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Shipping to France
Are you looking for removals to France? Whether it’s the sublime beaches of the south or a taste of the Parisian café culture, France offers a laid back lifestyle which is the envy of many.
One thing you’ll need to be less laidback about however is figuring out how to transfer your personal belongings in plenty of time.
With over 35 years’ experience relocating people to destinations all over Europe, GoodMove can manage all aspects of your move to France. From packaging to export documentation. Our extensive relocation network overseas allows us to provide bespoke removal solutions at competitive prices, no matter where you’re moving to.
What’s more, as members of the industry regulators, the British Association of Removers you will have the complete peace of mind that comes from using a reputable and knowledgeable removals company.
Whatever stage of moving you’re at, allow GoodMove to help you start your new life in France. Contact us today or fill in a quick form above and arrange a home survey, shortly followed by a free no obligation removals quote.
Why Choose Us for Removals to France
Moving with GoodMove couldn’t be simpler. Our experienced and friendly team will be on hand to guide you throughout the process and will tailor your move to your time and budget.
We pack your belongings using a bespoke range of packing materials and deliver them right to your new home using our extensive fleet of vehicles. We can supply the following materials so all your items can be packed properly and avoid any damage in transit:
- Boxes
- Packing Paper
- Packing Cases
- Book Cartons
- Packing Tape
- Wine dividers
- Acid free paper (for silverware)
- Portable Wardrobes
- Bubble Wrap
Once we ascertain the volume of effects being moved we will send you a free no obligation written quotation. If satisfied we will then provide you with a full schedule detailing every aspect of your move, ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day.
We also offer a range of flexible storage solutions should you wish to take advantage of them.
Why Move to France?
Many expats relocate to France in search of ‘Le Belle Vie’, which translates as the good life. Whether it’s the better work-life balance, the very high standard living, or simply the cheese, many have fallen for one of France’s numerous charms and never wish to leave.
Emigrating is a fantastic life experience, although some expats find it a huge culture shock when they first move to France. Rest assured it does get easier and more familiar with time and patience. Being just a short flight or train journey away from the UK means that you have the option to return home to visit friends and family, or vice versa.
The warmer climate, larger homes and outdoors lifestyle are just some of the popular reasons why France is adored by expats. The French countryside is certainly beautiful and diverse. From skiing in the Alps to relaxing on some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Abound with culture, historic cities and pretty villages you will have plenty of places to explore in your spare time. Of course, another highlight is the French food and drink. Its famous bread, cheese, wine and champagne are second to none.
Its not hard to see why so many people from the UK choose to make this wonderful country their home.
Working in France
As an EU citizen you have the right to work, study or live in France without a residence permit. The country is a global leader in a variety of industries. Its iron, steel and perfume and cosmetics industries are its fastest-growing and many multinational companies are based in France, including L’Oreal, Michelin, AXA and Airbus.
French businesses expect efficiency and productivity and those planning to relocate to France without a job in place may find the job-hunting process challenging. Opportunities will be even more limited for those who aren’t fluent in French. Nevertheless, expats account for a significant percentage of the workforce in cities such as Paris and business people do value the new skills a foreigner can bring.
Working conditions are good. The French generally enjoy one to two-hour lunch breaks every day, as well as ample coffee breaks. It has adopted a more relaxed approach to work in recent years with the introduction of labour laws which means the standard working week is 35 hours. Furthermore, any work above the 35-hour threshold is classed as overtime and must be paid. Combine this with the 13 bank holidays and generous 5 weeks of paid leave a year and you have a very attractive place to work.
Healthcare in France
The French health care system is one of universal health care largely financed by government national health insurance. It is seen as one of the best healthcare systems in the world.
However, the National Health Service in France is not free. It is funded by contributions to a social security fund (SCU) which is made up of insurance funds paid into by French residents, as well as by fees charged at the point of treatment.
If you are an expat working in France, either as an employee or self-employed and paying social contributions, you will be able to register for the French national health service.
If employed, your employer will handle your affiliation and may also offer a company-based scheme of voluntary insurance, called a prévoyance collective. Your contribution to the state insurance fund depends on your circumstances but an average employed single person will pay around 8% of their income.
Property Prices in France
Property prices, particularly outside of Paris are low right now. It’s possible in all sorts of places to find lovely homes with lots of space on offer for less than £87,000. To purchase an apartment in the city the cost is approximately €5671 (£4993) per square metre. Outside of the centre this drops to €3640 (£3205).
