Crown Relocations is NZ’s leading moving company.

Moving To Boston From New Zealand

Let us help you plan your relocation and discover everything Boston 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 about moving overseas to Boston. They can be reached between 8:00 am and 5:30 pm from Monday to Friday on 0508 227 696 or email [email protected]

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Introduction

Boston, Massachusetts in north-eastern United States is widely known for being the ‘unofficial’ home away from home for American Irish immigrants and the official home of the world famous Boston Red Sox and Celtics professional sports teams. The city is one of the oldest in the United States, founded in 1630 by Puritan settlers from England, Boston and its inhabitants played a significant role in the American Revolution. The city is proud of its colonial roots, which is reflected in the historic architecture and helps to attract some 12 million visitors from around the world each year to this charismatic city.

Modern Boston has developed from these humble beginnings to become a ‘hot spot’ for higher education with, many colleges and universities including renowned Ivy League institutions such as Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. These highly internationally acclaimed educational institutions have helped make the city an international centre for higher education and medicine. With an estimated population of some 617,000 the larger metropolitan area known as greater Boston is home to 4.4 million people. It’s a vibrant, thriving city renowned for its cultural facilities, world-class educational institutions, sports teams (think of the Boston Red Sox, NBA franchise the Celtics and NHL side the Bruins), as well as its place at the very forefront of American history.

Whilst Boston will always be associated with the historical significance of the American Revolution – after all the first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired on Lexington Green, walking the Freedom Trail within the city is a must for any visitor or new resident who has just moved to the city. However, there are many other attractions such as the Salem Witch Museum, Fenway Park (home of the Boston Red Sox), the Museum of Fine Arts, Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod and Boston Harbour. For more details of the city and its attractions, a good place to start is the official tourist website at www.massvacation.com.

Visas / Permits in Boston

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.

Money in Boston

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 Boston 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 Boston who offer an on-line sign-up service.

The best way to convert large sums of money is through online transfer companies, who provide a much cheaper rate. Crown has entered into a partnership with OFX to provide an easy, reliable and cost effective solution for clients who are moving their funds internationally. The deals offered by OFX are at super competitive exchange rates and in most cases there’s no fee. The cost structure is so good that the saving you make may even pay for the entire cost of your relocation. To register and for more information visit OFX

Transportation in Boston

Boston has an excellent public transport system incorporating trains, buses, ferries and the subway, details of all these options can found at www.mbta.com.

If you do choose to drive in Boston, 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 Boston, then a car will be useful, but when it comes to commuting, the public transport system is again highly recommended, as whilst there is resident’s parking available in most suburbs, it is limited and traffic congestions is significant.

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.

Logan International Airport serves the Boston area and has over 40 domestic and international airlines operating from it, most major countries have direct flights to and from Boston.

Education in Boston

There are over 100 colleges and universities in the Greater Boston area, with more than 250,000 students attending college in Boston and Cambridge alone. In terms of the local schooling system there are both private and public education services available for children in America. 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.

Health in Boston

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.

Accommodation in Boston

If you choose to move to Boston, finding a place to live is a key component and 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 Boston are expensive. Looking for a home in Boston can quite often be a daunting task, Crown can advise on rental accommodation or purchasing properties and can also arrange temporary accommodation.

Networking in Boston

Boston‘s unique mix of colonial history and modern business environment 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. Social media is also a great way to get to know like-minded people.

Next Steps

Crown Relocations has 55 years of international moving experience relocating individuals and families to Boston 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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