Moving to Wales – Finding a Synagogue in Cardiff

Posted by shipping UK on November 7, 2011 · Leave a Comment 

When moving to Wales with IntlMOVE UK, you may be looking for a local synagogue to find a Jewish community with whom you can continue to grow in your religious beliefs. Wales is a predominantly Christian nation, but finding a Jewish community is possible.

Judaism has had a presence in Wales, which dates back to 1730. In the early 1900s, the Jewish population was between 4,000 and 5,000 people. Today, the Jewish population hovers somewhere around 2,000 people.

Depending on where you live, you may have to drive a short distance to one of the larger cities in Wales, but finding a synagogue is relatively easy.

The majority of Wales’s Jewish population lives in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. There are smaller Jewish communities in Swansea and Newport. Not all synagogues hold weekly services, but most of them hold services during the High Holidays. The larger Jewish communities in Cardiff hold regular services, some of which take place daily.

Joining a religious community is a great way to meet new people who share your same beliefs after moving to Wales. Getting involved in the community will help you make friends to make Wales feel more like home.

IntlMOVE UK has put together a list of active synagogues in Wales to help you when moving to the UK.

Synagogues in Cardiff

The Cardiff Reform Synagogue, which was founded in 1948, is located on Moira Terrace in Adamstown. There are Friday evening services, Shabbat morning services and High Holiday services.

The Cardiff United Synagogue is located on Cyncoed Road in Cyncoed Gardens. This synagogue has daily services, Friday evening services, Shabbat morning services, High Holiday events and even welcomes tourist visits.

Synagogues in Swansea

When moving to Swansea, there is one synagogue in this area. The Swansea Hebrew Congregation, founded in 1780, is located off of Ffynone Road in Swansea. This synagogue has Friday evening services, Shabbat morning services and High Holiday services and events.

Other Synagogues in Wales

The Llandudno Synagogue is located in Llanduno, Wales. This synagogue is not as active as it once was and there are not regular weekly services. However, services are held, especially for holidays and special events.

The Newport Mon Hebrew Congregation, founded in 1871, is located at 3 Queens Hill Crescent in Newport, Wales. The synagogue does not hold regular services, so call this location to determine when services or events are being held.

When you are moving to Wales, IntlMOVE UK is a trusted source when shipping your household goods from the U.S. to Wales.

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Moving to Ireland – Moving to Cork City

Posted by shipping UK on November 3, 2011 · Leave a Comment 

Cork City is a stunning place in Ireland built on the River Lee, where the population of the metropolitan area is just under 400,000. When you are moving to Ireland with IntlMOVE Ireland, you will love the openness and friendliness of the locals who refer to themselves as “rebels.”

Climate

Ship your rain boots along with your household goods when moving to Ireland because the rain is abundant with an average of about four feet per year. There are roughly 150 days of rainfall per year, with half of the rainy days providing heavy rainfall. Despite the heavy rainfall, the average temperature in Ireland is relatively mild. In the wintertime, temperatures rarely fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summertime, temperatures rarely reach the high 80s.

Culture

Performing arts are prominent in Cork City’s culture. The Cork School of Music and Crawford College of Art and Design host many student events throughout the year. If you like events, check out the Cork Film Festival and the Cork Jazz Festival to entertain you. If you enjoy plays, there are many theatres that put on live performances, including the Everyman Palace Theatre. Watch your favorite operas at the Cork Opera House. Art lovers will flock to the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery and the Lewis Glucksman Gallery.

Cuisine

Cork City is culturally diverse and is home to restaurants of all different types. Whether you enjoy, Thai, Indian, Italian or American food, Cork City has it all. If you are up for trying some local specialties, sample crubeens, tripe or drisheen if you can stomach them. Crubeens are boiled pig’s feet, tripe is made from the stomach of an animal and drisheen is made from a mixture of cow’s, pig’s and sheep’s blood, milk, salt, fat and breadcrumbs.

