How To Avoid Capital Gains Tax By Moving Overseas

If you want to avoid UK capital gains tax by moving overseas it's usually necessary to remain non-resident for five complete tax years. Any gains on assets disposed of after you leave the UK will then escape UK capital gains tax completely.

The other side of the coin though is that you'll want to avoid or at least minimise any tax charges overseas. There's no point saving UK tax at say 20% but then incurring tax overseas at 30%!

This is particularly the case when there are reliefs that will apply to reduce any gain for UK tax purposes. The main reliefs that I'm thinking of here could include:

· A disposal of your home. The UK provides for a full tax exemption on the disposal of your main residence (assuming it's been your main residence throughout your period of ownership). Other countries aren't as generous and could only provide for a deferral (eg Spain which provides for a form of rollover relief to defer the gain when you buy another main residence).

· Business assets. Examples here are properties that have been let to a trader. These could qualify for taper relief of 75%. This means that a higher rate taxpayer would have a CGT charge of 10% - which is very low even by international standards

· Gambling winnings - tax free in the UK but not so elsewhere

· Most debts are tax free in the UK - not so elsewhere

· Assets held long term. Any assets held for at least ten years will in any case qualify for maximum non business asset taper relief. This will reduce the effective CGT charge for a higher rate taxpayer to 24% and not 40%

Therefore this makes it very important to ensure that any overseas jurisdiction you choose offer a CGT free or low CGT environment.

Low CGT jurisdictions

Italy 20%

Ireland 20%

Japan 20%

Croatia 25%

China 20%

Spain 18%

However when looking at these you need to bear in mind the opportunities above for low UK CGT rates.

CGT free jurisdictions

If you want to avoid CGT in full there are plenty of these to choose from. Some of the most famous countries with no CGT or can offer a CGT free environment for expats with correct planning include:

Gibraltar

Malta

Andorra

Monaco

Isle of Man

Channel Islands

Cyprus

If you're thinking about moving overseas to avoid CGT you should ensure that you take detailed advice. If you're interested in more articles on moving overseas and avoiding UK CGT visit http://www.wealthprotectionreport.co.uk for further details of offshore tax planning opportunities.

Lee J Hadnum is a rarity among tax advisers having both legal & chartered accountancy qualifications. After qualifying as a prize winner in the Institute of Chartered Accountants entrance exams, he went on to become a Chartered Tax Adviser.

He previously ran his own his own tax consulting firm, and has written a number of tax books as well as editing the popular tax planning website www.wealthprotectionreport.co.uk.

For a limited time, Lee is offering a Free report on Offshore Teleworking from his Offshore Tax Site wealthprotectionreport.co.uk Wealth Protection Report offers a wide variety of information on tax matters including, Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax and UK Emigration.

The Internet and Living Overseas

While most people realize that location often does not matter with the internet, those who have experienced living overseas both pre-internet days and now can appreciate this fact the most. From work and play to keeping in touch with friends and family, the changes in lifestyle made possible by the internet for expatriates is much greater than for most other people. These effects may eventually have a wider impact on were people live in the world and how they interact with those around them.

Before the internet, those moving overseas had to make much greater changes to their lifestyles than they do at present, and a good example of this is keeping up with family and friends.

Someone living in another country no longer has to rely on expensive international telephone calls or on letters that could take a week or more. Now, with the internet, calls cost little to nothing, mail is instant and it is even easy to have free video conversations. Loved ones living on different continents can easily update each other about events in their lives with homepages, videos and pictures posted online that can be accessed anywhere in the world.

Living overseas once forced a huge change in what papers, magazines, books and other information one could access. Now, with most printed information available online and books available for easy download onto book readers, it is possible to live overseas and read what was available back home just as timely and cheaply overseas.

The internet has made many forms of entertainment easily accessible worldwide. For example, online video, podcasts and radio know no boundaries. Songs can be downloaded wherever there is an internet connection. One can play online games with the same friends from any location.

Even when things like movies and TV are not legally available, they are often easily accessible through file sharing services for those willing to skirt the law.

Increasingly, the same business and education options are available while abroad. While obvious limitations remain, internet-based business and courses can often be carried out from just as well from Tahiti as they can from Butte, Montana.

Of course, in spite of the internet and an increasingly integrated world, there still are significant differences between cultures and lifestyles of countries. Also, shipping costs, government regulations, and other factors still mean moving overseas brings a big change in what one can access. However, the internet has certainly decreased the number of lifestyle changes that once came with moving to another country.

What will this mean for society at large? While nobody can say for sure, it is pretty safe to say that the conveniences the internet brings to those living outside their home countries are likely to increase the number of people doing so.

What exactly this will entail for the world at large is more difficult to say. Hopefully, it will lead to more cross-cultural contact; but there is the danger people will remain isolated in their own cultural bubbles even when abroad. People sometimes need to be pushed to really learn new cultures and languages. There is much less incentive to do this when they can keep the same social contacts as well as entertainment and other options while living abroad.

Only time will what the end result will be. However, the internet clearly has made living overseas a very different experience from what it once was.

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Simplifying an Overseas Move

Moving overseas can be a difficult time for families and individuals. Choosing the right international moving company to move to and from Australia is crucial to make the process smoother. From a full home move to a corporate relocation, an overseas move is more involved than an interstate transfer. Because families rarely move to a new country more than once, the process can seem complicated. By researching moving companies carefully and following pre-moving steps can make the process go smoother.

Deciding what magnitude of an overseas move that you will need is a great first step in an overseas move. Go through your home and decide what ultimately will need to be delivered to your new home because the cost of transferring the goods in international moving can be prohibitive, choosing carefully is important. The weight of household goods during an international move leads many families to downsize and repurchase items in their new home country. Some of your household goods may have to travel by air freight and some countries have quarantine and customs regulations.

With complicated regulations in place, it is often easier to hire an international moving company from the outset. Researching international companies should include looking at reviews, business rankings, past records of successful moves and strong pre-move conversations. Discussing your needs and wants with the moving company prior to the move can help to lower costs and your stress level. Your household goods will travel separately overseas from your family. Choosing an international movie company that values your family's possessions as you much as you do is important. Because an international moving company has to navigate the customs regulations and shipping needs, they are your best ally in the overseas moving process.

The actual move is only part of the process. When you make a move to a new country, you need to make sure that you travel with all of your important documents like: insurance information, formal documents, medical records and educational records. Having these documents in hand when you arrive will make settling in easier especially if your household goods arrive after you enter the new country. Having a contact point in your new country will help your family ease into the environment. Your moving company is a good choice for that initial point of contact. They can offer you helpful information about the country to help you acclimate. Be sure to carefully plan and research when moving overseas.

Kent is the largest privately-owned removals and storage company, incorporating relocation, mobility and consulting services in Australia. Established in 1946 by the Kent family, the business has been providing clients with professional, reliable and expert service for almost 60 years. Visit http://www.KentMoving.com to know more about furniture removalists.

Moving On Out - Top Ten Things To Take With You When You Move To Your New Teaching Job Abroad

Once you've secured your new teaching job abroad, you'll probably have several months to get yourself organized before taking up the post. Here are the top ten things you need to take with you when you move overseas. Read this now as some of these can take time to prepare properly!

1. Passport (valid for at least the length of your contract)

You may think this is an obvious one considering we're talking about relocating your whole life to another country. Tell me, do you know when your passport expires? Mine expires in 2015.

Depending on where you're living, a new passport may take up to 6 months to get. It's not wise to rely on the 'estimated turn around' time on the form as in the past both the UK and the USA have had extremely long delays in issuing new passports to their citizens. Of course, if you're running short of time you can usually apply for an express service, at a ridiculously inflated cost.

So, go now and check when your passport expires.

It's better for you to have a passport that's valid for the length of your contract because it's a real pain to have to get a new one issued from a consulate or embassy abroad. Trust me; I've had to do it!

