Almost every pet owner experiencing the process of relocation to London assumes their pet will come with them.  While healthy dogs, cats and ferrets are very welcome in the UK there are several steps to ensure their arrival will coincide with the family’s.  Thankfully, quarantine is not needed, but six months or more are.  For Americans moving to London planning the move well in advance is the key to a successful and smooth move – especially when it comes to the furry family members.

The requirements for dogs, cats and ferrets moving to London are relatively simple and strait forward.  It would be in a family’s best interest to ask London relocation agents about the current requirements immediately upon deciding on the international move to make sure all requirements are known and met.  Relying on the internet is helpful, but not always a reliable source.

Currently, the requirements of which families experiencing international relocation should be aware are:

1)    Each pet should be microchipped with the microchip able to be read.  Inspectors will not rely on the ID number but will physically check the chip. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.  All animal identification is done solely through the microchip.

2)    All pets must have had a rabies vaccination within 12 months of moving to London, provide an original rabies certificate including the microchip number, date of the vaccination and length of the vaccination period (some are good for one year,  others for two years).

3)    All pets must have a Rabies Fluorescent Antibody Viral Neutralization (FAVN) blood test to be accepted into the UK.  There is only one facility in the US that performs this test.  After the blood sample is received the pet must wait six months before the results are ready.  Since this test takes so long, it is highly recommended that the pet owner research all necessary procedures before the blood is delivered.

4)    A letter from the veterinarian is needed stating when the microchip was implanted, when the rabies vaccination was given and when the blood was drawn for the FAVN test.

5)    No more than four months before moving to London a EU vet form must be completed by a veterinarian.

6)    A USDA endorsement must be completed.  A veterinarian will have to provide documentation of all required vaccinations and tests so that the US can allow the pet to leave the country.

7)    One to two days before the family’s international relocation the pet must see the veterinarian so that an International Health Certificate can be issued.

There are many different reasons for Americans moving to London.  Whether it is an unplanned corporate relocation or just a new start for a family the move is often anticipated and feared at the same time.  Most often children feel the most stress during an international relocation because they feel they are powerless.  They, also, are leaving their friends, homes, extended family and even schools.  Little things they have spent their entire lives learning about their American culture are suddenly dismissed and they are asked to learn an entirely new set of cultural norms.

After moving to London parents often worry about their children’s adjustment both socially and emotionally.  One option for easing the transition is to enroll them in an American school.  The American School, located in the St. John’s Wood neighborhood in London, is a school devoted to teaching Americans using American curriculum.

Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer as to whether American children should go to The American School.  Parents have to weigh several factors when making the decision, first of which is how long they plan on living in London.  Some corporate relocations are short, just a year or less, while others may be upwards of five years or more.  If the move is temporary and the child plans on returning to the states to finish their education attending The American School may be a good idea so that their educational path will not be disrupted.

Those Americans moving to London with no length of stay determined may opt to send their child to a local school instead so as to immerse them in the English culture.  The English school system is very good and a child’s education will not suffer for having attended an English grade school.  There are many benefits besides the quality of education at English schools.  Children will be introduced to local traditions and culture.  They will acclimate to their new environment quicker and they will get to experience England in its entirety.

There isn’t a right or wrong decision on where parents should send their students after moving to London.  Every parent has to weigh their child’s personality, educational needs, and life facts (like ability to pay tuition and home location within London) before deciding on the best educational placement.  Arming oneself with the most information possible is the best way to tackle the education dilemma after an international relocation.

Relocation to London - Be Prepared for the Bump in Sales Tax, Image by 401K via Flickr

Americans complain all the time about sales tax and how it takes its toll on the family budget.  For Americans moving to London, however, will no longer complain of the 6% to 8% sales tax most US states use.  In London, the current sales tax rate is 20%! This extra cost must be taken into consideration when creating a new budget after international relocation.

Sales tax is applied in much the same way in the United Kingdom as it is in the United States.  Most goods purchased have a mandatory value added tax (VAT).  The biggest difference between the two countries is the amount of sales tax.  For most Americans moving to London the new sales tax they will pay will be three to four times more than they are used to.  It is easy to forget to budget for sales tax when creating the new family budget, but if careful thought is given up front, budgeting for the new sales tax amount will quickly become second nature.

