Events for Expats in Los Angeles

Living somewhere new can be disorienting, especially when it’s in a different country than your home. Los Angeles is a melting pot of different cultures, so you can easily find your niche. Check out these events for expats in Los Angeles as they are great for any expat to become familiar with the City of Angels, while also celebrating your home culture.

Events for Expats in Los Angeles

When moving to LA, many expats want to celebrate events beyond their culture and the culture of LA. Since it has so many different people from all parts of the world, expats can enjoy events from all over the world in their new home of Los Angeles.

Japanese New Year Celebrations (Early Jan)

The Japanese New Year celebrations take place the first weekend of January in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo district. Here you’ll find parades, food and family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy.

Octoberfest (Sep-Nov)

For any European expats, the Oktoberfest happens in many different areas, with more focused on the traditions, while others are more in line with Los Angeles.

Dia de Los Muertos Festival (Late October-Early Nov)

While in LA, expats can enjoy the traditional day of the dead or Dia de Los Muertos Festival. On Olvera Street, you can find a traditional festival with a blend of LA flair including a parade, face painting, and other mixes of Halloween flair at the same time.

There are events for expats every day somewhere in Los Angeles. You’ll find events centered around native languages, food, fashion and simply meeting others from your home country. Another great resource for expats to meet up is through Internations or Meetup.

Can’t Miss Events in L.A.

Los Angeles has made a name for itself within the United States and the rest of the world. It’s the city of movie stars and beautiful beaches. Expats can also enjoy events that focus on LA culture rather than culture from abroad. Here are some year-round Los Angeles events that you simply cannot miss no matter where you are from:

The Academy Awards (Feb)

Los Angeles is known for Hollywood’s biggest night. Every February, the year’s biggest feature films are celebrated at the Dolby Theatre. Even if you aren’t walking the red carpet, you can still grab your camera and snag a spot alongside the paparazzi to see some of Tinseltown’s biggest stars shine.

The L.A. Marathon (Mar)

Residents of Los Angeles are big on staying fit. The normally packed streets are cleared out in March to make way for hundreds of runners. Grab your bib and run past L.A.’s most notable sights and landmarks.

Doo Dah Parade (May)

A lively take on the annual Rose Bowl Parade, but without the stingy rules and judges. This fun event takes place in May, and you’re sure to find folks of all backgrounds having a blast in the streets.

Los Angeles Film Festival (Jun)

Every June, filmmakers from all around gather together to show and celebrate their films to audiences. You can find local short films or international blockbusters at the film festival. Audience members range from excited moviegoers to big names in the industry.

Summer X Games (Jul-Aug)

L.A.’s huge extreme sporting event takes place in July and August. Events range from skateboarding and climbing to BMX and Moto X racing. Even if extreme sports aren’t your thing, you’re sure to be impressed and entertained by the talented athletes.

Labor Day Festival (Sep)

End summer with a bang at Compton’s annual street fair. The L.A. suburb hosts this massive event that is full of carnival rides, fair food, crafts and family-friendly activities.

Planning a Move to Los Angeles?

If you are planning on moving to Los Angeles from overseas, you can learn more about our Los Angeles international shipping company and we’ll be happy to make the expat transition less stressful!

To see our updated write up see our page on 10 Best Countries to Retire Abroad 2019

Retirement is a great time to live adventurously. What better way to do so than live abroad? While there are countless places to enjoy this new phase of life, International Living compiled a list of ten countries that boast a great cost of living, beautiful scenery and a new experience that’s waiting for you.

10. Malta

Located in between Sicily and Tunisia sits Malta, a chain of islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Its location is prime for warm sunny days year-round. Colors burst around you in the golden sunsets, blue water and white cliff faces. The natural beauty isn’t the only pull for life after retirement; the cost of living is a sweet deal, too. International Living reports that the average couple can live on less than $2,700 a month. Healthcare is pretty low cost, and patients can often pay for appointments and prescriptions out-of-pocket.

9. Portugal

Portugal continues to gain popularity among retirees, due to its low cost of living, real estate and gorgeous scenery. While it’s located on the Atlantic, it has a climate similar to countries on the nearby Mediterranean Sea. Likewise, the culture follows a laid-back Mediterranean life, with fresh seafood, great wine and a strong love for family and friends. Living in the smaller cities can cost about $1,700 a month, while life in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, increases up to $2,200 a month, reports International Living.

