2. Planning your Move
Introduction
There are many steps involved in planning an international move. This chapter provides tips for a productive exploratory visit, a step-by step guide for the move, a checklist of items to bring and information to plan your arrival in Myanmar.
Exploratory Visit
An exploratory visit before your move is highly recommended. During this trip examine various housing options, visit international schools (if needed), meet with physicians and explore local shops and restaurants.
Schedule the visit several months before the anticipated move date and plan on staying for at least a week to conduct your research and get a feel for Myanmar and its people.
Make hotel reservations as early as possible as accommodations are limited, especially during high season (October - March). Local travel agents (See List of Travel Agents Chapter 11) are often able to secure good rates and accommodations even during peak travel periods.
During your Visit
Purchase a detailed Myanmar map and use it to locate important locations such as your office, potential schools and possible places to live. Also recommended for purchase is the International Friendship Group's "Golden Guide to Yangon" which contains a useful directory of shops and service providers.
Meet with a few realtors to view furnished and unfurnished properties in different areas of the city. Visit service apartments and hotels (see Chapter 3) and make reservations for temporary housing in advance of your arrival. Plan ahead, most service apartments in Yangon have a 6-month to 1-year waiting list.
Individuals with school age children should use this trip to explore the various international school options. During the school visit evaluate the school and determine if it fits your child's needs. Speak with the principal and a few teachers. Take photos and videos of the school to show your child. Find out if the school offers transportation services and evaluate the distance of the school from various neighborhoods. Ask about uniforms, extracurricular activities, and programs of importance to your child. Also consider the numerous boarding school options in nearby countries, such as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. (See Chapter 4 for school listings).
Take some time during the trip to visit malls, grocery stores, appliance, furniture and other shops to assess availability and pricing of consumer goods. Visit local medical clinics and pharmacies. Consider visiting medical specialists and hospitals in Bangkok and Singapore if specialized medical treatment is required. Pet owners should visit a local vet to learn what is available in terms of medical care, supplies and pet services.
Meet with other expats and parents to seek their advice. There are many regularly scheduled events (See Chapter 12) to meet fellow expats living in Yangon.
After your visit, evaluate the information gathered and weigh the relocation decision carefully. An international assignment is often a major career opportunity, but success will come only if you and your family are happy with the decision. Involve your family in the decision, listen to their concerns and ideas, and take their needs into account during this exciting but stressful transition.
Steps for a Successful International Move
As each situation is unique, use this as a guide and work with your local resources (company, realtor, medical practitioners, and financial advisors) to create a more detailed plan for your move.
Plan Ahead
Develop a master plan and calendar to track the many dates, events and tasks needed to complete your move as seamlessly as possible. Set up a filing system using folders or an expandable file to store move related paperwork and important personal documents.
Passport and Visas
A valid passport with at least 6 months validity and blank visa pages is required for every individual (including infants). If needed, apply for a new passport early in the move schedule. Gather and submit supporting documents (including old passports, birth certificates and other identification) as required.
An entry visa is required to enter Myanmar unless you have a Diplomatic passport or are a citizen of a country that has a reciprocal visa arrangement with Myanmar. See Appendix 1 for more details. Individuals who wish to reside in Myanmar for business reasons must apply for a business visa. Visa application forms are available online or at the Myanmar Mission Visa free of charge.
Personal Property
Those owning their own home must decide whether to keep, sell or rent their property. A local realtor can estimate the home's current resale and rental value.
Consider a contingency plan in case the home does not sell or rent before your move. Renting your home while abroad carries the risk of potential damage by tenants. Engage the services of a property management firm to mitigate this risk and manage property maintenance. Consider landlord insurance to protect against negligent tenants. Alternatively, leave your home furnished for your use while on annual leave. This would require the services (either paid or unpaid) of someone to maintain your home while overseas. Renters must give appropriate notice to the landlord. Depending on the lease expiration date, contract termination fees may apply. If yours is a company move, ask for reimbursement for this expense.
Automobile
Automobile owners must decide whether to keep or sell their car. Local auto dealers and online sites can provide estimates of the automobile's current value. Outstanding loan balances must be paid before the car title can be transferred to a new owner.
Alternatively, keep your car at a secured and covered location and arrange for regular upkeep. Annual registrations, inspections and insurance coverage must also be maintained. Those leasing an automobile may face penalties if the car is returned prior to the lease expiration date. If yours is a company move, ask for reimbursement for this expense.
Expert Advice and Counsel
Legal
Meet with legal counsel to discuss your personal situation and draw up legal documents to protect your family and personal property. Hand carry a copy of will(s) and other legal documents to Myanmar, and leave the original document(s) in your home country with a relative, close friend or lawyer.
Insurance
Contact your broker for information on insurance coverage for your home, auto and other personal property while overseas. Cancel insurance policies for items sold prior to your move and ensure that you have adequate coverage on the personal items you leave behind. It is important to review and update other insurance policies (life, disability, endowment or annuity) if impacted by the move. Establish prepayment systems so that your coverage does not lapse inadvertently due to missed payments.
Ensure your health care plan offers worldwide healthcare cover and emergency evacuation services. Assess your current policy and if necessary use a broker to find a new or supplemental health insurance plan to suit your requirements. Those with preexisting medical conditions should consider also retaining their current policy.
Gather policy information including coverage guidelines and exclusions, insurance cards for each family member, and reimbursement materials. Also consider annual traveler's insurance to cover potential travel related losses.
Tax
There are tax implications involved in moving to and living overseas. Discuss these issues and possible mitigation measures with your accountant prior to your departure. Bring copies of the past 3-5 years tax records in case of audit.
Banking and Financial Matters
Most international banks require proof of residency to open an account. Either maintain your current account or open a new account in a full service international bank prior to your move to Myanmar, as it is difficult to open an account with an international bank as a resident of Myanmar.
Payments
Make arrangements for deposits, automatic withdrawals and fund transfers for regular payments (mortgage, car payments, utilities, and insurance) before departure. Explore the feasibility of online checking or automatic payments to avoid late fee charges or account cancellations due to nonpayment or late payments. Make copies of records for each account and bring bankcards and contact information to access funds while overseas. Notify your local bank of your travel plans so they do not block your ATM card in error. Bring copies of financial records to track maturity dates for bonds or other bank certificate of deposits.
Credit Cards
Keep major credit cards (e.g. American Express, Visa, Master-Card) but suspend or cancel smaller credit accounts. Track credit card expiration dates to avoid lapses. Ensure that each credit card company has updated contact information and sign up for online statements and bill payment service. Inform each company of your planned travel dates to avoid refusal of charges and a freeze on your credit card account.
Make copies of credit cards and record account numbers in case of loss or theft. Keep this information in a safe and accessible location.
Other Accounts
Cancel unneeded service accounts including electricity, water, fuel, newspapers, magazines, Internet and cable TV. Keep a record of the cancellation confirmation....
