FAQs

FAQ's for Relocation

What should I remember to bring before leaving home?

Records and Personal Papers

In addition to passports and visas, you will need other types of documentation for establishing identity, applying for licences, paying taxes and working. It is advisable to have the original and/or multiple certified copies with you and keep them close to hand rather than be packed in any belongings being shipped. Some documents that you should have available are:

Birth certificate
Marriage certificate
Driver’s Licence
Passport sized photographs
Medical Insurance Cover
Travel Insurance Cover
Dental/Medical Records
Property and motor vehicle insurance records
Bank account information
Qualification Records
Criminal Clearance Documents

Belongings

As you are probably travelling a long distance, you may wish to keep your bags to a minimum. Most rented accommodation in the UK is furnished except for towels and bedclothes but these can be bought cheaply here. A good coat is essential for the British winter and smart clothes will be required for interviews and for working in schools. If you have a mobile phone, check if it has international roaming and can be used in the UK and Europe. Alternatively you will be able to purchase a UK SIM card for your existing mobile.

How do I get from the airport to my destination?

Once you have gone through Immigration (and possibly a medical check) you have a number of choices depending on your finances. The first point of call for many will be London and the easiest and cheapest way of getting there will be the tube (underground train www.thetube.com). It will be well signposted and there are both machines and booths where you can buy tickets. Taxis are also available but can be expensive. Alternatively, trains and buses are available and you can travel countrywide.

How do I open a bank account and which one is best?

It can be a long process opening some bank accounts so you will need to have all the relevant information. You will need: your passport, proof of your address (a bill) and a letter from your employer. Additionally it may help to have a letter of reference from your bank at home. If you do not have proof of address, get a confirmation letter from someone whose name is on the bills and take a letter with their name on it with you. Check out the Internet banks as well as the high street banks.

What do things cost?

This varies quite a lot depending on where you live and where you shop. An ASDA (supermarket) shopping list shows that a loaf of white bread costs 35 - 50p, 2 pints of milk (2.27 litres) cost 83p, 6 eggs are 95p and a lettuce is 50p. Petrol is anything from 100p per litre upwards. Renting a flat normally includes the water rates but you will have to pay extra for electricity and council tax (£100+ a month). Transport is relatively cheap - a one day travel card in London is approx. £6 which means you can travel on tubes and buses within a certain area. The cheapest way of travelling around London is with an Oyster Card, visit www.tfl.gov.uk (these costs are by no means definitive and have changed).

What is a National Insurance number and how do I get it?

National Insurance entitles you to free medical treatment on the National Health Service, which is basically a state run hospital. Your contributions are automatically deducted from your salary. To get a NI number and card, you need to visit your nearest Department of Social Security (DSS) office. Go there with your passport and a letter of employment. Phone beforehand to book your appointment, and in case they need anything else. Contact them direct on www.dss.gov.uk

How do I sort out my tax?

When you are in the UK you will need to pay tax (unless you are classed as self employed) and this is deducted automatically from your wages. To ensure you are on the correct tax code you will need to complete a P46 (after you have a NI number) and send this to the tax office. You will normally be on emergency tax for a few weeks until your case has been processed.

FAQs

FAQ's for Relocation

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