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Posts Tagged ‘relocating to London’

Relocation to London – Working Quirks

Thursday July 21st, 2011

Relocation to London – Working Quirks - Image via Wikipedia

Your relocation to London will involve a lot more than just trying to figure out which is you’re your tube stop. Working in London is going to be quite different and you’ll have to get used to office traditions and business lunches at the pub, as well as longer vacations!

Most Americans moving to London will be working as soon as they arrive and adapting to your environment and new job as fast as possible will help you make friends, and get ahead in your new job.

Odd Office Traditions

If you tell everyone when your birthday is, don’t expect gifts and an office lunch to celebrate. The onus is on the birthday person to provide cakes or snack for the entire office! This does not just happen in a few offices; it’s considered the norm in all companies in England and much of the commonwealth too. You don’t have to put on an entire spread, and there won’t be a celebration lunch hour where you all gather round and eat the food.

You’ll just place the food items into the kitchen and send a discreet email to your colleagues telling them there are some nibbles in the kitchen because it’s your birthday. Seem odd? It’s just another tradition that you’ll be making a part of your life after your relocation to London. Join in or guard the date of your birthday with your life!

Working in London is going to be a part of the entire international relocation experience, and it will probably form the basis for many of the friends you make when you’re moving to London. Getting to know people outside of work is the best way to increase the amount of people that you know and a great way to get acquainted with British culture.  Jobs in London may be harderto get as well.​

Don’t be afraid to go out with your colleagues for a pint after work, or even during lunch hour. Despite the great British reserve, that you may experience when you are moving to London, you’ll find that most people working in London are friendly and will make an effort to include you in the office outings.

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Relocation UK – The Cab Debate

Wednesday July 20th, 2011

Relocation UK – The Cab Debate - Image via Wikipedia

Your relocation to London is not just about packing up and moving to a cozy London flat in Notting Hill and hoping that you find Hugh Grant wondering the streets. Finding your little piece of paradise in the city is going to be affected for the most part by your transport needs.

The public transport system is phenomenal and you do not need a car when you are moving to London.  But if you are very new to the city, or have to get to somewhere you have not been before, then using a cab is your best bet.

There are two types of taxis, or cabs, in London: Black Cabs and Mini Cabs and deciding which one to use will depend on where you’re going and how far away it is. If this is your first time in London you have to try a black cab at least once. It’s a part of your relocation to London experience, plus all cabbies have “The Knowledge” so you’ll get to where you want to be without having to give directions. The only downside is the cost and often, the availability.

Black cabs are expensive, and in busy areas they are often full, so you may end up waiting for the night bus, if you’re out on the town at night

Mini Cabs are everywhere, especially at night around popular night clubs and tourist areas. Remember that this is illegal and all mini cab fares should be booked beforehand so there is a record of the booking or your safety. It might be tempting to just hop into a mini cab but you’re taking a risk. Mini cabs are great if you’re in a group of friends and you need to get home after a night out.  But,​ if you’re alone then the best idea is to call for a cab to come and fetch you from a reputable cab company.

You can even send a text message to Cabwise (CAB to 60835) and you’ll instantly receive the number of one black cab and two mini cabs to your cell phone.

It might seem daunting at first when you’re trying to make your way around the streets of the city after your relocation to London, but you’ll soon have the hang of it and be griping about the cost of taxis just like the rest of us!

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Relocation UK – Safe in The City

Wednesday July 20th, 2011

Relocation UK – Safe in The City- Image via Wikipedia

London is a city like no other, which you’ll find out while you’re preparing for your international relocation. It is also a city like every other large city on the planet which means that you need to develop some street smarts and use common sense while making your way around the city.

You will be doing a lot of walking when you get to London, it’s just a part of moving to London and living in London and this is the place that you’re most likely to be a victim of crime if you don’t keep your eyes and ears open. The first thing you need to remember when you’re moving to London is that you’re not a tourist anymore. You’re a part of a vibrant and busy city, and acting like a tourist with your camera slung around your neck is a great way to attract undesirable attention.

