Moving to France will be a life-changing experience. It will be easier if you can learn as much as possible about this exciting European country before making the move. Below are some interesting things to know about moving to this beautiful, cultural country.
1. Of course, the capital of France is Paris. Paris is also the largest city in France with over 2 million people. That figure rises to 12 million people when the population of the Paris suburbs is included. The Seine River runs through the oldest section of Paris and is divided into two sections, the Left Bank and the Right Bank.
2. There are amazing things to see in Paris. Built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower is the most famous attraction in Paris. Built originally for a fair, the French government originally planned to tear it down, but its popularity changed their mind.
3. France is a member of the European Union and has been one of the world's most powerful countries since the end of the 17th century. With nearly 82 million foreigners visiting each year, it is the most common tourist spot in the world.
4. Moving to France should take some time and foresight. The best thing to do is to visit beforehand so you can explore the area, check into housing and transportation and get a general feeling of the culture of the area. You can't go wrong by visiting first because every country is unique and you want to know that you will be happy living there.
5. The French people love papers. So, when you make your move to France, you will need to show them many documents. Some of these will include: birth certificate, marriage certificate, passport, international or European driver's license, insurance documents, bank references, education records, payroll slips, and more! In other words, if you have a piece of paper that proves anything about yourself, you may want to place it in a folder for your move. Of course, if you are not a European citizen, you will have to apply for a visa.
6. You will need to arrange to have your belongings shipped to France. It is best to choose a moving company that specializes in international moving, rather than one that usually does national moves. International moving companies are more up to date on laws, regulations and things you need to know before moving internationally. Many local companies will advertise for international shipping, but it's not their specialty and they will not have all of the information that you need in order to make have a successful overseas move.
7. If you want to take your pet with you to France, there is good news. Unlike some other countries, France is quite compliant about allowing cats and dogs into their country. You will probably need vaccination certificates and records and a certificate of origin and health, proving that that your pet has lived in a country that is free of rabies for at least three years.
8. If you plan to move your car to France with you, there are some important things to consider. First of all, be sure that the brand and model of your vehicle are sold overseas as well. It can be very difficult in France to get a foreign car approved for driving in France. Secondly, leave the existing license plates on the car. This will make it much easier to get car insurance. Last, but not least, the location of your steering wheel can make a big difference. If the steering wheel is located on the right side, you may have problems with the many toll booths along the highways.
9. When moving into France, every item has to go through customs and be declared. There are certain documents that you will need including: a letter from your employer in France or a certificate stamped by the French Consulate or Embassy of original country, an inventory list of all items in both French and your own language, a document verifying that all items are for your personal use and not for selling, and receipts for all expensive items such as jewelry, electronic equipment, etc. Keep a copy of all document for your own records also.
10. Depending on where you relocating, you will find that the French climate is fairly the same, with slight variations at different locations. The weather in both the north and west are affected by the Atlantic Ocean. In the east, the winters are fairly cold and the weather is generally fair. Summers are generally hot with many rainstorms. Winters tend to be cooler and wet in the south, along with drier and hotter summers.
France continues to be the place of choice for many vacationers and those looking for a new lifestyle. France draws people because of it's high quality of life available to everyone. It's true that France is both modern and old-fashioned and while their science and technology equals those of any country, the people of France appreciate fine food, a slow lifestyle, and the fine things in life. There is a French phrase that describes it best: joie de vivre (joy of living).
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