Find Work Overseas: 4 Ways to Use 'Destination Inspiration' to Make Money

Working whilst overseas allows you to stay away from home for longer so that you do not have to catch a flight back as soon as your last pennies run out. But don't limit yourself to online adverts and job applications when looking for work: There are plenty of ways that you can use your new surroundings to inspire you to make your own living.

Here are four of the best ways that you can use 'destination inspiration' to make a few bucks whilst on the road.

1. Writing

The romantic image of the travel writer is one which has captivated many a traveler over the years. But you do not have to be Paul Theroux or Bruce Chatwin to earn a few bucks. Obviously, writing a travel book is one way to make your possible fortune, but it certainly isn't the easiest way, especially if you are looking for guaranteed success.

Magazines & Newspapers

Every day that you spend in another country you will encounter people, situations, events, and places which might make fantastic stories for those back home.

Newspapers and magazines love to fill up their pages with original stories, and if you are living somewhere slightly unusual, experiencing things which are different from the norm, you may find that you can publish a few articles this way.

The Web

It can be quite hard to break into writing for publications, so you might want to look for online opportunities instead.

Now that it is so easy to create a blog or website, everyone can be a publisher. If you find that you are constantly coming across interesting stories and fascinating cultural idiosyncrasies, write them down in a travel blog.

Think there's no money to be made in a blog? Many people are now setting up travel blogs and making good money from them. It is not necessarily easy to start earning lots of money, but it is certainly possible if you put the time into it. And it can be great fun at the same time.

2. Photography

Digital photography is a marvel, and combined with the internet it has made it much easier for people living abroad to make money from their photographs.

You don't even need a particularly good camera to make money in this way. A good eye for photos and determination to get your photos seen is all that it takes.

The problem you face is competition. As you can imagine, travel photography is something which many people find appealing. After all, everyone fancies themselves as a potential photographer.

But that is no reason to dismiss it.

Start by taking photos of anything you find interesting and upload them to online image banks. If you can sell your photos this way then you could find yourself making a nice little side income. It might not make you rich, but lots of people are quite successful doing this so you never know.

Why not go one further and try and sell your photos to magazines, newspapers, and other publications? If your pics are really special or capture a particularly newsworthy event then anything is possible.

3. Start a Business

If you want to properly set yourself up abroad then there are countless ways for you to set up a business. The thing that normally holds people back is the investment needed, as well as the sometimes arbitrary and long-winded process of establishing a business overseas.

But using your destination as inspiration, you might be able to come up with some possible ideas to get you started.

Try to see what it is that the local population is missing that you know they need. As Steve Jobs once wisely said: "A lot of times, people don't know what they want until you show it to them."

For example, in Argentina I've had loads of ideas for potential businesses that I haven't yet put into action. These include smoke alarms (so important back home but almost non-existent here), sandwich bars (they just don't get how to make a good sandwich!), and plenty of others that I'll keep to myself for now.

Look around you. Talk to the locals. Do you find people constantly saying how lucky you are to have a certain service or product back home that they cannot get hold of? Use that as your inspiration to set up your own business.

4. Discover Your Strengths

As well as working out what the local population lack in your new destination, you may find that you become more aware of your strengths when you move abroad and things that you may not have noticed back home suddenly become potential business ideas.

For example, speaking fluent English might not be much of a selling point back home, but in your new country it could lead to all sorts of work opportunities.

At different times since I moved overseas, I have taught English, provided proof reading and editing to local businesses, written content for their websites, and more, all whilst charging a premium.

You could even set up an English teaching company and use your native English as a selling point to attract more paying students.

Get Inspired

Use what you see around you to get inspired by your destination. There is no reason why you should not make money by working abroad, whether you are traveling through a new country or staying put for longer.

Whether you want to find work overseas to make a bit of money on the side, or a full-time income, there are plenty of options available. All it takes is a little bit of inspiration.

Connor Davies knows all about setting up overseas and earning money from the other side of the world. Want to know how you can do the same? Follow him at http://aspirationsabroad.com and get hold of his free eBook. It could well provide you with the boost you need to make that dream move.

Overseas Moving Company - 3 Tips To Choose The Best

With the growing competition among the multi national companies all across the world the companies settle down for nothing but the best while recruiting the top positions. And for this they now have started a global search. That means that many talented youngsters get highly paid jobs in various parts of the world and they do move to these new destinations, as they also love their growth as an individual.

The professionals & businessmen all try to find scope on a global scale & have a common statement at the end - "We must think big, I can not restrict myself here."

Soon enough they feel so settled in the place that they are all willing to wrap up from their native place & bring in all their family members to this new nation. Most of them, especially the younger generation have indeed stopped regretting the fact as well. In fact they do not even feel the fact that they have actually left behind their old home.

However, it is not that simple as it seems to be from the exterior. Many a times, people take this decision under the pressure of their circumstances. The entire matter indeed is very excruciating and yet the surprise is that some people are successful in doing so.

You too can be successful in the task, in case you approach - the Overseas Moving Services.

While many of you many connect this term merely to the professionals helping you to move all your stuff to the new destination physically, you would be surprised to know that these services have a lot more in their horizon. Moving overseas is actually a very tedious process in all regards - physically, emotionally & mentally. This service caters to your emotional, mental & physical trauma & you would again be surprised to know that they have nothing to do with the shipping or packing of your material stuff.

Actually when you have to make a move for the overseas, you need to plan a lot many things over & above the physical move. Several little details have to be taken care of so as to ensure the migration smoothly & successfully, with out any obstruction. Hence, the physical movement perhaps comes the last on the list, that is, after all the legal matters. You surely would not be able to take care of all this mess alone. Here come in to the picture 'the overseas moving companies'.

With the growing numbers of international relocations, these companies have come much in to demand. Of course, the supply in the market with the consumer being the king, now is directly proportional to the demand. As a result in this field as well, the competition has risen to a large scale. It has now become very hard for the consumers to finalize as to which overseas moving company they must hire.

The consumers like in all other products & services have different requirements, they prefer different standards, and the end they all want the best of the returns of the money they are spending. Has this not been the case, it would have been much easier to approach just any 'XYZ' company, and get the job done.

Now the problem is while the people are looking for the best of services, they are yet not sure of they exactly want.

Here is a fair glimpse of these exclusive services. In case you are looking forward to moving to a new country for ever, here are the features you must check out in an overseas moving company:

1. Location

a. When ever you are choosing among the overseas moving companies opt the one that is based in the country that would be your new destination.

b. This would save a lot on the costs you incur in terms of the cash.

c. Also the storage of your goods would become far easier.

d. Actually in case you get hooked on to one of the established overseas moving company with good contacts, you can conveniently save a good amount of cash on the delivery as they would help you deliver all your possessions at a very reduced rate.

e. In case you land up to a company that is not based in the destination country, there are chances that they would hand over all your goods' delivery to guys based over there. That means you would land up paying fro two companies that of course, would get costlier for you.

2. Cost

a. There are several companies that offer to deliver all your stuff at very low rates.

b. In case you are looking for a lower budget you must hang on to such options.

c. But, make sure that you are sacrificing on the quality front in case you opt for such services.

d. With such companies make sure that you get a fine print copy of your contract before you go ahead in the deal.

e. Discuss everything in detail, and get all the required information from them.

f. Question them well and try to grasp that how can they give you the best of services at that low price.

g. You must be sure that is the saving indeed worth sacrificing the quality.

3. Speed

a. Many a times you opt for one overseas moving company over another owing to their speed of delivering the goods.

b. Those who are very short of time, you prefer hiring a company that can manage things with the stipulated time limit.

c. Remember, none of the overseas moving companies actually exert that extra effort in getting your goods delivered rather fast, in case it is not beneficial for them also.

d. Speedy delivery also incurs more cost in terms of cash. So must have it ready to be paid on the time of delivery itself.

While this may seem a bit tedious, the task of selecting the right overseas moving company is indeed not that hard in case you use the right tips for your guidance.

Abhishek is a Relocation expert and he has got some great Relocation Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 70 Pages Ebook, "Relocation Made Easy!" from his website http://www.Relocation-Guru.com/761/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Moving Businesses Overseas - The 3 Prime Reasons For Relocating Your Business

People often wonder about the reasons for doing so when they hear of people moving businesses overseas. This may happen because of good or bad reasons. Such reasons can be categorized into three types. They are:

1. Opportunities: Oftentimes, businesses are moved by people overseas because of availability of better opportunities, which are events, when given a proper reaction, will improve the business greatly. People usually have to search for an opportune moment, which can, sometimes be found overseas.

