IntlMOVE Moving Overseas International Movers services when Moving from the USA Overseas

16Apr/102

Move to Panama with IntlMOVE and enjoy Sport fishing

Like many other people, you have decided to move to Panama to further your career, or maybe you are just moving there for a change in scenery.
IntlMOVE can help make your transition to your new home in Panama a success.
Each IntlMOVE client works with a move consultant who knows the details of international moving and will be with you every step of the process.
Your move consultant will be there to answer questions, coordinate the move and communicate all of the specifics you will need to know.
IntlMOVE will correspond with you while your household goods and personal effects are in transit so you have a more precise delivery date.

When moving to Panama, you will need to find new activities to occupy your free time.
This beautiful country in Central America is a great location to participate in outdoor sports.
You can join a community soccer league or take up surfing.
Sportfishing is another sport you might enjoy!

The word Panama actually means “abundance of fish” to the indigenous people of Panama.
It is no wonder the sport fisherman come from all over the world to visit this beautiful country.
There is not a large fishing industry in Panama, which is why this is such a haven for sport fisherman.
Chartering boats can be quite easy, so ask locals at work or other expats for recommendations.
The Gulf of Chiriqui and Coiba are great fishing locations and there are many other world-class fishing spots, which include Piñas Bay.

Piñas Bay is home to more of the world’s fishing records than any other place in the world.
In fact, over 200 records have been made or broken at this location.
The great reef off the Pacific Coast in Panama has aquatic life like you wouldn’t believe!
You will find blue marlin, black marlin, dolphin that range from 20 to lbs. and yellow fin tuna that can range from 150 to 250 lbs.
There are also Pacific sailfish galore!
You can also fish for grouper, roosterfish, pompano, mackerel and many other varieties fish.
It is a true fisherman’s paradise.
Depending on where you live in Panama, you might need to stay at a hotel if you are visiting Piñas Bay for fishing.
If this is the case, Tropic Star Lodge is the place to go.
This famous resort caters to sport fisherman from around the world and has been in operation since 1964.

If you are moving to Panama City, you will want to check out Pearl Islands, which are only a short distance from the capital city.
A plan can get you there in about 30 minutes, or you can also take a short boat trip to this location.

Freshwater fishing is another favorite pastime, and Lake Gatun is a place you can regularly catch at least twenty fish because they are so abundant.
If you have kids, this is a great place to take them for the day to tryout their fishing skills.
In addition to the abundance of fish, you will also be surrounded by a scenic tropical rainforest.

If you live closer to Western Panama, Montuosa, The Hannibal Bank or Ladrones Islands, you will enjoy the reefs that are home to many fish!
Marlin, yellow fin tuna, roosterfish, red snapper, wahoo and a great variety of many other species live in this area.

Wherever you move in Panama, you will be able to find a fishing location close by.
Take advantage of rich marine wildlife that Panama offers!

13Apr/102

IntlMOVE and Containers Cranes

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!

31Mar/102

IntlMOVE and International Shipping Ports

IntlMOVE is your premier international mover when you are ready to move overseas.

IntlMOVE has been a leader in the international moving industry for years, so you know you are in good hands.

When you are ready to move overseas, IntlMOVE will coordinate the details of your international shipment.

IntlMOVE will pack your precious belongings with the utmost care to help ensure their safe journey to your new country.

After your household goods and personal effects are packed safely, they will be loaded onto a shipping container.

The shipping container will be loaded onto a cargo ship at a major United States shipping port.

The container housing your belongings will then arrive at a port in your new country and be delivered to your new home safe and sound!

 

Shipping ports play a very important role in everybody’s life, even if we do not realize their importance.

Almost every item we use on a daily basis has been transported by ship at some point.

In addition to the importance these ports play in our own lives, they are also the lifeline for a country’s economy.

Shipping ports facilitate smooth international trade.

Without cargo ships, sea ports or an organized tracking system, our world as we know it would be completely different.

 

Shipping ports are located on water, whether it is a sea, lake or ocean, and are there to receive ships and transport cargo.

