A light hearted know before you go presentation about what to expect when moving to The USA. Information on international moving and shipping, tips and tricks, what to expect, language differences, how to tip and using your best British accent to your advantage! UPakWeShip offers the best rates and service options for anyone moving from the UK or Europe to the USA. Self pack and load of full packing services available. One company door to door with offices in UK, USA and Europe. Don't move across the pond without chatting to UPakWeShip! www.upakweship.com

1. UPakWeShip
Moving To USA
A guide for Brits moving to the USA
Ever since fifteen hundred and something the Brits have
been coming to America. Back then we were just
expanding our rule, later it was for religious freedom and
then about 50 years ago it was all about music. Nowadays
its more about a better lifestyle, living the dream, better
weather and more opportunities.

2. Hello
I am Mark Nash the owner of UPakWeShip and EuroUSA
and hope you enjoy this presentation for Brits Moving
to the USA. I am originally from Watford Herts and have
lived in the USA since 1994. We have offices and
operations in the UK, Mainland Europe and across the
USA and Canada. If you have any questions about
relocating to America please email or call me. If I don’t
know the answer I know enough other professionals
that I can get to answer you on my behalf.
Cheers & Happy Moving
Mark Nash
1 866 868 6386 or 843 225 7217
Email: mark@eurousa.us

3. Visas
So the first thing you need to do is get a visa to move here.
Depending on your qualifications, ancestry, your worth and a
few other things you should be able to apply for permission to
come to the USA. If you have any questions about visas a good
place to start is at the source which is The US Department Of
State Bureau of Consular Affairs! I am pretty sure they probably
call it DOSBOCA or something similar but anyhow here is the
link. There is no point paying a visa lawyer for advise when its
free right here!
http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english.html
Without a visa you can only come on a visit for up to 90 days
and are not allowed to work here. If you are caught, out staying
your welcome you can get fined and banned from being allowed
back here for a long time like 10 years so do not risk it.

4. What to Take
So presuming you have a visa, lets figure out what to take.
Marks Tips….
Sell anything electrical as the voltage is only 120 and you will get
tired of using transformers.
Get rid of beds and buy new when you get here. They are a different
size here anyway so your fitted sheets wont fit.
Sell all furniture and just ship boxes of personal stuff or hire a 20 foot
shipping container from us and fill it up. Anything in between is not
as cost effective but we are happy to ship anything!
Make sure you bring lots of personal items to make your new pad
feel like home. Bring pictures, photo’s ornaments, books, rugs and
some very British things to remind you of home.
One Company, One Contact, Door To Door

5. Shipping
Get 3 quotes from reputable movers like UPakWeShip and
EuroUSA.
You choices will be whether you want to save money and
pack up everything yourself or pay the mover to do this for
you. You can also save money by dropping off at the terminal
rather than having it collected. Always go for an all inclusive
price and choose if you want to collect it after customs
clearance at the U.S terminal or have it delivered to your
door.
Whichever service you choose, your items will get loaded into
a shipping container and booked onto a ship like this.
.

6. Service Options
If your not sure what you are doing always go for an all
inclusive door to door price so you are covered.
You can get prices and service options on just a few boxes or
suitcases, self load small pod like containers for boxes, shared
container service where you only pay for your part of the
container or a whole shipping container that will fit all your
things in the house.
Feel free to ask for different quotes on volumes so you can
figure out if it is worth taking certain large items.
Much more info is available at our self pack web
www.upakweship.com or full service division www.eurousa.us

7. UPakWeShip always offers an all inclusive guarantee, that
means its prices include everything that it can include. The
only time you would have to pay anything extra would be if
you declared something to customs that was dutiable for
example being brand new. If you had bad access and we
couldn’t get a delivery truck anywhere near you and had to
hire a small van to shuttle the items or if you lived up multiple
stair cases.
One other item of note is unfortunately due to security of
imports coming into the USA, many containers are now x
rayed and possibly physically inspected by various government
agencies and this can result in extra charges. If this happens
we will keep you informed and show you the invoices that we
have had to pay out to other vendors due to security
inspections or ask you to pay the vendor direct so we remain
transparent at all times.
Any Extras?

8. Know Before You Go
Take an Amex Card with you and transfer to your USA
address to establish a credit history.
You will need to apply and get a social security number.
Without this you cant even open a bank account.
You will need a sponsor or enough cash to buy a car,
rent a house etc. as banks wont loan you money until
you have a credit history which you can’t get until you
buy something! (vicious circle)
Apply for a store credit card or gas card to start off your
credit history. It might take at least being here a year
before that works though!
Its expensive to fly home every year and you will get
homesick and miss friends n family.
You will miss some special occasions like weddings, 50th
birthday parties, parents wedding anniversary,
christenings and possible a funeral or two.
You might well have a closet here that is larger than
your bedroom back home.

