Answers to frequently asked questions:
Q. When should I contact a moving company to organize my pending international move?
A. Timely preparation is the key ingredient to a successful international move. You should contact your international mover approximately seven to ten weeks prior to your intended date of departure. This will allow sufficient time to confirm documentation requirements, pre-book international transportation services and pre-advise the destination agent of the forthcoming international shipment.
Q. What should the representative visiting my home be able to tell me about my international move?
A. Your representative should be able to describe every aspect of your forthcoming international move. This should include all services: packing, crating, transit times, insurance, unpacking, storage and customer service capabilities. The representative should be able to advise you of the different shipping options available to your overseas destination, as well as making an accurate estimate of the volume and weight of your shipment. In addition, you should be given an overview of the paperwork that will be required, information on the company selected to deliver your possessions in the destination country and advice on how to prepare for an international move.
Q. Are all charges included in the move price?
A. This depends on the type of service that you've purchased. If you request a door-to-door move, then all transportation charges should be included in the price that's quoted to you. However, even on a door-to-door move, you'll be responsible for customs clearance charges and any taxes or duties that are raised on your shipment.
Q. What are the different cost/service options available to me?
A. When moving overseas you have a number of service options available to you. You may select a service based on the price, transit time, method of containerization, routing consolidation opportunities, sea or air freight, port of exit, etc. Each option's cost component determines the amount you'll pay. Generally it is best to select the most direct route with a minimum of handling. When calculating the total cost of your international move, you should take into account the length of time you will be waiting for the arrival of your goods at destination. If you're going to stay in a hotel or other temporary housing until your shipment arrives, you will need to consider those costs in addition to the shipping charges. A common mistake is to select the slowest transit time (and cheapest price) then have the added expense of two to three weeks stay in a hotel while awaiting the delivery of your shipment.
Q. Can international moving companies provide insurance for my international move?
A. All reputable international moving companies will be able to provide you with coverage for your household and personal effects during an international move. There is no one standard international moving companies utilize. It is important, therefore, that you check any policy to determine the extent of the coverage, the nature of any exclusions, the amount of any deductible and the procedure in the event that you have to file a claim.
Q. How do I determine the level of insurance coverage that is required for my belongings in an international move?
A. In general, you should think about what it would cost to replace your household goods and personal effects in the country of destination. Some Consulates and Embassies will carry cost of living and price index data that you can refer to as a guideline. When completing your international valuation paperwork, be as detailed as possible. Remember to mark down individual items that have a high replacement cost. It's better to have too much information than not enough.
Q. What items should I not include in an international household goods shipment?
A. Use common sense when thinking about what to include in your international shipment. You should avoid perishable goods and anything that could leak or damage the surrounding articles in your shipment. Certain items are heavily regulated or cannot be brought into other countries, and could result in delays, fines, or even seizure of your entire shipment by foreign Customs authorities.
To be safe, don't take any of the following:
CIA WORLD FACTBOOK U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT WORLD CLOCK AMERICAN CITIZENS ABROAD BRITEX INTERNATIONAL FOREIGN AFFAIRS WEB OF CULTURE FOREIGN LANGUAGES DICTIONARIES BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS NATIONAL BUSINESS TRAVEL ASSOCIATION ESCAPE ARTIST - WORLD PRESS & MEDIA INDEX
Begin to think now about separating items to be sold, stored, disposed of, given away, or delivered to another family member. Think about what items will accompany you as you travel, specifically travel papers, immediate clothing, passports, medical documents and records, family papers, valuable, jewelry, medications, school records, etc. Think about what items to be transported should be shipped by air to arrive quickly - seasonal clothing, items needed in temporary housing - and which items should be moved by land and sea at lower rates.
Useful and entertaining internet links related to living abroad:
A listing of countries with sections covering pertinent details such as geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military, transnational issues, and reference maps.
A complete guides to State Department information and services. Details on many countries and their customs, including security updates and visa information for international travelers. Also covers Per Diem Rates, Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Government Information, Travel Issues, Living Overseas.
Current local times around the world. Includes a full world clock, a customizable world clock, a user configured personal world clock, a meeting planner and a variety of time and date calculators.
A non-profit association dedicated to defending the interests of U.S. citizens worldwide.
A totally independent offshore Financial Services company that specializes in providing for expatriates all over the world.
The most widely read magazine on international affairs and United States foreign policy. Published since1922 by the non-profit, nonpartisan Council on Foreign Relations. Serious and insightful articles directed to general readers and experts alike.
The Web of Culture seeks to educate and entertain you on the topic of cross-cultural communications.
Language tutorials for travelers and links to other language sites.
The world's pre-eminent dictionary portal with more than 1500 dictionaries representing more than 230 languages. Translate, build vocabulary, study grammar, and practice spoken and written languages.
Consular services provided to Americans abroad. Information sheets, travel warnings, public announcements.
International currency converter, U.S. Customs guidelines, visa and passport information, foreign entry requirements, international travel tips.
An index to web sites for international press and media throughout the world. Includes listings for online access to hundreds of internatinal newspapers.
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