Forklifts, cranes and complex tracking systems are used to facilitate the loading and unloading process.

There are domestic ports, which only handle cargo from within the same country, as well as international ports.

International ports also house customs facilities to allow for international shipping and trade.

 

Several ports around the world want to claim that they are the busiest and handle the most shipping traffic.

There are no standards set to gauge which international shipping port is the busiest, but there are several that stand out.

One way to gauge a port’s traffic is by the number of 20-foot equivalent units (TEU) of containers that come through the port.

Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Shenzhen all handle over 20 million, sometimes over 30 million, TEU per year.

Different ports claim they are busiest because there are different things you can measure.

Some ports measure their traffic by the total weight of goods loaded and discharged.

Other ports measure the total volume of ships handled, while some measure by total cargo tonnage.

As you can see, there is no clear port that comes out on top of all other ports.

 

Different countries have different claims to fame when it comes to their ports.

Canada has the longest coastline, which is followed by Indonesia.

Venezuela is known as the major petroleum exporter.

India has a 6,000 km coastline with 181 minor ports and 12 major ports.

These ports handle more than 90 percent of India’s foreign trade.

The ports of West Africa handle trade for the countries in the 5 million square mile area.

The majority of their cotton, cashews, textiles and other exports are done by cargo ships.

Some of the major ports in the world are located in Central America, which play an imperative role in the region’s economic progress.

 

North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers.

The Ports of Los Angeles, Port of New York/ New Jersey and the Port of Long Beach are some of the largest ports in North America. 

The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s largest sea port, which is also listed as one of the top ports it North America.

 

Each region of the world has ports that import and export millions of containers annually, which makes our lives simpler.

Improvements are continually being made to make the international shipping process easier.

Whether bigger ships or bigger cranes are being designed, these innovations help make the process smoother.

Technological advances also play an important role because keeping track of thousands of containers is not an easy task.

When you think of the monument undertaking of tracking all the imports and exports of the world, it becomes overwhelming.

Through years of trial and error, the international shipment process has become a smoother, very reliable and efficient.

29Mar/103

Moving to New Zealand with IntlMOVE

Let IntlMOVE handle shipping your household goods and personal effect to the Auckland, New Zealand.
IntlMOVE is an international moving company that is well-respected in the industry for its honesty, reliability and excellent customer service.
IntlMOVE is licensed and bonded in accordance with the law to help ensure the safe and timely arrival of your worldly possessions.
IntlMOVE has the expertise necessary to provide a smooth international moving process to you and your family.
While your possessions are in the care of IntlMOVE, we will do everything we can to keep your belongings safe.
The move consultants at IntlMOVE will communicate with you throughout the entire moving process, so you will have an up-to-date timeline on when your items will arrive safely to your home.

When moving to Auckland, there are so many things you will want to see and do in your free time.
Whether you are into shopping, nightlife, being outdoors or finding fun things to do with kids, Auckland has something that will suit your needs.

Attractions
Whether you have kids, or you are just a kid at heart, you will enjoy Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World.
At this attraction you can swim with stingrays and you can even try swimming with sharks!
There is a lot to see at this park, so take the family for a day of discovery and marine life.

Step away from city living and explore the wonders of the animal kingdom.
The Auckland Zoo offers dozens of exhibits which will spark your interest in some of the most intriguing creatures on the planet.
Animals from all over the world are housed at this world-class attraction.

If botany is a hobby, or if you just enjoy a walk through beautiful gardens, you can visit Auckland Botanic Gardens.
There are over 10,000 plants at Auckland’s largest outdoor garden!

Auckland Domain is the city’s oldest park and was actually built on the cone of an extinct volcano.
There is plenty of outdoor space to enjoy your favorite activities in nature.
Pack a picnic, take a walk or just spend the time enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds you.

If surfing is a favorite pastime, make sure you visit Great Barrier Island by taking a short ferry ride to the location.
In addition to surfing, you can dive, fish or go hiking for a true escape.
The pristine beaches with crystal clear waters are surrounded by native forests for a spectacular experience.
There are only a handful of people, so you can enjoy the private beach time with your family.

