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Archive for the ‘Americans Moving to London’ Category

Tips for Helping Children Prepare for Relocation

Tuesday April 2nd, 2013

Your promotion is complete and you are now expected to relocate to the new company site in London. Now the search begins for houses in London. However, the most difficult part of the entire relocation process isn’t finding housing, but telling your children that you are picking up and moving a long distance.

Moving can be traumatic for children who have to leave the comforts and securities of friends, school, town, and the home they’ve come to love. Most of these things, children never dream of leaving behind so it can be a shock to find out they have to move. This can be even more frightening for them if the move is to a new country and culture such as moving into new houses in London.

Due to the experience that London Relocation has with helping staff and their families relocate, we are offering some tried and true tips for helping children cope with the change.

Break the News at a Family Gathering

To avoid unnecessary stress in children, don’t simply blurt out that you’re moving while in the process of packing. Instead, gather the family together over pizza or a table game and casually bring up the subject. Discuss the new opportunities, be excited, ask and answer questions, share previous moving experiences, and provide plenty of support. By the entire family coming together to discuss the move, children will feel more comforted and supported, thus reducing anxieties.

Schedule Family Research Time

To further reduce moving stress in children, schedule a time when you can sit down with them and research London. Together, you can learn about interesting attractions, glean some history, discover cultural differences, seek out fun activities, and explore various neighborhoods and nearby schools. This will help both parents and children prepare for their new home as well as provide important bonding time.

Talk About the New Home

When you talk with your relocation specialist, you will be asked to provide specifics on what you expect in houses in London. A great way to help children with the transition is to talk with them about their new home. Ask them what they want, where they would like to live in London, and other features that give them a chance to play an active role in picking their new home.

Provide a Party

Children have an especially hard time leaving friends. To help with this transition, allow your children to have a party that all their friends and neighbors can attend. Keep the atmosphere light by stressing that this is only temporary and they will see each other soon. Take plenty of photos to make a scrapbook, gather contact information and allow your children to email and call special friends once they are relocated. You might even try to schedule vacations with the parents of special friends so children can see each other occasionally. You can choose a location halfway between London and the old home if the distances are great.

Let Children Help Design Their Rooms

Once moved into houses in London, allow your children to help design their new rooms. Take them with you to shop for new furniture, linens, posters, carpets, etc. Teen age children can be given a budget so they can buy items that especially appeal to them for their new rooms.

The friendly and skilled consultants at London Relocation will not only help parents complete all the details of a move, but they will also assist children by answering specific questions and providing good information that will help them acclimate more rapidly to both their new environment and houses in London.

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Tax Implications for Americans Moving to London

Monday September 24th, 2012

 

Many Americans moving to London think they’ll only be liable for UK taxes rather than US. Not so. The United States is one of the only countries to impose taxation on its citizens living abroad, so American expats have to file tax returns in both the US and UK.

TAX PROVISIONS FOR US EXPATS MOVING TO LONDON

You’re best advised to enlist the help of a tax professional after moving to London to help you sort the complexities. As an American expat myself, I consult advisors in both the UK and my home country to have any semblance of a grip on the situation, but I can at least tell you the following in brief…

As US citizens, our worldwide income is taxable by the US no matter where we live or where our earnings are paid. And, of course, any income you continue to receive in the US is taxable: e.g., rent, interest, capital gains, etc.

However, as US expatriates, we do have a couple special provisions to minimize our overall liability:

  1. Foreign tax credit – The US and UK governments have a tax treaty that ensures Americans in the UK don’t face double taxation. That is, we aren’t taxed on the same dollar of income twice.
  2. Exclusions on foreign-earned income and housing– To a certain extent, those of us moving to London can elect to exclude either or both our foreign earnings and housing costs from US taxation. However, we can’t claim these exclusions against the same dollar of income as we claim the foreign tax credit mentioned above. Electing these exclusions is also contingent on qualifying for the following conditions:
    • tax home: Our tax home (principal place of employment/business) must be established in a country outside the US (presumably the UK if you’re moving to London), a requirement that is generally met if working abroad for over a year.
    • bona fide residence OR physical presence test:
      1. We pass the bona fide residence test if considered a valid UK resident for an uninterrupted period of time covering at least one calendar year.
      2. We pass the physical residence test if physically residing outside the US for at least 330 of 365 days (the 330 days need not be continuous, and the tax home must be outside the US during that time)

Another tidbit to bear in mind when it comes to filing your taxes after moving to London: the two countries’ tax years are different. The US tax year is based on the calendar year beginning/ending January 1st – December 31st, whereas the UK tax year runs April 6th – April 5th. You’ll therefore need to calculate your UK earnings during the twelve months of the calendar year (not April-to-April) and convert them to USD for your US tax return.

Also, if you’re living and working in the UK full-time, you have until June 15th to file your US taxes rather than April 15th. This is an automatic extension granted by the IRS. If you need more time, you can then file an extension for October.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T FILE US TAX RETURNS AFTER MOVING TO LONDON

Uh, let’s just say file your US taxes every year that you live abroad. Yes, it’s a nuisance. And, yes, it can be expensive (and seem nonsensical) to pay a tax advisor when you don’t even owe US taxes.