2. Original documents that prove who you are and what you know

Government departments don't tend to accept copies of foreign identification or certification documents. Ensure that you take all your original documentation. If you don't have it, then get it.

It's always good to keep a copy at home too, either with a family member, a lawyer or in a safety deposit box, so if you can, get duplicate originals. An extra set is insurance against theft, fire or natural disaster and makes good sense.

You'll need:

* Birth certificate

* Marriage certificate

* Police clearance certificate

* Degree certificates

* Teacher certification

* Recommendation letters

3. Medical records and adequate supplies of medications

Anyone in your family that has an ongoing medical condition should request a copy of their medical records. For your children you should have or get a copy of their vaccination record.

Take at least a two month supply of your regular medications with you. This will give you adequate time to check out the medical services in your new country and register with a physician.

Some medications are sold under alternative brand names in different countries, so ask your doctor for alternative names before you leave. It took me ages to figure out that Tylenol was the American brand name for paracetamol.

4. Vaccinations and a vaccination certificate

You are going to be living and working abroad, which means that you'll be exposed to all sorts of new organisms. Check with your doctor or with a travel clinic to see what vaccinations are recommended for the country to which you're moving and be sure to let them know that you'll be living there long term rather than just going on holiday for a week or two. If you're traveling to Thailand for a holiday the recommended vaccinations are different to the ones recommended if you're staying here a while.

Get a vaccination certificate to prove what vaccinations you've had and ask your health professional to make a note of when you'll need to get any booster shots. Many vaccinations are good for a number of years, but some need a series of shots before you are covered for any appreciable length of time.

5. Emergency numbers

This is another one that may seem obvious to you, but guess what, you don't need only your Mum's phone number for checking in once you arrive.

You need to take these contact numbers with you, at least:

* A responsible member of your family

* Your bank

* Your credit card company

* Your insurance company

* Your Doctor

* Your travel agent

Now, you can probably find most if not all of this on the internet. But in an emergency, like your wallet being stolen, do you really want the hassle?

6. International Driver's License

An international driver's license is not a new license and doesn't require you to take a driving test.. It's a document that you use abroad to make your national driver's license acceptable to foreign officials. An international driver's license is a little booklet that you hand over with your license when it's requested.

Essentially it's a translation of your license into a number of prominent world languages so that officials in other countries can figure out what kind of vehicles your driver's license permits you to drive.

Even if you don't intend driving overseas, it's a good document to have because you never know what the future holds.

7. Contact details of the school, a copy of your teaching contract and a copy of all the communication you've had with the school (this can be in digital format)

It would be a nightmare to get to a foreign country and realize you don't actually have the phone number or address of the school that's supposed to be employing you, don't you think? Most likely, the school will have some kind of orientation programme in place to help you get settled in, and this may even mean someone meeting you at the airport. But, in case they don't turn up, have the school's contact details handy.

You should have a copy of your teaching contract to take with you. It's good to have a copy so that you can check your conditions and stand up for yourself if you feel you are not getting what was promised.

When I moved out to Thailand, I also made sure I had copies of all the emails that I had received. I gradually deleted them as I settled into Bangkok and acted on all the advice I'd received prior to making the move.

8. Your children's school records

Your children will probably be attending the same school where you'll be working. Take all their reports and transcripts with you so that you can ensure they get placed in the correct levels. Knowing as much as possible about your child will help the school's administrators and counselors plan a suitable orientation programme for them.

9. A guide book, culture shock book

Don't leave home without a guide book! Take some time looking at different brands of travel guide. Different brands have different styles. I prefer a different brand for traveling than staying long term because of the depth of information provided.

The Culture Shock series is superb. Get the one for the country or region you're moving to and read it from cover to cover. You'll get an insight into the cultural norms for the society you are moving into, and can prevent you from making any disastrous faux pas that could ruin your first few months abroad. First impressions count, make sure your first impression is a good one by doing some research.

10. Email addresses, mailing addresses and phone numbers of the friends and colleagues you're leaving behind

I also took the leaving cards I received from friends and colleagues. You may be tempted to pack these in your shipping or even throw them out. However, if you have enjoyed a great relationship with your colleagues then you will miss them. I found that having a reminder of them around me when I was dealing with the initial stages of culture shock reminded me of the good things I'd left behind, but also all the stuff I didn't like! It helped me to refocus on the reasons I had moved my career overseas!

Having been a global nomad for more than 10 years now, I've found that staying in touch with friends and colleagues at home is really up to me. I haven't stayed in touch with any of the fabulous people I met and got to know in the first 6-7 years of teaching abroad, and it's mostly my fault because I didn't make any effort.

I've been much more conscientious in recent years and I believe it's worth it. I love catching up with old friends when I go back to places I've lived before; I always have a plethora of places to stay and have even hosted some of my friends when they've visited my new home.

Bonus Tip for Women!

Check whether you can buy tampons where you're going! There are a number of countries in Asia and the Middle East that don't stock tampons on supermarket or chemist shelves. Check, check and check again if you're a tampon user!

Anyone sending me a package knows that they should use tampons as packing material rather than Styrofoam chips!

Kelly Blackwell is an international teacher with more than 10 years experience teaching abroad, click here to get her monthly newsletter and kick-start your own international teaching career! [http://www.teachoverseas.info/freenewsletter.html] Avoid the mistakes other international teachers have made by learning from the experts [http://www.teachoverseas.info/overseasteacherstalk.html].

Shipping Overseas to Greece: Important Things to Know About Cargo Shipping

Learning the custom and import rules for Greece can help save time and money when you are moving overseas. The import regulations for shipping to Greece are simple to follow if you plan ahead. Greece, which has over a thousand islands, has one of the longest coast lines in the world, therefore shipping your belongings overseas should be easy with the help of an international cargo shipping company.

You can ship household items duty free to Greece if you have a residence permit before you arrive. In order to qualify for a residence permit, you must either be:

1) Of Greek descent

2) Married to a Greek citizen, or

3) In possession of a work permit granted by the Greek government

If you qualify for a Certificate of Repatriation, you are allowed to bring certain items to Greece duty-free. For example, if you are Greek but you have worked out of the country for a few years, you can begin the repatriation process. This requires that you have a Greek Tax number by the time your items are entering the country through customs. You will need to contact the nearest Greek consulate in order to receive a duty-free certificate.

Currently, it may be difficult to obtain an employment visa in Greece. Greece has been hit particularly hard by the worldwide recession and is experiencing high rates of unemployment, especially for the youth. An employment visa can only be obtained if an individual already has a contract to work for a company in Greece or they are being transferred to a branch of their company in Greece. The employer must first prove though that a Greek national or European Union national is not able to fill the position. If you do qualify to work in Greece, you can work with the Greek consulate to obtain the correct visa.

The duty-free tax relief does not count toward any items that have commercial value, determined by customs officials by the type of item and the quantity. Alcohol and tobacco products are not duty-free; you will have to declare them at customs. Greece also places restrictions on a few items which you cannot bring into the country including:


Weapons
Drugs
Meat or dairy products

Only one of each electronic item is duty free. However, if you can provide a justification, such as family size, for having two or more of any one item, it is possible that those items can also be duty-free.

You can only make one duty-free shipment to Greece, so make sure to pack everything you need in one trip. You must be present at customs with your passport in order to receive clearance on your shipment. In order for all household items to remain duty-free, you cannot sell, give or lend any of the items for one year after import. If any of your imported items are sold or lent, you must pay the original custom taxes and you will have to make an overdue payment from the time it was first imported.

People who are moving to Greece to study can also import items related to their education duty free. Students can import clothes, furniture, and school related items such as calculators and books.

