Posts Tagged ‘Americans moving to London’
Friday December 16th, 2011
Relocation to London means moving to one of the most vibrant, exciting and fascinating cities in the world. With international relocation it’s exciting to be moving to London! London is the cultural centre for Europe, a financial powerhouse, and all in all, a city that has a lot to offer to a lot of people.
That said, like any big city, it still has its drawbacks, an obvious one of which is crime. It stands to reason that any city that attracts people because of the wealth of things that it offers also runs the risk of attracting a few bad apples, and this is as much the case with London as it is with other cities around the world. The risk of falling victim to crime is increased should one be new to the city and not have an understanding of what precautions to take.
Relocation to London – Safety First
Here are a few tips for the safety conscious to bear in mind.
• Depending on how familiar one is in their relocation to London, it might be a good idea to ask advice from someone with experience living in London (London relocation agents, for example) on how to go about doing things safely. This can include what kind of places to avoid and anything else one is uncertain of.
• You’ll often see London’s policemen (the Bobbies) all over the city due to their characteristic uniforms. Those feeling unsafe or those who have been the victim of a crime should find the nearest policeman and ask for their assistance. They’ve been trained precisely for this and will be glad to help anyone however they can.
• Those new to London from international relocation and planning a night out on the town need to be sure of how they’ll be getting home. Being safe means planning for the unexpected.
• All Americans moving to London need to memorize the city’s emergency telephone numbers. 999 is the UK counterpart to the US’ 911. Family members never know when they might be in a position to need it.
Lastly, the very best thing one can do to be safe is to use common sense. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Trust instincts. Moving to London is like moving to any new city and being safety-conscious will go a long way to making a corporate relocation stay a happy one.
Tags: Americans moving to London, corporate relocation, international relocation, London, london relocation agents, Moving to London, relocation to london
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Friday December 16th, 2011
One of the first things Americans moving to London need to do after unpacking is find a neighborhood pub where they can go for a pint and an evening out. They could even go so far as to ask their London relocation services company to recommend a few pubs in the area that they have moved. Pub life, and being part of the pub life, is all a part of moving to London and immersing oneself in the culture, quirks and charms of this fascinating city.
Most people have a pint during their lunch hour, and then again after work with colleagues, and then again with mates close to home. Ostensibly, one can carry on drinking and visiting pubs from 11 am until shutting time. It’s great fun, and by learning how to pace oneself stumbling out of the pub at closing time and rolling home wont’ happen.
Is a pint a beer?
Generally speaking, yes, except that beer in England is usually called bitter. This is the most popular alcoholic drink in the United Kingdom and is served in pint glasses. The biggest difference in beer that those moving to London is the temperature at which it is served. Beer, or bitter, in England is served just below room temperature which is completely opposite to the ice cold beer served in the states. Ale is served at room temperature in England and is a beer that has not been carbonated and is made from barley and hops.
The other big difference is the amount of alcohol found in each pint. There is a reason that beer is not served in pitchers over here. Beware! Americans moving to London will not be able to consume as much as they did back home, and if they try the landlord will be rolling them out of the pub!
Pub life is very much a part of English culture, tradition and history. While those new to the country because of international relocation don’t want to be spending every night down the pub, they will find that visiting a local pub is one of the best ways of meeting people and making friends as part of relocation to London.
Tags: Americans moving to London, Beer, international relocation, London, London Relocation Services, Moving to London, relocation to london
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Friday December 16th, 2011
A family’s relocation to London will only be complete once they have found a flat or apartment to rent for the duration of their stay. Regardless of the length of stay when moving to London Americans should plan their move with the help of a professional London relocation services company. It’s the only way to get it done efficiently, quickly and with the least amount of stress.
Finding an apartment can be stressful in London and for those who don’t know the city, and are a foreigner, the international relocation adventure will quickly turn into a nightmare. The rental industry in London is highly competitive, so those going it alone are going to have to be prepared to move fast on any rentals that become available. Many properties in London are owned by individuals and advertised privately or through an estate agent. It is important to find an estate agent who is prepared to deal with an international relocation before starting the process.