Common Sense and Safety Tips

You’d be surprised at how many people moving to London think that it is a crime free city. The crime rate is much lower than many other countries, but being alert and aware of what is happening around you is the best way to keep yourself out of the statistics.

  • Don’t look lost, even if you are! All Londoner’s carry the London A-Z street map so you won’t look like a tourist when you use it. If you really are lost, don’t ask people on the street to help you; look for a policeman or go into a large shop to make an enquiry.
  • Don’t flash your cash. This is another reason why you need to set up a bank account as soon as possible after your relocation to London. If your cash is snatched it is gone forever.
  • Keep to the main roads. This is especially important at night when you should never walk alone down an unlit street. Just don’t do it. Ever.
  • On public transport, avoid empty carriages and sit close to the exits if it is getting late. Look out for the passenger alarms when you get onto a train or tube. They are there for a reason. If you have an emergency, use them.

Remember that the emergency number for all services in the UK is 999. Program it into your phone as a matter of course as soon as you have arrived. Your relocation to London is the biggest adventure of your life. Staying safe will make it that much more enjoyable.

 

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Relocation UK – How To Establish A Credit History in the UK

Wednesday July 20th, 2011

Relocation UK – How To Establish A Credit History in the UK- Image via Wikipedia

This could be one of the things that is last on your list when you’re preparing for your relocation to London. It is important however to start establishing a good credit record as soon as possible after you have arrived in London. It’s not enough to show that you have a good credit rating in your country of origin; if you’re moving to London you’ll have to start over.

The global recession has meant that many banks in the UK have tightened their lending belts immensely and it is much harder to get credit cards and loans. Getting credit at a store for hire purchase purchases or a cell phone contract is difficult for foreigners.  You’ll want to get established as soon as possible if your relocation to London is going to be for more than a year.

Relocation UK will have you opening a UK bank account, and it is the all important first step. If you’re going to be using a London relocation services company to help you find accommodation then ask them to help you set up your banking before you arrive.

Get as many bills as possible! This might sound strange, but having a record of paying bills regularly and on time is the fastest way to establish a sound credit record in the UK. Council taxes, television licenses, rental agreements. Use them all to establish your reputation as a creditworthy person.

Maintain your bank account extremely cautiously for at least six months if you want to apply for credit. Many companies will ask for copies of your bank statements for at least three months and you don’t want to show that you’ve dipped into your overdraft facility.

Try to keep a minimum balance of at least £100 in your account at all times. This will show your bank and potential lenders that you are a responsible and acceptable credit risk. If you’re intending on staying in the UK for a number of years, your bank balance could even affect your Visa application down the road, so keep it in the black!

Without a credit history you may even struggle to find a London ​rental when you arrive. Using a reputable London relocation agent to negotiate a lease agreement for your new rental is the fastest way of establishing credit in the eyes of the British bankers.

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Relocation UK – London Leftovers

Tuesday July 19th, 2011

Relocation UK – London Leftovers- Image via Wikipedia

Learning about your city and how to get around will be a big part of the preparation for your relocation to London. While you will probably have London relocation agents to help you with the big details like finding a home and opening a bank account, it may be the smaller details that will affect how you fit in after moving to London.

One of the biggest cultural differences that you may find as an American moving to London is the attitude towards food. Not cuisine and restaurants by any means; you’ll find that London has some of the world’s top eateries, hotels and restaurants. One way to get to grips with the culture of a new place is to delve into the local delicacies and the way that people eat at home.

For a start, many traditional dishes have rather odd sounding names, and they may not give you any indication as to the ingredients contained within.

Pudding Pointers

Not all puddings in England are sweet. Yorkshire pudding is a sort of dumpling, bread that is served with roasted meat as a savory dish​. Black Pudding is also a savory pudding usually had with eggs and bacon and if you’re in any way inclined towards vegetarianism then don’t ever order black pudding. It looks like a sausage, but it does not contain any meat: It is fried blood.