Interested in shipping a car to Greece? Vehicles can be imported to Greece duty free if you have owned the vehicle for at least six months. New vehicles will be subject to value added tax or VAT. You must also pay for license plates for all vehicles that you ship overseas and import to Greece. Just as with household goods, you cannot sell, give or lend anyone your vehicle for at least five years after importation or you will be subject to the original import taxes. In fact, no one other than a direct family member can drive the car for any reason or you could be subject to the original import taxes.

You can import a household pet when you are moving to Greece. All pets imported to Greece must be microchipped for identification purposes. All pets must be vaccinated against rabies. If you are moving overseas and bringing a pet to Greece, your pet will need a blood test, taken at least thirty days after the vaccination, in order to make sure the vaccine is working and protecting the animal. Finally, all pets must travel in a cage with the owner's name, postal address and telephone number listed on the outside.

Finally, before you move to or even visit Greece, you will need to have a yellow fever vaccine which you can get from a travel clinic is your area.

Moving to Greece is a great opportunity to live or work abroad. While moving a household to a new country can be stressful, knowing what you can and cannot bring with you will make it easier to relocate. Making a detailed packing list and packing similar items close together will make it easier to go through customs. An international shipping company can help you obtain all the correct paperwork to help make your move to Greece much easier.

Based about 30 miles north of Miami, Florida, Cargo Experts was formed by a team of moving professionals and cargo shippers who are committed to delivering outstanding customer service as they take care of all the details involved in your overseas cargo shipping. Ms. Bodner works with Cargo Experts and has many years of experience in international cargo shipping. Visit http://www.cargo-experts.net/about.aspx for more information about international cargo shipping services, including a free online quote for your international cargo shipping. For more information, call toll free at 1-866-994-7822.

What to Avoid When Moving Internationally

One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to relocating overseas is underestimating the size of the task at hand. As modern technology has made the world smaller than ever, people seem to forget the stress and hardship involved when moving overseas. Even Australia is around a day's flight from the United States so it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking things will be relatively uncomplicated. However, you have to remember that your possessions will be transported by sea which will take far longer than you would imagine. International moves are much more difficult than moving domestically and here are a few mistakes made by people who move abroad.

Failure to Hire Professionals with Experience

The majority of goods being transported abroad are done via the ocean. This means your possessions will be placed in a metal container which will be loaded onto a ship. Items in these containers will be shifted while being transported from land to the ship and during the voyage itself. Removing and storing goods in this manner requires the steady hand of professionals. They will know how to smoothly get your possessions on board a ship and most importantly, they will have the experience to ensure that all goods are correctly packed to avoid damage during the sea journey. Well-packed items stand less chance of being damaged. Ask international moving companies how many moves they handle a year. If it's only a handful, look for an organization that is involved in dozens if not hundreds of moves per year.

Lack of Communication

As you know, communication is a two-way street. No matter how good an international moving company's customer service is, they can only help you if you're actually contactable. Whether it's your mobile phone or a landline, always have a phone line open when you're moving internationally so that the moving company can get in contact with you if there are any issues. For example, you may have transported goods that are not allowed in your new country. You're also recommended to have an email account that is easily accessible.

Overestimating Available Time

You should always aim to have a day left over between the last day of the move and your flight out of the country. Leaving mere hours between these events is just asking for trouble. Problems can manifest themselves in the form of inclement weather, traffic and mistakes by the moving company. If you only leave hours between moving and leaving, the entire process could quickly fall apart. Ask your moving company for a delivery schedule and make plans based on that. Remember that this will be an approximate time rather than an exact one. Bring essential items with you rather than allowing them to be shipped over because shipments can take weeks if not longer. The bottom line is: Never leave things to the last minute.

Although moving internationally could be the change that transforms your life for the better, you must plan everything with military precision. Even when you use the services of a high quality international moving company, the onus is still on you to ensure the move goes smoothly.

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Quick Ideas on Moving Household Items

If you are planning to move to another country, you are also planning to move your household goods. Apart from choosing a professional international shipping company, it is quite obvious that you have also taken consideration of many other relevant check ups for international moving household items. Let's discuss them one by one right here.

Are you having lot of delicate things in your house? These delicate things can be flower vase, wall oil paintings, wall fountains, souvenirs etc. Packing them smartly for moving overseas is an important task, and your seriousness in this regard is necessary.

Hiring an international shipping company when household items, is a good and way of doing the things in a proper manner. Make sure that you extensively search for best online shipping quote. This will take few hours or at the most one or two days, after which you'd be better informed on which type of shipping company you'd like to go for; and what are the methods of shipping they offer when transferring household goods? When you shop and compare Online Shipping Quote, you automatically come to know the kind of international shipping services that you are looking forward.

Now, that was all for the online shipping quote when moving overseas. Next is a more real task. The task to check out whether the company is professional or not! Also, you need to make a serious survey, whether the company is certified and authorized to carry out transport tasks. Once you have checked the details and history of the company through relevant measures, you are partially freed from this burden. Now you are on the next move.

Is the company offering packaging solutions? This is again very important to consider, especially if your household goods contain more of fragile kitchenware such as silverware or chinaware, besides hobby items, sports memorabilia, artificial jewelry items etc. Most of the international moving household items companies do offer packaging solutions for all such items, but some actually don't. Therefore, you make sure that you do get packaging services form the international shipping company when moving overseas.

Do your household items contain any material which is inflammable, or likely to explode when ignited or when heated? All this should be known to the international shipping company in advance when you are moving household goods overseas, and for safe shipping purposes.

Moving overseas and that too with complete set of household goods is not a child's game, and every minute detail has to be considered and re-considered. Have you chosen container shipping or open shipping method? Well, it is very obvious that container shipping will be the safe possible method to ship your household goods to another country. In case you are considering shipping your car or any other vehicle, get it discussed with the international vehicle shipping company as well.

Brooke Thom is an expert author and webmaster of Shipping website. The website having details of online shipping quote, moving overseas.

Overseas Removals - How to Get it Right

Many people choose to move overseas to live the dream of sunny weather, shorter work days and a more relaxed way of life. Actually getting abroad is not necessarily as relaxing though as overseas removals can be a truly stressful experience if not handled correctly. So how do you get the process of overseas removals right? Take a look at our helpful hints below!

Sort your money out

If you're moving overseas then forgetting to take the appropriate money with you can be an easy mistake to make. Without the relevant cash you won't be able to pay or tip your overseas removals people, buy essentials from the local shop or pay for any emergencies that might happen during the move. When you're tackling overseas removals remember to keep some notes and loose change handy in the currency of your destination.

Learn the language

It might sound obvious but if you're busy buying a home, packing and saying goodbye to friends and family then forgetting to learn the language of your destination country can be easily done. Take the time to at least learn a few key phrases so that you can talk to and negotiate with your overseas removals company and your new neighbors.

Pick the right company

When you choose an overseas removals company you firstly need to decide which company is right for you. Most companies will take your belongings from your old home all the way through to your new home. In some cases, you may need to enlist the help of an overseas removal company based in your destination country. Ideally if you can get an overseas removal company who will complete the entire job for you it can be a much simpler process. There are a number of UK based removals companies which specialize in overseas removals. To make sure you choose the right one ask for references of previous successful jobs or go for reliable word of mouth recommendations from trusted websites or forums on the Internet

Ensure you're insured

Insurance may just seem like another item on a long list you have to worry about but it's vital that your belongings are covered during the overseas removal process. Worst case scenarios do happen unfortunately so make sure you're prepared. Use the Internet to research the best deals available and what polices are on offer for overseas removals insurance.

Don't over pack

If you're tired and stressed or on a mission to get all your packing done then you might accidentally pack items you need for your journey such as your passport, plane tickets, important medicines or essential items for your family members. Make a list of items which need to be readily available for your journey and keep them to one side.

