Author:  Colleen

The US and UK are divided by a common language - Relocation UK - London Relocation Services

Okay, time to bring on home this lengthy series about British English versus American English to aid your international relocation to London. I’ve been emphasizing every day since last week that there is quite a bit of terminology that differs between the two English languages, and while this hasn’t been an exhaustive list by any means, it’s hopefully been a comprehensive enough one to get you started on your way to fluency. Yesterday, I listed words related to transportation, and, similarly, every day has been devoted to a specific category. Today, however, we’re left with a smorgasbord of randomness…basically, a miscellany of odds-n-ends from my glossary that didn’t logically fit in anywhere else. Well, there might be no rhyme or reason to ‘em, but they have a home here:

[American English = British English]

Money
bill (as in currency) = bank note
check (as in at a restaurant) = bill
check (as in form of payment) = cheque
installment plan = hire purchase

Mail
mail = post
package = parcel
ship (as in for delivery) = dispatch

Miscellaneous Verbs
call/phone (as a verb) = ring up
call collect = reverse charges
run (as in for public office) = stand
stand in line/line up = queue

Miscellaneous Nouns
dump = tip (as in “My flat is a tip!” )
legal/national holiday = bank holiday
line = queue
shot (as in injection) = jab
vacation = holiday

General Grammar
period (as in punctuation) = full-stop
zee (as in the letter Z) = zed
zero = nought

If you’re interested in learning more random British terms, and slang ones in particular, allow me to direct you to my earlier post, “Speaking the Queen’s English (Conversational Lingo).”

Once thing is for sure: there’s nothing lost in translation when it comes to our London Relocation agency. We’re upfront and call it as we see it, spelling out the London property market as clearly as possible for your understanding. Our particular London relocation company will find you your ideal London apartment rental in only one day to save you time for figuring out all the other ins-and-outs of London—like what the locals call the things  you see and the places you go. If you’re moving to London, you can call us whatever you want, but do call us.

Author:  Colleen

The US and UK are divided by a common language - Relocation UK - London Relocation Services

Moving to London UK from abroad is quite the journey, and I’m not just talking geographic distance. Once you’ve made your international relocation and assimilate to your new environs, you’ll find that you’ll go a long way indeed in terms of your world perspective. A stepping stone toward this is understanding different cultures and languages, so all last week and the beginning of this week I’ve been getting you started on an easy one: British English. I’ve blogged before in my “Speaking the Queen’s English” posts about how this vocabulary differs from American English, and while yesterday I addressed people and places, today we’ll cover the transportation that will get us around to them:

[American English = British English]

Roadways, etc.
curb = kerb
detour = diversion
divided highway = dual carriageway
freeway = motorway
overpass = flyover
parking lot = car park
pass (as in passing a slower vehicle) = overtake
sidewalk = pavement/footpath
stop light/traffic signal = traffic light

Car Parts/Supplies
fender = wing/mudguard
gas = petrol
gas station = filling station
gear shift = gear lever
hood = bonnet
license plate = number plate
muffler = silencer
odometer = mileometer
oil pan = sump
rear-view mirror = wing mirror
top = roof/hood
trunk = boot
windshield = windscreen

Vehicles
motorbike = moped
motorcycle = motorbike
moving van = removal van
sedan = saloon car
station wagon = estate car
trailer/camper/mobile home/RV = caravan
trailer truck = articulated lorry
truck  = lorry

Public Transport
one-way ticket = single ticket
round-trip ticket = return ticket
pedway = subway
subway = tube/underground
schedule = timetable

London Relocation’s services include a hired car to transport you around your portfolio of London apartments with ease, and your London Relocation agent will ensure you know what public transport links (e.g., bus, tube line) are located near the flat you ultimately choose.  However you choose to get about town, be safe and mind the different direction of traffic!