The most common reason is that people find an open market overseas. Many people have a tough time managing their business due to competition, because of which lots of cash will be lost. A good entrepreneur won't give up in spite of presence of heavy competition. They will look for markets which are new and can be dominated by them. They look for opportunities and exploit them. Many people move their businesses because they feel that they will have lesser competition there than they had in their own place or even because their product may have more demand in that market than the one in which they previously were put up in.

Also, reduction of cost is another opportunity because of which people move their businesses as their profit will increase by doing so. For example, Adidas and Nike have set up factories in the Asian continent because of availability of cheap and skilled labor, which eventually means that their business will be expanded and will earn more profits.

2. Threats: People move their businesses overseas owing to the presence of some threats in their country. Threat can mean anything that has a potential to cause harm or loss to the business. For example, heavy competition is considered a threat and if you think that it is not very different from the previous reason, you are wrong, because according to the situation described there, remaining in the same place may cause a small dent in the amount of profit made, however, in this situation, remaining in the same place would be the end of the business.

Threats can be defined as events, which when not dealt with in the right way, can make the business face its worst of times. The best way in which they can be evaded is by moving the businesses overseas.

3. Miscellaneous - People who even move their business because of no reason, whatsoever, related to the business are present. If the move of a business does not fetch any new opportunity or other profits for the company, then, the move of the business would be due to personal reasons of the entrepreneur managing the business.

Oftentimes, people feel that they want to have a change and may want to start a new life and feel the thrill. However, moving overseas cannot be done without means to support themselves and sustain life and income. Hence, some people may move their business because they are migrating to some other country.

Transferring a business from one country to another may look like a random thing, but, everything that is done is done for a reason only. Others may not understand it or it may be too subtle to be understood, however, it is still present. By obtaining knowledge as to why businesses are moved, we get a glimpse into the mind of another person, which is just a minuscule part of knowing about the whole universe.

Abhishek is a Relocation expert and he has got some great Relocation Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 70 Page Ebook, "Relocation Made Easy!" from his website http://www.Relocation-Guru.com/761/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Moving to Spain and Surviving!

Spain is one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations; furthermore the attraction of Spain's climate, culture, beauty, cost and standard of living attracts record numbers of expatriates to relocate to its shores every year and the country already has an estimated 1.5 million foreign residents in situ.

But there's a darker side to moving abroad that few people ever consider - did you know that last year 191,000 people relocated overseas from the UK...and 105,000 Britons also returned to the UK last year having failed to establish their new life overseas?

Some people simply fail to survive a move overseas and it certainly isn't a case of "no going back" for the thousands of disillusioned people who flock 'home' to their mother country year after year...therefore if you're thinking of moving to Spain you need to understand the main reasons people cite when they return. By understanding these reasons you will avoid the pitfalls and pain and succeed where others may fail thereby fulfilling your dreams of a new life in Spain.

The Practicality of Your Location

You need to make sure that you choose the very best location in Spain to fulfil your practical needs on a day to day basis.

Consider the accessibility of a location for family and friends to visit you and for you to reach a doctor, the supermarket, a school or even a hairdresser. Find your perfect location, location, location by visiting the areas you're interested in and considering them thoroughly from the point of view of how easy and practical your day to day life there will be.

Accessibility & Homesickness

Wherever you choose to live, consider the accessibility of the location with your old home country in mind. Sure, you may be sick of the sight of certain people right now but you never know what tomorrow will bring and how are you going to feel if you can't get back to visit, or if the important people in your life can't afford to visit you?

Spain is very well serviced by airports and cheap airlines, it has one of the cheapest rail networks in the whole of Europe and the Spanish government spends millions each year on the travel and transport infrastructure so wherever you choose to locate you should never be so far away from decent transportation. But do bear this point in mind as 'homesickness' and 'inaccessibility' are some of the main reasons people cite when they give up on their dream of a new life abroad.

Being Accepted

The first two years in any new country are by far the hardest...it takes this amount of time to build up enough knowledge of the local areas, customs, people and language to make your new house feel like 'home'.

It also takes a significant investment and effort on your part to find true acceptance and getting to the stage where you really feel you 'belong' in your Spanish community will take time, effort and above all perseverance.

Expectation versus Reality

Moving abroad won't necessarily 'fix' your life - if you do move abroad you won't escape your history, you won't escape who you are, you won't escape all of the day to day grind and you may not always improve your quality of life! So make sure you have realistic expectations of your new life in Spain before you go and know that living in Spain will be very different to holidaying in Spain.

YES your new life abroad can offer you so much more...but just make sure your expectations can match the reality and remember the saying - life isn't necessarily a beach just because you live beside one!

Health & Wellbeing

One of the saddest reasons people cite when giving up their dream of a new life abroad is health and wellbeing. The trap is the price, availability and quality of health care in their 'new' country. Please look at the local Spanish health care facilities, think about long term and respite care, consider health insurance for all your family and basically don't bury your head in the sand! If you consider the worst case scenario and protect yourself against it, chances are you will be prepared for everything and will financially survive.

Last But Not Least - Money

THE most common reasons for people returning 'home' with their dreams shattered is that they simply run out of money.

If you're moving to Spain and hoping to find work you need to know that unemployment in the country is way above the EU average, if you don't speak Spanish you'll struggle and some of your qualifications may not be recognised in Spain. If you're considering downsizing when you move to Spain it can be more than just a shock to the system to leave a well paying job to become a pool cleaner. If you've sold up and released equity to live on have you honestly thought about how long you can practically live on this amount? What about affording your retirement years, trips back to your home country, health care, transportation and the unexpected costs that spring up when we least expect them?

There are ways to afford to live on less and there are ways to make what you have go far further. The bottom line is - to survive in Spain you simply MUST consider your financial position before you make ANY move.

Good luck in realising and securing your dream.

Rhiannon Williamson is the publisher of http://www.shelteroffshore.com/ - the online resource for investment property abroad, offshore investing and living overseas articles, guides and resources.

Click the following link for Spanish property and moving to Spain articles, guides, resources and recommended reading.

Overseas Moving - Services and Options

People who wish to relocate overseas oftentimes require a lot of assistance. This is when overseas moving services come to mind. However, because the demand for these services is quite high, people are presented with the dilemma of selecting an overseas relocation service that is proper for them.

And so, how do you decide which moving service to use?

Many would prefer to go with the speed. A sound abroad moving service has to be able to deliver your household goods on schedule. In order to execute this, they might provide you with a specific promotional package which would allow them to accelerate the delivery. We all can confess how we do not in truth have any time to do the things that we need to, right? All right, by employing the foreign moving help which offers the quickest service then you'll be able to make certain that you can manage your time in good order.

Some folks will go with location. It's frequently better to engage an overseas mover which is stationed within your destination. This spares a lot of transfer cost. It likewise helps with the speed since people who are long-familiar with the destination could deliver the goods faster. There's also the matter of the transport costs. Numerous overseas relocators may have associations with people at your country of destination. This implies that you will be able to save up on the price of moving.

Some people get going with the perks. There are some overseas moving companies which attempt to appeal to a lot of customers by proposing many add-ons when you charter their company. People may get side-tracked by a promo and they might wind up paying tons of hard currency in order to get something free. That is just asking to be scammed.

A lot of people proceed with reputation. It's frequently the case that global moving companies get hired merely because they produce more advertising. If you go this route, you may finish up with a genuinely high quality moving service which fulfills its reputation. Nonetheless, somebody can just as well end up spending an unnecessarily big amount of money in order to pay for the moving company's brand.

In the same respect, be aware of cases when an overseas mover asks you to pay a suspiciously low amount of deposit. You want to make certain that you can entrust these guys since many others have already went through having their belongings confined for ransom. Some companies out there will give you a low-ball rate quote when you are still negotiating but then turn around and stick you with a ludicrously higher charge when the time arrives to deliver your stuff. Don't fall a victim to this scam. You need to choose your worldwide moving services carefully.

Additional measure that people use to evaluate a moving provider is technical favorable position. People need to be sure that they are capable to track their shipment until it arrives to the final destination. They call for technological superiority since this holds the confidence that everything will be managed correctly.

Picking out an oversea moving service could be rather challenging. Because of this, you need to rely on some kind of standard. By adopting these few tips and finding out as much as you are able to about the different companies, you can make this action a painless one.

