The cost of moving all of your household goods can be significant, particularly if you are moving to another continent, and it may take weeks or months for your possessions to arrive. You need to consider what it is sensible to take with you, and whether you need to send some things ahead. Where you...

Everyone entering the US has to complete the Customs and Border Protection Form (CBP Form) 6059B, “Customs Declaration,” for accompanying goods. If your goods are arriving separately you will need to complete the CBP Form 3299 “Declaration For Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles. “You cannot simply give a statement that the goods are “household effects”, but will need...

Getting connected – organising mobile phones (cellphones) for yourself and your family members, together with broadband for your new home – will be one of your first and most important tasks when arriving in the US. Standards America as an enormous market in its own right has generally followed its own standards. The United States...

In the USA driving is an essential part of the culture. This is partly driven by the practicality of getting around in a country so large and partly a function of the lifestyle. In some of the major cities there is an extensive public transport system, but the cities are all served by extensive multi-lane...

When opening a bank account in America, you will want to consider the wide range of options with different variations on basic checking and savings accounts, and the ability to link accounts. Terms and services may vary widely between the different providers. According to Forbes Americas largest banks are: JP Morgan Chase Bank of America...

When considering your options for schools in America, assuming you have decided against a boarding school back home, you will need to decide between American public and private schools and international and foreign-language schools. International Schools International schools generally teach in English and focus on the International Baccalaureate (IB) examination and diploma. The advantage of...

There is a lot to consider when taking your pet to America. In the US, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responsible for the regulations that govern the importation of animals and animal products that might cause human disease. The CDC does not require certificates of health for pets that enter America. However, they may...

If you are visiting America you may qualify for the visa waiver program, but if you are moving to America there are a wide range of options for non-immigrant and immigrant visas depending on the reason for your move. Passports All visitors to the United States must hold a valid passport that expires six months...

Moving to Canada is popular with many Brits with its political and historical ties to the UK along with the climate and landscape.  Not even the coldest of winters when temperatures can plummet to –40° seem able to deter Brits in search of a new life. It offers an outdoor lifestyle as well as several...

Housing around 4 million people, Los Angeles, or more popularly known as the City of Angels, is the third-largest city in the world. Also called the home of Hollywood, LA is a geographically vast and diverse playground of opportunity. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Victoria Berman of AvocadoPesto Because it is a melting pot...

People move out of state for various reasons – it could be for a higher paying job, better climate, a loved one, or someone who is just looking for a fresh start in life. In recent studies, 40 million American’s move between states at least once in a year. Moving to a new city can...

If you are a United States citizen living abroad who has a temporary or permanent visual impairment, low vision, a physical disability that prevents you from holding a book, or another print disability, you may be eligible for a free program from the Library of Congress. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Donna Koh, Overseas...