However, the IRS is closing the tax net on those American expatriates who haven’t filed their US tax returns while living in the UK. Per an agreement reached last week between the two nations, foreign banks have until 2015 to identify all of their US clients, whose information (name, address, income, account numbers and balances) must be reported to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), which then transfers these details to the IRS. Banks will start by pinpointing their highest-wealth clients (those with holdings exceeding $1m) and determining whether they’re American; they’ll also search their databases for US addresses, places of birth, phone numbers, and pending fund transfers to the US. This process must start as of 2013.

HOWEVER: Only those US expats with foreign bank holdings of over $50,000 are affected by this new ruling. And, among them, those estimated to owe less than $1,500 in taxes for any year during which they didn’t file are deemed “low risk” and can bring their reporting up to date without penalty.

If that’s the best-case scenario for low-compliance risks, the worst-case for higher-risk citizens are penalties of half (if not exceeding) the overseas account balances they’d failed to report. Ouch! And anything between best and worst will be severe enough, though varying substantially case by case.

ANY EXIT RAMPS OFF THIS ROAD TO REPORTING?

First of all, if you’re an American moving to London for the long-term and will ultimately apply for citizenship, becoming a UK citizen does NOT mean renouncing your US citizenship. You can be both. A primary reason why some dual citizens will relinquish their US citizenship, however, is to avoid US taxation. If this could be you down the road, just be aware that the US government won’t allow you to give up your US citizenship unless all your tax obligations are met.

Second, now that tax lawyers are getting inundated with concerned calls, they’re advising that US citizens living in Britain not try to remain under the radar by spreading their funds around—there are voluntary disclosure schemes that can make achieving compliance easy enough.

Moral of the story, if you’re moving to London from the US, just remember you are still accountable for your US tax returns, so compile your relevant documentation in tandem with what you need for your UK taxes. Too many US expats have received the unpleasant shock of the IRS’s reforms—not because they deliberately evaded US taxes but because they simply didn’t know they had to file. I know, it’s not fun adding one more complication to moving abroad to London, but the more you’re aware, the less “taxing” it will be!

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Numbers to Know When Moving to London

Saturday September 15th, 2012

In case you think I’m referring to phone numbers, one ultimate number you should know after moving to London is 999! Americans can equate this with 911, the shortcut number for accessing emergency services.

But what I really meant was ID numbers, so carrying on…

MOVING TO LONDON MEANS A NEW NATIONAL IDENTITY

Relocating to the UK often requires feeling out a new identity, be it professionally, personally, or culturally. And let’s not forget the numerical identities we’re assigned once on UK soil and in the local databases. There’s a plethora of ID numbers involved no matter where you live, and on moving to London, your UK visa and work permit numbers will be among them—and you’ll get to know your passport number reeeeeally well after all those international flights you’ll be taking for business and/or pleasure (mine is now committed to memory for sure).

But let’s take a look at a few other numbers you’ll need fairly regularly after moving to London—none that have to be memorized, of course, but just kept on hand in your files.

GOVERNMENT-ASSIGNED ID ON MOVING TO LONDON

Let’s start with a few official ID numbers that will be assigned to you by assorted UK government bodies.

National Insurance – Your National Insurance Number (aka NINO) is your social security ID. NI contributions vary depending on your earnings and employment status (i.e., employed or self-employed) and go toward your entitlement to government benefits like state pension. This number is comprised of six digits with a two-letter prefix and one-letter suffix (e.g., QQ 12 34 56 A), and you’ll need it for tax and employment documentation.

Now, in my personal case, as we were moving to London for my husband’s job and HR sorted out everything primarily on his behalf, he was automatically assigned his NINO and received a plastic ID card for it. I received nothing and didn’t realize it until I started work and a temporary NINO appeared on my P60 form (an “end of year” certificate issued by your employer at the end of the tax year). These “TN” numbers for temporary use no longer exist, and, in any case, if you had one or never get assigned a NINO at all, you’ll need to phone Jobcentre Plus at +44 (0)845 600 0643. This is a particular word-to-the-wise for accompanying spouses and partners who tend to get lost in the relocation shuffle. Lucky us.

Tax reference – Going along with your tax contributions, you’ll need to use your tax reference number on relevant documentation. This number should appear on any tax/benefits-related documents issued to you by HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs). A tax reference number typically looks like 123/A4567.

National Health Service – Finally, when you first register with a general physician (GP) after moving to London, you’ll receive a paper card from the National Health Service (NHS) documenting your official NHS number. This number is comprised of 10 digits in 3-3-4 format, so will look something like 123 456 7891. You’ll need to use this number whenever visiting a doctor or NHS walk-in clinic so they can access your health records.

PERSONAL BANKING ID FOR NEW UK ACCOUNTS

No different than in your home country, a new UK bank account will come with a new account number and sort code identifying your bank’s specific branch (these are the numbers that always appear at the bottom of your checks, the sort code being the six-digit number at the left).

But when it comes to making bank transfers, there are other numbers involved that Americans moving to London in particular might be unfamiliar with when it comes time to pay down the deposit and first month’s rent on that fabulous new London apartment:

IBAN – The International Bank Account Number (IBAN) follows an international standard format that expands on your UK bank account number for transferring money internationally versus domestically. Your IBAN number will appear on your bank statements, likely near your name. If you have trouble locating it, however, just call your local branch or consult its website. Barclays bank, for example, allows you to generate your IBAN online.