Museums
Uncover the history and see the culture of New Zealand when you visit the Auckland Museum.
There are a multitude of fascinating artifacts and you can even learn more about the Maori, who are the indigenous people of New Zealand.

At the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, you will find an extensive collection of international art as well as paintings, sculptures and other mediums from New Zealand artists.
There are plenty historical works as well as contemporary art for any enthusiast.

Howick
Located in East Auckland is Howick, which is a quaint seaside city with shopping, great food and great beaches.
The calm beaches offer the perfect getaway.
The Howick Historical Village will offer you and your family an opportunity to learn about the history and the culture in the area by visiting the past.
The second oldest church in New Zealand, All Saints Church, is also located in this small community.

Clevedon
Visit Clevedon Village for a wide variety of attractions, things to do and places to see.
This charming village is full of gourmet goodness, vineyards to visit, shopping and places to buy arts and crafts.
If your kids want to get up close and personal with animals, take them to Clevedon Animal Farm.
You can feed the animals, pet the animals and even ride some of the animals!
Shopping for local knick knacks, crafts, art or other household goods can all take place at the Clevedon Gallery.

14Mar/103

IntlMOVE and the Shipping Containers

IntlMOVE is a leader in the international moving industry.
When you are ready to ship your household goods and personal effects to your new country, IntlMOVE will load your items into a shipping container.
Once the container reaches your new country’s port, IntlMOVE will deliver your household goods to your new home.

The advent of the container is relatively new to the shipping world.
Without the development of this shipping necessity, our lives would be a lot different.

Although it’s not something most of us think about, the innovation of the shipping container was one of the most important innovations of the 20th century.
Modernizing shipping containers has revolutionized the international shipping and trading industry.
Not only do modern containers improve port handling efficiency, but they also lower costs.
Both of which have helped increase trade flows.

Containers have been around for hundreds of years.
Containers were used on railways to transport goods, but they were not nearly the size they are today.
Some of the earliest large containers were wood and non-stackable.
They were about 5 to 10 feet long and used mostly in the United Kingdom.

In 1929, Seatrain Lines began carrying railroad boxcars on its ships for trade between New York and Cuba.
Other railways began shipping boxcars or flatbeds to ease shipping restraints.

The United States Army began using shipping containers toward the end of World War II to speed up the transportation of goods between ships.
The containers were called, “transporters.”
The transporters were 8 feet long, 6.25 feet wide and 6.83 feet high.
They were reusable, made with steel and could support 9,000 pounds.

The use of the transporter expanded during the Korean War because of the damage and theft that took place with wooden crates.
Steel containers were more secure and potential thieves could not see what was in the containers.
Steel containers were first used for major shipments by 1952.
The USA Army coined the term CONEX, short for “Container Express.”
Shipment times were almost cut in half!
The military standardized an 8’ x 8’ cross container in 10’ lengths by the Vietnam War.

Companies soon took advantage of these new containers and the rest is history.
International trade and international shipments became much more prevalent and cost efficient.
The world’s first intermodal container, which means it uses more than one form of transportation, completed its first journey in 1955.
The containers now had the ability to be shipped by rail, ship and truck.
The first container ship, the Clifford J. Rodgers, was built in Montreal in 1955.
The ship carried 600 containers on its first trip between North Vancouver, British Columbia and Skagway, Alaska.
The containers were unloaded onto railroad cars, ships and trucks to their final destinations.
The earliest container ships were made from converted tankers.

When containers started being used worldwide, there was no standardization so they were incompatible with one another and some of the ships, railways and trucks.
Standardization has really improved the process.

Worldwide, almost 90 percent of non-bulk cargo moves by ship in stackable containers.
Twenty-six percent of all containers originate from China.
Some ships can even carry 15,200 twenty-foot containers or twenty-foot equivalent units.
Capacity of ships are measured in twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), which is the number of containers measure 20’ x 8’x 8.5’ that a vessel can carry.
However, most containers used today to ships goods are 40’ in length.