8. Nicaragua

Venture down to Central America, and you’ll find Nicaragua. Over the past decade, the country has seen vast improvement with bettering road conditions, creating renewable energy, and celebrating small town culture. While the local culture flourishes, expats can still find comfort in familiar items and brands like Walmart and other modern supermarkets. International Living reports that a couple can live in Nicaragua for $1,500 a month, with plenty of funds leftover to sample the country’s award-winning coffee and chocolate.

7. Spain

Sitting directly west of Portugal is Spain, a country of life, flavor and passion. It’s been a long-time favorite vacation destination for Europeans, and it’s not hard to see why; the mild climate, beautiful beaches, and low cost of living all add up to Spain being a top place for expat retirees. And since it’s located on the Mediterranean, you can relax in the easygoing lifestyle and dig into the amazing food and drink available. International Living reports that a couple can comfortably live on $1,900 a month in smaller cities, and smaller apartment can be either rented for about $500 a month or bought for $70,000. Living in Valencia, the country’s third-largest city, can cost a couple about $2,200 a month. Spain’s geographic location gives you the best of both worlds with mountains and sea nearby, plus it serves as a great launching pad for discovering other parts of Europe.

6. Malaysia

Coming in as the only Asian country on this list, Malaysia hosts a wide variety of lifestyles. From modern and busy cities, to the natural beauty of its beaches, rainforests and islands, Malaysia offers something for everyone. There are 878 islands that make up the southeastern Asian country, and its location is a prime hotspot for different cultures to come together. You’ll find Asian influence from the Chinese, Malay and Indian, with some European flair from the Portuguese, Dutch and English. Buying real estate is an easy practice for expats, as you’re given a three-month visa upon arrival, reports International Living.

5. Colombia

Sporting gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Andes Mountains, Colombia sits at the northern point of South America. The country has seen improvement over the last several years, showing off its culture to foreigners from far and wide. Visitors can find comfort in the country’s friendly people, locally grown coffee, charming small towns and beautiful beaches. Its location is a short plane ride from Florida, and being so close to the equator means long days of sunshine and warmth. International Living reports that expats can find a variety of places to rent for $500 to $1,250 a month.

4. Costa Rica

Costa Rica has been a popular choice for expats for years, and it’s no wonder why. The Central American country has no army, putting that funding toward education, and the country celebrates its biodiversity and renewable energy. Since so many expats have come through, the country has its residency process down to a T. Take some time to explore Costa Rica’s rainforests, beaches, marshes, mountains and farmland. The country’s unofficial motto, Pura Vida, radiates in the easygoing and happy lives the people lead. International Living reports that $2,000 to $3,000 a month can cover all expenses a couple might spend on food, rent and going out. Legal retired residents can easily purchase healthcare or just pay out of pocket at the doctor or pharmacy, making healthcare a low cost benefit to retired life in Costa Rica.

3. Ecuador

Ecuador has consistently ranked high on the Global Retirement Index year after year. The South American country is located on the equator– notice the name– and has great warm weather year round. From its large cities to its breathtaking mountains, Ecuador has something for everyone. The real estate is available and affordable, and the same goes for its healthcare. Benefits for retirees include discounts on air travel, public transport, utilities and entertainment like movies and sports. An International Living correspondent lives in Salinas, a beach town in Ecuador. He and his wife have a monthly budget of less than $1,500, and they’ve noticed improvement in their health over the years.

2. Panama

With neighboring countries on this list, Panama comes in as No. 2 for places to retire. The famous Panama Canal makes traveling to and from Panama a breeze, and it’s welcoming to foreigners from all over. The canal serves as a large trading hub, so you’ll easily find big brands and modern comforts from home here. Benefits for retirees include Panama’s Pensionado program, one of the best in the world, as well as discounts on healthcare, travel, dining and more. Bordering the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, Panama connects Central and South America, and there are warm days year round.

1. Mexico

Sitting at the top of this list– and rounding out the many Latin American countries here– is Mexico. Not only is it close to home, it has a great balance between Old World flavor and modern day amenities. Expats continue to find Mexico as a haven despite the recent negative news coverage. International Living found expats living comfortably at $1,200 a month, some even less. The exchange rate for the peso is in the US dollar’s benefit. Every major city has a first-rate hospital, and healthcare is extremely affordable. Mexico’s geographic features include beaches, mountains, highlands and deserts, with climate ranging from comfortably cool to sunny and warm. It’s easy to qualify for Mexico’s residency program, and retiree’s discounts include airline and bus travel, museums, medical care and more.