SWIFT/BIC – SWIFT stands for the Society of Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, which is in charge of registering SWIFT/BIC codes. And, just as the IBAN is an international form of your personal bank account, the BIC (Bank Identifier Code) is an international standard ID for your UK bank itself. Again, your SWIFT code will be found on your bank accounts along with your IBAN—using Barclays once more for sake of illustration, its SWIFT code is BARCGB22.

PIN – Everyone who possesses a debit card knows what a PIN (Personal Identification Number) is—the four-digit number you must enter at the ATM or point-of-service card readers. But, again, for those Americans out there who are moving to London with their US swipe cards, what you might not expect is having to use a PIN for your credit card.

A lot of countries outside the US use “smart chip” technology by which the magnetic stripe is foregone for a data chip instead. Rather than swipe, you just insert the chip-end of the debit or credit card into the reader and enter your PIN. The benefit is added security—whereas swipe cards are more susceptible to cloning and signature forgery, the credit card PIN adds that extra layer of protection. Moving to London can make you feel vulnerable enough; you don’t need credit card fraud to compound the issues.

NUMBED BY THE NUMBERS?

Perhaps it’s a lot to take in, but it’s nothing that you deal with all at once nor every day. Just take these numbers as they come on an as-needed basis, and feel assured that at least now you know what they are and when you can expect to use them. Moving to London inevitably means lots and lots of lovely new documentation, so simply make sure to hold on to everything and keep it well-organized for when the time comes.

 

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Moving to London – Hip-Hip-Hooray for Opening Day!

Friday July 27th, 2012


When first moving to London, I was insistent that my husband and I were only going to stay a couple years. After all, moving to London involves a tremendous amount of change as you leave loved ones behind and change jobs if not careers. Nope, it wasn’t supposed to be in the cards for us when moving to London in 2008 to still be here in 2012, yet as I stood street-side and watched the flaming torch run through my neighborhood yesterday for the 2012 Olympic Games, I thought, yeah, it’s pretty cool to still be here for this.

So, what’s going on opening day if you’re watching the Olympics on TV or moving to London in time for them?

Moving to London – Come Hear the Bells

At 8:12 this morning, thousands of people across town joined in ringing in the Olympics. Initiated by artist/musician Martin Creed, “Work No.1197: All the bells in a country rung as quickly and as loudly as possible for three minutes” invited every person and bell in the UK—from doorbells to bike bells to church bells (and Big Ben, of course!)—to ring their hearts out for three minutes.

Even if you weren’t moving in time for this, have a go at the pretty sounds the website makes when you run your mouse cursor over the images at www.allthebells.com. London 2012 had also made an app for it if anyone wanted to participate with their smart phone (more 2012 apps available here: www.london2012.com/mobileapps).

Moving to London – Olympic Mascots Premier on the Telly!

As of 5pm London time (and presumably still going on as I write this!), the official London 2012 mascots, Mandeville and Wenlock, are premiering on CBBC in the short animated film, “Rainbow to the Games.” You aren’t the only one moving here—these odd little eyeball guys have been traveling round the UK for two years now, and this show supposedly “documents” their arrival for the Games.

A bit of trivia for those of you moving and interested in UK history—or any of you excited for the Games, for that matter: the Olympics mascot Wenlock is named for the small village in Shropshire called Much Wenlock, where the “Much Wenlock Games” were held, showcasing country sports and athletics. In 1890, a local promoter of the importance of physical education in schools, Dr. William Penny Brookes, invited Baron Pierre de Coubertin to watch, which then inspired the latter man to propose a modern form of the Olympic Games in 1894. The proposal was accepted, and the first modern Olympic Games as we know them were hosted in Athens a couple years later. The Paralympics mascot Mandeville is named for Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire, where, in the 1940s, competitions were held for wounded soldiers—and thus the Paralympic Games were born. Given Britain’s influence them, how appropriate that the Games are moving for a third time in Olympic history.

There’s actually a lot going on with these crazy guys. To be honest, I never understood the mascots and their relevance, but the more I learn, the more I appreciate the very deliberate thought and meaning put into designing each. Methinks I’ll leave that as a blog post for another day…

Moving to London – The Opening Ceremony!

Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle is the Artistic Director for tonight’s opening ceremony, so expectations are high. If you’ve already completed traveling or moving to London, it’s at 9pm our time.

Admittedly, some of the early comments I heard on the bits of the show that were revealed were rather sarcastic. Endeavoring to capture the quintessential British spirit, Boyle has apparently included fake clouds, one of which will rain…as if those of living or moving to London right now haven’t seen enough of the real ones lately!! And being the largely rural, agrarian nation that it is, what would Britain be without its livestock? Yep, livestock. 12 horses, 3 cows, 2 goats, 10 chickens, 10 ducks, 9 geese, 70 sheep, and 3 sheepdogs, to be exact. PETA is not amused. I, however, am. Greatly.

As for the human count, approximately 10,000 volunteers are helping make the magic happen. Miscellaneous images in the media have revealed a very green countryside and cottage-y look for the set (an apt representation that you’ll especially appreciate after moving and touring outside the city), with a multitude of dancers and I can only presume singers and musicians. The video above is a quickie sneak-peek.

