UNUSUAL THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN MOVING ABROAD
7th October 2009 Setting up home abroad is an adventure that thousands of people embark upon every year. The excitement of discovering a ‘new land’ and embracing a different culture is undoubtedly appealing and for many, the dream becomes a reality.
Moving to a different country throws up the obvious considerations – will there be suitable schooling for the kids? Will you need to learn a new language?
But what of the things that don’t instantly spring to mind? Depending on your chosen destination, your move may not be as simple as packing up your belongings and going.
Aberdeen-based company, The Shore Porters Society, specialises in international removals and highlight a number of more unusual considerations that should be kept in mind when preparing to head to pastures new.
Colin Davidson, overseas removal manager at Shore Porters, says the issue of what you can take in and out of different countries can be something of a minefield for the unsuspecting ‘would-be’ expat.
Colin said: “A lot of people are setting up home abroad but many are unaware just how different laws on importing and exporting can be from one country to another. Amid all the other things that have to be organised when relocating, it is very easy to assume that there won’t be a problem with taking all your worldly goods with you, however this is an assumption that can often end up being extremely costly.
“Dubai for example, is a popular destination for those working in the oil and gas sector, but with stringent laws in place, it may not be as easy to move your belongings as it is to move yourself!
“It’s worth noting that if you are moving to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, all printed materials such as books, magazines, DVD’s, videos, tapes and photographs will be subject to review and censorship by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Information.
Perfectly innocent home movies, for example family holidays at the beach, may be deemed offensive to the Islam culture. Anything deemed to go against Islamic beliefs may well be destroyed or sent back to the country of origin, at your expense.
“Animal statues and figures with religious undertones are also not welcome in Dubai, along with carvings and statues of humans, especially if the figures are in the nude – regardless of how tasteful you may think your piece of art is!”
Dubai isn’t alone in having some more unusual rules when it comes to what you can bring into the country. For example, book lovers moving to China should be aware that taking any more that 10 books with you will require a letter of explanation which should detail where the books were purchased. Books are also subject to import duties and advice on this should be sought prior to your departure from British soil. It doesn’t occur to most people that there would be an issue with these sorts of things and so it’s essential that anybody making an international move has someone to advise them on such matters.
Colin continued: “Even a chess set can cause problems when moving to another country, for example, Saudi Arabia where all games of chance are strictly prohibited.
Every year, thousands of Brits move to Australia, and although this has become quite a common move to make, there are still certain grey areas that could lead to trouble for those emigrating.
Colin said: “As bizarre as it seems, Christmas decorations can be a no-no when moving down under. An innocent holly wreath making its way to Australia will be subject to an inspection and may face confiscation or even destruction. This is because plant materials, food and animal products can be prohibited for fear of pests and diseases being brought into the country, which can have serious repercussions for the environment and agricultural industries.
“When items get seized and sent back to the country they came from, or simply destroyed, it can become an expensive business. On top of this, if the confiscated items are of sentimental value, it can be very upsetting and so, to minimise any hassle and stress, it would be better if alternative arrangements were made.
“From our experiences, we would advise people to do the necessary research and to seek advice about their chosen destination’s importing and exporting regulations. Little details can make a huge difference to the smooth running of an international move and we would always advise our clients to double check everything, no matter how insignificant it seems.”
|
Latest News 
