Tag: international move

Moving Abroad: Tips for a Successful International Move

Posted on | by New Zealand Movers

Looking for more career opportunities, higher income, better quality of life for your family and new and interesting cultural experiences? Moving abroad can come with all of these amazing benefits and more.

Moving internationally is a mix of a whole bunch of emotions but, when you keep in mind the tips outlined by New Zealand Movers, you’ll be totally confident in starting this new chapter in life.

Research visa and work permit requirements

Every country has different visa and work permit requirements. The first thing to do for a successful international move is to research these requirements and obtain all the correct documents. Government websites, embassies and consulates all contain a wealth of knowledge for acquiring work permits in the country you’re moving to.

Moving companies require more notice, so book early

The top tip for a successful international move is to book in your moving company as soon as possible. Once all your paperwork (passport, visa, work permit, travel and health insurance, social security numbers) has been approved booking your relocation with your moving company is the first thing you should do. There is more planning involved for an international move and dependent on your destination transit times differ.

Contacting New Zealand Movers, NZ’s best international relocation company, should be at the top of your list and give you peace of mind securing an ideal time for your move abroad.

Get comfortable from the beginning

Another important tip for moving abroad is to make sure you’re comfortable from the very beginning of your time in your new home. Feeling comfortable is important to settle in quickly, which lets you feel confident and safe in your new country. So, think about the possessions that give you a sense of normalcy: your bed, mattress, dining table, couch – all the things that are important in this way should be brought over from New Zealand.

Are there any essential items that you require sooner? Items such as work tools, office equipment, cots etc. Ask New Zealand Movers about their Air Freight options, this is the fastest way to get these items to your destination.

Look for schools

If you are moving internationally with children, for a successful move, it’s best to research good school months in advance of your move. Whether you’re looking at private, public or international, it’s look for a school that promises a quality education, is accessible via your preferred mode of transport, and that your child will be happy at, too. We suggest researching and applying for schools around 3-6 months in advance of your move.

Talk to colleagues and other expats in your country

Luckily, you’re not the first person to move from New Zealand to your new country. Loads of others have done the journey before you. Online community groups of Kiwi and Aussie expats can provide a wealth of knowledge and give you advice they wish they’d had before they moved overseas. You can also consult any expat colleagues at your new workplace.

New Zealand Movers are passionate about moving Kiwis to new places all around the world. Offering the best international moving service in the country. New Zealand Movers provide full-scale moves to every continent in the world (apart from Antarctica, of course). Get in touch with the friendly team at New Zealand Movers and ask for a quote today.

5 Top Reasons To Move To Canada

Posted on | by New Zealand Movers

Oh, Canada! Oh, Canada! Thinking of packing up your life in New Zealand and moving far away to the Great White North? Relocating to Canada is something many Kiwis dream of doing, attracted by the great quality of life, big and vibrant cities, and suitability for family life.

So, before you’re making snow angels in your backyard, let’s talk about some of the other big drawcards of moving to Canada. The experts at New Zealand Movers, who have helped hundreds of Kiwi families pack up and head to Canada, explain the 5 top reasons to jump ship!

1. Loads of job opportunities

Canada has plenty of job opportunities, across a wider range of industries than here in New Zealand. From high-paying mining jobs to manufacturing to real estate to oil and gas, Canada’s job opportunities are abundant in each state.

Alberta is Canada’s biggest province for oil, gas and mining, and many Kiwis in these industries head there for generous salaries and a perfect life for family. Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta’s two biggest cities, consistently rank in the top 8 cities for quality of life in Canada, with an affordable cost of living and a wide range of recreational activities, too.

2. Time for exploring

If there’s one thing you picture when you think of Canada, it’s probably snow and all the related activities that go with it! Every province and territory in Canada experiences snowy winters, giving you and the family a chance to live your best lives as snow bunnies. Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snowman building are all common weekend activities for families across Canada.

3. Top educational facilities

Canada consistently ranks within the top 10 countries for education in the world, meaning your children will have excellent learning opportunities. For example, as French is an official language of Canada, every student learns French in school. But French classes aren’t just limited to school kids; in Quebec, for example, the government actually pays work visa holders to learn French. Getting paid to learn another language is a pretty great deal, right?

4. It’s easy to do

New Zealand and Canada are both part of the Commonwealth, and this makes it easy for Kiwis to move to Canada. Obtaining a Canadian work permit is a simple process which can almost entirely be done online, and costs around $300. So, if you’re wanting a change of pace, but don’t want to go through an overly bureaucratic process, moving to Canada is an awesome choice.

5. There’s something for everyone

Canada has something, or somewhere, for everyone. The world-class ski slopes and hiking tracks of Vancouver, the bustling streets with bars and cafes in Montreal, the charming old town of Quebec City, the fast-paced economic hub of Toronto… it’s all happening in Canada.

New Zealand Movers are your first choice team for moving to Canada. Having moved countless Kiwi families to many different Canadian cities, they’re experienced in international relocations and offer stress-free moves at competitive prices. Request a free, no obligation moving quote today.

 

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Moving to Australia From NZ Checklist

Posted on | by New Zealand Movers

Thinking of making the move across the ditch? Moving in with our Aussie cousins is something many Kiwis choose to do, attracted by greater job prospects, lower cost of living, and a close proximity to friends and family back home. It’s a decision you certainly won’t regret! 

So, what are some of the things you need to do before you make the big move to Australia from New Zealand? Here, the experts at New Zealand Movers, who have over 40 years of experience in moving Kiwis across the Tasman, outline a detailed checklist when moving to Australia from NZ. 

