The 2019 Chicago Auto Show: Hours, Dates, Tickets, Parking and more!
The annual Chicago Auto Show is the nation’s largest and best-attended auto show. The 2019 Chicago Auto Show will take place from February 9-18, 2019, at McCormick Place in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
First staged in 1901, the 2019 event will be the 111th Chicago Auto Show. It is owned and produced by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association.
What You’ll See At the Chicago Auto Show
The show takes up more than 1 million square feet of McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America. Exhibits will feature nearly 1,000 of the newest cars, trucks and SUVs. Vehicles on display include production cars, debut models and concept cars.
If you’re unable to attend but still want to follow along, check out the hashtag #CAS19 on social media to see live updates from attendees and exhibitioners. Get a glimpse of last year’s concept cars here:
Chicago Auto Show Hours & Dates
The show takes place in February, giving Chicagoans a great excuse to get out of the blustery cold coming off Lake Michigan. The 2019 Chicago Auto Show dates are Saturday, Friday 9 to Monday, February 18 (Presidents’ Day).
The Chicago Auto Show hours of admission are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., every day, however the show will close at 8 p.m. on its final day in honor of Presidents’ Day.
Chicago Auto Show Tickets & Parking
Tickets for the Chicago Auto Show are available online or at ticket booths within McCormick Place. Adult tickets are $13, and tickets for children (7-12) and senior (62+) are $7.
Chicago Auto Show discount tickets are available in a few ways:
Women’s Day: On Tuesday, February 12, women are admitted for $7.
Food Drive: Attendees who donate three canned foods will receive $5 off adult admission for February 13-15. All food collected will benefit A Safe Haven Foundation.
Chicago Auto Show parking is available on-site in the three main McCormick Place parking lots: A, B & C. Parking in Lots A & C is $23, and parking in Lot B is $15. After 6 p.m. during the Chicago Auto Show, the parking rate is $10.
More information for tickets, parking and the show in general can be found on the show’s official website.
Things To Do in Chicago in The Winter
While you’re in town, take advantage of the other attractions in Chicago. Don’t let the chilly February weather deter you from touring around; there are plenty of things to do in Chicago in the winter:
Museum Campus: Spend the day wandering around world-class museums like the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium or Adler Planetarium.
Millennium Park: Skate at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, or take a mirror selfie at Cloud Gate (also known as “The Bean”).
The Magnificent Mile: Shop along Michigan Avenue, Chicago’s premier commercial district. Or just window shop, if that’s what your wallet is telling you.
Broadway in Chicago: Chicago is a main stop in the Midwest for national productions of Broadway musicals. Touring shows in town at the time will be box-office hits “Hamilton” and “Dear Evan Hansen.”
Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory: Discover a jungle in the middle of the concrete jungle. Admission to the zoo and conservatory is free, but you’ll still see incredibly flora and fauna.
Shipping Your Car with Schumacher Cargo Logistics
If the Chicago Auto Show inspires you to take your vehicle on the road, we’ve got you covered. Schumacher Cargo Logistics has 40 years of experience in international car shipping. Get a free shipping quote from our moving specialists and call us toll-free at 800-599-0190 now to get started!
Ah, retirement. The golden age of new opportunities and looking back on a life full of hard work. You have the time now to pick up new hobbies or take on the adventure of a lifetime. And while many retirees may feel inclined to stay close to home and loved ones, this is the perfect chance to settle down someplace new and discover a whole new world.
Every January for the past 29 years, International Living updates its list of the top 10 countries for retirees to move to every year. These countries receive an average score based on the International Living Annual Global Retirement Index. This index considers the overall quality of life for expat retirees, according to a number of metrics.
So if you’re soon approaching retirement and planning this next chapter, already retired and looking for a change of pace, or even years away and simply daydreaming, consider an international retirement! There is no better time than now to pack your bags and jetset for a new life across the world in the best international retirement locations.
Read below for our coverage of the top 10 places to retire overseas!
