International Moving from Silicon Valley

Are you a Silicon Valley resident planning an international move? SDC International Shipping is a leading Silicon Valley international moving company specializing in the relocation and shipment of household goods, personal effects, and vehicles for clients moving abroad.

 

Why Choose SDC for Your Move from Silicon Valley?

With decades of experience, SDC International Shipping has been successfully relocating clients from Silicon Valley to destinations around the world. Many of our clients are moving at the request of their employer, either to work abroad for a few years or to return home after completing a stint in the United States.

As a national freight forwarder, SDC International Shipping is licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission for the export of residential and commercial goods. Although we operate throughout the United States, a significant portion of our business comes from the Silicon Valley area. Our team regularly picks up from locations across California, so whether you’re moving from San Jose, Palo Alto, Mountain View, or anywhere else in the state, we are here to help.

Serving the Needs of Silicon Valley Clients

Many of our Silicon Valley clients are professionals relocating abroad temporarily or returning to their home countries after completing their assignments. Whether you are moving to Europe, Asia, Latin America, or anywhere else in the world, SDC International Shipping provides comprehensive services to ensure a smooth transition.

 

International Household Moving from Silicon Valley

Are you moving internationally from Silicon Valley for work, retirement, or personal reasons? SDC International Shipping offers a full range of services to make your relocation seamless, whether you’re moving abroad for a job or retiring to a new destination.

 

Moving for Work from Silicon Valley

If you’re relocating for work, your company may cover part or all of your moving expenses. For businesses that frequently send employees to other countries, we offer business accounts that allow your employer to be billed directly, minimizing the hassle for you. Speak with your relocation specialist about setting up a business account to simplify the process.

Some companies may prefer to provide lump sum payments to employees, either as a one-time large payment or as reimbursement up to a certain limit. Each method offers unique advantages and can be tailored to fit your needs.

 

Planning Your Move Early

No two international moves are the same, so it’s essential to start planning the logistics of your relocation as early as possible. Some destinations have complex regulations, especially regarding work visas and customs requirements. If your employer hasn’t already arranged for a work visa, it’s crucial to begin the process right away. Learn more about visa requirements and moving logistics on our website.

 

Retirement Relocation from Silicon Valley

In recent years, we have facilitated numerous retirement relocations from Silicon Valley to pleasant destinations worldwide. Whether you’re returning to your home country or starting a new chapter in a different location, we make your retirement move smooth and stress-free.

 

What to Bring When Moving Abroad

When moving from the United States to a foreign country, you will want to bring personal belongings that are important to you. Beyond items you acquired while living in Silicon Valley, consider bringing things that might be hard to find in your new location, such as:

• Specialty Items: Sports equipment, toiletries, or kitchen utensils.
• Personal Goods: Clothes, artwork, and furniture.
• Books: If you have a personal library, consider shipping it, as it may be difficult and expensive to replicate abroad. Stock up on reading material to avoid high costs.

If you’re moving to the Far East or other regions where average American body sizes are less common, consider buying extra clothes and shoes to ship to your destination.

 

Sending Your Furniture

Unless you are certain that your new residence is furnished, consider shipping your furniture. If you know the exact place you’re moving to, request room measurements to ensure your furniture will fit. Our movers will disassemble your furniture to conserve cargo space and reassemble it upon delivery. As part of our door-to-door service, we handle everything from removing boxes and debris to uncrating valuables and placing furniture in your new home.

 

Comprehensive Moving Services

SDC International Shipping provides comprehensive moving services that include packing, unpacking, and customs clearance. Let us take care of every detail, so you can focus on your new adventure.

Understanding International Customs and Regulations

When moving abroad, it’s crucial to understand the customs regulations of your destination country. These rules can vary significantly depending on whether you are a returning citizen or arriving with a long-term residence visa. Even within the European Union, where many countries are members, there are substantial differences in customs requirements.

Customs Rules for Used Household Goods

For most countries, used household goods can generally be shipped duty-free for those with a right of residence. However, returning citizens are typically subject to a “gestation” period, which is the minimum amount of time they must have lived abroad before they can send a shipment duty-free. This period is usually at least six months and, in some countries, at least two years. For those with immigrant visas, the primary requirement is that only used goods are eligible for duty-free status.

Understanding Sales Taxes (VAT/GST)

Sales taxes, commonly referred to as VAT (Value Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax), vary greatly by region. In Europe, these taxes can be quite high, while in Africa and Asia, they are typically closer to American norms. VAT or GST will usually be charged on any new items you send, so it’s essential to account for these costs when shipping goods internationally.

Items You Should Not Send in Your Shipment

To ensure a smooth customs process, be mindful of the items you include in your shipment. Here are some general guidelines:

• Alcohol: Most countries either prohibit alcohol in shipments or impose hefty taxes on it.
• Pornographic Material: Avoid sending anything that could be interpreted as pornographic.
• Illicit Drugs: Never include anything related to illegal drugs in your shipment.
• Seditious Materials: Some countries restrict the import of materials deemed seditious or politically sensitive.

Need Help with Customs Regulations?

Navigating international customs can be complex, but SDC International Shipping is here to help. Our team of experts is well-versed in customs clearance procedures and will guide you through every step to ensure a hassle-free move.

 

International Car Shipping from Silicon Valley

SDC International Shipping has decades of experience in international car shipping from Silicon Valley. California automobiles are subject to the most stringent environmental regulations in the United States. While this can make cars from California slightly more expensive, it also means they often already meet the environmental standards of many destination countries.

