USA to France

Hi,
I'm French, I live in France and I used to be a relocation coach.
Are you planning or dreaming to move to France? If so, send me your questions and I'll see if I can answer or put you in contact with American friends.
Take care,
B.

***

we moved to France some years ago are you going to move yourself ?

We moved last year from California to France and used an excllent shipping company.

WE just moved to France in the last two weeks...what questions do you have?  Dennis

I've been living in france for almost three years now and had most, but not all, my stuff shipped over. The company was the shipper from Hell and now I'm looking for someone else to handle the rest of my things. Anyone have recommendations?

We were very happy with our choice: All our items arrived on time, nothing broken or damaged.
Good adice to ship directly to Rotterdam to pay less fees.
Hope this helps.

A. van Leeuwenhoekweg 50
2408 AN Alphen aan den Rijn
The Netherlands
T: +31 (0)172 449978to pay less

Schumacher Cargo Logistics, Inc.
Los Angeles (FIDI accredited) Houston & New York
550 W 135th Street
Gardena (Los Angeles),     California     90248
Tel:      562 408-6677 - Direct Line: 310 400-8217
Email:     [email protected]   
Web:
www.sclusa.com

Hi! I will be moving to Toulouse France either in March, and no later than April in 2022. What city are planning to move to?

how does it work to ship to Rotterdam?  Do you arrange to have the shipment picked up from there?

Can you share what you paid?

Our shipping company suggested we use Rotterdam. We paid import tariff of 200€ and then trucked to France.
Our shipping cost of our furniture and belongings during Covid in October 2020 was $8,000

Personally, if I were single I would live in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. It's a beautiful coastal town with everything you need within walking distance, train station, shops, restaurants, two small ports. They have rentals there but difficult for us to find a unfurnished apartment or house 80+m2 so we wait hopping something will come along.

I want to move there by next year. Just so lost with the process. I live in the U.S. right now.

My wife and I just moved here from Annapolis.  We're spending a month in Nancy to get oriented and decide where we want to put down roots.  Likely in the Thonon-les-Bains or Annecy area.  We just went through hell trying to get a French bank account at the local HSBC, and PNB basically wouldn't give us the time of day.  Our HSBC rep e-mailed me with a link to apply online, and that appears to be working now.

Having just retired, we plan to decompress for a bit, then explore in this area, maybe a day trip or two to Strasbourg, and definitely visit a couple wineries in the Champagne region.  (Finally, I get to stop using the term "sparkling wine!")

Next up -- ditch my US Verizon mobile phone and get a new account here.  I'm looking at Orange, any thoughts?

See my post below ... get an international bank account before leaving the U.S.  That was my biggest headache.

I don't see your post regarding the international bank account. Please share the link with us. Thank you.

Orange is the way to go as far as  purchasing from a reputable company. Make sure you have an established bank account in your name  as a requirement . And they may ask for a  residency card or something showing that you have lived in France for at least 6 months. I wish you much success and happiness in France.

My wife and I just moved here from Annapolis.  We're spending a month in Nancy to get oriented and decide where we want to put down roots.  Likely in the Thonon-les-Bains or Annecy area.  We just went through hell trying to get a French bank account at the local HSBC, and PNB basically wouldn't give us the time of day.  Our HSBC rep e-mailed me with a link to apply online, and that appears to be working now.

Excuse me!

Hi,
Since you moved to France from USA, please let me how did you do to get housing when they want a co-signer, the last 3 salary statements......when we do not know people in France who could be co-signers and that our salary statements are in English?

Hi Jjvanore!

Thank you for your posting! Simply curious, how much does the international bank (the one where you opened an account) require as initial deposit? Would you know of other banks that would allow U.S. citizens to open a bank account? If so, what are they?

Thanks in advance!

-M

We are also hoping to move to France in 2022 from California and the process feels a bit overwhelming. Hoping to move near Nantes.
Can you open a bank account before establishing residency?
Can you secure housing before having a job?
Are there reputable furniture/car shipping companies (we see reviews where people have their items held hostage!)?
How difficult is it to find specialists (doctors) in France that speak some English?
These are things that are difficult to do in Los Angeles and we're worried the process will be equally painful in France.

We are scouring this forum for recommendations. We'll be asking more specific questions in the months to come. Appreciate all of your answers so we don't have to reinvent the wheel.
I realize I just asked multiple questions in one post and I really need to post them all separately. I just wanted to say hello and blurt out the things that are currently causing us to panic. Additionally, I'd love to hear what your thoughts are on what we should really be worried about moving from the U.S. to France!