The 10 Best Places to Retire Abroad in 2019
10. Spain
This western European country is a prime beach destination for the rest of the continent. And since it’s a first world country, expats will find a comfortable standard of living and many of the familiar amenities of home. Traveling around the country and to other parts of Europe is easily done via train.
The country’s warm provides long farming seasons, meaning there is plenty of fresh and inexpensive produce at the market. The southern region, close to the Mediterranean Sea, is hot and dry, while further north toward the Pyrenees Mountains is mild and cool.
Spain boasts one of the lowest costs of living in western Europe. A couple could comfortably live on $2,500 a month in many parts of the country. Additionally, the World Healthcare Organization ranks Spain as having one of the best healthcare systems in the world.
9. Thailand
Nestled in southeast Asian, Thailand is a tropical paradise. The tropical and humid climate means there is no threat of a cold winter; perfect for snowbirds.
The cost of living is considerably low; a modern studio apartment rents for $400 a month. Utilities and groceries are also low. Travel within the country is also inexpensive, and it’s easy to hop on a plane to explore the rest of southeast Asia.
For those who are really looking for an all-immersive experience, Thailand boasts a rich culture that’s completely its own. The country has never been colonized by western or European countries. However, there are plenty of bustling expat communities for you to make plans with new friends.
8. Peru
This mountainous country of ancient Incan ruins and llamas has recently become a favored retirement location. There is a large number of expats living throughout the country. In Lima, the country’s capital, you can find incredible restaurants, art museums, galleries and theaters. The international airport is constantly seeing direct flights to and from neighboring South American countries.
The weather is mild with sunshine for 300 days out of the year. This temperate climate means that fresh and local produce is always available at a low cost. The overall cost of living stays low, too. A couple can easily live on a budget of less than $2,000 a month in most regions.
Since there are not many English-speakers, anyone moving here should learn Spanish to fit in and get around. However, the community is still friendly and welcoming of expats.
7. Portugal
Portugal is known for its friendly community. The people are happy to share their culture with others, and they make an effort to welcome visitors and expats. English is widely spoken in the more populous urban areas of Porto and Lisbon, so English-speakers can easily get around.
Portugal is the second least expensive country in Europe, just after Bulgaria. You can modestly live here on a comfortable budget of $2,500 a month. Additionally, the 2018 Global Peace Index rated Portugal as the fourth-safest country in the world.
6. Colombia
If you can’t start your day without a cup of coffee, Colombia might be the perfect place for you. The country is known for its incredible coffee industry, and the Coffee Triangle offers beautiful and lush mountain scenery. If the mountains aren’t calling your name, don’t worry. You can head down to the Caribbean for tropical and hot beaches. Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, so there is no shortage of incredible landscapes.
Retired expats can easily attain a retirement visa that’s good for three years. You’ll also have easy access to affordable yet high quality healthcare. The World Health Organization ranks Colombia’s health system at #22 (for perspective, the United States is at #37 and Canada is at #30).
5. Malaysia
Malaysia is a popular choice for those who love an outdoor lifestyle. More than 878 islands make up the country’s geography, and there are amazing hiking trails through the beaches and rainforests. Discovering the rest of Asia is easy through direct and inexpensive flights right out of the Penang International Airport.
Don’t worry if you don’t speak Malay; English is the unofficial first language. Malaysian law is based on the British system, and all road signs are in both English and Malay.
A couple can comfortably live on the island of Penang for $1,800 a month, including rent. And don’t forget the affordable healthcare. Medical services can be done day-of and on a low budget, so it’s an especially attractive feature for expats.
4. Ecuador
There is something for everyone in Ecuador. Choose to live along the tropical coast or up in the temperate Andes mountains. Get caught in the bustle of the big-city life and all of its conveniences or choose to watch the world go by in quaint villages. You’ll find a fascinating mix of indigenous, Inca and Spanish cultures, great for those always trying something new. There are plenty of expat communities that take advantage of the local laidback lifestyle, and you’ll want to jump right in.