Confirm your dates

Having an overseas removal company turn up a day earlier or later than you expected can lead to extra stress which can be easily avoided by simply confirming the dates. A few days before your planned move date, ring your overseas removals company to check the date and time of the move.

Overseas removals can be an easy and hassle free process by simply being prepared and planning ahead.

Know more about the overseas removals and international removals.

Working and Volunteering Abroad - How to Forge Lifeline Friendships While Overseas

Most say that lifelong friendships are formed when living and working abroad. Make the most of your experience by broadening your social horizons.

Moving overseas to work or volunteer is a commitment, to a new place, a new job, and most of all new people. At the same time, those moving overseas leave their family, boyfriends, girlfriends and friends behind. Not having a support network while undertaking a major life change is not easy. Luckily, most volunteering programs are brings volunteers in groups, meaning that new volunteers are exposed to a instant social circle of similarly minded, socially conscious volunteers who are sharing the experience with you.

But you shouldn't stop your social circle there. While you can (and will) meet amazing, interesting people in your volunteer corps, to get a real culturally immersive experience, meeting friends your own age who are native to your host country is key.

This is a daunting task, to be sure. Making friends under any circumstances, without the language barrier or time constraints, is not an easy thing, especially in the increasingly digitized, computer-driven social world. While there are opportunities in the clubs, pubs and dancehalls, the best way to meet people is to think outside the box.

If you are volunteering abroad or working overseas, meeting people isn't as much of a challenge. The local staff that you see everyday will be interested in your own story, and your own cultural quirks. A great way to start a conversation is with a simple "Do you have any children/brothers/sisters?" You can even carry a photo of your family with you to show to your co-workers.

But what about the world beyond work or your volunteer corps social circle? There are many ways to get to know people, without being too pushy or over the top.

Take a dance class - While some classes will be geared towards tourists, but if you ask around enough, you'll be able to find a little whole in the wall salsa, meringue or other dance club that gives lessons on weeknights. This is a great opportunity for a group of friends, but even better to do alone. You'll have to be paired with a stranger, which is scary and first, but will ultimately lead to conversation, and great dancing.

If someone invites you somewhere, go - Of course, safety is always an issue, and this rule does not apply to every random guy on the street. But for many shy people, living away from everyone you know is an opportunity to go outside of your comfort zone. Even if you wouldn't normally say yes to Sunday brunch with your supervisor and his family, now is the time to take a leap.

Talk to strangers - Again, this has limits. But you'd be amazed at how interesting the lives of taxi drivers, waitresses and street vendors are. These people can teach you loads about the "ins and outs" of city or rural living. Comment on the weather; compliment what someone is wearing...anything to start even a short conversation. This will not only help expand your social horizons, but your language skills as well!

These are just a few tips to take to heart. Working abroad, whether volunteering in some way or teaching ESL, can be a life altering experience. Take maximum advantage of the opportunity to meet new friends and soak up the local culture.

Jobs abroad is just one of Lisa Jenkins' specialties. Jenkins writes about working and volunteering abroad for a free website: JobMonkey. She teaches college aged individuals and recent grads how to work abroad and about the different types of job opportunities from youth volunteering to teaching ESL.

Moving Overseas Twice - Smarter The Second Time

One of the opportunities that working for a multi-national company gives you is to travel overseas. Not only do you meet new people and experience different cultures, but often it is an insight into how companies operate in other countries. Few people however are asked to pack up their lives and move overseas for a period of time to work. In our case we had 2 moves, both to Asia. The first when we had two small children was to Bangkok and the second some years later was to Kuala Lumpur. We were quite naive the first time, but much smarter the next.

On both occasions we engaged Sydney removalists. The first time however we were naive about the best process to follow. My company had never moved families before and left all the logistics up to me. I was tasked with doing my own research, obtaining quotes and providing them to our human resources department. In reflection the decision was priced based because we did not have all the necessary information.

The company we engaged, although they said they had experience in moving people overseas were not represented by an office in Thailand. Our shipment was handed to a third party company for customs clearance and delivery. The company that we contracted originally were not able to help us with the logistics in Bangkok. Our difficulty was that we had no relationship with the third party and issues in clearing our shipment from customs took longer than we were led to believe. As a result, our stay in a hotel was longer than expected and the expense was considerably more. Additionally the cramped living situation for a family of four became stressful.

There was one area of advice that was of great benefit. Having quite a lot of furniture we were advised that we should not transport some of our more expensive items. Considering that the furniture would be on a ship for 6 weeks and then sitting on a dock in weather conditions that would be moist and humid, the potential for damage was high.

In accepting that recommendation, we then had to look for storage facilities in Sydney that would cater for our needs. This meant finding premises that were very secure and maintained a stable environment free of bugs, insects and moisture. It turned out that it was a great decision as we learnt from others that they did have environmental damage to their furniture during shipment and also while living in Bangkok.

Our second move back to Asia was a little easier as we had the experience from years earlier. We engaged removalists with an office in Sydney and in Kuala Lumpur that looked after us throughout the entire process. Additionally they were able to provide storage facilities. This meant that we could negotiate a very good deal that included the packing, shipment, unpacking and storage as well as insurances for everything. For us it meant that dealing with a single company gave us a sense of security that everything was being well looked after.

Geoff Cooper has undertaken a number of corporate assignments in Asia. He has found that moving overseas has had its surprises on each occasion. The stress of the move is made much easier by selecting international removalists that specialise in corporate relocations for moving families overseas.

Choosing An Overseas Residency

Choices, Choices, Choices

Now that you are thinking that you might experience overseas living, where should you go? The answer depends on many considerations. When choosing a new home, think about the following:

1. Which countries will accept new residents? Some of us have a rather egocentric view and think that we would be welcomed anywhere, but the fact is many countries do not offer residency. Do your research ahead of time to find out the countries that will accept newcomers from your home country. Also for consideration is the amount of time, effort and money that each country requires for residency. They all vary greatly.

2. What is the weather like? What do you prefer, perpetual sun? Four seasons? Is it something that you are used to or can get used to? Many South and Central American countries experiences heat and humidity that can be overwhelming to those unaccustomed to it. Likewise, if aren't comfortable with long periods of cold weather and snow, you might want to avoid countries in parts of Europe.

3. Do you speak the language? If not, would you be willing to learn it? A lot of time and effort would need to go into learning a new language. Is it reasonable to think that you would actually do it?

4. Culture. Is the culture one that you are familiar with, appreciate and would enjoy being a part of? We often take for granted the everyday interactions we have in our home country. Would you be comfortable living overseas in a totally different culture?

5. Affordability. Living overseas might be less expensive or it could cost even more. It all depends on the country you choose and the lifestyle you are seeking. For example, you can live extremely inexpensively in Paraguay but other parts of South America might cost more. Paraguay offers basic, quiet, inexpensive living, while other South American countries might offer more cultural activities, restaurants and languages with a higher cost of living. Different countries offer diverse choices. What might seem inexpensive to one person could be unaffordable to another.

Living overseas is an exciting endeavor. It is also one that requires careful thought and planning in order to be content in your new home. What things can you live without? What things can you become accustomed to? Unfortunately, some people travel or move overseas expecting all the comforts of their home country. If you do this you are setting yourself up for disappointment and limiting your growth as a human being. If things were so perfect in your home country, you wouldn't have thought about leaving in the first place. Part of the appeal of living overseas is that you will be experiencing new people, places and things. Choosing your new home is all about choices - choices that will make you happy.

(c) Copyright - Serge P. Henocque. All rights reserved worldwide.

Moving House - What Types Of Boxes Are Needed?

When moving house there are different box types that removalists use to pack your belongings. The variety of cartons are designed to make sure of the safety and security of items and for occupational health and safety reasons. If you are moving a long distance the best advice is to engage professional removalists as they will have the experience as well as all the right materials to pack your belongings.