26Feb/103

Moving to Milan: Il Teatro

IntlMOVE can ship your household goods and personal effects to Milan.
Whether you are moving overseas for business or pleasure, you will be sure to find many things to love about Milan.
The designer clothes, the sightseeing and the food are just some of the things you have to look forward to in this beautiful Italian city.
IntlMOVE has experienced and knowledgeable move consultants who can help you with your overseas shipment.
Having your own personal belongings in Milan will make your new house a home.

When you arrive in Milan and you want to celebrate a special occasion, you have to try Il Teatro.
This restaurant is considered one of the top five restaurants in Milan.
Expect to pay top dollar, but it is well worth the price.
The well-known restaurant is located in the Four Season hotel.
Il Teatro is known for its delicious gourmet dinners and the unforgettable brunch.
If you are celebrating something special, there is a private dining room which can accommodate 12 guests.

The world-renowned chef, Sergio Mei, has been with Four Seasons since 1994.
He is a highly respected chef who received the honor of Italian Chef of the Year in 1998.
He has over 40 years of experience of creating culinary masterpieces.
Mei and his culinary team have perfected the art of fine dining.
The menu at Il Teatro changes daily, so you will never have the same experience twice.
Il Teatro has even created a special menu for vegetarians and children.

Here is sampling of the appetizers you could experience while dining in this restaurant.
Honey-caramelized goose liver with prickly pear juice, endive, shallots and pain brioche with Bronte pistachios will be sure to tempt your taste buds.
You can also try the seared vineyard snails with turnip tops, cacio cheese and pepper that is topped with potato and leek cream and vanilla-flavored olive oil.

When you are ready to move on to the first course, there will be several delicious options to choose from on the daily menu.
One course you might want to taste is the Italian favorite risotto.
This dish is served with citrus fruits, gorgonzola cheese, chopped pistachios and goose liver.

When you are ready for your main course, it will be hard to choose between the many mouthwatering dishes the chefs have prepared.
If you are in the mood for fish, you can try the thyme-roasted sea bass with artichoke hearts, spinach and champagne fumet.
One of the specialties you have to try is the Teatro’s Special Beef Fillet.
This meal consists of spit-roast piedmont beef fillet with shallot and mustard sauce, truffled potato mousse, asparagus parmesan-style and seasonal mushrooms.

Leave room for dessert because you won’t want to miss out on the flavor-filled delights!
Besides the options available on the menu, there is a special treat you won’t want to miss.
There is a chocolate room, which is perfect for satiating your sweet tooth.
Pastry Chef, Graziano Bistoletti has recreated a tropical jungle – all made of chocolate.

The brunch is something you will have to see to believe.
The choices of food are astounding and your biggest concern will be what you want to eat first.
Whether you are in the mood for oysters, smoked fish or raw fish, all of your favorite sea-derived meals will be presented.
You can enjoy some of the finest cheese from around the world and eggs made to your liking.
You can also choose from assorted cold cuts including Salame di Varzi salami and Culatello di Zibello Riserva ham.
For main courses, try the rosemary-roasted sirloin steak or the turbot Mediterranean-style with capers, oregano and olives.
The possibilities will seem endless as you enjoy the world-famous brunch.

12Feb/102

Relocating Overseas and Needed Services

IntlMOVE can provide you with professional and reliable international moving services.
An experienced move consultant will coordinate the shipment of your household goods and personal effects to your new home.
Shipping your personal belongings overseas is the easy part of the overseas moving process.
You don’t have to worry about the international shipping details, because the experts at IntlMOVE will handle the specifics.

When moving overseas, you will need to find people to supply the help you need.
Most people shop at grocery stores that are closest to their homes.
You will go to the post office closest to your house when you need to mail packages.
However, you will need to find a new hairdresser, a new nanny and other individuals that supply services you need for daily living.
Most people will not rely on the first person they meet to cut their hair or watch their children.