Much like the US, most food items are not taxed.  Unlike the US, there are many other items not taxed (or zero-rated as they say) or taxed at 5% in an effort to help those individuals struggling financially.  Some of these items domestic gas, children’s clothing, prescription drugs, books, and magazines.  Very similar to US policy certain energy reducing building materials are taxed at a lower rate.  Also, children’s car seats are taxed at a lower rate.

After relocation to London many individuals may be confused by all the new taxes.  They can relax, though, because most are very similar to US tax policies, just with different language.  For example, an excise duty is applied to fuel, alcohol, and tobacco.  America has the same tax (often called sin tax).  Other types of taxation are property duties and a slew of duties charged to businesses.  London relocation agents can explain which duties and taxes will apply to one’s situation and even help with budgeting.

With the British economy struggling it was no surprise that the VAT was increased from 17.5% to 20.0% in early 2011.  How long it will stay at the current rate is anyone’s guess.  The United Kingdom is very much like the United States in that it is desperately trying to build revenue while not charging its people so much that inflation and unemployment runs rampant. Those moving to London due to corporate relocation must take into account the economical situation and play accordingly.

One of the many benefits to moving to London is all the history preserved in the walls of various museums about town.  The Imperial War Museum is one such museum dedicated to educating the public about the joys and sorrows associated with the Second World War.  Five locations create the Imperial War Museum and all five are a must-see for newcomers finding themselves in London due to an international relocation.

Imperial War Museum – London

Located on Lambeth Road in the heart of the city the London museum is home to some of the Imperial War Museum’s most impressive exhibits.  For those ready to visit very soon the 1940s house is all decked out for the holidays.  This children’s interactive exhibit showcases a British home set during the 1940s but, sadly, will be closing its doors forever in early January 2012.

Imperial War Museum – Duxford

Visiting Duxford is a trip back in time.  Located within a World War I and II airfield this branch of the museum offers visitors a chance to explore over two hundred military aircrafts.  With interactive exhibits featuring planes, jets and helicopters of the twentieth century Americans moving to London are sure to be impressed.

HMS Belfast
Although currently closed to visitors the Belfast is a British warship open to the public.  Visitors can explore what life was like for British soldiers stationed on a warship during World War II.

Churchill War Rooms

Located deep below the streets of London the War Rooms were designed to withstand the nightly bombings that victimized the city during World War II.  Now international relocation visitors can tour the underground labyrinth and see where decisions that changed the world were made.

Imperial War Museum – North

This building has won awards for its dramatic design but the real prize is located within its walls. Visitors can explore the impact war has on the world, even today, by exploring exhibits.  This museum is very family friendly and has many interactive exhibits.  Americans moving to London should put this attraction on the top of their to-do list.

After moving to London American expats should make a point of learning as much about the great city’s history. For those intimidated by the locations of the museums scattered across the city London relocation agents will be glad to help newcomers with directions and tube stations near each museum if need be.

With London being such a large city, packed full of so much history and culture, it can quickly become overwhelming for Americans moving to London to organize a system to visit all the important attractions.  I recommend those new to the city from corporate relocation to make a New Year’s resolution to see one iconic London attraction a month.  By setting up the schedule now, at the end of the current year, one can make sure to take into account weather conditions, special events or features and any other important factors to consider when visiting attractions for which London is famous.

Some of the most famous attractions to consider when making one’s list are as follows:

1)      Buckingham Palace:  A trip to the palace might want to be saved for August or September as an extravagant diamond exhibit will be on display at that time.  A visit to Buckingham Palace also includes the infamous ‘changing of the guards’ and worth the excursion alone.

2)      The London Eye:  An international relocation is not complete without a ride on the giant Ferris wheel that dominates the London skyline.  Reservations are available online.

3)      The Tower of London:  No stay in London is complete without a trip to the Tower of London.  With so much history packed into one building those moving to London should set aside an entire day to give the attraction justice.

4)      Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre:  All those new to London from corporate relocation with a love for Shakespeare’s plays need to visit this modern recreation of the Globe Theatre.

5)      Jack the Ripper Tours:  Many tours are available for London visitors and residents.  The tours take guests along the same streets and alleys the infamous serial killer roamed.  This is a great activity for history buffs.

6)      Winston Churchill’s War Rooms:  Perhaps one of the most influential men of the last century Winston Churchill’s War Rooms is a trip back in time.  This activity is a wonderful answer to a gloomy winter weekend.

These are just a few ideas for activities one should participate in after moving to London.  International relocation can be difficult and one often finds themselves alone in their flat overwhelmed with the possibilities of what to do.  By making an organized list of popular London sites to visit and committing to them through a New Year’s Resolution, Americans moving to London can tackle all the must-see attractions, one month at a time.