Bread and Butter Pudding is a great dessert to end of a meal. It is made of leftover bread (which is a polite word for stale bread) mixed dried fruit and egg custard. Baked in the oven and served piping hot, this pudding is a firm favorite of English children. Bread Pudding also uses leftover bread and dried fruit but is made into a cake for tea time. Bubble and Squeak is made of… leftover vegetables that you may happen to have in your fridge. All fried-up and tasting a little like a hash brown mix.

It does seem like a lot of leftovers and many foreigners balk a little at using what is essentially ‘old’ food to create new dishes. Perhaps it is a remnant of wartime austerity or just a quirk of the British. After your relocation to London you’ll find that the best way to experience the soul of a nation is to sample their home cooking.

You’ll never throw anything away again!

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International Relocation – Two Factors That May Influence Where You’ll Live in London

Tuesday July 19th, 2011

International Relocation – Two Factors That May Influence Where You’ll Live in London - Image via Wikipedia

Choosing a neighborhood and an apartment when you’re planning your relocation to London is going to be at the top of your list. It can be hard to decide on which neighborhood you’d like to stay in if you have not visited the city. Many people around the world choose a suburb or neighborhood according to what it has to offer, but you may want to consider a couple of other aspects before talking to your London relocation agents about viewing properties.

Tube Lines: It’s not just Red and Green

Choosing and apartment according to what tube line it is close to could be one of the deciding factors in your London apartment search. If you know where you are going to be working in London, then you will have a pretty good idea of which tube line you will be using to get to work.

Perhaps the first investment that you make when you’re starting to think about areas to live in should be to download the tube map of London so you can see how far you’ll have to travel as a daily commuter. Bear in mind that the tube map is schematic and not to scale, so if you have any doubt as to distances, ask your London relocation agents to help you out. Ideally you should choose an area that has more than one tube line to choose from, so if one is stuck you will still be able to get to where you need to go without too much hassle.

Getting in the Zone

London is divided into travel zones which will also affect and influence where you want to stay. Zone 1 is a circle in the very centre of the city, and the circles radiate outwards until you hit Zone 6 on the very edges of London. Each zone has a different price attached to it, so it could mean that all of the savings that you make up by living in Zone 6 are completely negated by the fact that you have to travel to Zone 1 for work every day. It is still cheaper to use the public transport than it is to own a car in London.

The biggest advice that you’ll get from your London relocation agents is to figure out where you need to be in terms of travel,​ and then decide on which areas you want to view properties when you arrive.

 

 

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Relocation UK – Bridging The Cultural Divide

Tuesday July 19th, 2011

Relocation UK – Bridging The Cultural Divide- Image via Flickr

Planning your relocation to London is about being organized and efficient and one of the best ways to make sure that your international relocation goes smoothly is to use a London relocation services company to handle your move. The great thing about using London relocation agents is that they are there on the ground doing what needs to be done before you arrive. Essentially all you have to do is turn up!

Moving to London is about more than just finding the perfect pad and learning how to ‘mind the gap’ on the tube. Learning as much as you can about the culture of the country and the city of London is going to stand you in good stead when you’re meeting people and making friends.

Fun Facts That You Should Know When Moving to London

  • Buckingham Palace looks a lot smaller in real life than it does in the movies. This famous London landmark should be one of the first places you visit if you have not been to London before. Just don’t be disappointed if you’re only allowed to see the outside, the Queen is rarely at home to visitors.
  • Not everyone in England has met the Queen.
  • The United Kingdom is a collection of countries, comprising England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Don’t get it wrong. They even speak their own language in Wales, Ireland and Scotland.
  • Beer is not just beer. It could be bitter, ale, lager or even stout, and it will be served at room temperature in pubs in the UK.
  • London is a city made up of a different people from around the globe. Real Londoner’s are probably from somewhere else.
  • The Underground is a system of public transport that you WILL learn to use if you intend on going anywhere in London.
  • Never talk about the weather with a Brit. They consider it the right of people who were born in the country to moan about the weather.
  • Brits don’t really like being called ‘Brits’.