Yet for as much has been shared with the press over the last months, there’s one aspect of the ceremony on which the director remains firmly tight-lipped: the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. Since moving here a few years ago, I’ve seen a lot of major events go down here, including the Royal Wedding and Diamond Jubilee, so my bet is on one of the royals having the honor. Who knows, but I swear if it’s Robbie Williams or Katie Price I’m going to punch myself in the face.

Moving to London never ceases to reward us with an eventful life, so I hope it’s as much a thrill for you—especially if you’re moving in time for this global Olympic extravaganza!

 

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Moving to London or Doctor Whoville?

Tuesday July 17th, 2012

 

On moving to London four years ago, I had a good awareness of iconic British characters from television and film. Or so I’d thought. It wasn’t enough to know Mr. Bean, Monty Python, or Sherlock Holmes. It wasn’t enough to know Paddington Bear, Winnie the Pooh, or Peter Rabbit. And apparently not even moving to London was enough to acquaint me with that elusive Time Lord who has so endeared Himself with the masses yet so far evaded my understanding.

Until I greeted a certain visitor at Platform 9 ¾ (seriously) who enlightened me on this focus of her obsession, introducing me to Him via a couple favorite episodes. And then a TARDIS mysteriously appeared in my neighborhood…

Moving to London – Allow Me to Introduce…

Blog readers, meet the Doctor. Doctor, meet our blog readers.

“Doctor who?” you might ask, dear reader.

“Exactly,” I reply.

“No, I mean Doctor who?” you ask again.

“Yes! The very one!” I respond, right before you roll your eyes and huff at me in exasperation, stomping away to continue your important plans for moving to London.

Moving to London – Allow Me to Introduce More Specifically…

Okay, so if you’re moving to London, you would be remiss not to know the Doctor, a.k.a. Doctor Who. This is all new to me, too, so bear with me if my overview is the cursory explanation of a novice. Perhaps with experience, my future self can journey back in time to this blog article to rewrite it.

Anyway, the signs have shown themselves ever since my moving to London, and now I finally know: Doctor Who looks human but is an alien Time Lord with two hearts who time travels to save Earth from sinister hands. This British sci-fi series began on the BBC in 1963, starring William Hartnell as the Doctor. On Hartnell’s departure in 1963, the public became aware of an oh-so condition convenient the Doctor has—i.e., on being mortally wounded, he can regenerate into another human appearance, maintaining a somewhat consistent personality but adopting some new traits along the way. This regeneration has become an essential and expected aspect of the series now, with each new actor bringing fresh interpretation. There were already eight doctors before the 21-century resurrection of the series, and if you’re moving to London this year, perhaps the 11th Doctor will show up in a police box near you.

Police box? Yes, the blue police box that’s become the Doctor Who icon is his time-traveling vessel. Before wireless communications, these call boxes essentially served as mini-police stations as needed and were all over the city in the ’60s when the TV show was created. Alas, if you’re a die-hard fan moving to London in 2012, though, you’ll be much harder pressed to find one.

Including clueless me who has apparently been walking right by one on my way in and out of Earls Court tube station countless times since moving to London and never realized it until last night! On returning from a powerful West End production of Les Miserables, my houseguest suddenly exclaimed, “A TARDIS!!!” I thought she said “tortoise” and kept scanning the pavement… Anyway, TARDIS is an acronym for Time and Relative Dimension in Space, and even though my local TARDIS has been standing there since the ’90s, it was as though it had materialized out of nowhere.

How strange this should occur within a week of me first dappling in the Doctor through Virgin Media‘s “Ultimate Doctor Who” collection on-demand. Catching some of Season 1 with Chris Eccleston as the Doctor, I wasn’t grabbed, but my fanatic weekend visitor steered me to the David Tennant incarnation that took over for the following three seasons and subsequent specials. The latest (11th) Doctor who took shape just after I was moving to London is portrayed by Matt Smith.

The Doctor’s biggest foes have been the Daleks, Cybermen, and The Master, but so far I find Season 3′s Weeping Angels to be the most creepy (and apparently I’m not alone according to a recent poll). Ah, and now that Dalek survival guide my cousin brought back from a Bath hostel finally makes sense…

Moving to London – Make Your Doctor’s Appointment

If you’re first moving to London this year, you’ve unfortunately missed the one-year Doctor Who Experience on exhibition here that ended in February…, but it’s relocated to Cardiff Bay in Wales, where it just opened this month! Wales also held the first-ever Official Doctor Who Convention in Cardiff last March, so keep an eye out for next year’s. And it seems we have to wait until autumn for the new Season 7 to air, but if you want to do your Doctoral studies prior to moving to London, catch up on episodes and cult news at BBC One’s Doctor Who website. Anglotopia.net is also a trove of Doctor Who devotion and is all-around a great resource anyway for those moving to London or simply loving it!

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Moving to London in Time for the Olympic Games!

Wednesday July 4th, 2012

To all Americans moving to London this year, happy Fourth of July while you’re still on US soil! That goes to those of you Yankees who’ve already made your UK relocation as well. I’ve had to miss a few Independence Days since moving myself in 2008, but I’m actually home for this one—yeehaw! But man, is it HOT in Chicago right now…oof, I forget what a normal summer feels like given London’s seemingly eternal fall and spring.In any case, how funny that I should fly Stateside yesterday only for my dad to promptly hand me an article about the 2012 Olympics in the local paper. Never can escape that amazing city that always has the world buzzing about it. So if you’re moving in time for this momentous event, thought I’d share some related tidbits FYI.

