IntlMove - International Movers

Moving to South Africa and see the Sevilla Rock Art Trail

2011-03-16T14:05:00.000-04:00

When you are moving to South Africa, IntlMOVE will provide you with international shipping services.
Shipping your household goods to South Africa will help you get settled into your new home by providing you with familiar surroundings.

Although it is nice to have your personal belongings in your new country, the best part of moving overseas is exploring the new sights of your new home.

When you are moving to Cape Town, South Africa, one of amazing sites you will want to visit is the Sevilla Rock Art Trail located in Cederberg Mountain Reserve.

The site is a few hours away from Cape Town, but it is something you won’t want to miss.

The paintings were left behind by the San people who inhabited this area of South Africa for 20,000 years.

The four kilometer trail will provide you with the opportunity to see hundreds of paintings that date back as far as 8,000 years.

Even the most recent paintings are still at least hundreds of years old.

Your journey will begin at Brandewyn River, which is about a three hour car ride from Cape Town.

The walk is fairly easy, so it is accessible to virtually all fitness levels.

During the spring and summer you will enjoy the flowers and other plant life that surround the area.

You may even encounter some baboons, small game, rare species of birds and other wildlife native to Sough Africa.

When you pick up your permit, which is something you must not forget to do, you will also get a pamphlet describing the rock art.

You can pick up your permit and pamphlet from Traveller’s Rest.

There are 10 sites that are marked along the trail where you can see hundreds of paintings unlike anything you have ever seen.

When you visit Sevilla Rock Art Trail, you will learn in much greater detail what the paintings depict.

The first site of paintings is marked with red figures with hooked heads.

A newer painting is also at the first site, which is a large group of people.

When you arrive at Site Two, you will see a wide variety of paintings of different creatures which is why it is referred to as the Cave of Monsters.

There are drawings that resemble lizards, zebra-like creatures and a group of paintings that resemble figures clapping.

On Site Three you will see figures of humans, animals and possibly even baboons!

Equine figures dominate Site Four, which could possibly be zebras.

Site Five has many paintings which include archers, a Gemsbok, a newborn foal and many other paintings.

There are seven dancing women, animals, a bowman and other figures you will see at Site Six.

Elephants are the focus of Site Seven along with some drawings of humans and hookheads.

In addition to other drawings, there are handprints on Site Eight, with some of the handprints belonging to children.

You will again see dancing ladies at Site Nine along with zebras and other figures.

When you reach Site Ten, you will find a painting of 35 people in a procession.

When you are moving to South Africa with IntlMOVE (http://www.intlmove.com/) and decide to visit Sevilla Rock Art Trail, you will want to go during the winter.

The winter in South Africa goes from July to September.

This time of year is cool, so you will not overheat while taking the hike.

When you are taking the hike to visit Sevilla Rock Art Trail, make sure you have all the proper hiking gear.

Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, so you have a jacket when it is cold and breathable cotton clothing for warmer weather.

When you are moving to South Africa, IntlMOVE (http://www.intlmove.com/) can ship all of your hiking gear with the rest of your household goods.

You will also want to bring your own water and snacks on this hike.

Moving to South Africa will be an amazing experience for you.

Contact IntlMOVE for your free international shipping quote for your move to South Africa.

Moving Overseas with IntlMOVE: Arriving and Settling in with Children

2010-10-18T13:24:00.000-04:00

IntlMOVE has provided articles on moving overseas and preparing children for an international move.

This article will focus on how to help your children settle into their new home overseas.

Parents often worry about their children’s ability to adjust to a new culture.

The truth is, the younger the age of the children, the easier it is for them to adapt.

That being said, there are many things parents can do to help their children enjoy their new life overseas.

The first step to ensuring your child’s comfort is helping them feel safe and secure.

Make sure they know how to get home, how to communicate where they live and make sure they have your phone number so they can always contact you.

If possible, get your child a cell phone and program all important numbers into the phone.

This way your child will know that if they ever need you, they can call you.

During the first few weeks, do not send an older child into their new country alone.

Accompany your child to school, to the store, to afterschool activities and wherever else they need to go.

If they tell you they are frightened to take public transportation by themselves, teach them how to get around until they are comfortable on their own.

When you first move overseas, your children may have high anxiety levels and have problems sleeping.

They are going through a lot of change, so take time to listen to their concerns.

Your children might be fearful that there is more change that is going to occur.

Talk to your children open and honestly.

Your children will adjust much better if you are providing a secure environment where they trust you and talk to you about what they are experiencing

However, you have to remember that you are speaking to children.

They might not always be able to articulate what they are worried about.

If this is the case, ask questions.

Ask them if they are afraid of their new school.

If they say yes, probe until you get to the root of their concerns.

Ask them if they are worried about mom and dad leaving because they moved overseas.

If this is the case, assure them that you are not going anywhere.

They might be afraid that they will never see their grandparents or friends again.

The point is there are many concerns your children may have.

Ask questions and find out what is bothering them so you can address their fears.

Make sure IntlMOVE ships your children’s belongings overseas with your household goods.

You can help your children adjust to their new surroundings by providing them with familiar things.

Try to arrange their toys, bed and clothing in a similar fashion to their previous room back home.

In some countries, it is common to hire full-time domestic staff like nannies and housekeepers.

This may be very strange for children, but this is something they can easily get used to.

If you are moving to a new country that speaks a new language, the domestic staff can provide the language help your children may need.

Provide your children with the resources they need to be successful in school.

Preparing your children for their move overseas is an integral part of their integration in their new country.

If they will be attending a school that speaks a new language, make sure you have already put them in language classes so they can understand what is going on.

Before you send your child away to their first day of school, bring your children to the classes for an hour so they can meet the students.

This way they do not have to spend their first day in class without knowing anybody

When you are ready to move overseas with children, contact IntlMOVE for all of your international shipping needs.

Moving to Beijing, China with IntlMOVE enjoy the Food

2010-10-09T15:51:00.001-04:00

When you are moving to China with IntlMOVE, you will enjoy the cuisine of Beijing.

Beijing served as the capital of China for hundreds of years, so the food created for the imperial court is one of the reasons the food is so divine.

This cultural center of China draws many visitors a year, which is another reason the cuisine in Beijing is so delicious.

Unlike most of China, Beijing is located in a dry and dusty region of the country.

Rice, fish and some vegetables were not easy to get in Beijing due to the weather.

In winter, there were very little vegetables available except for Beijing cabbage.

Rice has recently been grown in the area, which brings more traditional Chinese recipes to Beijing.

In the past, walnuts, lotus nuts and other fruits were hard to come by and considered luxury food items.

Melons are very popular, with watermelons being especially common in the summer months.

Peaches and Chinese dates, known as jujubes, are also widely available when they are in season.

Pork is the main source of protein in Beijing, but beef and lamb are also common.

Chicken and duck are also common ingredients in traditional dishes found in northern China.

The frigid winters in northern China made pickling foods an important means to survive.

You will still find that picked vegetables are still quite common.

Dried meats and preserved fruits are also popular in Beijing.

Dumplings and steamed breads will fill tables in northern China.

Other wheat-based foods, like noodles, are also favorites among the locals.

In fact, when you are moving to China you will find that there are many small restaurants and stalls that only sell dumplings and noodles.

There are many restaurants where you can try traditional Beijing food.

When you start to make friends in China, you may be invited to the homes of your new friends to try home cooked meals.

IntlMOVE can ship all of your cookware and kitchen essentials to China with your household goods.

You can try to make some of the traditional dishes right in your own kitchen.

When you go shopping, pick up sesame oil, soy sauce and Chinese wine.

Garlic, ginger and sliced scallions are also cooking essentials in Beijing.

Cilantro is often used as a garnish, although it is not in a lot of actual recipes.

These are just some of the ingredients you will need to start making your new country’s food at home.

When you are moving to China, you will need to learn to eat with chopsticks.

Many restaurants can give you a knife and fork if requested, but it is best to follow the locals.

In China, it is considered barbaric to eat large chunks of food.

Therefore, food is prepared in small portions which make it easy to eat with chopsticks.

The most popular dish to come out of Beijing is Beijing duck, also known as Peking duck.

A Beijing duck is carefully raised to make sure it has the perfect amount of flavor and fat when served for a meal.

The duck is ready at three months of age.

It is inflated to detach the flesh from the skin.

The duck is then roasted and seasoned.

The skin and the duck are eaten in a pancake like meal.

However, when you move to Beijing, China you will be able to eat foods from all over the world.

As is the case with all big cities, there are restaurants that serve all different types of cuisines.

Even if you are craving McDonald’s, Beijing has many locations of the popular United States chain.

When you are moving to China to enjoy the food, contact IntlMOVE to help ship your household goods to your new home.

Tips for Moving to Johannesburg, South Africa with IntlMOVE

2010-09-27T20:57:00.000-04:00

IntlMOVE will take care of all of your international shipping needs to South Africa.

Many people are packing their bags and heading for South Africa because of the job opportunities, the beauty of the country and the exceptional standard of living.

When you are moving to South Africa, you will need some time to unpack and get settled.

After your home is in order, you need to start learning about the culture of your new country.

Hopefully, you will have visited South Africa before you move there, but you will still have plenty to explore and experience.

When you have free time, there are museums, restaurants, outdoor excursions and a little something for everyone.

IntlMOVE has put together some tips that will help you find things to do when you move to Johannesburg.

Apartheid Museum

The people of South Africa struggled a lot with apartheid.

When visiting the Apartheid Museum, you will gain insights to what it was like to face down the police and an unjust system.

Visiting the museum can be a moving experience while you learn more about the history of your new country.

Bungee Jumping

If you have an inner daredevil, Johannesburg has all the adventure you could want!

One way to get your adrenaline rush is to jump off the power towers.

Many people use these towers in Soweto for bungee jumping and even base jumping!

Constitution Hill

When you visit Constitution Hill, you can visit three different jails.

The Old Fort is one of the jails at this location and it is historically significant because Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were held at this location.

The Women’s Jail and No 4 are the other two jails you can visit at Constitution Hill.

If you have an interest in visual arts, the Constitutional Court is also located here and is home to a beautiful art collection.

Gold Reef City Theme Park

There is a lot more than rides at this theme park, although the rides are a good time too.

The theme park has recreated a gold rush town to give you an idea of what life was like for the miners at the turn of the century.

You can even visit a real gold mine when you visit the old Johannesburg gold mine.

Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum

Hector Pieterson became a symbol for apartheid repression.

On June 16, 1976, Hector died from a police bullet.

This innocent 12-year-old is commemorated and remembered at this memorial and museum.
Johannesburg Art Gallery

The Johannesburg Art Gallery is home to the largest number of international artworks.

You will find beautiful art pieces native to Africa, but you will also find works from Picasso, Walter Battiss, Rodin and many more influential artists.

Johannesburg Zoo

There are over 330 different species of animals you can see and learn about when visiting the zoo.

There are primates, lions, polar bears, tigers, elephants and many more animals.

Visiting the Johannesburg Zoo is a fun activity for the whole family!

Mandela House Museum

Nelson Mandela is not only considered a hero in South Africa, but he is considered a hero around the world.

Visit the house where he lived with Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

The house has been restored, so you get a true sense of their home life during the time they lived at this house in Soweto.
Rosebank Rooftop Flea Market

This flea market is one of the top flea markets in South Africa.

IntlMOVE can ship all of your personal effects to South Africa, but after you move you will eventually need to purchase new clothes and things for your home.

You can purchase clothes, ceramics, art, household goods and many more useful items that you can use at the Rosebank Rooftop Flea Market.

When you get hungry, there is a rooftop that has a food court where you can get traditional South African food and other international cuisine choices.

Johannesberg, South Africa has all of this and much more.

When you are ready to take on the challenge of moving to South Africa, contact IntlMOVE to ship your household goods overseas.

Moving to Argentina with IntlMOVE

2010-09-17T07:39:00.000-04:00

IntlMOVE will ship your household goods to Argentina when you want to move to South America.

When you move to Argentina for a new job, you will learn many of the cultural differences of this country.

Interacting with people, conducting business meetings and attending business functions will all be new experiences for you.

There will also be a lot of great experiences for you when you have free time.

During the weekends there are many great activities to do and things to see in Argentina.

IntlMOVE has put together a list of activities for you to explore when you make your international move.

Eat at a Parrilla

A parrilla is a type of grill that is commonly found in South America.

The grills are used for barbeques, but the word parrilla can also refer to a type of restaurant that specializes in barbeque meat!

When you move to Argentina, you will not want to miss out on trying some of their famous Argentine beef.

Nightlife

Although many cities throughout Argentina have a nightlife that is full of fun, you will find the most talked about hotspots in Buenos Aires.

You can start the night out early and enjoy an inviting atmosphere at a local bar.

Your night can continue at one of the many clubs where you can dance the night away.

Outdoor Sports

Argentina has mountains, desserts, lakes, beaches and just about any kind of terrain you can imagine.

If you love the great outdoors, you can hike and camp in the Andes Mountains.

Surfing and other water sports are extremely popular with Argentinean locals and tourists.

It doesn’t matter what you like to do outdoors, you can do virtually anything your heart desires for outdoor entertainment in this country.

If adventure sports excite you, there are many rivers throughout Argentina where you can enjoy whitewater rafting.

You can check out River Manso, River Atuel or the Juramento Rapids.

Skiing

If you love winter sports, you will love living in Argentina.

The Andes Mountains provide a winter wonderland for ski enthusiasts.

Remember that seasons in Argentina are opposite of the United States.

The best time to ski is in Argentina is during the colder months that last from May to September.

Tango

When you move to Argentina with IntlMOVE, you should do as much as you can to learn about the culture in your new country.

Learning to dance the tango is just one way you can immerse yourself in the Argentinean culture.

In addition to learning a beautiful dance, you will meet many people when you take tango classes.

You can either learn to tango or watch the beautiful dance at one of many shows throughout Argentina.

Either way, you will not want to miss out on this part of Argentina.

Wine

Some of the finest wine in the world is produced in Argentina.

You can explore any of the vineyards or wineries to discover the many varieties of wines that Argentina creates.

Go on a wine tasting adventure to learn about all the splendor of your new country.

No matter what you like to do, Argentina has it all.

International moves are easy when you choose the right international movers.

IntlMOVE will pack, ship and deliver your household goods to Argentina.

Moving to Brazil with IntlMOVE - Learning the Basics

2010-09-14T06:43:00.000-04:00

Brazil is a very desirable place to live.

The weather is great, the food is delicious and there are many activities to do.

There are many career opportunities in Brazil, so this is a great place to live if you are looking to make an international move.

If you are offered a job in Brazil, there are basic things you should know before moving to Brazil.

Shipping Household Goods to Brazil

When you need to ship your household goods and personal effects to Brazil, you can trust IntlMOVE.

IntlMOVE has helped many families make international moves for many years.

You can plan a budget for your international move by using the online volume calculator provided on the IntlMOVE website.

When you are ready to move to Brazil, IntlMOVE will pack, ship and deliver your household goods and personal effects to your new home.

Places of Interest in Brazil

The two biggest cities in Brazil are Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Rio de Janeiro is famous for the world’s largest Carnival celebration.

The Amazon Rainforest is also located in Brazil.

There are also some very famous landmarks in Brazil like the Christ the Redeemer Statue.

Climate in Brazil

Brazil is a very large country, so one can’t make any broad assumptions in term of climate.

Except for mountain cities, you will find that most of Brazil has warm weather throughout the year.

The Amazon Rain Forest is hot and humid.

In the southern part of Brazil, you can expect to find a wet and a dry season.

The summer months last from November to March.

June to September marks the winter months, which are the coldest.

In Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, you will find that it rarely gets below 68 degrees.

In the summer months, temperatures range from the 80s to the 90s.

Medical Care

If you are moving to a large city in Brazil, you will find exceptional medical care.

Brazilian citizens are offered universal health care, which is funded by the government and private institutions.

If you are not a citizen of Brazil, make sure you arrange for international health insurance.

If you are moving to Brazil for a new career opportunity, your new job should be able to help you secure healthcare benefits.

Shopping

It is not difficult to find great places to shop in Brazil.

You can visit street markets, stores, supermarkets or shopping malls.

No matter what you are shopping for, Brazil has it.

It will be harder to shop in rural areas, but that is to be expected anywhere in the world.

You should still be able to find markets to sustain basic living needs.

Quality of Life

The people of Brazil are very laid back.

Many people in the United States who are tired of the fast paced lifestyle enjoy Brazil for this reason.

When you move to Brazil, you may earn less money, but you can live on much less money too.

Rent is much lower than in large cities in the United States.

The cost of food and entertainment is also much less.

Many people in large cities rely on public transportation.

However, if you want to ship your car to Brazil, IntlMOVE can take care of this for you.

When you make the choice to move to Brazil, IntlMOVE will handle all of your international shipping needs.

IntlMOVE has helped many people move to new countries when they need to relocate.

IntlMOVE LLC: Tips for Doing Business Overseas

2010-09-09T07:21:00.000-04:00

When you start a new job overseas, there are many tips you can utilize from IntlMOVE LLC.

IntlMOVE LLC has helped many people move overseas by shipping their household goods.

These tips for doing business overseas should help you start out on the right foot with your new job overseas.

Communication

Communication is not just about speaking the language.

Before you move overseas, you should learn the language of your new country.

Your language skills will improve daily as you have to use the new language to communicate in your new country.

You also need to be aware of non-verbal communication when you move overseas.

Research what gestures or actions are considered offensive so you don’t run the risk of offending anybody.

