While the origin of the festival is unknown, the tradition of Čimburijada, which is named after the egg dish, has been passed down through the generations. The tradition begins at dawn, because greeting the new day adds meaning to the celebration. The eggs symbolise new life as promised by the return of warmer weather.

Bosna, the heart of the region

Word of Čimburijada has spread and the once a local event now welcomes scrambled-egg lovers from all over the world. Like any festival, Čimburijada involves music and sporting events. There are games for adults and children as well as an annual regatta along the Bosna River, the third-longest river in Bosnia-Herzegovina. “The festival is an important part of local heritage. It helps expatriates understand the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina better and integrate into the region,” says Erol Mahmutovic, manager of AGS Sarajevo.

The Bosna flows for more than 282 kilometres through the industrial heartland and centre of the Bosnia-Herzegovina, which is home to one million people. Its source is in Vrelo Bosne, at the foot of Mount Igman, on the outskirts of Sarajevo, the country’s capital.

Need help or advice on your move to Bosnia? Contact us today!

1. Residency and Immigration Formalities

Since the UK left the EU, it is true that moving to France has become more complicated for British citizens. If you’re staying in France (or any other Schengen country) for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a residence permit (Carte de Séjour) at your local Préfecture (a government department responsible for administering things such as residence permits, driving licences and passports). If you intend to work in France, you’ll also need to apply for a work permit. Processes can be complicated so it’s best to consult with an immigration lawyer if you’re uncertain about the rules.

2. Finding somewhere to live

Before you start looking, you need to understand French ‘housing lingo’. The number of rooms listed on housing adverts (F3 or T3 for example) always excludes the kitchen and bathrooms/toilets. In many smaller apartments in France, however, the living area will be open plan and the kitchen will be within the main living area (‘un coin-cuisine’). It can be a little confusing! So, in simple terms, a studio (also known as a T1/F1) is a one roomed property with the sleeping area within the main room, with a corner kitchen, and a separate bathroom. A T2 or F2 is an apartment with two rooms – one bedroom, a living/reception area which may include the kitchen (or the kitchen may be separate!) – and a separate bathroom. A T3/F3 is an apartment with three rooms (2 bedrooms), etc.

Property websites like Seloger and Superimmo can help you in your accommodation search, but if you’re not fluent in French, it is best to enlist the help of a relocation company like AGS. These agencies can help you find a place, arrange viewing appointments, and most importantly review the lease agreement to ensure that it is legally compliant and that it protects your interests as the tenant.

3. Moving your household goods

For peace of mind, it’s critical that your mover understands the customs and import regulations and can complete the correct paperwork for your move. A reputable moving company such as AGS Movers will assess your specific requirements and provide a personalised moving quote.

4. Learning the Language

You’ll struggle to get by in France without at least a basic level of French. If you have the time and the funds, face-to-face language lessons with a private language school are your best bet to learn the language quickly. Try International House in Nice or the Alliance Française in Paris as a starting point. If in-person lessons are out of your budget, you can try online lessons with Berlitz or self-paced online courses with a provider such as Rosetta Stone. You can also try some of the free apps like Duolingo. Another great idea is to arrange a language exchange. You will find many people in big cities offering free French/English conversation exchanges (or put up your own ad at the local supermarket or university!). You’ll meet for a coffee and spend half of the time chatting in French and the other half chatting in English. It’s a great way to improve your confidence, make some French friends, and get some free language lessons.

5. Opening a Bank Account

There are many major high street banks in France, including Credit Lyonnais, Société Générale and BNP Paribas, to name but a few. However, providing the right proof of identity and residency can be a challenge when trying to open a bank account, so it’s worth contacting your UK bank before you go to see if they have international branches. HSBC UK, for example, may be able to help you to open an account in France before you arrive.

6. Finding a school for your children

It is compulsory for children in France to attend school between the ages of 3 and 16, and there are many great options for international schools, as well as French state and private schools. Read our article “French Education System: Where Will Your Kids Go to School?” for more information.