Pack Your Bags with Schumacher Cargo Logistics

Now that you have an idea of the retirement havens out there, let Schumacher Cargo Logistics lend you a hand in your move abroad. You can trust us to handle your vehicles carefully and start your retired life easily.

The #1 must-do for any North American motorcyclist is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, held annually every first week of August in Sturgis, South Dakota. The 2017 rally will be the 77th rally, held August 4-13. Located on the edge of the Black Hills National Forest and just northwest of Rapid City, the rally offers a chance to connect with other riders, get a taste of the American West, and fulfill the dream of being part of a motorcycle gang. Vendors will set up shop along Sturgis’ Main Street and show off their inventory of gear, bikes, and other motorcycling necessities. The rally also hosts races, bike shows, and concerts from A-list musicians.

Things To Do

Music

The party doesn’t stop at motorcycles. Sturgis is proud to host rock legends like Ozzy Osbourne and Lynyrd Skynyrd among other favorites on the Rally’s set list. Here’s a current breakdown of the week at Buffalo Chip Campground:

• Friday, Aug. 4, and Saturday, Aug. 5: Dirt Riot Off-Road Races
• Sunday, Aug. 6: Shinedown, American Flat Track Sturgis Buffalo Chip TT Races
• Monday, Aug. 7: The Doobie Brothers
• Tuesday, Aug. 8: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blackberry Smoke
• Wednesday, Aug 9: Ozzy Osbourne, Pop Evil, Street Drag Invitational
• Thursday, Aug. 10: Blink-182, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Doug Danger’s Rattlesnake Jump
• Friday, Aug. 11: Alter Bridge, AMA Supermoto
• Saturday, Aug. 12: AMA Supermoto

Group Rides and Highways

There are plenty of group rides available on the Sturgis Rally website, or the lone traveler can ride highways like Iron Mountain Road, Vanocker Canyon Road, the Wildlife Loop, and Spearfish Canyon.

• 15th Annual Sturgis Mayor’s Ride: Limited space available, so book fast! The Sturgis mayor will host this annual ride on Monday, Aug. 7, and all proceeds benefit the local emergency services. The ride takes you to the best of the Black Hills, stopping for lunch at Custer State Park. Participants will receive a limited edition Jack Daniels decanter signed by the mayor, a T-shirt, a Mayor’s Ride pin and other items from sponsors. To celebrate this being the 15th year for the ride, all participants will be entered into a drawing to join the mayor as a VIP guest for a pub crawl the following night.
• Carey Hart’s Good Ride: A “social spin on the traditional motorcycle charity ride,” the Good Ride will take place on Sunday, August 6. Proceeds from this ride go to the Infinite Hero Foundation, an organization that helps veterans dealing with mental and physical issues after returning home.
• Ride with a Local: For those who are new to the Rally or who just want a taste of the local flavor, this free ride will go through the best back roads and places in the Black Hills. There are two chances to ride, on Friday, Aug. 4, and Wednesday, Aug. 9, and it is expected to last five hours, including lunch and rest breaks. Lunch is not included in the ride. Spots are limited to 25 riders per ride, and itineraries and maps are included.

Other Highlights

South Dakota is full of hidden treasures. Local sightseeing includes Mount Rushmore, Deadwood, and Devils Tower in nearby Wyoming. Take advantage of the surrounding beauty and fun while you’re in the area.

Badlands National Park: get a glimpse of Mars without actually visiting another planet. The Badlands offer other-worldly landscapes of buttes and valleys, deeming it a “bad” place for the pioneers to travel through with their wagons.

Needles Highway: If you love the excitement and adrenaline of twisting roads and narrow passes, the Needles Highway is a must. The towering granite spires lining the highway give it its name, and the highway lies in Custer State Park, offering a chance to visit another incredible South Dakota must-see.

Sturgis Bar Scene: Sure, riding is what you want to do during the day, but what can you do once the sun goes down? Downtown Sturgis is home to plenty of saloons, bars, and pubs to give you a good time. Join the annual Sturgis Mayor’s Pub Crawl, or plan your own through Iron Horse Saloon, Knuckles Saloon, and Broken Spoke Saloon.

Where To Stay

Hotels, campgrounds, and other 300+ vacation rentals are available for lodging. Private homes to rent or vacation packages to purchase are also available. Find your home away from home here. Most lodgings are open year-round and can host individuals, families and larger groups.

Don’t Wait Too Long!

The 77th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is less than 90 days away, so start planning your trip now! Schumacher Cargo Logistics is prepared to get your bike there safely.