Some cultures value their space, while other cultures leave very little space between one another when talking or interacting.

If you are used to more space, you should not back up as this might be considered rude.

Eye contact can be extremely important when interacting, while in some countries this gesture can be offensive.

In some cultures, like Mexico, it is very important to make eye contact when toasting.

Greetings

Before your first business meeting overseas, find out what is customary to greet a new business acquaintance.

You can do this by researching this information online or by utilizing an online expat resource group.

In some Asian countries, business associates will bow to one another.

However, they expect their Western business associates to shake hands.

Most cultures will shake hands when greeting, but you won’t want to make a mistake by assuming this is customary around the world.

You will also need to know if you address your new business associates formally.

There might be specific titles you need to use or it is possible that some people want to be addressed using their surnames.

Different cultures are more casual, while some cultures still practice business using formal titles.

You need to know what is considered appropriate in your new country.

Entertaining

Most entertaining will take place at hotels or restaurants.

However, in some cultures you might be invited into your business associate’s home.

In all cultures, you are expected to bring a gift to show your gratitude.

Learn when you should pay the bill, bring gifts and the appropriate behavior.
In most cases, if you invite guests, you should pick up the bill.

If you are invited to a business outing, you will most likely be paid for.

However, make sure you are following your new country’s customs before assuming anything.

Negotiations

Negotiations can be the toughest thing to learn when doing intercultural business.

Some countries take a very long time to negotiate new business deals, while other countries move forward quickly.

You also need to be aware if business presentations need to be more fact-based or relationship-based.

Some countries want you to be upfront, while other cultures may see this as being overbearing.

There are many resources online that can help you get detailed information about the country you are relocating to for your new job.

When you move overseas to start a new career, you can trust IntlMOVE LLC to be a reliable international moving company.

Shipping Household Goods to Panama with IntlMOVE

2010-08-30T20:07:00.000-04:00

IntlMOVE LLC specializes in international moves when you and your family move to Panama.

When you move to Panama, there are several different ways to ship your household goods to your new country.

You can ship by air or land, which can be costly or extremely inefficient.

The preferred way to ship your belongings is by sea.

Shipping your household goods by sea is reliable way to get your household goods to your new home in Panama.

When you ship your household goods and furniture by sea, your personal effects will be shipped in a container.

When your hire international movers for door-to-door service, your household goods will be packed, shipped and delivered to your new home.
The steel containers that house your household goods on their journey by ship offer protection to keep your precious belongings safe.

The steel containers are also sealed to prevent tampering and potential damage.

Steel containers provide the sturdiness needed help reduce damage from turbulence experienced on the ship.

As you can see, the containers are integral part to the safety and reliability of the international moving process.

Containers are built to ISO standards, so they are stacked on the ships more efficiently.

The standard sizes of containers help expedite the shipping process.

This helps increase efficiency at the ports and helps reduced international moving costs for you!

International movers, like IntlMOVE, can be hired to pack all of your personal belongings.

This is easier and more efficient than packing the items yourself.

International movers know the turbulence your household goods will be subjected to, so they carefully pack all items with the utmost care.

Next, your household goods will be packed into shipping containers, loaded onto a cargo ship and they will start the journey to Panama.

When you shipping container arrives in Panama, IntlMOVE will help with normal customs clearance.

Next, local movers from IntlMOVE will pick up your household goods from the shipping port and deliver them to your new home.

The local movers will set-up your furniture and bring all boxes to the rooms in which they belong.

When the IntlMOVE delivery team leaves, they will clean up any packing debris they left behind.

It’s that easy!

When you are ready to hire an international moving company to ship your household goods to Panama, choose one that is reliable and dependable.

There are many international movers to choose from, but you will want to choose a company with experience.

Choose a company that is fully bonded and insured to help ensure you are choosing a top-notch international moving company.

IntlMOVE specializes in international moves, so you won’t have to question their knowledge and skill set to get the job done.

IntlMOVE LLC also has testimonials from many happy clients who were thrilled with the unparalleled service they received from IntlMOVE.

When you need help shipping your household goods to Panama, contact IntlMOVE.

Moving Overseas with IntlMOVE and Adapting to a New Culture

2010-08-18T10:42:00.000-04:00

When you move overseas with IntlMOVE, you are given the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture.

This will help you to cultivate your abilities to be patient, empathize and adapt.

When you relocate internationally, you have to keep an open mind in order to learn to love your new surroundings.

Adapting to your new culture will not only help you in your personal life, but it will help you in your business interactions as well.

IntlMOVE has put together some tips to help you open your mind to new people, new experiences and a new way of thinking.

Accept the New Culture

When you move overseas, you may not like the way your new culture interacts in business settings.

Take a step back to remember that you are doing business in their country and things are not going to change.

Once you understand that you are the one who needs to change, you can start moving forward.

Learn how to interact with people in meetings, at meals and with other social interactions.

There is a lot to learn, so watch what the locals are doing and follow suit.

Don’t Make Assumptions

The definition of assumption is to take something for granted.

Assuming people will act in a certain way is a sure way to get you into trouble.

Once you stop assuming, you will start understanding the reason behind people’s actions.

You can assume that things should be similar to your experiences in your home country, but they will not.

No matter where you move overseas, you will have to make adjustments.

Ask yourself why you hold particular beliefs and examine them in order to change them.

This will help greatly with your intercultural communication.

Empathize

When you move overseas, it might be hard to empathize with other people because your cultural backgrounds are so different.

However, the more you learn, the better you will become at understanding different backgrounds.

Work life can be very different depending on where you live.

For example, in the United States, people are expected to work independently and take on great deals of responsibility in office settings.

In India, employees rely on their managers to tell them what to do and the managers are always responsible for the success or failure of a company.

Empathizing with people will help you understand cultural norms and become a better expat.

Don’t Engage in Inappropriate Behavior

Intercultural communication is a skill that will take some time to refine.

When you are going through the learning process, don’t behave in insensitive ways.

By verbally attacking an employee or person, you can put up a barrier that will be hard to lift.

Try to be extremely understanding and never let your frustration get the best of you.

Stay patient and eventually you will begin to accept the cultural difference you are experiencing.

Do your Research

Before you move overseas, do your research.

Read as much information as possible on cultural interactions in your new country.

You will want to know how to interact at the office.

Learn dining etiquette, which will help you in business and personal situations.

Learn how to negotiatein a new country, so you can have better business dealings.

Find out what role family plays in your new culture, because you will be surprised at the differences around the world.

When you are ready to move overseas, you will quickly learn about your new culture if you get out and interact with locals.

Learn as much as you can about your new country so you can embrace all it has to offer.

When you are ready to move overseas, contact IntlMOVE for all of your international shipping needs.

IntlMOVE and the Port of Hamburg

2010-08-12T07:31:00.000-04:00

IntlMOVE is your first choice in international movers when you are ready to move to Germany.

When you are ready to move to Germany, log onto the IntlMOVE website for your free online international moving quote.

When it’s time to pack up and head to Deutschland, contact IntlMOVE to schedule the packing, shipping and delivery of your household good and personal effects.

The Port of Hamburg is a very important port that is located in Hamburg, Germany.

The Port of Hamburg first opened in May of 1189, so it has quite a history.

Frederick I was the founder of the Port of Hamburg that helped make Germany a dominant European country.

The city became a leading center of trade for Central Europe and still remains an integral international shipping port today.

From the 13th to the 17th century, the Port of Hamburg was the second busiest port in Europe.

During the late 1800s, the Port of Hamburg was a leading hub for passenger and freight travel.

After 1871, it was Germany’s principal trade port.

On October 15, 1888 Hamburg became a free port that allowed international traders to ship and trade goods without going through the hassles of customs.

The relaxed restrictions help facilitate the importance of the Port of Hamburg.

The Speicherstadt was built to house some of the stored goods that increased once the Port of Hamburg became a free port.

The Speicherstadt is an amazing architectural building that has been recognized worldwide.

It is one of the icons that make Hamburg famous.

Between World War I and World War II, the Port of Hamburg lost a lot of ships and in turn lost many of its trading connections.

The division of Germany after WWII also affected the Port of Hamburg’s operations and profitability.

When the reunification of Germany took place in 1990, the Port of Hamburg regained its once prominent position as a major trade center in Europe.

The Port of Hamburg is Germany’s busiest port and the third largest port in Europe.

It is called Germany’s “Gateway to the World.”

The Port of Hamburg is on the river Elbe and is located 110 kilometers from the mouth of the river.

The port is owned and managed by the Hamburg Port Authority.

The total area of the port is 28.57 square miles and the land area is 16.72 square miles.

There are over 10,000 employees that help run the Port of Hamburg.

It takes a lot of hands to run such a busy port.

Annually, the port has over 12,000 vessel arrivals.

The Port of Hamburg handles more than 9.8 million TEUs of goods every year.

In addition to the role the Port of Hamburg plays in international trade, this port is also a very important tourist attraction.

There are many museum ships where you learn about the history of the port, wars and other facts about Germany and the rest of Europe.

There are also theatres located at the port where visitors can indulge in some of Germany’s finest culture.

When you move to Germany with IntlMOVE, you might want to take advantage of the nightlife in Hamburg.

The Port of Hamburg is home to many bars and restaurants where you can enjoy an evening out with your friends.

To top it all off, there is even a floating boat church.

When you move to Germany with IntlMOVE, you will have to visit the Port of Hamburg to see the port in all of its glory.

IntlMOVE: Things to do in Perth Australia

2010-08-04T09:39:00.000-04:00

IntlMOVE is the top choice when choosing between international movers for your move to Perth, Australia.

When you need your household goods shipped to Perth, IntlMOVE has years of experience in international moves.

IntlMOVE will handle your shipping needs for your international move, so sit back, relax and let the international moving experts handle everything.

There are plenty of things to do in Perth and IntlMOVE has put together a list of activities you can enjoy.

Adventure World

There are over 30 exhilarating rides and water rides.

There are seven manmade lakes at Adventure world.

They have a special park dedicated to little ones who are too small to ride the thrill rides.

There are rides, shows and other interactive activities that are suitable for all ages.

Your whole family can enjoy all of the exciting things to do at Adventure World.

Aquarium of Western Australia

The Aquarium of Western Australia has marine life from around the world.

There are shows and many different things to do with your family when you visit this world-class aquarium.

There are five separate areas of the park where you will learn about different wildlife that live in the seas from around the globe.

Bells Rapids

Bells Rapids is a great area if you love the outdoors.

You can hike around many beautiful waterfalls or just enjoy a picnic with your friends and family on a warm Australian day.

Have IntlMOVE pack and ship your hiking gear when you move to Australia as there are many picturesque trails at Bells Rapids.

Cottesloe Beach

Australia is well-known for its amazing beaches and spectacular wildlife.

Moving to Perth with IntlMOVE will give you an opportunity to visit one of the locals’ favorite beaches, Cottesloe Beach.

The beautiful beach is close to many restaurants and shopping areas, so there is more to do than surf and swim.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden

There are many plants native to Australia that you will not see anywhere else in the world.

Kings Park and Botanic Gardens will allow you to enjoy many beautiful plants, flowers and trees.

This park is visited by over 6 million people annually.

There is even a park area that features a two-level fort that is designed like an island.

There are local dinosaur replicas along with a playground for children to run, play and explore.

There are cafes, cinemas and a lot of other things to do at this attraction.

Perth Zoo

Children and adults will enjoy seeing wildlife from around the world at the Perth Zoo.

You will see mammals and sea life from all continents.

There is even a petting zoo area so children can interact with the animals.

You and your family can learn about conservation programs that are taking place in Western Australia to preserve animals’ natural habitats.

Rottnest Island

This island is only a 25-minute ferry ride from Perth.

This spectacular aquatic adventure is full of beaches and outdoor activities.

You can see an amazing display of marine life in the spectacular coral reefs if you enjoy scuba diving or snorkeling.

There are also quokkas, which are like mini-kangaroos that are native to the island.
Fremantle Prison

For a unique adventure, you can visit Fremantle Prison, which once housed some very notorious criminals.

You can take tours that give you a background on the prison and the surrounding areas.

The night tours are a little scary, which can be fun if you like being frightened.

When you get an opportunity to relocate to Perth, Australia, contact IntlMOVE.

Log onto the IntlMOVE website to get your free online international moving quote.

IntlMOVE will pack, ship and deliver your household goods to Perth when you are ready to make an international move.

Moving to New Delhi, India with IntlMOVE and Transportation

2010-08-02T15:11:00.000-04:00

Moving to New Delhi with IntlMOVE will open up doors you never dreamed possible.

You can further your education, your career, your cultural experiences and you can make many new friends.

When you first move to New Delhi, you will want to learn how to get around the city.

You may also need to learn how to travel throughout the country and the world from New Delhi.

IntlMOVE has put together some transportation tips for people who are moving to New Delhi, India.

Public Transportation

When you are in New Delhi and you need to get from point A to point B, there are four different forms of transportation you can take –busses, the metro, taxis and rickshaws.

In New Delhi, there are over 2,000 public busses.

Although these are a very reliable form of transportation, they can be uncomfortable.

The busses are overcrowded and often don’t have air conditioning.

In the hot weather, this can be unbearable.

On a positive note, they are very inexpensive!

The metro system officially opened in 2002, which makes this the newest from of transport in New Delhi, India.

The metro system is very efficient and there are many organizations who say this is the best transit system in Asia.

There are 59 stations around the city that are serviced by three different lines.

Taxis are the most expensive of the three forms of public transportation, but they are also the most comfortable.

It is very easy to find a cab as there are thousands of them servicing the city.

You can either negotiate a fare before a cab ride or you can use the meter.

When taking a taxi, make sure you agree on a price before your trip.

If you feel uncomfortable of if the taxi driver cannot agree on a price with you, take another taxi.

Busses are the most popular form of transportation, followed by taxis and the metro.

There is still one more form of transportation you can utilize when moving to India.

Auto-rickshaws are another way to help you get around your new city.

Yet another way is cycle-rickshaws.

The rickshaws are perfect when you want to travel short distances.

Cars

Public transportation is widely encouraged by the New Delhi officials to help alleviate some of the environmental issues and road congestion.

However, many people still rely on their own vehicles for transportation.

IntlMOVE can ship your car to India if you decide you need a car overseas.

Driving can be very intimidating to a foreigner who is not used to the seemingly unstructured road infrastructure, but there are many major highways that will make the trip easier.

Intra-City Transportation

When you need to travel from New Delhi to another city within India, there are a couple options.

One option is driving by car.

Although some people do this, it can be very difficult if you are not familiar the roads and local traffic laws.

You can also take one of the many trains that run throughout India.

When you need to travel long distances, this is a great option if you do not feel like flying or driving.

You have to remember that India is a very large country.

There may be times when driving or trains can take too long.

There is an international airport in New Delhi, which is available if you want to travel throughout India or throughout the world.

When you move to India, you will have many new things to explore.

There are great activities for families and for single people moving to India.

When you are ready to move to New Delhi, India, contact IntlMOVE for all of your international shipping needs.

Moving Overseas with IntlMOVE and Volunteering

2010-07-22T18:30:00.000-04:00

IntlMOVE will ship your household goods overseas when you want to volunteer abroad.

Sometimes finding a job overseas can be difficult, so many people move overseas to volunteer.

Volunteering can help you get your foot in the door so you can make a more permanent international move.

Other people move abroad to volunteer to fulfill a desire to help other people in need.

Whatever your reason is for wanting to volunteer abroad, IntlMOVE will help you ship your household goods to your new home.

When you decide to volunteer, you will want to consider several things before relocating overseas.

You will want to the right volunteer opportunity, the right country and you will want to determine what goals you need to set.

Choosing the Right Volunteer Opportunity Abroad

Everywhere in the world people need help, which is why you will have a wide variety of choices in where to volunteer your time.

Discover and follow your passion because enjoying what you do is key to finding benefits to volunteering that you are searching for.

If you have a passion to help children, use your skill set to help shape young minds.

Maybe you have a desire to help women in need find a better life.

You might have a passion for helping people with education and pursuing a new career.

There are many people around the globe who can benefit from the time you have to spare.

After you have determined if you want to feed hungry people, help with disaster relief or nurture ill children back to health, you can then determine where you want to move.

Volunteering Abroad and Choosing the Country

When you decide to move overseas to volunteer, you will want to make sure that your safety is maintained.

Research the country you are moving to and determine whether or not the political environment is stable.

You will want to confirm that people in your new country are open to Westerners being present in their country.

Safety should be your number one priority.

After you have determined that the country you want to move to is safe, you will have to decide what volunteer opportunities are available.

You have already decided what you want to do with your time, so research different charities in your new country that can use your time and skills.

Before you move overseas, research the volunteer organizations and ask lots of questions.

Find out what you will be doing, where you will be living and what to expect from your international move.

After you have your housing settled, IntlMOVE (http://www.intlmove.com/) can ship all of your household overseas.

Setting Goals

Before moving overseas, you need to be honest with yourself and set goals.

If you are moving overseas to volunteer so you can eventually land a job, you will need to be proactive in making sure you reach this goal.

Set aside time every week to network with people, research companies and learn the proper process to finding a new job.

If you spend all of your time helping others and don’t find the time to reach your ultimate goal, you will end up being disappointed.

Although everybody wants to save the world, this is not a realistic goal.

Set goals that are achievable so you can feel that your volunteer hours are being well spent.

If you are moving overseas to help impoverished women find work, then set a goal that seems practical.