Another benefit is the affordability. It’s entirely possible to buy a beach home for less than $150,000. Utilities, household help, and personal services cost much less here. The warm climate allows for year-round growing seasons, so food is fresh and inexpensive at local markets.
3. Mexico
Mexico’s proximity to the United States has made it a popular vacation destination for generations, so why not choose to move here? Expats will find incredibly affordable healthcare and a low cost of living. Depending on the location, a couple can comfortably live on $1,500 to $3,000 a month, including rent and healthcare. After you gain residency, you can sign up for a national healthcare plan. Residents over the age of 60 can also acquire a national senior discount card.
Geographically, Mexico is a huge country. The vast landscape includes farmland, beaches, mountains, oceans and lakes. You can choose to live in the warm beach towns or up in the spring-like Colonial Highlands. Wherever you go, you’re sure to find a community that is welcoming to expats.
2. Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a healthy history of a peaceful culture and stable democracy. The country abolished its army in 1948 and dedicated that budget to its education and healthcare instead. The country has plenty of options for healthcare services, and the socialized medicine program is available once you acquire residency.
For active retirees who love the outdoors, there is no shortage of activities to get you outside. The tropical rainforests, pristine beaches and lush mountains supply the perfect backdrop for fishing, golfing, horseback riding, hiking, yoga and diving.
Costa Ricans, locally known as Ticos, are warm and welcoming to expats. There are plenty of expat communities as well to help you fit in.
1. Panama
One definite perk to Panama is its location. It’s warm and tropical near the Caribbean, but it’s also outside of the hurricane belt. It’s located close enough to the United States that a visit home is easy; Miami is only a 3-hour plane ride away. The U.S. dollar is the country’s currency, so no need to figure out a new exchange rate.
The capital, Panama City, is Central America’s only first world city. This bustling metropolis also boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Outside of the city, you’ll find amazing mountains and beaches.
Retirees in Panama have access to the country’s Pensionado Program. It’s considered one of the best retiree programs in the world and is open to everyone. Program participants have access to incredible discounts on everything from medical expenses to entertainment and travel.
How International Living’s Global Retirement Index Works
The Retirement Index was developed in 1990 and weighs the financial, health, lifestyle and governance pros and cons of each country. Such metrics include Cost of Living, Fitting In, Healthcare, Climate and Development. Every factor is carefully considered to determine the best retirement destinations abroad.
These retirement havens get scores based off of International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index. These scores are then averaged and the highest scores make the list for the new year. Additionally, the International Living team is spread throughout 5 continents and is able to provide a personal take on what life is like for an expat in these countries. With their help, International Living annually publishes who’s on top of the Global Retirement Index list.
Retire Overseas with Schumacher Cargo Logistics
Ready to take on the next chapter in life in a new and foreign land? Our Moving Specialists are here to tell you how to move abroad. With 40 years of internationally shipping vehicles and household goods, our team ensures a safe and efficient move. Whether you’re moving just across the Atlantic to Spain or around the world to Malaysia, you can get your free shipping quote and call us toll-free at 1-800-599-0190 today.
Driving on the Autobahn is a dream of many motorists that aren’t near Europe. The idea of long roads with unrestricted speed limits is enough to get people to fly out and visit. Even though people make this trip, many non natives don’t actually know how to drive on the Autobahn which actually has rules and customs. To help with that we’ve created a guide for the Autobahn below.
It’s known across the world as the German highway with no speed limit. But it’s more than that. For speedsters and auto fanatics, the Autobahn is the ultimate place to take your shiny new sports car, especially with luxury European automakers close by.
Where is the Autobahn? How long is the Autobahn?
The word autobahn translates to “motorway,” so technically speaking, any country has an autobahn. However, the Autobahn references Germany’s highway system. Since Austria and Switzerland also speak German, their highways are also called autobahn.
The Autobahn in Germany is 12,993 km (8,073 miles) long. To compare, the United States’ highways are 77,540 kilometers (48,180 miles) combined. When you think about the size of the United States and the size of Germany, the length and density of the Autobahn is impressive.
Autobahn Speed Limit – Myth or Fact?