Side Note: My husband has an American passport. I have both Polish & American passports.

Hi ... seeing you have a Polish pasport you will have the right to stay here as you a European. This will make things way more easy.
Housing should not be much of a problem. But to open an account you need to have a proof that you have actually housing. Meaning, a copy of an electriciybill or similar.

Two things are very important I find : health insurance (CPAM is the governmental service where you can get all info)
And second ... do yourself a huge favor and study as much French as you can before coming over. French people are really ok as long as you show that you'll do all it takes to fit in. And the most important for that is speaking French as their English sucks to say the least haha.

Good luck to you all

Marcel

Hi Marcel
I am curious. Do you own your house/apt?
Because renting an unfurnished place is very difficult. I am still struggling to find a decent place I can rent unfurnished in Paris because as an entrepreneur I do not have a CDI and the required amounts on taxes. So much so I created a Facebook group to help people understand the rental laws in France.

Hi
It all starts with the conditions that bring you here
1) Are you coming with jobs awaiting you and are they work contracts ? CDI / CDD

2) and whether you are looking to buy a place or rent furnished or unfunrnished?

Lets start with this info.

You will need an address to open a bank account and to register with CPAM to get your Health Insurance card

Kindly
Cassis

Hi Cassis

We bought a house when we came to live here. It does take some patience to get it all in order but in the end it was all worth it. We tried to open an account in "crédit agricole" but they wanted proof of a bill. As we were still in the proces of bying it was not possible. They understood the duality of the problem in the bank and let us open an account after we promised to bring in proof after ...
Whether you hire or buy, it all depends on the region. We live in Burgundy and there's so much for sale around here that the choice is immense and they are glad to find byers.

For reasons I still do not understand, my wife got here "carte vital" from CPAM after a few weeks where it took almost one year for mine ...

Also, we experienced that, when we wanted to get a lone for a new car, this was not possible. No loan in France because my income is from Belgium and no loan in Belgium because I my adress is in France !! 🤪 Perfection does not exist I suppose

All in all, it may have taken a while to get settled but it was really worth it.

Marcel

Yes Marcel, there are some adjustments as there would be when moving to any place I suppose.
I was born in France and lived here till I was 23 and it took me 9 months to get my Carte Vitale so I sympathize!

From seeing it on my Facebook group, having the possibility to buy a place when you arrive in France v. renting if you don't fall in the contract work with high salary demographic changes everything

As I said before, the time, energy and thus money wasted to find an owner who will rent an unfurnished place to someone even with money on the bank account is unbelievable.

I had 6 digits on my bank account when I arrived and no agency would take me on because of the Loi Alur and the fact it can take up to 3 years to evict someone who does not pay their rent.
I wasted 8 months of my life, ended up jumping on an offer to rent an expensive unfurnished appartment I had to take as is and redo (hardwood floor, paint etc) only to be told later the owner wanted to come back to live in it.

Needless to say, I absolutely regret moving back to France. I should have moved to Portugal or Spain.

Cheers

How weird: had you given up your French citizenship at some point? I don't see why it would take so long for a French citizen to get a carte vitale. I'm a dual citizen, US-Italian, born in the US and it only took me 3 months to get my carte vitale. Is there something you're not telling us?

Hi Robert, in my case, the only explanation I got was that paperwork between Belgium and France was taking time and they told me to be patient .... But most people I had to deal with were very understanding of my situation (doctor, dentist)
In my experience, it is not really a "country" that fails you but rather a situation depending on your expectations... There's flaws where ever you go ...

Marcel

Since I was young, I can't wait to go to France, and I will go, God willing

If you don't mind, what is the name of the shipping companie you use? i am planning to move to France by mid 2023 and the reviews of these companies are mixed so need some help.
Thanks
Erick

Well, it has not been simple. It really depends on where you live. The addresses are a big problem.  So many streets and villages with almost the same name. The regular Post person is the only one that knows where they are. But the last year because of Covid it has gotten better. Since so many are ordering things to be delivered. So first consult with your post person so they know you have something coming. Also, so you write the address correctly with the correct layout. And so they know you have something coming. The address will give some trouble at the US end so be careful that the website is ok with the address. Use a US credit card that saves time and trouble exchanging currency.  DHL, UPS, and FedEx work but not always at the base rate. Customs are always involved. And many vendors in the US do not do any about that. If it is shipped Overnight or Nextday it will cost more but it has a better chance of getting to you. So it is good to talk to the agent you are ordering from. It ends up being expensive and work. But when I can not find something and Amazon does not have it. I have used US Amazon also.  The worst has been items from EU and FR because the truck drivers just are lost out in the country.

