If I was a relocation expert, this is how things would be done

If I was a relocation expert

These are the essentials for any and every expat, whether it is their 1^st or 100^th relocation, everywhere is different, every country has different requirements for doing things that you consider easy to do in your previous country. 

I would start with information on how the visa applications would work and timescale and support client through this process.

For a fee I would provide

·      a taxi to the airport for their arrival

·      hotel room(s) with a balcony or at least with a window that opens

·      options for clients at their convenience to meet on the day they arrive

·      a sim card having forst checked the clients phone is unlocked

·      a list of emergency phone numbers and details of nearest hospital, doctor etc

·      information on medical aid, insurance companies for personal effects, car hire, car and pet 
    insurance

·      letters from employer with info and details required to set up local bank accounts

·      a map of the area with transport routes and a local travel card

·      arrange localisation tour

If I was assisting with a house search I would ensure that the following happened:

·      I’d request the budget and requirements for a property, based on their current lifestyle and  
    preferences

·      Arrange viewings of houses

·      Meet with landlord and client to complete a snag list and ensure all repairs needed were written 
    into the contact before handing over any money and a timescale in which work will be completed,
    inform clients of all the laws in regards to dealing with landlords, notice periods

·      Be at the property when above is being carried out to assist client with language and cultural 
    differences

·      Set up electricity/water/phone/internet depending on clients preferences and visa requirements

·      Inform clients of all costs related to the above in advance of the relocation.

I'm new to these parts, can you help me please?

Why is this such a difficult concept for people to grasp?

It's not just about being in another country, assuming things will be done the same as back home, it's simple things like visiting a new coffee shop and approaching the counter to place an order and being told rather firmly that you need to sit at a table and they'll come to you.

It's the assumption made by the people that you ask for help from, that YOU know what you are doing, in my opinion based on the fact that they have little or no knowledge that things might work differently elsewhere. My mistake is to make my own assumption that I might not be the only person who is on their first visit and that when I explain that they may actually help me.

Yesterday I went to a coffee shop near the hotel in Dubai, there were tables and chairs outside and two, what I assumed to be waiters, dressed in a distinctive uniform stood in the area, so I ask if I just take a seat, they say yes, so I then asked if they could bring me a latte, to which one replied 'it's self service' on approaching the counter I'm asked for my order then told to take a seat and they'll bring it to me.

It isn't just a miscommunication or understanding of language spoken, it's happened in the UK. We were in Nandos in November in the UK, we had booked a table, were shown to it, given a menu and when my mum and I ordered coffee, we were told by the waitress to order and pay at the counter. Now I know I  have to do this for example in Whetherspoons, because I've tried booking a table for 20 in the past and told I couldn't. So I naturally assume that because I've booked a table, because the waitress has shown me to it and given me a menu, that I can actually order from her.

I just don't understand why people have to be so rude about it, dismissive, to the point of sometimes taking the mick, a little snigger and a funny look.

The thing is, I know a lot about a lot of stuff that maybe you don't know and when employed as a child welfare officer I assumed that when you came to me for help and support it was because you needed my assistance, that why you came to me. exactly the same applies if I go into a shop, cafe, restaurant, bank, municipality and ask. 'Please can you help me? I new to these parts'