Our website provides moving insurance rates and services when you're relocating nationwide or overseas. Protect your assets with All Risk or Total Loss coverage. Instant online quotes and certificates on insurance for moving personal items, household goods, furniture, art, cars, motorcycles, boats, etc.

Tips for Moving to Another Country

BE SURE - Moving can be extremely stressful, be as certain as you can be that it's the right move for you before you go. If possible visit the country before you make up your mind, don't rely on other people's impressions. Ask yourself if the new culture will really suit you (and your family).

BE PREPARED - ...For anything and everything to go wrong. Don't assume that you'll be able to find the perfect job or house immediately. If possible make sure you've got enough money to see you through the first couple of months at the very least (preferably longer). And to do that you'll need to...

BUDGET - As unglamorous as it sounds, good budgeting could be what makes the difference between a successful relocation and a disaster. Before you go, work out what everything is going to cost during those crucial first months when you're trying to find your feet in a foreign land.

DON'T DELAY - Start preparing as early as possible, just getting all the necessary paperwork in order can take a long time. Make a checklist of everything you need to do!

CHECK YOUR BENEFITS - If your company has initiated your move you may be eligible for relocation benefits. Make sure you ask if they haven't told you already!

HEALTH - Make sure that the country you are moving to has adequate healthcare facilities and infrastructure to support you (and your family), especially if you suffer from a medical condition which requires treatment or medication.

YOUR HOME - Think about what you want to do with your current home (e.g. sell it, lease it, leave it empty) and what kind of accommodation will be most suitable in your new country. If you don't know anyone in the new country who can help find accommodation, consider the services of a relocation agent.

EMPLOYMENT - Will you be looking for work in your new country? If so, consider starting your job hunt before you go (use the Internet!) Will you be able to use your existing qualifications or will a period of retraining be necessary? If you're moving somewhere where they don't speak the same language as you then you should...

LEARN THE LANGUAGE - Few skills will have such a positive impact on your relocation experience as being able to speak, or at least understand, the local language. Getting to grips with the local lingo before you go is a great idea!

PAPERWORK - No matter how insignificant that old document at the back of the bottom drawer may seem now, take it with you, the chances are at some stage you'll have to show it to someone. Moving countries can be a bureaucratic nightmare at the best of times but if you come prepared with the necessary paperwork you stand the best chance of a stress free relocation. Things to think about include birth certificates, wedding certificates, educational certificates, medical certificates (including those for your pets!), etc.

FRIENDS & FAMILY - Don't forget to inform everyone of your new address and when you're going (unless you don't want them to find you, of course ;-) Seriously though, saying goodbye to friends and family can be the hardest thing about leaving, be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride as the day of departure draws near.

YOUR BELONGINGS - Will you be taking everything with you or leaving some items in storage (or even getting rid of them completely)? How will you move your belongings? Can you transport them yourself or do you need the services of a moving company? Set aside those things you need to take with you in person so they don't get packed accidentally (passports, tickets, etc.)

INSURANCE - Once you've decided what you're taking with you, insure it. If you haven't already arranged appropriate insurance (health/life/travel, etc.) for yourself and your family as well...DO SO!

BANKING - You may need to open a new bank account in your new country - look for information on the one which suits you best. Do you need to close your current bank account? At the very least you'll need to tell your current bank that you're moving.

CREDIT CARDS - Credit card companies need to be informed you're moving. Also, will the credit cards you're taking with you be widely accepted?

DRIVING - Depending on where you're going and how long you're going to be there you may need to apply for a new driving license or even take a driving test. Will you take your car with you or buy/rent/lease one when you get to your destination country?

UTILITIES etc - Gas, electricity, cable companies and so on will need to be informed of your departure and contracts terminated where appropriate. Make arrangements for final meter readings and bill payments.

POST REDIRECTION - Having your mail redirected after you leave can prevent you from missing something important.

ELECTRIC DEVICES AND MOBILE PHONES - Check whether or not your TV, video, hair dryer, alarm clock etc will work in the new country. You may need to take out a new network subscription for a mobile phone (or buy a new one with a subscription) - watch out for roaming charges with your current phone if you use it.

EMAIL - If moving means you can't keep your current email address, consider a free web based email account you can access from anywhere.

And finally, a couple of important tips for when you get to your new country...

MAKE FRIENDS - Whether locals or fellow expats, nothing will help you more than being able to rely on the assistance of your friends when you need it. Don't think that socialising is time wasted, it's what makes a new country feel like home.

DON'T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF - Moving to a new country is difficult. Even when everything goes according to plan it's still difficult. There will be times when you're physically and emotionally exhausted but try not to let things get on top of you. Don't be shy about asking for help or support, there are plenty of people who have been there before.

Good luck!

Jamie Morris is the founder of Expat Focus -http://www.ExpatFocus.com - a leading website packed with information and tips for anyone moving abroad. Register at Expat Focus today and join us in the forums: http://www.ExpatFocus.com/register

International Moving Tips

International moving is a daunting task for anyone, as it involves a lot of planning and preparations. Whether you are relocating your business or home, it is very important to mull over all significant aspects before making the final decision. There are several moving companies that make your transition easy and peaceful. However, you still need to focus on the following points to make it flawless.

Selection of International Movers:

It is the most significant aspect of your international moving, as they would be transporting your belongings to your new destination. Unlicensed and amateur international movers could spell disaster. Hence, select the mover wisely in order to have smooth and secure transition.

Select the one that has good reputation. Consider the ones that are venerable in this industry.
Consider different companies and compare their prices and services. International Moving costs vary company to company considering various factors.
Get in touch with him in advance. Don't wait till the last minute.
Think over your different requirements when moving overseas, as different moving companies cater to different requirements and the rates also vary.
Make sure you select the licensed one and check all documents and license before finalizing the deal.
Select the one that provides viable insurance policy.

Decide place of living much before moving:

It is advised to finalize your place of living before you actually move. Then it would be easier for you to decide on things that you want to carry or just leave them behind.

If possible, try to get hold of the floor plan. It would give you clear picture of the space that you have in your new living place. Accordingly you can select the pieces of furniture that you want to carry.
Make sure that the furniture items that you wish to ship fit well in your new home, as it shipping things internationally involves lots of cost.

Packing of luggage:

This is an intimidating task, but can be done smoothly if you are well organized. It is good if you don't pack on your own.

Let your mover handle the packing of your luggage and belongings. Prepare an inventory list well in advance and cross check it at the final stage of packing.
To reduce costs, go for consolidated shipping.
Consider the appliances that will work in your new home, there could be different plug types. It is advised to sell or donate the items that are not required or won't work in you new living place.

Contact the Concerning Embassy:

Get in touch with the embassy of your destination country and seek advice on visas and other important documents.

Verify Customs rules and regulation:

Give due consideration to customs regulations, as they are subject to change from time to time. It is good if you verify the customs procedure and gather complete information on its rules and regulations.Follow these simple tips to make your International Moving process absolutely smooth and secure.

Gateways online international moving will help you get free shipping quotes and prepare for relocation day.

International Moving - How to Get Started

International moving involves a lot of planning and organisation. When faced with overseas moving, one can very easily become overwhelmed and not know exactly how to start planning the removal. Instead of panicking, there are some very simple steps that can be taken to avoid stress and to ensure that no detail of your move is left undone. From finding the right movers to packing your personal kit that will always remain beside you during the move, every tiny detail will get covered - as long as you stay organised and remember to use the available tools to the best advantage.

The very first thing to do when you are planning an international moving experience is to make out a moving checklist. These checklists will help you to stay on top of everything that needs to get done. Not only will it keep you focused and organised, it will also help you remember those small details that could otherwise be forgotten in the rush to prepare for your overseas moving experience. Even before calling up any movers, your checklist should be put together. If you are unable to write out a moving checklist by yourself, then you can always get an example of a good one online and then modify it to suit your needs.

The next thing you should do when planning an overseas move is to call up different movers to find the right company for your situation. Remember that you should never settle for the first company that you call. You should get quotes from a number of international moving companies so that you can compare prices and services. You will quickly note that while there are some really big discrepancies between some companies and the rest, they all even out in the end. International moving companies that tend of have lower prices will generally hit you up with hidden fees afterwards or charge for every accessorial service that you request.