Moving to London in Time for the Olympics – Join the Masses

If you’re moving this month or next while the Games are going on, here’s a little heads-up on what to expect. It’s estimated that 6.5 million visitors will infuse the already highly populated city, making many-a local resident wary of the impact on public transport. It helps that the recent Diamond Jubilee served as a sort of dry run for tackling congestion issues; it was rather a mess, with Westminster tube station ultimately closed down due to crowding. Moving will inevitably introduce you to the tube woes that already occur on a daily basis with signal failures and rush hour, so one can only imagine how even such a brilliant system as the London Underground will cope with the Olympics crowds. $10 billion (USD) has been invested into upgrading assorted stations and lines, however, so time will tell (before too long) how much that will help.

In view of that, if you’re moving without a car like most expats, you might want to consider shipping your bike or taking advantage of Barclays bike scheme, with public bikes parked all throughout the city that you can rent at Point A and drop off at Point B with ease (well, that’s the easy part, anyway; navigating the busy streets quite another, so try to find side routes that‘ll be less congested and tour you through locations you maybe wouldn‘t see otherwise).

Where lodging is concerned, working with London Relocation will secure you your own apartment straightaway, so hotel stays are kept at a minimum after moving to London or visiting prior to your relocation; as it is, hotels are anticipating 100% occupancy during the Olympics. Average rates are said to be $341 (USD) per night for hotels, but another option is taking on a short-term let rented out on a weekly basis and will include all the amenities of home if you‘re moving in advance of moving into your flat. No doubt landlords will be making spaces available to seize the opportunity.

Moving to London in Time for the Olympics – Enjoy the Atmosphere

Moving means getting to know it from a resident’s day-to-day perspective, but c’mon, you’ve got to play the tourist, too! After four years in the UK, I sure still do—that’s the fun of living there! As I’ve blogged about recently, city buildings and monuments have been spruced up for the occasion, and over 80 tube stations will be equipped with free WiFi. I observed just yesterday how Heathrow’s Terminal 5 has endeavored to streamline its flow of passengers to accommodate the larger crowds, and you’ll have 8,000 volunteers (London Ambassadors) scattered throughout the capital to field any questions—how’s that for a nice welcome after moving?!

The most dramatically altered landscape, however, has got to be east London, home of Olympic Park. A historically industrial and under-developed area, east London’s riverside has been landscaped and new residences and facilities erected to accommodate not only Olympics athletes and fans but future residents moving to London’s east side. A massive Westfield shopping mall now stands there, adding to all the new conveniences and refurbishments that will make this neighborhood a much more desirable place to live. Over a dozen transport links—including the new high-speed Javelin Shuttle traveling from St. Pancras—service the area, but if you don’t have event tickets and would like to wait to explore Olympic Park after everything’s over and hopefully less crowded (a perq when you’re moving to London and not just visiting), big screens in Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, and Victoria Park will broadcast the games so you can still view them in a festive atmosphere in the company of others.

Moving to London in Time for the Olympics – Helpful Resources

A few last tips if you’re around for the Olympics after moving: In gauging your transport routes for the events or other related sites of interest, you can plan ahead at Transport for London’s tfl.gov.uk or getaheadofthegames.com. Visitors can use short-term Travelcards, but as a resident moving, you should purchase and top-up an Oyster Card—buy it in advance at the TFL site, visitbritainshop.com, or any tube station after moving to London. You can also stay apprised of events like the free broadcasts in the parks, the London 2012 Festival, and Olympic venues and maps at btlondonlive.com and London2012.com.

Whatever you do, feel the spirit of the Games and take advantage of all the special activity buzzing around the city if you’re moving to London this summer in time for it all!

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Moving to London from US? Chicago and NYC Neighborhood Equivalents

Saturday June 30th, 2012

If you’re moving from the US, when you don’t know London neighborhoods well, how will you know where to live? After moving from the US ourselves, my husband’s and my frame of reference worked in terms of Chicago and New York, so I thought I’d share what I consider to be some American equivalents of popular neighborhoods for those of you also moving from the US.

If you like Chicago’s ____, you’ll love London’s____

Shout-out to my Chi-town peeps! Even if you aren’t moving from the US city of Chicago itself, if you have any familiarity with it, this can still be your guide. Okay, so…

If you like Chicago’s Lincoln Park and Lakeview, you’ll love London’s South Kensington and Chelsea. A lot of neighbourhoods in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea, really, draw a similar demographic—young, urban professionals moving from the USand elsewhere who need something middle-of-the-road and affordable yet are willing to pay a little more for a little posh. Trendy shops, restaurants, and clubs abound, and pretty Victorian houses and leafy streets also give this area the somewhat more residential and polished aesthetic that LP Trixies (*hee*) are accustomed to and may still want when moving from the US. Another similarity is their easy access to the City, green space, and water (i.e., if London’s Kensington Gardens/Hyde Park could be Chicago’s Lincoln Park, the River Thames is Lake Michigan).