Author:  Colleen

The US and UK are divided by a common language - Relocation UK - London Relocation Services

An international relocation from America will teach you much about diverse cultures. Moving to London in particular will expose you to more than you probably realize, as many perceive the UK as being very similar to the US. That’s true, but only to an extent, and among the many differences (which we’re constantly blogging about here) is language. That’s right, British English varies from American English, so we’re back this week to continue reviewing some terminology that could help for your London move. Last Friday we covered sundries, the little miscellaneous things you’ll need at the office or in your London apartment rental. Today, let’s step outside our London apartments and get to know some of the folks out there and places we can go:

[American English = British English]

Professions
druggist = chemist
janitor = caretaker/porter
lawyer/attorney = solicitor
mailman = postman
policeman = bobby
president (of a business) = chairman
principal = headmaster/mistress
realtor = estate agent/negotiator
sales clerk = shop assistant
scab (derogatory for strikebreaker) = blackleg
prostitute/tramp = tart

Theatre
aisle = gangway
balcony = gallery
first balcony = upper circle
mezzanine = dress circle
orchestra seats = stalls
movie theatre = cinema

Other Locations
candy store = sweet shop/confectioner
downtown = city centre
doctor’s office = surgery
drugstore/pharmacy = chemist’s shop
gas station = filling station
hardware store = ironmonger
jail = gaol
liquor store = off license
news stand = newsagent
wharf/pier = quay (pronounced ‘key’)
zip code = postal code

Miscellaneous Public Services
baggage room = left luggage
booth = kiosk
check room = cloakroom
mailbox = pillar box
restroom = toilet/lavatory/WC (water closet)

Enjoy your stroll around town? For a guide on how to pronounce the names of more specific London locations, please see my recent post, “Relocation UK: Places Americans Often Mispronounce.”

London Relocation’s services are devoted to situating you close to where you want to be, be it near work, nightlife, the arts, necessities, etc. As you’re viewing your London apartments for rent with us, please do ask our London Relocation agents to point out any differences in terminology for the people and places you see along the way.

Author:  Colleen

The US and UK are divided by a common language - Relocation UK - London Relocation Services

When making a relocation to London from the US, you’ll see (and hear) that British English can often differ from American English. Differences in spelling, pronunciation, and terminology can pose a challenge to expats moving to London. To supplement earlier posts I’ve written on how to “speak the Queen’s English,” I’ve been blogging all week on British English and will continue after our Weekend Warrior Saturday and Sunday. Yesterday, we scanned our grocery list for standard foods, and today we’ll delve into some other items you might purchase while out at the shops. This is the type of stuff you’ll go to Ryman, Boots, and Homebase (the Office Max, Walgreens/Duane Reade, and Home Depot of London) for:

[American English = British English]

Office
adhesive tape = sticking plaster
eraser = rubber (slang for ‘condom’ would be ‘wellie’ instead)
rubber cement = cow gum
scotch tape = sellotape
scratch pad = scribbling pad/block
planner (for scheduling) = diary
thumb tack = drawing pin
white-out = tipp-ex

Home
band-aid = plaster
bobbie pin = hair grip/kirby grip
clothes pin = clothes peg
cotton batting = cotton wool
cotton swab/Q-tip = cotton bud
flashlight = torch
kerosene = paraffin
pitcher = jug
pot holders = oven gloves/cloth
rubbing alcohol = surgical spirit
spatula = fish slice
spool = cotton reel
thread = cotton
wash cloth = face flannel

The London Relocation agency only searches for London apartments that are close to amenities, so you’ll surely have the necessary shops nearby to fulfill your home and office needs. Moving to London for an international relocation is an adjustment where knowing where to shop is concerned, so be sure to ask our London Relocation agents to point you in the right direction.

Relocating to London: Multiple traffic lights at a London roundabout...Image via Wikipedia

Author: Belinda

One of the first things you’ll need to do when you are relocating to London is to find out how to get around the city. No point in being stuck inside. London at Christmas is one of the most enchanting and vibrant cities in the world. You need to get out and enjoy everything that the city has to offer. Getting around London can be one of the most frustrating processes to get the hang of. London is not laid out on a grid format like other major cities in the world, and it can be daunting if you have not experienced the transport system before. The quickest way to get settled in London is to get to grips with the different modes of transport and how to use them. It won’t take long and soon you’ll be able to make your way through this teeming cosmopolitan city with all the other Londoners.

