Careful planning is vital to moving overseas. It can make the difference between a smooth transition or a difficult experience. It is important to know what to expect in advance and plan accordingly.

Learn as much as you can about the host country of your new home is the first step. The more information you have about the country - the people, their customs, food, clothing and housing - the more at ease you will be during the transition. If you have the opportunity, a pre-move trip to the destination country can be very valuable in learning about your new surroundings. Knowing where you want to live will help you decide on what household goods and personal effects to take with you and which of those you will want to dispose of or put into long-term storage until your return.

Nearly all countries have a customs agency responsible for collecting fees or duties on some imported goods. You may have to go through customs twice – once when exiting the origin country and again when entering the destination country. It is important that you check with customs offices at both locations in advance for information on their regulations and dutiable items.

As your shipment goes through Customs, it is important to be on hand to answer any questions, to provide additional documentation if requested, and to pay any duties that are levied against your goods.

Many countries of the world operate on different electrical voltage and use different outlets for connection to their electric service. Make certain your appliances will work overseas or can be adapted to work in a foreign country. Your move coordinator can assist you.

Make certain all appliances you plan to take have been disconnected, cleaned, and serviced prior to the packers arriving at your home. Check the original owner’s manual for instructions.

Appliances using water, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, freezers, humidifiers and de-humidifiers, must be dry of moisture to prevent mold and mildew. Usually they need a day to dry before packing. This is also an important step if your appliances are going to storage.

All mechanical and electrical equipment should be checked and serviced beforehand. Many appliances require service by a professional technician. At your request, we will arrange for this service to be performed. Items not properly serviced will be transported at "owner’s risk". Items usually requiring service include:

• Washer /dryer
• Grandfather clock
• Stereos/CDs
• Computers/printers
• Large TVs
• Pool table
• Refrigerators
• Waterbeds

What to Take

Before deciding what household goods and personal effects to take, consider the following:

• How long will you live in a foreign country?
• In what type of resident housing will you live? Most properties in foreign countries have smaller square footage and closet space than the U.S.
• What restrictions apply or what items are you prohibited from taking?
• Will your appliances or electronics work in the destination country? Will you need transformers, adapters, or regulators for conversion? Is service available if there is a failure?

Many domestic broadcasting systems are not compatible with receivers on foreign televisions. Check with the Consulate to see if this pertains to your destination.

To help you decide on what to take, draw a space plan of where furniture will be placed in your new residence. Pay special attention to appliances like washers/dryers and refrigerators.

After determining what to move, decide what items you will need immediately when you arrive. These items can be shipped air freight to ensure delivery at the same time you arrive in the destination country. Other household goods may deliver later, especially if transported by the more cost efficient steamship method.

No Liability Items

Movers cannot be held liable for the following items. Please transport them yourself or contact your move coordinator to determine alternative arrangements.

• Cash
• Securities
• Food
• Furs
• Plants
• Jewelry
• Personal papers
• Securities

Please keep your coordinator’s name & telephone number handy. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your coordinator immediately.

An important step in the pre-move process is the in-home interview and survey. An AMS WorldWide representative will schedule a visit to your home to determine your move requirements. It is important for you to personally discuss the move process. Please allow at least 45 minutes to complete the survey. The interview and survey will accomplish several functions:

• Estimate the weight of the shipment
• Estimate packing requirements
• Identify special service needs, such as appliance servicing, crating, shuttle service, etc.
• Plan access logistics – elevators, stairs, etc.
• Review your responsibilities & discuss your needs and concerns

Packing and Loading

Although requirements can differ by country, the following list of items are those that are most frequently regulated:

Household goods. Most countries permit the duty-free entry of used household goods; however, there may be regulations concerning the household goods that were purchased new. Check with customs before buying any items to take abroad, so you know if duties will be levied, then decide if it is worth taking the item and paying the duty.

Many countries also limit the amount of certain items you can bring, such as, liquor, tobacco, and often camera or unexposed film. It is advisable not to pack these items in your shipment. Again, you should check with the Consulate or Customs Office to determine what is permitted.

Firearms. More often than not, handguns and other weapons are prohibited in many countries or require special permits for entry. Please do not include any weapons in your household goods shipment without written assurance from the Consulate that it will be admitted. In addition, ammunition is prohibited and will not be shipped because of the risk of explosion.

Medication. It is important that you carry any prescription drugs or medication with you. When doing so, we suggest the following:

• Carry medication in small quantities
• Make sure the containers are properly marked, listing your doctor’s name, pharmacy and medication on the label
• Secure a letter from your doctor stating your condition and the medication prescribed. This verification may help avoid delays in clearing Customs.

Motor Vehicles. If you decide to take your car, check for any fees and import regulations before shipping. Certain makes of automobiles may be prohibited. Older models may require an entry permit or modification to meet the host country’s automobile standards. It is also wise to check in advance the availability of parts and services. Remember that nothing should be in the car other than its original equipment during shipping.

House Plants. Many countries prohibit the entry of house plants, bulbs and seeds. If you do wish to take any of these items, please check ahead of time to see if a special permit is necessary and arrange to carry them with you. House plants, seeds and bulbs cannot be packed as part of your normal household goods shipment. Generally, we do not recommend shipping plants for these reasons.

