So you want to move to New Zealand?

Congrats! I can say definitively that you have picked a great new home. New Zealand is one of those countries that will astound you in ways you didn’t even know were possible. If outdoor sports and activities are your cup of tea then you will feel right at home in this land of extreme adventures. If soaking up natural beauty and culture is what floats your boat, then you will be a happy sailor.

Whether you are checking out the culture in windy Wellington or cruising the fjords of Milford Sound, New Zealand will keep you entertained all day long.

Moving to a new country can sometimes be stressful if you aren’t prepared, but you are in the right place! In this guide we will walk you through some of the things you will need to know in order to have as smooth a transition as possible.

Often when people move to a new country they have questions surrounding such areas as:

• What visa do I need to apply for?
• What is the cost of living in New Zealand?
• What are the best things to see and do in New Zealand?
• How do I move my belongings to New Zealand?

New Zealand visa options

If you are considering moving to New Zealand, the first decision you need to make is what type of visa you will apply for.

If you want to only live there for a year so that you can travel around the country and stay longer than the 90 day tourist visa allows, consider applying for a Working Holiday visa. There are age limits for this visa, with the maximum age for application being 35, but it’s a great option for those who just want to make a temporary move or who want to see what it’s like to live there before making a more permanent move. This is also the cheapest visa option.

If you’ve been offered a job in New Zealand, you will need an Essential Workers visa, which allows you to live and work there for up to 5 years. There is no age limit on this visa.

A Work to Residence visa allows you the opportunity to live and work in New Zealand with the ability to apply for residency if you continue to work for your employer for at least two years. These visas are offered to people who are skilled workers in certain fields or who have been offered a job with an accredited employer. The age limit for this visa is 55 years.

Another visa option is the Skilled Migrant visa. This is a visa that will let you stay in New Zealand indefinitely if you have been offered a job and you have the skills, qualifications, and experience that New Zealand is looking for. The upper age limit on this one is 55 as well.

There are other visas worth looking into as well, such as: an investment visa, a student visa, or a business visa.

You can find out more about how to apply for a New Zealand work visa here.

The cost of living in New Zealand

New Zealand is an incredible place to live, work, and travel, but it is also one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in. Jaw-dropping beauty and incredible outdoor adventure opportunities don’t come cheap and while living in New Zealand is absolutely worth it, the cost of living is definitely something you will want to make sure you’ve adequately budgeted for.

Expatistan lists the overall average cost of living for a single person in NZ at NZ$4212 a month. With the current exchange rate, that equals $2659 USD.

The estimate for a family of four is NZ$7699. The USD equivalent as of this writing is $4860 USD.

Sample New Zealand costs

• Combo meal in a fast food restaurant: NZ$13
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: NZ$7
• Rent for a 900 sqft furnished apartment in an average neighborhood: NZ$2,681
  (Something to keep in mind about rent in New Zealand is that rent is usually charged weekly, not monthly.)
• Utilities for one person in a studio apartment: NZ $240

While living costs can be high, we think that you will find New Zealand to be more than worth it. And once you start exploring all that these stunning islands have to offer, you won’t look back.

The best things to see and do in New Zealand

New Zealand has rightfully earned its reputation as the ultimate outdoor playground and that will be readily apparent when you arrive in the country. With glaciers to climb, glowworm caves to blackwater raft through, jet boats to ride (which were developed in New Zealand) and of course Hobbiton to wander through while letting your imagination also wander…there is no shortage of incredible places to visit in New Zealand. A few of our favorite places are listed below.

Here are some must-see places in New Zealand

• Waitomo Glowworm Caves — rafting through the caves and admiring the glowing worms that look like twinkling stars against a night sky will be one of the most awe-inspiring things you’ve ever done. We highly recommend this unique experience.
• Milford Sound — cruising the fjords here will leave you breathless. There’s a reason why it’s so high on every visitor’s list.
• Fox Glacier — located on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand is a glacier that can be visited via a number of different ways. You can take a free walk to near the base of the glacier. You can go on a paid, guided tour. You can take a scenic helicopter ride over the glacier, or you can even opt to land on the glacier. Franz Joseph Glacier is also in the area. Be sure to read up on both glaciers, as well as weather conditions before visiting either one.
• Wai-O-Tapu — while the area might not smell the best, it’s an incredibly fascinating place where you can see geothermal activity happening all around town. It’s not uncommon to see steam rising from the streets or even from people’s backyards. Geysers and mud pools abound. Locals might even be willing to share with you the best free places to visit natural hot springs. Just don’t enter any springs or pools on your own without knowing that they are safe. People have been scalded to death in New Zealand by accidentally entering hot pools that were boiling at extreme temperatures.
• Hobbiton — even if you haven’t seen the Lord of the Rings, you will still enjoy taking a tour of this retired movie set. It’s also a great place to snap selfies with hobbit holes!