Famous for being the fastest highway in the world, there actually are speed limits on the Autobahn, believe it or not. Specific limits are posted near urban areas, like Frankfurt, Berlin and Munich, or for construction and heavy traffic. These limits will be posted as black numbers with a red outline on a white circular sign.
Outside of these areas, there is a recommended top speed of 130 kilometers per hour (50-80 mph). These will be posted as white numbers on blue square signs. While there are a few sections of the Autobahn without a speed limit, it’s wise to not go above 130 km/h, especially if you’re new to this highway.
You’ll see electronic signs that display “dynamic speed limits,” giving live updates to control traffic if there is an accident, construction, severe weather or special road conditions. Some may even show different limits for the specific lane that you’re driving in, so pay close attention to these.
Autobahn Highway Laws
Like every road system, there are traffic laws that all drivers must obey. Some of these are obvious, but some are specific to the Autobahn.
It is illegal to pass on the right. You can pass only on the left.
Stay in the right lane, especially if you’re new to the Autobahn. The left lane is for drivers going extremely fast or for passing vehicles in the right lane.
Stopping, parking, u-turns and backing up on the Autobahn is illegal.
It is illegal to run out of gas on the Autobahn; it’s seen as a preventable circumstance and it leads to stopping, which is illegal.
Entering and exiting is only allowed on the marked interchanges.
Pulling over onto the shoulder is prohibited, unless your car breaks down.
Autobahn, Germany Travel Tips
The following tips aren’t as mandated as the laws above, but they are social customs that every driver on the Autobahn should follow.
Triple check your mirrors before changing lanes. Because cars travel so fast on the Autobahn, someone may come zipping up when there was no one there a second ago.
Most rental cars will have standard transmission. If you’re used to automatic, you can pay extra for that or quickly learn how to drive standard.
Police don’t run speed radar the way they do in the United States. Instead, there are cameras in area with strict speed limits that will take a picture of your license to deliver an electronic ticket. Just because you don’t see a police car doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.
Rest stops and service stations are available every 40-60 km. Drivers are encouraged to take a break at these areas every 100 km (or two hours) as the highway can be draining. These stops can include gas stations, cafes, restrooms and hotels.
Embrace the local driving culture. German drivers don’t need as much elbow room as Americans do on the road, so don’t take it personally if it seems like a fellow driver cut you off. Chances are they thought you had plenty of space.
Helpful Terms to Know When Driving in Germany
Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Learn the following terms to help you out when driving in Germany, Austria or Switzerland.
Ausfahrt = exit; posted on road signs to indicate a rest stop or on/off-ramps.
Stau = traffic jam; you’ll hear radio announcements informing drivers where there is congestion or even stopped traffic.
Unfall = accident; another term you may hear on the radio or see on electronic live-update signs.
Rettungsgasse = free lane; during a Stau, the stopped traffic forms an open lane to allow emergency vehicles to pass through, especially for accidents on the Autobahn.
Shipping Cars to and from Germany
Ready for life in the fastest lane? You can export your car to Germany from the United States with Schumacher Cargo Logistics. As an auto shipping specialist, we regularly ship cars to Germany. There’s no one better to trust your vehicle with. We’ll get your car to Germany safely and efficiently, so you’ll be burning rubber in no time! We offer a handful of shipping services to Germany.
Want a taste of the German auto life, but can’t quite make it to Deutschland? You can now import a car to the United States from Germany with Schumacher Cargo Logistics, too! Interested? Get your free shipping quote from the moving specialists at Schumacher Cargo Logistics now, and we can get started today.
At Schumacher Cargo Logistics, we’re experts in shipping vehicles overseas or exporting household goods. However, not everyone knows what’s required and we receive a lot of questions about what documents our customers need when moving internationally. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a helpful guide to explain some of the most common documents required when exporting an automobile or household goods.