If it is a local relocation, many people reduce costs by packing some their own belongings, at least the more manageable items. They do leave larger goods such as lounge room furniture, bedroom furniture, as well as fridges, freezers and washing machines to the removalist company. If you are packing your own, the following are some examples of the types of boxes you will need.

A dish-pack carton is known commonly as a standard carton and is used for general household goods. You will use this for kitchen ware, ornaments, toys, games, linen, bedding and other smaller items. The dimensions are normally 43cm in width, 43cm in depth and 62cm in height. You can think of the size of these cartons similar to a 3 draw bedside cabinet. These cartons rely on the contents not being too heavy and can easily be moved.

A book carton is used for much heavier items such as books, records, CDs, files and papers. You do not want to overload these boxes to the point that an injury might occur in lifting them. In effect they are the same as an archive box. The dimensions are smaller to the standard carton being 45cm x 30cm x 33cm. Clothing cartons are used for flat-packing clothing, linen and bedding. They should be quite light and so the dimensions are 95cm x 48cm x 26cm. Thinking of size, a medium suitcase would be very similar.

One very convenient box type is the Porta Robe carton. This allows you to hang your clothing so that when you arrive at your destination your clothes are not crushed and need to be ironed or dry cleaned. The Porta Robe has the same width and depth as a standard carton, but is 50% higher to allow for hanging space.

Finally, you may have lamps or more fiddly sized items and normally these can be packed into a lamp carton that is again higher than a standard carton.

Whether you are moving overseas or interstate you will find that professional removalists will take care of everything. If you are packing your own belongings, it is very important to ensure that you have all the right materials such as the cartons mentioned previously. At the same time, you should also consider using packing material designed for different items so that they are protected inside the boxes. The right moving materials will reduce the risk of your belongings being damaged in transit, but also reduce the risk of personal injury through lifting as well as unpacking items that may have been broken.

Geoff Cooper has undertaken a number of corporate relocations including two to Asia. His moving overseas experiences have been significantly enhanced by using professional removalists with international expertise that pack and transport belongings safely and securely.

What to Expect When Moving Overseas

Moving overseas involves a lot of stress and work. You are usually moving overseas for a job opportunity, so you may be preoccupied with finding a new place to live and sorting any work visa issues. Moving overseas can involve moving expensive items, as well as other items that will make your new space feel like home. Professional movers and international relocating companies can help make your move smooth when going overseas. There are many aspects to moving overseas, including adjusting to a new culture and getting your family used to a new environment. There's nothing that says an overseas move can't be a positive change for a family's life, but it's important to remember it takes time.

It will take time to make friends and get into a routine in a new country. You can keep busy by finding activities similar to those you participated in back home. If you attended yoga class at home, do the same when you arrive in your new country. This will help you mingle with people and make friends with those who share similar interests. This may be difficult in some countries depending on where you're headed when moving overseas. Expect the unexpected when moving overseas in terms of the food and culture. You won't likely find the same things you used back home, so it's important to adjust quickly.

Do ample research on your new destination to get a feel for what you can expect when arriving. Sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor can give you an idea of places to go to keep busy after moving overseas. Keep an open mind when meeting people in a new country. You also want to take enough of the toiletries you're used to in order to sustain you for a few months until you get accustomed to the products you'll find overseas. Depending on where you live, you may be used to toiletries that are not available in the new country. These items can be packed in your bags or shipped ahead of time if you know where you'll be staying in the new country. You should store big items that are valuable to you. If you want to take these items with you, hire a professional relocating company who knows how to pack and care for your items while in transit. You can arrange for these items to be in your new home when you arrive. This means you'll have a part of your old home waiting for you as you start a new chapter in your life.

Kent is the largest privately-owned removals and storage company, incorporating relocation, mobility and consulting services in Australia. Established in 1946 by the Kent family, the business has been providing clients with professional, reliable and expert service for almost 60 years. Visit http://www.KentMoving.com to know more about interstate removals.

Right Overseas Shipping and Moving Company

One thing that strikes people when moving overseas is their possessions. It is just impossible to carry each and every bit of their possessions. Hence it becomes tough to decide which important item they need to move with. Also it becomes a pretty tough job to select the best among the various shipping and moving companies. So here are some factors that can help one to determine the right overseas shipping and moving company to go with.

The company offering the lowest shipping rates can be best preferred as it will certainly save a lot of cash. Internet can be the best source to compare the rate quotes of different overseas shipping and moving companies and hence can choose the best company for oneself.

The company offering the best shipping conditions for one's possessions can be considered as the most preferred choice. By providing customized shipping, the moving companies separate the possessions into various categories to prevent any damage while shipping them. Even though it may cost some cash, but the service is worth the sacrifice.

Speed is another factor to determine the right overseas shipping and moving company to go with. People generally opt for speed because they have short time period to get settled to a new location. Although the companies that claim to be the best, deliver the stuff the same day of one's arrival. However it is prudent that one receives the delivery services of an overseas shipping and moving company even before the arrival to avoid the situation of an empty house-feel.

Moving overseas with family including kids and teens, pets and also transporting a car seems quite complicated if not planned correctly. Even commercial moves may require a lot of packing and storage. Hence for a well planned household move, it is advisable to choose the right shipping company.

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What to Consider When Moving Your Family Overseas

The Important Decision

You should bear in mind to include your family when making choices that could impact the lives of all your family members. It is not uncommon that the father and mother forget to consider the thoughts and emotions of their children once they make the conclusion. "Kids, we're relocating abroad." is often heard when the mother and father have decided. And, the decision is always the end of discussion. Sometimes, we've have to think of something like saying: "Your father have a wonder career in country ABC. So, we're transferring there! How you think about that?"

Most children will react negatively for the question. Because of this, they will act disobedience. This might be really harmful to a child's self esteem. He or she could possibly develop the thought that you simply never have any respect for his or her thoughts and opinions. They may react rebellious later in life due to this incident.

Some parents like to come to the conclusion solely and break the news for the family members suddenly. The complete relatives participants need to involve inside selection doing approach. You have to contemplate every single opinion and you need to show that their viewpoint matters.

The Fears of Your Kids

Once you may have made the choice, you should encourage your kids to see if they have any worries regarding the decision. You little ones will certainly have all sort of doubts. Fear is one of the major issues here. This is normal for us to worry of unknown. This understanding will let you the better chance of overcoming those fears.

You've got to learn your children mindset on this. Like a saying:"Know your enemy, know your friend". So, you will likely be much more prepared for that to happen. Their fear might be driven away when your young children know what to anticipate within the abroad. This will assist you to indirectly as effectively as your kids will be prepared for their new experience in overseas.

Planning for Moving

Moving overseas with all your family members isn't that easy. There are a lot of details to consider and you should plan ahead. It is possible to make the transition as smooth as possible if you recognize the way to do it. Within the way of arranging, you need to seek friends who are capable of helping you. You are able to also rent some providers that may surely supply a great deal of ease for your family as you dont have to do every little thing. There are also individuals who prefer not to maneuver the total family members abroad at when. Some father and mother will prepare to migrate abroad with a couple of actions. That is ideal for under spending budget migration.

Moving Overseas

Lots of energy needed for handling all the household overseas. You ought to adjust to a new tradition, a new climate, and a entire new way of dwelling. The new life may well offer you tradition shock at very first. Respect the rights of others and also you really should be just fine. Aid your relatives member to involve inside the studying process as very well. When you follow all these tips, the experience of moving your family overseas can be easy.

Additional Information:

Sabah, Malaysia is located on the Third largest island in the world - Borneo Island. If you plan to move your family to Sabah, it is advisable to pay a visit first to see if you like this location. If you are visiting the Capital - Kota Kinabalu, you may stay in Budget Hotel in Kota Kinabalu to reduce cost. Please visit: Budget Hotels in Kota Kinabalu for more information.

