on the more important issues of moving like training and adapting to a new environment.

Adjusting to a New Location

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

The logistics of moving to a new location can be challenging, but it can be even a greater challenge to adapt socially. There are many global relocation companies, like Unipack, that make the physical transport of cargo and goods a breeze. But once everything is moved and settled to your new location, how do you adapt to the new conditions? The amount of changes a new environment brings can sometimes be overwhelming.

It is important to immerse yourself in whatever new location you have moved to. Successful adaptation to any new place depends upon the ability to communicate with the locals and participate in their culture. Many recent transports can find themselves lost in a new place, especially if that place is a foreign country with a different language. By interacting with the locals and participating in local activities, a recent re-locator can quickly adapt to the new conditions by learning the language and normal social conventions of the area.

There’s many ways that this can be accomplished. Bars and restaurants are excellent avenues for immersion, as they are places with lots of local residents and sometimes other outsiders that may have advice on adapting to a new place. Street fairs and festivals also provide opportunities to interact with locals and get to know how the community operates. If you are with your family, going to functions that involve other people with spouses and children can offer easy opportunities to meet new friends. Don’t be afraid to explore your new home to its fullest, you may be surprised how enriching it can be.

Global Relocation Services: Your Way

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

Most companies bear the expenses of relocating their new employees or existing ones to new international locations. This is normally a package when employing people for their overseas branches or people from other countries for work in the United States. People, who relocate to a foreign country, do so mostly because their job requires them to do so. If the company does not have an existing agent who helps them with their moving, then you should look for and hire one well in advance so that all the preliminary requirements could be done in an orderly manner and not as a last minute rush.

Get an international moving service to relocate you

There are not many international companies who have branches all over the world to help you to move. So for global relocation you will have to do some research and find the appropriate firm to get your relocation done without any problems, both for physically moving and for all the legalities that are involved. This company should have good recommendations and also a high quality of work for international moving. They should be capable of handling all the customs issues and get you stuff safely to the new country without loosing anything or damaging it either.

Packing for international moving

There is a special way to pack for international moving and the international movers will know how to handle this. They will even let you know the best way to send the stuff to the new destination. This will have to be done either by air freight or sea. There will be issues with customs checks that will have to be handled and also the cost of shipping the goods.

Top Company Concerns for Relocating Employees over the Next Decade – Continued

Monday, July 25th, 2011

Cross-Border Commuters

North America, Europe and Asia have had so-called “cross-border” commuters for years–employees who regularly move back and forth between countries because it is geographically expedient to do so. In the last 10 years or so, commuter assignments as an alternative to short-term (and even long-term) assignments have begun to take a larger role, primarily in Europe.

In the next decade, the report concludes, more companies will see cross-border commuter assignments as a viable component of their mobility program. Companies interviewed acknowledge that there will be a significant focus on this assignment type over the next decade.

Emerging Markets

Perhaps even more so than talent management and commuter assignments, the arena of emerging markets is set to expand significantly in the coming decade.

The term “emerging market” has traditionally referred to the new destinations where companies are transferring their employees. Top destinations vary by industry, company business objectives and global reach. Brookfield GRS’ 2010 Global Relocation Trends survey notes that emerging locations run the spectrum of countries–from those that are long-time assignment destinations to those that are just this year appearing as locations for expatriate assignments. The latter category includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Hungary and Sweden, among others.

A Healthy Attitude toward Relocation: Part One

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011

The practical benefits of health-insurance are undisputed, but it’s equally vital in the battle for hearts and minds of employees relocated overseas. When it comes to protecting individuals who are being  relocated overseas, health care is a major consideration. While certain parts of the world have health standards that are every bit as good as – and possibly better than – they are in the US, there are some decidedly dodgy places, health-wise, where one can wind up, too. Employees need to ensure they’ve got all the facts at their fingertips regarding health set-ups in the country they’re going to, prior to actual global relocation. And of course employers need to assure them that the necessary systems are  in place should they become ill or have a medical emergency overseas.

First and foremost, those being relocated need to sort out health insurance – and the type they choose, or their company chooses for them, will depend upon their individual needs and those of family members. No one should ever assume that domestic coverage alone will prove adequate – it won’t, for the simple reason that domestic coverage means just that – so it’s highly unlikely to cover, say, emergency medical evacuation from a foreign country. For peace of mind, employees need to know that they can get out of their location fast if need be.

Other benefits to think about when choosing international medical insurance include prescription-drug coverage and wellness. While some plans cover ‘bells and whistles’ options – like flying employees home in required – they won’t of necessity cover routine examinations and check-ups. Employees who’re likely to require this service need to check it is covered in their policy.

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.