Having an estate agent on one’s side who is experienced in the process of relocation to London could be the difference between a smooth transition and a bumpy road ahead. It might seem a bit more expensive to use London relocation agents but families who are still looking for a suitable flat three months after an arrival will wish that they’d hired a professional from the start.
Renters in London need to be prepared to pay a deposit and the first month’s rent upon signing the lease. It is important that Americans moving to London make sure they have the funds immediately available because there will be a crowd close on their heels waiting to snap up their newly found perfect pad if there is a delay.
Smart families preparing for an international relocation begin looking at prices of London flats before they arrive. To avoid embarrassing miscommunication, those moving to London need to be aware that most London flats are advertised with a weekly rate and not monthly. To determine how much the rent will be per month multiply the weekly rent by 52 and divide it by 12 to get a final figure.
Dealing with estate agents in a foreign country can be a challenge, even if everyone speaks the same language. It’s always wise to take advice from people like London relocation agents who have lots of experience working with Americans and understand all the needs included in a relocation to London.
Tags: Americans moving to London, Apartment, international relocation, London, london relocation agents, London Relocation Services, Moving to London, relocation to london, Renting
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Thursday December 15th, 2011
There are several details of relocation to London that one will only be able complete once the plane has landed and they are on the ground. London relocation agents will be able to sort out quite a few of the details like opening a bank account and finding families the perfect flat. Not all things can be done by London relocation services; getting healthcare is something one has to do in person.
The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK requires that all new residents register in person at a General Practitioner (GP) to be eligible for all of the healthcare benefits while living in London. Once a GP is found in one’s neighborhood, they will have to make an appointment to see the doctor as well as register at the practice.
Once arriving at the doctors rooms Americans new to London from corporate relocation need to request a GMS1 form which should be completed with all one’s medical details. It is important to bring a passport and visa along to the doctor as one may be asked for some proof of identity by the GP. There is no waiting period for people to register with a GP. Those who are legally allowed to work and live in London are automatically eligible for healthcare.
Once the GMS1 form is completed the practice will forward the application to the Primary Care Trust that will issue a NHS card, number, and let inform all covered that they are on the system. It can take a couple of weeks, though, so those needing medical attention before that should use the free clinics, (they really are very good), or go to a local hospital.
There is one requirement of the system that may take some of time. All people wishing to join the NHS have to register at a doctor in person. Americans moving to London cannot register on behalf of their spouse or family when they arrive in the UK. This is why it is important to spend the first week after relocation to London sorting out the details before starting relocation jobs and getting too busy.
Anyone needing advice on how to register or where to find a GP can inquire with London relocation agents or visit the NHS website which has a comprehensive list of all areas in London and the addresses of all the GP’s.
Tags: Americans moving to London, corporate relocation, General practitioner, London, london relocation agents, London Relocation Services, National Health Service, relocation jobs, relocation to london
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Thursday December 15th, 2011
Those moving to London will quickly learn that fish and chips is to England as a burger and fries is to the states. This totally British meal is a staple of the British diet and with over 8500 fish and chip shops is one of the most popular dishes in the country. Although there is some debate as to the origin of the beloved meal there is no debate as to its popularity.
Potatoes had been popular and easily grown in the UK for hundreds of years before the first ‘chips’ were made. Many claim the chips craze originated in France and was brought over to England by French immigrants. Being a country steeped in the fishing industry white fish have always been abundant and plentiful. In the early 1860s the first fish and chip shops opened almost simultaneously in both London and Lancanshire. The teaming of the two fried items became instant hits and soon fish and chip shops began popping up all over the country.
