Feel free to ask any questions related to "Other" places in Europe (i.e. Italy, the UK, Belgium, Spain, etc.) here.

Moved Reply:

Dekeoboe has some awesome information and sites about the UK, check it out if you're relocating there ...

Some information on the base can be found at SITES? Have you called the Airman and Family Readiness Center to see if they have a package and VCR tape on Menwith Hill? I would image they would because I thought there was some kind of tie between Lackland and Menwith Hill. If not, have them call over to Randolph because I think they just received one within the last couple of months.

For general questions on being stationed in the UK (driver's license, etc.) you might want to go the Mildenhall and Lakenheath web-sites.

As far as bringing your cat over with you, it will be expensive and you need to start your paperwork NOW. The UK has a 6 month quarantine. You can work it so there is no quarantine, but that is a seven month process. You can find out information on bringing pets to the UK at DEFRA.

It is also expensive to fly the cat to the UK. We are going to Lakenheath, and we have a cat and a dog, so I have already called the airlines for prices. Continental charges based on the weight of the pet and the kennel the pet is in. These are the rates from Houston to London: 11-50 pounds is $550, 51-70 pounds is $750 I don't have the 0-10 pound rate as I have a Maine Coon cat, and she weighs more than 10 pounds. Oh, and the cat will not be able to travel in the passenger compartment. The good thing about flying Continental from Houston is that Houston is where they have a huge pet facility, so they can fly pets from there even in the hot, summer months.

I don't think you will have a problem with rural living as I don't think the base is near a big city. I have heard it is in a really pretty part of England. Are you excited? We are, we have been trying to get to the UK for years.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: theainjmtant,

Moved Reply:

That's what we're here for.

I am glad to hear your move would not be until August, because that way you can shorten the amount of time your cat would need to be quarantined. I suggest you call and get an appointment at the Lackland vet to get your cat microchipped and a new rabies vaccine. If you can't get in there for a couple of weeks, call over to Ft Sam (295-4260) and they might be able to get you in sooner. Then, while you are at that appointment, make one for a blood draw for 30 days later. The blood test (FAVN) will be done at Ft Sam (but they can draw it at Lackland). The test costs $40.

It would mean spending money ahead of time for a move that is not definite, but if you do move there it would mean less time in quarantine which equals less stress on your cat and saving big bucks on quarantine charges. Oh, the military will reimburse up to $550 of quarantine charges.

My parents are excited too. My mom's first reaction was "I've never been to London."

Moved Re: Vicenza, Italy

JandJ1207
Basic Training
Posted Tue 07 August 2007 07:09 PM
My husband recently got orders to Vicenza Italy and I was wondering if anyone on here has been stationed there or is currently there that may have moving advice? For example, when moving to another country did you/do you take any electronics with you at all? Also, does anyone know how long the housing wait is?
This is the first time he's gotten orders to PCS overseas and its a bit overwhelming at first, lol!

Thanks in advance


AJSweeton
Basic Training
Posted Sun 09 September 2007 08:26 AM Hide Post
We just got orders to Vicenza too! We are due to arrive at the beginning of the year. I have found getting information very difficult so far. We are currently in Korea and my husband has had a lot going on so he does not have time to look into anything. If you get any info, please pass it along. I contacted housing there and they told me that government assigned housing is manditory, but I think that most of the housing is off base. I also contacted military one source and they sent me an info packet via e-mail. I know that they issue one converter and that you are not to bring major appliances. They will issue washer and drier. Anyway, maybe we can help each other out!

yhanie
Basic Training
Posted Thu 11 October 2007 02:17 PM
Hi! I hope someone could tell me about Sigonella. My husband and I are moving there on December, and we're wondering how's it like there. The housing, the people, transportation, phone companies. And We've also heard that burglary is just normal in there, even if you're living on military base. Is this true? Well we hope not.

I hope you guys could enlighten us of the beauty of the place. It's a dream come true, living in Europe is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us and we wanted to enjoy it.

Thanks!


PaQueenB69
Basic Training
Posted Thu 11 October 2007 09:15 PM Hide Post
My husband and I were stationed there 11 years ago. We LOVED it!! He was there for 4 years and I was there for 2. We lived off post in Motta. You will need transportation- you can normally buy a car over there fairly cheap from people that are leaving. I recommend taking rolls of carpeting in your pack out because the floors are marble and are very cold. I will warn you...when you get off the plane, it will be the worst smell of your life. But not to worry...after a week of being there, you will no longer smell it. LOL Let me know what his rate is...I still have friends over there. The markets on Saturday are great and you must eat at Mama Elios across from NAS 1. OH I am so jealous...I wish the Army would send us there. If you think of anything else you want to know..just shot me a message.


yhanie
Basic Training
Posted Fri 12 October 2007 12:33 AM Hide Post
How's the Driving? Is it easy to get around? What about going to other European countries (i.e. France, Switzerland, Etc.) I heard air fare is cheap compared to the US? Is there some sort of MWR that comes up with tours or something?