Things to See

Cork City is built with modern buildings, but has many buildings and architecturally interesting sites that date back hundreds of years. The Red Abbey, although not fully intact, is a 14th century Augustinian abbey. St. Mary’s Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral build in the early 1800s. A protestant cathedral, St. Finbarre’s Cathedral, was completed in 1879. The most famous building in Cork City is the Church of Saint Anne (Shandon). The church is most famous for its eight bells, which each weight six tons.

Transportation

When traveling by Air, you will fly out of Cork Airport, which is one of the three international airports in Ireland.

If you are shipping your car overseas to Ireland, IntlMOVE UK will ship it along with the rest of your household goods. If you are moving to Ireland without a car, Cork City has a well-developed public transportation system. Busses provide service around the city and to some of Cork City’s suburbs. Busses are also available that will take you to other destinations throughout Ireland. There are eight train stations in Cork City, which will help you get where you need to go.

Sports

The Irish are known for loving their sports. Rugby, hurling and soccer (football) are the most popular sports with the locals. Cork City has won 30 All-Ireland Championships in hurling. Cork City FC is the main association football team. If you are more of a rugby fan, your local teams will be Cork Constitution and Dolphin R.F.C.

When moving to Cork City, Ireland is on your agenda, IntlMOVE UK will provide you with a free online international shipping quote.

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Moving to Scotland – Getting Health Insurance

Posted by shipping UK on November 3, 2011 · 1 Comment 

When moving to Scotland with IntlMOVE UK, you may not be eligible for the publicly funded healthcare (NHS). If you are moving to Scotland for a job, talk to your employer about healthcare benefits provided by your company. If healthcare is unavailable through your company, there are international healthcare plans that are reasonably priced. In many cases, the international healthcare plans are less expensive than plans in the United States.

Receiving Free Healthcare from NHS

Medical treatment for emergencies is always free. For non-emergency treatment, register with a general practitioner. To receive free medical treatment from a general practitioner in a non-emergency situation, there are a few requirements you must meet. These requirements may include: living legally in the UK for six months or more, prove you are in the UK for a settled purpose or you have to be a temporary resident. Even if you do not qualify, a general practitioner can still treat you, but you will be charged. Before arriving in the UK, speak to someone at the National Health Service offices in Scotland to find out whether or not you are eligible for free healthcare. There are more requirements for free treatments from hospitals. Requirements for free hospital treatments may include: living it the UK for at least 12 months, you are working in the UK legally, permanent residence is approved, studying in the UK for at least six months or other requirements outlined by the NHS.

Information is subject to change at any time, so check the National Health Service for the most up-to-date and accurate information. You can also contact the Citizens Advice Bureau for help on medical treatment in the UK.

International Healthcare Plan Costs

International healthcare plans costs are based on many things, which may include: age, preexisting conditions, medical history and place of residence. Policies usually consist of worldwide coverage or worldwide excluding the United States. Aetna and Clements International are just two companies who provide international healthcare policies. In some cases, these healthcare plans will not cover individuals once they return to their home country. If you are moving to Scotland for an extended period of time, it is worthwhile to look into these types of plans. An insurance broker can help you find the best deal. Go over your plan thoroughly before signing anything to make certain you know exactly what is covered. This is especially true when you need urgent medical care because the costs can add up quickly.

Private Insurance Plans in the UK

Not all UK residents rely on the free healthcare provided by NHS. Some people choose to have private medical insurance, which may make it easier to see different doctors and specialists. There are some employers who provide private health insurance. If you are moving to the UK for a job, or if your spouse is already employed in Scotland, check with the place of employment for private health care insurance availability. Private healthcare plans specific to the UK are also available if you are not eligible for NHS and do not want to purchase an international plan.

When moving to Scotland, research your eligibility for free healthcare before moving overseas. If you need health insurance, make sure to plan ahead and secure health insurance before you arrival.

When moving to Scotland is in your foreseeable future, IntlMOVE UK will provide you with a free shipping quote to ship your household goods from the U.S. to the UK.

