Six years and seven months it’s been, but my time in what has to be one of the world’s most fascinating countries has come to an end. In case anyone else sadly finds themselves packing up after a long stay, here are some facts I have learned in the process:
[ul]Money[/ul]
I bank at the post office. Transferring money from there to a US bank account is no hassle (provided you already have a US bank account). All I needed was the swift code and my account number, though not every bank offers wire transfer services. The total charges including any intermediary fees left me minus US$10 on my transfer of US$3,000. Not a bad deal at all, though the current exchange rate to USD is extraordinarily unfortunate.
For future transfers back to relatives in Taiwan, I plan to open a credit union (not bank) account and send them the ATM card. A friend who is much smarter than I has informed me that many credit unions do not charge for overseas withdrawals.
[ul]Stuff[/ul]
How hard is it to pack up 6.5833333 years of your life? Surprisingly not so bad. In addition to two not entirely filled suitcases, it has taken me three (not so) “large”-sized cardboard boxes sent via surface mail. They say it takes up to two months and can’t guarantee anything not made of titanium will survive, but its’ an economical option. The first box weighed in at 19 kg and cost me NT$2,100, as I recall. I have one large wooden box that is bigger than the post office’s maximum dimensions and I haven’t figured this part out yet.
[ul]Cats[/ul]
This is of course the biggest challenge. I couldn’t possibly leave my two cats behind! The specific restrictions vary based on basically everything, but here’s my rundown. They got their last shots in July, so it’s more than 6 months and less than 1 year; they’re microchipped; they’re in good health. Within one week of takeoff, I need to take them to a BAPHIQ (防疫檢疫局) station for a final animal export report (requires an appointment ahead of time), and then they’re free to leave the country with me. There’s one in Songshan Airport, but I don’t think there’s one at Taoyuan.
I’m flying United, which is not my favorite airline, because only they and Delta let you do this!
PS, two people are needed for two cats (and three for three cats, etc). Click on the picture for specific info on acceptable pet carriers for the cabin. It costs an extra US$125 per pet and as far as I know must be booked through a United agent (which brings a kind of silly service fee of I think NT$800). The agent who assisted me was very nice and is extremely easy to reach – she usually picks up the main customer service line after just a few rings, no labyrinthine menu system involved. As for the flight, I’m going to give each cat water in the plastic cups they provide but won’t feed them until we land.
As far as I know, all I have to do when entering California is produce the cats’ documents and I’m free to carry them in like any non-organic carry-on luggage. Boarding is likely to be a bit more of a hassle because the carrier has to go through the X-ray machine while the cat obviously can’t, so I think we’ll have to hold them as we go through the metal detectors.
[ul]Wife[/ul]
Bringing my wife is one of the bigger issues. She’s coming with me but is only staying for two weeks because we have an I-130 (immigration visa) in processing. I’ve hired an immigration lawyer to make the process take as little time as possible, but he said it could still be up to 10 months before she can legally reside in the US. This will be a very tough year.
[ul]Taxes and ARC[/ul]
I converted my work-based ARC to a spouse-based JFRV, and it’s valid through January 2016. Hopefully I’ll visit again before then to renew it. Why? I don’t know, it’s just nice to retain some connection to the island.
I have to file 2014 taxes before leaving or I may not be welcome next visit, so I’ve asked my company to give me my tax forms for last year ASAP. They’re taking their time… According to the tax administration, I need to file 10 days before departure, and since I live in New Taipei, I have to head out to the middle-of-nowhere tax office halfway between Zhonghe and Banqiao. Great.
I’ll land in California later this month, so if there are any additional notes/problems I’ll let you all know. Hope this information helps other people packing up and moving out a bit.