Once you have found the right international moving company for your needs, it is then time to find out whether you need to apply for any particular documentation to enter the country of your ultimate destination. If you are moving for work purposes you will need a work permit and the proper visitor's visa. If you do not apply for the visa well in advance or in the proper sequence, then you might find yourself in the unenviable situation of not being able to work in the country to which you are moving - something that can really set you back financially. If you are moving with your family including children, then you will have to find out what papers they need as well. You will also have to look into schooling for your children. Finding an international school might not be difficult, but it might cost a lot of money, so if the language of instruction is the same as your own, then you might consider public school options

Language is another very serious consideration. If the country to which you are moving operates in a language different from your own, then you should definitely sign up for some basic language courses so that you are not completely out of your element when you first move down.

International moving can be a terrific experience - as long as it is properly planned.

Jake Freeman writes about international moving services & movers. Visit International Moving to find buyers guides, interesting articles and useful tips. International Moving is your personal assistant when you are searching for quotes & offers from moving companies all over the world.

Making A Moving House To Do List

Moving abroad can be an incredibly stressful thing. With this in mind, you should really make yourself an all encompassing moving house to do list. It's well worth spending a decent amount of time on this, as one single moving house to do list with all the important information you'll need will be a godsend in the coming weeks and months. So what needs to go into this document?

First off on your moving house to do list will be to sort out the finances involved in the move. This will include things like taxation. If you're moving to the EU, there are many ways to offset your tax burden, so schedule time with the tax office and get some solid advice. This will include pension forecasts and social security.

Similarly, health issues should be looked into. Finding out what your rights are as regards healthcare is important for your family, and should be one of the first things on your moving house to do list.

What about if you have a home in the UK that you are keeping to rent out or sell. You will have to let your mortgage lender, insurance provider and council know. You will also have to think about your children if they are still of schooling age. Have you found an expat school for them? Putting this on your moving house to do list and getting the children involved will help ease what will almost inevitably be a stressful experience for all concerned.

Then, of course, you need to think about the actual nuts and bolts of moving. Are you going to use a delivery auction website, or are you going to find the cheapest quote yourself? It might be prohibitive to move all your belongings, depending on where you're moving, but are you likely to sell it all off, or perhaps put it into storage? All of these considerations should easily make it onto your moving house to do list, but none are as important as ensuring that you and your family go through the move as relaxed as possible.

If you're moving abroad, why not try http://www.anyvan.com - The Delivery Auction Website for thousands of removal companies and courier services.

Making Life Easier When Moving Overseas

One of the great opportunities that some people experience is the ability to live and work in another country. There is a significant difference between moving to a country where English is a well accepted and spoken language by the majority of the population and a non-English speaking location. The non-English speaking environment has some obvious issues with communication. However, the challenges of both are in some respect just as difficult and initially everyday living may not be easy.

In both situations, the major issues to deal with are finding somewhere to live, finding schools, understanding transportation, how to travel around, grocery shopping and what is available to do in your leisure time. However, in a non-English speaking country there can be an advantage in that often there is a tight expatriate community that can be tapped into that is always very helpful. It can be a source of quick and targeted information because there will always be someone who already has the knowledge. This is particularly true if you have school age children. With most people sending their children to an English or American school with a concentration of expatriates, making friends can be just that bit easier as everyone is or has been in a similar position. As such many parents will meet through school functions or just dropping children off at school.

On face value an English speaking environment may seem easier and in some respects is. At least the language is relatively similar although there are differences in expressions and interpretation of language. One of the key problems is finding new friends. Many find it difficult to find and develop relationships with others and will rely on work colleagues to help them along the way. In many places, the expatriate community may not be as well organized and so this avenue is not as readily available.

Having children becomes a great catalyst for integrating into a community. You will meet other parents, but it is not may not be like an expatriate community. In many cases parents drop off while rushing to work and don't stop to meet and chat with others. Therefore, participation in sport can be a big factor and if both parents and children join sports clubs the ability to meet others and settle in is dramatically enhanced.

The key to success of any overseas transfer may not necessarily be the work itself, but the ability to quickly settle into life and become comfortable in a new culture. In either case it can be a real benefit to have a helping hand, someone who knows the ropes and can give you expert advice. The ease and speed at which a family undergoing a corporate relocation can settle into a new country will benefit the company significantly.

Some international moving companies will have staff with the knowledge and experience to guide you before you arrive in your new country and be a friendly advisor once you arrive. Moving overseas and taking up a new job and having to quickly fit into the local company culture is difficult enough. However, if your family is settled and enjoying the new experience much of the daily stress can be relieved. This allows you to concentrate on making most of your new appointment.

To assist you, think seriously about engaging a relocation consultant that has the local knowledge to help you and your family settle into a new location quickly. The benefits will far outweigh the costs.

Geoff Cooper has undertaken a number of corporate relocations including two to Asia. His international moving experiences have been significantly enhanced by using the right moving company with international expertise that has a broad range of services to help families settle into their new location quickly and easily.

Moving Overseas or Interstate? Tips On How Relocations Agents Will Make Your Move Easier

Relocations agents are the friends you need when you are moving internationally or interstate. They are your eyes and ears on the ground before you leave your current home and they are your guides and confidantes when you arrive.

Relocating your family is more than just having your removalists pack, ship and unpack your home. Experienced international and interstate removalists provide a broad range of settlement services such as: finding temporary accommodation on arrival, new housing, schooling for children, helping you with visa procurement, valet unpacking services and banking, health and insurance needs.

A relocation agent has to understand your needs and at the same time manage your expectations. Your greatest worry is often the fear of the unknown - how will I cope with everyday life and keep my family happy.

Finding a new home often gives you the greatest worry and concern. To get an appreciation of you as a family, your expectations and needs for your new home, you will complete an in-depth questionnaire. This helps your consultant to begin your settling in process before you leave.

The criteria for finding a new home are often very similar for everyone - close to schools, close to transport for work, close to amenities such as shopping malls and sporting facilities. Is this always possible? Experienced relocation consultants have a keen understanding and are able to deal directly with the real estate market. Having the right agent can speed up this process considerably. Not only do they have knowledge of the areas that are suitable for you, but they understand the real estate market and have close ties with real estate agents. They will provide you information as early as possible on the quantity, quality and availability of rental accommodation and give you an idea whether your expectations can be met easily. At the same time they can direct you to the right websites so that you can start to understand what to expect and to set a realistic budget.

Just because you have money doesn't mean that you are going to find a house. You should look for removalist companies whose agents can provide you with information on the current local rental market, including specific cities and suburbs. Your relocation agent should be able to give you a breakdown of the cost of one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom houses and apartments, including whether they are furnished and unfurnished.

Having an understanding of the rental occupancy rates right down to the budget levels in your new location is also extremely important. If the general availability of rental properties to meet your expectations is less than 2%, be prepared to wait some time for the right home or better still be prepared to compromise. Also be aware that the higher your budget, the available homes reduces dramatically, sometimes less than 0.5%.

In looking for a new home often people overlook the influence of the time of the year. For example, in Australia, most people want to arrive in January ready for the start of the school or working year. However, January is holiday time and for the first few weeks the real estate market basically shuts down and you will rarely get a home to view from late December to mid-January. There are similar situations in every country. How then can you make the right choice of home? How can you do this alone from a distance?

A consultant's job is not to find your new home. A consultant will present to you various homes that are within your requirements from what is available in the market. Therefore getting your requirements right certainly helps. However, don't despair, an experienced relocations agent is flexible and can quickly change. They understand that when you are actually in your new location and your knowledge increases, so too will your thoughts and ideas. The consultant's role is to work out your real priorities and then establish compromises if necessary. They will help you decide on what is important, how important it is and then keep going until they find the right property for you. Maybe an extra stop or two on the train will get you the perfect home?

If you are relocating to a new state or country prepare early. Trust your relocations agent and have as many phone conversations as necessary before you leave. The more they know you, the more they can help you. One of the best ways is to have a "look see" visit. Allow a reasonable amount of time for this as most times 4 to 5 days is just not enough time to look around. If possible both a husband and wife should visit as both may have different ideas behind the type of home that will be suitable - and remember your thoughts will change once you see what is available. Your family needs to be happy and comfortable or your relocation will have a difficult time and possibly not succeed. A relocations agent can setup appointments that flow into each other to maximise your time while you are looking. At the same time, you do not have the pressure of driving blind, worrying about traffic and directions. Your time is better spent weighing up the pros and cons of what you have seen.

If you find the right home think seriously about securing it immediately, even though you may not move for 2-3 months. Spending the extra on rent early may easily outweigh temporary accommodation for a month or two when you arrive.