Thinking of Making the Trip from Overseas?

Check out our page on importing motorcycles and vehicles into the USA. If you have any questions you can give us a call or reach out to us on Facebook and Twitter.

Get your vehicle ready to ship with Schumacher Cargo Logistics! You can trust your car or motorcycle will ship safely and quickly to its destination. With more than 35 years of experience, we are America’s #1 independent international car shipper. For motorcycles we ship over 5,000 bikes to over 60 different countries per year.

How to prepare for shipping

In order to ensure the easiest and best move for your vehicle, we require a few major components from you.

• Keys: Clients need to leave their keys with us, and we recommend making a spare for the ignition, gas cap, trunk and any other compartment that may require a key.
• Registration and title: We require the originals, and you may make a copy for yourself. This is especially so for international shipping when entering and leaving ports.
• Photo ID: You, or an alternative designated person, will need to show proper identification when picking up your vehicle.
• Notarized creditor/lessor statement: If your vehicle is currently under a lease or is financed, a notarized statement stating that the creditor/lessor is aware and gives permission of the shipment is required. We also require notarized copies of the title and letter of release.

How much it will cost

While Schumacher hopes to find the best deal for you, details can quickly add up. The three main factors that go into the cost of shipping your vehicle are:

• Location of vehicle
• The size and dimensions of the vehicle
• Final destination requirements

Schumacher Cargo Logistics has operations across the USA and can provide a great rate from any of our company owned locations below:

Contact us today!

If you’re ready to ship your car, motorcycle or other vehicle, call us today toll free at 800-599-0190 to get started. You can also request a free quote quickly on our website!

Tips to Help you Find the Right International Moving Company

Relocating can be a truly harrowing experience from the very beginning. The first thing you can do is find a reliable shipping company that can take care of a lot of your worries (inevitably, there are some things that no international moving company can alleviate).

You will be better off taking the time to carefully do some research – after all, it is a very long process and they’ll be shipping some of your most valuable possessions.

Of course, if your employer is relocating you for business purposes, most aspects of your move will be taken care of by the company. Though some companies let their employees handle the relocation on their own. In this case they just provide some budgetary ceiling and guidelines.

Like with most things today, there are tons of choices available to you, which can in fact make the decision all the more difficult. However, there are some key factors that should be considered in comparing overseas movers, which this article covers.

To skip ahead to later sections including our tips for how to choose an international moving company and the important questions you should ask, click on the respective sections below.

–Our Top Tips

–Important Questions Should Ask

Broad Aspects of International Shipping Companies

If you were to view it simplistically, the very broad aspects that dictate the ultimate choice will be:

• Destination: Where are you relocating to and from where? Does the international moving company provide services in those areas?
• Goods being shipped: What kind of goods will you be shipping? Are you looking to ship your car or will it include only household items such as furniture and consumer electronics?
• Urgency: How quickly do you want the goods to be shipped?
• Budget: One of the most important considerations when it comes to relocation.
• Level of Service: Does the moving company provide a complete door to door service? Is that clearly stated in the quotation?

Shipping Costs

It is very important to remember that lowest shipping rates may not always be the best shipping rates. Read the fine print, because choosing a moving company that is offering exceptionally low rates may be providing lower service levels or accepting much lower responsibility in case something were to go wrong.

Sometimes, companies will low ball with their initial quotations and not include a true door to door service. When this happens, clients arrive overseas to find hundreds if not thousands of additional charges. The best way to avoid this is to ask a few questions:

1. Are terminal/port charges included? Also referred to as DTHC – Destination Terminal Handling Charges
2. Is packing and unpacking included?
3. Do the shipping costs address stairs/floors for the delivery team?

Also, an international mover with no provision for workers’ compensation insurance may charge you lower prices, but consider the liability you may incur if their uninsured worker is hurt while handling your luggage on your premises.

It would, therefore, be better to pay slightly higher price rather than taking the risk.

Who Determines My Shipping Cost?

The cost of shipping a consignment is determined by a representative of the moving company who surveys the entire list of goods. Pricing is generally based on the volume, weight, the distance of the destination and the type of move (by air, sea or road).

It must, however, be noted that with air freight, it is convention to charge for weight or volume, whichever is greater. When moving effects by air, airline companies have devised formula to convert volume into weight to ensure that they earn a fair amount of freight charges for very light items, such as bags of light weight feathers which occupy lots of space.

Therefore, knowing factors such as the weight and volume are quite important in determining whether you should move your belongings by air, sea, or road in relation to cost.