Fish and chips were incredibly popular with the working class and most shops were located near industrial factories and warehouses. Those moving to London are most familiar with these types of workplaces from novels like Oliver Twist. During World War II fish and potatoes were two of the only foods not rationed making them very popular with lines an hour long or more when shops actually had fish available.
Many families new to London due to international relocation question the health of a fried meal like fish and chips. Although all fried food should be limited within one’s diet, Americans moving to London will be pleasantly surprised to learn that overall the meal is packed full of protein and vitamins essential to a healthy diet.
After relocation to London American families are surprised to find that fish and chip shops are unlike a lot of American restaurants serving fish and chips as a novel nod to British culture. When ordering fish and chips in London Americans can expect their fish freshly fried, dripping grease and wrapped in newspaper. Vinegar is usually drizzled over the fish and chips are salted. To truly partake of the British culture American’s finding themselves in London after corporate relocation must try a fish and chip shop. If recommendations are needed London relocation agents will gladly supply them.
Tags: Americans moving to London, corporate relocation, Fish & Chips, international relocation, London, london relocation agents, Moving to London, relocation to london
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Thursday December 15th, 2011
Canadians and Americans moving to London should be aware that tea is serious business in England and should not be taken lightly. Visitors to London are behooved to have a cup of tea and scone before returning to the states. If one is not a tea fan they will be after moving to London! Having a spot of tea is a daily ritual for the majority of Londoners and to truly feel like a Brit those moving to London must partake in this tradition.
Typically, the British begin their day with a cup of tea – not coffee. Throughout the day several tea breaks punctuate one’s daily life. Low tea refers to tea time between two and five in the afternoon and consists of tea and light snacks like small sandwiches, scones or pastries. The tea is traditionally served with milk and sugar at a coffee table of low height, hence the origin of the name Low Tea.
High Tea is traditionally served from five to seven in the evening and is more of a meal than a snack. It is served at a dining table of higher height, thus the origins of the name High Tea. A number of substantial dishes often accompany the tea instead of cakes and biscuits (the English word for cookies) and High Tea can also be referred to as Meat Tea for this reason.
Afternoon tea consumption began in England around 1661 when Catherine of Braganca married King Charles II and brought the tradition over during her relocation to London from Portugal. The English embraced the ritual so much that one would never think it originated somewhere else!
Drinking tea is synonymous with British culture. When hosting an English guest after one’s international relocation to London make sure to offer them tea instead of coffee. Afternoon tea in the United States is often a formal occasion that occurs in a hotel or restaurant with fancy teacups and a tiered cake stand full of beautiful treats. For Brits, afternoon tea is usually a much more casual affair with a cup or two of tea and some biscuits. Therefore Americans moving to London should not worry so much about presentation when hosting a friend for tea. The most important thing is that there are tea and biscuits available and offered to guest.
Tags: Americans moving to London, international relocation, London, Moving to London, relocation to london, Tea
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Wednesday December 14th, 2011
The dream of many children moving to London due to corporate relocation is to visit all the iconic sites in the Harry Potter movie series. Now, Americans moving to London can make this dream a reality with a private guided tour of the world of Harry Potter. A chauffeur will take families to all the beloved sites in and around London and Oxford and tell the stories behind the stories. Finally, with the some help from London relocation agents (if needed) parents can give their children the gift of a lifetime.
