International FAQs

(from http://www.fidi.com/)
 
When should I “book” my move?
At least 6-8 weeks before you move.
 
How long do they need for a survey?
Plan on at least one hour. 
 
What are my responsibilities?
In brief:
Be present during the packing of your belongings.
Take personal responsibility for jewelry and other high-value items.
Check and sign the inventory of your belongings.
Ensure that no prohibited items are packed.
Complete value inventory for insurance coverage.
 
What will I have to leave behind?
Take the time to discuss this with your mover, who will have Customs regulations for your destination country. Generally speaking, dispose of all flammable items, liquids, foods and other items that should not be shipped. Think carefully about electrical goods, including refrigerators, cookers and the like. They may not work at your destination and will require a significant amount of labor to transport.

What about my car?
In some countries, the import duty on cars is so crippling you may not want to even think about importing one. Others will have special regulations regarding emission controls or even have rigorous steam cleaning requirements. Please check with your counselor.
 
What about my pet(s)?
Plan transportation of your pet(s) well in advance. Hilldrup International will contact a firm that specializes in pet transportation, as air travel is often distressing for pets. However, thousands of animals travel happily all over the world, and often it’s quarantine regulations that cause the greatest problems. Every country has its own regulations regarding the importation of pets (and this is especially true of birds, such as parrots) so discuss arrangements well in advance.
 
What is off limits?
Drugs, alcohol, weapons, ammunition and pornography. Be advised that certain countries will not allow certain newsstand magazines. 

Should I pack myself?
You certainly can, but it is not recommended. If you decide to pack yourself, you should be aware of potential problems. For instance, insurance companies will not pay out on goods packed by the owner. Also, Customs officials will almost certainly target goods that you have packed. If you really must pack some of your goods, leave the carton unsealed so that the packing crew can inspect the contents and annotate the inventory accordingly.
 
Do I need to insure my property?
It is highly recommended that you insure your property in transit. Hilldrup International will use sophisticated packing material and experienced moving crews to prepare your goods for their trip. But your belongings may be covering thousands of miles, experiencing different weather conditions, wide variations of temperature and several forms of handling. 
 
What kind of insurance should I get?
Discuss it in detail with your counselor. You really need a policy that gives you full replacement costs. Make sure you get a comprehensive cover based on your inventory.
 
How long is this journey going to take?
Probably longer than you think. If you use air freight, allow up to 14 days door-to-door. If you are talking about remote areas, it will take longer. By sea, it depends where you are going but a reasonable estimate for Europe/USA – four to six weeks, Asia/USA – six to eight weeks and Australia/USA – six to eight weeks.
 
And when it arrives, then what?
The destination agent chosen by Hilldrup International will contact you as soon as your shipment arrives. The company will clear it through Customs, complete the paperwork and arrange delivery to your new home. You may be expected to be present if your shipment is inspected by Customs. As soon as you arrive at your destination country, contact the appointed agent and make delivery arrangements.