Hi B.,

We are planning the move, but may need to do Plan B or C.  Several years ago I traveled more often than now and we we're going to buy a property long distance.  There are risks, but also potential big savings in the overall process.  We are looking for short-medium term rentals (cheaper than the 1 month tourist rentals in Paris).  Locations: Hauts de Seine, Oise, Yvelines, Rouen or Marseille area.  Any ideas?  Thanks so much.
jdh

Hi,

My name is Sonia, I am in the process of making my longtime dream come true and move to Paris; however, I am also finding the process a bit confusing.

I am in my mid 40's and a Nurse by trade. I am able to come on a Long Stay Visa and support myself for a year; however, this visa does not allow me to work or even look for work while I am there. I am looking to live in France permanently.  So, I have also contemplated applying for a LS student visa, which will allow me to work at least part time and be able to look for full time work. I am an American Citizen; however, I was born in a Francophone country and I'm almost fluent in French (except for some difficulties with the grammar). All this to say I don't really need to go to school to improve my french but I do need the visa to be able to work or look for work in the country.

Sorry, for the long post everyone. (:

So, here is my problem. As I said don't really need the school but have to in order to get the visa. The problem is, I have learned that I have to register for an intense course with at least 20 hours of french/week. All the schools I have found on Campus France in the Visa section will cost me about almost $4,000 for a 12 weeks course which is needed for a long stay visa.

I don't want to pay $4,000 for something that I don't really need or will at least get a license that I could at least use for work. Also, I have learned there plenty of free french courses I can take.

Can someone please let me know if the the information I have is correct, if there is other means to qualify for a Long Stay Visa. Am I wrong about the information.

HelP!

Difficult do what everyone has to do work anyway

When you get to France with your Long-stay Visa you have to check in with OFII (Immigration) within 90 days. It is best to do it as soon as you can. The check-in is done on the website of the local Prefecture.
They will send you a letter to your listed address that is your receipt until they send you a letter with your appointment with OFII. Yes, there is a fee for most steps. Which are paid with stamps. Which will be sold on the website that takes bank cards. Or a Tabac sells them.  This is for you to qualify to stay. You will go to the appointment with all your documents and their first question is do you speak French. It is at this appointment that they will decide if your French is good enough. And they will tell you at the end of the interview how many hours of school you need. You may well be fine. It may be none. They have their way to do things and involve many rules and forms. You request the VLS, which is the way you are stuck with. Changing your path makes you a flake. They do not understand that freedom to change your mind which in the US is normal. Also when you want something from the gov you must do as told, well and on time. Their job is to serve but you have to do what is required or start over. So picking the reason for requesting the VLS must be done carefully since you will have to comply with the requirements on time to be able to get a renewal of the right to stay.  So do not jump in without knowing what you need to do.      https://miami.consulfrance.org/   
This is a very good source    https://www.jeantaquet.com/   He is a Lawyer and helped me a lot. But he gives plenty of free information and advice. Read the newsletters about renting, getting work, taxes. I do not speak French but my wife is French and we have one foot in each country and it is very complicated.  Lydia does not speak Tec, Bank, or Gov and does not believe that rules apply to her.  I now have my first TITRE DE SEJOUR after 4 years of getting a new VLS each year. It is complicated because coming and going is legal, but they do not have a way to deal with it.  And each Prefecture does it their way so my Toulouse experience is different than Paris. Good Adventure. You can trade your Florida Driving permit in for a French one because they have an agreement with Florida. That took a Year.
When emailing you will not get a response from anyone unless you ask for one. With every submission of information and documents, the response will take 3 months and a week before you get a letter. They will not even look until yours comes to the top of the pile. Everything starts at the back of the line.  But this is not Paris here. Pushing might work there. Most Gov contact is by internet and they have APPs  All documents must on A4 paper be in the order of the LIST no staples. They scan everything but if you do not have something that is on the list, the interview is over. You start over.  I use paper clips. And a folder so it stays straight and in order.  When you are ready it goes well and with smiles.
It is great fun and a wonderful country but it is different.

Wondering what movers you used California USA to France?

I am no help on that we just started over with our bags.  And we go 6 here and 6 there.