Warehouse Facility

Ask if the company has good temporary storage or warehouse facilities in case you don’t have immediate arrangements to offload and ship them to your new premises, particularly in the event that you reach your destination later than your goods.

Is it company owned or owned by a third party? Are the premises fully insured and bonded?

In some cases, when relocating to a new country, you may have to warehouse your cargo until you have found a suitable accommodation.

Fortunately, we have moving warehouses in Los Angeles, Houston and New Jersey.

Most companies have a stated time period in which no storage fees will accrue. Make sure to ask your moving company in advance so you know the time period.

Knowing the Jargon used by Relocation Companies

If you are thinking of moving, it would help to know some of the jargon used by the shipping companies.

While you are not expected to be an expert in the shipping of household goods, or vehicles, it will help to be familiar with (or at least aware of) some of the terms such as Accessorial Charges, Bill of Lading, Binding Estimate, Booker, Bulky Article, Carrier, Carrier Liability, Cash on Delivery (COD), Cartons, Consignee, Consignor, Containerization, Delivery Date, Demurrage, Inventory (INV), Storage-In-Transit, Tariff, containers, shipping container lengths, FTL/HTL and so on.

In all likelihood, a good international moving company will ensure that you are not bombarded with too much information and at the least clearly communicate what everything means.

After all, your main priority would be to get settled in the new home and leave the relocation worries to the company you’ve chosen.

8 Questions to Ask an International Moving Company

These questions overlap and go hand in hand with the tips above but they’re important nonetheless.

If you are planning to work with an international moving service, your lack of information on the logistics of both scenarios will probably leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed.

When you get to the point where you are ready to commit to using a particular service provider, you should put together a list of questions to ask—that way you can feel even more confident about the job at hand.

Before you start making calls, use these questions as a potential starting point for your interview process.

Are they Properly Licensed and Insured?

This is one of the most important considerations when choosing an international moving company.

Simply ask if the company is insured and bonded. Look on their website for licensing and membership information.

The licenses you want to see from an international mover include:

1. FMC – Federal Maritime Commission
2. FIDI – Is perhaps the most prestigious accreditation an international moving service can have.
3. AMSA – American Moving and Storage Association
4. IAM – International Association of Movers
5. DOT – Department of Transportation
6. OTI – Ocean Transport Intermediary
7. NVOCC – Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier

Can the quoted rate change?

Many times a moving company will send a quote that is valid for 30 days. Your move date may be further down the line than that. The company may be unable to provide an exact rate until after the job is complete.

It is important that you understand how much “wiggle room” there is in the quote so that you will not be surprised.

Some things that may affect the quoted amount: Actual volume vs surveyed volume, price of fuel(lowers ocean transport costs), changes to delivery/pickup address.

Are there any additional fees?

Some international moving companies’ quotes are broken down into separate cost sections and may have “hidden” fees.

Find out the total of any extra moving fees you will pay ahead of time so you can better budget for the whole move.

As mentioned above, make sure to discuss destination terminal handling charges and additional packing fees.

At SCL we offer full quotes with all costs included except insurance. Insurance is based off the value of the goods, so the cost depends on each shipment.

What form of payment do you accept?

This is especially important if you are working with someone overseas. What currency can you pay in and are there bank or credit card charges payable?

What else can I ship via the Relocation service I choose?

Some companies will allow you to ship certain items, but not others. Sometimes the requirements are put in place because of laws in the country of destination.

It is important you understand what you can and cannot ship, so learn about the customs of the destination country.

Who will be handling your freight?

Will the moving service provider you contract handle the shipment from drop off until destination?

It may be that the company works with other companies to handle some of the process. If this is the case, you may want to know this ahead of time.

How long will the shipping process take?

It may not be possible for the company to give you an exact handling and shipping time frame, but it is nice to have a good idea of how long it will take.

This will all depend on the origin port, the destination country and city and the frequency of the shipments to that destination. Discuss this in great detail with your international shipping expert who will advise you so you can prepare for the packing at origin and the unpack at the other end.

Is insurance included?

Will you need to purchase additional insurance to make certain you are protected in the case of damage or loss, or is this already included?

If you are shipping anything of value, this is especially important. You should itemize all expensive items and precious belongings and list them on the insurance policy separately.

These are just a few of the questions you may want answers to before you sign a contract for your overseas moving service.

To start with Schumacher as your international moving company, fill out our quote form at the top of the page!

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact the shipping experts at Schumacher Cargo at [email protected].