The tour is approximately ten hours long and visits a multitude of locations included in the Harry Potter movie series. A well-appointed eco-friendly car will meet families at one of several locations in the heart of London and return them to the same location at the end of the day. Some of the sites included on the tour are:
- The magical platform 9 3/4 sign where Harry catches the Hogwart’s Express
- The bridge destroyed by Lord Voldemort’s Death Eaters (Half-Blood Prince)
- The bridge where the Knight Bus squeezes between two London Double Decker buses (Prisoner of Azkaban)
- The entrance to the Leaky Cauldron that Harry and Hagrid entered on their way to Diagon Alley (Sorcerers Stone / Philosophers Stone)
- The entrance to the Leaky Cauldron where the Knight Bus dropped Harry off (Prisoner of Azkaban)
- The location of the red telephone box where Harry and Mr Weasley descend into the secret Ministry of Magic (Order of the Phoenix)
- The 16th century dining hall used as the inspiration for Hogwart’s Hall
- The room where they practice their dancing for the Yule Ball when Ron has to dance with Professor McGonagall with the whole of Gryffindor looking on (Goblet of Fire)
- The room used as Hogwarts Hospital in four of the films
- The 16th century stairs where Professor McGonagall greets the First Years (Sorcerers Stone / Philosophers Stone)
- The flashback of Harry’s childhood home (The Philosopher’s Stone)
- Lacock Abbey, the setting for various interior scenes at Hogwarts School
- The tower where the killing of Albus Dumbledore at the hands of Severus Snape took place (The Half Blood Prince)
- The Angel Inn
This tour is sure to impress any Harry Potter loving American moving to London. Also, it is a wonderful introduction to London and the surrounding countryside. Apart from the Harry Potter angle, families can learn about a plethora of important English landmarks on the tour. After international relocation a day spent exploring Harry Potter’s England is a nice retreat.
Tags: Americans moving to London, corporate relocation, Harry Potter, international relocation, London, london relocation agents, Moving to London, relocation to london
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Wednesday December 14th, 2011
Americans moving to London often have a hard time getting their children excited about the upcoming international relocation. While there is no guaranteed way to get them on board with the rest of the family there is a wonderful new exhibit coming to London in March of 2012. Warner Brothers, London Studios will be unveiling the much anticipated The Making of Harry Potter tour and exhibit. Open to the public this three hour tour might actually make an international relocation worth it all.
Located just a twenty mile drive from London WB London is a perfect day trip for a family fresh to London. All ticket purchases must be made in advance and cost £28 for adults and £21 for children ages five to sixteen. Children four and under are free but do require a ticket be ordered in advance. Discounts are given for families and groups.
Included in the tour are props, costumes and relics from the beloved movies. Visitors can explore actual sets used in all the movies and experience Hogwarts in ways never imagined. Some of the actual sets from the movies for visitors to tour are the Great Hall at Hogwarts, Dumbledore’s office, Hagrid’s hut, and the Gryffindor common room.
Also included in the tour are displays showing how animatronics were used in the film series and special effects creation. The tour is primarily self-guided and WB London estimates it will take families three hours to complete. Also included at WB London is a café and gift shop. A day at WB London exploring the secrets and real sets of the Harry Potter movie series is a great way for Americans moving to London to begin exploring their new country.
London relocation agents are happy to help those moving to London with transportation arrangement in regards to visiting WB London. There are several transportation options for families living in London besides an automobile. With so many families electing not to purchase a car after a corporate relocation it is comforting to know that London relocation agents can help families prepare for a journey to Hogwarts.
Tags: Americans moving to London, corporate relocation, Harry Potter, international relocation, London, london relocation agents, Moving to London, relocation to london, WB London
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Wednesday December 14th, 2011
Americans moving to London often ask London relocation agents what Boxing Day is all about considering the US does not observe the holiday. Whereas the origin of the day is a little murky the day has been a British traditional holiday since the mid nineteenth century. Boxing Day, December 26th, is also the Feast of St. Stephen which many consider to be the origin of the holiday although today it is considered a secular holiday.
One theory is that the name of the holiday originated from the practice of collecting items for the needy in boxes beginning during the Middle Ages. Even further back in history was the practice of churches collecting goods in metal boxes during the Feast of St. Stephen. In 1871 England officially added Boxing Day as a Bank Holiday (official nationally celebrated holiday).
Today, Boxing Day is a day for shopping. Americans in London due to corporate relocation compare it to the US’s black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. December 26th, the day after Christmas is when most British retailers hope to draw extraordinary crowds with giant savings. With the day being a Bank Holiday most people are not working and have the ability to shop.