The first decision to make for those moving to London will be where to find the perfect London rental. Choosing whether one will become a Northerner or from Sarf London is the first step. There are many factors to consider when making the decision on which neighborhood to move to and while London relocation agents can provide useful insight, the choice will ultimately be based upon families’ preferences.

Sarf London, as it is known to the locals, is a wonderful place to live. Not traditionally the haunt of Americans moving to London, the high prices of accommodations elsewhere have many expats looking further afield for a home. The biggest drawback to living in south London is the transport system. Despite massive improvements during the last year, there are still fewer tube stations available than in north London. Those choosing to move to Sarf London will have to familiarize themselves with the bus routes and overground train system.

People often make the assumption that South London is somewhat shabbier and poorer that the North. This could not be further from the truth. Neighborhood’s like Wimbledon and Clapham have become premium addresses in South London. Families moving due to relocation jobs will still have to hunt around if on a budget, but South London has some real potential and opportunity.

South London has some of the biggest parks and open spaces, and while they are not as popular as the central London Royal Parks, areas like Clapham Common are huge and within walking distance of many suburbs in South London. South London is also the prefect launching point for travel into England. Families don’t have to battle the traffic to get out of London when they’re living south of the river. It’s refreshing to know after an international relocation that one is less than an hour away from the countryside and the seaside when living in South London.   Travel by car also becomes a realistic possibility when families choose South London as a home.

When moving to London the most important decision is where one will live.  There is no right or wrong location and London relocation agents understand that every family has unique needs.  Rather than base one’s new address on popular opinions and trendy hotspots, families involved in international relocation should look for the neighborhood that best suits them.

Relocation to London – New Year’s Resolutions Part 1, Image via Wikipedia

Americans moving to London often find themselves overwhelmed especially during the holidays.  In an effort to become accustomed to one’s new city and traditions combining New Year’s Resolutions and familiarizing oneself with the culture is a great idea.  One of the more difficult obstacles to overcome after an international relocation is the food – or the differences to be more precise.  The best way to overcome the new flavors and ingredients British food offers is to jump in and explore the waters.  A good New Year’s Resolution for those new to London from a corporate relocation is to try a new quintessential British recipe each week.

That is fifty-two dishes to get through, one might say.  Are there really that many British foods different from what most Americans moving to London are used to?  Why, yes, there are.  It is all too easy for new Londoners to revert back to old favorites from the States after corporate relocation.  London relocation agents will recommend that new families experiment with the cuisine.  With food easily shipped around the globe it would be a huge temptation for Americans to have their favorite foods shipped directly to their door rather than eat like the locals.

Thanks to the internet there are many wonderful sites featuring traditional British foods and recipes.  Many cater to non-British crowds and explain things that most Brits take for granted.  One of the hardest cooking challenges facing Americans is measurements.  In London the metric system is used.  With a little practice one will quickly catch on, however.  By tackling new recipes new Londeners will be forced to explore London groceries and farmer’s markets furthering the exploration of their newly-adopted city.

Cooking one new dish a week may seem like a paltry goal, but as the seasons change and one’s confidence grows in the ways of British cooking most will be pleasantly surprised to see how much food has eased the transition between American and the UK.  Moving to London is a big change for most families and even the best support from London relocation services can’t make one feel comfortable in their new city.  By forcing oneself to go out and explore the town they will quickly come to feel as if they belong after international relocation.

Americans moving to London often ask London relocation agents how they can fit in quicker and better.  It can be a challenging and scary experience to be living in a big city, in a foreign country, especially if it is one’s first time abroad. While many millions of people living in London are foreigners, those moving to London will want to get accustomed to the ways of the city as fast as possible, so they don’t get mistaken for a tourist. Not only does it help the ego, but it is safer in a big city to blend in a little.

This little guide is completely tongue in cheek, but you may find some pearls of wisdom amid the swine!