Finding a Hairdresser Overseas

For women, finding a new hairdresser can be very stressful.
When you find someone who knows how to do your hair well, you keep going back.
A bad haircut, a bad color or a bad hair experience can take weeks or months to correct.
After you arrive in your new home overseas, ask around for recommendations.
If you have a friend or business associate with a hairstyle you like, find out who does their hair.

Finding a Drycleaner Overseas

Finding a drycleaner might not be as difficult as finding other services you might need.
If you are environmentally conscious, you will need to spend some extra time finding a drycleaner that uses earth-safe products.
Shop around to find the best prices.
You can check around your house and your office to find a drycleaner that is convenient for you.

Finding Childcare Overseas

Finding someone to care for your children might be the most important feat you have to accomplish in your new country.
If you are looking for a fulltime nanny, you can employ the services of an agency to help you in your search.
You can also find a nanny on your own by placing want ads on websites.
Either way, make sure you do criminal backgrounds checks to make sure she doesn’t have a questionable past.
You should also ask for at least three references and give each reference a call.
You may not need a fulltime nanny and instead want to put your child in daycare.
Take a tour of several childcare facilities until you find one that suits your needs.
When you are visiting daycare centers, ask lots of questions.
Find out if each of the caregivers hired is given a background check.
You will also want to know what your child will be doing while being cared for at the facility.
A good daycare facility will provide educational toys and games to enhance your child’s cognitive development.
Your children should also have plenty of time to run around and play to get exercise.

Finding a Housekeeper Overseas

Just like finding a good hair stylist, ask friends and coworkers for recommendations for a good housekeeper.
You can also use the forum sections on expat websites to find someone who can help you clean your home.
Before hiring a housekeeper, ask questions and call references.
This person will be in your home, so you want someone dependable, trustworthy and reliable.
Determine what services you will need from your housekeeper.
Some housekeepers are not willing to iron or do laundry.
Find out what services she can provide before you determine whether or not the housekeeper will meet your needs.

Favorite Restaurants

Finding new restaurants can be a lot of fun!
Of course you can read restaurant reviews and ask friends for recommendations, but everyone has different tastes.
Go to local favorites and mainstream restaurants to find places you enjoy.

Utilize your friends, coworkers and other locals’ knowledge to find what you need.
Making a new country your home is widely dependent on finding a routine that works for you and your family.
Knowing where to go for your errands will greatly increase the likelihood of a successful international move.

7Feb/103

Getting Mortgage overseas

Moving Overseas?  
Let IntlMOVE handle all of your international shipping needs.

It may take some time to find the perfect home, and when you do, you will want to make sure all of your household goods arrive safely.

IntlMOVE specializes in shipping household goods and personal effects, so we have the expertise needed to coordinate international moves efficiently.

Contact IntlMOVE for a reliable, cost efficient and professional international moving experience. 

Your personal belongings will be in good hands when you put your trust in IntlMOVE.

In a perfect world, you would have the cash to purchase your dream home overseas.
However, some people still have the dream of owning a little piece of paradise across the ocean but don’t have liquid assets to pay for it.
Although financing a home overseas isn’t impossible, it is more difficult than financing a home in the United States.
It can be more difficult to finance a home overseas because of the different rules and regulations specific to each country. 

If you default on your loan, the bank may not be able to get it back from you, therefore they have no collateral.
This is a major reason many banks are unwilling to work with overseas real estate investors.
There are not a lot of banks in the United States that are willing to touch international mortgages.
There are even fewer banks that specialize in overseas property investments.

If you want to secure a mortgage in your home country, you will need to talk to one of the banks that are willing to lend money to people purchasing homes overseas.
If you manage to secure an overseas mortgage, be aware that the mortgage terms are usually much shorter.
Usually you will not be able to finance a home over 30 years.
A five year mortgage might be the longest financing terms you can negotiate.