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Moving to England – Public holidays in England

Posted by shipping UK on November 2, 2011 · Leave a Comment 

When you are moving to England with IntlMOVE UK, you will want to know the public holidays you will celebrate. These public holidays, or bank holidays, typically give you a day off of work if you work in an office setting. Even if you don’t have the day off of work, many businesses, banks and other government institutions are closed.  Although there are local or regional holidays that vary throughout England, there are some holidays that are recognized by the entire country.

January

New Year’s Day takes place on January 1 annually. This holiday is celebrated throughout the United Kingdom and many other countries across the world. New Year’s Eve is typically spent with friends and family as you count down to midnight and the New Year. New Year’s Day is typically spent with friends and family or relaxing at home. There may even be parades or other events to mark the New Year. If you are moving to Scotland, January 2 is also considered a public holiday.

February

Unfortunately, there are no public holidays in February.

March and April

Easter is a Christian holiday that takes place in March or April, depending on the year. If you are moving to England, Good Friday, which is the Friday before Easter, is a public holiday. The Monday after Easter is also considered a public holiday, unless you are moving to Scotland. However, Scotland declared March 17, which is St. Patrick’s Day, a public holiday.

May

May Day is a spring celebration, which takes place on May 1. It is celebrated throughout the United Kingdom. For May Day, most offices are closed the first Monday in May.

The spring bank holiday is another day you will have off of work, which is the last Monday in May.

June, July and August

Unfortunately, there are no public holidays in June. If you are moving to Northern Ireland, July 12 is a public holiday, which is Orangeman’s Day. Moving to Scotland? You will celebrate a summer bank holiday the first Monday in August. If you are moving to England, Wales or Northern Ireland, the last Monday in August is a bank holiday.

October and November

October is another month without public holidays. St. Andrew’s Day is celebrated on November 30 in Scotland, but not in other United Kingdom countries.

December

Christmas, which takes place on December 25, is a bank holiday in England and the other countries in the United Kingdom. Boxing Day, which is celebrated on December 26, is celebrated throughout the United Kingdom. Although it is not considered an official holiday, many businesses close early on December 31.

When you are ready to move to the United Kingdom, contact IntlMOVE UK for all of your international shipping needs. IntlMOVE UK has a successful history of shipping household goods from the U.S. to the England.

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Moving to Belfast, Ireland with IntlMOVE

Posted by shipping UK on October 20, 2011 · Leave a Comment 

Moving to Belfast, Ireland with IntlMOVE UK will provide you with a rich and rewarding cultural experience. Belfast is the largest city and capital of Northern Ireland located on the eastern coast. The city has a population of more than 260,000 people in the city and more than 480,000 people in the Belfast urban area.

Jobs in Belfast

When moving to Belfast, Ireland and looking for a job, you will be interested to know the top industries in the city. Linen has historically been a large industry in Belfast, and the city is sometimes even dubbed as “Linenopolis.” Tobacco is another large industry in Belfast. Belfast is also well-known for its history with ship building. In fact, Harland and Wolff, who built the Titanic, is headquartered in Belfast. Not surprisingly, Belfast is also a major seaport.

Things to Do in Belfast

Once you arrive in Belfast, you will want to find ways to enjoy your free time. Belfast is a beautiful city filled with culture, history, outdoor activities and an active nightlife. No matter what your interests are, Belfast has plenty for you to do.

The hills surrounding Belfast provide beautiful scenery and a way to enjoy nature. View all of Belfast from the top of Cave Hill, which reaches 368 meters. When the sky is clear, you may even be able to view Scotland off in the distance. Another great outdoor place to visit is the Botanic Gardens.

Mingle with the locals at some of the best bars and restaurants in the area. Botanic Inn, also known as Bot, is a fun place to drink, dance and watch sports. Nick’s Warehouse is a wine bar and restaurant where you can enjoy loads of seafood while enjoying the company of friends. No matter what kind of food or atmosphere you are looking for, you will find a great local hangout in Belfast.

If you are a history or architecture buff, check out Belfast Castle, which was built in 1870. This beautiful building is located on the south-eastern side of Cave Hill.