The legal process is fairly straight forward, and the land registration system is secure. However, you need to be aware of any hidden legal fees and taxes and estate agent’s commission. These charges are not included in the contract and are extra so you need to factor these into your budget.
Hiring a solicitor or ‘Notaire’ is good advice. Speak to other local expats on forums. They can advise you of the best way to avoid any pitfalls and recommend a good estate agent and Notaire.
Renting Property in France
Holidaying is not the same experience as living.
Most expats therefore choose to rent a property before purchasing. Once you have found where you think you want to settle, take a few months to check out the area to be sure it is suitable before making any long term financial commitments.
This allows you to ‘test drive’ the area for working opportunities, adequate schools, and other services/facilities that you will likely be requiring during your time in France.
Property rental and purchase costs vary depending on location. As a guide, to rent a 3-bedroomed home in a city centre, you can expect to pay an average of €1278 (£1125) per month. Outside the city this drops to €967 (£851).
Schools in France
French schooling is free and mandatory from ages six to 16. The general education system is held in high regard and is believed to be one of the best in the world. Education differs from the UK and is split into stages. Your child’s academic level and grades will dictate which specialist streams they can follow in their final years at school.
The French government has proposed controversial educational reforms to the collége system (middle school for ages 11–15), to make it less elitist and give all pupils, whatever their background, the same educational opportunities.
There are a number of International Schools if you prefer, but there is a fee if you decide to send your child to one of them.
Local Currency
The national currency of France is the Euro (€).
All major credit cards can be used in France, with Visa and MasterCard accepted most widely. In larger towns and villages ATMs are plentiful where they are known as DABs or distributeur automatique de billet.
When you are relocating to a new country, making sure you get the best currency exchange rate possible is crucial.
If you want to beat your banks rates and services, simply contact our trusted FX partners, Frontierpay. Opening an account with them is free and incredibly simple.
Travelling Around France
Public Transport
The railway network in France is the second most extensive in Western Europe (behind only that of Germany) and stretches 18,314 miles. Operated by the SNCF, high-speed trains include the Thalys, the Eurostar and TGV, which travels at 320 km/h (199 mph) in commercial use.
The Eurostar, along with the Eurotunnel Shuttle, connects France with the UK through the Channel Tunnel. France has a large underground service called the Metro which links the major cities of Paris, Lyon, Lille, Marseille, Toulouse.
France has a total of 464 airports with Charles de Gaulle Airport, located in the vicinity of Paris, being the largest and busiest airport in the country. There are ten major sea ports in France, the largest of which is in Marseille.
Driving in France
Currently, all expats who are EU citizens can drive in France using their national driving licence. Most expats will have driven in France on their holidays so will know what to expect before they make the move. However, here are some general rules to be aware of:
Export Packing for Removals to France from UK
You will want to know that during your door to door service, your possessions are treated with respect and care. Our experienced teams located across the UK will pack and prepare your valuable, fragile and bulky furniture ready for export.
We use a modern range of environmentally friendly, purpose-made packing materials and can pack everything for you prior to your move. All china and glassware will be wrapped in special paper and then packed in double-thickness cartons. Furniture can be wrapped in bubble blanket for extra protection. Items requiring specialist care, such as antiques, can be packed in made-to-measure wooden crates.
Upon arrival at your residence in France, our trusted agents will place boxes and furniture in appropriate rooms as directed. They will unpack your belongings onto flat surfaces and dispose of all packing materials.
Shipping My Effects to France
The whole moving experience can be incredibly stressful, especially so when relocating abroad. Goodmove, with its 35 years of experience in the removal industry, can help make the process a lot less traumatic. We can arrange a free no obligation home survey and quotation. It will be carried out by one of our qualified surveyors, who is able to answer any of the questions and concerns you may have and offer advice where necessary.
The purpose of the survey is to determine the volume of effects you will be shipping. The cost of shipment is based on the space your effects will take up in the container. Following the visit, you will receive a written quotation.
Why Choose Us?
Worldwide Coverage
Our experienced team of removals specialists have been relocating customers all over the world since 1984.
100% Satisfaction
With a reputation for outstanding customer service, there's no better choice of removals firm for your next move.
Here For You
Our friendly support team are always on hand to offer help and guidance, whenever when you need it.