Engaging a relocation agent will save you time, money, stress and above all give you the best chance of finding a new home that is as close to your needs as possible.

Sally Mallin is a senior member of experienced relocation agents in Sydney Australia with Crown Relocations - worldwide interstate and international removalists. Crown has relocation agents throughout Australia and offer a comprehensive family and corporate relocation programme that assists people to settle into their new location quickly and easily.

Get Squeaky Clean When Moving

A big move means big cleaning. You may want to hire a professional cleaning service to help you with this, but many things you can take care of on your own with a little hard work. You want to leave your space squeaky clean, especially if you plan on subletting or renting your place out to new tenants while you're away. Cleaning for a move can be overwhelming, especially if you're aren't the type to pull out the broom and mop often. There are many steps to cleaning a home before you move and you want to take care of as much as you can on your own. This gives you more money to spend money on something that counts - professional movers to transport your valuables for an international move.

Start with the basic things you do every day. Cleaning the floors is a major step, but you want to go beyond the basic sweep. You should sweep all debris and dirt away first. Then wipe floors down using a mop or gentle all-purpose cleaner. Clean wood floors with a product made for porous surfaces to avoid damage. Next, go after all of the baseboards. You don't want to have baseboards that are full of grime. You want clean floors and baseboards, so go ahead and put some work into cleaning those baseboards. Use a sponge to scrub the baseboards down and then go over the surface with a wet rag to clean away any excess.

Wipe down walls too. Even if you don't have kids who've written all over the walls with crayon, there's still a chance you can get your walls looking better. Use an all-purpose cleaner and a damp rag to wipe away any marks on the walls and on appliances. You should not have to scrub hard to remove these marks, as most are just on the surface. Wipe down windows with glass cleaner. You should also use all surface cleaner on windowsills inside and outside of the house. If you have radiators in your home, you should scrub them as well. Save any vacuuming for the day before you leave your home, as you want the floors to be as fresh as possible. Vacuuming them any earlier can result in you having to do it again before moving those last pieces of furniture. Cleaning before a move can seem like a tedious process, but if you do it after packing and moving some items to storage, you'll be able to tackle the major things that make a space look squeaky clean.

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 removals.

How to Relocate Overseas Easily

Relocation, whether domestic or overseas can be stressful. If it's an international move, it will surely have a massive amount of paperwork to be done. Here are some valuable tips to make an overseas move easy and stress-free.

File Applications for Required Documents

You can start with filing applications for passports, visa and other important documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, contracts and so on. Confirm on the type of visa for you and your family. It will definitely take some time to get all the paperwork done. So its better to file immediately once the move is confirmed.

Make Arrangements for Shipping Household

Before you decide on shipping household materials, estimate shipping cost and average cost for acquiring household items in the new country. It may be that all the required materials are easily available there for a reasonable price. If you are not taking your household items along with you, then you can place them on a moving out sale. If you are sentimental about something, give it to your family or relatives so that you can always look forward to use them later in your life.

If you are shipping household items, then request quotes from different shipping companies and choose one. Ship your household at a convenient date, as it would take a bit longer to arrive. While packing, make sure that you have included all required items for your new house. Keep things which will be of immediate use with you. You can carry them along in your flight. Furthermore, enquire about the baggage limit for your chosen airlines and plan accordingly.

Gather Information

Co-ordinate with your travel agent or friends in destined location and enquire about prescribed vaccinations, schools for children and other such necessities. Research about the history and culture of the destined country which you will be moving and learn about the laws and regulations. Plenty of sources are available in the internet which cites information for expatriates. Familiarize with the new country using Google maps and other documents from the internet. You will get details about the local stores, supermarkets, nearby clinics, church and other useful supplies for making your life easier at new location.

Book Finances and Accommodation

Before you reach the new country, make arrangements for your accommodation. You can book it online in hotels or can seek guest houses from your company. Keep enough currency of the foreign country with you, in case if needed. This will let you have a smooth transition.

Socialize With Friends and Other Expatriates

Socializing with other expatriates will keep you informed about little things, which will make you feel at home even in a new place. Always accept the advice and help that they offer to you in the new country. This will help you to build new relationships and will lessen your mixed feelings for being away from home.

Nitha Thomas is a freelance writer from India. She writes content for various websites online.

Moving Abroad Is Like Starting A New You

Pictures posted on Facebook and or Twitter accounts of friends working abroad with all the views and fulfilled look on their faces makes me wonder oftentimes why I'm still working in my beloved country land with compensation that does not meet even half of my family' needs. Many share the same sentiments. But here are the conflicting ideas in order to gain insights.

Get ahead and earn big bucks!

First is the Information. Build social networks in order to know the world lived and worked for by colleagues in order to learn the first paced. Get online, chat with them asks them questions how they landed on the job. Or surf the net for job that offers work abroad, verify its legality and validity of the job order through government agencies. Look for job that fits your qualification.

Second are the finances. Applying for abroad even if hired by valid agencies still requires thorough documentation like passport, school records, medical or health clearance and other government clearances as well as other pertinent papers required by the country employer you are hired of. Money is needed in order to process or expedite these documents. Most of the agencies if you are hired through agencies offer financial assistance through loan deductible with your salary, and or external financial institution especially if you have contract of employment already. Outsourcing of funds is easy if one gets hired already.

Third is the expectation. Family is the reason why a person is motivated to go abroad and they are the persons greatly expects that by doing work abroad you are expected to resolve all the debts and meet all the needs as well as wants. You on the other hand expect to meet all their expectations. This is the reasons why most of workers abroad despite the abuse and neglect of the original contract which promises good pay by the employers still sticks on with the job, because of the great expectation of the family waiting. Although high expectation is good one should also be vigilant. Expect the unexpected and take heed of actions in order to meet it head on.

I'll stay and get by...

Family is the utmost reason. There was one time my husband and I had a fight over finances and debts and along came an opportunity offered by a friend to fill in a position in their company abroad with a good pay and good benefits. I almost believe myself I will get ahead and earn big, but the following morning before I ride with my husband going for work my 2 year old son hugs me and kisses me as if I'm not going home after office. With his pleading voice he whispered and said, "I love you mom, please don't go to work". And here I am thinking of going abroad.

Afraid of changes. I dreaded going to work and doing the same task all over again. But why do most prefer to do the same job even if you hate it? I'm not ready meeting new bosses or colleagues. I love that job but I'm afraid there are not chances of my getting it. These are some of the reasons why most prefer to stick with the dreaded job. Changes are inevitable and certainly feared by most if these changes require new things that are not in the ordinary course of the person.

Earning big and having success working abroad is a good thing, while others prefer to go by with their current job. The only factor that these two have in common is family. It's the most motivated reason why a person is going and or not going.

Richard has been writing articles for over 8 years. See his latest work at Machining Parts and Plastic Machining Services which focuses on the custom manufacturing industry with emphasis on helping American Machine Shops attract more customers.

What If Your Boss Offers You A Job Overseas Tomorrow?

It's Monday 8:30am you drive to work like usual, greeting your colleagues, enter your office and you will be called to your boss immediately. His offer will change your life and the life of your family dramatically. A new job is awaiting for you overseas, very well paid and with much more responsibility than before. Time is precious, you have to take the chance of your life or leave it.

Monday 5:30pm you drive home as usual, but what you are going to proclaim to your family will change their way of life significantly. A new life in an overseas country is waiting for you, with all the challenges, joy, amenities and frustration before settling down finally.

1. You have to leave your home, your friends and relatives.

2. You have to prepare your kids and pets.

3. You have to handle the relocation.

4. You have to overcome the culture shock.

This is more or less what happened to us and is still happening to a large number of so-called expat families every day.

What if you are not prepared? How can you explain the situation to your kids, they have to leave their friends, their school, their grandparents. You have to rent out your house, your home, or maybe even sell it. You have to find a reliable relocation company and have to think about the visa or documents you need. What do you know about your future resident country? You have to face an endless list of to do`s and how's. But you can make it and in the end you maybe even found your dream country to immigrate or retire permanently. As it happened to us.

Conny Sandland is an expat who moved to Malaysia several years ago. With her ebooks about immigrating and Malaysia she tries to help future expats to make their move more smooth. Visit her website about the "best places to retire" and download her free ebook: "Guide To Moving Overseas".