Ulster Museum is also a great place to go. See and learn all about history, art and natural science. The best part is that it is free.

If you just want a fun day with the kids or friends, there are family-friendly places to visit, which include: Pirates Adventure Golf, Snakes ‘n’ Ladders Family Fun Center, Wigwam Roller Rink, Belfast Zoo and much more.

Public Transportation

If you are shipping your car to Ireland, IntlMOVE UK can help. If not, Belfast has a wonderful public transportation system to get you around the city with ease. Getting around town the old fashioned way, walking, will prove to be very rewarding. Many of the streets are cobbled and there are plenty of quaint alleyways and old quarters to explore. When moving to Belfast, you can always know that some sort of adventure awaits you.

Airports

The Belfast International Airport is the main airport in this area. Another airport available for personal planes and more localized travel is George Best Belfast City Airport.

When moving to Ireland, contact IntlMOVE UK to ship your household goods from the U.S. to the United Kingdome. IntlMOVE UK can provide you with a convenient and free online international shipping quote.

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Moving to England: Documents Needed for Moving to the UK

Posted by shipping UK on October 19, 2011 · Leave a Comment 

When moving to England, you will need to pull out all of your top-notch organizational skills to get everything in order. IntlMOVE UK will handle all the details when shipping your household goods from the U.S. to England. However, you will need to secure all the documents needed to move and live in the United Kingdom.

IntlMOVE UK wants to make your move to England as easy as possible. We have put together some information on the documents you will need to secure and have ready before moving to England. However, this information can change at any time. Make sure you double check with your embassy to ensure you have everything in order.

Documents Needed When Moving to England

  • Proof of Employment

Proof of employment will be needed for your work visa and other services you will need, such as a bank account and credit cards.

  • Visa

After you have been offered a job in England, communicate with your employer to obtain a work visa. To work legally in England, you need this important document. If you are moving overseas with a spouse who is legally employed, or a citizen of the United Kingdom, you can apply for a UK marriage visa.

  • Passport

Renew your passport as soon as possible if it is due to expire within six months of your move.

  • Driver’s License

Work with AAA to obtain an international driver’s license.

  • Birth Certificate and Marriage License

These will be needed to obtain visas.

Other Items

  • Review Customs Regulations

Review customs information to learn what you need to move to England.

  • Accommodations

Ensure you have a place to stay as soon as you arrive in England. If your new home is not ready on the day you arrive, make sure you have a hotel or short-term housing lined up.

  • Money

When you first arrive in England, you will want to have a small amount of cash on you for any incidentals, such as cab rides or a cup of coffee. You will likely be able to use credit cards for just about anything, but having at least £100 in cash may prove useful. Talk to your credit card companies before you move to make sure you can use them when overseas.

  • Lease or Rental Agreement

You will need to prove your place of residence for many things when moving to England. Having a lease will be helpful when opening up a bank account or trying to establish phone, cable or Internet service.

  • Inland Revenue Registration

If you are paying taxes while living in England, registering with Inland Revenue is very important. Your HR representative should be able to help you. Talk to an international tax attorney or accountant before moving to England to determine how you will pay taxes. You may also need to apply for a National Insurance Number by applying for it at the Job Center Plus office. However, your accountant will give you full details.

  • Health Insurance Card

When first moving to England, you will not be eligible for state medical care. Speak with your HR department or an insurance agent to discuss health insurance options.

  • International Shipping for Household Goods

When you are moving to England, ensure all of your household goods are shipped to the United Kingdom safely and securely. IntlMOVE UK is a well-respected, professional international shipper that specializes in shipping household goods to England and other parts of the United Kingdom.

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Moving to Wales: Public Transportation in Cardiff

Posted by shipping UK on October 9, 2011 · Leave a Comment 

When moving to Cardiff, Wales, IntlMOVE UK can ship your car with your household goods. However, you may wish to take advantage of the public transportation that Cardiff offers.