Documents for Vehicle Export from USA
Passport
A clear scanned copy with the passport number
If it’s a U.S. passport, it needs to include the Employer Identification Number (EIN)
If it is not a U.S. passport, no EIN is needed
Receive your Employer Identification Number with the EIN Assistant
Certificate of Title
The shipper’s name has to be the current owner of the vehicle listed on the title
Bill of Sale
Power of Attorney, depending on the port
Documents for Exporting Household Goods
Passport
A clear scanned copy with the passport number
If it’s a U.S. passport, it needs to include the Employer Identification Number (EIN)
If it is not a U.S. passport, no EIN is needed
Receive your Employer Identification Number with the EIN Assistant
Valuation of the shipment, as required by U.S. Customs
If you are only exporting your vehicle for a temporary amount of time, you can get an ATA Carnet. This specialized document allows you to bring your car and household goods overseas for up to a year, and then the item(s) need to be brought back. For example, you would use this document if you were shipping your car overseas for a race or a show; after the event, the car would be returned to the United States.
Using this document gives you the benefit of bringing your vehicle and household goods into the country duty and tax free. In addition, you cannot sell the item(s) with a carnet overseas.
Documents for Exporting Items, by Country
Note that the lists above are not exhaustive; these documents are only the most commonly required. Each country will have its own specific requirements for exported items. Here are some examples of the different documentation required by Australia, France and the United Kingdom.
Australia
B534 Form – Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement
France
Inventaire pour la Douane Française / Inventory for French Customs
How Schumacher Cargo Logistics Can Help You Export Your Items
To keep things in order, Schumacher Cargo Logistics provides to our customers a checklist to ensure that all required documents are received, as well as assistance if you need help completing the documents. In addition, you will receive a booking confirmation letter containing details of your shipment and information for the documents required by your destination country.
Packing for a move is an exhaustive chore, and it can seem even more daunting if you’re moving to a different country. Not only are you making sure that all your items get to your destination safely and efficiently, you have to figure out a foreign country’s laws, culture and overall way of life. This list of important items to take with you as an expat is a great place to start and refer to during your move abroad.
Important documents to bring as an expat:
Be sure to have copies of these tucked away in a safe spot, and provide copies of these to a trusted contact back home in case of emergency.
Passport
Driver’s license
Debit and credit cards; remember to notify your bank of your move so the activity on your account isn’t marked as suspicious.
Immunization records, health insurance, and other key medical records for all members of your family
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any other kind of legal documentation that affects you and your family
Physical list of important contacts in case technology fails; don’t forget to have the address and contact information of the nearest Embassy or Consulate of your home country.
Tech-related items to bring as an expat:
Universal plug converter
Voltage converter
Cell phone and coverage plan that both work in your destination country
Handy apps for your smartphone: language translator, a currency calculator, navigation and maps that can be saved offline, etc.
Health-related items to bring as an expat:
Prescriptions: renew and fill these prior to moving, and do your research to make sure that your prescriptions can be filled in your destination country.
Over-the-counter medicines: probiotics, antihistamine, cold and flu care, etc. Living in a new country, your body may take a while to get used to the unfamiliar elements.
If you are particular about your brands of toiletries, be sure to stock up on those if they aren’t carried in your destination country.
Comforts of home to bring as an expat:
While you should do everything you can do embrace the culture of your new country, having a couple items to remind you of home can help with homesickness and the ease of moving.
Personal mementos
Favorite snacks and other foods that might not be available
Books in your native language; if you want to lighten the load and save space in your new home, look into an e-reader, like a Kindle, or find downloadable copies of books that you can access on a smartphone.
Tape measures, measuring cups and related items in case the system used is different than what you know
Clothes or shoes that fit you if you need a specific, hard-to-find size
While this isn’t a definitive list of items you should bring, it’s a good place to start. Feel free to do your own research or contact the Embassy or Consulate of your home country in your destination country if you have questions.
Trust Schumacher Cargo Logistics with your move
You want your items to reach their destination as securely and efficiently as possible. Schumacher Cargo Logistics can do exactly that. Trust Schumacher Cargo Logistics to safely move your vehicle, boat, motorcycle and household goods.