We could turn this post into an entire travel guide if we listed all of the fabulous places that New Zealand boasts, but this list will get you started as you compile your own bucket list of New Zealand experiences.

The best way to move your belongings to New Zealand

When you are ready to move, you want to know that your possessions will be treated carefully as you send them into the unknown on their journey to their new home.

We at Schumacher Cargo Logistics understand this and we are here to help! With over 40 years of experience, we are experts at getting your goods safely to your new home. From vehicles to your entire household, we can ship your belongings door to door from the US to anywhere in New Zealand. Your peace of mind is essential when it comes to such a big move, and we are here to make the entire process easy as pie. Contact us today to find out how we can help you or fill out our online form to get a free quote.

Are you considering moving to Germany soon? Germany is truly a unique yet exhilarating place to live, known for over 300 styles of bread, breathtaking castles and cathedrals, thrilling festivals, Christmas traditions, and more.

Check out this helpful guide, which includes information about Germany’s cost of living, the ins and outs of moving, and what to expect once you arrive. This knowledge should leave you confident and excited about your upcoming move!

The Cost of Living in Germany

There is good news if you are moving to Germany from the US! Germany’s overall cost of living is approximately 23% lower than the United States.

Often, people are most curious about the cost of rent and utilities when considering a move. While housing costs vary depending on location, you can expect to pay $650-$950 for a one-bedroom apartment in Germany, which is approximately 45% lower than in the US. Utilities for the same apartment should be around $250 per month. You can expect to pay more if you rent or buy a larger home.

Gasoline is quite spendy in Germany, coming in at over $8 per gallon. However, a three-course restaurant meal is typically about 20% cheaper in Germany than in the United States. You can expect to save money when you visit the market for groceries – a one-pound bag of rice and one pound of oranges cost only about $1 each.

You will, however, pay more for clothing: A pair of jeans costs about 80% more in Germany than in the US. But no worries – you can make up for this extra expense in childcare, as it usually runs about 67% cheaper than in the United States.

Mortgage interest rates are much better in Germany, averaging less than 2%. It is important to note that you may not earn as much money in Germany – salaries are about 21% less than in the US.

What is Needed to Move to Germany from the US?

Passport

First, you will need a passport as you prepare to fly to Germany, which is standard for all international travel. Make sure you apply for your passport well ahead of time and check its expiration date.

Make Plans for Moving
As your move grows closer, you will need to plan to have your household items and vehicles shipped to your new home. Shipping across the ocean is an economical choice, as air freight is typically 12-16 times more expensive than sea transport.

There are many things to consider when moving to Germany, including packing and wrapping, enclosed storage, customs clearance, pickup and delivery, and more. That’s why using a reputable transport company, such as Schumacher Cargo Logistics, is essential.

Legal Entry Into Germany
You are not required to have a visa to enter Germany from the US. If you plan to stay in the country longer than 90 days, you WILL need a Residence Permit, which requires a passport. When applying for this permit, you must state why you want to move to Germany. Valid reasons include employment, education, and family reunions.
You will need a few things when preparing to apply for your Residence Permit:

• Completed application (two if you are applying while still in the US)
• Legal Passport
• Two photos that meet the country’s photo requirements
• Confirmation that your new address is legally registered
• Financial proof (bank statements, tax documents) that you can provide for yourself
• Letter from employer proving you have a job or offer of employment
• Proof that you have valid health insurance coverage
• Receipts for required fees
• Any other documents that are requested

After five years of residing in Germany, you can apply for a Permanent Residence Visa.

Interesting Local Culture in Germany

“Germany has become a country that many people abroad associate with hope.” – Angela Merkel

Germany, known for its beautifully rich history, is the 7th happiest country in the world… and it’s easy to see why! Within the borders of this forested, hilly country, you’ll find a wide range of fascinating customs, religions, and traditions.

One thing that the German people are known for is their regard for time and punctuality. Typically, they respect structure and privacy, and they value their family and community. In Germany, you will find a large population of writers, intellectuals, and business people who, for the most part, are logical and reasonable.

You’ll quickly notice that Germany is known for its high-quality beer – there are over 7,000 varieties of brew in Germany! They also love delicious, hearty food, including sausage, bread, cabbage, and potatoes.

Traditions of many famous German composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven, can be seen throughout the country today. German Oom-Pah tunes are popular as well, which is a folky, brass band type of music. Additionally, you will notice exquisite architecture throughout the country, from Gothic to Baroque to Renaissance.

Many traditional Christian holidays are observed in Germany, like Christmas and Easter. Another German “holiday” known worldwide is Oktoberfest, which is a 16-18-day-long beer festival that first began in 1810.

