Let us help you plan your relocation and discover everything Dallas has to offer. Crown are an international relocations company, specialising in international removals, storage, overseas moving, movers insurance, relocation services and lots more. We will even relocate your vehicle and pets!
Our team is available to answer any relocation questions you may have. They can be reached between 8:00 am and 5:30 pm from Monday to Friday on 0508 227 696 or email [email protected]
It’s said big things happen in Dallas, Texas and you’ll see that everything here is super-sized from the ten-gallon hat to the size of your steak. The city of Dallas has something for everyone and offers a unique blend of south-western US hospitality, cosmopolitan flair, old west charm and modern sophistication. Dallas is both a historic and modern city with museums, amusement parks, gardens, historic sites and many other activities to be found.
Dallas owes its origin to a farmer called John Neely Bryan who in 1841 built a hut on the banks of the Trinity River in north-eastern Texas (a replica can be seen in Dealey Plaza, where President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963). Like most US cities it was the coming of the railways that saw the city rapidly develop as they allowed the region’s grain, cotton and oil to be transported to market with Dallas being the meeting point of numerous rail-lines. After World War Two the city became home to numerous insurance corporations and banks, making it an important business and financial centre, something that was used as an underlying theme of the massively popular TV soap operas ‘Dallas’. Now the city is renowned for architecture and, art institutions (such as the Dallas Museum of Art, the Crow Collection of Asian Art and the Nasher Sculpture Centre). The city is also home to numerous parks providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities such as cycling, swimming, tennis, and golf.
Mentioned earlier, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is where Lee Harvey Oswald is reputed to have shot JFK from the Texas School Book Depository, and this is one of the many well-known attractions in the city. Others are the Dallas World Aquarium, Dallas Zoo, Frontiers of Flight and the Cavanaugh Flight Museum, Southfork Ranch (where the soap opera ‘Dallas’ was filmed) and The Museum of the American Railroad. Dallas is known for its music and is synonymous with the Blues and Jazz, of which there are many bars and venues where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of Dallas. For more details visit the official tourist website: www.visitdallas.com.
New Zealanders need an Immigrant Visa to be able to live in the USA and details of how to obtain one can be found at the United States Diplomatic Mission to New Zealand’s website.
The official currency of the United States of America is the US Dollar, shops and service providers will only accept the US Dollar. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents, and notes in $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills.
Many migrants who have relocated to Dallas have found it helpful to set up a US bank account before moving to the country. This makes it easy for converted money to be transferred straight in to your account, as well as minimising the need to carry cash while travelling. There are many banks in Dallas who offer an on-line sign-up service.
When moving overseas, it’s important to find a reliable service for converting your money online. Using the right service can help you save a significant amount. For more details, learn about Money Transfer Services.
Dallas has an excellent public transport system, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) incorporating buses and trains.
If you do choose to drive in Dallas, the first point to bear in mind is that in the US, they drive on the opposite side of the road to that in New Zealand. For those planning to live in Dallas, then a car will be essential, but when it comes to commuting, the public transport system is again recommended.
You can drive in the US on a NZ drivers licence, but only for a short period, and the US Embassy in New Zealand recommends that you apply for an International Driver Permit, and if staying in the US, you should apply for a US driving licence.
Dallas has two airports, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (the second largest in the USA and the ninth in the world) and Dallas Love Field with services to most cities across the USA and around the world.
Dallas is a centre of education for south-central United States, there are eight universities in the city, with many more universities and colleges in the surrounding area. Most expatriates choose to enrol their children in private or independent schools, this is because state schools are generally based on ‘catchment areas’.
The school year begins in September and ends in June, typical school-days run Monday-Friday from 8.30am to 3pm, although this can depend upon the age of the children. Students generally travel to school by car with their parents, or in some cases, take the school bus (the bright yellow ones you see in the movies), others will cycle or walk.
Crown Relocations can arrange an appointment with a Specialist Education consultant who can provide an in-depth explanation of local education systems, the curricula available and arranging interviews, as well as assist with enrolment requirements. Please contact us for information and rates.
America has a public health-care system, called Medicare, but most people take out private insurance as well. If the insurance company you were with in New Zealand is a member of the International Federation of Health Funds, you may be able to transfer your policy to the USA without penalty – at a similar level of cover. Check with your insurance provider for details, or visit www.ifhp.com.
When choosing where to live in Dallas the deciding factor for expats is normally how close you need to be to your work or your children’s school. The cost of accommodation and commuting to work are also significant considerations.
Rather than purchasing a home, most expatriates choose to rent, at least at first. This is because house (and apartment) prices in Dallas are expensive. Looking for a home in Dallas can quite often be a daunting task, Crown can advise on rental accommodation or purchasing properties and can also arrange for temporary accommodation.
As Dallas is a regional business centre for south-central United States it means that you are bound to meet people from all walks of life. Expatriates commonly assimilate into the community through the sports and hobbies they are interested in. The business environment that Dallas is famous for provides numerous opportunities to meet new people. Social media is also a great way to get to know like-minded people.
Crown Relocations has 50 years of international moving experience relocating individuals and families to Dallas and throughout the USA.
To arrange a quotation call our office for an obligation FREE quote on: (NZ) 0508 227 696 or you can use our online quote form.
For more information read our blog: Why you should choose Crown for your move to the United States.
To convert your money to US dollars the cheapest and most reliable way, check out our guide for Moving Your Money.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.
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