We’ve compiled an expert moving guide that will walk you through the entire process—from costs to visas to housing; we’ve got your back. Keep reading!
Below is an estimate of shipping costs and times from the East and West Coasts of the United States:
Property | East Coast | West Coast |
1-bedroom | $5,200 – $7,200 | $6,400 – $8,600 |
2-bedrooms | $7,100 – $9,600 | $8,600 – $11,600 |
3-bedrooms | $12,400 – $18,600 | $15,500 – $20,900 |
4-bedrooms | $13,300 – $17,800 | $16,400 – $22,000 |
Disclaimer: The rates shown above are just mere estimates. Your moving costs will vary depending on your actual point of departure, the size of your move, and the service rates of the company.
Like with any international move, there are more than a few factors that will affect the costs of your move to Scotland. The volume of your move heavily influences your moving costs, the easiest way to save money during your move is to downsize your belongings.
When moving to Scotland from America, you’ll need to make sure that your pet meets the following requirements:
Read all the information on Animal imports and exports: guidance official Scottish Government page.
Are you searching for movers to Scotland? You’re in the right place. Take a look at the 3 best international removal companies from America to Scotland:
As experts in moving we can tell you with certainty that moving costs are generally quite hard to estimate, so our pro tip is that you request moving quotes ASAP –this is truly the only way you’ll be able to get an accurate estimation of how much a move to Scotland will cost you!
Before relocating to Scotland, there are a few essential things you should know:
As an American citizen, you’ll need a valid visa to work, live or study in Scotland. Here’s a brief overview of the most common visa types:
Remember! Every visa application is treated as an individual case, so make sure to check out the following governmental website for more information on what type of visa you’ll be eligible for.
If you’re wondering how to move to Scotland and get a job, make sure to first have a job offer. This is necessary to apply for a visa that allows you to live and work there.
As in the rest of the UK, the NHS is responsible for the public healthcare system in Scotland. The NHS operates under the principle of universal medical coverage for permanent residents of the UK. This means that, regardless of your nationality, healthcare will be free for you as long as you legally reside in Scotland –though you will have to pay additional fees for specialized services.
Alternatively, you also have the option to take out an international health insurance policy with an American company. Under these policies, you’ll often enjoy coverage for both medical emergencies and routine healthcare work.
Unless you’re holding an EU nationality alongside your American one, you’ll have to wait at least 3 months to open a bank account in Scotland. It’s important to contact your current bank in the States to find out what your options are for the first 3 months of your stay.
Once the 3 months have passed, you’ll be able to open a bank account in Scotland without much trouble. The requirements to open an account vary per bank, but they generally include:
Exchanging your currency a few weeks before your move to Scotland from the US (or immediately after you arrive) will save you a lot of headaches –trust us on that one.
Understanding the costs, lifestyle, and work opportunities is essential to making the most of your move. In this section, we’ll explore everything you need to know about living, working, and thriving in Scotland as an American.
Metric | Average Cost in Scotland | Average Cost in US |
Milk (1L) | $1.50 | $1.00 |
Eggs (12) | $3.75 | $5.75 |
Restaurant Meal | $42.25 | $50 |
One-way Transport Ticket | $2.40 | $2.50 |
Basic Utilities | $320 | $170 |
Monthly Rent (1 bedroom) | $1,480 | $2,340 |
Source: Numbeo
Living in Scotland may have some important differences with the life you’re used to in the US. The following advantages and disadvantages may help you with your final decision:
Keep in mind that to apply for a Scottish work-related visa you’ll need to already have a job offer from a Scottish company. Luckily, Scotland has a few sectors which are currently seeking out skilled professionals, these include: financial services, oil and gas industry, healthcare sector and service industry.
When it comes to scouting for jobs, we advise you to check out platforms such as Indeed, S1Jobs, Fish4Jobs, LinkedIn and Scot Jobs Net.
We’ve compiled five important steps you cannot miss when organizing your move abroad to Scotland: