Travel and relocation
International movers, relocation agents, visa services, pet transport and travel agents. Relocation brings many providers together in a short time, so it pays to know what each one is responsible for.
International removals
- Ask for a survey, in person or by video, and a written quote based on it.
- Check whether the quote covers packing, export clearance, shipping, import clearance and delivery, or only part of the journey.
- Ask whether the firm uses its own staff at both ends or hands over to agents.
- Check the transit insurance: what it covers, how items are valued and the excess.
- Ask about storage costs if your new home is not ready.
Membership of a trade association, such as FIDI or the British Association of Removers, can help, but still check the firm's own terms.
Relocation and visa services
A relocation agent can help with housing, schools and registration. A visa service can prepare applications, but in some countries only licensed advisers may give immigration advice. In the UK, immigration advisers must be regulated, for example by the Immigration Advice Authority, unless they are a regulated lawyer. Always check that official fees are paid to the government, not to an intermediary who passes them on.
Pets
Pet transport companies can handle the paperwork and flights. Rules for microchips, vaccinations and blood tests differ by country, and some must be done months before travel, so start early.