One thing is for sure… Germany is undoubtedly bursting with a robust, local culture unlike any other in the world!

The life of a digital nomad can be quite appealing to many. The idea of a working vacation sounds nice. Especially as COVID-19 has forced more Americans to work from home. Employers have also realized that working from home does not mean that productivity is compromised. Some employers are expected to continue to allow employees to work remotely. And why not? This would definitely save money on office space.

Digital Nomad Life is an Option for More Workers

So as more and more people start working remotely, the idea of the home office is also changing. For many that work remotely as long as there is an internet connection you can get your job done. While the digital nomad lifestyle is not a new concept, working remotely from another country is becoming a realistic option for more people.

Working Remotely In Another Country

A couple of the great things about being able to work remotely in another country is the change of venue, and getting out and meeting new people. It is great for our brains and our creativity to get out of a normal routine. A really good way to do that is to step out of the home office and work in a new location.

Working Remotely Abroad Long-Term

What if you have been traveling as a digital nomad and are looking for a more long term stay, somewhere you can put some roots down? Or what if you have children in school but would love the opportunity to work remotely in another county? Or what if you have always wanted to experience a new way of life but while you can work remotely, it’s not easy to hop from destination to destination? Perhaps, you can work remotely but really need to have your home office set up? This list is for you.

These are the top 5 countries where digital nomads or remote workers can stay and work in another country long term. This list is in no particular order and will have links to the remote work visas so you can get more information on the programs and the requirements.

1. Germany – German Freelance “Freiberufler” Visa

Though Germany has a higher cost of living, they have lots of Wi-Fi hotspots and co-working spaces for those days that you need to use an office or need to get out and mix it up with other people.
Some of the requirements for the Freiberufler visa are:

• Have an address in Germany
• Must have health insurance
• Show that you make enough money to support yourself
• Must show there is local economic interest for your services

There is also an Artist visa in Germany, however, this is only good for artists, language teachers, and journalists that plan to live in Berlin.
The German freelance visa will allow you to work remotely in Germany for one year.
Moving Tip: If you are planning to move to Germany, having a good understanding of the German language is going to be very helpful.

2. Dubai – One year virtual working program

This is a new Dubai visa program in 2020. Some of the requirements are:

• Passport with minimum six months validity
• Medical insurance with valid UAE coverage
• Proof of Employment from current employer with a one-year contract validity
• Minimum of $5,000 per month salary
• If the applicant is a company owner: proof of ownership of company for one year or more, with an average monthly income of $5,000 per month

With this remote work visa, you and your family can live in Dubai for at least one year.
Moving Tip: If you are planning to move to Dubai, you will find that 80% of Dubai residents are expats. You will likely find other Americans living and working in Dubai to connect with.

Czech Republic – Long Term Visa

This visa has been available for years to freelance and remote workers. For the Czech Republic long term visa will need to show the following:

• Proof of income
• Have travel medical insurance
• Show proof of where you will be staying

Moving Tip: One of the most appealing things for digital nomads about working long term or moving to the Czech Republic is the low cost of living in Prague.

4. Spain – Self Employment Work Visa

Spain’s self employment work visa allows you to stay for a year. Spain is a great place for digital nomads with great weather, affordable cost of living, and lots of networking events for remote workers. You will find expat communities in the larger cities in Spain like Barcelona and Madrid. These cities are also know to be great for startups.
Moving Tip: Having a good grasp of the Spanish language will be incredibly helpful when moving to Spain.

5. Australia – Working Holiday Visa or the Work and Holiday Visa

The Australian working holiday visa and the work and holiday visa are available to those 18 – 30 years of age that want to work while in Australia to help fund their holiday. If you work online or remotely for a company that is located in the U.S. you can still apply for this visa as long as you do not need a special license or registration to perform your job. Both visas as of this post cost approximately $360 USD.
Moving Tip: When moving to Australia with a working holiday visa there are options to extend your stay with additional visas and completing 3 months of “specified work”. With these extended visas it is possible to stay for up to 3 years.

Whether you just want an extended working vacation or you really want to settle in an experience a country these top 5 destinations for working remotely in another country are good place to start.

When it comes tome to actually moving your household goods to a new country Schumacher Cargo Logistics has the best international moving services that will make the transition easier for you.

One of the best things for US students is to take the chance and study abroad for college. Part of the education you receive will be an adventure as well as you dive into a new geography, language, and culture. As an international student entering a new country, you’ll have to pick a school that caters to the needs and abilities of US students while still offering a foreign experience. Read below for some of the best colleges in England for US students that our customers recommend. 

Best Universities in England for US Students

University of Oxford

Oxford is arguably one of the most famous colleges in the world. With this notoriety it also is on our list for top colleges in England for US students. It may even be the best colleges in all of Europe.