9. Just FYI as they say here………….
Americans love small talk. How’s your day going? How
are you? Etc. You don’t need to reply with actually my
knee hurts a bit this morning ….. Just say good thanks
and you?
They are a little prudish here, no topless sunbathing on
the beaches and even baby girls are expected to be
covered on top! Also worth mentioning here guys,
speedos are hated here so buy some swim shorts!
The fear of litigation here can affect silly activities and
make sure you have liability insurance!
Most Americans run at a fast pace here (not literally) so
no dithering around! You will be lucky to get two weeks
paid holiday here so make the most of it and go and visit
somewhere new.

10. The Over The Pond Dictionary
bank = public ..holiday
biscuits = cookies
bonnet = hood
boot = trunk
braces = suspenders
car park = parking lot
caretaker = janitor
compere = emcee
cinema = movie theater
crossroads = intersection
curtains = drapes
dummy = pacifier
dustbin = trashcan
flannel = washcloth
flat = apartment
fringe = bangs
frying-pan = skillet
garden = yard
ground floor = first floor
handbag = purse
holiday = vacation
hoover = vacuum cleaner
jam = jelly
jug = pitcher
jumper sweater
mobile = cell
nappies = diapers
pavement = sidewalk
petrol = gas
plaster = Band-Aid
postcode = zip code
pram = baby buggy
public school = private school
rubber = eraser
rubbish = garbage
sellotape = scotch tape
tap = faucet
tights = panty hose
tin = can
toilet bathroom
torch = flashlight
trousers = pants

11. Gaining A Stone
Choices of restaurants, big portions, free refills on
sodas and cheap eating out can easily put on the
pounds!
Have fun sampling all the goodies but remember its
easier to put it on than get it off!
On the subject of food…… Remember!
It will take years and years before you accept or even
like America Bacon.
PBJ’s will probably be a staple sooner or later
Its hard to get a buzz from Bud Light!

12. Certain things will be different
And will take a long time getting used to like…..
Football, Baseball and basketball
American Beer
Extreme Temps
The money all being same size and color
Spellings (see color above)
The sheer size and space of everything
Cars, trucks and roads
Guns
Telling the time e.g. 15 minutes past rather than
quarter past
Hershey’s Chocolate
Weak Tea.
Many more things but will let you find out yourself!

13. American Holidays
If you are lucky you might get to celebrate English and
American days off but here are the normal American
holidays. Note Boxing day is not a usual day off so book it in
advance! Also on top of these holidays the average
American only gets about 2 weeks annual paid vacation!
None of that 6 weeks off over here pals!
Jan 1st usual hangover day.
MLK Day 3rd Monday in January (Banks and Government shut only)
Presidents Day 3rd Monday in February (Banks and Government shut only)
Memorial Day Last Monday in May (Summer starts )
Independence Day 4th July (Keep Low Profile lol )
Labor Day First Monday in September (Summers Over )
Columbus Day 2nd Monday of October (Banks and Government shut only)
Wednesday November 11 Veterans Day (Banks and Government shut only)
Thanksgiving Fourth Thursday in November
Friday December 25 Christmas Day
You might be lucky to get Good Friday or Easter Monday off
as well. If however you are in retail you will be lucky if you
get all the above off!

14. Eating!
You don’t need an excuse to eat out in America! It doesn’t need to be your
wife's birthday or your wedding anniversary. You’ll be going out because its
Friday!
The first thing that happens when you sit down in an American restaurant is
you are given water
It’s perfectly acceptable to customize your order. “I’ll have the steak frittes, but
can I have mash instead of fries and no onions but do you have mushrooms?
The choice of how you want your eggs cooked in the U.S. is vast. See how
many questions you get asked just ordering a sandwich. I still get intimidated
and I’ve been here 20 years!
Sundays are always fun if your having brunch and washing that eggs benedict
down with bottomless mimosas!
In the U.S, waiting tables depending on the restaurant can be a good job that
people are proud to do well so they are treated by customers with respect and
professional..
Coffee and soft drinks will often gladly be refilled with compliments in the
United States. A lot of the time it’s done pro-actively by the servers, and they’ll
keep doing it until you’re so high on caffeine you’re bouncing off the walls.
There seems to be an unfair stigma attached to the American custom of taking
your leftovers home in a bag. But surely not wasting food should be
encouraged? This took me a while but now I proudly take my to go box home
with me!

15. Be Warned…..
If your not careful, you will put on the “fresh off the boat” 25lbs
in your first year thinking your living the American dream and
loving all those huge plates of pancakes etc.
Do not put off getting health insurance. Expensive as it may be,
it’s a lot cheaper than trying to pay cash for that broken arm you
got while trying to show your American mate your soccer skills!
America is a lot bigger than you think, you cant just drive a
couple of hours to see your friend who lives 3 states over!
You just cant walk everywhere like you did back home. You’ll get
ran over as half the time there are no pavements or possibly
mugged depending on where you live.
You will need ID on you to get served in bars etc. so until you get
your USA drivers license carry your passport if you want a beer
with that massive cheeseburger!
.