7. Healthcare

If you’re moving to France permanently and you are working, you will need to enrol into the French social security and healthcare system. In France, healthcare is part state funded and part privately funded via a Mutuelle that you usually join via your employer. If you’re moving temporarily with your employer or to study, you may be able to retain certain NHS benefits. The situation is a little more complicated since the UK left the EU however, so it’s best to check the most up to date information on the UK government website and the French government website.

If you want to take out private international healthcare coverage, you may wish to consider a provider such as William-Russell, CIGNA or BUPA.

8. Driving in France

The criteria for whether your UK driving licence remains valid in France are complicated and depend on when your licence was issued and how long it’s valid for.

Obviously, in France, they drive on the right so you may find it easier to buy a left-hand-drive car in France. However, it is possible to import your British car and obtain a registration ‘carte grise’. It’s important to do this as soon as possible after arrival though (usually within the first month) as your insurance may be invalid if you don’t.

9. Tax

International taxation is complicated to say the least! It’s best to discuss your personal situation with an international tax consultant, particularly if you are retaining property or assets in the UK or you are likely to be travelling back and forth between the UK and France for work or other purposes as you may become tax resident in both France and the UK. If you’re leaving the UK permanently, however, you may be entitled to a tax refund! Read our article “Taxation when moving to France” for more information.

10. Mobile phones

Since the UK left the EU, many of the UK’s larger mobile networks have reintroduced roaming charges. Some of the smaller UK networks, however, still include roaming within your inclusive plan, so it may be worth switching if you want to retain your UK number. If you expect to use both a French and a UK number when in France, you may want to invest in a dual-sim phone allowing you to carry around one phone with two numbers, but you must ensure that it isn’t locked to a particular network.
France has many mobile networks such as Orange, Bouygues Télécom and SFR, all with high street stores, as well as a number of smaller online retailers.

Moving to France may seem daunting, but with preparation and forward planning you can make the transition smoother and be ready in no time to take full advantage of everything that life in France has to offer.

For help with anything included in this article including removals, house hunting, settling in services, arranging language lessons or tax support, please get in touch with AGS Movers UK today!

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This is common knowledge to the large number of expatriates who have been moving to their Canadian cities of choice for many years. “We talk to expatriate candidates as much as possible to find out what lifestyle they aspire to, and thus guide them towards the most appropriate cities,” says Sophie Lucas, Managing Director of AGS France.

Three cities in the spotlight

Canada has ten states: Alberta, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador. The country also has three federal territories: the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon.

While each province has its strengths, most newcomers choose one of Canada’s three largest cities as their new home.

Vancouver

As the capital of beautiful British Columbia, Vancouver consistently ranks as the most popular destination for expatriates. Canada’s flagship state is known for its picture-perfect natural vistas of breath-taking mountains, lush forests and rugged coastline.

Family-friendly Vancouver boasts world-class educational institutions and healthcare centres. Its resemblance to major American metropolises has also made it a popular location for film shoots, and a strong arts and culture scene has developed as a result.

More than half of Vancouverites speak English, so it’s easy to integrate into the local community and enjoy the city’s cosmopolitan vibe.

Economically speaking, Vancouver offers employment opportunities in diverse industries, such as mining, tourism, telecommunications, and finance. International connections are strong and facilitate business. The city was ranked best city for young workers in Canada in 2021.

The average income and standard of living are high, but the cost of living and housing is equally high when compared with other regions. Indeed, Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada.

The weather, however, is milder than elsewhere, making outdoor activities possible year-round.

Toronto

As the financial capital of Canada, Toronto is also the country’s largest city.  Residents enjoy excellent healthcare, safety, and an economy geared towards technological innovation. Like Vancouver, the cost of living is high compared with other regions. However, Torontonians benefit from an extensive public transport system and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country.

Ontario’s capital offers plenty to see and do, from a getaway to a nearby national park to a night on the town. The bustling city is bursting with modern architecture, with many of its skyscrapers offering magnificent views of Lake Ontario.

