Astro Movers Blog

posted by David on Nov 7

Situated in the Southeast Asian region, Thailand boasts off its wonderful beaches that house an incredible marine life. Thailand is a great destination for retirement if you want to get away from the Western culture, because here you will experience total immersion of Thailand culture. Its climate is also one of the reasons why retirees would like to retire here, due to its likable sunny climate almost all year round; you will get to enjoy different types of outdoor activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling.

The people in Thailand are very friendly and warm, do not be afraid to converse with them because they would most likely try their best to understand and talk to you. English as a Second Language Teacher would be of a good profession for retirees if they plan to retire here. Due to Thailand’s want of learning the English language, they are open for retirees to come to their land and teach them if possible. Retirees can be rest assured also of his safety because Thailand is known to be on of the safest place in the planet.

The cost of living in Thailand is low, so for retirees coming from the USA, Canada, and Europe their money will really go along way if they are to spend it in Thailand. It would be like living in luxury without spending a fortune. Thailand’s healthcare is also outstanding, and private hospitals prioritize retirees and old people. Healthcare cost is also much lower compared to other modernized countries.

Thai cuisine is a definite must try! Their food is one of the most famed in the world for its savory, uniqueness and mouthwatering concoction of dishes. Thai food is renowned for its spiciness and this can be found in the streets, such as the name “street food”. You might get the wrong impression that it might be dirty food, but it is actually not, especially when it is prepared in front of you. And there are varieties of fresh foods that you can pick from.

Applying for a residency visa is easy if you have all the needed documents stipulated by the Thai Embassy in the application form. The application may take sometime but the wait will be all worth it, because once you are legal to live in Thailand, you will get to relax, enjoy and live the life you have always wanted to live. Bask in the sun like, play in the sand, discover an entirely different place, and explore the country like real traveler. Thailand offers some of the most unforgettable experiences in the world, so better get prepared for this once in a lifetime adventure, read as much information as you can so that you will know what to expect.

posted by David on Nov 5

So you’ve landed yourself a very good offer to work in Dubai, and have started to prepare yourself for the move to Dubai, UAE. Let’s get you prepared with some quick tips that would help you make the transition as painless as possible, but most of all, enjoyable. Still, always remember that Dubai is nice on the eye, hard on the pocket!

1- Bring your driving license with you (to change it for an Emirati driving license, or at least skip some of the regular tests and shorten the needed duration to get a driving license).

2- Look for a Chiller Free place to rent (Utility bills in Dubai can become very notorious, specially if you go for a villa, and with the extremely hot and humid summer. When you go for a chiller free place, you avoid paying the A/C’s hefty electricity bill).

3- Look for free zones residential areas to rent, to avoid paying the 5% Dubai municipality housing fees (Dubai municipality charges 5% of the annual rent, which is added to the utility bill, but older neighborhoods, and the new areas allocated to free zones are not included in those fees, and so renting there will save you the 5% fees).

4- Consider buying second hand furniture from people moving out, who post their stuff on online classifieds websites like Dubizzle and Souq (People living in Dubai got used to heart-breaking ads of expats who have moved to Dubai on very nice packages, then were made redundant after few months, with no other similar or closer jobs available, and so they head back home, selling all the brand new furniture and Sports cars they purchased, for a reasonable price. On the other hand, when you buy second hands, you don’t risk losing much should you become redundant as well!).

5- Buy reliable and safe cars, go for Volvo, be prepared to have a car accident every two years, and get a good car insurance policy. Accident rates on all of UAE roads are high, but thankfully fatalities are low. It’s very easy for any one to get a car loan and walk away with a very fast car. The consequences are obvious, the roads are like race tracks for those jerks, and you get used to seeing very exotic cars racing around or zipping through next to your lane, with unbelievable speeds, so better be prepared and drive a trusted 4×4 car. Go for Volvo or BMW, if not consider a Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol.

posted by David on Nov 3

India used to be a closed control-and-command economy until the early `90s. Since then it has opened its economy, and allows foreign investments in most industries except a few strategic ones. Over the last 15 years, the Indian economy has enjoyed an average annual GDP growth of around 6% which has grown to 7.5% in recent times. This has attracted many multinationals to India which resulted in the increase of foreign nationals moving to India.

India is a country with 28 states and 7 union territories .There are 18 official languages and more than 300 spoken languages in India. Population as per the censes in 2001 is 1,027,015,247 and total Area of the country is – 1,027,015,247 sqkm

Tips on General Behavior:

The traditional way of greeting in India is performed by holding your palms together, as in praying with a slight bow. Shaking hands is also an acceptable way to greet people among urban and westernized Indians.

In general, Indian society is conservative about heterosexual physical contact and relationships. Refrain from greeting people with hugs and kisses.Shaking hands with women, since it involves physical touch, is not universally accepted in Indian society. Among the urban westernized Indians, you may find some Indian women offering to shake hands. However, it is advisable to shake hands only when it is offered.

It is customary to allow women and guests to proceed before yourself. Seniority, age and authority are respected in India, both in business and in public life.

Indians are enthusiastic about discussing politics and political figures. A foreigner can sometimes find the level of political awareness of an average Indian surprising. It is important, however, to recognize that politics in India is very diverse, and the political issues are often regional in nature. Thus, certain political topics may be very local, and it is advisable to get involved only if you know about them.

Custom Regulations

If you are planning to relocate to India you should have a basic idea about the custom procedures which will help you to decide what to carry with you and what not.

Prohibited and restricted Items

Firearms, ammunition and weapons unless licensed in advance. Obscene literature, photographs or films. Politically undesirable literature and Narcotics.

Entry for Foreign Nationals

Business visas (which have to be supported by a sponsoring corporation) are valid for four months stay that can be extended for up to six months. Beyond that, requires a minimum one year work permit (again supported by the sponsoring corporation), and applicants should allow a minimum of three months for the process. A valid work permit is essential prior to the arrival of household goods. Foreign nationals must possess a visa valid for one year from date of last entry, to avail of duty concessions under transfer of residence.

Household goods

The owner must be physically in India before customs clearance can take place. Air shipments must be shipped within 15 days and surface shipments must be shipped within one month of owner`s arrival in India.
All shipments are subject to customs examination and customs duties will be assessed, based on the Customs evaluation. Other household goods, provided they have been in the owner`s possession and use for one year, will be allowed free entry.

Documentations

Owner`s Passport – Owner must be present in India at the time of customs clearance.
List of articles with values and date of purchase.
Customs Declaration Form signed by owner.
Original Ocean Bill of lading.
Diplomatic consignment – Duty free exemption certificate issued by Diplomatic Mission in India.