16. 4 Quick Tips
1. You’re going to stand out a little as a Brit in the U.S and will
possibly reach local minor celeb status. Use it to your best
advantage!
2. Americans generally think our curse words are funny or quaint,
if they understand them at all. When I get cross, my wife laughs
at me when I start swearing…. Bloody, sodding, bugger all seem
to crease her and others up. Don’t use the C word here though,
they really get offended with that one!
3. Many Americans assume knowledge accompanies that
sophisticated accent so act accordingly even if it isn’t always
there.
4. Be prepared to get pip pip cheerio, god save the queen and
would you like a cuppatea in their best false British accents on a
regular basis. It’s a bit disturbing when friends do it but be
prepared for the shop assistant or waiter to do this as well! For
some reason they think its fair game to try and mimic your sexy
accent which of course they can’t do….

17. Learning The Lingo
My advice is keep your British accent at all costs. Do not try and
blend in however shy you might be! The Americans will love
your accent so use it to your advantage. When you need help
with something, put on the Britishness, it always works although
you might have to repeat yourself a few times before they
understand you!
You will however need to use some of their lingo in everyday
conversation. Words can still be said with the British accent but
you will need to translate a little. So you can say in your own
accent, I need to fill up with gas (not petrol) or I am dropping
these off at the mail (not post) box just so they understand.
Same accent still but different terminology…

18. Learning The Lingo continued

19. Funny Things that will happen
Starbucks…chances are they will always spell and say your name
wrong!
Australian…..Americans will always be asking you if you are from
Australia, a few other random places too!
Union Jack….you will proudly display this like never before. On
your car, at home, on clothing etc.
Random sausage roll withdroul, I mean withdrawal ……
This also happens with full English breakfast, Hob Nobs, Flakes,
99’s Branston, fish n chips, Cornish pasties, (I could go on but
making myself very hungry here) even though you might not of
liked particularly said items back home, you will have cravings!
You will constantly have to repeat yourself, even after they get it
and understand what your saying , they just like to hear your
sexy accent one more time!

20. What You’ll Miss
Lots and lots of stuff, Brit humor and even possibly rain! You will get
homesick!
But you are in America now so deal with it. Embrace you new home
and its culture. Don’t compare everything. By all means treat yourself
to some Brit goodies on line for a special treat but when in Rome……..
Chat to fellow Brits living here on Facebook or join a local Brit group.
Skype back home.
Get used to American brands except tea…. You’ll never except their
tea but you can buy English tea bags here in most supermarkets, I
mean grocery stores!

21. Y’all need to know this
Driving any where in America is quicker. The Roads are great.
You cannot get a drinkable cup of tea out anywhere here.
You can't get alcohol if you are under 21 and they demand ID almost
up to retirement age but you can learn to drive at 16 in most states.
Generally things are much cheaper in the US.
You get great showers with lots of water pressure here.
Rooms often have light coming from table lamps around the room
that work from the light switch on the wall rather than a ceiling light.
Electric kettles are not common.
Prices in England are what you pay on the price tag, in the US they
add sales tax at the till.
American children say a pledge of allegiance in school.
Roundabouts are very rare in the US.
They have '4 way' stop intersections here.
Kids are collected on old fashioned looking yellow school buses and
when their lights are flashing red you have to stop your car even if
you are traveling in the other direction.
They are so patriotic and proud to be
American.

22. Tipping…. it’s not a place in China!
You will need to get used to tipping. This isn't something that you
just hand out a few dollars for great service like back home. Waiters
and waitresses rely solely on their tips for wages. They are not
covered by the minimum wage laws and will probably only be
getting $1 or $2 per hour which might cover their tax bill. The tips
pay for their food, housing and quite often school fees.
Here’s a rough guide to tipping
Restaurant bill 15%-20%
Hairdresser 20%
Bartender: $1-2 for each drink
Cab drivers: 10-15 percent of the fare
Parking valet: $3-5 at pickup
First-time British visitors to America never fail to be completely
flummoxed by the custom of tipping. They feel cheated by it. But
what they don’t realize is that a lot of American wait staff don’t get
paid an hourly wage and are reliant solely on tips for income.
Problems arise in the U.S. if the service happens to be below par;
Brits feel like they shouldn’t leave any gratuity for poor service, but
really they’re just being cheap so they can spend their dollars on
cheap Levi’s .

23. Most Importantly When
Moving to the USA
Do not book with an unlicensed Mover, Freight Forwarder or
Shipping Company. There are many rogues in this business who
will take your shipment and hold it hostage for more money. If
you use an FMC approved company you have protection
through the Government’s Federal Maritime Commission. We
have large financial bonds in place and strict licensing rules to
keep us in check and for your consumer protection.
With an unlicensed company you have no protection and the
FMC will not be able to help you sort things out if things went
bad.
Get all inclusive Pricing
If you would like to get a quote with UPakWeShip click here or
for a full service move click here .
FMC Licensed & Bonded #020099NF Part of
EuroUSA & The EUROGROUP

24. The End.
To get packing tips, ask a question, read the blog,
see other moving options, see reviews, look at
pictures, see other peoples moving pictures, use our
estimating tool, use our feet to metric conversion
tool, customs information, insurance, see our price
guarantee, visit our web site www.upakweship.com
Thanks for watching, any questions or comments
email us at move@upakweship.com