Starting a New Life Overseas

For many people, the idea of picking up and starting over in another country is appealing. Here are some things you should consider regarding doing so.

Starting over in another country can be a grand adventure. But the key to making it work is doing enough research and giving yourself the time to get everything in order. It should not be done as an impulsive move. There are certain steps to be taken meticulously. Do your homework, take care of your visa, get your other paperwork in line, and complete the actual move.

When considering a move overseas, the place and culture of where you want to move to should be researched. In addition, you should spend some extended time there on vacation, with your family, if possible. Other things to consider during your research are cost of living, job availability in your field (if moving on your own rather than as a corporate transfer), areas to live, schools (if applicable), medical insurance and health options, and availability of amenities.

Each country has different legal requirements for moving into their country. The first step in figuring out these requirements is to figure out what kind of visa is needed - a tourist visa, a working visa, or a residency visa. If the country allows and the relocation is happening on a fast track, many people choose to get a tourist visa and work on the more complicated residency visas once in the new country. This makes the process easier because you can work with an immigration lawyer who knows your new country's laws. For some countries, this is expressly not allowed, however. In this case you will need to start the process of getting a residency visa via the consulate of your new home. If you are relocating as part of a job, then it is usually the company's responsibility to obtain your residency visa.

Because you are relocating overseas, it is important to gather all other significant documents before you leave your country of origin because it may be difficult to obtain them from your new overseas home. These include but are not limited to the following: passport, birth certificate, original college diploma and transcripts, school records for your children, health records for the entire family (especially shot records), and driving records and insurance.

Moving your possessions will be a hassle and subject to the tax and duty laws of your new country. It is recommended that you use a major moving company and to get recommendations from people who have already moved overseas from your country of origin. Some things that will make the move easier are clearly labeling your belongings, researching the process ahead of time, and having your paperwork in order.

Learn more about relocating overseas at MovingCompaniesforyou.com.

Tips for a Successful International Move

Moving internationally is certainly a life-changing experience. Some of us may be relocating as part of a career move, while others may be seeking new opportunities or experiences abroad. Regardless of the reason, moving overseas requires thorough planning and organization. One of the most stressful aspects of planning an international move is not knowing where to begin or where to go for answers. With the help of an International Moving Specialist, you can reduce the stress involved with moving and enjoy the excitement of this new experience. Whether you're moving to Brussels or Bangkok, the following suggestions should point you in the right direction and help you put together your game plan for a smooth international move.

Do Your Research

By learning everything you can about your new country, you can best prepare your family for becoming acclimated to your new surroundings. Your local library is an obvious but often overlooked place to begin your research. Your library (or local bookstore) will have plenty of resources to learn more about your new country, its customs, and language. If English is not spoken in your new country, are your language skills good enough to get by? If you need to brush up on your skills or learn a new language entirely, your best bet is to purchase audio tapes that will allow you to use your time most efficiently. You can listen to tapes and practice while in your car, at the gym, or while relaxing in your home. Besides language, you may want to research local customs, practices, or even local cuisine found in your new destination. Next, locate your embassy in your destination country. The local embassy or consulate will be able to answer any questions you may have and give you advice on visas, customs, inoculations and their specific requirements. Last but not least, contact expatriate groups in your new country or speak with other families that either live or have lived in your destination city. Many cities will have a local expatriate club whose members can help ease your transition by offering valuable advice and help you get involved in local social events and functions.

Packing Tips

Because of the nature of an overseas move, quality packing will be of utmost importance to ensure that your belongings arrive safely in your new destination. It is strongly recommended that you allow the professional movers to pack all your household belongings. Furthermore, your International Moving Specialist can advise you on what to pack and what not to pack. For example, there may be restrictions on the type and quantity of goods you can bring. Many countries prohibit certain products from entering their country, such as agricultural goods. Next, take some time to find out which appliances will work in your new home. Because different countries operate with different voltages and plug types, your electronics may need some sort of adapter. If possible, consider storing your larger appliances or selling them. This will save you the hassle of using adapters, and the money you make can be used towards purchasing new appliances. Finally, it is highly recommended that you purchase additional insurance on your international shipment. With the help of your International Moving Specialist, take a detailed inventory of all your belongings complete with a precise valuation for each item. Because your belongings have a long journey ahead and may travel on various types of vessels, even the smoothest move may result in some damage. Insurance will protect you from suffering losses during the shipping process.

Preparing to move internationally can be a challenging task. By researching your move and getting organized ahead of time, you can successfully manage the stress of moving and enjoy this exciting and rewarding experience.

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Moving Your Family Overseas? 5 Tips to Help You Choose an International Cargo Shipping Company

When you are moving overseas, you will need to hire a dependable cargo shipping company to assist in moving your household goods abroad. The thought of moving your household goods overseas might seem like a big undertaking at first, but with the right company, it can be surprisingly easy. Read these 5 simple tips before you begin looking for an international cargo shipping company to assist in your overseas move.

1) Listen to Others. Find out what other people have to say about the company that you are considering. It is very helpful to hear about the experience of other customers so that you have a sense of what to expect in terms of service, delivery, timing, and safety. Good and dependable international cargo shippers often have real customer testimonials posted on their website.

2) Look for a Simple Freight Quote. Look for a freight quote that includes all of the pricing information for shipping all of the household goods that you want to ship overseas. You do not want to be confused by hidden fees. Find a company that provides clear and easy to understand information to you about any fees involved in shipping your household goods overseas. Check out this example of an international cargo shipping company that offers an online freight quote tool.

3) Ask for Cargo Tracking. Find out if the company offers some type of cargo tracking tool. It is very helpful to have access to a cargo tracking tool when you are shipping your household goods overseas. When you are waiting for all of your items to arrive, it is comforting to be able to know where your items are along the route. Pick a company that offers this type of cargo tracking tool.

4) Seek Cargo Shipping Experts. Make sure that the international cargo shipping company you choose understands all the ins and outs of international sea shipping. The best international cargo shipping company will provide guidance to you about all of the necessary paperwork and documentation you will need for your cargo shipment. This should be the expertise of any reliable international cargo shipping company that you choose.

5) Consider your Options. When it comes to international cargo shipping, you typically have a variety of options to consider in terms of container types and sizes, and packing, shipping and delivery methods. For example, if you are shipping a car overseas, you can opt for roll on roll off services or you can ship a car in a shipping container. Depending on your specific situation and budget, you can choose port to port shipping or door to door delivery service. Find out the difference in cost and logistics for all of your options so that you can make the right decision for your situation and budget.

When you are moving overseas, it is good to turn to an expert overseas shipper, for more information, including a free freight quote. For more information about cargo shipping, overseas moving, ocean freight, and international cargo, check out Cargo Experts or call toll free 1-866-994-7822.

Thinking About Moving To A Different Country To Live - Read This First!

So many people are giving thought to the ideal of living in another nation. With financial downturn increasing and liberties that once were, are now a thing of history. Increasing numbers of people are planning on moving to some location where the government and culture may match their individual life styles. Not to mention, the thrilling elements of living in a completely new atmosphere may bring emotions of freshness and quality to a person's life.

For those who have discovered that after living in the same nation after many years isn't providing you with fulfillment and have been interested in an additional culture or language maybe moving to another society is actually what you're searching for?

The very first things that may spring to mind when searching for a brand new environment are such things as, "What nations match my personal way of life?" or even "How will I support myself in a brand new location?" These types of concerns and much more will be of initial concern whenever considering a brand new spot to move to.

The advantage of moving to a new country would be the numerous types in which to select from. Be it another world or developing country, even first world such as European countries or even North America. Everything simply depends upon where you want to work and play. The kind of local weather you want to have around you plays a large function in the choices you'd be soon dealing with.

Have you got kids? How would they adjust to the altering environment?

Where would be the best spot to look for info you could trust when it came to your long term endeavors?