Americans moving to London during the holiday season often feel overwhelmed. Since most London relocation services recommend bringing only essential items from the states there is much to buy once a family is settled. Boxing Day is a perfect day for American families to venture out into London’s shops to grab great steals on all kinds of products.
Much like in the states most retailers have begun offering Boxing Day specials for an entire week rather than just on Boxing Day in an effort to reduce the crowds at retailers across the country. Crowds got to be such a problem that many were injured or killed vying for the perfect item at a perfect price. Cyber Boxing Day has also risen in popularity over the past several years. Cyber Boxing Day is the British equivalent of Cyber Monday in the states and many British stores have amped up their advertising to draw higher sales via the internet and online shopping further reducing overcrowding in stores.
Even though it can be intimidating to navigate a crowd on Boxing Day, Americans who find themselves living in London due to international relocation should embrace their new culture and join the ranks in shops and stores across the city.
Tags: Americans moving to London, bank holiday, boxing day, corporate relocation, international relocation, london relocation agents, London Relocation Services, Relocation to England
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Tuesday December 13th, 2011
Americans moving to London can’t help but have a preconceived notion that it’s always the rainy season in all of England. As qualified London relocation agents will inform Americans moving to London this is nothing more than a stereotype. London’s climate can be compared to that of .the Northeast United States, and unlike it’s portrayed in many films (made by foreigners) it’s not always dark and rainy. Those who have already finished their relocation to London should already have figured as much.
This is not to say that one should not be prepared. Americans moving to London may want some particulars as to what to do to prepare themselves for the eventual rain which will fall in all seasons.
There is only one thing to remember when moving to London, and rest assured it may become the single most important item in a wardrobe and home. Once commuting about London begins one will notice that most people do carry an umbrella. A mistake would be for one to get a monster umbrella. While it may do a fabulous job of keeping a person dry, fellow riders on the Tube won’t appreciate it much, and most people quickly find they are too cumbersome to carry. Americans moving to London soon realize they do far more walking in London than ever in the states and traveling light is the key.
One should be aware that an umbrella in London is most often referred to as a “brolly”. Considering one will need to access their oyster card, whatever items they need for the day, and keys to the great place the London relocation services found, having an umbrella that is light to carry and preferably one with a Velcro closure instead of a snap is the best choice.
While not as important in the summer months as in the winter, it’s a good idea for Americans moving to London to invest in some slip over rubber shoe covers or galoshes type of footwear. Considering the infrastructure was laid out for the city hundreds of years ago, water collecting in walkways is a common occurrence.
Tags: Americans moving to London, London, london relocation agents, London Relocation Services, Moving to London, Umbrella
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Tuesday December 13th, 2011
Many Americans moving to London wonder if they should pack up all their belongings just as if they were moving across the country. There are, after all, international moving companies that make the process relatively easy, right? Yes, there are international moving companies, most reputable and are more than capable of packing one’s possessions in the states and guaranteeing their arrival safe and sound in the UK.
The downside is the cost. Moving an entire home’s worth of furniture oversees is expensive to say the least. Adding to that depressing fact is that London has one of the highest costs of living in the world. Add on top of the price the fact that if shipping one’s belongings by water (the cheapest way, by far) it will be four weeks minimum before the household furniture and other items arrive in London. So, the question arises, is it even worth moving all that stuff?
In most cases it is not worth it. For families of international relocation planning on returning to the states within a few years, storing their belongings is a much more affordable option. In fact, most London relocation agents will recommend that families sell, pitch, or give away all items they can before moving. After narrowing down a home’s worth of belongings to the absolute must-haves some soul-searching is required. How badly does the family really need those items?
Furniture should stay in America. Not only is it expensive to transport there will probably not be room for it in the new home. British furniture and homes are not nearly as large and spacious as their American counterparts making it highly likely that there will be a space issue. London relocation agents can either help a family find a furnished home or point families in the direction of an affordable furniture auction house or retailer.