For example, you can set a goal to see five new women in new jobs in a six month timeframe.

If you set goals that are unattainable, you will end up overlooking all the good work you are doing.

It is important to enjoy what you are doing by volunteering.

You want to feel like you are making a difference.

When you are ready to move overseas so you can volunteer abroad, let IntlMOVE help you ship your personal belongings to your new home overseas.

Tips for Moving to Scotland from IntlMOVE

2010-07-20T14:02:00.000-04:00

IntlMOVE will ship your household goods and personal effects to Scotland when you are ready to make an international move.

IntlMOVE has helped many people move to Scotland and other areas of the United Kingdom.

There are a lot of interesting facts about Scotland that make the country unique.

IntlMOVE has put together a list of tips for international moves to Scotland.

Scotland borders England and many bodies of water, including the North Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, the North Channel and the Irish Sea.

It is one of four countries that make up the United Kingdom and Scotland is best known for its beauty and culture.

There are about 5 million people who currently reside in the British country.

Things to See

There are ancient castles and many more historical monuments that are located in this British country.

Every year thousands of people visit Scotland, and specifically Edinburgh, for the annual arts festivals.

There are many museums, parks, amphitheatres and other beautiful buildings that attract many tourists from around the world.

If you are interested in education, there are several famous universities that are located in Scotland.

The University of St. Andrews, Glasgow University and Edinburgh University are three of the largest and most famous universities in Britain.

Geography

In addition to the landmass that makes up Scotland, the country also consists of about 790 islands.

However, only about 130 of these islands are inhabited.

Scotland is made up of many mountain peaks, rolling hills, beautiful lakes and beaches.

The Tay River is the longest river in Scotland, which is about 121 km long.

There are over 600 square miles of freshwater lakes in this country.

Loch Lomond is the largest lake in Scotland that is 60 square kilometers.

The most famous lake in Scotland is Loch Ness, which is very famous for the Loch Ness Monster!

The Loch Ness Monster is a fictional character that is said to resemble a dinosaur and reside in the famous lake.

Fun Facts

The capital of Scotland is Edinburgh, which is also the country’s second largest city.

Edinburgh is one of the biggest financial centers in Europe, which is why this city is an appealing place to live.

Edinburgh is also famous because it was the world’s first city with its own fire brigade.

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland that is filled with great shopping, dining and entertainment.

If you are a fan of whisky, you have come to the right place!

Scotch whisky is a famous beverage that Scotland is famous for.

The unicorn is the official animal of Scotland.

The thistle is the floral emblem for the British country.

History

Scotland was once an independent state until May 1, 1707 when the United Kingdom of Great Britain was established.

Te legal system of Scotland is separate from England, Wales and Northern Ireland even though it is part of the United Kingdom.

The Scottish parliament was elected for the first time in 1999 and governs education, health, social work and local government.

Scottish Inventions

If you enjoy sitting down at night enjoying your favorite TV shows, you can thank Scotland because the country is the birthplace of the television.

The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in Scotland, which makes it possible for you to communicate with your friends and family back home.

The police can help keep your new country safe with fingerprinting, which is another Scottish invention.

Penicillin was created in Scotland, so you and your family can stay healthy thanks to its inventor, Alexander Fleming.

When you move to Scotland with IntlMOVE, you will enjoy spending time exploring all there is to see and do in the British country.

IntlMOVE will handle the international moving details so you can enjoy your new life and new home in Scotland.

IntlMOVE’s Tips for Living in Switzerland

2010-07-16T08:52:00.000-04:00

International moves can be very exciting, but can also be very stressful.

IntlMOVE wants to take the stress out of your move and handle all the details of shipping your household goods overseas.

When you are ready to move to Switzerland, contact IntlMOVE.

Public Transportation

Getting around Switzerland is easy!

The public transportation in the larger cities of Switzerland is very efficient and clean.

You will easily be able to get to work or other areas around your new city.

Public transportation is fairly inexpensive, so many people choose to use public transportation in lieu of owning a car.

If you do decide to ship your car overseas, contact IntlMOVE (http://www.intlmove.com/) to ship your car to Switzerland along with your household goods.

Budget

Switzerland can be a very expensive place to live, so make sure you budget before you go.

The quality of life in Switzerland is one of the best in the world, but the cost of living can be more than you expect.

Get a good idea of the cost of housing, food, transportation, entertainment and monthly bills to determine a budget before you make the overseas move to Switzerland.

Follow the Law

There are a lot of rules in Switzerland and they need to be followed.

Even when you are driving, Swiss police have been known to hand out fines to individuals traveling only a couple of kilometers above the speed limit.

Medical Facilities

Before you move overseas, arrange for an international health care plan or find out what is offered by your new company.

The healthcare in Switzerland is very good.

You will find that health facilities, including hospitals, are clean and efficient.

Leasing an Apartment

When you move into an apartment, make sure to note anything that was broken or unclean when you moved in.

You can take pictures to keep a record of the move-in condition of your rental house or apartment.

When you move you, there will likely be a very thorough inspection which could cost you a lot of money if you moved out and didn’t clean.

A lot of people even hire professional cleaners because landlords will check everything from air vents to windowpanes.

Drinking Age

If you are moving overseas with teenagers, be aware the drinking age is 16.

Talk to your children about alcohol consumption before you move to Switzerland so they can drink responsibly.

Make a plan with your children about going out with friends and let them know that being able to drink comes with a great deal of responsibility.

Teach your children about drinking and driving and make them aware of the public transportation that is available.

Pets

Pets are very important to Swiss families and are allowed in most stores and other buildings.

Don’t be surprised if you see pets in restaurants, grocery stores and other venues.

Dogs are usually allowed in most shops as long as they are leashed.

Language of Switzerland

English is spoken widely throughout Switzerland, but it is not one of the four major languages.

German is the most widely spoken language in Switzerland, which is followed by French.

Italian and Rumantsch are spoke by a very small percentage of the Swiss population.

The language that is spoken in your city widely depends on what area of Switzerland you are moving to.

Do your research on the language before you move to Switzerland.

When you move to Switzerland, you will have a lot to learn about the culture of the Swiss people.

There are a lot of great things to enjoy in Switzerland, including its chocolate.

IntlMOVE wants to help you with your international move to Switzerland, so call log onto http://www.intlmove.com/ today.

Moving to Brazil and Honey Island

2010-07-10T20:08:00.000-04:00

IntlMOVE will ship your household goods and personal belongings to Brazil when you move to your new country.

IntlMOVE has many years experience in helping individuals with international moves, so contact the international movers today.

When you move to Brazil, you will enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in the world as well as a fun nightlife.

There are other less well known areas in Brazil that are perfect for serene getaways.

If you are looking for a vacation to get away from the hustle and bustle of your hectic life, there is an amazing place in Brazil called Honey Island.

There are very few people who venture to this little slice of paradise, so when you move to Brazil, make sure you enjoy the beauty it offers.

Honey Island, called Ilha do Mel in Portuguese, is 115 km from Curtiba.

There are no roads on this island because no cars are allowed.

You have to reach this island by a boat ride from Pontal do Sul or Paranagua.

Honey Island is a State Nature Reserve to preserve the wondrous beauty this area offers.

Not only can you lie on virtually empty beaches, but you can also see the Atlantic Rain Forest.

Also on the island you will find an ancient fortress to explore, a centenary lighthouse and the "Encantadas" Cave.

If you are into surfing, there are some great spots on the island to catch some waves.
More than 40 percent of visitors are foreigners from around the world.

To preserve the beauty of the island, the maximum number of visitors allowed at one time is 5,000.

This number includes the small number of fishing families that live there.

It is always advisable to book in advance because of the limited number of people allowed on the island.

In the high season, most guesthouses hotels are booked.

In the low season, many guesthouses and hotels are closed.

It is always a good idea to make your reservations ahead of time.

Most of the accommodations on the island are not allowed to have more than 500 square meters.

Also, the structures must be made of wood.

The guesthouses are small and most of them are family run, so you get a true sense of community when visiting the island.
There are modern conveniences on the island.

There is telephone and internet access, restaurants, bars and even a police station.

So, even though you will feel like you are disconnected from the world, you will still be able to access everything you need.

However, don’t be surprised if your hotel does not come with a television.

On the island, you will be able to enjoy beautiful sunsets, a relaxing atmosphere and beauty beyond your imagination.

There are no clubs or extravagant bars, but that does not mean the nightlife is dull.

The beach bars are filled with locals and guests enjoying the warm tropical breeze and a few frosty beverages.
When you move to Brazil, you will find that you can explore many amazing places in the country.

Some places are wild and crazy, like Rio de Janeiro, while some places are relaxing and quaint, like Honey Island.

You will find whatever you heart desires in Brazil.

When you are ready to move to Brazil, contact IntlMOVE to handle all of the shipping details.

Tips for Dealing with International Moves from IntlMOVE

2010-07-02T09:38:00.000-04:00

International moves are very exciting for many different reasons.

IntlMOVE (http://www.intlmove.com/) will coordinate all of your international shipping needs for your upcoming international move.

Before making international move, there are many things to consider.

You want to make sure that you have realistic expectations about what your international move will entail.

You also want to make sure that you are fully prepared mentally and financially for an international move.

IntlMOVE has put together some tips to help you plan for international move.

Realistic Expectations

Vacationing in a new country and enjoying yourself is much different from actually living in the country.

When you vacation in a country, you are usually only there for a couple weeks so culture shock doesn’t set in.

You eat out all of the time, spend the day doing leisurely activities and just get to relax and enjoy all of the unfamiliar things surrounding you.

When you move overseas, you have to learn how to live your daily life in unfamiliar surroundings.

You will have to get a new routine, go to work and find a whole new group of friends in an unfamiliar atmosphere.

Although most people enjoy the expat experience, there are some who are not cut out for international moves.

Set realistic expectations before you move overseas, so you don’t end up being disappointed.

The new experience abroad can be very rewarding if you keep an open mind.

International Movers

Start planning at least three months in advance for all international moves.

Find international movers who can ship your household goods from your home country to your new country.

Make sure they have all the services you need like packing, shipping and delivery to your new home overseas.

IntlMOVE (http://www.intlmove.com/) is a leader among international movers as they are very well respected in the industry.

Make sure your international movers are up front about all costs and that they have been in business for at least five years.

Also, make sure your international movers are licensed and bonded according to the law.

Home Sweet Home

Renting or buying a home can be very different from your home country.

When you decide to live in a new home overseas, make sure that is has all the amenities you will need.

If you are renting a house that is unfurnished, you will have to determine what actually comes with the house.

Make sure appliances, cupboards and other things you expect come with the house actually come with the house.

IntlMOVE will ship your household goods and personal effects overseas to your new home.

Being surrounded by familiar furniture and other personal belongings with help your unfamiliar home a little more comfortable.

Working Abroad

People who make international moves for a new job have a lot to get used to overseas.

You have to learn a new way of doing business and new norms for work interactions.

Businesses in the United States tend to be very informal because you can dress casually and address your boss by his first name.

When you move overseas, you will likely have to change the way you interact with your bosses and your employees.

Dinners and meetings with professional contacts are also different.

Brush up on the culture of business in your new country before your international move.

Sharing your Experiences

When you first move overseas, you will be grateful for all the help you receive from other expats that have moved to the same country.

When you are seasoned expat, share your experiences with new expats.

Continue to try to make new friends with people who are new to the country because everyone is lonely at first.

IntlMOVE will coordinate and execute all the international shipping details when you are ready to move overseas.

Check out other blogs on the IntlMOVE websites for more tips and tricks for international moves.

International Movers and Making the Right Choice

2010-06-30T17:31:00.000-04:00

International moves can be very exciting, but choosing the right international movers can make the experience much more pleasant.

IntlMOVE is a leader in the international moving industry that is dedicated to exceptional customer service and successful international shipments.

IntlMOVE has put together a basic list of tips that will help you choose the right international mover for your move overseas.

Choosing the right international movers is your first step to a very enriching new endeavor.

Qualifications

Make sure your international mover has been in business for at least five years to ensure they have the knowledge needed for successful international moves.

You will also want to find a company that specializes in international moves.

Ask your international mover if they have moved other individuals to the country you are relocating to.

You want your international mover to be familiar with the rules and regulations of your new country in regards to incoming international shipments.

Reviews and References

Talk to people who have used the international mover you want to hire.

Make sure your international mover of choice was available for questions and that the international move was a smooth process.

International movers you are considering hiring should have references available upon request.

Licensed and Bonded

Makes sure that the international movers you are researching are licensed and bonded according to the law.

All legitimate international movers are required to be licensed and bonded.

If the international mover does not have a license, choose another licensed international mover.

Estimates

After you have found several companies that meet these criteria, you will want to get quotes from the international movers.

You will not always want to go with the lowest bid.

An extremely low international moving bid can sometimes mean there are hidden charges.

An honest and reliable moving company will up from about all costs.

Insurance

Good international movers will offer you the option of insuring your household goods and personal effects while they are being shipped overseas.

However, be aware that International movers are not insurance companies.

The insurance might be offered by a private company, but international movers should always offer you the option of insuring your belongings.

Services

International movers should make your international relocation simple.

The moving company should be able to pack, ship and deliver your household goods for your international move.

Ask the international mover if they offer door-to-door or door-to-port services.

Different people require different services for international moves, but you will want your international movers to accommodate your needs.

You want your international moving company to handle all of your household goods with the utmost care.

Comparing Prices

The cost of international moving can be expensive, but don’t always go with the lowest quote.

Make sure you are comparing the same services and the same volume.

Slight differences in shipments can make a big difference in terms of dollars.

One company might be quoting door-to-door service, while another company is quoting door-to-port services.

You should also make sure that packing and delivery charges are included in the quote.

Also take note that the quotes include the same volume of items that will be shipped overseas.

When you compare several different international movers, you will see that IntlMOVE is a top choice for people moving overseas.

IntlMOVE will help ensure that your household goods, furniture and personal effects arrive in your new overseas home safe and sound.

When you need professional international movers, contact IntlMOVE.

Moving to Paris with IntlMOVE and the Eiffel Tower

2010-06-03T06:23:00.000-04:00

When researching international movers, IntlMOVE is your first choice to ship your household goods to France.

IntlMOVE has helped many families move to Europe, so you will know your prized possessions are in good hands.

When moving to France, you will undoubtedly take some time to visit the Eiffel Tower.

This is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the word and the most iconic figure in France.

In fact, the Eiffel Tower is the number one paid attraction in the entire world.

More than 200,000,000 people have visited the attraction since it was first constructed.

History

The Eiffel Tower is located in Paris, which is the capital of France.

It was originally erected for the World’s Fair in 1889.

The structure stands 1,052 ft. tall (including the antenna) and weighs over 7,000 tons.

The Eiffel Tower remained the tallest building in the world until the Empire State Building was constructed.

It is still the tallest structure in Paris.

The tower was built over a period of two years by 300 steel workers.

There are over 1,671 steps you will need to climb to reach the top, which is why elevators were installed on the original structure.

The total cost to build the Eiffel Tower was around $1.5 million dollars.

The Eiffel Tower was designed by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel and was assisted by Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, and architect Stephen Sauvestre.

The structure was built with puddle iron and designed with exposed latticework supports.

In 1910, the antenna of the Eiffel Tower was used for telegraphy which saved it from demolition.

The structure has also been used to facilitate French radio and French television.

Visiting the Eiffel Tower

When you move to Paris with IntlMOVE, you will have to make time to see everything at the Eiffel Tower.

In the basement of the eastern and western pillars, you can see the machinery that is used to power the elevators.

The machinery dates back to 1899 when the tower was first built.

The top platforms of the Eiffel Tower offer majestic views of the City of Love.

Paris is also affectionately called the City of Lights, and you can get magnificent views of Paris lit up when visiting the Eiffel Tower at night.

Bring your camera to capture the moment!

The first level of the Eiffel Tower is 189 feet, which is where you can see a beautiful panoramic view of Paris.

You can also eat at Altitude 95 or visit the Souvenir shops.

On the second level of the Eiffel Tower, which reaches 379 feet, 8 inches, you once again see a beautiful view of Paris.

There are also telescopes, shops and the Jules Verne Restaurant.

If you want to dine at Jules Verne Restaurant, make sure to make reservations.

The third level of the tower reaches 905 feet, 11 inches and you can get a beautiful view of Paris and the surrounding sites.

There are about 500 people who are responsible for running the Eiffel Tower on a daily basis.

Some people run the shops and restaurants, while other people manage the technical details and the daily operations.

The park below the Eiffel Tower is the Parc du Champs-de-Mars.

During the warm summer months, bring a picnic and enjoy the summer festivities that take place around the Parisian attraction.

Contact IntlMOVE when you decide to move to France and enjoy the Eiffel Tower and everything else that Paris offers.

Moving to Panama with IntlMOVE: Teaching English

2010-05-27T13:58:00.000-04:00

IntlMOVE has helped many English teachers move overseas to pursue their career or travel endeavors.

There are many countries around the world that are seeking native English speakers to hire as teachers.

Panama is a great place to live, but it can be difficult to move there to get a job because Panama citizens are given priority to most business opportunities.

Many people are able to move to Panama to become English teachers because that is a job native Spanish speakers cannot fill.

When you do land a job as a teacher in Panama, let IntlMOVE handle all of your shipping needs.

You will need your household goods and furniture when you move abroad and IntlMOVE can ship everything you need to Panama.

Requirements

To be hired as an English teacher, English must be your native language.

To be considered, you must also have a bachelor’s degree and TEFL certification.