The best place may be checking your local library. You'll find a large number of books that would be able to help you produce an educated choice about an unknown abroad environment. Providing you with more info than maybe you could even use, but offering you an excellent first impression of the brand new nation to start with at the same time.

The web might be also an excellent location when considering moving abroad. With only a mouse click for the search phrase "moving overseas" or "living inside a new country" will be sufficient to gather a few solid details about living overseas. You basically would have plenty to millions of web sites ready to assist the would-be traveler to his/her location.

Family and friends may be a trusted source if someone you know has possibly visited a nation you've been considering going to. Perhaps you have neighbours who are from the different country and will be prepared to provide you with individual understanding to their culture, government, and language maybe.

Having the desire may also be sufficient to get the process started in the correct path of making a step-by-step plan. Occasionally the solutions that you'll require are around however it requires a little bit of selection and merely becoming confident with the info that's received before making an enormous choice. However remember it's your choice to make and that you only live once, therefore make certain in the end you do not leave with any kind of remorse.

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How to Simplify Overseas Move

As compared to domestic move, making an international household move is not just complicated but one of those difficult tasks that require advance planning, attention, and consideration. Since moving overseas involves logistics of shipping valuable electronics, furniture and other household stuff from one country to another, it involves a lot of care and protection. To ensure an effective household move, follow these guidelines:

The rules and regulations of each destination country regarding shipping automobiles and household moves can vary dramatically. One must consult the embassy to learn the regulations on importing a car, the required documents and whether the imported items for personal use are tax-free.

One can bring enough household items or furniture to set up a house in a new location in order to simplify overseas moves, otherwise it can cost more on shopping trips for basic essentials in a destination country. Moreover, shipping an automobile or purchasing one abroad is more practical and makes a lot of difference. Besides basic household items, books, home decorations, toiletries, kid's toys and seasonal clothing can also be considered.

Another major concern while moving overseas is to decide the purchase of electrical appliances from a domestic store or from abroad. The factors such as currency exchange rates, ease of repair, and warranty plays a vital role when making a decision. If the appliances are purchased from a domestic store, ample time should be given for them to be transported prior to the moving day.

Call the shipping companies only after everything has been decided regardless of whether one is using commercial shipping company or full service international moving company. The latter's fees might include loading and packing of furniture and other household items whereas an individual is left to do all such work himself if he uses commercial shipping company.

Thus, by following these steps and with proper planning, moving overseas can go smoothly.

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Moving Abroad and the Strain on Relationships

At my daughter's school here in Spain there are children of many different nationalities: there is a large contingent from Morocco and Tunisia, as well as others from France, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands and, of course, Britain.

The kids' parents moved here in search of a better life in one shape or another. For many of those from North Africa the work prospects in Spain previously had been a big lure. One of her classmate's parents, meanwhile, are from Paris. They left though because of the high cost of living there, and saw the prospect of a better way of life in Spain. We relocated for similar reasons.

But now, with Spain's economy in the mire and unemployment rocketing, the father from Paris has had to go to Switzerland to find work. As a result, he's only back to see his family one weekend a fortnight. The long absences are hard for all of them. But there's bills to pay.

Not that this kind of separation, where a partner/parent - and most often the father - works away from home, is anything new. However, in this unprecedented period of global downturn it appears to be getting more common, as people seek out work wherever they can find it. And it is not just lower-income breadwinners who are going out into the world for the sake of a job.

For example, a Korn/Ferry Institute Executive Quiz released in November 2008 found 84 percent of executives were willing to consider relocating, with 55 percent willing to move overseas for their next position.

Of course, people don't just move abroad from employment necessity. Rather, relocating - whether with an existing employer or a new one - can also be a great way to improve your prospects and climb the corporate ladder, as Stacie Nevadomski Berdan and C. Perry. Yeatman highlight in their book "Get Ahead by Going Abroad: A Woman's Guide to Fast-Track Career Success."

Still, whatever the reason for expatriating - whether it's the opportunity of a big job promotion, the chance to put some cash in your pocket, the lure of a different culture or the thought of a nicer climate - it is important to be aware of the changes and stresses that can put on your relationships.

In the case of the father from Paris - and the millions of others in his position - it is the enforced distance and absence that will be the source of strain in a relationship.

But for those partners or families that relocate as a unit there are other issues to be aware of. For example, moving abroad may mean:

* Leaving your support network behind

Oftentimes moving to another country means leaving behind your extended family and close friends, all those people you could call up when needed for babysitting duties, a night out on the town, or a shoulder to cry on. As a result, that network can act as a valuable pressure release valve in any relationship.

But in moving abroad there's a good chance you'll be pushed into closer intimacy - or at least proximity - with your partner, especially when you're finding your feet in the early days. You may feel more isolated, or claustrophobic. You may end up being more dependent on each other for your emotional, social and intellectual needs than you're used to. And that can lead to arguments.

* Leaving your job

Your partner may have a new job to go to when you land in your new country, but what if you're the so-called 'trailing spouse'? Will the move mean sacrificing your career, and all the sense of identity, purpose and social position that goes with it?

That can put a great strain on you both, and impact on the ultimate success of your overseas venture.

For example, KPMG's 2008 Global Assignment Policies and Practices (GAPP) survey noted that 34% of the firms that participated said dual career couples increased the chance that their employee's expatriate assignment would end in failure.

* Coping with unfamiliarity

I remember the first time I used the post office when I moved to New York. It was a completely different system to the one I was used to - and the employee I dealt with wasn't particularly sympathetic - so just sending a parcel took much longer than it ordinarily would.

And moving abroad means you'll also have to wrestle with different social security requirements, health systems, utility companies, banks, insurers, local government bureaucracies, tax regimes and a host of other activities that constitute daily life. And if you have to do it all in a foreign language as well then the process becomes that much more complicated.

Then there are the cultural differences you must adapt to - things like social etiquette, timekeeping, the food in the shops, driving behaviour...

Many of these differences form part of the excitement and joy of living abroad - but inevitably they WILL bring frustrations too.

As a result, while living in a foreign country can bring enormous fulfilment and happiness, you're also likely to get edgy and stressed, at least some of the time. And the people we tend to take it out on are our nearest and dearest. In moving abroad then it's even more important to put in the time and effort to nurture your relationships.

Paul Allen is a freelance journalist and writer who has lived in northern Spain since 2003. He is the author of "Should I Stay Or Should I Go? The Truth About Moving Abroad And Whether It's Right For You," a comprehensive e-book guide for people seeking advice on whether or not to move abroad. For more details about the book, and to get lots of free information and advice on moving and living overseas, visit his website at http://www.expatliving101.com/

Smart Tips For International Moving

International moving is not your ordinary move and should be treated differently. For those who have yet to undergo one of these moves, the process can more than a little intimidating. We understand this concern as moving in general is no easy thing but this is made even more difficult when you are moving overseas. Here, we have put together a list of tips that can help you with your next overseas move. This will also help lower some of the anxiety and stress created from this process.

Choose a top company.

This seemingly obvious advice is often overlooked. Many people make the mistake of putting off the hiring decision until the last minute and then choose the first company they run across. This is a big mistake as doing your due diligence is critical to ensuring you avoid a whole range of possible issues. One thing that you should be keying on is the experience of the company in these type of moves. You do not want to use a company that has little experience or is new to this type of move. Get one that has done this many times and has an emphasis on it.

You can find out about the experience of the companies by looking at their respective websites to see what type of moves they usually offer. To find out if their services match up with customer expectations, you can check to see what customers are saying a bout them on message boards and forums. If customers had a bad experience, they will be happy to tell you about it. There are a number of ex-pat sites that are devoted to this type of thing. Their opinions can help you cross off poor performers and allow you to focus more on the few companies that are consistently good.

Don't skimp on insurance.