Falling within the Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, the neighborhood of Notting Hill is also similar to these Chicago locales, though it and its nearby Ladbroke Grove are also reminiscent of the Belmont Street area of north Lakeview, getting more into Boy’s Town and Wrigleyville with a relatively young, gentrified atmosphere yet artistic and maybe still a little sketchy in parts. Yet also like Roscoe Village (or further north around Irving Park) in a way, those moving to London from the US will also find some quiet, family-friendly residential streets.

Moving further along that side of the spectrum is north London’s trendy Islington and Angel area. This neighbourhood retains its relatively alternative, gritty urban feel yet has certainly become increasingly gentrified, particularly along the major restaurant/club/pub strip just outside Angel tube station. If you’re moving from the US Midwest, the closest Chicago comparison in my estimation is the likewise increasingly yuppified yet arty (and in some spots dodgy) Bucktown and Wicker Park.

And to swing in the totally opposite direction, for truly upscale posh, expats moving from the US who like Chicago’s affluent Gold Coast will love London’s ritzy Mayfair, Belgravia, and Knightsbridge neighborhoods.

If you like New York City’s ____, you’ll love London’s____

As many folks moving to London from the US come from the east coast, let’s review some NYC London neighbourhood equivalents as well. Regarding the areas mentioned above, for the same basic reasons already discussed, South Kensington, Chelsea, Notting Hill, and Ladbroke Grove (and other neighborhoods thereabouts) are arguably similar to Manhattan’s SoHo and Upper West Side. North London’s Islington/Angel area is akin to New York’s Greenwich and West Village, and NYC’s wealthy Upper East Side would equate to Mayfair, Belgravia, and Knightsbridge—perhaps Marylebone as well.

Going further, Manhattan’s Chelsea neighbourhood is somewhat similar to Marylebone if you’re moving from the US and seeking variety in boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. Though whereas Marylebone is rather affluent, Clerkenwell and Farringdon are somewhat rougher around the edges yet still thriving with art, cuisine, and nightlife, so could make for equivalents to NYC’s Chelsea/West Village as well.

Venturing into the bustle of London’s Soho and Piccadilly Circus area recalls New York’s Midtown and Times Square—Oxford and Regent Streets are a shopping mecca akin to 5th and Madison Avenues (and Michigan Avenue in Chicago, for that matter). And as a desirable residential area dominated by educational and other renowned institutions, Manhattan’s Morningside Heights (home of Columbia University) bears a similarity to Greenwich (home of the Royal Naval College, Maritime Museum, and National Observatory).

Where other New York City boroughs go, Brooklyn is like London south of the Thames, not so cosmopolitan or convenient a commute yet where people go for more space for the money (a draw for young families). And like some New Yorkers will similarly cross the Hudson to Hoboken, New  Jersey to afford more for less, the fairly industrial east London has up-and-coming pockets that are drawing more upscale demographics to invest in housing there. Dodgy east London ’hoods like Hackney and Shoreditch, though—along with outskirt areas like Croyden or Wembley in the south and northwest—might be a little more like Queens or the Bronx. There admittedly isn’t a huge number of expats moving to London from the US that settle in those areas.

Comparing Big Apples to Oranges

Granted, it’s difference that makes an international relocation worthwhile, and in a lot of ways just can’t be compared to other cities. Nonetheless, there’s no shame in trying to seek out a little of what you already know, so hopefully the above comparisons help if you’re moving to from the US.

 

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Relocation To London From The US

Thursday June 14th, 2012

Your relocation to London from the US doesn’t have to be the stuff of nightmares. With a little forward planning and some excellent advice from a professional, you’ll be set up and moved into your new apartment with a few days of arriving. The key to a smooth move when you’re planning your relocation to London from the US is to make sure that you get logistics sorted out from the US end before you start thinking about your new life in London.

Relocation To London From The US and Finances

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to make sure that you’re going to have enough money to live on while you are here. You need to make sure that you do your homework when it comes to the cost of living. London is an expensive city and you cannot make a direct comparison between the cost of living in the US and the cost of living in the UK. You need to make sure that your salary is going to stretch far enough to cover the move and the chance to explore the city after you arrive.

Relocation To London From The US and Transport

Depending on where you live you may end up spending a good portion of your salary on transport if you’re not careful. When you’re apartment hunting for your relocation from the US, you need to make sure that you have your work address as a starting point. You don’t need a car to get around by any means, but you will be paying a premium for your transport if you live some distance from the major transport routes.

Relocation To London From The US and Choosing An Apartment

Apartment hunting is tough, even if you’ve lived there your entire life. If you’re planning a relocation to London from the US then you’re task is made doubly challenging. Using a relocation service that understands exactly what your needs are and where you are coming from is not only going to make things easier, but it may end up saving you quite a bit of money.

 

 

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Americans Moving To England

Thursday June 14th, 2012

If you’ve never lived abroad, many Americans moving to London, England are somewhat nervous of what they’re going to find. On the one hand, you’ve got films like “Notting Hill” showing idyllic scenes of quaint private gardens and leafy suburbs right in the heart of the city, and on the other hand, you’ve got films showing graphic violence and the problems of housing estates in certain areas of the city. Americans moving to London, England can find that planning their relocation is confusing if you don’t know where to start looking for apartments and schools; doctors and dentists; banks and bakeries. You start right here!