Speaking Spanish is helpful, but not necessary.

Most schools prefer that English teachers only converse with students in English.

Each school and university has different requirements, so do your research to find out what teaching job is right for you.

Landing the Right Job

Many schools want to meet you in person before hiring you, so if possible you should plan a trip to Panama before you move to the country.

Many English teachers start out working in Panama with a tourist visa, which is good for 90 days.

You can visit Panama and later apply for the visa you need to secure employment after you have received your teaching offer.

If you are not able to visit Panama before your move, it is not unheard of for teachers to be hired without in-person interviews.

You can apply for jobs with schools, universities or other language schools.

Contact many schools to find out who can give you the best schedule for the highest pay rate.

Some schools may even pay for your international relocation, which can save you a lot of money.

Schools find couples who want to teach in Panama very attractive prospects because they can save on housing costs.

If you are moving to Panama with a partner or spouse, let schools know that you are both seeking employment so that your qualifications are more attractive.

When you do land your dream teaching job in Panama, contact IntlMOVE to ship your household goods and personal effect to Panama.

Supporting yourself as a Teacher

The cost of living in Panama is much lower than in the United States, so you can support yourself on a much lower income.

Most schools will help you find housing and some schools even offer room and board.

There are many opportunities to work as an English teacher in Panama, so you might be able to pick up nights and weekend at other schools to earn more money.

You can also supplement your income by offering private lessons.

Things to Do

When you do move to Panama, you will find lots of things to do to occupy your time.

There are beaches galore, so you can take up surfing, paddle boarding or any other water sport that piques your interest.

The warm tropical weather will allow you to spend the majority of the year outdoors, which is one of the reasons Panama is such a great place to live.

Another reason people enjoy Panama is because of the great nightlife that you can enjoy.

There are plenty of discos, bars and great places to eat.

IntlMOVE can ship less than container loads (LCL) or full container loads (FCL) depending on the size of your new home in Panama.

A move consultant at IntlMOVE will help you finalize the details for your international shipment.

When you move to Panama for your teaching job, contact IntlMOVE for your international moving needs.

Moving Overseas with IntlMOVE and a New Routine

2010-05-26T06:42:00.000-04:00

IntlMOVE will take the utmost care of your personal belongings during your international shipment.

IntlMOVE is a leader in the international moving industry, so you can be sure that your items are safe with IntlMOVE.

When you are ready to make an international move, contact IntlMOVE for your entire international shipment.

IntlMOVE is a professional and trustworthy international mover that is ready to handle all of your international shipping needs.

Moving overseas means you are about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime.

You will have new experiences and try a lot of new things.

You will also have to get used to a brand new routine.

IntlMOVE has put together a list of things to consider when getting into a new routine in your new country.

Work

Your new job overseas may have very different working hours than in your previous job in your home country.

You may work less and you may work more depending on where you move and your new job.

Daily meetings and new tasks at work can take some time to get used to, but be patient and soon enough you will get the hang of it.

School

Find out when your children will have vacation breaks, because they can vary greatly.

You might be used to a summer break and a winter break during the holidays, but you may not be moving to country that celebrates holidays you are used to celebrating.

For example, if you move to China, children are usually given long breaks during the Chinese New Year.

School days could also be longer or shorter, so you will need to coordinate transportation for your children according to their needs.

Children

If you are moving overseas with children, you will have to get used to their schedules.

In addition to their school schedule, you will have to get used to different sports and other activities.

You many have spent all of your weekends in the United States attending soccer games, but now you may have your weekends open!

Lunch Time

Some cultures value lunchtime as a time to spend with family.

They eat lunch as their biggest meal, rather than dinner.

Some cultures will take three hours off in the middle of the workday to enjoy lunch with their families and take a nap.

This can be difficult to get used to, but as the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

24-Hour Access

The United States has become a land of convenience.

You can basically find anything you want, whether it is doughnuts or gas for your car, at any time of the day or night.

This is not the case in most countries overseas.

Prepare yourself for markets that close by 6 p.m. or are not open at all during certain days of the week.

You may need to adjust your schedule so you can get the groceries and other things you need before the stores close.

Vacation Time

Most jobs in the United States will give you two to three weeks of vacation during the year.

Many different countries around the world are more liberal with time off because a happy employee means better business.

You might be given six weeks of vacation in some countries, so you will have more time to spend with your family, travel and you can also use the time to visit friends and family from your home country.

Some companies even encourage employees to take a month off at a time, which is almost unheard of in the United States business world.

Contact IntlMOVE today for your free online quote.

When you are ready to take a leap of faith and move abroad, IntlMOVE will be there to help make your dream a reality.

IntlMOVE: Moving Overseas and a Fresh Start

2010-05-07T11:54:00.000-04:00

IntlMOVE is concerned with the safety of your items when shipping your household goods overseas.

IntlMOVE handles all of your household goods and personal effects with the utmost care to help ensure their safe arrival to your new home.

IntlMOVE is dedicated to its customers’ satisfaction, which is why IntlMOVE pays close attention to details when managing all aspects of every international shipment.

IntlMOVE wants your international move to be as safe, quick and as stress-free as possible, so contact IntlMOVE today for your new beginning overseas.

When you move abroad, you have a chance at a fresh start.

You can try a lot of new things and reinvent who you are as a person.

Even if you are happy with who you are, there are a lot of new experiences and interactions that will take place overseas that will change your view on life.

New Job

Each job you have will teach you something new about the working world and how to work through challenges.

When you move overseas, you can take all of these insights that you have gained throughout your professional life and apply them to your job.

You can take the bull by the horns and make an impactful impression at your new job.

You will be with a whole new group of people taking on a whole new set of challenges, so use your international opportunity to open new doors to new endeavors.

New Food

Maybe you are getting tired of eating at the same restaurants and preparing the same meals at home.

Moving overseas will give you the opportunity to try a new set of restaurants with ingredients you have never had the opportunity to try.

Each culture has specialties they are famous for, so keep an open mind when trying new dishes.

New Friends

It goes without saying that you will miss your friends from your home country, but moving overseas gives you the opportunity to make another set of lifelong friends.

Meeting different people from different cultures will teach you lessons about life and different cultures.

Mingling with natives and other expats in your new country will help make your life overseas fun and exciting.

New Social Activities

With all these new people you will be meeting, you will definitely have the opportunity to enjoy new social activities.

Your new friends and acquaintances might introduce you to new sports, outdoor activities or events.

Even if you are used to going to the same bar every weekend to watch sports, you can still have that sense of familiarity over time.

However, you will be going to a new bar with new friends watching different sports.

No matter what you like to do for fun, you will be sure to enjoy new things and new opportunities if you keep an open mind to trying new activities.

New Culture

You will have to learn a new set of social norms and a new way of conducting business, but if you pay attention to the cultural nuances, you can acclimate to your new way of life fairy quickly.

Learn about your new country’s history to help you understand their culture and way of thinking.

International moves give individuals a chance to really understand a new way of living.

Attend local and national events, celebrate national holidays and learn about the local art, but most of all, just have fun!

Travel

Moving overseas to a new part of the world offers you the opportunity to explore a whole new region.

Instead of long international flights, you can take weekend trips to different cities and countries that are a manageable travel distance from your new country.

If you move to England, imagine being able to travel to Paris for the weekend.

If you move to China, you can take a couple days off to visit Thailand.

The travel opportunities are endless.

International moves will give you the chance to try out a new job, meet new people, see new things and try new food.

When you are ready to move overseas, make sure to contact IntlMOVE.

You can open the line of communication by getting your free online quote on the IntlMOVE website.

When you are ready to move overseas, your move consultant will guide you through the steps that IntlMOVE will take to pack, ship and deliver your household goods overseas.

Benefits of Moving Overseas with IntlMOVE

2010-05-02T14:39:00.000-04:00

IntlMOVE will help make your international move successful by managing the details when you are ready to move overseas.
IntlMOVE will take care of the packing, overseas shipment and delivery of your household goods.
The dedicated staff at IntlMOVE will handle all the details, so you don’t have to worry.
Whether you have a less than container load (LCL) or a full container load (FCL), IntlMOVE has an international network ready to handle the moving logistics.
From the moment you receive your initial quote, your IntlMOVE move consultant will stay in contact with you to ensure you have the most updated information about your shipment.
You can trust IntlMOVE to handle your household goods with the utmost care until they arrive safely to your new home overseas.

When you do decide to move overseas, there are many benefits that you will be able to enjoy.
IntlMOVE has put together a list of benefits to help prepare you for your move overseas.

Learn New Language
Learning a new language is a goal for many people.
Moving overseas to a new country that speaks a different language will provide you the opportunity to learn the language at a very fast rate.
You will be able to learn the new language quickly because you will be able to practice it on a daily basis with native speakers.
Children have the ability to pick up the language even faster, so if you are moving a family overseas your children will become bilingual at a young age.

Learn about New Culture
Even if you are moving to a country that seems very similar to your home country, you will be surprised at the differences.
There are different ways of showing gratitude, greeting people, conducting business meetings and even eating.
If you are moving to a country where religion plays a large role, then you will have the opportunity to learn more about a different religious practices and how they influence the culture.

New Foods
Each country has its own specialty dishes, so you will get to try a myriad of different foods.
There are different meats, spices, vegetables and grains grown locally in each region of the world, so don’t be afraid to try something new.
Even if the food sounds unappetizing, you might find something new you learn to love.
In addition to new meals you will get to enjoy, you will also get to try the different desserts that are famous in your new country!

New Friends
Moving to a new country will provide you the opportunity to meet a whole new set of people.
You might meet some local people who can teach you all about their culture and way of life.
If you make friends with other expats, you will be able to learn about you new country together and explore all the new things and places.
Lasting friendships are one of the best things to come out of moving overseas.

New Forms of Entertainment
When you move to a new country, you will get to try a lot of new activities.
If you are moving to a warmer climate, you might get to enjoy more outdoor activities.
If you are moving to a country where you live close to a beach or mountains, you will be able to find different recreational activities that you might not have had the opportunity to experience.
Each culture has its own forms of arts, whether they are performing arts, visual art or music which you will get to enjoy.
Social outings might be very different from your home country, so there are a lot of new experiences available to you through your new friends.
Take time to appreciate what your new country has to offer.

Travel
When you move to a new part of the world, you can travel to other vacation destinations that might have been out of reach when you lived in your home country.
When moving overseas, you can easily travel to different countries for weekend getaways.
These trips would take more time and more money if you were traveling from your home country, so take advantage of all the new travel opportunities.

International Moves with IntlMOVE and Support from other Expats

2010-04-21T10:02:00.000-04:00

IntlMOVE can help you ship your household goods and personal effects overseas for your international move.
IntlMOVE will give you first-rate customer service while working hard to give you the most cost efficient solution possible.
Leave the international shipping details to IntlMOVE, so you can begin preparing for all the new adventures and people you will meet overseas in your new home.
Moving abroad requires a lot of planning, but one of the most important steps to a successful move is finding a network of people you trust in your new country.

Finding new friends, business associates and other people you trust in your new country will help make you feel at home.
Other expats who have relocated to your new country is a good place to start building acquaintances because they are going through the same types of challenges that you face.
They have also left their friends, family and home country to start a new life.
International moving is a common bond has resulted in many friendships.

Services
When you hire a new housekeeper, find a new hair stylist or need help finding a good masseuse, you will need recommendations.
Other expats living in your new country will have already done the research.
Ask around for advice so you can employ the services you need with the help of references.
You can also ask about schools, finding a grocery store that carries some of your favorite food from back home or a myriad of different things.
After you have been in the area for a while, you will be the one offering recommendations to new expats in the area!

Support
When you move overseas, you will no longer have the support of your close friends and family.
Other expats are in the same boat as you.
You can group together with new friends that need the same support you need.
At some point, you might need to leave your children with friends for a night out.
It will be nice to have someone you trust who will watch your kids.
When you are a little lonely, which happens to all expats, it is nice to have someone to talk to who is going through a similar situation.
They can offer advice, or you can just support each other.
There are support groups listed on expat websites for a number of different issues that might come about overseas.
If you need support with a death in the family, being a new parent or other issues that are part of life, it will be nice to know you can go to a group of people going through similar situations.

Friendships
By connecting with other expats, you will develop friendships that could last a lifetime.
You can meet other expats through websites, gym or other club memberships, at work or through a number of different outlets.
If you are new to an area, these new friendships will help you get acclimated to your new surroundings.

Business Networking
Maybe you or your spouse need to find a job, or you might be looking to start your own business.
There are many reasons it is good to start networking with other expats to help jumpstart or further your career.
As the old saying goes, it’s not about what you know, but who you know.

Relationships
Maybe you moved overseas as a single man or woman.
Mingling with other expats might lead to a romantic connection.
If you are both new to a country, it could be fun to do the exploring together.
You can find a favorite breakfast spot, a new place to socialize, a great park or any other new places to see.

Although building relationships with other expats can help you get situated in your new life, it is also important to get aquatinted with the locals.
Getting to know locals will help immerse you in the new culture in your new home.
If you need to learn a new language, you will have a much harder time picking it up if you spend all of your time with English-speaking expats.
Having a good mix of relationships will help make your move overseas a rewarding experience.

IntlMOVE when Moving to Brazil and Port of Santos

2010-04-16T16:21:00.000-04:00

IntlMOVE can help you overcome the challenges that you will face during your international move to Brazil.
Shipping your household goods to Brazil requires experience, planning and careful attention to detail.
IntlMOVE will manage your move to Brazil to ensure your personal belongings are shipped to your new destination with the utmost care.
There are many movers to choose from, but IntlMOVE specializes in international moves so you can put your trust in the international moving experts.
IntlMOVE has a reliable international network of agents who will ensure the safe arrival of your valuable personal effects.
Moving to Brazil, the home of Carnival and samba, will be very exciting.
Let IntlMOVE help make your international move easy.

When your international shipment arrives in Brazil, it might be delivered to the Port of Santos.
There are 10 major container ports in Brazil, but The Port of Santos is the busiest container port in Brazil, and it is even the busiest port in Latin America.
It is a free port for shipments to and from Paraguay and Bolivia.
The Port of Santos has served as a major import and export port for hundreds of years and was founded in 1532 by Bras Cubas.

This port is located on the island of Sao Vicente on the Atlantic Ocean.
Intricate highways and railroads help make this port as efficient as possible to help ensure safe transportation of the imported and exported goods.
The railways are connected to Sao Paulo and the interior of Brazil.
This location was chosen as a convenient point to cross the Serra do Mar mountain range, which can be difficult to cross when trying to reach the interior of the country.

The Port of Santos is located in Santos, Brazil and is located just 80 kilometers from Sao Paulo.
You will no doubt catch a glimpse of this magnificent port when moving to Sao Paulo as it is very close to beaches that are popular for surfing, sunbathing and other outdoor activities.
It is just a few feet above sea level and has a wide range of handling terminals.
There are terminals for solid and liquid bulk, general loads and containers.
The port can handle 50 ships at one time, although there are plans for expansion.

The Companhia Docas do Estado de Sao Paulo manages and maintains the Port of Santos.
This is quite a feat, as millions of tons of imports and exports pass through the port annually.
The Port of Santos is spread over more than 7.7 million square meters and has over 9 thousand meters of public docs.
There are a total of 36 warehouses, with a cap of 650 thousand tons.
There are also 39 external warehouses, one cold store warehouse, three wheat grain silos and 101 tanks for liquid inflammables.
There are also privately owned tanks for frozen juices.
At the Port of Santos, there are 157 electric cranes, 39 truck cranes and three link cranes.
There are also two floating cranes to help accommodate the port shipments.

Although coffee was once the main export from Brazil, cars, machinery, sugar and soybeans are now some of the main exports to leave from the Port of Santos.
There are special warehouses for inspection and sorting of coffee.
Brazil actually produced one quarter of the world’s coffee, so you will find that the port actually smells like the aromatic beans.

Billions of dollars have been allocated through state funding and private investors to help expand the Port of Santos to help increase security, help manage the increased traffic and to increase the capacity of the port.

Plan your Move with IntlMOVE

2010-04-13T06:08:00.000-04:00

You may have already been presented with an opportunity to move overseas.
When you are ready to move abroad, let IntlMOVE handle your international shipping needs.
IntlMOVE is an industry leader with years of experience in helping families and individuals with international moves.
When comparing international movers, you will see that IntlMOVE is your clear choice.
After you receive your initial quote from IntlMOVE, a move consultant will communicate with you throughout your international move.
Your household goods will be packed, shipped overseas and delivered to your new home while being handled with the utmost care.

If you are not quite ready to move overseas, but have a desire to relocate internationally, there are three things to keep in mind to make your move successful: a goal to succeed, willpower to move overseas and timing to make the move realistic.

Goal to Succeed
Many people have the dream of living, working or retiring overseas.
You can be one of the lucky individuals who actually make this dream a reality.
Determine where you want to move and what you want to do when you get there.

If you want to move internationally to find a new job opportunity, decide what it is you want to do for a living.
If you are looking for a service job to get your foot in the door, find out when tourism season starts and when bars, restaurants and hotels start hiring for open positions.
If you are looking for a corporate job, find out what it will take to get a work visa and a job.

If you are retiring, determine what you will need to move overseas.
If you still need to work to support yourself, find out what work permits you will need to make that happen.
If you have already saved enough for retirement, find out what activities you can do in a new country to fill your time.

Whatever it is you want to do overseas, write it down and set goals.
Determine what your timeline is for moving and set small goals that will ultimately lead to reaching your dream of moving overseas.

