International Moving Services: A World Apart
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Beltmann WorldwideTM A Trusted Expert at Your Side
Beltmann Worldwide provides international moving expertise to and from any location in the world. We provide superior international relocation service for hundreds of clients each and every year. Beltmann understands that international moving is very different from domestic moves and that’s why we have specialists who work only with our international transferees. We’ll make sure every detail is covered and help you navigate through the sea of customs forms and the nuances that differ from country to country.
Since every country has its own laws and customs, it’s a good idea to study the etiquette and customs of your destination country beforehand. This will help you avoid any inadvertent problems after you’ve relocated. The country’s consulate is an excellent source of this information.
The U.S. embassy of your new country can provide a list of schools that are referred to as American schools, schools that follow the traditional U.S. curriculum and provide all instruction in English. Health care around the world is different in every country, in terms of how it’s managed. Also, the consulate or U.S. State Department can advise you on what the current situation is regarding health care for foreign nationals in the country you’re moving to. You and your family should get complete medical and dental check-ups prior to your move, so that all of your records are current and up-to-date. You may need immunizations, inoculations or booster shots before moving overseas, and your children will most likely need them to enroll in school; you can find out what inoculations are necessary by calling the consular representative of your destination country or the U.S. Public Health Service Quarantine Division.
There are often strict restrictions on what you can and cannot take across the host country’s borders. Guns, alcohol, controlled substances and even certain types of literature are strictly prohibited in certain nations. Your Beltmann Worldwide relocation coordinator can discuss this with you well in advance of your move.
Some of your appliances and other electrical items may not work in your new home, or may need special adapters. Ask your Beltmann Worldwide coordinator which types of electrical devices typically can’t be used outside the U.S.
You’ll want to be in touch with the consulate of the country to which you’re relocating in order to obtain all of the legal documents and permits that allow your immigration to the new country. The consular representative can advise you as to whether or not visas are required and how to obtain them.
Work permits also may be required; if so, they must be obtained before leaving the country.
You can obtain your passport application by simply paying a visit to your local post office. You’ll need two (2) specially-sized photos and a copy of your birth certificate. Complete your application well in advance, allowing at least 2-3 weeks for processing and delivery.
Obtain all personal records-e.g., prescriptions and medical records, school transcripts, marriage and birth certificates, vehicle registrations, etc.-and carry them with you. Valuables from safe deposit boxes, jewelry boxes and dresser drawers should be carried with you as well. Make a list of items you should carry with you on your trip -e.g., jewelry, passports, visas, prescriptions, etc. Set aside the items you will ship by air -specifically the essentials that you’ll need prior to the arrival of your other goods.
As an American citizen living overseas, you’ll have to deal with U.S. and foreign tax obligations. Most large, international accounting and consulting firms have departments that specialize in overseas planning for all your financial and tax needs. Close charge accounts that you won’t use overseas, as well as savings and checking accounts. Consult the overseas representative at your local bank about currency exchange rates, letters of credit, transfer of funds, etc.
Consider what it would cost to replace your goods overseas when calculating what you’ll need in terms of transit protection. To assist in this process, we have provided an online Valued Inventory form to help you determine the appropriate level of insurance coverage.
Before moving your pet, you should schedule an examination by a veterinarian, who may suggest a tranquilizer or some other measure to make your pet more comfortable during the trip. Obtain copies of your pet’s health and rabies vaccination records, and update identification tags.
When shipping a pet by air, contact the airline well in advance to check regulations and services, and to make reservations. If possible, book a weekday flight during slack periods when there’s more room in the plane’s cargo compartment. Also, try to book a direct flight to reduce the amount of time your pet will be confined. Select a portable air-transport kennel that’s large enough for your pet to stand and move around. Let your pet get accustomed to it well in advance of the trip. Mark the container “Live Animal,” and affix a label that includes your pet’s name, new address and phone number, and special handling instructions.
Make all travel arrangements and obtain your tickets well in advance. Familiarize yourself with alternate travel options.
Send change-of-address cards to the post office, social security office, insurance companies, relatives, friends, etc.
Don’t forget to notify the telephone, gas, cable, electric, and water companies, as well as newspaper delivery service, garbage pickup and anyone else who should know when to discontinue service.
When questions arise, your Beltmann Worldwide relocation coordinator should be the first person you ask. They’re your “single source” to handle everything, from start to finish.
Check in with the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible after your arrival. They can answer questions, and assist you in local registration and any other official procedures.
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Customs Information
Customs can be confusing. And the requirements vary greatly from one country to another. That’s why we stay up-to-date on all the regulations. We’re the moving experts serving your needs. While we’ll keep you informed of all the changes in customs requirements, there are some basic elements for you to keep in mind. After all, a simple oversight could result in delays, fines, or even seizure of your entire shipment by foreign customs authorities.
To be safe, don’t take any of the following (and if you have any doubts, just leave it behind, or talk to your Beltmann Worldwide agent):
- firearms
- alcohol
- narcotics
- agricultural products, including houseplants and seeds
- pornographic materials and magazines
- politically sensitive materials
In most countries, your household goods and personal effects can often be entered duty-free. (Note: Some items may be subject to certain provisions.) It’s important to remember that any duties or taxes levied against your shipment are in addition to our charges. In most cases, you can settle your customs charges with your overseas agent. However, there are times when you’ll be required to deal directly with the customs office. If that’s the case, be sure to obtain and keep an official receipt as some duties are refundable when you leave the country.
Controlling the Cost of Your International Move
When it comes to determining the price of moving your belongings, leave it to our team of professionals. In formulating the cost of your shipment, we consider its density - the combination of its weight and cubic volume. Large, odd-shaped items decrease space-efficiency and increase the cubic volume of your shipment. So, to minimize the cubic volume and help keep your costs down, there are certain items which may not make sense to take. For example rattan/wicker furniture, large quantities of disposable diapers or large plastic outdoor children’s toys might be items to leave behind.