Driving in London

Driving a vehicle in London is best avoided if you can. London is a terribly congested city and the road network in central London is crowded and difficult to negotiate. First, you’ll have to get used to driving on the other side of the road, which can be quite tricky if you’re not used to it. Most cars in Europe are manual, which means that they have gears and a clutch. This is called a ‘stick-shift’ in the States, and if you have not driven one before then your first time should not be on Oxford Street in the middle of London. If you simply have to have a car in London, then you should be aware of the following rules and regulations regarding the use of a private vehicle or hire car in this city.

• There is a charge for driving in London. All drivers are required to pay a congestion charge if they are driving in the city between 7am and 6pm. It does not matter if you are in a rented vehicle or your own. The charge for driving in London is a daily rate of £8, which should be paid before midnight on the day before you intend on driving in London.
• The congestion charge can be paid in cash or with a credit card at any petrol station (gas station) and shops that display a red ‘C’ notice. You can also pay online or through your mobile phone using the text message service.
• Hiring an electric car or an environmentally friendly car means that you will not have to pay the congestion charge, so if you’re hiring a car to get around London then be sure to confirm this when you make your booking.
• Parking charges in London are also quite expensive and is extremely limited, because most streets in central London have a blanket ban on all parking during the day.

It is far quicker and more convenient to use the excellent public transport that is available in the city of London. Once you have figured out where you need to go, you will be able to find a tube, bus or train that will be able to get you very close to your destination.

Walking home from the Tube last night, my eyes fell upon brand new and shiny bike docking stations a couple blocks from my flat.  AWESOME!!!

For those of you moving to London who might not yet be aware, the city is introducing a new cycle hire scheme (sponsored by Barclays, London Relocation Ltd.‘s bank of choice through which we set our clients up with their accounts in one day to make relocating to London that much easier!).

The Transport for London website outlines the scheme, but, basically, London residents will now be able to rent bicycles for commuting or recreation.  It’s similar to the Zipcar concept in which you can rent a car that is parked somewhere in your local area, picking it up and dropping it off back in its designated street space independent of having to actually walk into a rental office.

You can start renting bikes as of now if you sign up for a membership, whereby you’ll get a “key” to the terminal that will release the bike from its lock; you will also be able to manage your account online.  This is the way to go if you’ll be a frequent user, as it will save money and add convenience.

Alternatively, if you prefer to wait a little longer, coming soon is an option for “Casual Use” for only the occasional rental, like if you simply want to pedal through one of London’s many beautiful gardens.  This is open to non-UK residents, so even if you’re just visiting London as a tourist, you can take tourism to a fun new level—there are even guided cycle rides!  Access is obtained either directly at the docking station, online, or by phone.

I’ve embedded the helpful how-to video above for your reference (hey Americans, no giggling at the way they spell “tires”) and am positively psyched for London to become the next cycle-friendly Amsterdam.  Let’s get rollin’!

London is a city set up well for walking and public transportation–I simply see no point in having a car here and would never want to fight that traffic on my own.  Whenever you need to plan how to get from A to B via train or bus (and would like to gauge the amount of time to allow for this travel), we recommend that you bookmark the Transport for London website:   https://www.tfl.gov.uk

Here, you can find route maps, timetables, how to buy tickets (including procuring your Oyster card) or use the Journey Planner feature to enter your starting and destination locations.  The site also posts live service updates or, for your added convenience, you can consult the Travel Tools page to sign up for mobile travel alerts or email notifications of weekend closures–there is always one line or another that is closed for scheduled engineering works over the weekend, which definitely cramps one’s plans when you show up at the station expecting service to run the same as it does any given weekday.

London Relocation Ltd. has your flat-searching transportation covered, as we hire a driver for the entire day–but when you’re officially on your own, TFL will be a necessary resource.  Happy travels!