Willpower to Move Overseas
When you decide that you want to move abroad, it takes time and determination to make the move happen.
You will need to put in a lot of effort to relocate internationally, so you have to have the willpower to move forward and put in the time.

Research what country you want to live in and what city in that country suits you best.
Spend time on forums in different expat websites to get a good idea about the cost of living and job opportunities in your chosen country.
If you do not speak the language of the country, you will likely have to learn the language in order to get a job.

If you are currently in a corporate position, you can find out if your company has any offices overseas that you can transfer to in order to further your career.
You can also research companies from the United States who have job opportunities in the country in which you want to live.
It is often easier to work for a company from your home country that will help you secure proper documentation to work overseas.
You can even look into becoming an English teacher as a way to get your foot in the door to a new career overseas.

Whatever you decide to do, you need to know that it takes willpower and determination to succeed.
You have to find a place to work, a place to live and spend time getting used to a new culture when you do finally move abroad.
In the end, all the time, research and energy pays off.
You will have an experience unlike any other!

Timing
Luck plays a role in most new opportunities in life and being able to move overseas is no different.
Keep your eyes and ears open for any opportunities to move overseas.
If something does come up, jump on the chance if it feels right and the timing works for you.

Make up a plan and timeline that works for your goals.
If you want to move overseas in six months, make a list of everything that you need to do before moving overseas.
You can take that list and put it into a calendar, so you don’t procrastinate and work on your goal of moving overseas a little bit each day.
You will find in no time at all you will be calling IntlMOVE to help ship your household goods overseas to your new home!

Moving Overseas and Container Cranes

2010-03-29T14:01:00.000-04:00

IntlMOVE uses the most up-to-date technology and the best international resources to help ensure a worry free move.
IntlMOVE is the clear choice for your international moving needs.
There is a lot to consider when relocating overseas, but letting IntlMOVE handle the details of your international move is the first step to a successful relocation.
IntlMOVE treats all of our clients with a personal approach and the utmost respect.
IntlMOVE listens to our customers’ needs and provides them the best customer service possible while helping to ensure the safe and timely arrival of their household goods.

Large dockside gantry cranes are found at shipping ports worldwide for loading and unloading containers.
Shipping containers changed international trade by allowing goods to be shipped overseas in a more safe and reliable manner.
To accommodate the large shipping containers, technology had to be developed for the logistics and security.

Container cranes were designed to load and unload the massive steel containers from large container ships.
Paceco Corporation designed the first container crane, called a Portainer, in the early 1960s for Matson which is a terminal in Alameda, California.

The cranes can go across the length of a shipping yard with the help of a moving platform called a spreader.
Each container has four locking points, which are also known as “cornercastings.”
The spreader is lowered onto the container and locks into place.
Although most cranes can only handle one container at a time, technological advances have facilitated the introduction of cranes that can handle up to four 20 ft. containers at one time.

The cranes are operated by a driver who sits in a cabin that is suspended from a trolley.
Once the spreaders lock onto a container, the crane lifts it to a trailer that moves the container to a storage yard.
The crane also lifts containers from storage and moves them to ships.
Diesel engine generators or electricity from the shipping dock power these massive cranes.
Electrical power is more common and can be from 4,000 to 12,000 volts.

The lifting capacities of container cranes are actually what determine the crane’s classification.
Each of the classifications is named for cranes that are fully capable of loading and unloading ships.
A Panamax crane can handle ships with 12 to 13 rows wide of containers.
These ships can pass through the Panama Canal.
A Post Panamax crane can handle ships with 18 rows wide of containers, but the ships are usually too large to pass through the Panama Canal.
A Super-Post Panamax is the classification given the cranes that can handle ships with 22 containers wide or more.
The Super-Post Panamax cranes can lift two to four 20 ft. shipping containers.

There are two types of containers cranes that you will find at different ports.
The first type of crane is a high profile crane where the boom is attached to the crane structure at the waterside.
The second type of crane is known as a low profile crane and is pulled over to the ships.
These types of cranes are typically used where there might be a runway for aircraft if the terminal is located close to an airport.

The company who produces the most container cranes is the Shanghai Zehnhua Port Machinery Company.
Other companies who manufacture and design these cranes are Samsung, Paceco, Kalmar Industries, Liebherr Container Cranes and others.
Converted oil tankers are usually used to deliver the container cranes, which come fully assembled.
The cranes can weigh around 1,250 tons, which gives you an idea of their massive size!

International Ship and Port Facility Security Code

2010-03-22T20:05:00.000-04:00

IntlMOVE is concerned with the safety of your household goods.
IntlMOVE is dedicated to our customers’ satisfaction, which is why we put forth great effort in managing every detail of your international shipment.
IntlMOVE wants your international move to be as safe, quick and as stress-free as possible.

Millions of containers are shipped worldwide to facilitate international trade and cargo shipments.
With ships coming and going from every direction, it is hard to imagine how customs officials keep track of what is being shipped.
There is no possible way to open every container to examine the contents.
The time and manpower this would take would make international shipments impossible.
Instead there are intricate programs, procedures and advanced equipment in place to manage the process.
There are also mobile gamma rays imaging devices that help customs officials view the items that are being imported and exported.

Counter-narcotic measures were put into place, which fueled the increase in security at U.S. ports.
If a shipment seems suspicious, it is flagged based on law enforcement intelligence and the contents of the container.
Stricter guidelines were outlined after September 11, 2001 to help combat terrorism.

United States importers are cooperating with U.S. customs officials to keep the borders safe.
Members of the international trade community have voluntarily partnered with United States officials in this endeavor.
Business and other carriers partnering with the officials are given expedited service at United States ports of entry in return.

The International Maritime Organization has taken the lead in implementing security measures worldwide.
There are numerous projects, proposals and improvements being implemented to continually increase the safety of international trading.
Electronic ship identification is something that has been put into place at more ports over the past 10 years which has not only sped up customs clearance, but it has also increased security measures.
In addition, port security plans are being improved and all ships must be equipped with a position indicating transponder.

The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code is a guide for minimum security requirements.
The code was put into place to keep international ports safe by identifying threats and taking precautionary measures against any threats or terrorism acts.

The International Maritime Organization states, "The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) is a comprehensive set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities, developed in response to the perceived threats to ships and port facilities in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the United States."

There are two parts to the ISPS Code.
The first part outlines the mandatory requirements for security and the second part offers guidance for implementing the security measures that need to take place.
The ISPS Code is applied to cargo ships, passenger ships and mobile offshore drilling units.

The safety and efficiency of international trade and cargo shipments has greatly increased in recent years.
Ships are required to have specific security measures in place.
The level of security is determined by the size and content of the ship.
Ships must have security plans, security officers and certain onboard equipment to help manage the international safety of trade, passenger and cargo shipments.
Port facilities are required to provide security plans, security officers and technologically advanced security equipment.
Both ships and port facilities must also have equipment that monitors and controls access.
They must also have equipment that monitors and controls the activities of the people and cargo.
Security communications must be readily available in order to keep track of the ship and port security.

IntlMOVE when Moving to Istanbul

2010-03-14T18:48:00.000-04:00

IntlMOVE will offer you the resources you need to ship your household goods to Istanbul.
We know you have a choice when choosing international movers, but IntlMOVE has what it takes to win your business.
IntlMOVE is dedicated to our customers’ satisfaction.
The safe, effective and cost efficient manner of moving your household goods overseas is IntlMOVE utmost concern.
IntlMOVE will do everything to make sure you international move is successful.

Many people refer to Istanbul as the gateway between the East and West!
Istanbul is the 5th largest metropolitan area in the world, and is the center of many cultural and financial influences.
There are more than 12 million people living in this metropolitan area, which is the largest city in Turkey.
The summers are hot and humid, and the winters can be cold and snowy.
Overall, the temperatures are mild which make the climate very pleasant.

Finding a Home in Istanbul
People living in Istanbul will be pleasantly surprised at the salary that they can earn.
The cost of living in Istanbul is less than in major U.S. cities, so you can get more bang for your buck.
If you are single or married without children, you might enjoy the hustle and bustle of the big city.
However, if you have children, you might want to consider an area outside of the city so your children will have more room to play.
Living close to a mosque will make your neighborhood a little busier.
Prayer services are held throughout the day and can start as early as 5 a.m. and the chanting can be beautiful, but can also be a loud.
Unless you are shipping a car overseas or planning to buy one there, make sure you get an apartment or house near public transportation.
The public transportation in Istanbul makes it very easy to get around.

Being Street Savvy
Like any major city, you have to be aware of your surroundings.
Pick pockets are a concern in Istanbul, along with con artists.
Taxi drivers also take advantage of tourists, so try to learn the ropes from the locals.
Don’t bring large amounts of cash with your and leave valuables at home.
Be careful when crossing streets and walking through busy intersections.
When you are walking, even in crosswalks, know that pedestrians never have the right of way.

Things to do in Istanbul
Food
When you move to Istanbul, you will fall in love with kebabs.
A true Turkish kebab will be cooked over a flame or a grill and there is nothing like it.
You will also have to try Raki, which is an alcoholic beverage made from anise and grapes.
Be careful because Raki is very strong and locals even call it “lion’s milk.”
You will find that fish and seafood are very popular meals.
If you are a big fish fan, visit Anadolu Kavagi, which is a small fishing village on the Asian side of the Bosporus.
You can enjoy some delicious inexpensive seafood at one of the local restaurants.

Shopping
If you are in the mood to find real bargains, check out the Grand Bazaar!
There you will find plenty of gold, silver, clothing, rugs, food and pretty much whatever you need.
There are over 4,000 merchants selling their goods on the covered streets.
Don’t ever pay full price!
Learn the art of bargaining and talk them down in price.
If you are in the mood for finer shopping and entertainment, visit Istiklal Street.

Sightseeing
Topkapi Palace is a very popular tourist destination.
This was a home to the Ottoman sultans for 400 years.
You can see beautiful architecture, gardens, royal clothes, jewels, armors and many other delights.
The Hippodrome is an amazing amphitheatre that can hold 100,000 people.
You can also visit the Egyptian Obelisk, which dates back to 390 A.D.
The Bosporus is a beautiful river in Istanbul, which you can walk along or take a boat to see the many beautiful sites in the ancient city.

Timeline for International Move

2010-03-05T10:37:00.000-05:00

IntlMOVE helps thousands of people every month with their international moves.
Professional international movers will handle the details of shipping your household goods and personal effects overseas.
IntlMOVE has a team of move consultants who will help you plan for your international relocation.
There are many things you will need to do to prepare for the overseas move, so IntlMOVE put together a timeline to help!

As soon as you find out you are moving overseas, contact IntlMOVE for your free online quote.
IntlMOVE makes getting a quote easy.
The online tool will help you estimate the volume of your household goods and personal effects you will need to ship overseas.
Book your international mover as soon as you can.
This will help you secure the dates you need to ship your personal belongings.

Also, start putting together detailed valuation and pictures of your personal items for insurance purposes.

Pets
Find out what you will do with your pets.
Check out services that can help you move your pets overseas and find out what you to do in order to safely move them.
If you are unable to move your pets with you overseas, start the process of finding them good homes.

Documentation
Gather all needed documentation you will need overseas.
Make sure you have updated passports, visas and other forms of documentation needed for your specific country.
When you start to gather this information, make sure it will still be valid on your move date.
Make sure all of your vaccinations are up-to-date.
Find all of your marriage certificates, birth certificates and other forms of identity and keep them in a safe location.
You will need to order copies if you are unable to locate these documents.

Mail
Arrange for your mail to be shipped overseas to your new home.
There are services that take care of mail forwarding for you.

Cancel, Transfer and Change
Make sure you change your address with the post office, credit cards and other mail you receive.
Cancel any club memberships.
Let all of your doctors, dentists, cleaning people and any other service you use know of your departure.
You many need to cancel or change credit cards and banks, so find out what your needs will be overseas.
Get a temporary pay-as-you-go cell phone for your initial move.
You can get a permanent cell phone once you get settled.

Taxes
Employ the services of an international accountant who will be able to help you with your taxes.
You do not want to have to pay taxes in two countries, so employing the services of a tax expert will greatly benefit your financial situation.

Home and Schools
Start researching places to live and schools for your children.
Your human resources department may be able to help you if you are moving overseas with a company.

Four Weeks to Moving Day
Contact Information
Notify IntlMOVE of your current contact information and your new contact information overseas.
Arrange for marine insurance through IntlMOVE or on your own.
Let all of your friends and family know about your new contact information.

Driving and Licenses
If you will need a driving license overseas, contact AAA to get an international driving license.
Make sure your insurance will be valid overseas.

Packing
Clean out your attic, garage, shed and basement.
If you need to arrange for storage, you will want to do that at this time.
Start selling and giving away items you will no longer need.
Arrange for a garage sale if you have a lot of unwanted items.

Two Weeks to Moving Day
Disposal
Get rid of alcohol and other prohibited items that you will not be allowed to ship overseas.
Check with your embassy or consulate for a complete list.
Empty your refrigerator and freezer of items that you will not need during the next two weeks.

Week of Move
Labeling
Label everything in your house to make the packing process easier.
Label items as shipment, storage and do not pack.

Traveling Items
Set aside all items you will need to carry with you.
This can include passports, important documents, work permits, airline tickets, jewelry and clothes you will be packing in your suitcase.

Odds and Ends
Get money in your new country’s currency.
Empty all safety deposit boxes.
Reconfirm all airline tickets and flight details.
Return any rented or borrowed items.
Cancel all services like utilities, cable and internet.

Car
Remove everything from your car.
If you are shipping your car overseas, prepare your car for the shipment.
You can get the shipping details from IntlMOVE.

Day of Move
Electronics
Back up all information on your desktop computer to a lap top or external hard drive.
Take out all CDs, DVDs and other items from all electronics.

Packing
You can choose to have IntlMOVE pack all of your household goods and personal effects for their safe journey overseas.
This will help alleviate a lot of stress if you let the professionals from IntlMOVE.
Before the movers leave, double check the house to make sure you did not forget anything.

Moving to Moscow

2010-02-27T20:16:00.001-05:00

Let IntlMOVE ship your household good to Moscow.
When you decide to move overseas, IntlMOVE can provide you with excellent service for all of your shipping needs.
When you move overseas, you want a shipping company that is reliable, cost efficient and has the experience needed for international moves.
IntlMOVE is the company for you when you are ready to move to Moscow.

Moscow is the capital of Russia and largest metropolitan area in Europe with over 10.5 million people!
The city is home to the Moscow Kremlin, which is where the President of Russia lives.
A person who lives in Moscow is referred to as a Muscovite, or Moskvich in Russian.
It is actually one of the largest urban areas in the world.
Moscow is a major cultural and economic center.
It is home to many educational institutions as well as numerous sports facilities, four international airports and the world’s second busiest metro system.

The summers in Moscow are typically warm and a little humid with average temperatures about 73 °F.
However, temperatures have been known to reach the upper 80s.
The winters are long and cold, so prepare to bundle up!
During the winter, temperatures hover around 14 °F.
Snow usually covers the ground from the end of November to mid-March.

Things to do in Moscow:
• Architecture – People travel from around the world to see the architectural feats that are part of Moscow’s history and culture.
• Saint Basil’s Cathedral – The correct name of the structure is The Cathedral of Intercession of Theotokos on the Moat.
This building is probably the most iconic structure in Russia.
The colorful Cathedral was designed to resemble a bonfire rising into the sky and is part of Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin.
• The Seven Sisters – Stalin is credited with building this beautiful collection of seven cathedral-like structures.
The Seven Sisters is easily recognizable as it is an integral part of Moscow’s skyline.
• Tretyakov Gallery – Founded by Pavel Treyakov, the gallery is one of the most famous in the world.
Here you can see Soviet masterpieces and other artworks from his private collection that were donated to the city.
• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts – If you want to see artwork from famous Western artists such as Claude Monet, Paul Cezanne and Pablo Picasso, this is where you will want to go.
The museum has art in all different mediums from around the world.
• Parks – There are 96 parks and 18 gardens in Moscow.
This city has everything.
Make sure you spend the day in the Central Park of Culture and Rest, named after Maxim Gorky.
The main part of this park is 170 acres and it is filled with children’s attractions, water ponds, tennis courts and other facilities!
You can also visit one of the largest parks in the world – Izmaylovsky Park.
This park is 5.92 square miles, which is 6 times bigger than Central Park.
• Circus – If you have children, you will not want to miss the Moscow State Circus of the Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard.
• Theatre – If you are into theater, Moscow has you covered.
There are 93 theatres, 132 cinemas and 24 concert halls in Moscow
There are many theatres where you can see ballet, orchestras, dance, opera or any other performing arts that you can possibly imagine.
Russia is famous for their performing arts, so you will never have a dull moment in this city that is full of life.
• Sports – The Olympics and sports in general, are a big part of Russia’s culture.
Hundreds of Olympic champions live and train in Moscow.
There many sports stadiums, sports complexes, horse tracks and other sporting facilities.
Whether you want to watch sports or partake in the events yourself, you will definitely get your fill of athleticism and games.
• Shopping – There are many areas around the city to find couture fashion or bargains.
It just depends on your budget!
• Nightlife – What fun is work with no play?
You will find plenty of restaurants and late night hot spots to let loose.
The southern part of Tverskaya Street is known for high end bars and restaurants.