Relocating to Bulgaria

Monday, June 6th, 2011

Below are a number of important considerations for anyone considering moving overseas and to Bulgaria:

1. Income –  Wherever you decide to relocate to, you will need a source of income. It maybe that you have a  pension, or can work from home via the internet, but a steady source of income will be required to cover your general living expenses. When considering moving to Bulgaria, you need to keep in mind that without a good knowledge of the Bulgarian language, you will find it difficult to get any sort of normal job and most expats tend to end up working in trades required by other expats such as building, property management, gardening so these areas of work are already over saturated.

2. Education – If you have children you will need to consider how they will fit in to the local education system or if you are going to attempt home schooling. In Bulgaria, children go to kindergarten from an early age and then start primary school at around the age of 7. Young children will pick up the language quickly, but for older children it can be very difficult to fit in.

3. Medical Care – The state health system in Bulgaria is under funded and fairly basic, although the actual standard of care is good in most respects. However, if you have a pre-existing medical conditions or require regular medication you need to check you can get the medicine or care required in Bulgaria. It is important to find an English speakingdoctor close to your location. Private health clinics are numerous, cheap and very good.

Is There Anything Bad About Relocating?

Sunday, June 5th, 2011

Although a fresh start may sound nice for a large number of individuals, it doesn’t mean that it is right for everyone, like you or your family. Relocating Internationally may be difficult or even impossible for you to do if you have a spouse who is currently employed or if you have a teenager is satisfied with their current school and friends. These are all factors to consider. With that in mind, relocation isn’t a decision that you should make on your own, especially if you have a family. It is a decision that should involve everyone who would be impacted, in one way or another, with relocation.

The cost of relocation is another disadvantage or downside to doing so. With that in mind, it is advised that you speak with your employer about assistance. If you aren’t given a choice or if your employer wants to keep you on their team, you may be able to get financial assistance for relocating. This financial assistance, if it is offered, will likely vary, but you should be able to get assistance with the hiring of a moving company, as well as the cost of gasoline or airline tickets to your new destination. Even if financial assistance for relocating is not offered, it would not hurt for you to at least inquire about it.

The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many factors that you will want to take into consideration if you are ever given the opportunity to move overseas. As a reminder, the decision to relocate is one that should be made in conjunction with you, your employer, as well as your family.

Relocating to the UAE

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

The UAE is a great place for adventurous and skilled people to relocate to for work. The UAE has an ever-growing economy that supplies great job opportunities to those who qualify. If you are a skilled worker, you will find big corporations willing to give you highly competitive contracts with great benefits. Moving to the UAE for your ideal job is a great way to further your career while increasing your income at the same time. Before you take the plunge, here are a few things to consider when relocating to the UAE.

Relocating Your Family

If you decide to relocate your entire family, you will need to secure visas for all of them. With a family residence visa you will be able to sponsor your spouse, children or parents to come live with you. Make sure you begin this process well in advance of your move to ensure you and your family meets all the necessary requirements.

Property

Unless your employer has secured housing for you, you will need to look into property to rent. The best way to do this is to start looking after you have arrived in the UAE. Make sure you book yourself into a hotel for a few weeks in order to allow yourself enough time to search for a residence without stressing yourself out. Once you have found your apartment, try to lock yourself into a long lease so that you can avoid any costly future hikes in rent.

Relocating to the UAE can be a very exciting experience for you if you make sure to take the necessary steps to secure your job and living situation. Keep in mind that you will be living in a country that is very different from the one you live in now. Make sure you are familiar with the laws and culture in order to avoid any trouble. By being organized and thoughtful, you’ll be able to make the most out of living in the UAE and pursuing your dream career.

The Ultimate Plan to Work Abroad: Location

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

If you’re considering relocating overseas to take up a temporary assignment or you’d like to move abroad permanently and find work there are basically three main aspects of expatriation that you need to think about before you make your move and this article examines them for you.

1) Location

Unless you’re being relocated by your employer to a fixed location you will quickly discover that it a big wide world and you therefore have a great deal of choice when considering which country best suits your lifestyle and employment requirements. In an effort to narrow down your search a little consider any country you’re interested in in view of the following considerations: –

i) The location’s distance from your home country and your family and friends – remember that there will be times you want or need to return home and/or to catch up with old faces. How easy and affordable will it be for you to go ‘back home’ should the need arise and how simple will it be for your friends and family to come and visit you?

ii) The weather – some countries are more or less hospitable in weather terms and someone who originally heralds from Tropical North Queensland may find it a struggle to cope with the wet, grey winters in England for instance and someone from Canada may find is a shock coping with the searing summer temperatures in Spain. Thinking about your ideal overseas location from a weather perspective may well cut down your choices!

iii) Your family – particularly if you’re expatriating with children you’ll need to think carefully about the healthcare and education facilities available overseas and also about getting your essential insurances in place before you go. Some countries are more expensive and restrictive than others…bear this in mind.

iv) Language barriers – if you’re considering moving to a country where the mother tongue is other than your own will this restrict your employment prospects? Can you overcome this by learning the language before you go or do you need to reconsider your destination?