Moving to Channel Islands

Moving to the Channel Islands

If you are moving to the Channel Islands, whether to the Bailwick of Guernsey or the Bailwick of Jersey, Britannia Movers International has the resources and the local knowledge to tailor the move to your individual needs.

	Importing Personal Effects to the Channel Islands The Channel Islands, although part of the British Isles are not part of the UK and have a special status. Consequently moves to this area are not subject to UK VAT. There are no restrictions on items that can be imported other than endangered species or part thereof, weapons & firearms, prohibited literature. Duty will be charged on alcohol and tobacco. No specific documentation is required. A full detailed inventory which Britannia will prepare and a customs declaration (if Jersey) which we will supply and arrange for you to complete prior to import of your effects will be required.
	Prohibitions and Restrictions In general it is in your interest not to import the following items: Firearms & ammunition Inflammable goods & substances Plants & plant material Foodstuffs, perishables or otherwise Narcotics and dangerous goods Offensive materials Alcohol & Tobacco
	Transit Times Part load and full container consignments usually take on average 8 – 10 days once received at one of our many depots in the UK. There is a twice weekly sailing to the Channel Islands on a Tuesday and Thursday.
	Bar Coding All Groupage consignments will be bar coded before they are loaded into the shipping container. This will ensure that no items are left at origin.
	Domestic Pets Britannia can recommend a specialised shipper of animals to assist you in sending your family pet(s) from home to home. They will coordinate all documentation and necessary veterinary procedures. Find out more about pet transport.
	Importing Motor Vehicles to the Channel Islands Britannia can arrange to ship your motor vehicle in a 20ft container if required. Vehicles can also be taken across on most of the passenger ferries.
	Currencies Direct When you are making international payments for individuals you can benefit from Currencies Direct expertise in seeking the best possible rate, whether you are sending or receiving foreign currency. Currencies Direct can help to protect you from exchange rate fluctuations and save you time and money on international payments. Currencies Direct offers : International payments Regular Overseas Transfers Prepaid Currency Card Forward Contracts More info on Currencies Direct website.

Moving to the Channel Islands with Britannia

Your Move to the Channel Islands with Britannia – Britannia can offer you a door to door service to the Channel Islands, and can either ship your effects by shared load (groupage) or by full container load. All items should be export wrapped for safe transit. Our agents in Jersey and Guernsey will arrange to collect the effects from the docks, and deliver and unpack the effects, including removal of debris on the day of delivery. If you are returning from the Channel Islands, we can offer a full door to door service to your new home in the United Kingdom, Europe or Overseas.

Additional Removal Services – Britannia can provide a variety of additional removal services when moving to the Channel Islands. We are authorised to provide comprehensive insurance, can arrange storage prior to delivery, and can also take care of your pet transport.

If you are interested in moving to the Channel Islands, find out your removal costs, and read more about our international removals.

Living in the Channel Islands

If you are looking for a relaxed lifestyle, where you can enjoy stunning landscapes, seaviews, a more relaxed pace of life, and mostly rural surroundings, the Channel Islands could be your perfect destination. While not part of the UK, the Channel Islands are British Crown Dependencies, and although the islands can boast a distinct culture, British influence is not negligible.

Located in the English Channel, off the French coast of Normandy, the Channel Islands are an archipelago, with two separate self-governing bailiwicks, the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey, and have a total population of 158,000. Some of the bigger inhabited islands include Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark, and all offer unique experiences. Jersey is the largest island, where you can live a cosmopolitan lifestyle, will find unspoiled landscapes, and a unique blend of French and British cultures. Guernsey offers a more rural lifestyle, and its capital is a busy harbour town with impressive architecture. Alderney is the third largest island, with a varied history and culture, rich flora and fauna, stunning beaches and a distinctly 1950s feel according to many of its inhabitants.

Although the Channel Islands do not offer many professional or employment opportunities, and have a relatively small economy that mainly relies in agriculture and tourism, they can be a perfect destination for those looking for a more relaxed lifestyle, away from huge cities. The Channel Islands' status as a tax haven (no VAT, 20% income tax, no IHT or capital gains tax) also attracts many businessmen.

Interesting Facts About the Channel Islands

• The Channel Islands are not part of the EU or the UK, but they are part of the British Isles, and the inhabitants are full British citizens.
• Agriculture is an important part of the islands' economy, and the Channel Islands are known worldwide for locally grown flowers and the famous Jersey and Guernsey breeds of cattle.
• Sark, one of the islands has a population of 600, and is a car-free zone, where only bicycles, horse-drawn vehicles, and tractors are allowed.
• The Channel Islands were the only part of the British Commonwealth to be occupied by the German Army during World War II.