It’s is important to remember that you are moving to a foreign country in your international relocation, and there will be a number of differences between the way you did things back home.  W​hat you may have to get used to after your relocation to London. Humor, a sense of wonder and an appetite to discover the city will have you settled in no time at all.

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Relocation to London – Banking Bonanza (Part II – The Excitement Continues…)

Tuesday July 12th, 2011

Relocation to London – Banking Bonanza (Part II - The Excitement Continues…)

Relocation to London – Banking Bonanza (Part II - The Excitement Continues…) - Image by Images_of_Money via Flickr

 

Your relocation to London will be faster and smoother if you organize much of it stateside. Your London relocation agents will be able to advise you on the details and the paperwork that you can sort out back in the States and what you will need to bring with you so you can get settled as fast as possible. This is why it is important to use London relocation services that have experience in both countries to expedite your relocation to London.

Closing Your US Bank Account?

When you are organizing the details of your move, and the opening of your bank account in London, the question will arise on whether or not to close your US bank account. This bears some thinking about. Remember that your expenses and bills won’t stop coming just because you have left the country. There will be a couple of bills that may still need to be paid after you have completed your relocation to London.

Even if you won’t be going back for a few years, you’ll want to be able to cover any surprise expenses or even ongoing expenses like storage. The best way to cover both sides of the Atlantic, from a financial perspective is to set up internet banking through your US bank and then as soon as you have opened a UK bank account you’ll be able to transfer between the two accounts easily. Remember that if you are considering immigrating to the UK then you’ll have to close everything down in the US as there are international laws about holding accounts in different countries.

The most important factor about transferring money from the United States to your UK bank account is that there may be tax levies and bills on the money that you transfer, even if you have already paid tax on them in the States. It may be an idea to hire a professional tax accountant in London as part of your international relocation.

These small details may seem insignificant when you’re packing your bags, but getting advice from your London relocation agents about your finances before you leave could save you time and pounds/dollars in the future.

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Relocation to London – Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Sunday July 10th, 2011

Relocation to London – Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Relocation to London – Extra! Extra! Read All About It!- Image via Wikipedia

Your relocation to London is going to be one of the most exciting times in your life. You’ll have to get used to living in a foreign country and one of the largest cities in Europe. The cultural differences can seen quite daunting at first but with a little time, some good humor and a dash of curiosity, you’ll be able to absorb and discover the cultures that make up this historic and yet thoroughly modern city.

One of the biggest differences and certainly one that you’ll notice the moment you arrive is the difference in television programming between the UK and the USA. If you’re an American moving to London, you may find it quite a shock. Even the news is quite different and if you want to get a taste of the news from home, you’ll have to get hooked up to the satellite companies to get CNN.

The first difference that you’ll notice is that events happening in America are not considered to be headline news. Breaking news in the States falls under world news and even then it will probably fall somewhere behind what is happening in Europe and even Asia on the list of importance.

If you want to get clued up about living in London and what really interests people, you should consider a crash course in learning about the EU. It’ll help greatly when you’re chatting to your colleagues at your new job and even in your community if you have some idea of what is happening and what is considered news in London.

The biggest news in London at the moment is in fact the News! One of the oldest tabloid papers in the world, the News of the World, is closing down. The newspaper is 168 years old and has been at the dodgy end of tabloid news and paparazzi exposes for years. The reason for its closure is not a financial one, but an honest to goodness scandal, of Watergate proportions. The News of the World is reported to have hacked into the phones of politicians, celebs and victims of crime in the desperate race to be the rag that breaks the story first. While America has an active and scurrilous tabloid press problem, in England and Europe the paparazzi are relentless and even resort to underhand and criminal activities to get their stories.

Today will be the last edition of the newspaper that has been breaking news of celebrity sex scandals and political power plays for years and as such it is the end of an era. If you have recently completed your international relocation to London I’d grab a copy of the paper today, just for posterity. While it may not be serious news, it certainly is sensational news, and even Paris Hilton makes the headlines in London!