Searching for a Job From Overseas Isn't Easy! These 5 Tips Can Help You Out

Have you ever felt like all you wanted to do was get away? We have all had visions of leaving behind our home town and starting a new life somewhere far away from the everyday struggle that we've become all too familiar with. If you are currently in the predicament where you want to move to another country, take these five tips into consideration so you can land a job that's good enough to support your big dreams.

Before you settle on a city, make sure that it has enough employment opportunities for you. The first thing you should do is do in-depth research on job openings in your prospective city. Make a list of about 30-45 of the top jobs in the area complete with the names and email addresses of people you need to call and/or send your resume to. This contact list will serve as the foundation to your long distance job search. Anytime you see a new job advertised, write it down on your sheet.

Next, you should pay close attention to where you search. Since most people that seek long distance moving jobs immediately turn to popular business websites, you should switch it up a bit. Try to find newspaper websites for the different media publications in your city. Go to the jobs section in the classifieds and don't hesitate to contact any potential employers that spark your interest. If you don't see enough openings here, subscribe to specialty magazines that are published in the city you want to move to. Chances are you will find some jobs here that a lot of people won't be aware of.

Once you have a complete list of all the jobs you want to apply to, make sure that your cover letter and resume are up to par. Don't mention that you are willing to pay for a crew of professional movers if you are hired. You also shouldn't ask about moving expenses. This discussion will happen down the line if you are hired. Your cover letter should market yourself as the ultimate catch. If you are moving to a fast paced city, show how your small town charm and personality can serve as an asset to the company.

In the event that an employer does seem interested, you shouldn't commit to the first job offer that you get, unless it's a job that you simply can't turn down. It's always better to give yourself as many options as you can. If you are going to be flying to a city to see one employer, try to set up several meetings with other companies for the same trip. This will save you time and make you feel empowered by the choices you have.

Unfortunately, not all companies will offer to send you a plane ticket for an interview in person. This brings us ton the final point on our list - be prepared for a phone interview. If you have to conduct some interviews over the phone, it's imperative that you have a good connection so that the interviewer can hear you clearly. You should clear out your schedule to ensure that there is no background noise. Be clear, concise and use good grammar. Your word choice and speech could mean the difference between getting hired and simply waiting for a call back.

MovingCost.com is your ticket to finding trustworthy, professional movers for all of your relocation needs. Each of the moving services that our team of moving companies provides is customized and individually planned to be stress-free.

10 Top Reasons For Moving to the Developing World

The developing world conjures images of poverty, violence and corruption. While its true that there are quite a few problems in that other world, nowadays there are parallel societies within it that offer all the amenities of "first world" living. Here's ten good reasons why pondering a move to a developing country might not be so crazy...

1. You will Escape from Winter: Most of the nations in the tropics are poor, yet are blessed with year-round sunshine and warm temperatures. Most of us dream of lying on a beach in front of a turquoise sea. Why fulfill that wish only during vacations when you can live it every day of the year? As a Canadian, never seeing another winter was enough to get me going!

2. You will Live Cheaply: Most things cost much less in developing countries because incomes are only a fraction of what they are in developed nations. A 40,000 USD a year income is not much in the USA, Canada, or Australia, but it could represent a fortune in poor countries, affording you a very comfortable living. Your medical bills will also be just a fraction of what they used to be. Imagine being able to buy a condo apartment in a major city for just 40 or 50,000 USD!

3. You will Abandon Boredom: Let's face it, for many, privileged life consists of working, eating and sleeping. Move into a country with a completely different culture and way of life and you've certainly given the old routine a swift kick!

4. You Could Pay Low or Zero Income Taxes: You can live in your new country and not pay any income taxes if your money is not earned locally and your country of origin doesn't require you to file returns if you are not a resident and have no income there either. To boot, a lot of third world countries allow you to stay for up to three months at a time with no yearly limits, so you could reside there yet still be a tourist in their books (a permatourist in my book!)

5. You will Become the Interesting Guy/Girl: Back home, everybody will be talking about you for being so bold and adventurous, while in your new country you will likely be the exotic one all the locals chat about. That was not one of my motivations, but it's absolutely what happened! Additionally, living abroad gives you a lot to talk or write about.

6. You will Grow as a Person: Unless you are so self-centered you cannot see beyond your nose, you will learn to count your blessings and put the trivial in its proper place. This will invariably happen when you witness firsthand how the rest of the world exists. Also, you will likely learn to relax more and enjoy your life, once you acquire your new sense of perspective.

7. You will Meet Real People: Sincerity often goes out the window in a dog eat dog society where almost everybody is bent on accumulating personal wealth. In your new country, you are likely to encounter many genuine, down to earth people who work themselves to the bone yet value their families and friends more than anything.

8. You will Become Fit: Your diet might currently consist of canned and frozen goods, as well as eating in junk food restaurants. You likely will not be able to maintain that deadly routine in your new country, where the grocery list is primarily fresh produce and meats. Most frozen or canned goods are much more expensive than in your home country, and fast food is not as readily available as well as pricier. Lastly, hot weather is not conducive to eating a lot of fatty foods, and your cold weather body fat will be physically transformed into the thinner tropical type.

9. You will be Inspired: A change of venue almost always leads to new ideas. Perhaps you will finally write a book!

10. You will Fall in Love: If you are single, there is a good change you will meet someone, as frequently happens to expats. Opposites do attract and the cultural divide fosters strong attractions!

Of course, the decision to switch countries rides on more than just a whim, as you do have to support yourself. Ideally, your work is Internet-based, or you have a large bank account. Getting a job in your new country will likely mean a big income drop and longer hours. So, if your situation allows you, there is no reason why you too cannot become a "permatourist".

Tom Germain is a Canadian who in 2001 decided he wasn't going to put up with any more winters and moved to Mexico. He never looked back and moved around the world every couple years, making his home in Argentina, the Canary Islands, Mauritius, and now Colombia. In his 2 blogs, Permatourist http://www.permatourist.com and Ocolombia http://www.ocolombia.com he tells of his experiences and offers invaluable tips on how you can live the life of a "permatourist".

Moving a Household With International Freight Transport

Americans who take jobs overseas are faced with the monumental task of moving an entire household across an ocean to another country. Many people understandably take the opportunity to scale back their possessions but still have more than what can be shipped by a parcel carrier.

Fortunately, international freight shipping can be a relatively simple answer to this problem. Especially when the shipper has access to instant comparisons from lots of great carriers, when they shop companies using the Internet.

The first thing a family will need to do is estimate the volume of household goods being shipped. After the volume is determined, the family will pick the best sized container for the shipment. A container is a large metal box (similar to a semi-trailer or train box car but without wheels) used to hold ocean freight. If a family does not have enough volume to fill a container, they can shop for quotes on a less-than-container (LCL) price. In an LCL shipment, a family's household goods will be placed in a container with cargo belonging to someone else for transport.

If the household goods are sufficient to fill an entire container, the container will be delivered to the family's home for loading and then taken by truck to a container yard where it will await shipment. A family can even choose to ship its automobiles (although this should be specifically discussed with the carrier prior to booking the load).

Household goods and personal effects can be shipped internationally in 20 foot standard containers, 40 foot standard containers, and 40 foot high cube containers. Generally, only 75-85% of a container's volume is utilized for household goods transportation.

While some international transportation companies (carriers and/or forwarders) can arrange to pack, wrap and load a family's household goods, it is less expensive for the shipping family to do as much as possible themselves. A complete inventory should be kept as items are wrapped, packed and placed in the container. This will be necessary to comply with the carrier's requirements and legal requirements and will also be helpful (and necessary) in the event of a damage claim.

After the family's household items are transported across the ocean by sea-going vessel, they are delivered to a container yard at port. From the port, the chosen freight forwarder will have arranged for inland trucks to load the container and deliver the goods to the family's new overseas home.

There are a lot of details involved in a successful overseas household goods shipment. Families would be well-served to allow themselves time to plan each step of the moving process in advance. This careful planning, along with a little research, will allow a family to enjoy a trouble-free move.

Fast, Simple Freight Shipping: Freightquote gives you instant comparisons from lots of great carriers. Choose the best freight rates and service options for truckload and less than truckload (LTL) shipping, intermodal, air freight services and international freight shipping.

Make Moving to Another Country Easier

Moving to another country can be an amazing experience but it is also a time of dramatic changes. You are going to be in a new culture and that could also include a place where you aren't familiar with the language. Many people have no choice about moving to another country due to their commitment to the military or other types of jobs.