Moved Reply:

quote:

Originally posted by JandJ1207:
For those who have lived overseas, what did you take with you that was a MUST have, and what would you recommend leaving behind?

I ask the person who helped up set up our move in the trans/shipping office. She just said she had no idea and has nevered lived overseas.

I know the washer and dryer are staying in storage but after that I have no idea, lol. Do you take kitchen electronics like a toaster?? Any suggestions?? (oh, and we are moving to Italy in 3 weeks in case it makes a difference)

-Jenni

Where in Italy are you going? If Naples, do you plan to live on base? Or Off? We moved here in August with every intention of living ON base. We stored the same amount of stuff as what we brought and we sold a lot of our furniture before pack out. However, the reason for the sale of furniture wasn't so much because of the move overseas as it was because we had planned to get new stuff anyway....

We now live off base in a LARGE villa - 6 bedroom, 4 bath 2 kitchen and could have brought EVERYTHING and then some!! However, even with the little that we did bring, had we lived on base, it would have been a tight squeeze - mainly because of the layout of the unit etc.

My recommendation as far as appliances is....don't bring them. Purchase something here that is 220 and then ditch it before you move back. If you live on base - it is not a big deal as it is wired for both. So far, I have bought a toaster, sandwich maker, crock pot, sweeper,coffee machine (although we rarely use it now that we have become addicted to Italian Caffe,) hair dryer, flat iron and iron. Many of these - if not all - can be purchased at the Exchange HOWEVER, for a lot of it, I found a better deal on the economy - even with the horrible exchange rate.

In addition, I think whether you have a choice about where you live, depends on your sponsor's paygrade. Are you bringing animals? If so, is it a dog? and do you have someone to watch your animal when you first get here? Kenneling an animal is EXPENSIVE - like 28 Euro a day!! If your animal is a dog, you will not be allowed to live at the Support Site but if available, one of the Parcos.

The biggest problem I have had is with the alarm clocks. I have a dual voltage one but it doesn't wake me up and two battery operated ones that sometimes do and sometimes don't wake me up!! I so miss my alarm clock that I have had for YEARS....I have been tempted to put it on a transformer but with my luck it would blow up!!

Regardless of where you live, I would bring RUGS!! ONE FOR EVERY ROOM!!They are expensive here. I would also check your tvs - many are now dual voltage. Fortunately for us, both of our tvs were and we had no clue until we got our items!!

I would also check into seeing if you can purchase transformers cheaper in the states than at the NEX. Also, check out Vonage for your phone service back to the states. Check with your cell phone carrier to see if you will be able to use your phone (NOT CELL SERVICE) meaning, does it have a sims card that can be replaced from one of the carriers here. If not, check into purchasing one in the states that can be activated here.

Currently it is COLD here!! I would hit Wal-mart and Target and stock up on the thermals. Also, if you plan to "ship yourself" anything, make sure you ship it to yourself PRIORITY!! It makes a HUGE difference in the time it takes to get here!

Please remember all of this is based on what I have experienced in NAPLES. If you are going somewhere else in Italy, I am sure some things are the same and some are not. Please do not hesitate to email me if you want additional information or if there is anything I can do for you.

Moved Reply:

Wow. Thanks for all the respones!
I had no idea about the clocks!! Never would have thought it lol.
To be more specific we are headed to Viceza. We are told that housing is mandatory, BUT some of it is contracted housing through the economy so I guess we just might play it safe and store as much as we can.

Moved Reply:

quote:

Originally posted by JandJ1207:
For those who have lived overseas, what did you take with you that was a MUST have, and what would you recommend leaving behind?

I ask the person who helped up set up our move in the trans/shipping office. She just said she had no idea and has nevered lived overseas.

I know the washer and dryer are staying in storage but after that I have no idea, lol. Do you take kitchen electronics like a toaster?? Any suggestions?? (oh, and we are moving to Italy in 3 weeks in case it makes a difference)

-Jenni

How is Italy? We are moving there, in late Spring. To Aviano. I have a bunch of questions to ask about your experiences. We are new to the military, too. This will be our first base, first move by movers, even the first time for me to even touch some of my husbands tools, lol. Thank you for your help.
Kara

Moved post re: Belgium

14365071
Basic Training
Posted Fri 23 November 2007 03:23 PM
We are due to PCS to Belgium June 2008 and I am not sure what to expect. We have been to Germany. Is it about the same, better, or worse? Also, I am a teacher, will I be able to get on with the DODDS school system over there? Is it hard to get on? Is this tour worth me leaving my home and career here in the states?

