Your International Moving Checklist

There are so many things to do and think about before moving to a foreign country to live.  I keep a growing list of things to remember to do and things to ask about.  Here is a list of a few things to get you started.

Investigate Your New Country's Rules
Regulations and laws vary widely among different countries, so it is important to research these before moving abroad. Contact the appropriate embassy or consulate for information relevant to expatriates relocating to the country, including:

• Visas and permits
• Vaccines for family members
• Restrictions or taxes on shipped household items
• Taxes involved in shipping your car
• Vaccines and quarantines for pets
• Insurance

File Applications for Passports, Visas and Permits
Do this early, as this process takes time to complete. It is also wise to renew early if any of these documents is set to expire in the near future.

Gather Important Documents
Be sure to request official copies of important personal documents and allow at least several weeks to receive them. Suggested items include:

• Birth and Marriage Certificates
• Naturalization, Green Card, Proof of Citizenship, etc.
• Social Security Cards
• Vaccination, Medical and Dental Records
• Insurance Policies
• Academic Records and Diplomas
• Employment Records
• Proof of Residency (utility bill, statement, etc.)
• Living Will and Testament

International Moving and Shipping Companies
Contact international moving and shipping companies to obtain quotes for transporting your belongings overseas. Since it could take over a month for your items to arrive, plan ahead when scheduling your shipment.

Insurance
It is critical to determine the exact insurance requirements and availability at your new destination as limits vary widely throughout the world.

Auto Insurance
Anyone planning to operate an automobile internationally will need to purchase an International Auto Insurance policy. Requirements vary among countries, so select an insurance provider with the expertise and resources to ensure the policy meets your needs.

Property Insurance

International personal property insurance, which can include transit and destination coverage, protects items damaged during the relocation process, while in your foreign residence or during shipping and transit. Contact an insurance provider specializing in expatriates for more information.

Health Insurance
Even if your destination country has a socialized health care system, you may not be eligible for coverage. If you are not covered under a group medical insurance program, individual policies can be purchased to protect you in a foreign country. These policies include worldwide medical protection and also can include evacuation services. Costs are reasonable and, in many cases, less expensive than stateside coverage.

Bank and Credit Card Accounts
Review your accounts and notify your banks that you will be overseas. Also consider online international banking, which makes it easier to transfer and manage funds between countries.

Prescription Drugs
If you or a family member takes prescription drugs, purchase additional quantities and obtain a copy of the medical file related to the condition. Keep them in your carry-on luggage in the event any bags are lost in transit.

International Driving Permit
Renew your driver's license if it is set to expire soon. Acquire an international driving permit (IDP) and take extra forms to renew it annually by mail. You can obtain an IDP at a local office of the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (through the National Auto Club). Remember to carry both your IDP and your U.S. state driver's license with you at all times.

Tax Obligations
Each country has distinct tax rules for foreign earned income. Determine your obligations and gather the necessary paperwork.

Pets
If your pet is moving with you, ensure it receives proper vaccinations and identify a pet carrier. If you have decided not to bring a pet, allow enough time to find it a new home.

Flight and Hotel Reservations
Make any necessary travel arrangements as soon as your travel dates are set.

VOIP Phone Service
Consider using VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone service, otherwise known as broadband phone service. This is an affordable way for expatriates to make local, long-distance and international calls, all for a monthly fee.

Cancel Subscriptions and Forward Mail
Cancel all publication subscriptions and complete the appropriate forms at the post office to ensure your mail is forwarded to your new address.

Do Your Research
Learn about the country's history and culture before you move, so you are prepared with the necessary knowledge to adapt quickly to your new home.

Source:  ExpatExchange

"Belizean Betty" Friday - Toes

Betty loves dipping those toes in the water and one day she will be dipping those toes in the Caribbean.

Belize Weather in March

March weather conditions in Belize are very similar to that of February. March falls within the dry season, and the typically rainy southern part of the country will see even less rain this month. Temperatures are on the rise to a balmy mid-80s and vacationers will enjoy the sun with little interference by a rain shower.

Typical Weather in March

On a typical March day, during the early morning hours you will probably find the temperature will be around 72.6 degrees. The temperature will rise over the course of the typical March day, reaching somewhere around 82.8 degrees by early afternoon. The temperature in Belize will typically decline by early evening, to approximately 78.5 degrees. Overall, temperatures in Belize during March average around 77.5 degrees.

Rain

Rain is most likely to occur around 12:00 AM (midnight) during the month of March, and it is least likely to occur around 3:00 PM . To the extent thunderstorms occur in Belize during March, they are most likely to occur around 12:00 AM (midnight) , as shown in the following table

Source:  Belize Guide

Caribbean Nights Getaway

Need a place to stay while visiting Belize on your fact finding trip?  Banana Beach Resort in Belize is having a promotion starting in July.

Banana Beach Resort Belize is offering their valued customers and friends this great deal – $100 a night per couple, including breakfast and dinner! Where else can you stay at a beachfront resort on an island in the Caribbean for $50 a person a night?

Book online below and mention the Caribbean Summer Nights promotion in the comments box. Make your reservations while rooms are available.

Spread the word! Tell all your family and friends. Groups are welcome. If you’ve never been to Belize, this is the perfect opportunity! La Isla Bonita is calling your name. Powdery white sands…Warm, bright blue waters…Lounge chairs under the Caribbean sun…

For any available dates from July 15 to October 15. Direct bookings through hotel only.
Includes breakfast and dinner at the resort’s El Divino restaurant. Email info@bananabeach.com to learn more.

Planning Your Fact Finding Trip to Belize

There is really only one way to know for sure if Belize is right for you and that would be to make plans to visit Belize.  If you have never been to the country before, I would recommend an initial fact finding trip. Go to Belize to see for yourself what it is like there, eat and drink like a local.

Our initial trip to Belize was for vacation and it was many years ago, so last year we booked a flight to Belize to go on a fact finding trip, with the idea of retiring in Belize.  Months before we left, I read several books on Belize (see Taking Belize blogs recommended reads) and anything on the Internet that I could find related to retiring abroad.  We only had a week, so I made a list of things that we definitely wanted to check out while we were there.  Belize is a small country but a week is really not enough time to see everything, so you may need to make several trips to Belize.

On our first trip to Belize we flew back and forth from the island to the mainland in small puddle jumper planes, but in September we chose to take the water taxi's.  We took a water taxi to Chetumal, Mexico to check out the shopping available there. We also made visits to many of the island grocery stores on Ambergris Caye.

English is widely spoken throughout Belize, so it is easy to travel independently in Belize.  We found the Internet was available in most areas of Belize, so if you needed to make a quick reservation, it was no problem.