 

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Relocation to London – A Royal Affair

Saturday July 9th, 2011

Relocation to London – A Royal Affair

Relocation to London – A Royal Affair- Image via Wikipedia

It’s been ‘the’ year for relocation to London, and the Royal Wedding in April has added a touch of romance and excitement to the monarchy. The Royal family is inextricably linked to the city of London and even if you weren’t living in London when Prince William married Katherine Middleton in April, you’ll have seen the images beamed around the world by the media.

When you’re settled into your new London flat and finished all the details of your relocation to London then  you can start exploring the city and what better place to start than to visit the site of the Royal Wedding. You can do a number of tours in London that take in the Royal palaces, museums and parks, but you don’t have to dwell in history of the monarchy to enjoy your tour. The monarchy is a vibrant and up to date part of modern London and England.

Wills and Kate: A modern fairy tale

While there has been a certain amount of cynicism leveled at the royal family of late, it appears that the heir to the throne has been able to follow his heart and the path of true love when it came time for him to choose his bride. You have to understand what a decision it must have been for Prince William to marry his long time girlfriend, commoner, Katherine Middleton. The prince is going to be the King of England one day and he still married the girl of his dreams, and a commoner.

You will not have to spend much time in the city after your relocation to London to realize that although it is invisible, there is a definite line still drawn between the class of the nobility and the rest of us. It IS a big deal that a future King of England has married someone of common birth; it certainly would not have been allowed twenty years ago. Yes. That recently.

The story of William and Katherine is a modern fairy tale that says as much about the future of the monarchy in England as it does about the couple themselves.

Prince William met his wife when they were both students at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. They were both studying the same Art history course, although William moved to study geography. The couple lived n rented digs with a number of students. The couple stayed out of the media spotlight during their time at St. Andrews due to the fact that the Queen had asked all of the world’s press to stay away from the prince during his time as an undergraduate. It was in this space of privacy and away from the glare of the media eye that the couple fell in love.

The couple graduated from the university in 2005 and not long after that the news of their relationship was splashed over the world after they were spotted skiing in Klosters, Switzerland.

It must have been daunting for the young middle class Katherine who has no royal or noble family connections. Her parents run a successful mail order party décor company and Kate and her family lived in a modern home in Berkshire. The constant intrusion of the paparazzi is in some part responsible for their break up in 2007. Kate just needed a break and William needed to make the decision that would affect the rest of his life, and the future of his country.

Although the couple reunited soon after, it was still a while before the world started to get the idea that Katherine would be joining the royal family. Kate slowly started being invited to official and private family events and function and in 2010 the couple announced their engagement to the world.

While the world was fascinated by the pomp and circumstance of a royal wedding, they were also drawn to the event like never before because of the similarities and familiarity of their love story. The love story that was played out on the​ center stage of the magnificent city of London is in fact, our story as well.

 

 

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International Relocation – London Here We Come!

Friday July 8th, 2011

International Relocation – London Here We Come!

International Relocation – London Here We Come! - Image via Wikipedia

Landing one of your dream jobs in London is just the start of your international relocation, and the next few months of your life are going to be the busiest of your life. There is so much to think about, plan for, and do when you are preparing for your relocation to London, that it might seem daunting at times. This is not just a vacation with a couple of suitcases; it’s an entirely new way of life in a foreign country.

Getting professional help from one of the London relocation services that has experience in Americans moving to London is going to be the fastest, easiest and least stressful way of moving to London.

What the top London relocation agents say about an international relocation:

·      You don’t need to bring as many clothes as you think you do. Your entire wardrobe is too much to bring wit you when you’re moving to London. People in London are not that concerned with what you’re wearing.

·      Try and pack your personal items, like photographs and ornaments instead. London is going to be your home for a couple of years at least, and having a few of your favorite things around you in your new apartment will go a long way to making you feel at home.

·      Bring a few USA to UK plug adapters with you for any electronic items that you want to use. Computers and other electronic equipment are a lot more expensive in the UK than in the States so you may want to consider shipping your PC over.

·      Appliances on the other hand, are quite cheap in London. Don’t bother shipping a gargantuan American style double-door fridge when you are relocating to London. You’ll never fit it into your new kitchen!