Founded in 1096, this school has been in operation for over 900 years. Since it’s foundation, over 26000 Americans have graduated from Oxford. This means Americans are the largest amount of graduates outside of the UK.

More Info

Imperial College London

One of the more modern schools in this list, the Imperial College London was founded in 1907 by royal charter. This college focuses on science, engineering, medicine, and business so if you want to study these it may be the right option in England.

With many exchange programs and full degree systems designed for Americans, Imperial College London is a great choice for US students.

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University College London

University College London was originally founded in 1826 as London University. Many people going to this school love life near the college. There is always something to do when you have a break from the studies. Many of these schools are located in London, but the University College London might have the best position of the bunch.

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King’s College London

Established by the king himself, King’s College London has one of the largest US student populations in England. With somewhere between one and two thousand US students, they double and sometimes triple the amount of any other school on this list. While we would recommend experiencing as much of a culture as you can, sometimes having a safety net helps the integration in a new country. In that case, King’s College London may be the right choice for you.

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University of Manchester

Located on the other side of England, the University of Manchester has many offerings to US students as well. One of the main benefits is that this school has the largest student body in England. With so many people, chances are you’ll be able to experience more while you are there.

More Info

Need to Move to One of The Best Colleges in England?

Ready to make one of these universities your destination school and want to bring goods or a vehicle with you? Moving abroad can seem intimidating. Luckily, Schumacher Cargo can help make the move to England a less complicated. So all you will have to worry about is what you’ll experience first!

For help moving to your new school in England, fill our Online Form or call in at (800) 599-0190

There are many great reasons for living in Italy as an American. Ultimately, it offers a great experience to both expats looking for work and to retire. However, there are pros and cons of living in Italy vs USA to look at first. Not all aspects of life will be better than in America and it is worth it to compare the differences.

Check out our article on the pros and cons for differences living in the Italy below!

Living in Italy: Pros and Cons Disclaimer

One disclaimer to start with is that there are differences in living all throughout Italy. Living in Rome, will be different than Milan, Naples, Turin, etc. For this reason, the differences between Italy and USA are broad and may not apply to every area in the country.

Pros of Living in Italy

There are many pros when living in Italy vs the USA. The fact that so many Americans are living there right now should be a testament to that. We’ve listed some of the many things that expats love when living here.

Amazing Food and Wine

The first things expats write to us about is the amazing food in Italy. Where else can you get the most authentic Italian food, than in the country that created it. From real handmade pastas to authentic margarita pizzas, you’ll be sure to have something incredible to eat here. 

Culture and History

 With it’s long history and great preservation, Italy retains some of the most famous pieces of history in the world. There are some of the greatest buildings still standing such as the Roman Coliseum or the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is also home to legendary artists like da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio. In Italy, you’ll always be able to experience a little bit of the past anywhere you look.

Easy Home Buying Procedure

For countries like America, Italy offers a reciprocal home buying policy. This means that property is pretty straightforward to buy. Many countries make it much harder for foreigners to buy a home compared to Italy. It becomes much easier to live or retire in Italy if you have a permanent place to stay.

Cons of Living in Italy vs USA

Unfortunately, there are also cons when living in the Italy vs the USA. When living here, many Americans have experiences that are unappealing and detract from the overall experience. We’ve listed some of the many cons expats have told us they experienced while staying here.

Language Barrier for Many Americans

Many people can speak English in the main cities, but generally prefer to speak Italian. This means that when trying to communicate with locals, you may have a hard time. Though there are also many expat communities in Italy if you want to have an English speaking experience.

Expats Still Pay US Taxes

Given that you are an American expat in Italy, you still have to pay income tax to the USA if you make money. You can get rid of your US citizenship and become an Italian citizen, but that is a drastic way to avoid this. Most expats pay the taxes to both countries as many want to return in the future.

Employment Issues

If you are plan on moving here before employment you may have a harder time. Many spouses of expats try to look for work, but struggle to find jobs with the same ease they did in America. People retiring in Italy don’t have to worry about this issue, though it does end up being a big problem for some.

Want to Live in Italy

With the pros and cons of living in Italy, there are definitely reasons to move here. Even though there are downsides, nowhere is perfect. Italy has had a boom in Americans living there for good reason anyways.

If you are moving or thinking about moving, we at Schumacher Cargo Logistics can help you out. With over 40 years of experience, SCL is a premier moving company. From cars to full households, we can ship your goods door to door from the US to anywhere in the country. There are definitely more differences between Italy and the US, but we’ll let you experience the rest while you’re there.

To get started fill out our Online Quote Form or read another of our Italy guides below.

More Italy Guides

• Moving to Italy
• Car Shipping to Italy
• Shipping Containers to Italy