Moved Reply:

I'm Belgian, and yes, it's about the same as Germany you could say... I don't know what the DODDS school system is, so can't help you on that one ask me if you want to know anything else.

Moved Reply:

I was stationed at Florennes in 84-85. I am sure things have changed. I am Air Force and you do not say where you are being stationed. I loved it. If I could go back I would.

Moved Reply:

Hello,

I don't know where you are being stationed, but if it's near SHAPE or Chievres, you will be teaching at the same school I teach at (SHAPE AMerican Elementary/Middle/High school)...there are NO teaching jobs. Belgium, in my opinion, is horrible, so you might want to think twice about coming over here. I am a substitute here because there are no jobs. I have listened to about 20 different people, and all say it is much much worse than Germany. We absolutely hate it here and can't wait to leave.

If you need any more help, my email is heather.m.lamb@us.army.mil

Moved Reply:

We lived in the SHAPE area for three years and enjoyed it.

I can't help with the teaching situation though as we don't have children.

Moved Reply:

Hi~
Well, I just want to say that each duty station is unique in it's own way, the good and bad ( we are currently at Fort Hood, need I say more?) We were stationed at Chievres just a couple of years ago and REALLY MISS it! I would say that Belgium stands on it's own, it's not anything like Germany. We were station in Italy and I tried to compare it to there before we left the states and was disappointed.
If you love to travel and antiques this is the place for you. Paris is about 1hr45 minutes away, London, England was a couple of hours by the super train, Holland is just a few hours, Luxembourg is just a couple of hours away, Germany (Ramstein) was just 2 hours away and has a Chili's restaurant "smile".
I do want to say, in all fairness, that it took me about 6 months to adjust to the area. The ladies in my Bunko group, the morning and evening group, all agreed when we would talk about it. Also, the ladies at PWOC, it was common conversion, the adjustment. By the way, PWOC is a great support group with a wonderful group of ladies.
For the teaching jobs, I was told that it is best to apply through DODDS stateside before you go overseas. It would be hard to get a teaching job if you don't go that route.
Keep in mind when you teach, you will work with international children/teens from all over the world ( they do speak English) The schools are top notched, the money for the programs is unlimited. ( Internationals have to pay to attend the American school) The tour will only be for 2, 3 or 4 years, depending on which branch of service your with. I think this is a great opportunity to see some wonderful places and meet some wonderful, international people on SHAPE.
If you have any questions at all please email me at thegodfreycrew@hotmail.com

Moved thread re: pets in Italy

armyrangersgirl
Member
Posted Fri 21 December 2007 03:04 PM
Does anyone know the regulations or where I can find the regulations for bringing my 6 lbs. dog to Italy?


Mrsjvb
Forum Project Manager
Posted Fri 21 December 2007 03:09 PM Hide Post
my CAT weighs more than that!!!!

Let me do some looking, I may be able to find something official and stuff.


Mrsjvb
Forum Project Manager
Posted Fri 21 December 2007 03:20 PM Hide Post
Vet info:
Vicenza

Camp Darby

additionally, your local Base Vet should have all the necessary information and paperwork for you.

I assumed these two bases cuz yer Army..


armyrangersgirl
Member
Posted Mon 07 January 2008 07:31 PM Hide Post
thanks for the links!!

haha yup she's a little dog...makes my husband feel very "manly" when he walks her!!!

quote:

Originally posted by theainjmtant:
Moved Re: Vicenza, Italy

JandJ1207
Basic Training
Posted Tue 07 August 2007 07:09 PM
My husband recently got orders to Vicenza Italy and I was wondering if anyone on here has been stationed there or is currently there that may have moving advice? For example, when moving to another country did you/do you take any electronics with you at all? Also, does anyone know how long the housing wait is?
This is the first time he's gotten orders to PCS overseas and its a bit overwhelming at first, lol!

Thanks in advance


AJSweeton
Basic Training
Posted Sun 09 September 2007 08:26 AM Hide Post
We just got orders to Vicenza too! We are due to arrive at the beginning of the year. I have found getting information very difficult so far. We are currently in Korea and my husband has had a lot going on so he does not have time to look into anything. If you get any info, please pass it along. I contacted housing there and they told me that government assigned housing is manditory, but I think that most of the housing is off base. I also contacted military one source and they sent me an info packet via e-mail. I know that they issue one converter and that you are not to bring major appliances. They will issue washer and drier. Anyway, maybe we can help each other out!

How do you like Italy? We are moving to Aviano. I would love any help! Thanks.