Montreal

Home to Canada’s second-largest economy, Montreal is hailed as one of the country’s most family-friendly cities. It is a fusion of Canadian and French culture and is widely considered to be the country’s cultural capital.

Compared with Vancouver and Toronto, buyers and renters will find that property in Montreal is more affordable. The cost of living is also lower relative to other Canadian cities. Additionally, a convenient metro and bus service make it easy to get around.

From the bustling downtown business district to the magnificent views from Mount Royal Hill, Montreal appeals to city slickers and nature lovers alike. The city is set on an island in the St. Lawrence River, the second strongest river in the world after the Amazon.

In addition to these large metropolises, there are several medium-sized municipalities that offer great value for money such as Halifax or Ottawa; while smaller communities like Quebec City and Oakville can also be desirable places to live. We’ll cover them all in our top-10 liveable Canadian cities series. series.

When you’re ready to make that big move to Canada, AGS Relocation has you covered.

Contact us today for a positive immigration experience.

Removals for individuals and businesses are still allowed. For example, the French government even permitted removals during the lockdown of 30 October 2020, considering them to be “movements for compelling family reasons.”

The Chamber of Movers stated that professional moving companies could continue to operate, as opposed to the first shutdown. “Companies have taken precautions to deal with the virus. They have put measures in place to protect employees, customers and anybody else involved in a move,” the Chamber said in a statement. Proof that mobility continues during this period. The AGS Group has had measures in place for months to ensure that each of our moves takes place in the safest way possible. Worldwide, our branches are open, and our teams are completing requests for quotes and support within the usual timeframe.

Preparation is crucial

However, now more than ever, the preparatory phase of a move is essential. It is especially so if you are moving abroad. Moving is an exciting experience and a definite upheaval.

But, to ease the transition, it is crucial to plan your departure to the tee. Luckily, there are many tips to help you with this process. For example:

• It’s better to research your new city so that you don’t get lost when you arrive.
• Think about how you’d like to manage the shipment of your car or go about choosing a school for your children that is near your new home.
• Look for extracurricular activities that allow them to settle in and establish new friendships.
• Be sure to pack important documents you may need as well as items of sentimental value, so you don’t feel lost.

Moving is also often an opportunity to sort through and empty your closets. Remember to give away items that you won’t be taking along with you. Also, file your documents you still need and will be taking so that they are easy to find again when you need them.

Necessary formalities, seasoned teams

AGS is one of the key players in the mobility sector, and we are ready to support you. Thanks to our 46 years of experience and expertise, and our global network, we can guide you through all the formalities involved in an international move. We also handle all aspects of any domestics moves within the 96 countries where we are present. All told, we manage more than 85 000 family moves a year.

Around the world, our 4 500 employees are ready to meet the needs of businesses and families during this challenging time. We are on standby to take care of even the smallest detail and ensure that your move goes smoothly.

For example, opening a bank account in your new city is essential if you are going to live abroad It’s a small but crucial detail that will make the difference and will help you in your new life

Cultivating curiosity and openness to the world

Above and beyond effective preparation, a move also requires adaptability from both adults and children. Accompany your toddlers in this new phase of their lives. Get them excited by making family photo albums or show them pictures of the country or city where you will be living.

Have fun as a family learning useful phrases for when you arrive, such as “Hello,” “This is delicious” or “Thank you.” Involve them in the preparations for the move and in choosing your new home. Before you leave, look for activities that they might enjoy so that they can soon become familiar with their new life.

For your part, prepare for the cultural differences and start learning a little of the local language. Be open-minded and cultivate your curiosity. The unknown and the unusual can be confusing, but the more you allow yourself to be surprised by new experiences, the richer your life will be.

These tips will allow you to transition smoothly and reduce culture shock. Settling in a new country often requires quality support, and that is support that AGS Movers can provide.

Need a reliable quality removals company to move you? Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Best regards

Antoine Brun – Managing Director

South East Europe- Procter & Gamble

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