Roads in Cardiff

If IntlMOVE UK is shipping your car to Wales, you will need to learn about the major roads to get around. The M4 connects Cardiff to Swansea and also connects Cardiff to Newport and London in the opposite direction. Other important roads include: A48(M), A470, A4232 and Heads of Valleys Road. Learn these roads and you will be able to get around Cardiff.

Taxis or Hired Cars

When you need to get somewhere quickly and a bus just won’t do, the city is packed-full of taxis and hired cars. You can catch a taxi easily on the street by waving one down. Private cars need to be reserved in advance. Cardiff is a little different than other big cities; it is very common to reserve a car in advance rather than hailing down a taxi.

Rail in Cardiff

Valley Lines operates within Cardiff and to neighboring cities. The suburban rail system has eight lines, which can take you around Cardiff or to the wider urban area. There are 20 stations in Cardiff and 26 stations outside of Cardiff.

If you want to travel outside of Cardiff, visit Cardiff Central Railway Station, which is one of the largest trains stations in the United Kingdom, and the largest in Wales. The railway station is complete with seven platforms, so there are many trains that can take you to where you need to go. Whether you want to travel to other cities in Wales or travel further to other parts of the UK, Cardiff Central railway station can help. There are trains that go to Newport, Glasgow, London, Birmingham, Edinburgh and many more places.

Busses in Cardiff

When moving to Cardiff, the most common mode of public transportation is busses. If you are not shipping your car to the UK, public busses are a convenient way to get around. Bus routes are in place throughout the city and to the larger urban area. There are also busses that take you to Cardiff International Airport, which is the major airport in the area.

When traveling to other cities in the United Kingdom, such as London or Swansea, visit Cardiff Central Bus Station. The bus routes from Cardiff are extensive, which makes it easy to get around.

Bikes

When the weather is cooperating, cycling is a popular mode of transportation and a popular form of exercise. There is a 55-mile trail, named Taff Trail, which goes between Cardiff and Brecon, which is a small market town with a population under 8,000. The trail is perfect for running, biking or taking a leisurely walk. The trail runs through many green areas, which makes it a wonderful place if you love nature.

Moving to Wales and shipping your household goods is easy when hiring the right international shippers. You have plenty of things to plan, so let IntlMOVE UK handle shipping your household goods from the U.S. to the UK. IntlMOVE UK will provide you with a free online international shipping quote when you visit the website and fill out a simple form. Get started on your new journey overseas today.

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Moving to England and the Top Companies in London

Posted by shipping UK on September 20, 2011 · Leave a Comment 

Moving to London, England with IntlMOVE UK will provide you with a rich, cultural experience you will never forget. London is the biggest city in Britain and Europe, so the hustle and bustle of big city life is sure to provide a wealth of job opportunities.

Finance

London is the financial center of the United Kingdom. Finance is the largest industry in London and there are many different multi-national and national companies with headquarters or offices located in London.

HSBC is the second largest global banking and financial services company in the world. London is home to the company’s headquarters, which is also the world’s second-largest public company. The company was founded in 1991 and now has about 7,500 offices in 87 countries.

Barclays is the world’s 10th-largest banking and financial services company. Its headquarters are in London, but it operates worldwide in over 50 countries.

HBOS is a banking and insurance company, which was taken over by the Lloyds Banking Group in 2009. It is the largest mortgage lender in the United Kingdom.

Oil and Gas

BP, a global oil and gas company, also has its headquarters in London. It’s the third largest energy company in the world and operates in over 80 countries. Its largest division is in the United States. In addition to oil, BP also works with biofuels, hydrogen, solar and wind power.  There are a variety of jobs with different functions within this company.

Pharmaceutical

GlaxoSmithKline, a leading healthcare company, which produces pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines and other healthcare products, has its headquarters in London. GlaxoSmithKline is the third largest pharmaceutical company in the world and focuses on a number of conditions, such as cancer, virus control, mental health, asthma and many more ailments.

Other Companies Based in London

Consumer Products

Unilever owns major consumer products that are sold worldwide. The company has headquarters in Rotterdam and London. A short list from among many of the brands that Unilever owns include: Dove, Caress, Hellman’s, Breyers, Lipton, Jif and many more.