Americans Moving To London England and Logistics

The first step for Americans moving to England starts in the USA. Visas, banking and paperwork are going to be your key concerns. When you work with a professional relocation agent in London they will be able to advise you of the paperwork that you’ll need when you arrive and may even be able to help you with setting up and opening a bank account before you arrive. If you’re moving for work then your employer will be sorting out your visa application and work permit, but you need to sort out visas for your accompanying spouse or partner and your children. Your partner is not eligible to work in the UK just because you are.

Americans Moving To London, England and Tax

This is a big issue that should be sorted out BEFORE you leave the US. Sit down with an accountant (CPA) who specialises in tax for US citizens living abroad. You will have to pay tax in the UK and tax in the US if you do not plan your taxes carefully. Double taxation will take a sizeable bite our of your salary and remember that the IRS does not forget about you just because you’re living in London.

Americans Moving To London, England and Apartments

This is going to be the issue that needs the most input from a professional relocation agent. Many Americans moving to England are not sure of the scale and size of the city. You’ll need to know where you are working to be able to find an apartment on a specific transport route. if you have a family, then the subject of schools and education will also have an impact on where you live. If you’re moving pets to London, you’ll want to find accommodation that is pet-friendly and close to one of the dog parks.

Logistics, planning and a lot of help from a professional agent that specialises in Americans moving to London, England will help make the move as smooth as possible, leaving you free to explore your new home town.

 

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Relocation To London Planning

Monday June 11th, 2012

Part of your relocation to London planning is making sure that you are actually prepared to leave your country of origin. This is particularly important for Americans moving to London due to the tax implications of living abroad. One of the best ways of approaching an international relocation is to have an expert handle your affairs in London and you take care of the details back home.

Having one of the professional London relocation agents helping you will allow you to make sure that everything is wrapped up back at home.

Relocation To London Planning – Finances

If you have a bank account in the UK, and you will need one, you need to make sure of your rights and responsibilities regarding tax. For Americans it may be wise to consult with a tax consultant who has experience in relocation to London planning. Remember that your country of origin will definitely want to know where you are at all times. They may even want to tax you on the income earned while you are out of the country. This could be one of the most important areas that you have to finalize before your move.

IRA Relocation To London Planning

Your pension is a very important part of your financial planning no matter where you live. Does your country of origin have a reciprocal agreement with the UK when it comes to pension contributions? You don’t want to let your pension lapse while you are away. You may be able to move your pension fund to a pension fund in the UK for the duration of your relocation.

Moving is a big step and you will have to make your financial decisions carefully Your relocation to planning should start early. If you have a mortgage you need to decide if you are willing to sell your home or perhaps rent it out for the duration of your relocation. This decision will depend on the length of your stay. Do you want to have the hassle of managing two properties?

While no one wants to cut ties with their home country completely, it is important that you really immerse yourself in life in your new city and new country. Your relocation to London planning will help you organize your life before you arrive, so you can really enjoy your stay.

 

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Relocation Advice For Americans

Friday June 8th, 2012

Get the best relocation advice for Americans as soon as you know that you’re hopping across the pond. Just as soon as you have made the decision that you’re moving, your first thought is going to be where to live. While the internet is going to be your most useful resource in your relocation, it may not be wise to rent an apartment without first seeing it. There are hundreds of adverts for apartments, but if you’re serious about your relocation you should consider using a professional London relocation services agent. It’s like having an extra pair of eyes on the ground for you.

London Relocation Advice For Americans in 2012

It may seem easier and faster to find a apartment before you leave, but you run the very real risk of being ripped off by the number of confidence tricksters prowling the internet. Renting an apartment is expensive, and if you find an apartment on the internet, be very wary of sending a deposit and signing a lease without checking it out in person, first.

Why Use London Relocation Agents?

London relocation agents understand just how stressful an international relocation can be and they will do everything to help you find an apartment based on your requirements and you budget. Just as soon as you land they will have a number of properties lined up for you to see in the areas that you have decided on. Unless you know the city very well, you’ll need to see a few places before you make a decision, and having relocation agents on your side means that the hard work is done up front.

While many people have success using the Gum tree and Craigslist sites, it really is a case of “Caveat Emptor” or “Buyer Beware”. You don’t want to waste your money before you’ve even started your relocation.

Using a specialist London relocation agent company that has expertise in people relocating from the US is the best way to get London relocation advice for Americans that you can really use. It is the best way to make sure that you are settled as fast as possible and able to enjoy the experience of living in London.

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Moving From America To London Checklist

Thursday June 7th, 2012

When you are moving from America to London, you will find that there are a number of factors that might be a little different and frustrating, one of the frustrating things about financial matters is the fact that England and most of Europe operate on a chip and pin system for their credit cards and debit cards. You might have moved into a new apartment, but the last thing you need is to go to the grocery store and have your credit card or debit card refused on account of the fact that it does not have a chip and pin installed.

Moving From America to London Bank Account

The chip and pin system is a way of ensuring that all credit card and debit card transactions are secure. Instead of just swiping your credit card and signing the receipt, you will be required to enter a code number as well. It is an innovative way of ensuring that there is much less use of stolen credit cards. The problem is that the United States is a little way behind the technology and does not operate on this system yet. You will find that many smaller shops will accept the US cards that just have the magnetic strip at the back, but automated teller machines and other automated systems will reject your card. It can be frustrating when you are trying to catch a train and there is a long line of people in front of you paying for a ticket with cash, and your card won’t work at the ticket machine.