·      Pack some linen in your suitcase. Your London relocation agents will have you moved into your new home faster than your boxes. Having a set of comfy bed linens will make your first night in your new home a lot more settling.

The best thing that you can do when you’re starting to plan your relocation to London is to make a list of your requirements, and let a professional international relocation company handle the details. You can then focus on enjoying your Relocation UK experience.

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Relocation to London – London Relocation Companies

Thursday July 7th, 2011

Relocation to London – London Relocation Companies

Relocation to London – London Relocation Companies- Image via Wikipedia

The planning involved in your relocation to London is not something to be taken lightly, but it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience either.  Professional relocation companies are there to assist you during this stressful, yet, exciting time in your life with your international relocation goal.

 

It is generally easier to make use of a relocation company in the country to which you intend to relocate; who best to know the ins and outs of living life in London but a London relocation agent? It’s like having both an eye and a firm foothold in the city before you’ve even arrive.

Relocation companies provide assistance to individuals, families and businesses and you may be surprised at the details that can be handled by a professional international relocation company:

 

  • Packing and shipping of your valuables
  • Searching for a temporary or permanent residence
  • Schools or educational facilities
  • The shipment of pets,
  • Relocating your business
  • Business property search and acquisition service

 

You can also enquire about assistance with jobs in London, whether you are looking for something permanent for yourself or a temp job for your partner. If you prefer to consult someone who deals solely with job hunts, you can also look into some recruitment agencies or an employment help centre.  Success does not always happen overnight, but if you leave it to the experts, it will happen a lot faster!

 

Whether your relocation to London is just for  you or with family; whether you are moving to a branch of your current company in the UK or searching for jobs in London, you needn’t have to carry the inumerable details of your international relocation alone.  The list of what relocation companies can do for you is as varied as the professional relocation agents themselves.  They can really take a load off your shoulders, leaving you to relish the last moments you’ll be spending with friends and family before you head to the UK.

Making the transition using a professional ensures that you’ll have the time to get out and spend some time living in London; exploring, learning and discovering everything that this city has to offer YOU!

 

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Relocation to London – “Summertime, And The Living Is Easy…”

Thursday July 7th, 2011

 Relocation to London – “Summertime, And The Living Is Easy…”

Relocation to London – “Summertime, And The Living Is Easy…” - Image via Wikipedia

Relocation to London in the summer months is one of the most ideal times to be moving to London. Days are long, the nights are warm and there is so much to do. If you’ve been here for quite some time already, you probably know that the Wimbledon’s Tennis Championships have just finished. Yes, the men’s finals have brought one of London’s (and the world’s) most celebrated annual events to a close.  The summer suddenly feels quite empty. It’s only July, so don’t worry about getting your fill of London before you start your new job, there are other summer highlights to go yet​.

​First up, for anyone who loves their music, there’s the iTunes Festival at Camden’s Roundhouse. Running for the entire month of July.  The festival will host performances from over 60 artists, each of which will being recorded by Apple and available on iTunes. Previous shows have seen artists such as Faithless, Goldfrapp, The Scissor Sisters and Ozzy Osbourne performing, so you’ll be sure to find something with a London flavor.

Further for the musically inclined, you can go to the “Summer Swing,” running from July 6-10. Bring a picnic lunch and settle down to listen to some upbeat and lively music.

For something a bit more relaxed, get to Theatre Square on the South Bank for a sleepover. No, seriously. On the 26th of August, Theatre Square will be turned into a giant public campsite. Bring your sleeping bags, and don’t forget your marshmallows for roasting on the fire. With events for the evening that include a campfire sing-song and tours from archaeologists along the riverbank; you might not be getting that much sleep!

For more night-time adventure, go to Canary Wharf where can take part in a treasure hunt. You’ll be given a few clues that that will take you to a secret party. If you’re new to London, you might want to give this a shot as it’s a particularly fun way of learning your way around the city, and takes place throughout the summer months.

So it might be July but as far as London’s concerned, the summer has barely started. If you have only just finished your relocation to London, there is still plenty of summer for you to do any of the above and more.  International relocation in the summertime: the perfect time of year to be moving to London.