A down payment required for a new home can be as much as 20 to 70 percent when purchasing a home overseas.
This may be out of reach for some people, so you have an option of renting until you can save up enough money.
Other people have taken out home equity loans or second mortgages on their homes in the United States to get enough for the down payment.
Talk to a financial advisor or loan manager to find out what will work best in your situation.
Also, the likelihood of getting a fixed-rate mortgage is pretty slim.
Variable rate mortgages are more likely when financing an international home.
Know that variable rate mortgages can be risky because your monthly payment can fluctuate.
You do not want the payments to become unaffordable, so make sure you are clear on the terms before committing.

Get recommendations for a reputable real estate agent when you are ready to start looking for your new home. 
When you use real estate agents overseas, pick their brains to find out what financing options are available.
They will want to make the commission from selling the home, so they will be willing to share what they know.

There may be financing options that you can take advantage of in your new country.
You may be able to finance the home through the seller.
Some foreign banks may be willing to work with foreign investors, so you may be able to secure a mortgage that way.

Purchasing a new home overseas can be tricky, make sure you understand your mortgage terms.
If you are confused about any of the terms, it might be worth the cost of hiring an international real estate attorney to look over and manage the transaction.
A couple thousand dollars up front could save you a lot of trouble and money.

After all the work of finding a home and securing financing, you will finally be ready to move into your dream home.
When you get settled in your new country and your new home, all the research and time will be worth the reward!
You will finally be ready to receive your household goods and personal.

30Jan/102

The Pros and Cons When Moving Overseas

IntlMOVE (www.IntlMOVE.com) will help make your international move successful by managing the details.

You will not have to worry about the packing, shipping, or delivery of your household goods and personal effects.

IntlMOVE can tailor its services to fit you international moving needs.

Whether you have a less than container load (LCL) or a full container load (FCL), IntlMOVE has an international network ready to be at your service.

Shipping your household goods overseas is our specialty, so let IntlMOVE handle the groundwork and labor!

From the moment you receive your initial quote, IntlMOVE will stay in constant contact with you to ensure you have the most up-to-date information about your shipment.

You can trust IntlMOVE to handle your household goods with the utmost care so they arrive safely to your new destination.

International moves can be exciting and stressful at the same time.

There are many pros and cons to consider before making the life changing move. 

Pros

Higher Standard of Living

Housekeepers, chefs, nannies and other household help may be cost prohibitive in the United States.

These services may be less expensive when moving overseas, which can be a big help when managing your household.

Housing prices may also be less in your new adopted country.

This means you might be able to afford a home with a view, or a bigger home that can accommodate your need for more space.

Eating out regularly might also put less pressure on your wallet, so you don’t have to worry about cooking or cleaning up. 

Cultural Diversity

International moves give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture.

You will experience new food, new people, new sights to see, new customs and maybe even a new language.

Living in a new country will offer you a rewarding experience you can’t get from traveling.

You will become a local and find new hot spots, celebrate different holidays and communicate with people with different backgrounds. 

Traveling

Moving overseas gives you the opportunity to explore another part of the world.

If you are moving to Europe, you can take a weekend trip to Paris or London.

If you are moving to Asia, you will be able to travel to different Asian locations with shorter and less expensive flights.

Consider yourself lucky that you will have the unique opportunity to explore the world if traveling is a hobby.  

Cons

Missing Family and Friends

One of the biggest concerns with moving overseas is the time you will have with your friends and family.

However, technological advances have made it much easier to stay in touch with loved ones.

There are video conferencing websites, such as Skype, that allow you to see and speak to people at no charge.

You can also plan for your friends and family to come visit you and you can make regular visits home. 

Communication

If the local language differs from your native tongue, the language barriers are obvious.

It can be frustrating trying to communicate what you want at a restaurant or when getting directions if you are lost.

Even if the locals in your new country speak the same language, you will still need time to adjust to the differences in communicating.

Non-verbal communication, such as public affection or eye contact, is something you should take into consideration.

However, don’t let language barriers prevent you from moving.

There are plenty of resources to help you learn a new language ahead of time.