Moving to Hong Kong see the Big Buddha

2010-02-15T19:02:00.001-05:00

Call IntlMOVE when you need to ship your household goods and personal effects to Hong Kong.
IntlMOVE has the resources and experience to handle all of your shipping needs when you decide to move to Hong Kong, or any other part of Asia.
For a safe, reliable and efficient move, contact IntlMOVE for your free shipping quote.
Hong Kong is a very big city with lots of lights, lots of people and lots of things to do.
It is hard to believe that right outside this major metropolitan area, there sits the biggest bronze seated Buddha in the world.
The Buddha attracts tourists and practicing Buddhists from around the globe.

The must-see statue is nestled in mountains on Lantau Island.
The destination is wonderful for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.
The name of the statue is Tian Tan Buddha, but the locals call the attraction, big Buddha.
While visiting, make sure you enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal at Po Lin Monastery, which is located next to the statue.
Po Lin Monastery was originally built in 1924, but buildings were added as the monastery became a popular destination for Buddhists and tourists.
More structures were added and eventually the Buddha statue was built.

The construction of the big Buddha began in 1990 and was completed in December of 1993.
It weighs 250 tones and is 110 feet tall!
The statue has steel framework, which is covered by steel and bronze.

Getting to the Big Buddha
There are a few ways to reach the big Buddha.
First, take the MTR subway to Tung Chung Station.
From this station you can take a taxi, bus or a cable car to the monastery and the statue.
If you are a little daring, the cable car will offer you the best views on your journey up the mountain.
You will soar above the South China Sea with beautiful views of the city, islands and the mountains.

When you first catch a glimpse of the Buddha, it will take your breath away.
You can’t prepare yourself for the magnificence of the statue that is surrounded by nature.

Ngong Ping Village
When you arrive, you will be in Ngong Ping Village.
This village has exhibits on the history of Buddhism, the big Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery.
There are shops and restaurants.
If you ask the locals, they will tell you to save your appetite for the Po Lin Monastery.
However, you might want to grab some traditional Chinese tea or mooncakes on your way to the big Buddha.
Big Buddha
After your journey up the mountain and through Ngong Ping Village, you will finally arrive at the bronze statue.
If you didn’t get enough exercise yet, prepare yourself for the 268 steps you will need to climb to reach the Buddha.
You won’t regret the climb!
There are beautiful views and six life-size statues situated around the base of the Buddha.
The six statues represent “The Offering of the Six Devas.”
The statues are offering music, fruit, ointment, flowers, incense and a lamp.

There is no charge to visit Tian Tan Buddha, but to see the interior halls there is a small fee.
Inside the Buddha, you will find a relic of Gautama Buddha, who is the spiritual teacher who founded Buddhism.
The relic is said to consist of some of his cremated remains.
Po Lin Monastery
After visiting the Buddha, take some time to explore the Po Lin Monastery.
You will see beautiful statues, gardens and even Buddhist monks.
Try your luck with the Chinese fortune sticks and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the monks.
The meal ticket will also give you access to the halls beneath the Buddha.

How to Move your Household Goods Overseas

2010-02-03T19:44:00.000-05:00

IntlMOVE can help you with your overseas relocation.
Once you have decided to move overseas, there is a lot of planning that needs to take place.
You might not know where to start, and the whole idea of moving your life overseas can seem a bit overwhelming.
International moves are a lot easier than you might think!
The thought of moving your household goods and furniture overseas may seem like a lot of work.
The good news is that IntlMOVE can handle all of your international shipping details.
You don’t have to worry about the packing, shipping or delivery of your household goods and personal effects.
That should bring your stress level down a few notches!
The move consultants at IntlMOVE will do their best to coordinate your international move around your schedule.
International Moving Quote
Getting your international moving quote is easy!
Log on to the IntlMOVE website (www.intlmove.com) to fill out the form that has been designed to help give you an accurate quote.
The IntlMOVE website will help you calculate the total cubic feet of your household goods and personal effects.
Whether you have a full container load (FCL) or less than contain load (LCL), IntlMOVE can cater our services to your international moving needs.
You can also use the services provided by IntlMOVE for a door-to-door shipment or a door-to-port shipment.
It is your choice!
We can deliver all of your personal belongings to your home, or you can pick them up yourself at the arrival port.
Coordinating Moving Schedules
When you have the dates available for your international move, contact IntlMOVE to arrange for the packing and pickup of your personal belongings.
It is best to arrange the pickup as soon as you have final dates because they can fill up quickly during peak moving season.
However, IntlMOVE is a service-oriented international moving company.
A move consultant will do everything possible to pack and ship your items on the dates that are convenient for you.
Packing your Household Goods
IntlMOVE has helped many individuals and families move overseas, so they have the experience to keep your items safe.
IntlMOVE will send a packing team to your house to pack your prized possessions in secure packing materials.
Fragile items will be wrapped in corrugated cardboard, bubble wrap or a combination of both to give your personal belongings added protection.
Electronics will be packed in boxes specifically designed for these items.
Each box will be clearly marked, so that when it arrives in your new home you will know what each box contains.

Overseas Shipping
After your items are safely packed, your items will be ready for the overseas shipment.
Your household goods will be loaded on a ship and moved overseas.
When your personal belongings arrive in your new country, an IntlMOVE agent will be ready to help your shipment clear customs.
Delivery
After your household goods and personal effects have cleared customs, they will be ready to be delivered to your new home!
An IntlMOVE delivery team will pick up your shipment from the port and bring the items to your new place of residence if you want door-to-door service.
Your furniture will be set up and your boxes will be carried to the correct rooms or areas of the house.
A move consultant from IntlMOVE will be in contact with you throughout the time it takes to ship your belongings overseas.
You will know when your items are being shipped, when they have cleared customs and you will be alerted when your household goods are ready for delivery.
Once you understand the moving process it doesn’t seem so difficult to move overseas!
The paperwork involved in an overseas relocation can often be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the detailed process.
IntlMOVE has the knowledge and experience to handle all of the specifics involved in your international move.

Trust IntlMOVE for your overseas shipping needs.

Choosing Schools Overseas

2010-02-02T15:37:00.000-05:00

After making the decision to move overseas, choose International movers with the network needed for a successful relocation.
IntlMOVE wants to earn your confidence.
You have accumulated your household goods and personal effects over a lifetime, so you will want to entrust the care of your belongings to a reliable company.
IntlMOVE will handle all of your prized possessions with the utmost care.
In fact, IntlMOVE invites all of its customers to check out its facilities in Miami.
You can see for yourself that IntlMOVE offers first-rate service for your international shipping needs.
If you are moving overseas with children, you will want to choose a school with a well-rounded curriculum.
There may be very few choices depending on where you are moving.
The cost of a good education could also be prohibitive across the globe.
However, some corporate relocation packages offer educational reimbursement for your children.
It may be possible to try to negotiate these expenses into your corporate contract.
Your children’s education will shape their future, so make sure the school you choose meets their needs.
How to Research Schools
Your employer may be able to provide you with information on local schools in your new country.
Contact your human resources department for available information.
If your employer is unable to provide you with information, you can contact the schools directly.
The internet also provides a whole host of resources for researching schools in your new country.
Ask other expats about the education system in your new country and which schools will meet your expectations.
Questions to Ask

• Student Population
Find out how many students attend the school and the teacher to student ratio in the classroom.
It may be beneficial to know the religions, cultures and how many countries are represented.
Your children will interact with these students every day, so find out who is attending the school.
• Staff
Your children will spend a large portion of their time in school, so make sure that the teachers’ educations meet your requirements.
Find out how the school hires its staff and what background checks the teachers are given.
Not only do you want your children to be educated by highly trained teachers, but background checks can also help ensure your children’s safety.
• Curriculum
If you are moving to a country where a different language is spoken, find out if the classes are taught in English or the local language.
Your children should also have classes that teach them the local language so they can adapt to their new culture.
You will want to know what the school’s standards are for grading to make sure that your child is being challenged.
Make sure that the school communicates with parents, so you can monitor your children’s education.
• Extra-Curricular Activities
If your child is used to participating in sports or other after-school programs, find out what the new school offers.
• Tutoring and Advanced Placement
If students fall behind in their studies, determine if there are ample educational resources to get them back on track.
The school may offer tutors or put you in touch with a tutor who can help your children reach their maximum potential.
On the other hand, your children may excel in school.
Find out if the school offers classes or programs that will help gifted children further their education.
• School’s History
If the school was built recently, you will not have ample information to determine the level of education available at the institution.
Try to find a school that has a history of educational success.
Find out if the principle and the staff has been employed by the school for a long period of time.
• Discipline
The new school may have different policies towards discipline than the school your child attended in the United States.
Some countries can be very strict, so make sure you are comfortable with the amount of power teachers have to control students and classrooms.
• Facilities
Take a tour of the school to make sure it is well-maintained.
Your children should have computers, books, science labs and other tools that are imperative to a good education.
• Tuition
If your children are attending private school, find out what the tuition covers.
Schools may charge additional fees for books, meals, uniforms and extra-curricular activities.

Moving from USA to France

2010-01-29T13:19:00.001-05:00

There can be no greater pleasure than seeing your dreams fulfilled right before your eyes, embarking on an exciting adventure.
Let IntlMOVE help you move to France.
Prepare, do research, gather paperwork and important documents, and select IntlMOVE, the best international movers to ship your personal effects to your new home.
France and all of its wonderments await you.

Moving to France can be a very exciting adventure.
Seeing the Eiffel Tower, visiting the Louvre Museum or experiencing the culture of France may cause you a sleepless night of sheer excitement

Moving will be stress free if you choose IntlMOVE to ship your household goods.
Whether you have a family or living alone, there are some things that you should consider to make your relocation to France successful.
Here are some things that you need to prepare beforehand to avoid any hassles upon arriving in your new destination country.

Securing the proper paperwork saves you time and effort.
Check with the embassy, consulate or visit the French customs website.
The documents, duties or taxes that you may be required to produce/pay vary depending on your status for entering France.
The regulations are subject to change without notice.
You should contact the French consulate or embassy for the latest updates in regulations or requirements.
Most countries maintain a customs website for their country which provides useful information as well as the ability to contact them via email and ask questions specific to you.

The location of your new home is important to you and your daily activities.
Whether you are a working person, single or with family, the location of your new residence is important.
Determine if your new residence is close to your workplace.
If you have children, will the new home be near their school?
In cases of emergency, is your new home near the hospital and / or police station?
How far is the airport?
Planning ahead will make the entire transition more pleasant and stress free.

Learning the language will make you feel more apart of your new country.
Just because you are from the US does not mean people in France will speak English just for you.
English may be your first language but it is not theirs.
Learning the language will make it easier for you to communicate with the local people in your community and shops.
Learning about the culture of your new country will be fun and will make you part of your new community where new friendships can be made.

What kind of work are you going to have once you get there? This question is very important because it concerns your source of income once you arrive in France.
Are you going to have work secured by your present company or are you going to look for a job? If you don’t have a job, you may want to start looking for work before you leave.
The French Embassy and / or Consulate here in the US will post employment opportunities in France.
Be sure to carry enough money with if you do not plan to have a job for 18 moths upon your arrival and until you are able to set up an account in a bank.

Immerse yourself into the French culture.
Proper research on your new country helps you plan things ahead of time. Through the internet, you can learn about holiday celebrations, learn about their music, dance, food and much more. Try to attend the events in your area that are organized by the French embassy.
Planning ahead will help your comfort level so you don’t feel homesick in your new surroundings.

IntlMOVE when Moving to China

2010-01-25T19:09:00.000-05:00

Let IntlMOVE take care of the shipping details, as you prepare for you international move to China.
IntlMOVE will handle the shipping of your household goods overseas, so you can prepare for your new life across the globe.
Moving across the world will present many challenges, but IntlMOVE will offer you the highest level of customer service in addition to managing all the shipping details.
Communication is the key to a successful move.
Your personal move consultant from IntlMOVE will keep in touch with you from the moment your household goods and personal effects are packed to the time when your belongings arrive safely at your new home in China.

Get ready for the experience of a lifetime.
China’s history is rich with cultural diversity and has the oldest continuous civilization.
You will find many aspects of the ancient culture that thrived in this country, but enjoy the modern conveniences of everyday life.
You will find the food, lifestyle, holidays celebrated and customs to be very diverse because the country is so large in size.
China is the third largest country in the world and spans thousands of miles.
There are desserts, mountain ranges, oceans, beautiful countrysides and large metropolitan areas.
The Yangtze River is considered the official boundary of northern and southern China.
Like the United States, the weather in the south is warmer while the northern region of the country is cooler and some parts even experience bitterly cold weather.

Today, China’s population is over 1.3 billion.
In 1979, China adopted a one child policy to help control the exploding population the country was experiencing.
The people of China still have many traditional practices and customs, but you will enjoy many modern conveniences.
In fact, China is very technically savvy and even has more internet users than the United States.

What to See in China
The Forbidden City, or Palace Museum, was occupied from 1420 until 1912.
The former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasty is located in Beijing.
You can’t visit China without exploring the Great Wall, which covers over 4,000 miles of the country.
The wall was started over 2,000 years ago, but was completed by different dynasties and warlords until 1368.

The first Emperor of the Qin dynasty constructed thousands of life-size terracotta warriors in 210 B.C.
Each warrior is uniquely designed with individual faces, hair and armor styles.
This magnificent sight was discovered in 1974 and is located in Xi'an in Shaanxi province.

If you are into beautiful landscapes, there is plenty to see in this stunning country.
The Karst Mountains in Yangshuo are a beautiful mountain range in southern China.
Jiuzhaigou Valley is located in the northern part of Sichuan Province.
This breathtaking landscape is famous for the many waterfalls and beautiful blue lakes.
You can get a good feel for Tibetan culture because Jiuzhaigou Valley is populated by a number of Tibetan villages.

If metropolitan areas full of culture, fine dining and an active nightlife is what you are looking for, make sure to visit Hong Kong.
The metropolis was once a British colony, but became a part of China in 1997.
You can visit the famous jade market, the largest bronze statue of Buddha in the world or enjoy any of the monasteries, museums or other cultural sites in the city.

Chinese Cuisine
The food in China differs in each province almost as much as the landscapes.
Chinese food is much different from American Chinese food because it is not cooked with MSG and you will find large portions of vegetables.
There are some ingredients that might be unfamiliar to people from the United States that are used in typical Chinese food.
Don’t be surprised to find intestines, liver, hearts or chicken’s feet in restaurants.
Although some food might not sound appetizing to everybody, there are so many delicious foods to try once you arrive in your new country.

Although Cantonese and Szechuan are only two varieties of cooking styles, they are often the most recognized by people from the United States.
There are actually eight regional cuisines.
Rice is the most popular form of grain used in Chinese food, but people in the northern part of China prefer wheat.
Rice, chicken and pork are the main ingredients in many dishes.
Noodles, dumplings and leafy boiled vegetables are other staples that are eaten regularly.

Retiring Overseas

2010-01-21T09:15:00.000-05:00

IntlMOVE (www.intlMOVE.com) is committed to helping its customers ease the stress of shipping their household goods overseas.
When retiring overseas, you will want to bring all of your prized possessions that you have accumulated over the years.
IntlMOVE understands the level of trust you give to a company who handles the packing and shipping of your household goods.
We take pride in the excellent customer service you will receive when choosing IntlMOVE as your International Movers.
After many years of hard work, you deserve to relax and enjoy your golden years.
Let IntlMOVE handle the details of shipping your household goods so you can enjoy your newly founded free time.

After years of working and saving, you finally have the means to make a new country your home.
Branching out from your current home can prove to be a very rewarding experience for many people.
There are many places to choose from, but finding a country that suits your needs and interests can be a fun endeavor!
Maybe you have always had your sights set on a little place with a mountain view, or you have always wanted to live on a vineyard.
There are endless possibilities to finding the right place to retire.
There are many criteria for finding a new location.
IntlMOVE has put together a checklist that will help you determine where to plan your international move.
• Cost of Living
Food, transportation and housing take up a hefty portion of your budget.
Many retirees move overseas because their money goes a lot further.
You might even be able to afford the beach front property you always dreamed about owning.
Taxes are an additional cost that can eat up your retirement savings very quickly.
An international accountant can let you know if moving overseas will help you save money on taxes.
There are many countries where you can get cleaning help and other household help for a fraction of the price that it would cost you in the United States.
Living a life of luxury might be within reach with enough research and planning.
• Climate
Some climates have adverse affects on chronic illnesses.
Make sure you new country’s climate is conducive to your wellbeing.
If health is not a concern, the world is your playground!
Whether you enjoy snow-capped mountains, warm tropical beaches or a mild country climate, there is a perfect place for you.
• Health Care
Many people move overseas to countries with government funded health care.
Saving bundles on health care costs and prescriptions means there is more money for vacations or other retirement adventures you hope to pursue.
• Housing and Real Estate
If you want to purchase a home overseas, you may not be able to secure a loan.
If you have money available for your retirement home, you will want to hire a local real estate agent.
If buying a home is not within your budget, there are plenty of rentals available worldwide.
IntlMOVE can help ship your household goods and furniture overseas.
With all of your personal belongings in tow, you can easily make your new house a home.
• Culture Change
Embracing a new culture comes with the territory when making an international move.
You will have to make new friends, get used to different types of food and get used to new customs.
If you are the adventurous type, moving overseas might be the perfect option for your retirement.
Take a vacation to your new country before deciding to move overseas full-time.
You will get a good feel for the local culture and you can determine if international retirement is right for you.
• Communication
Language barriers can be a big problem for retirees.
Even if the locals in your new country speak the same language, you may still have communications problems.
Heavy accents and meanings of different words will still take some time to understand.
If you do need to learn a new language, prepare ahead of time by taking a language class.
• Safety
Check with your local embassy and consulate to determine the safety of your new country.
You will want to find out if there are political uprisings that could put you in danger.
Research if there is a significant amount of crime directed to foreigners.
• Visas and Residency Permits
Many countries around the world welcome retirees, even if you are not a citizen of that country.
In many cases, you will not be able to work in your new country so you have to prove that you have enough retirement income to sustain your living.
Each country has different requirements, but the permanent resident and retirement visa process is much easier than trying to obtain a work visa.
You can even look into ancestral visas, which can help you gain citizenship.
If you only want to move overseas for part of the year, you will likely only need a tourism visa depending on the country’s laws.