Moved threads Re: RAF UK

10003311
Basic Training

Posted Wed 28 November 2007 10:54 AM
My husband has orders to Lakenheath, and I'm kinda nervous. He's only been in a year and a half. Our first base was in GA. We have 2 small boys, and I am kinda nervous about going overseas right away. I was looking for info on housing, getting a vehicle, etc. Any info is nice. Everyone told us that money will not be a problem, but it doesn't seem that way. He's only an E-3, and we have a 3 yr old and 7 month old. HELP!!
Posts: 1 | Registered: Thu 16 March 2006

Rae_94
Member
Posted Sun 02 December 2007 05:34 PM Hide Post
Money not a problem? Huh? News to me.
We are at RAF Mildenhall. 5 minutes from RAFL and practically the same thing for us spouses as you'll utilize both bases, housing is on both bases plus the surrounding area.

You should go to yahoo groups and do a search for Mildenhall and Lakenheath spouses. They'll answer loads of questions.

Housing lists are long. There's lots of great housing areas surrounding the bases with lots of Americans. It's safe off base. We are in a more rural area of the UK. RAF Feltwell is 10 min from RAFL so you could get housing there easy. Not much on that base.

There's always vehicles for sale on the lemon lots.

It's a pain to PCS but once you are over here it's worth it. I like it. We travel quite a bit. We live in base housing that is actually 20 minutes from base.

Don't be afraid to get off base and do things, see things, even live if you have to. I don't understand why so many women I meet seem so close-minded to anything off base. Everyone is nice, and there's lots of wonderful little villages in the area.

As for money, I think it's pricey. You get some things back; but if you have 2 cars like us, you only get the Road Tax reimbursed on one. MOT is a yearly inspection required on all vehicles, non-reimbursable.

I don't know, I just find it expensive to live here myself. Sure you can stick to the bases but they don't always have everything and that's just no fun.

We manage though. COLA is wonderful and a life saver. If you don't have much in the way of bills you can make a nice profit. Also if you live off base and can stay under your utility allowance you can make quite a bit there too.

Just a few things. Like I said you can always look for the yahoo group. I'm the owner, let me know when you apply you were referred to by military.com so we can get you in. If you aren't already there maybe?

otherwise that's all I have now... When are you due to be here?


tennismom
Basic Training
Posted Sun 02 December 2007 08:49 PM Hide Post
quote:
you only get the Road Tax reimbursed on one

Is this new? We were there from 93-96 and we didn't get the road tax reimbursed.


sade_20
Your sins will truly find you out!
Posted Mon 03 December 2007 03:45 PM Hide Post
Sure wish I was going! Take advantage of the ability to travel on the governments dime. What are the chances of ever going to England on your own? Try to make the most of it. Have a wonderful, wonderful time. I know I would. God bless.

Older question re: Netherlands

tarheelsgirl01
Basic Training
Posted Sat 15 September 2007 11:38 PM
I am an Army wife who is scheduled to move to the Netherlands next year and just wanted to know if there was anyone out there who lived (lives) there and could give me some info on the post, housing, the schools, economy, etc.? Any info would be so helpful. We will be in the Schinnen/Brunssum area. Thanks.

10853241
Basic Training
Posted Sat 05 January 2008 11:40 PM
What's it like? Is it good for families?
Posts: 7 | Registered: Fri 09 June 2006


Mrsjvb
Forum Project Manager
Posted Sun 06 January 2008 11:12 AM Hide Post
the city in the Netherlands, or the city in New York?
Posts: 9871 | Registered: Mon 04 August 2003


10853241
Basic Training
Posted Sun 06 January 2008 02:35 PM Hide Post
The one in the Netherlands. Just wanted some advice and tips from anyone that's been stationed there.
Posts: 7 | Registered: Fri 09 June 2006


GermanKat83
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe." - Einstein

Posted Mon 07 January 2008 01:53 AM Hide Post
the Netherlands generally are good for familie.with rotterdam it might could be a little bit different. It's a very busy town,since it has the largest port in Europe.but in general the Dutch are very friendly and laid back people
Posts: 412 | Registered: Tue 01 August 2006



Mustang00
"Hey, sometimes you just have to call the baby ugly."
Talk about 'headlights'...I
mean 'highlights'.
Posted Mon 07 January 2008 09:58 AM Hide Post
Not to Rotterdamn, but to Amsterdam. Oh yeah!!! Things are legal there ya know.


10853241
Basic Training
Posted Mon 07 January 2008 08:56 PM Hide Post
Has anyone actually lived there?

Does anyone know about how much it costs to bring my dog on the plane with me to Italy? I'm assuming the Army is not going to pay for her!!!