Should You Take Your Car to France?
Published on Tuesday, September 29th, 2009
Expats are an interesting yet unusual breed by and large – with people from very different backgrounds absolutely no more or less likely to want to move to live abroad and get away from the UK. It seems that anyone and everyone has reasons to move overseas and issues to prevent them remaining in Britain, but the one thing that does differentiate between groups of expats is that some research their move and some don’t.
There are of course pros and cons to both approach – for example, if you don’t do much research you’re less likely to begin reading negatives or finding out things you don’t like about your new chosen country, so you’re less likely to give up on your dream before you start! However, those who do do the research and do have a fair idea of what they’re letting themselves in for are of course better prepared.
In this report we’re going to look at whether you should take your car to France – because if you are thinking about moving to the Continent from the UK and taking your car with you, you could face all sorts of issues, hurdles, disappointments and bureaucracy. Of course, if you’re the type of would-be expat who doesn’t research their new life abroad you’ll move without reading this! And maybe you’ll figure it all out on your own, or maybe you’ll begin getting frustrated when you realise that there is no one there to hold your hand and guide you through what is an incredibly complex process of re-registration!
We’ve touched on the concept of Euro-commuting at Shelter Offshore before. It’s a concept that has become more appealing since the new Eurostar terminal opened at St. Pancras International, and it is now possible to travel to and from France and land up right in the heart of central London with minimum fuss and maximum comfort.
The healthcare system abroad differs from country to country, what’s more, many nations have a less advanced system than we have in the UK with the good old NHS, therefore the thought of having to have a baby anywhere other than ‘home’ is incredibly daunting for many pregnant expatriate women.
With inflation in the UK rising, property prices having fallen to 2006 levels according to the Halifax, and major credit card firms increasing minimum repayment terms ahead of fears there could be a global meltdown in the credit card industry, it’s time we all thought hard about tightening our belts and budgeting. However, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t still enjoy life!
That which makes France such a compelling choice with would-be British expatriates and would-be overseas retirees is that which also makes it something of a complex choice. It is such a vast and beautiful nation with so many very varied regions that it can be almost impossible just deciding where to live in France.
The reality of living in France actually differs from the dream greatly! You may dream that the French are a people who eat fine foods and consume fine wines and where you, as a gastronomic connoisseur perhaps, will fit right in. But in truth, the French eat as much junk food as the rest of us! You may dream that the French will be fair and treat you respectfully because they are a fully signed up member of the EU whose fundamental policies embrace equality – but as the recent upset in the health system for expats should show, the fundamentals that guide the French may actually be far from upholding equality.
So you want to live in France do you? You and a lot of other Britons equally fed up with their working lives or bored in retirement then! In fact, the dream of living in France is shared by high numbers of Brits because the nation is so accessible and because the cost of living and way of life are so attractive.
Clearly Sarkozy’s new found friendship with Great Britain is a good thing in terms of encouraging greater, deeper and more lasting links on all political and economic levels – but we’re not a political website so we’ll leave that discussion right there! Suffice to say, Sarkozy seems to be a good thing for Franco-British relations…
If you’re thinking about moving abroad to live in France or you have a holiday home across the Channel for example, it makes a lot of sense to help your child learn French before living or holidaying in France. And what’s more, there is now more proof than ever that children who grow up speaking more than one language have a far better understanding of language full stop.