Insurance

The sixth-largest insurance company in the world, Aviva, is headquartered in London. The company has about 53 million customers in 28 countries.

Fashion

If you are working in the fashion industry, London is a city that exudes style. About 85 percent of UK’s fashion designers, such as Alexander McQueen, are based in London.

Art and Culture

There are 100 theatres in London and 32,000 music performances in London every year, so there are plenty of opportunities to get seen and be heard.  There are over 100 theaters, 22 national museums and 200 other museums located in the capital city. There are a variety of jobs available in London in these cultural venues. Whether it’s accounting, operations, marketing or any other job function, it takes all kinds of people to run the cultural world of London.

Media Companies

The BBC, an internationally respected news outlet, employs a significant amount of people in its London headquarters. There are also many national newspapers located throughout London.

When moving to London, you will find an abundance of job opportunities in virtually every industry. When you are offered a job in London, England, contact IntlMOVE UK when you are in need of shipping your household goods from the USA to London.

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Moving to Glasgow, Scotland with IntlMOVE UK

Posted by shipping UK on September 20, 2011 · Leave a Comment 

IntlMOVE UK is a trustworthy international shipper who will ship your household goods when moving to Glasgow, Scotland.

About Glasgow

Glasgow was voted as the 57th most liveable city in the world. Glasgow is known for its culture with opera, ballet, curling, sports, art and lots of festivals. Glasgow is the most populous city in Scotland and the third most populous city in the UK. There are approximately 589,000 people living in the city of Glasgow and the population grows to more than 2.3 million people when the surrounding areas are included.

Transportation in Glasgow

IntlMOVE UK can ship your car from the USA to Scotland with the rest of your household goods. Glasgow also has an amazing public transportation system if you choose to move to Scotland without a car. There are busses and an urban rail network to take you to where you need to go.

Jobs in Glasgow

Glasgow is one of the top 20 financial centers in Europe, which makes this an ideal city to find top-paying jobs. The financial district in Glasgow is located in the areas of Blythswood Hill and Anderston. The area is called the International Financial Services District (IFSD). Many companies have headquarters or offices in this area. Some of these companies include: Direct Line, AXA, JP Morgan Chase, Barclays, Morgan Stanley, Glasgow Stock Exchange, BT Enterprise, Scottish Friendly and many more.

10 Fun things to do in Glasgow

1. Go shopping. Check out Argyle Street, Sauchiehall Street and Buchanan Street for some of the best shopping in Glasgow. Princes Square is the place to go for top designer fashions.

2. Go to the opera. The Theatre Royal is home to Scottish Opera, where you can see some beautiful performances.

3. Go see a movie. Visit the world’s tallest cinema and watch a movie on one of the eighteen screens located on nine different levels at Cinema World.

4. Visit Merchant City. The crowds flock to Merchant City for daytime and nighttime activities. There are a variety of cafes, restaurants, pubs, art galleries, concert venues and boutique style shops.

5. Spend a day in Glasgow’s West End. When you are in the mood for a bohemian atmosphere, this is the place to go. There are amazing cafes, bars, boutiques, clubs and tea rooms.

6. Visit a museum. Glasgow is known for its culture. Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Kelvin Hall International Sports Arena, the Museum of Transport and the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery.

7. Go see a live music show. Some of the well-known venues include: the Glasgow Royal Concert Ahll, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, the Barrowland and many more.

8. Go see a sports game. There is football (soccer), rugby, ice hockey and much more.

9. Go to the ballet. The Scottish Ballet performs at the Tramway Theatre.

10. Spend time at one of Glasgow’s famous festivals.  Some of these festivals include: Glasgow International Comedy Festival, Celtic Collections, the World Pipe Championships, West End Festival and many more.

Moving to Scotland will be a great decision for you and your family. Log onto the IntlMOVE UK website to get a free online shipping quote for shipping household goods from the USA to the UK.

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