Money. Most countries have restrictions on the amount of currency you can take in or out of their country. This would include cash, money orders, traveler’s checks, and any other negotiable securities.

Pets. When deciding to take a pet, please consider the following:

• Can your pet enter the destination country
• What health certificates or permits are required?
• What is the period of quarantine? It can run from a few weeks to a year.
• Will duty be required?
• What are the regulations when you return home?

Other Personal Effects. Jewelry, furs and other clothing are usually duty-free as long as they are for the owner’s personal use and not for resale. It is important, however, to check the destination country’s restrictions before shipping these items.

Air Shipments – items you may need for temporary living while you are waiting for your regular household goods and personal effects to be transported and delivered. Air shipments are usually expedited service where arrangements are made to transport them to destination as quickly as possible.

Surface Shipments – shipments of this type normally include used household goods and other personal effects. They are transported from origin to a port city by boat, carrier or railroad, then transported via steamship line to the destination port where upon arrival they are further transported overland to final destination.

Storage Shipments – permanent storage shipments are normally those items left behind that you want to keep until your return. Storage shipments are transported from origin to a designated warehouse, which is usually located near the origin city. Your household goods and personal effects are stored in wooden vaults separated from other customers’ belongings. It is important to note that only the owner of the goods may have access or order the release of a permanent storage shipment.

Once the shipment is underway, you can receive progress reports by calling your Move Coordinator. Our computerized tracking system, WorldTrack, monitors progress and provides regular updates.

What Happens at Destination

You will be notified when your shipment arrives and clears customs at its destination port. Arrangements will be made at this time for final delivery to your new residence.

When the delivery crew arrives, the crew leader will provide copies of the original inventories given to you at origin. Use the inventories to check each item as it is brought into your new home. This includes noting any missing items or damages on the inventory, cleaning up the debris, and advising us of any removing services that may be required.

This is extremely important because these forms are the source of important claims information.

Failure to check the inventory form may result in the denial of any claims for missing or damaged items. Notify your move coordinator of any damage to your goods at this time.

The crew will unload the container(s) and place the furniture and boxes in the room or area you designate. They are instructed to place the furniture once. Any movement after the initial placement is considered rearranging and is subject to additional labor charges. It is a good idea to have a rough sketch of where you want your furniture placed before we arrive to avoid confusion at the time of delivery.

All items disassembled at origin will be reassembled at destination. Certain items may have required specialists to disassemble and prepare them for shipment at your previous residence. Your Move Coordinator can arrange re-assembly services upon arrival.

You have certain responsibilities which are very important if your belongings are to be properly insured during the move.

Prior to moving day, you must complete a detailed, valued inventory form for all items contained in your air, surface, and storage shipments. This Move Package contains all the information, instructions, and forms you should need. Please pay particular attention to "what is covered & what is not covered".

We suggest you secure an appraisal on items with a high value or intrinsic value, such as antiques, collectibles, fine art, etc. In case of a claim, you will need to prove an item’s value and ownership in order to receive proper reimbursement and maximum benefits.

Insurance coverage can be a confusing subject. Your Move Coordinator will be happy to explain the process should you need assistance or have questions.

If you have any loss or damage to your shipment, please contact your Move Coordinator immediately. Claims must be filed within ninety (90) days of delivery. Please make sure you have unpacked all containers and have inspected each item before filing.

Traveling internationally requires certain documents for leaving and entering countries. Other documents may be required if you wish to live and work in a foreign country. It is important that you submit your applications as far in advance as you possibly can, since some documentation may take weeks or even months to obtain.

To Leave a Country

Passport. This travel document attests to the bearer’s identity and nationality and is required when leaving and entering most countries. To obtain a passport, you must have proof of identification and a photograph. Passports are needed for each family member thirteen years of age or older. If you have an existing passport, check the expiration dates. You may wish to renew them before you depart. You can obtain a passport at the nearest passport field office, located in most major cities.

Normally, passports are available in two to three weeks following the completion of the paperwork. Also, since passport photographs are used for other documents and licenses, we suggest you have about ten (10) photographs printed at one time.

Export Declaration Form. This document declares your household goods and motor vehicles being shipped out of the country. The mover will complete this form on your behalf before your shipment is packed and loaded.

Visa. A visa is an endorsement certifying that your passport has been examined and permission has been granted to enter a country for a given period of time. Before obtaining a visa, you must have an up-to-date passport. Visas, if required, must be obtained prior to leaving the U.S.. To obtain a visa, in most instances, you would have to write or visit the Consulate of the country where you are moving. Complete the visa forms as specified, and provide passport photographs.

Certificate of Good Reputation. If your destination country requires it, you may need a letter of recommendation. This should be addressed to the Consulate to whom you are applying for a visa. The letter should be from a reputable bank, commercial organization, chamber of commerce, or public official. It should include your occupation, title, business references, and attest to your good reputation.

Work permits. Often this is a requirement for employment in another country. It is the responsibility of your employer to obtain the permit. It is usually issued for a specified period, allowing you to work at the destination location.