 

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Relocation UK – What Do You Really Need?

Thursday July 7th, 2011

Relocation UK – What Do You Really Need?

Relocation UK – What Do You Really Need?- Image via Wikipedia

When you’re contemplating international relocation, or are an American moving to London you will want to get things sorted out before you leave. You can start making lists and researching the city to try and learn as much as possible about it or you can make a list of what YOU really need and let the professionals handle it for you.

Accommodation Action Stations

Finding a living accommodation is going to be the hardest part of your relocation to London. If you arrive after your relocation in London and are going to start looking then,  you may find that the process can take weeks rather than days. It is better to make a list of the amenities that you require and then decide upon a professional London relocation services company to find properties that fit around your needs.

When you’re making a list of accommodation must-haves consider the following:

  • Do you want to live right in the city when you relocate to London? There are people that enjoy the bustle of a 24 hour city lifestyle and those who prefer to have a little bit of peace and quiet when they come home from work. The city of London really rocks, so if you’re not all that keen on being one of the 24-hour hum of an urban experience, then consider living just a little bit further out of London near one of the green-belt areas.
  • What amenities do you need to be within walking distance from your London apartment? This is an important aspect of choosing a new location aftyer your international relocation. Transport is always going to be an issue while you are living in London so you need to establish which amenities you need to be able to walk to. Schools are particularly important as are doctors, hospitals, community centers and grocery stores. You don’t’ want to have to take three buses and a train to get to your favorite branch of Sainsbury’s on a daily basis.

Figure out what are the important needs for you and your family, and then provide your London relocation agent with a list of your requirements. Not only does a professional relocation agent know London, they also know how to get a lease negotiated for foreigners. International relocation to London can be made easier by working with a London relocation agent in advance. Taking time out when you first arrive to enjoy the city should be high on your priority list, you will be able to do that once you’ve found your new London home.

 

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​Relocation to London – Getting To Know The UK Income Tax System

Wednesday July 6th, 2011

​Relocation to London - Getting To Know The UK Income Tax System

Relocation to London - Getting To Know The UK Income Tax System Image via Wikipedia

 

After you are settled into your new London apartment, you’ll be heading off to earn your crust. Working in London will be quite different to what you are used to. One of the biggest differences is the way that you are taxed in the UK.

Learning about tax when you’re in the middle of an international relocation can save you hundreds of pounds each year. It’s a good idea to have an understanding of the way taxes work as part of your relocation to London. How will your income be affected in a country other than your own?

 

Making Tax Less Taxing

Each tax year is from April 6 in any year to April 5 of the next year.  Income Tax is payable by both employed- and self-employed individuals who earn above a specific level.  In the United Kingdom, all of your benefits will be taxed. This includes State-, Company- and Personal Pensions, as well as benefits such as a Jobseeker’s Allowance, Weekly Bereavement Allowance, Carer’s Allowance and the Incapacity Benefit.  Interest on most savings, dividends, rental income of more than £4,250 a year (£2,215 if split jointly) and income received from a trust, etc. are tax deductable.

In addition to paying Income Tax, you are also required to pay National Insurance Contributions (NICs). Tax is generally paid each time you are paid by your employer; this is known as pay-as-you-earn (PAYE). As a foreigner moving to London, you need to make sure that you have a good tax advisor to help you with your tax requirements in the UK as well as your existing tax requirements back home. Don’t be caught short by paying double tax!

The tax laws in the UK allow a great deal of leeway and a good tax advisor will help you get as much back in the form of tax credits and exemptions. All taxpayers are allowed a certain amount of tax-free income (a Personal Allowance).  There are also other forms of non-taxable income.  If you are a full-time student working only during the holiday periods and you expect to earn less than the Personal Allowance during the whole of the next tax year (until 5 April) and intend to continue studying until after 5 April of the following year, you may apply to receive your wages without tax being deducted.

 

Once you have your tax issues sorted you’ll find that your relocation to the UK will be a less taxing experience…  ​


 

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