One common horror story is dealing with the complex bureaucracy. For example, getting a residence permit can be a nightmare. There are piles of paperwork to fill out, and the requirements seem to change constantly. You might go to the local prefecture multiple times, wait in long lines, only to be told you're missing some minor document. Another is finding accommodation. In some cities like Paris, the rent is extremely high, and the apartments can be very small and in bad condition. And the landlords can be quite strict and demanding.
Well, the bureaucracy horror stories can make expats feel frustrated and stressed long - term. Constantly dealing with paperwork and administrative hassles can make them question their decision to move. The accommodation problems can lead to financial strain if they end up paying too much for a sub - par place. This can also cause them to be less satisfied with their living situation overall.
One such writer could be Peter Mayle. His books, like 'A Year in Provence', vividly depict his experiences of moving to France. It's filled with humorous anecdotes about the local culture, food, and the idiosyncrasies of the French people. His writing gives a very detailed and engaging account of adapting to life in France.
Late arrivals are common. I've heard of many cases where movers don't show up on time, messing up the whole moving schedule. Another one is damaged items. They don't handle things carefully, especially fragile stuff like glassware or antiques.
One horror story is when a moving company held a family's belongings hostage until they paid an exorbitant amount more than the original quote. The company claimed there were 'unforeseen extra services' which were actually just normal parts of the move.
Peter Mayle. His works are very popular. He shares his real - life experiences in France, from dealing with the local tradesmen to enjoying the French cuisine. It's really interesting to read about his journey of settling in Provence.
I once hired a moving company that gave a very low quote initially. But on the moving day, they started adding all sorts of hidden fees. They said the stairs in my old place were too narrow and charged extra for that. Also, they were very rough with my furniture. They scratched my wooden table and dented my couch. It was a nightmare.
A common method for debunking moving horror stories is to research similar stories. Often, horror stories are recycled with minor changes. If you find that a story is very similar to others that have been proven false, it's likely false as well. Also, look at the cultural context. Some horror stories are based on superstitions that have no basis in reality.
One way to debunk moving horror stories is to check the sources. If it comes from an untrustworthy or anonymous source, it's likely not reliable. Also, look for logical inconsistencies within the story. For example, if a horror story claims a ghost can move through walls but is then trapped in a room, that's a contradiction.
Regarding finances, it's crucial to have a joint account just for shared expenses and set up automatic payments if possible. This way, there are no issues with late payments. Also, be very clear about what is a shared expense and what isn't.