 

What to Do before moving to Australia

1. Visas and Immigration for New Zealanders 

New Zealand citizens have one of the easiest pathways to living and working in Australia, thanks to the long-standing Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement between the two countries. 

In most cases, Kiwis are granted a Special Category Visa (SCV) automatically when you arrive in Australia, as long as you meet standard health and character requirements. This visa allows you to: 

  • Live and work in Australia 
  • Study 
  • Travel in and out of Australia freely 

A helpful thing to know is that the SCV is usually granted electronically through border control. It remains valid while you’re in Australia, but if you leave the country, it typically ends, and you’ll be issued a new SCV when you re-enter. 

It’s also worth noting that the SCV is a temporary visa, not permanent residency. While you can often stay indefinitely, your access to certain government benefits can be limited. If you’re planning a long-term move, you may want to look into residency or other visa options down the track. 

For the most up-to-date guidance and answers to common questions, you can also refer to the New Zealand Embassy’s visa FAQ page.

 

2. Find a Job 

It’s always easier to move to Australia from NZ when you’ve lined up a job on the other side first. Not only will this give you peace of mind regarding a financial safety net, but your new employer may also be able to cover part of the cost of moving, flights, etc. 

There is currently strong demand across a range of industries in Australia, including: 

  • Healthcare and aged care 
  • Construction and engineering 
  • IT and technology 
  • Education and childcare 
  • Hospitality and tourism 

A good place to explore roles, set up job alerts, and get job-seeker resources is Workforce Australia, the Australian Government’s employment service. 

 

3. Choosing the Right City

Australia is a big place, and with remote work becoming more and more common, you may have significantly wider options for choosing where you’re going to live. More than 85% of the population lives within 50km of the coast. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are renowned for their coastlines, but smaller, arguably undervalued cities like Coffs Harbour and Townsville also have their fair share of amazing beaches. 

Read our blog about the top 5 cities to move to in Australia to find out more. 

 

4. Find Short-Term Accommodation

It’s always best to lock in short-term housing in your city of choice, so that you can be present at inspections of homes for sale or rent. We never advise buying or leasing a home, sight unseen. 

 

5. Book Your Moving Company

Once your plans are in place, it’s time to organise your move, and set a realistic budget at the same time. The cost of moving to Australia can vary depending on a few key factors, including: 

  • How much you’re taking (volume) 
  • Where you’re moving to 
  • Whether you choose sea freight or air freight 
  • Whether you use packing services 
  • Time of year and availability 

When you’re looking for a moving company, it helps to choose a team with Trans-Tasman experience, so they can support you with documentation and timelines. New Zealand Movers are a well-known option for NZ to Australia relocations. 

 

6. Convert Some NZD to AUD

Before you leave, it’s a good idea to have some Australian dollars ready for your arrival. New Zealand Movers works with XE to help customers with international money transfers, offering: 

  • Competitive exchange rates 
  • No transfer fees 
  • A secure way to move your money 

It’s still worth comparing options to find what works best for you, but having this sorted ahead of time can make things easier when you arrive. 

 

What to Do After You’ve Arrived

1. Enroll in Medicare 

Medicare is Australia’s public healthcare system, and New Zealand citizens are generally eligible to enrol when they’re living in Australia. 

To get it sorted, you’ll usually need: 

  • Your New Zealand passport 
  • Documents that show you live in Australia, for example a lease/rental agreement, a utility bill, or proof of employment. Medicare often asks for two documents showing your Australian address. 

You can enrol by visiting a Medicare office, and in many cases you can also apply online through myGov. Once you’re enrolled, your Medicare card is posted out and you can also access a digital version. 

 

Private Health Insurance 

Medicare covers many basic healthcare services, but it doesn’t include everything. Things like: 

  • Dental care 
  • Optical (glasses and contact lenses) 
  • Some specialist treatments 

Because of this, many people choose to take out private health insurance for extra cover and shorter waiting times. 

 

2. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)

A Tax File Number (TFN) is required to work in Australia and to make sure you’re taxed at the correct rate. 

You can apply online once you’ve arrived. You’ll usually need your passport details and an Australian address. TFN applications are free, and it can take up to 28 days to receive your TFN after you submit your application.

 

3. Open a Bank Account

Opening an Australian bank account will make managing your finances much easier. When you’re opening an account, you’ll usually need some form of ID such as your passport, and depending on the bank you may also be asked for an Australian address or other proof of identity. 

You should also: 

  • Let your New Zealand bank know you’re moving so your accounts don’t get flagged for unusual activity 
  • Check any subscriptions, direct debits, and automatic payments you still have in NZ 
  • Set up a secure way to transfer money between countries if needed

 

4. Transfer Your Driver’s Licence

In most cases, you can transfer your New Zealand driver’s licence to an Australian one without needing to sit a test, especially if you hold a full NZ licence. Requirements can vary slightly depending on the state, so it’s best to check locally. 

When you do transfer it, you’ll usually need: 

  • Your NZ driver’s licence 
  • Proof of identity 
  • Proof of address in Australia 

 

5. Register with Local Services

Once you’re settled, you may also need to: 

  • Register with a local GP 
  • Enrol children in school or childcare 
  • Set up utilities and rental agreements 

 

Ready to Make the Move? 

Moving to Australia is an exciting step, and being organised early can make the process much smoother. 

If you’d like help with your move, New Zealand Movers have over 44 years of Trans-Tasman moving experience and can guide you through each stage, from packing and shipping through to delivery in Australia, including: 

  • Packing and protective wrapping 
  • Sea and air freight options 
  • Customs clearance support 
  • Door-to-door delivery  

Get in touch to request a quote and start planning your move. 

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Moving to Australia from NZ Checklist