Moving

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Essentials

Relocation costs

As Expatica article Managing your move abroad points out, the basic things to consider during expat relocation are visas and permits, vaccines for family members, restrictions or taxes on shipped household items, taxes due when you ship your car, vaccines and quarantines for pets and insurance.

Expat relocation services

Find out what you can expect from and how to work with a relocation firm. If your company is relocating you, look...

Relocation costs

Expat relocation services

Find out what you can expect from and how to work with a relocation firm. If your company is relocating you, look at it from the HR manager’s perspective on Expatica HR’s Relocation channel. Also, consider relocation consultants who can help you plan your move with maximum efficiency.

Taxation

Tax rules vary across the world for foreign-earned income so make sure that you are aware of your obligations and take the necessary paperwork with you. Visit Expatica’s Tax section for information and tips regarding taxation abroad.

Country facts

Take some time to learn about your new country of residence before your expat relocation so that when you arrive you can adapt quickly to your new home.

Just landed

Expatica’s Getting Started section takes you through the check-list of essential tasks to complete upon arrival: Visas and permits, opening a bank account, finding a home, choosing a school, setting up home (telephone, TV and internet), finding a job, learning the language, healthcare and insurance and sorting out your driving license.

Relocating with the family

Visit our Partners and Kids sections to find information on moving with your partner and children including tips for relocating with teens, and check out our Languages section which gives tips, not only on learning a new language but on bringing up children in more than one language.

Adjusting to a new location

The stress involved in moving to a new country throws many expats off balance. Once the 'honeymoon' period wears off, many expats face difficulties in adjusting to a new culture and lifestyle. Counselling can be useful in some cases—check out Expatica’s A-Z listings and Groups & Clubs listings to find a counsellor near you. For some expats, simply getting out and about and networking is enough to get back on track.

Networking and going out

The Expatica article: Notes for country movers offers sound advice to singles: Don't become a hermit or a bar-fly. Get out and about and try to network. Socialise with people from the office, carry on with your favourite sport, hobby or interest and this way you likely will meet some like-minded people, even if they don’t speak the same language. Couples, especially if one partner isn’t working, also need to focus on making new contacts and building up a network in their new land. Expatica forums (Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, UK) are a great way to network and to meet other expats. Set up a user profile and make an effort to participate in the online community.

Repatriation

Repatriation isn’t easy, but, like relocation, if you prepare well and know what you can expect, the move will be smoother.

08/11/2012 Tips & Tricks: Selecting a Gas and Electricity Supplier in The Netherlands

The Dutch energy market is privatised. This means that consumers can choose or change their energy supplier. There are over 20 energy providers in The Netherlands, offering a wide variety of contracts and gas & electricity tariffs. They often give attractive welcoming bonuses for new customers. The Dutch government recently advised that it is beneficial to shop around for your energy.

25/10/2012 Exchanging a foreign driver’s licence in Belgium

If you have a driver's licence from outside of Belgium, here is what you need to know.

22/02/2012 A guide to communication services in France

For new arrivals moving to France or living in Paris: Here are the basics you need to know to set up fixed and mobile phone service, internet access, television service, and how to send an old-fashioned letter.

Visit our country sites

Relocation

Relocation costs

Expat relocation services

Relocation costs

Expat relocation services

Taxation

Country facts

Just landed

Relocating with the family

Adjusting to a new location

Networking and going out

Repatriation

Relocation - Essential Articles

08/11/2012 Tips & Tricks: Selecting a Gas and Electricity Supplier in The Netherlands

25/10/2012 Exchanging a foreign driver’s licence in Belgium

22/02/2012 A guide to communication services in France