The Cost of Moving Overseas

2010-01-18T19:13:00.002-05:00

IntlMOVE (www.IntlMOVE.com) can help you ship your household goods and personal effects overseas for your international move.
Moving overseas requires a lot of planning, but one of the most important steps to a successful move is finding a new home and getting settled.
IntlMOVE will give you first-rate customer service while working hard to provide you with the most cost efficient move.
Leave the moving details to IntlMOVE, so you can begin getting acclimated to your new home.

After IntlMOVE has delivered your personal belongings safely in your new country, there will be costs involved with starting this new chapter in your life.
Here is a list of common expenses that you should budget for when moving overseas.

International Housing Costs
Moving into a new home can rack up unexpected costs rather quickly.
Your new landlord will want a security deposit and most likely first and last month’s rent.
You should also be prepared to pay for set-up fees and deposits for utilities and television.

Home Furnishings
IntlMOVE can help ship your furniture and household goods overseas, but there may be some belongings you choose to leave behind.
You can rent furnished and serviced apartments for more money than unfurnished apartments, but if the living situation is temporary it might be more cost efficient than purchasing new furniture.

If you do rent an unfurnished apartment or purchase a new home, you will want to add the cost of furnishings to your international moving budget.
With any move, there are always miscellaneous purchases that need to be made whether you are purchasing dishes, garbage cans or other household items that you use on a regular basis.
In some countries, you are even expected to purchase your own appliances and kitchen cabinets when an apartment comes unfurnished, so get specific details from your landlord on what is included with the apartment.

Food
Carrying food across borders is strictly regulated, so you will have to load up on groceries when you first arrive in your new country.
You will not be bringing food to your new country, so you will need to buy all the spices, cooking oils, condiments and other baking supplies you use regularly.
Expect your first grocery bill to be much higher than your average weekly grocery expenses.

Household Supplies
Shipping liquids and hazardous substances, such as household cleaners, is prohibited when shipping your personal belongings overseas.
It is also not cost efficient to ship everyday necessities like toilet paper, garbage bags and paper towels.
These are all items that you will still need, but will need to be purchased once you are settled into your new home.

Transportation
Shipping your car overseas is mandatory for some people relocating internationally, but there are costs involved above and beyond the shipment charges.
You should plan on spending additional money on insurance and registration fees for your car.
Also, research gas prices in your new country as they can be much higher than gas prices in the United States.

If you decided to leave your car back home, you will probably still need other means of transportation besides your own two feet.
You may have to invest in a bicycle or passes for the subway, train or bus.

Banking
When moving to a new country, you will want to set up local banking right away.
There are international banking options and you can also look into your new country’s local banking structure.
Some banks may require large deposits to open checking accounts, so do your research before going overseas to determine your best banking options.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations
When using your credit card of debit card from the United States, you will be affected by the exchange rate fluctuations.
Being paid in U.S. dollars as opposed to your country’s local currency will also affect your wallet, so make it a habit to check these rates regularly.

Comparing the Cost of Living Overseas

2010-01-13T19:16:00.001-05:00

IntlMOVE (www.IntlMOVE.com) is the clear choice for your international moving needs.
There is a lot to consider when relocating overseas, but letting IntlMOVE handle the details of your international move is the first step to a successful relocation.
Many people move overseas to try something new and move for a new job, school or retirement.
Whatever the reason, IntlMOVE has the experience to get the job done right!
IntlMOVE treats all of its clients with a personal approach and the utmost respect.
IntlMOVE listens to its customers’ needs and provides them the best customer service possible while helping to ensure the safe and timely arrival of their household goods.

There are several things you will want to investigate before deciding whether or not to move to a new country and whether your income will be enough to support you.

• Housing
Determine if it is important for you to own your home when moving overseas.
It may be difficult, or even impossible, to secure a loan internationally so you may have to have the cash up front or be willing to rent.
Explore different areas to find a safe and convenient neighborhood that suits you and your family’s housing needs.
If you are moving from a big city, you might be pleasantly surprised at the money you will save on housing.
However, the opposite can also be true as the cost of housing in major cities like London, Hong Kong and Paris are some of the most expensive in the world.

• Food
Look at your typical grocery bill and evaluate what a comparable grocery bill will cost overseas.
There are many online tools that will help you compare the average costs of foods.
In some countries, food staples can cost quite a bit more depending on the availability of the product.
Even a small increase or decrease can drastically affect your cost of living because food usually takes up a substantial portion of a paycheck.
If you are more inclined to eat out, then determine if there are restaurants in your area that fit within your budget.

• Clothing and Accessories
Find out what shopping outlets are available to you and if clothing will cost more or less than in your home country.
In most foreign cities you will pay much more for American brands.

• Education
If you have children, education is extremely important.
Find out if there are public options available and if the schooling system will give your children the education they need for a successful future.
If not, you will have to consider private schooling and factor in the cost in your living expense budget.

• Services
Depending on your standard of living, you will need to budget other services.
You many need to employ a housekeeper, nanny or assistant to help you with daily living.
Dry cleaning and other services you utilize should be added to your cost of living budget.

• Healthcare
Many countries offer healthcare that takes care of some or all of your needs through a publically-funded healthcare program.
If this is not an option for you, find out if you will need to pay for health insurance or if your employer offers these benefits to you.

• Transportation
If you do decide to ship your car overseas, research the local insurance laws of your new country and budget accordingly.
You will also need to take into consideration the cost of gas and the cost of fixing your car if something malfunctions.
Foreign car parts can often be hard to get and expensive to replace.
Check if there are parking fees or garage fees you will need to pay at your place of residence or your place of employment.
Many large cities offer public transportation systems, so having a car might not be necessary.
Find out the costs of public transportation and whether or not you will be able to get where you need to go using the train, bus or subway.
If the public transportation routes do not meet your needs, you should factor in the cost of taxis or other means of transportation.

• Taxes
If you plan on living overseas part of the year, you may not need to pay taxes in your new country.
However, you will want to research what the local laws necessitate and you will also need to determine whether or not you will need to pay taxes in the United States.
Find out what taxes you will need to pay if you are working for an American company or still have U.S. assets.

• Exchange Rate Variances
The value of the dollar may increase or decrease, so exchange rate variances can greatly affect the amount of money you have to spend.

IntlMOVE Moving Tips

2009-12-27T06:41:00.000-05:00

International Moving Tips

Coordination and planning are imperative for a successful move overseas. Here are some tips for a stress free relocation:

Documentation
Start preparing as soon as possible.
Applying for visas, passports and other applications can take months, so give yourself ample time to gather the required documentation you will need to relocate internationally.
Some countries may require specific vaccinations and medical documentation for family members.
Pets will require vaccinations, specific documentation and may even be required to be quarantined.
Contact the embassy or consulate at your new location to get the list of requirements needed for your international move.

You should get copies of marriage certificates, birth certificates, social security cards and other official documentation and this can be very time consuming.
Verify that passports of all family members will not be expiring in the next year, and if they are, start the renewal process as soon as possible.
Contact your doctor if you have prescription medication to request an extended supply if needed.
You will also want a copy of the medical file so your new doctor will have records of previous and current medical conditions.

Travel and Daily Living Arrangements
Arrange for hotel and rental car, so when you arrive at your new destination you have a plan and a place to stay.
You will be tired from traveling, so you will be grateful you made all the arrangements ahead of time.
Start researching new homes and apartments well in advance.
Read what other expats have to say on different websites dedicated to moving abroad.
Take schools, public transportation and neighborhood safety into consideration.
After you have found your new home, let friends and relatives know about your new living situation.

Call your cell phone provider to find about international phone service plans. These plans can be very expensive, so if these plans are out of your price range, try to arrange for cell phone service with a provider in your new country before your arrival.
It is possible that you could be without a phone for few days at your new location, so make sure you have an email address that you can access from any computer so you will be able to communicate with friends, family and your international moving company.

You will also need to notify all of your credit cards, banks and other companies with your financial obligations of your new address.
Check to see if these companies offer paperless statements so you can receive these by email.
Look into international online banking, which makes it easier to transfer money between different countries.

Cancel all of your subscriptions and have your mail forwarded to your new address.
If possible, change as many accounts as possible to online statements to avoid having important documents getting lost in the mail.
All of your household bills, including cable, phone, gas, water and utilities will need to be terminated and made aware of your relocation.
Make sure to set p these services at your new address.

Each country has its own rules and laws in regards to tax obligations. Determine what income earned overseas will be applicable when filing tax returns and coordinate relevant paperwork early to avoid any unforeseen problems.

Choose a Reliable International Shipping Company
In addition to personal documentation, you will also need to research the regulations and restrictions in regards to shipping your household goods.
When planning for an international move, you will want to hire an experienced international mover to help you ship your belongings overseas.
A well-respected international mover like IntlMOVE will help you pack your belongings, coordinate international moving professionals and ship lines, help with customs clearance and deliver your household goods safely to your new home.

Contact an international moving company well in advance to plan for your international move.
Determine what you will be taking with you and what you will leave behind.
IntlMOVE knowledgeable move consultants will guide you through the process from the beginning to end.

Apply for an International Driving Permit
Obtain an international driving permit, which is recognized in many countries. This permit serves as proof that you hold a valid driver’s license in your old country of residence.
If your move is going to be permanent, you will need to research how to obtain a driver’s license in your new country of residence.

IntlMOVE Money Saving Tips

2009-12-26T18:08:00.000-05:00

Money Saving Tips when you Move Internationally
International moving expenses can add up quickly, but planning ahead can help make your overseas relocation more affordable.
Use these money saving tips to help you plan your next move.

• International Move Budget
Before planning your international move, you should determine how much money you have available for your moving budget.
Your budget will help determine where you need to cut costs and how much you need to spend on necessary services.
Preparing yourself for all the expenses associated with moving will help make sure you have enough resources for all the needed services without having to shell out money you weren’t planning to spend.

Do your research and find out what everything is going to cost your first few months in your location.
Determine all move-in fees, utility set-up fees and put together a budget for all items that will need to be purchased upon your arrival.
Research market costs for shipping your household goods and personal effects overseas so you have a budget ready when you are ready to choose an international moving company to help you with this new and exciting journey.

• Plan Ahead
Utilize online discount travel websites to get the best price on your airline ticket.
Many travel websites offer fare watchers so you can keep an eye on the prices of your airline tickets and get the best deal available.
Buying your plane tickets at the very last minute can result in paying more money than you were planning to spend on transportation.
Make sure all passports and visas are applied for in advance.
Rush charges on necessary documentation can add preventable expenses to your moving budget very quickly.
Make a checklist of everything you need to do before you move so nothing goes unnoticed.

As soon as you know you will be relocating overseas, contact a reputable international moving company like IntlMOVE.
An international moving company can help you save money by suggesting cost saving measures like moving during the off-peak season.
Make sure your new residence is available for move-in when your items arrive at your new location and clear customs.
If your new home is ready when your household goods arrive, you can avoid paying additional storage fees.

• Lighten your Load
Shipping household goods overseas can be expensive, so determine what you will actually need in your new home.
When deciding what to pack, it is a good idea to ask yourself whether it is more cost effective to ship the item or buy it new when you arrive.
Your shipment is calculated by volume, so you will not want to take large plastic toys or any inexpensive items that take up a lot of space.
If you are moving to a smaller space, you may not need all of your furniture, so decide what pieces of furniture will be necessary to ship overseas.
Get rid of all clothing that family members have outgrown and items that you no longer need.

You will also want to determine what electronics you want to move to your new location.
Many countries have voltage differences, so you will have to buy converters to be able to use your televisions, computers and other electronic equipment.

After you have decided what you want to take and what will be put in storage, have a yard sale or sell your household goods that won’t be needed through different websites or online auctions.
You can also donate unwanted items to charitable organizations that can be used as a tax write-off.

• Moving and Taxes
Check with your accountant because your move may be eligible for a tax write-off if it is job related.
Keep all of your expense receipts in order to save time and money when tax season rolls around.

• Buy Secondhand Items
You may need to purchase some furniture or other items for your new home.
Instead of purchasing new items, look for secondhand stores or utilize websites with local listings to find used furniture and other household goods.
You can save a lot of money off the full retail price of new items by purchasing gently used items.

IntlMOVE for Best Prices and Service

2009-12-25T13:13:00.000-05:00

IntlMOVE for Best Prices and Service

IntlMOVE sets very high standards to ensure its clients receive personal attention and unparalleled levels of customer service.
Thousands of individuals contacts IntlMOVE each month for their international relocation.
You will be assigned a personal move consultant who will guide you through every step of the process.
Relocating your household goods overseas requires coordination, attention to detail, exceptional communication and planning.
Price is always an important factor when choosing an international moving company.
If you receive a lower quote, your consultant will help you compare apples to apples to determine whether or not you are receiving the same services offered by IntlMOVE.
Your move consultant will respond to you with prompt and knowledgeable answers.
Correspondence will take place through email, which is the most efficient form of communication.
All questions and procedures will be given in writing, and explain by phone when necessary.

IntlMOVE Services
IntlMOVE offers door-to-door and door-to-port services.
You can choose “Self Packing” also known as Pack b y Owner (PBO) or you can let the experts at IntlMOVE pack your household goods and personal effects with precision and care to help ensure their safety while in transit to your new location.
After your items are safely packed, they will be loaded onto a truck for delivery to the consolidation warehouse, where they will be loaded onto shipping containers that will then be transported via boat overseas.
For each international move, IntlMOVE identifies the most suitable ship line, destination agent, and other transportation professionals, based on pricing, availability, and most importantly, their resources and expertise.
IntlMOVE will prepare packing lists, shipper's export declarations and bills of lading which are all required when shipping overseas.
Once your household goods have cleared customs, IntlMOVE will deliver your items to your new residence.
Your furniture will be unwrapped and set-up and each box will be placed in specified rooms.
IntlMOVE will remove all packaging materials and debris the same day of delivery.

Marine Insurance

2009-12-22T20:15:00.001-05:00

Marine Insurance and International Moves
International moves require a lot more planning and attention to detail than domestic moves.
Your household goods will be packed, loaded onto a truck, loaded into a shipping container, transported overseas via boat and cleared through customs before being delivered to your house.
IntlMOVE pays special attention to packing household goods with care to help ensure their safety while being shipped overseas.
However, occasional accidents do happen.
While in transit, your personal belongings will be subject to turbulence fueled by weather, boat movement and other unforeseen circumstances.
Due to the nature of an overseas move, international shipments are also handled by outside parties
Purchasing Marine Insurance can help give you peace of mind when shipping your household goods overseas.
Marine Insurance will cover your household goods and personal effects while they are in transit to ensure your items are covered in case of an accident.

You can choose a Marine Insurance broker or use any insurance company of your choice.
IntlMOVE does want to help its customers every step during their international move, so ask your move consultant for recommendations.

Marine Insurance types and Requirements
There are two types of Marine Insurance – Limited Cover and All Risk Cover.
You will want to gain a clear understanding of what each insurance type entails from your insurance provider.
If any part of your shipment is packed by you, insurance companies will only issue a Limited Cover policy.

Limited Cover insurance, which is also referred to as Total Loss, covers the total loss of your household goods that are unsalvageable.
All Risk Cover may insure loss, theft, damage, breakage and it also insures everything that Limited Cover insurance covers.
Exact coverage details can be obtained by your insurance provider.

This information is provided courtesy of IntlMOVE and will enable you to consider purchasing insurance coverage.
IntlMOVE is neither an insurance company nor insurance broker and there is a disclaimer in the company terms and condition, waiving IntlMOVEresponsibilities, in case you decide to purchase Marine Insurance or not to purchase Marine Insurance.

IntlMOVE India Update: Changes in Employment Visa Documentation

2009-12-21T16:31:00.002-05:00

IntlMOVE has received the following bulletin from our agent in India. IntlMOVE will post updates to this blog as they become available.

The Indian Ministry of Labor via the Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the Indian Missions issuing the employment visa to add another set of documents in the employment visa checklist. The latest required document is the Tax Liability Letter.

All employment visa applications shall be accompanied by the Tax Letter. This letter must be issued by the India employer and state the following:

a) Foreigners being hired will not exceed 1% of the total workforce
b) Within 1%, Foreigners should not exceed more than 20 employees.

IntlMOVE shipping your car

2009-12-15T18:52:00.000-05:00

IntlMOVE can help you ship your car internationally if it is part of a larger household goods shipment from Florida or other major port city in the United States.

Your car will be loaded in the shipping container along with the rest of your household goods.

IntlMOVE believes it is a safer solution than a roll on/roll off service for shipping vehicles.

For safety, the car will need to be de-fueled and the battery needs to be disconnected.

The car will be blocked, braced and strapped inside the container.