Even if you are in the military though there is plenty to get organized before you go. They will typically have people come to pack your items and to ship them. Yet they may have limits on the weight of the items you can ship. Then you will have to make a decision about what stays and what goes with you. From a practical point of view you need necessities. Make sure each family member gets to take along a few things that are also sentimental in value to them.

If you have to find your own moving company you want to get an early start. Not all of them will consider doing overseas moving for you. Be prepared for it to be quite an expense to cover too due to the distance. Special packing may be required as well due to the way in which it will all have to be shipped.

Make sure you get a great shipping company that has a great reputation. They should also have been around for a long time. Get a quote from them in writing so that there won't be any hidden charges later on. They may request half of the payment be made before they will move anything. Find out what the delivery time will be too. You don't want to be in a new country with none of your stuff for several weeks.

The unknown about another country is often what creates anxiety for a family moving there. Once you have made the announcement that you are going there and when try to find out all you can about that destination. It can become a family activity so that everyone is aware of what will be offered.

Locate some great attractions in that new country as well That way your family will have some great activities that they can take part in once you are settled in your new home. If possible show your children pictures of the new residence where you will be living. Then they can start to envision what their life will be like in that place.

You don't want to have misconceptions about the county you are moving too so try to find out what is behind the messages you have heard. You need to know about given customs too so you don't accidentally offend other people that live there.

You need to do your homework regarding any household pets as well. In some countries they will have to be quarantined for a period of time before they can join the family again. This is to ensure your pet isn't bringing various forms of disease into their country. If you have children it could be very traumatic for them to learn their beloved pet can't be with them immediately. Talk about this and make sure they are well prepared in advance for it.

Consider the prospect of moving to another country a life changing experience. This is an opportunity not everyone will have the chance to be a part of. Making the most of it from the moment you learn about it will help you to see the good in it. Reducing the stress of moving such a long distance is very important for you to explore.

It's very important to hire a good furniture removals company when you move which will make you life easier and your goods safety. Frenchtwinsremovals is a professional furniture removalist can provide you good service of furniture removals Sydney. Compare with most of furniture removalist Sydney, frenchtwinsremovals as a furniture removalist Sydney is one of the most professional and efficient company among many other Sydney removalists.

International Schools - What to Think About When Moving Abroad

When considering a child's education in a foreign land most countries offer three alternatives: state schools, private schools and international schools. This article concentrates mainly on the potential benefits and drawbacks of international schools although some consideration is also given to the state school option.

Classes in international schools are usually taught in English and academic results are generally very good. The curriculum is most often British or American in style with the use of high school grades and SAT scores or International GCSEs at age 15/16 and A Levels or the International Baccalaureate at 17/18, the latter being recognized by universities worldwide. Subjects taught are also similar to those taught in the US or UK.

Almost all international schools are fee paying (although grants and scholarships may be available) and fees can be considerable. Average fees for a day school are around EUR 10,000 per year but it should be borne in mind that fees generally increase as the pupil grows older. For example, the average fees for children aged 12 or over are around EUR 20,000 per year. Furthermore, fees for boarding (as opposed to day) schools are much higher. In addition to yearly fees it may also be wise to consider the other expenses which are likely to be incurred when sending a child to an international school. These expenses might include a registration fee, purchase of a uniform, insurance, activity fees and transport.

Given the prohibitive cost, why do some expats choose international schools for their children's education? Sometimes they are the only choice if foreigners are not permitted to attend local state schools (as is the case in the United Arab Emirates) or if the state schools are full. Many parents are also concerned about the effect learning a new language and adapting to a new culture are likely to have on both their child's education and happiness. Typically young children take these challenges in their stride but older children may struggle or feel alienated. Another benefit of attending an international school is that it gives the parents a chance to meet other expats!

However, not all expats choose international schools and the state school option may in fact be preferable in some cases. Apart from the obvious cost savings a local state school is a superb place for a child to learn the new language and many expats find that their children are often fluent in the local lingo within a very short period of time. Speaking the language and adapting to a new culture are not only of immediate benefit but may also be useful in the longer term if the family decides to stay in the new country.

International schools can be found in or near most of the popular expat destinations. In other areas they may be more difficult to find. If possible try to choose a school affiliated with a respected international school association as they are more likely to meet minimum requirements as far as teaching or facilities are concerned.

Many international schools have waiting lists so it is always a good idea to enrol as soon as possible, a process which may involve entrance exams (most commonly in English and Maths).

Jamie Morris is the founder of Expat Focus - http://www.ExpatFocus.com - a leading website packed with information and tips for anyone moving abroad. Register at Expat Focus today and join us in the forums: http://www.ExpatFocus.com/register

Moving to Saudi Arabia

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is located in the Middle East where it measures 2,149,690 square kilometers (830,000 sq mi). Saudi Arabia has an estimated population of 25.7 million of which 5.5 million are non-citizens. Known for owning the world's largest oil reserves, the country is also known as one of the largest Islamic nations of the world. Westerners usually move to Saudi Arabia to enjoy tax-free salaries. They usually live in compounds specifically for Western-style living and avoid traditional Saudi life.

As you consider your move to this amazing country, it is good to remember that there will be both positive and negative factors. For starters, you will save money by living in Saudi Arabia. First of all, housing and airplane tickets are unbelievably cheap. You will also find some natural wonders that will amaze you. From the desert to the coral reefs to the sand dunes, there is an array of events such a camping, hiking and sand dune sports that will keep anyone busy enough.

There are no taxes taken from salary in Saudi Arabia. You will find many nearby countries that provide opportunity for travel. There are many interesting attractions and sites to see in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and other nearby countries. There are also many unusual sites to see in Saudi Arabia that you won't find anywhere else. For example, some places to visit would be the ancient city of Diriyah, the ancient architecture of Najran and Jeddah, Nabatean tombs of Madain Saleh and the Hijaz Railway that was once destroyed by Lawrence of Arabia.

There are also a few different aspects of life in Saudi Arabia that some would consider to be negative or a disadvantage to moving here. One is the very hot summers that often boast of temperatures over 120 degrees Fahrenheit or 50 degrees Celsius. Sometimes all outdoor activities will be banned if temperatures get too high. Keep in mind that in Saudi Arabia, women are never allowed to drive. Women also have a strict dress code that must be adhered to in public. Sometimes people are disappointed to learn that there are no bars or movie theaters in Saudi Arabia.

Religion lies at the crux of the lifestyle and culture of Saudi Arabia. They hold to deep Islamic laws which dictate nearly all areas of their lives. This includes the law that dictates no alcohol permitted in the country. While the penalty for importing alcohol into the country is very severe, many expatriates do consume alcohol within their own compounds.

Those moving into the country must also come to terms with the very different ideas that they have regarding the differences between the sexes. Women are considered of less value than men. They are not permitted to have conversations with other men than their own husbands or family members. There are religious police present who will watch closely and enforce these laws. No matter where you come from, if you move to Saudi Arabia, you are expected to abide by their rules and laws without exception. As you can see, it may take several months before an expatriate can start to feel that he is a part of the community at all.

On a more positive note, there are many modern, Western stores and restaurants in the area. For example, there are many Starbucks, McDonald's, Pizza Hut and KFC restaurants. The shopping malls are very much like western malls and you can also watch satellite television programs in your home. The western compounds are the ideal place for those moving into the country to relax and be able to feel a little more at home. However, it's best to not completely alienate yourself from the Saudis, as you need to understand them so you can communicate with them, make friends and understand their culture better.

When moving into Saudi Arabia, you will need a visa, which is only granted to those who have been sponsored to work there. Tourist visas can be difficult to obtain. Anyone entering the country must have a valid passport that is valid for six months, a valid visa and a return ticket. Women cannot enter the country alone unless they are being met by a sponsor or male relative.

To those coming from the Western world, relocating to Saudi Arabia will be a challenge. Many have moved there, however, for their employment and have found the country to be unique and full of interesting culture and patriotism. Having an open mind about what to expect and knowing that it may take awhile to get used to living there are the best attitudes one can adopt when moving to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Are you planning on moving overseas? Don't forget to make worldwide moving and shipping plans ahead of time. Check out our website to learn how our overseas moving company and international auto shipping can help make your move easier. Our qualified experts are ready to serve you today!

International Moves: How to Prepare for the Overseas Transition

Millions of Americans have decided to take the leap and begin life anew in a completely different country. Whether they chose to remain in the North American region and relocate to neighboring Canada or move to a completely different atmosphere in Europe, every one of those Americans living abroad had to prepare for the change that an international move brings. So how can you better prepare for this major transition in your life?

