International moving, once a difficult and daunting task, has changed in Europe. With the establishment of the European Union and the creation of a uniform currency system, international moving has become as easy as moving to a new neighborhood in your home town. Passports and medical exams are still required but the spirit of cooperation that exists between nations makes it much easier to move or even just visit neighboring nations.



Most international moving within Europe is done by truck. It is advisable when attempting this to hire an experienced international moving company to assist you. Trucks filled with personal belongings need to be inventoried and that inventory list must be presented at the border. Customs officials can, and most probably will search your moving truck to ensure that you are not bringing in items that are illegal or need to be declared. Taxes will be assessed based on volume and value.

The Euro is the current unit of currency for all members of the European Union so you won't have to go through the bother of currency exchange in your international moving venture. Each country does have a VAT (Value added tax) that varies so do a little research before you leave and find out what your cost of living will be. VAT taxes are added to all goods and services and are usually included in the price that's advertised or posted on the item.

If you are bringing a vehicle into another country you should have no problems if the vehicle was manufactured and purchased in a European country. American made vehicles are more difficult for international moving because Europeans for the most part drive on the opposite side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right. Emission standards are also different in Europe and your automobile may require modifications before it's allowed on the road in your new home country.

Maintaining contact with the Embassy of your nation of origin is a recommended step in the international moving process. The same is true of your original citizenship. Moving to another country is a big step and you may find after a while that you may want to go home. Keeping a door open for yourself is a good idea especially in your first year abroad. Some European countries allow for dual citizenship if your family originated there.

Europe has been subjected to two World Wars and countless governmental changes in the past century. Germany was separated and controlled by the Soviet Union and then re-unified. Yugoslavia has been replaced by Bosnia and Croatia. Countries have changed from dictatorships and monarchies to republics with a democratic process. Some of these nations are now stable and some are still going through growing pains. Europe is a rich and diverse continent where anything is possible, both good and bad. International moving throughout Europe is the same. Do your research, hire a professional international moving company to help you and be prepared for anything. If it doesn't work out you can always do what many Europeans have done in the past: move to America.