Moving From America To London Credit Cards

While you are waiting to get a bank account or know that there will be some delay in getting a bank account after moving from America to London, then the best thing that you can do is to get yourself a travel card that is pre loaded with cash from a US bank and comes with the chip and pin system. You will easily be able to transfer money onto the card and use it like you would use a debit card. It might also be a good idea to alert you bank in your home country as to the fact that you will be travelling overseas and they do not have to issue a fraud alert when they see a £10 charge for some groceries at Tesco! Most banks rely on software that triggers an alert when your spending patterns deviate wildly and they will be on alert if you are suddenly buying very different things in a different country.

If you are moving from America to London for work then you should ask your new employer to help you set up a bank account as soon as possible. They will be able to provide the proof you need to get one opened immediately which will mean that you can get a debit card with the magic ‘chip and pin’ installed.

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Advice For Americans Relocating To London

Tuesday June 5th, 2012

Following on with our series of advice for Americans relocating to London, we have to let you know how to get connected to the internet as soons as you are settled into your new apartment.If you have not yet found a London apartment it can be difficult to stay connected to the internet without having a fixed address and a landline for your connection.

Advice For Americans Relocating To London Apartments

This is part of the reason that so many people choose to use relocation companies when they are moving here. They offer a full solution package that includes getting you connected to all of the utilities that you will need in your new apartment. Getting connected to the internet may be easy, but the wide variety of service providers can make the choice quite difficult. The best bet is to get your internet service from your telephone provider. That way you only have to deal with one installation and you can be online and chatting to your family and friends back home.

Internet Advice For Americans Relocating To London

Skype is the most popular international online chat program in the UK, although you may be able to access your Vonage account if that is your regular provider. Ask your service provider about their mobile internet access as well, and you can start using the broadband network on your laptop and mobile phone to access the internet when you are not at home.

Advice on Wi-Fi For Americans Relocating To London

Your relocation does not mean that you are moving to a Wi-Fi less society. This is one of the most connected cities on the planet and you can find free Wi-Fi hotspots across the city without any difficulty at all. If you’re waiting for your phone line and internet to be installed, and you need a dose of American culture then just head off to your local Starbucks and hook up If you’re right in the heart of ‘The City’ then the entire area is a Wi-Fi zone, unfortunately it is not free unless you own an iphone or have a broadband contract with O2.

Advice for Americans relocating to London is easy when you use a professional relocation agent who understands your specific needs in an international relocation.

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Americans Moving To London And Healthcare

Tuesday June 5th, 2012

Many Americans moving to London want to know about the state of healthcare in the UK. There are several details of your relocation to London that you will only be able complete once you’re on the ground. Your relocation agents will be able to sort out quite a few of the details like opening a bank account and finding you that perfect pad, but getting healthcare is something you have to do in person.

Americans Moving To London and the NHS

The NHS in the UK requires that you register in person at a GP to be eligible for all of the healthcare benefits. Once you have found a GP in your neighborhood, you will have to make an appointment to see the doctor as well as register at the practice.

When you get to the doctors rooms you need to ask for a GMS1 form which you will fill out with all of our details. Take your passport and visa along with you as you may be asked for some proof of identity by the GP. There is no waiting period for people to register with a GP. If you are legally allowed to work and live in London then you are automatically eligible for healthcare.

Americans Moving To London and Healthcare Logistics

Once you have filled in your GMS1 form, the practice will forward your application to the Primary Care Trust that will issue you with your NHS card and number and let you know that you are on the system. It can take a couple of weeks though, so if you need medical attention then use the free clinics, (they really are very good) or go to your local hospital.

There is one requirement of the system that may take some of your time. All people wishing to join the NHS have to register at a doctor in person. You cannot register on behalf of your spouse or family when you arrive in the UK. This is why it is important to spend the first week of your relocation to London sorting out the details before you start work and get too busy.

If you need any advice on how to register or where to find a GP, the NHS website has a comprehensive list of all the GP’s. Americans moving to London need not worry that they won;t receive medical care while living in the UK.

 

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Moving To London From The USA

Monday June 4th, 2012

Moving from the USA is not without certain challenges. Any move to another country is stressful, time consuming and if you’re not fully prepared it can be a nightmare. It important to take things one step at a time and make sure you get professional help.

Moving From The USA Apartment Hunting

Many people who are moving  from the USA decide to use one of the London relocation services companies that provide a link between what you know back home and the stress and hassle of the unknown in a new country.

Moving To London From The USA Services

Make sure that you have all the originals and some copies of your paperwork before you move. Anything and everything is the best way of approaching paperwork when planning your relocation. Ask your London relocation agents for a list of all the paperwork that you ‘might’ need and bring it all with you.

When you first make the decision about your relocation you’ll want to make a list of the things that are important to you. Schools, doctors, community amenities, transport. Be as detailed as possible so that you can use the list to whittle down your choice of accommodation in London. If your London relocation agents know exactly what you expect from your new neighborhood, they will be able to provide you with a choice of rental accommodation that will fit YOU.

Moving  from the USA can be as stressful or as easy as you make it. The key is forward planning, keeping an open mind and making sure that you are prepared for a new city and culture. Learning about England will go a long way towards making the transition as easy as possible.

 

 

 

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