• Always walk with purpose while living in London. Londoners look like they know where they’re going and need to get there fast. Corporate relocation newbies shouldn’t worry about rubbing shoulders with people on the pavement or sidewalk; they’ll be shoving as well.
• It’s important to learn the names of the tube lines. Real Londoners know which line they’re getting on and nothing makes one stand out as a newcomer after a corporate relocation like telling everyone they used the Red Line to get to work.
• My mother always told me: “Don’t look strange men or dogs in the eye.”  That holds true on London streets or on the Tube.  Regulars read something, play Sudoku, do a cross word or keep their head down. If someone kills themselves by diving in front of one’s train and therefore making them delayed, expats should not show shock, but rather just mutter to themselves and click their tongue in irritation that they have been inconvenienced.
• To truly be seen as a Londoner never, ever stand still on an escalator. Those who are too tired to barge their way up the left side of the escalator should then move to the right. Real Londoners are ALWAYS in a hurry, even when they’re not, sometimes they even pretend to be in a hurry, just to fit in.

International relocation is an adventure that has to be experienced. Getting out of one’s London flat and becoming one with the city is the best way to accomplish that. I promise in a few weeks any American can be just as rude and rushed as the rest of us.​

Many Americans moving to London carefully avoid and traditional British dish with ‘pudding’ in the title.  While many of the puddings consumed by the British are very different from American cuisine, there are a few that are delightful regardless of one’s familiarity with puddings or lack thereof.  No British Christmas dinner is complete without the Christmas Pudding and those Americans spending their first Christmas in London because of international relocation should consider trying their hand at their own Christmas pudding.

When many Americans moving to London think about pudding they think of a wonderful creamy children’s treat found in a box mix.  Most have never tried a real pudding or know the origins of the dish.  London is home to many puddings but Christmas pudding is perhaps one of the most famous.  A sweet dish, traditionally served ablaze, the Christmas pudding is as much a part of Christmas as the turkey in England.

Traditionally Christmas pudding is made on Stir-It-Up-Sunday, or five Sundays before Christmas, in accordance with the Church of England’s calendar.  On that Sunday the ingredients are combined and every member of the family stirs the pudding to ensure good luck.  At least thirteen ingredients are used in the pudding to represent Christ and his twelve disciples.  Often little trinkets are added to the pudding much like a King Cake during Mardi Gras.

Every family has their own special recipe for a Christmas pudding but most have the same basic ingredients.  Traditionally, beef suet is used for the base of the pudding although now many people opt for vegetarian suet for health reasons.  Added to the suet are candied fruits, dried fruit, fruit juices (lemon and orange) and spices.  Rather than baking the mixture it is boiled and then left out to ‘cure’ for several weeks, intensifying the flavor.  A day before being served the pudding is soaked in brandy. The presentation of the Christmas pudding is as important as the pudding itself.  After Christmas dinner is finished the pudding is lit on fire with the alcohol from the brandy burning off.

Although a Christmas pudding may seem exotic to many Americans moving to London it is a fun tradition that is sure to make those finding themselves in London after an international relocation feel a part of all the festivities.  The best way to combat feelings of sickness during the holidays is for those in London due to relocation jobs to try to incorporate native traditions and festivities.

Relocation to London – Odd Christmas Traditions in the U.K., Image via Wikipedia

Americans moving to London are often surprised to find that many of their cherished holiday traditions stem from the British Isles.  Before Christianity arrived Pagan traditions ruled the UK.  Rather than try and establish new traditions Roman Christians integrated the Pagan with the Christian.  Christmas is just one of the resulting holidays.  London relocation agents can point London newcomers in the right direction if they are interested in learning more about the British origins of Christian holidays.

Part of the joys of international relocation is discovering new variations on beloved celebrations.  Most countries which recognize and celebrate Christmas include hanging the greens in the festivities.  Whether real or artificial almost every home, store and church has swags, wreaths and mistletoe adorning buildings and providing beautiful backdrops to Christmas centerpieces.

What most Americans moving to London do not realize is that the tradition of hanging evergreens and swags originates in Pagan England.  The old legends had many uses for the greenery.  Most people associate mistletoe with kissing.  While ancient Pagans did use mistletoe to protect homes by placing it over doorways it was also used to protect babies.  They believed a sprig of mistletoe hung over a crib would protect the baby from fairies who were believed to steal children.

Holly was placed around the home to keep wickedness at bay and protect the home from witches.   Many health conditions were also treated with Holly.  Early English believed that by opening one’s mouth over steaming water with holly leaves worms could be removed.  Also, they believed that holly leaves left in water could foretell of one’s future.

Those moving to London will often find many communities keeping Pagan religions alive and strong.   With just a little looking and possibly a call to one’s London relocation services, Americans moving to London can experience Pagan traditions firsthand.    The holiday season is the perfect time for those fresh to London after a corporate relocation to explore the rich and varied traditions that have aided in the creation of modern day festivities.