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7 Things to Know before Moving from the US to Europe

From the romantic city of Paris to the charming coffeeshops in Amsterdam, to the mediterian sea, there are so many reasons why a Americans should move to Europe.

Europe features some of the most visited and photogenic countries in the world and has a lot of fascinating history and various cultures. If we talk about European food, it is one of a kind! From pizza to french pastries, you definitely won’t want to miss out on all that deliciousness!

Moving to Europe from the US will definitely be fun and memorable due to its stunning views and its rich culture, so if you’re planning to move to Europe from the US, then you are definitely in the right place; here is what you need to know for your permanent stay in Europe.

1. First Steps Upon Planning a Move to Europe

If you are planning to move permanently to Europe, then first you need to contact the embassy of the US as well as the embassy of your new European country to obtain your visa. The visa will cost you around $70.

2. What should I look for in an International Moving Company?

Shipment of your goods from the US to Europe by plane or by boat are two good options. However, the prices of shipping your item in the plane can be a bit expensive as compared to the sea but if you want your things to arrive in Europe from the US quickly, then shipment by plane is a wise choice.

So when choosing an international moving company, you need to keep the following things in mind:

Look online to compare the rates of various international moving companies
Make sure to check the reviews
Make sure that the mover is registered and has a license
Check if they have insurance in case any of your items get broken or lost on the way

3. Car shipping to Europe

It is suggested to leave your car behind if you don’t have an emotional attachment to it. The cost of shipping your car in Europe depends on several factors which include the mode of shipment and the distance. The average cost of car shipping to Europe from the US is $900 to $2100. Get various quotes from the best car shipping companies. A trusted car shipping company will have insurance, good reviews, and will make customer service their priority.

Choose the port of departure.
Choose the port destination.
Prepare the car by cleaning it and emptying the tank to ⅛ full or you may have to pay a fee upon arrival.

*Ask your chosen car shipping company for additional requirements.

4. First steps upon arrival in Europe

One of the first steps is to inform yourself on the functioning of healthcare in your new country as not every country offers the same healthcare. You should then get informed on the equivalence of your American driver’s license as the requirements are different in European each country.

5. Top Cities to live in Europe

Zürich, Switzerland

You can consider Zurich to be a multicultural city with a medieval center, walled by stunning mountains, serene lakes, and crystal clear rivers. Not only is Zurich a fabulous hub for eating and drinking, but it also has a top notch education system!

Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva is a swiss gem that is rich in cultural heritage and also a very safe place to be, especially if you have kids. Geneva also has beautiful landscapes which are beautiful places to enjoy hikes in nature!

Basel, Switzerland

Basel is a cultural wonderland and it has one of the biggest and largest fine-arts collections to showcase in the world. Basel ranks as one of the top ten cities in the world with the highest quality of living globally, due to its health care, education system, beautiful parks, and nightlife.

Munich, Germany

Germany’s most visited city, Munich, that alone draws 7 million visitors every year. Munich has stunning architecture and a surprising amount of museums. Whether you’re a history lover or not, Munich will always keep you busy in your free time.

Düsseldorf, Germany

The wealthy and chic city of Germany and the fanciest one because of its exquisite architecture. You can also enjoy delicious food here while viewing the dramatic skyline.

Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt is perfect to spend your summers on the beaches! Its cobbled streets, shops, bistros, and squares are perfect if you’re an American who’s a fan of nightlife!

Copenhagen, Denmark

Famous for the ‘hygge’ approach to life, Copenhagen is a happy place in Denmark. It has this very comfortable atmosphere and unique food for foodies.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The specialty of this city is canals and beautiful architecture. Amsterdam also has a number of museums and science exhibitions. It is also a city in which you can do many activities such as biking along the canal or visiting the charming little shops.

6. Emergency and Healthcare

Some countries offer excellent healthcare free of charge and some don’t so it’s important to obtain the right medical insurance before your arrival. The European Union’s universal emergency number is 112, but some countries also use 911 just like in the US.

Pharmacists can prescribe medicines for simple health conditions like fever, cold, stomach problems, cough, joint pain, muscle pain, etc. Another good to know fact is that many pharmacies are open 24h. Before going to the doctor, do a quick visit to the pharmacy. Pharmacist may be able to help you if your illness isn’t too serious.

As for Health Insurance, it is a good idea to look into obtaining a European Health Insurance Card. Getting a health insurance plan is also important. Get it from an American insurance company that do cover internationally or get one from a local insurance company in the new country you will be moving in.

7. Cost of living in Europe

The cost of living in Europe depends on the country. It is obvious, however, that living in the suburban areas of the major cities will usually cost you less, especially when it comes to lodging and nutrition.

One of the least expensive countries to live in Europe is Bulgaria as food and lodging are cheaper compared to other countries. Switzerland on the other hand is one of the most expensive countries to live in Europe. The high price that comes with living in Switzerland is definitely worth it though as the quality of their education, healthcare, and general well-being is notably of the highest standard !

As a whole, Europe countries are known to have the highest cost of living index according to Numbeo. 9 European countries are in the top 20 of the most expensive places to live with Switzerland in second position followed by Norway, Iceland and Denmark. The US is 27th on the list right behind Italy. With that being said, there are still many countries that are affordable to live in.

What to Expect from your new life in Europe?

By moving from the US to Europe you can definitely expect a lot of amazing sceneries, architecture, historical buildings and artifacts, along with lots of tasty food. So if you’re into delicious food and beautiful views, then Europe is definitely the place you should move to from the US!