Shipping Cars from the USA to Right-Hand Drive Countries

For countries where vehicles drive on the right side of the road, such as many European destinations, shipping a car from the United States is often a great idea. Many countries have high taxes on automobile purchases, and American cars are comparatively more affordable. However, for countries where driving is on the left side of the road and the steering column is on the right, it is usually impractical to ship a car from the United States. Some countries do allow it, but generally, it is not recommended. Be sure to consult with your relocation specialist about the specific regulations of your destination country.

Shipping Motorcycles and Other Vehicles

The rules for shipping motorcycles differ from those for cars. Some countries that do not allow cars to be imported may still permit motorcycles. Make sure to check if special permissions or documentation are required.

In addition to cars and motorcycles, we can help you ship a range of vehicles, including recreational boats, campers, jet skis, and snowmobiles, depending on the destination country. Some locations also allow the import of vehicles that do not require licensing, such as light motorcycles or motorized scooters.

Car Inspection and Licensing Requirements

While regulations vary by country, cars typically need to be delivered to inspection and licensing facilities near the port of entry. If your car is being shipped in a container with household goods, it will be the last item loaded to facilitate easy removal for inspection upon arrival.

Most vehicles will require title validation before export. The title must be free and clear, and you will need to send us the original title to complete the transfer before pickup. Once this is done, SDC’s logistics coordinator will return the title to you via certified mail.

Vehicle Shipping Options from Silicon Valley

From Silicon Valley, cars can be shipped using various methods. We can pick up your car with a carrier service, or you can deliver it to us or directly to the port of Long Beach. Our team will work with you to find the most convenient and cost-effective option for your move.

Need Help with Car Shipping?

For more information on shipping cars internationally from Silicon Valley, consult with our experts today. Learn more about our international car shipping services and find the best option for your vehicle.

 

International Moving from Silicon Valley: Essential Checklist

Planning an international move from Silicon Valley? Here’s a checklist to help you prepare for a smooth transition to your new destination:

1. Plan Early

Start planning your move well in advance. There are many things you should do before booking your pickup date to ensure a hassle-free relocation.

2. Update Your Passports and Citizenship Status

• Renew Passports: Make sure all passports are up to date before traveling.
• Dual Citizenship: If you have obtained dual citizenship, consult with tax experts to understand your obligations.
• Consulate Visits: If you are not a citizen of your destination country, make an appointment at the closest consulate and review the information available on their websites.

3. Plan for Your Pets

If you plan to bring your pet with you, follow these steps:

• Veterinary Report: Obtain a recent veterinary report of good health.
• USDA APHIS Form: Have your vet fill out the USDA APHIS form within 10 days of travel.
• Check Import Requirements: Some countries have lengthy, multi-step processes for importing pets, so check early.

4. Learn the Language

If you don’t yet speak the language of your destination country, start learning it as soon as possible. While English is widely spoken, knowing the local language is essential for living and integrating into the community. Explore various language-learning methods to find one that suits you.

5. Understand the Healthcare System

• Health Insurance: Research the healthcare system of your destination country. Even if it offers universal coverage, it may not meet your specific needs. Arrange for comprehensive family health insurance before you go.
• Health Records: Make copies of your family’s health records and translate them if necessary.
• Immunization Records: Ensure you have complete immunization records. Almost all countries require travelers to be fully immunized, especially for long-term stays.

6. Get Immunized

• Vaccinations: Make sure your entire family is fully immunized. Most countries require vaccinations such as MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella). Check the CDC website for specific vaccination recommendations for your destination.
• Additional Vaccinations: Some countries may recommend additional vaccinations for tropical diseases or other conditions uncommon in the U.S., especially if you will be living there long-term.

7. Prepare Essential Documents

• Credit Reports: Obtain copies of your credit reports for local banks in your new country.
• Police Report: Secure a police report of good citizenship, which may be necessary to obtain ID cards or residency permits.

 

International Shipping Options

At SDC International Shipping, we offer a variety of international shipping options from Silicon Valley to suit your needs, whether you’re moving household goods or sending commercial shipments.

Air Freight for Urgent Shipments

For urgent shipments, consider using our air freight services. Air cargo is ideal for time-sensitive deliveries, especially for commercial customers. If you are sending commercial shipments, ensure you have the necessary import licenses or have partnered with an importer at your destination. Learn more about our air freight options to find the best solution for your urgent needs.

Sea Freight for Household Goods

The most common way to send household goods and personal effects from the United States is by sea freight in a shipping container. We offer three standard container sizes:

• 20-Foot Container: Offers approximately 1,100 cubic feet of cargo space and can typically accommodate the contents of a 3-bedroom house.
• 40-Foot Container: Provides about 2,200 cubic feet of space, suitable for a 3+ bedroom house.
• 40-Foot High Cube Container (HC): Offers 2,700 cubic feet, ideal for larger shipments or when including extra items like a car or motorcycle.

Explore our container shipping services to determine which option is right for your move.

LCL (Less Than Container Load) Options

Not all clients need to ship thousands of cubic feet of cargo. For smaller shipments of around 100 cubic feet or less, we offer several LCL (Less Than Container Load) options. If you are moving to Europe, take advantage of our cost-effective groupage consolidations to share container space with others and reduce costs. Consult your relocation specialist to learn more about our LCL options.

Consult with Our Experts

Whether you need fast air freight, full container loads, or LCL shipping, our team is here to guide you. Contact us today to discuss the best shipping options for your needs.