The first things to consider are whether or not you are relocating with your family. Naturally, moving abroad won't be as stressful if you don't have a family in tow. But if you have a significant other, spouse, children, and a pet, the stress of an international relocation can become overwhelming.

The best source to help you and your family cope with the change is to speak to other people that have lived abroad. If you don't know anyone that has relocated overseas, start doing your homework on what organizations to visit soon after your arrival that are targeted towards new arrivals in the community.

The next thing you need to work on is securing all the right paperwork. Aside from making sure that your visa is squared away, you have to start making the rounds of every record you and your family has. This means calling all of your doctors and pediatricians for copies of everyone's medical records, contacting the dentist for dental records, and the veterinarian for your pet's history. Once you've got the medical records covered, move on to your financial, tax, and legal records.

Do you have a home already provided by the company you're moving for or do you have to do your own house hunting? Ask yourself whether you are going to buy or rent. Find out what the best resource is for house hunting internationally. Remember, you can always use Google maps and the satellite view to check out a potential neighborhood from thousands of miles away.

You've got the family covered, the paperwork covered, and the house covered. Now all that's left is finding the right international movers. Just like any other move with professionals, you need to check and see if the moving company you want to hire is the real deal. Visit the Better Business Bureau to make sure the movers you want to hire are well-rated and double check their license through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

With the right amount of preparation, and solid professional movers backing you up, you should be well on your way to enjoying a smooth transition to your new home overseas. Keep in mind that you need at least three months to adequately prepare for your relocation, so avoid procrastinating at all costs.

MovingCost.com is your ticket to finding trustworthy, professional movers for all of your relocation needs. Each of the moving services that our team of moving companies provides is customized and individually planned to be stress-free.

International Moving: 5 Tips For A Smooth Transition

Moving anywhere will always present a wide range of challenges, from logistics, to getting organized to settling into your new home and establishing a routine. However, moving internationally can be even more complicated, and requires some extra planning. Moving overseas means not just getting used to a new city and neighborhood, but also a new culture, a new system of doing almost every common thing, and often times a new language. I have done this a number of times so I am well aware just how overwhelming it can sometimes be.

But I also know that there are some steps you can take ahead of time to help you prepare for all the changes, and to help you get settled in and feeling at home as quickly as possible. Here I will share five practical tips for a smooth move to a new country. This of course is not an exhaustive list, but they are things that you may not have thought of. They go beyond the obvious moving tips.

The first tip is to research ahead of time what the requirements are for drivers licenses in your new country. Each country will have different rules, so you will need to explore your specific country. If you are moving as an employee relocation, your company should be able to help you with this. You could also contact the consulate of that country, or they may have specific information online. The requirements are often dependent upon your immigration status. If you are on a temporary work or student visa you may be able to drive with your American license. However, other more permanent residency statuses will likely mean you need a new license. Again, this is country specific, but you should explore this ahead of time in accordance to your specific situation.

The second tip is to remember that different places around the world have different electrical systems. You US electronics may not work where you are going without an adapter. This means you should carefully consider what equipment you will bring along, and what is better to purchase there. My suggestion is to bring your small, personal electronics such as cameras and laptops and purchase an adapter or two. Larger items like televisions and stereos are better to purchase in your new location.

The third tip is two set up a money transfer strategy ahead of time. You may be needing to move money back and forth between account s in different countries, and you don't want to carry a lot of cash when you travel. Set up paypal or other account to your bank accounts to do this. It is easier and usually the exchange rate is the best this way.

The fourth tip is regarding language. In many countries you will be able to get by with English, but it is always beneficial to learn some basic skills in the new language. There are many tools that can help you with this. Start with basic words you would use to ask important directions and so on.

The last tip is to research ahead of time to find a social group of people from your home country. Almost anywhere you go, there will be an expat group or a group of Americans that are working abroad. It's great to meet the locals and expand your horizons, but you will find out that sometimes it is very nice to hang out with people with similar backgrounds and that speak the same language.

Those are just five tips that I would suggest for moving to a new country. Moving is more than logistics, you want to feel at home as quickly as possible, and you want the transition to be as uncomplicated as you can make it. This calls for a little planning ahead.

Planning an international move? Check out our other international moving tips as well as recommended International Movers.

Ensure Your Move Overseas is a Success - Eliminate Your Negative Talk and Get Moving!

At any stage in life you can encounter feelings of self-doubt and lethargy. It is estimated that we each have between 5,000 and 15,000 negative thoughts a day, rearing their ugly heads most prevalently when we're feeling vulnerable.

Although moving and living abroad can be extremely exciting and often a positive step to make in life, it also brings with it new challenges that test you to your limit and can leave you doubting your capabilities.

Below is a five-step process to help you blast your negative thoughts out of your head and power yourself towards achieving successful outcomes:

Step 1 - Raise awareness

The vast majority of your thoughts and beliefs occur in your subconscious mind so you probably won't even be aware that you hold them.

Your beliefs trigger your behaviour, making you act in ways you deem appropriate. Unfortunately the subconscious mind does not differentiate between your negative and positive beliefs, treating them equally and regarding both as 'true'.

It is important to raise your conscious awareness of the negative beliefs you hold by actively listening out for them. Every time you say something negative about yourself or your abilities, how you look, how you feel, how you think you're perceived by others, make sure you write your exact thought down.

Step 2 - Seek evidence for your beliefs

As mentioned earlier, 'beliefs' are statements that you personally hold to be true. It is interesting then that in the main, your negative beliefs will not actually be true. Beliefs are formed over time and the views of influential people in your life - parents, siblings and teachers for example - can have a powerful impact on the beliefs you hold about yourself.

When looking at the list of negative beliefs you wrote in Step 1, seek evidence for truth in each one. If you can't find any rock-hard evidence that supports your belief then accept that it is not true, cross that belief off your list and move on. If you do have evidence that there is some truth in a negative belief, make a decision to do something about it by following the next steps.

Step 3 - Identify your inner gremlin

Sometimes a negative thought can manifest itself in the form of a critical inner voice that sticks its nose into your business throughout your day telling you that you can't do things. I call it a 'gremlin' because it's mischievous and tends not to serve you well.

When your gremlin next pops up, stop. Close your eyes and imagine where it is in your body. Is it in your stomach? In your head? In your left arm? Your initial reaction is usually the one to follow. Now you know where it is think about what it looks, sounds and feels like. Does it have a texture? Is it cold or warm? Does it have arms or legs? Does it shriek like a banshee or does it have a low, monotonous voice?

Now you're familiar with it, give it a name. When it pops up next time call it by your chosen name and change its voice to something that makes you laugh (perhaps Miss Piggy from The Muppets!). Raising your awareness of your inner gremlin is important but it's just as important to belittle it and choose to throw its negative chatter away.

Step 4 - Set positive affirmations

Now that you are more aware of your negative beliefs it's important to set a series of positive affirmations to change them, over time, into positive statements or beliefs you hold about yourself.

Take 'confidence' as an example. It would be impractical to go from saying "I am unconfident in social situations" to "I am uber-confident in all social situations". The stepping stone approach enables you to make small but regular adjustments to bridge the gap.

So "I am unconfident in social situations" becomes:

"I am confident around my family." to:

"I have a friendly face and warm personality." to:

"I like going to new social events with someone I know already."

Work with one affirmation at a time and repeat it out loud when you wake up to start your day positively and just before you go to bed to help your subconscious mind process your new belief whilst you sleep.

Once you feel comfortable and confident with your affirmation write a new, more stretching affirmation and restart the process. It takes time to change beliefs so you must repeat your affirmations daily, as often as you can.

In the case of 'confidence', over time you'll believe you're more confident and there'll be evidence to support you. As a consequence, you'll become more confident in how you act and engage with other people.

Step 5 - Become intentional

Intentionality is not a skill that everyone is born with but it can be learnt. It is a choice between choosing to be acted upon and acting for yourself.

Realising that a belief (and its resultant behaviour) does not serve you well is incredibly empowering. Now you have a choice to do something about it.

Being intentional means that you are choosing to be more confident, be more open-minded, be a better communicator, be better at budgeting - whatever it is, you are making a decision to think a new way and move yourself forwards.

Rebecca Wells is a coach who specialises in working with expatriates.
If you believe you could be happier or feel that you could achieve more either personally or professionally, visit her website:
http://www.clearhorizoncoaching.com
You'll find more articles like this one and further information about how coaching can help you move forwards.