If you are unable to deliver the car to the warehouse, IntlMOVE can arrange for the delivery of the car.

The documentation required can vary, but in general you will need the original title, copy of the registration, a signed and notarized power of attorney and copies of the driver’s license, passport and visa of the person who holds the title of the car.

The car must be free and clear of any liens.

Customs regulations state that loading household goods of any kind inside the car is strictly prohibited, so only factory installed equipment is allowed inside of the car while shipping it overseas.

Once your container arrives at the destination port, you will have the responsibility of picking it up.

Tips for Moving your Car Overseas:

Before you move internationally, make sure to research driving requirements and parking availability at your new destination.

The first thing you should do is get an international driving permit (IDP).

Many countries do not recognize U.S. driver's licenses, but an IDP is valid in over 150 countries and it serves as proof that you possess a valid driver's license issued by your country of residence.

The IDP allows motorists to drive in international traffic without taking any tests or applying for a new license in each new country.

Even if you are not shipping your car overseas, you might need to rent a car at some point, so it is a good idea to get a permit regardless of whether or not you will have a car in your possession.

The permit also serves as another form of identification, which will help alleviate the need to always carry a passport in your new country.

If you are making a permanent move, you will need to contact the embassy or consulate of the country to learn the requirements of obtaining a driver’s license in your new country of residence.

Make sure to also learn the new rules, laws, road signs and penalties for traffic violations in your new location because they might differ greatly from the United States.

In some countries driving is done on the left side of the road, which can be difficult to get used to for some people who are used to drive on the right side...

The minimum and maximum driving age can vary for each country, so check to make sure you and your family members fall within the legal driving age range.

You may want to invest in a global position system (GPS) because it can be very difficult to navigate new routes when relocating overseas.

At the very least, purchase an updated map and plan your car trips accordingly until you become familiar with the new area.

Finally, after you have mastered the driving rules and regulations in your new country of residence, make sure to fasten your seatbelts for safety.

IntlMOVE: New Baggage Service to Europe Announced

2009-11-27T19:03:00.002-05:00

At IntlMOVE, we believe that, whether you are shipping a large full container load (FCL) shipment or a smaller Less then Container Load (LCL) shipment, you deserve the best service. IntlMOVE is extending that philosphy even further as we announce our new baggage service to Europe service through IntlMOVE UK Consolidation Service!

You might ask yourself, "What is a baggage service?". Baggage service refers to extremely small shipments between 1-50 cubic feet (CFT). Baggage shipments consist of cartons/boxes, suitcases, trunks, etc. Furniture is not allowed in baggage service.

All of us at IntlMOVE are extremely excited to bring you this new service! Please visit our website and check out our great baggage rates!

IntlMOVE India Update: India in Visa Clampdown on Foreign Workers

2009-11-23T10:47:00.006-05:00

IntlMOVE has received the following bulletin from our agent in India. IntlMOVE will post updates to this blog as they become available.

November 7, 2009, was the deadline for thousands of foreign expats in India to leave the country due to a change in visa rules that has reduced the pool of workers eligible for business visas. Under the new rules, only senior executives, trade consultants, and other specialists will qualify for the business visa, and others must leave and return only if they qualify for a full employment visa.

The business visa allows workers to stay for six months without paying taxes, and some firms have been bringing in workers, sending them back after six months, and then sending a new bunch to continuously avoid paying tax to the Indian government.

Visas will no longer be granted for foreign clerical, secretarial, and unskilled jobs, and any others for which there are qualified Indians available, the Home Ministry said.

IntlMOVE - Consolidation Services

2009-11-20T11:17:00.004-05:00

IntlMOVE, Consolidation services.

IntlMOVE is a leading International Mover specializing in shipping household goods and personal effects from the USA overseas.

Over the last six years IntlMOVE has kept growing at an exceptional rate.

IntlMOVE's warehouse provides consolidation services for shipping less than container load (LCL) shipments in groupage containers. Currently, IntlMOVE ships groupage containers to Europe, Australia, India and Panama and the list is growing. These consolidation services are handled by IntlMOVE designated service departments:

IntlMOVE UK manages groupage containers and full container load (FCL) destined to the UK and Europe.
IntlMOVE Australia manages groupage containers and full container load (FCL) destined to Australia.
IntlMOVE India manages groupage containers and full container load (FCL) destined to India.
IntlMOVE Panama manages groupage containers and full container load (FCL) destined to Panama.

IntlMOVE Goes Green!

2009-11-16T11:58:00.005-05:00

IntlMOVE became a little greener last Friday! All of the energy guzzling, metal halide lamps at IntlMOVE's Miami consolidation warehouse have now been completely replaced with an energy efficient flourescent lighting system.

At IntlMOVE, our primary committment is being the best international mover in the business while providing excellent customer service to our customers. However, the effects of climate change can no longer be ignored and IntlMOVE is committed to joining the ever growing list of environmentally and socially responsible companies that are taking steps (however big or small) to help preserve our planet. After all, what good is being able to move the world, if there is no world left to move?

We look forward to bringing you more green updates from IntlMOVE - Your International Mover

IntlMOVE - Seeing is Believing!

2009-11-12T06:12:00.005-05:00

IntlMOVE, Come and see us!

At IntlMOVE we know that seeing is believing and we want you to “Come and see us!”. If you personally cannot, then ask someone whose opinion you trust and send them to visit our warehouse!

We understand that it might not be possible for you or a friend to visit, but we here at IntlMOVE are so proud of the high standards maintained by IntlMOVE's operations and facilities that it is hard to contain our enthusiasm! It is our pleasure to show you around.

This is the safest way to choose your International Movers.
Price is important, but should never be the only criteria when choosing your International Movers.
You want QUALITY in your service, and that comes from the owners directors and the employees of the organization you hired.

Any company can develop a flasy website and internet marketing campaign. Don't be fooled! Check them out! See them in their working place, nothing can help you judge and choose better.

Remember, "Seeing is Believing"!

IntlMOVE your International Movers

2009-10-06T18:23:00.002-04:00

IntlMOVE Inc. your International Movers, provides safe, efficient and economical solutions for Shipping Household Goods and Personal Efects from the USA to other countries overseas, across borders and through customs.

At IntlMOVE, we provide reliable, professional coordination of the transportation of Household Goods and Personal Effects from anywhere in the USA to anywhere in the world.

IntlMOVE markets its services over the Internet, covering the 48 contiguous states in the USA.
Due to IntlMOVE's experience and reputation in the industry, IntlMOVE manages to achieve a high level of professional services combined with reduced costs for our customers.

For each international move, IntlMOVE identifies the most suitable ship line, destination agent, and other transportation professionals, based on pricing, availability, and most importantly, their resources and expertise. All of IntlMOVE's agents are experienced, reliable, and in good standing with excellent reputations.

When moving across town or across the country, your Household Goods will more than likely be packed, loaded, transported, unloaded and unpacked by the same local mover or long distance carrier in the same truck or moving van with the same packing and unpacking team. Your local mover or any reputable vanlines can handle your move, but not so with your international move.

Recognizing this fact, your Federal Government places strict requirements regarding licensing and experience International Movers must posses. It is not likely that any of your local movers or even your reputable vanlines will fulfill these requirements.

When moving across international borders, relocating overseas, your valued personal possessions will be channeled through many different parties before they reach your new home. They will be loaded onto a truck, hauled to a warehouse, offloaded awaiting consolidation, loaded into a container, inspected by customs, craned onto a ship, shipped across the ocean… only to be unloaded, stored, inspected, loaded, transported and unloaded once again, and in each step of the journey, a different agent may be involved, and different rules and regulations may apply.

IntlMOVE will plan, arrange and manage every step of this journey.

We have the experience, expertise and worldwide network needed to make sure your precious belongings are transported by the safest and most cost-effective routes, handled only by the most reliable and efficient moving professionals available.

IntlMOVE is your ultimate choice when looking for International Mover whom you can trust with your move overseas. If you are moving from anywhere in the USA, and relocating to anywhere in the world, your best move is IntlMOVE.

IntlMOVE: Things to Know when Moving to Australia

2009-02-08T20:49:00.004-05:00

Australia is a remarkable country. That is why many people from different countries aspire to migrate to the locality or even just to drop on a vacation. Nevertheless, it is not always easy to get a visa and approval in moving to Australia. You need excellent guide like international movers who will steer you through the process and prepare you the relocation itself.

But before you plan on the relocation proper, better plan and get help in applying your visa. Here is an overview of the process in acquiring your visa.

Selecting Visa – The initial step in applying for a visa for immigration to Australia is to determine what kind of visa you’ll be applying for. There are several visas available for entry to Australia, each of them meant for a specific type of applicant. These visas include Worker visa, Student visa and Family visa.

Application - The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs can facilitate the actual application of the visas. On their website, you can find application forms and have them filled up and follow the instructions indicated.

You then need to send in supporting documents that will prove your eligibility and qualification to move to Australia. There are different documents that may be required depending on your application and the type of visa you are applying for.

Medical Check Up - Being third in the World Health Organization's list of countries with the best performance in health care, Australia is very particular about health issues concerning people entering their borders. As part of your application, you would need to complete a medical check-up carried out by the Australian embassy's accredited physicians in every country.

When these steps are executed, it's purely a waiting game. In order to make your relocation to Australia as breezy as possible, hire a reputable international mover like Intlmove, etc.

IntlMOVE: Globalization is Connecting the Globe, We Will Move You Around It.

2009-01-30T03:20:00.002-05:00

The international shipping industry is booming, and IntlMOVE is proud to serve as one of the industries premier international movers. The human race is constantly on the move and globalization connects the globe. International moves are now much more common than they were a decade ago. IntlMOVE is there, throughout the entire international moving process, coordinating its large network of agents with precision and accuracy to ensure a smooth move.

Whether for business or personal reasons, many people from the United States are finding moving destinations in Europe, Asia, and Central/South America extremely popular. Over many years, IntlMOVE has developed strong partnerships with our overseas counterparts. This allows IntlMOVE to offer competitive rates without diminishing the quality of service.

The Middle East has new implemented new systems and policies with regard to shipping which opens the market for Americans and Canadians. Business and trade between these nations continues to increase. This increases the travel between these countries and, consequently, increases the need for international movers, like IntlMOVE, who can assist people in transitioning to this emerging market.

Whether for business or for personal reasons, employing international shipping companies to transport your goods to a different country is more than a wise and practical decision. It is a necessity. Hiring the services of a company like IntlMOVE assures you of having the best move possible.

Instructions on Proper Packing

2009-01-30T03:12:00.000-05:00

If you are planning on having your possessions shipped to a different country, you have to make sure that they are packed accordingly so that there is minimal, or no damage at all. Some international moving companies offer packaging services, at a certain cost, of course.

If you are relocating due to an assignment by the company you are working for, they may be including the expense of internationally shipping your belongings. Verify this with your employer first.

If the cost of shipping falls on your shoulders, check if your budget is enough to cover the packing and shipping. But if you have decided to do the packing yourself to minimize expenses, then you must do it properly. If not all your belongings are insured, it is better to be very cautious in packing than be sorry if something is broken or damaged due to careless packing.

Here are some tips on how to appropriately pack your belongings that you want to bring with you:
· Separate the things that you want to bring with you from the things that you want to leave behind. Some overseas moving companies base the cost of shipping on the weight or poundage of your shipment. Make sure you are bringing only important goods to avoid having to pay too much for unnecessary items.

· Expensive items or valuables such as porcelain and the like need to be packed by an expert. Separate these ones and hire an expert for this task. The cost of hiring an expert is definitely lower than the price of your valuable item, right?

· For ordinary household items, you can use used boxes. For antiques, hard boxes are available. If you have a stack of books that needed to be packed, you can utilize boxes that used to contain water or liquor bottles.

· For cushioning, you can use crumpled newspapers. For expensive items, use padding.
Don’t forget to have your packaging or sealing tapes ready for sealing the boxes. After packaging, make sure you properly label the boxes. Letting you international Transport Company know which boxes should be handled with care is vital.

International Relocation Companies

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When planning for transporting your belongings to a different country, proper assessment of an international mover that you would hire takes time. It is not as simple as surfing the net and hiring one. Since you trust that the company you hire takes care of your worldly possessions, you should make sure that they are worthy of that trust.

Look for international freight companies a minimum of four weeks before you departure. International moving quotes are not hard to get hold of, so get one from at least three different companies. This can help you in comparing them. Companies do not demand your commitment if you ask for a free overseas moving quote. They will only use your contact information for the sole purpose of contacting you.

The credibility of international freight companies is helpful in the assessment process. Ask other people who have hired the company before and know if they provided good service. Check the Better Business Bureau or BBB if your prospective company has a complaint filed against them, and if the issue has been resolved to the satisfaction of the other customer. If possible, you can request for references that you can ask about the company’s performance.

Be wary of shipping companies who offer really low prices for their services and then demand twice or thrice that amount once your belongings are in their control. Check for hidden charges and the like. Better yet, do not just hire a company because it has the lowest price offering. Hire a company that you can be sure of the safety of your belongings and the quality of their service, while being having an average-rate cost of service.

Professional international movers make sure that your international relocation experience is not stressful by providing excellent services, and help you prepare.

International Shipping of your Vehicle

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If you are considering bringing your car with you when you relocate internationally, you have to take note of the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. Of course, you want the process of taking your car to another country as smooth and stress free as possible. It actually depends on the international shipping company that you hire.

There are many factors to be considered during relocation. For instance, who would be responsible for your international moving expenses? Most people who relocate do so because of a job assignment. For these instances, it is the employer who shoulders the international shipping expenses.

What you have to remember if you want your car to be shipped is that you have to remove items that are still in your car. Add-ons such as mp3 players and baby chairs are supposed to be removed. Other items that protrude from your car must also be removed. These include antennas and side mirrors. You must have a detailed condition of your car.

Does it have scratches or dents? You must then inform the international freight company of these conditions. Have a personal copy of detailed condition of your car; it is important to compare your car’s condition before and after shipping. Once you receive your car and there is some damage or problems with your car which wasn’t there before, you must inform the company about it too.

Have your car undergo a complete check up before bringing it to the shipping company. Matters such as tire pressure and radiator must be attended to. Make sure your vehicle is in perfect condition so you can use it as soon as it arrives in your destination country.

If you are the one responsible for the international shipping of your vehicle, might as well know how much the cost of buying a car in your destination country. You should compare the expenses you would incur for transporting your car and the cost of just buying one.

Moving Companies Worldwide: MOVING COMPANIES - IS IT THE WAY COMPETITION TO BE HANDLED?

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Moving Companies Worldwide: MOVING COMPANIES - IS IT THE WAY COMPETITION TO BE HANDLED?

IntlMOVE Tips: What to Consider when Relocating to Europe

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Moving to another country is not the same as moving to another city or state. It is not as simple as placing your entire belongings in one moving van and expect them the following day. International shipping is not as easy. That is why international movers are employed for this type of job.

For anyone who wants to relocate to Europe, it is a very exciting endeavor. However, reality sinks in a few days after, when the realization that packing your things and internationally shipping them can be tough. To assure you that your belongings are securely brought to a different country, choosing the right international moving company is essential.

International movers undergo a lot of procedures when shipping internationally. When getting in touch with international movers, make sure you inquire about the processes that they go through. Some companies will pack your things properly for shipping in a container. Some will require you to pack your goods and furniture yourself. You are the one responsible for making sure that your belongings are secure before these are shipped. For this type of company, ask them of the proper packing procedures, the list of items that are allowed to be shipped to Europe, and the weight limit.

Container shipping is the most common way of delivering your goods internationally. You can be assured that your things will be safely brought to Europe in these containers. Moving overseas is different, in the sense that you will not know the exact location of your belongings at any moment you wish. You would just have to wait for its arrival in Europe.

Another matter to think about is your car. Some international freights transport your goods as well as your vehicle. Other internal movers offer privileges such as discounts if you avail of both services.

Finally, it is necessary to ask for the price schedule of their services. Overseas shipping to Europe can be according to poundage or according to container.

To reduce the stress of relocating to Europe, hire a competent and reliable international freight company.

Relocating to the Bahamas

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The Bahamas is one of the most famous destinations for people who want to relocate abroad to experience the best that the world can offer. Some even consider it as a dream come-true to be able to visit this territory, so what more to those relocating to the Bahamas?

Citizens of the Bahamas are called Lucayans. Before the period of slave trade, this island has a population consisting mostly of Celtics. During the era of slave trade, the number of blacks increased considerable, being brought from Africa to be slaves. At present, the entire population is divided into Africans (70%), Europeans (15%) and other race (15%). Bahamas has around 300,000 residents.

Nassau is the capital city located in New Providence. Here is where more than 60% of the population resides. Although the Bahamas is a popular tourist destination, there are still a lot of places that remain untouched.

However, the Bahamas has a strict immigration regulation. Unless your position is vital to the company, you have a relatively low possibility of migrating to this US territory. Those who are able to move to this country may be able to land a job that citizens of the country could not fill. If you are one of the lucky ones, you can ask for international moving quotes from several international movers near you.

There are a lot of ports in the Bahamas which international shipping companies utilize for their business and services. Joining cruise ships is one of the typical activities of tourists in the Bahamas. The famous Prince George Wharf cruise ship terminal established its home on the biggest port in the Bahamas, the port of Nassau. Other tourist destinations are Port Lucaya and port city of Freeport.

Moving internationally means different modes of living, not to mention different expenses. Cost of living in the Bahamas is higher than in the United States or in Europe.