Other household items’ worth must be determined by the family on a case-by-case basis. Families moving to London should truly assess whether they need Grandma’s quilt or the brand new waffle iron in the kitchen cabinet. Once again, qualified London relocation agents can help families whittle down what they absolutely will need.
Part of the fun of international relocation, and especially moving to London, is fitting one’s home in the traditions of the new culture. While change is hard for many families shopping to furnish a new home might just be the ice breaker needed after an international relocation.
Tags: Americans moving to London, Furniture, international relocation, London, london relocation agents, relocation to london
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Tuesday December 13th, 2011
Christmas can be difficult time for Americans moving to London, especially when friends and family back home in the states are expecting traditional British gifts sent to them. There are, of course, just as many department stores and retail outlets for families to visit to complete their holiday shopping as the states offer, but, honestly, the fare will probably be about the same. For those wanting to step off the beaten path, discover traditional British crafts and trinkets, and support local artisans and crafts people, a day visiting the Duckie Christmas Market is a perfect place to begin.
Located inside the Barbican the Duckie Christmas Market is a showcase for local holiday gifts. Families are invited to shop at the market from December 10 through December 30 for gifts for everyone on the list. Available to purchase are one-of-a-kind artisan handmade gifts, artwork, crafts, retro toys and home items, homemade pastries and desserts, and even jewelry. There is truly no better way for a family new to London from corporate relocation to explore local art and crafts and find traditional British handmade gifts to send back to the states.
The Barbican is Europe’s largest performing arts center and is home to the London Symphony Orchestra. As a multi-arts arena the Barbican is a one-stop-shop for Americans moving to London in search of some cultural immersion. While visiting the Duckie Christmas Market, those new to London through international relocation should peruse the Barbican and discover all the wonderful shows and venues offered throughout this holiday season.
London relocation agents will be glad to help their clients find the Barbican as well as give advice as to what one should expect to pay for locally made items. London relocation services often recommend that families new to the city get out as much as possible and learn about the UK’s holiday traditions and experience as many events as possible. This helps to ease the homesickness sure to plague many American families during their first Christmas abroad. Corporate relocation can be difficult during the holidays but a little retail therapy may just be the cure!
Tags: Americans moving to London, Barbican Centre, Christmas, corporate relocation, international relocation, London, london relocation agents, London Relocation Services, relocation to london
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Monday December 12th, 2011
One of the biggest complaints from Americans moving to London is that they cannot understand what the locals are saying. To be fair to the British people there is more than one accent and sometimes British nationals even have a difficult time understanding each other! While the British accent is pretty easy to become accustomed, the Cockney accent is another story completely. Cockney is not just an accent; it is a language unto itself.
Originally, Cockney referred to the people living in the East End of London, but as time has passed the definition of Cockney has evolved and is now bestowed upon all working class Londoners. As the people who speak Cockney have migrated out of London and integrated Londoners of other cultures (primarily from the Caribbean) , the infamous language has evolved and new dialects have been created.
Americans moving to London most often complain that they don’t understand Cockney slang which is very tricky. Unfortunately, to understand Cockney one must be Cockney. The Cockney dialect is most famous for their rhyming slang. In short, they take a word, make a two or three word rhyming phrase, and then chop off all but one word of that phrase and use the remaining word to replace the original word. Some examples of this are:
1) Stairs: apples (apples and pears ð drop ‘and pears’ ð apples) – I’m going up the apples
2) Telephone: dog (dog and bone ð drop ‘and bone’ ð dog) – Answer the dog
3) Feet: plates (plates of meat ð drop ‘of meat’ ð plates) – My plates are tired
Understanding the origins of Cockney and understanding the actual speaking of Cockney are two different things. A recommendation for all Americans moving to London who will have to work with those who speak with a Cockney accent is to study, study, study. There are many websites and books devoted to the art of speaking and understanding Cockney. While no one new to London after an international relocation will be able to understand everything Cockney, learning some of the most used phrases and slang will probably come in helpful.