Once you practice daily and get used to the local customs, you will fit into your new country in no time! 

New Social Network

Making new friends can be very difficult for some people – especially if language is an issue.

However, you can make new friends at work, volunteer with people who have similar interests or meet people at your gym.

There are plenty of places to make new friends!

If you are more comfortable with people from your home country, there are websites that cater to expats for this very reason.

You can go to social gatherings that other expats are hosting or join groups listed on the websites. 

International moves takes courage, planning and an open mind.

If you do decide to move overseas, get ready for a culturally rich and rewarding experience.

23Jan/101

IntlMOVE your Movers to the Netherlands

Let IntlMOVE (www.IntlMOVE.com) handle shipping your household goods and personal effect to the Netherlands.
IntlMOVE is an international moving company that is well-respected in the industry for its honesty, reliability and excellent customer service.
IntlMOVE has the experience and is licensed and bonded to help ensure the safe and timely arrival of your worldly possessions.
IntlMOVE has the expertise necessary to provide a smooth international moving process to you and your family.
The move consultants at IntlMOVE will communicate with you throughout the entire moving process, so you will have an up-to-date timeline on when your items will arrive safely to your home.

Here are some facts about your new country of residence to help get you settled.The Netherlands is often referred to as Holland, but Holland is actually a region of the Netherlands.
The country borders Belgium, Germany and the North Sea.
One quarter of the Netherlands is actually below sea level.
Amsterdam, which is the capital of the country, is located in the North Holland province.

The population is about 16.5 million people and the currency is the Euro.
The Dutch are known as some of the tallest people in Europe.
Although the official language is Dutch, you will find that many people speak English.

Things to Do in the Netherlands
The capital city of Amsterdam is a great business hub as well as a popular tourist destination.
The city has over 1,000 bridges and has an extensive network of canals and waterways.
The city offers many things to do depending on your interests.
There are 53 museums and 61 art galleries, so there is plenty to see in this culture-rich city.
You will want to check out the Rijksmuseum, which houses art work by Rembrandt, Van Gogh and other artistic masters.
There are 206 Van Gogh paintings scattered throughout Amsterdam.
Another popular thing to do is to take a tour of the Heineken Brewery.
If history interests you, Anne Frank’s house is also located in Amsterdam.
Outside of Amsterdam, other big cities are Rotterdam, Utrehcht Eindhoven and Tilburg.
The country is known for the beautiful countryside filled with windmills and tulips, which offer picturesque backgrounds for the seasoned photographer.
If your idea of relaxation consists of going to the beach, there is no shortage of pristine beaches and resorts.
You can also visit any of the 300 castles that are open to the public.

There are as many bikes in the Netherlands as there are people, which make this mode of transportation very popular.
In fact, there are twice as many bikes as there are cars.

Dutch Cuisine
Over the years, there have been many international influences so you will find meals varying from all regions of the world on Dutch tables today.
However, there are some old-fashioned favorites you will want to try during your stay in this country.
The staple in many traditional Dutch recipes is the potato and the meals are also served with boiled vegetables and meat.
People in the Netherlands are also known for their love of gravy and like to add gravy to almost everything!
There are some Dutch specialties you will want to try.
Vla is similar to custard, and is a sweet milk pudding that comes in many flavors including vanilla, chocolate and strawberry.
You will find drop in many places because this licorice is a favorite sweet indulgence in the Netherlands.
Poffertjes are served warm and are similar to small pancakes served with lots of powdered sugar.
The Dutch are particularly fond of eating raw herring with raw onions, which is considered a delicacy.
If you are looking for something heartier, Stamppot is made with mashed potatoes and other ingredients such as carrots, kale, endives.
Stamppot is usually served with a smoked sausage known as rookworst.

Moving to the Netherlands will offer you a rich cultural experience whether you are moving permanently or for a short period of time.
The people of the Netherlands are known to be friendly, so concentrate on enjoying your stay and leave it up to IntlMOVE (www.IntlMOVE.com) to handle your moving details.