With international moves, your belongings are at greater risk. You might think it wise to avoid insurance costs on a local move and you may have a strong case. However, with these long distance moves, there is really no good reason not to protect your items. Basically, if you value your items, you should protect them. It is as simple as that.

Give yourself additional time.

People like to put off things like moves because they are not the norm and they require people to face up to the fact that they truly are moving and will have to say good bye to friends and memories in their new home. However, the sooner you can own up to this and start your preparations, the better off you will be. There is simply far more to do with these type of moves as you must tie up more loose ends and make extra preparations in the new country.

By keeping these different tips in mind, you should be much better prepared for any international moving you need to do.

For more information on International Moving, click on the following link: long distance movers.

Moving Overseas

Moving with a truck rental company nowadays is just easy, although it requires you to pay a bit more than you would if you would just do everything by yourself or with some of your friends, still it makes everything smooth and easy especially when you would hire them to just take care of everything and just wait for them in your next location. In which way you look this kind of business really makes our lives easier.There are various reasons why people moves overseas, some maybe for their own personal needs, such as careers or maybe just trying out a new location. If you are moving with your family, there are lots of things you should consider before making a move, here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Passports and visa - make sure all this documents are secured.

2. Other legal documents - such as marriage license, lease or rental agreement for housing in the new country

3. The mode of shipping - this could be your biggest struggle, finding the right company in shipping your things to your next location.

The mode of shipping is one where you should pay much attention to. Lots of truck rental companies are now offering this kind of services, however not all of them would give you much security in moving you things. Before hiring any of them make sure that you know all the details of the move, like when or how they are going to get to your location. Since we are talking about overseas it would be best to know if they are going on a ship or just by roads. Some companies transports your things to a port ships it through a ship and again pick it up on the other port while some takes the truck itself on the boat and by the time the ship docks the truck again could now hit the roads.

If you are moving by yourself, all this could be a bug hassle to you, knowing how to transport this things and preparing the necessary documents according to the cargos you are about to ship. On hiring this truck rental companies, you can make sure that they are experts in doing this and by that remark it means they know exactly how this things work. Always remember to prepare ahead of time while some movers experienced moving overseas that takes months you can now save your time by knowing everything you need for the move and choosing the best company that fits you.

Truck rental will depend on how much stuff you have to move with you. Always make sure that you anticipate possible problems that you may encounter. Among the most important information that you need to take note are: insurance, destination, truck size, extra baggage, schedule, etc.

Thinking About Moving to a Different Country to Live?

Many people are giving thought to the ideal of living in a different country. With economic crises on the rise and freedoms that once were, are now a thing of the past. More and more people are thinking about relocating to a place where the government and culture will fit their individual lifestyles. Not to mention, the exciting factors of living in a entirely new environment can bring feelings of newness and freshness to one's life.

If you have found that after living in the same country after many years is not bringing you satisfaction and have always been interested in another culture or language then maybe relocating to a different society is really what your looking for? The first things that might come to mind when looking for a new environment are things like, "What countries fit my lifestyle?" or "How will I support myself in a new place?" These questions and many more will be of first priority when thinking about a new place to move to.

The good thing about moving to a new country are the many varieties in which to choose from. Whether it is a third world or developing nation, even first world like Europe or North America. It all just depends on where you would like to work and play. The type of climate you would like to have around you plays a big role in the decisions you would be soon facing.

Do you have children? How would they adapt to the changing environment?

Where would be the best place to look for information that you could trust when it came to your future endeavors?

The best place might be your local library. You can find dozens of books that would be able to help you make an informed decision about an unknown overseas environment. Giving you more information than maybe you could even use, but offering you a great first impression of your new country to start with at the same time.

The internet would also be a great place when thinking about moving overseas. With just a click of a button for the search term "moving overseas" or "living in a new country" would be enough to collect some solid information about living abroad. You basically would have tons to millions of websites all set up to help the would-be traveler to his/her destination.

Friends and family could also be a reliable source if someone that you know has possibly been to a country you have been thinking about visiting. Maybe you have neighbors who are from a different country and would be willing to give you personal insight to their culture, government, and language perhaps.

Having the desire is sometimes enough to get the ball rolling in the right direction of creating an action plan. Sometimes the answers that you need are all around but it takes a bit of selection and just becoming comfortable with the information that is received before making a huge decision. But always remember the choice is yours to make and that you only live once, so make sure in the end you don't leave with any regrets.

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A Concerned Parent's Guide to Moving Your Family Overseas

There are lots of issues to be considered when deciding to move your family overseas. It's not as simple as discussing it with your spouse, packing up and getting on a plane! Moving to a new country is both exciting and challenging, and should not be undertaken lightly.

Making the Decision

Consider the impact of such a move on each member of your family. This move will affect all of their lives. Parents should review the benefits and liabilities of such a move before presenting it to the children. Make sure that moving your family overseas is better for you in the long run, not only for the short term. Think about whether the sacrifices you'll need to make will be worth it. We want to prevent the children from growing up resenting their parents' decision to move during what they feel is an important part of their lives.

Opening Discussion

If you're set on moving your family overseas, the next issue to tackle is how to break the news to the children. Parents often tend to disregard the opinions and feelings of their children in making decisions that will affect the whole family. Some like to simply announce: "Kids, we are moving overseas." Blunt and to the point, end of discussion. This isn't the best way as it makes clear to your children that they don't have any say as to what happens with their lives.

Even if the decision to move has been made, you still need to listen to what your kids have to say about it, to show them that you care about their feelings. Try saying the following instead: "Kids, we've been presented with a wonderful opportunity and in order to take advantage of it, we're going to have to move overseas. What do you think about that?"

Overcoming Fears

Parents know that most children will react negatively to the question. After all, it's the unknown and that's scary. This is natural. Encourage your children to ask questions and bring up issues they're worried about. By having an open discussion, you can assuage their fears. You need to assure them that despite their concerns, everything will be okay. By listening to what they think and feel, you will get an understanding of their issues. You can answer all questions and begin to find solutions to any foreseeable problems.

Planning the Move

After you've broken the news to the family, the time has come to make preparations. Good planning will help you make the transition much smoother for your family. Try to find people who can help you understand what's involved in the move. Find and hire services that can assist you with the intricate details of moving your family overseas.

You need to learn as much about the country you're going to as possible. If you're moving your family to a location where a different language is spoken, think about learning the language together. Make it a fun family activity and try to use it daily when you're all together. Conversing at the dinner table only in the new language can lead to lots of laughs.

Culture shock is also a potential problem when moving overseas. Learning about the customs and culture ahead of time will help you and the children feel more comfortable. It will also make everyone more excited to see these new customs in action. There will also be differences in small, previously disregarded things like measurements and electricity features. If your new country uses different standards of measurement and different voltages of electricity, you'll need to learn about these things and prepare for it ahead of time.

Preparing for the Move

Good preparation means taking care of all the little details concerning moving your family overseas. Where will you stay? Where will the children continue their education? Which personal items will you take with you and which will be left behind? What clothing do you need in this new climate? These are all questions that need to be answered. Think about the legalities involved in moving your family overseas, including passports and other necessary papers. Find out about banking and money exchange. It's important to understand the value of the new currency. Kids will love to learn all about the new coins and paper money that doesn't look real!

Remember, the way of life you have known so far is not the only way of life. People in other countries have their habits and oddities. Respect the rights of others and you'll be just fine. Make sure to teach this lesson to your family too.

By following these suggestions, your family can successfully navigate the sometimes daunting, always exciting, move to another country. With the right attitude and plenty of research and preparation, you can tackle the job with ease.

Karen Fusco is the co-author of "Busy Moms: The Heart and Soul of a Home", an ebook filled with time-saving and stress-reducing tips and ideas to help build a stronger home, a stronger family and a stronger you. Karen can be reached at karen@busymombook.com.