Cockney is just one of the many colorful accents awaiting Americans in the United Kingdom. Instead of being intimidated soon after moving to London, one should embrace their ignorance and set out to learn. Those who speak Cockney are proud of their heritage and most likely will be happy to help a international relocation ex-pat learn.
Tags: Americans moving to London, Cockney, corporate relocation, international relocation, London, Moving to London, relocation to london
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Monday December 12th, 2011
Most Americans moving to London own or lease a car back here in the states. There are very few cities that have public transportation adequate enough to allow their residents to get where they need to go without a car. London is different. London has one of the world’s best public transportation systems and is proud of that accomplishment. Not only is a car unnecessary for those living and working in the city, having a car can be very expensive between all the fees and parking charges.
One of the biggest differences between home and London most Americans moving to London notice is the amount of walking expected. In London everyone walks. For long distances public transportation will take over, but one must walk to the nearest tube station or bus stop. Walking a mile to get somewhere is common place. London relocation agents will surely stress the amount of walking required in the city as well as give useful tips for navigating the public transportation system.
Those moving to London who decide a car is a necessity will have quite a shock coming! First, there is not a lot of parking. Much like New York City car-owners often have to pay to park their cars and the location
will not necessarily be right outside one’s home. Second, there are many fees for driving such as a congestion charge which is London’s answer to fighting traffic. The fee is around £10 ($20) a day with hefty fines for non-compliance. Parking meters are also ridiculously high and in the busiest parts of town can cost upwards of $10 an hour!
Americans moving to London due to corporate relocation should discuss in detail their family’s needs as it pertains to daily living and travel with their London relocation agents. London relocation agents are there to assist families in transitioning to their new home and country with as little stress as possible. While a car may not be a luxury every family can or need afford, some situations may require it. For those families London relocation services can help locate the most practical vehicle and acquire parking.
Tags: Americans moving to London, corporate relocation, London, london relocation agents, London Relocation Services, Moving to London, Public transport, relocation to london
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Monday December 12th, 2011
One of the most common frustrations of Americans moving to London is balancing a new budget. Since groceries are a must for any budget of any size, finding ways to feed one’s family and stay within budget when dealing with a new currency can be difficult. London relocation agents often advise new expats to try their grocery shopping online until they get the hang of the British grocery store and the British pound.
Consider Online Grocery Shopping
This is a lifesaver for those new to London through corporate relocation trying to stick to a budget and discover which grocery stores they prefer using. All of the big chain stores have online shopping facilities which are useful for those trying to learn the prices of various items.
My Supermarket is a useful website that allows shoppers the ability to compare prices and shop from different stores in one session. A good idea would b
e to compare prices online before ever trying one’s luck in the grocery store.
Tesco is a great store for budget shopping. The site is easy to navigate and they accept most credit and debit cards. They don’t just do groceries; customers can buy a car or sell their home through Tesco! They are, also, a registered financial institution as well. Tesco delivers between 9 am and 11pm from Monday to Friday, and between 9am and 8pm on Saturday. Sunday deliveries are until 3pm. One can book a preferred delivery time and charges range between £3 and £6 per delivery.
Sainsbury’s has similar times with similar prices, and great low price deliveries from Monday to Wednesday.
Asda has a minimum order of £25.
London relocation agents also recommend that Americans moving to London check the grocery websites often to catch delivery specials. A number of sites offer discount deals and special voucher codes for online shopping that can save customers up to 20% on their weekly shopping.
Grocery shopping might be low on the list of things to think when one is planning a relocation to London and even after an international relocation, but it will make a huge difference when Americans know their way around the British grocery store before they arrive and before the first shopping trip is due.
Tags: Americans moving to London, corporate relocation, Grocery store, international relocation, London, london relocation agents, relocation to london
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