Living in the UK | Relocation Guide for Expats Moving to the UK

International Relocation | Relocation

Do you have upcoming plans for relocating internationally? If you have plans to relocate to the UK then this is for you. We understand what you need as an expat and provide the essential services to make moving and living abroad as simple as possible. If you are trying to figure out how to relocate to the United Kingdom then read this guide. In this blog, we discuss living in the UK.

Planning a Relocation to the UK?

The country has a lot to offer, there are a lot of things to think about if you want to relocate to UK. The United Kingdom is expensive, but London is especially so. To give you a fair idea, the monthly average rent in Greater London is around 1,700 GBP (2,200 USD), which is significantly higher than the national average of around GBP 1,000. (USD 1,300 USD).

So, what do you need to relocate to the United Kingdom? With the Brexit transition period and all of the complexities, you should prepare yourself for this specific situation from the start. In most cases, securing a visa now is more difficult than before because of the post-Brexit developments. It is most likely that you may be overwhelmed with the process and need external assistance. And our moving experts are here to make your life easy. Our team of experts can help you with any aspect of your visa or work permit application.

Living in the UK

Household Goods Transportation & Shipping

Do you want to know how to ship your belongings and household items to the United Kingdom? Shipping your belongings, whether by sea, air, or land, entails much more than simply packing them into a shipping container and sending them off. It’s not uncommon to hear horror stories from people who attempted to relocate themselves without professional assistance. And it’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to deciding how to ship your belongings and household goods. You can avoid making this a nightmare by using our relocation services. We offer complete relocation services from start to finish like packing to customs processing, shipping, and unpacking, we’ve got you covered. Read our packing tips guide to know more.

Find a Rental House or an Apartment 

It is vital to understand how to rent a house or apartment in the United Kingdom. Despite a large number of rental properties available, the market has significant price variations. Most of which are primarily determined by the location. Property in a desirable area of London, for instance, can be 100 times more expensive than the same type of property in the outskirts of the city.

Average Rental Costs in the United Kingdom

Living in the United Kingdom can be like a ‘dream come true for those who have found their dream home. How much does rent cost in the United Kingdom? The cost of a month’s rent varies greatly depending on the area you choose to live. For instance, the area of Greater London will cost you around 1,700 GBP (2,200 USD). And it is considerably higher than the national average of around GBP 1,000 which translates to 1,300 USD. In London, the average monthly rent for a similar-sized house is around GBP 1,000 (USD 1,300).  And if you are looking for a high-end property then it will cost you around 13,000 GBP (17,000 USD). Moreover, a furnished apartment can cost more than an unfurnished apartment. You pay according to what you pick!

Rules for Renting

Once you’ve found a place you like, the next step is to sign a lease. Most contracts are for a year, with the option to extend your stay at the end. Make sure you read your contract carefully. A security deposit (usually equal to one month’s rent) will be required. You may also be asked to provide the following information and documents in order to rent:

• Identification is required.
• Proof of a valid work permit/visa is required.
• A Proof of income
• Letter from your employer confirming your employment
• Copy of employment contract Previous landlords’ references

Public Transportation

In the United Kingdom, public transportation is relatively simple. It has a contactless payment system and 15 airports that are accessible to low-cost airlines. One of the most popular modes of public transportation connecting England, Scotland, and Wales is the train. The London Underground, also known as the “Tube,” is another popular mode of transportation in the United Kingdom. This iconic underground railway, which dates back to 1863, is the world’s oldest tunnel railway system. Prices vary depending on your destination. If you travel by National Rail frequently, consider buying an annual pass to save money.

Driving in the UK

However, many people choose to drive their own car in the UK. And if you are an expat wanting to drive your vehicle, make sure you have a valid license and know the rules. However, in most cases, you can only drive within the first year of your arrival if you want to exchange your driver’s licence. Then you must pass the UK driving tests in order to obtain a local license. You must be at least 17 years old to obtain a driving license here.

If you want to get your driver’s license, you’ll need to do the following:

• Apply for a Provisional Driver’s License.
• Pass a theory test with a two-year validity period.
• This link will allow you to book and take your practical. You will need to register somewhere else if you will be taking your exam in Northern Ireland.

With this living in the UK guide, we hope you will get an idea of what it will take for you to relocate to the United Kingdom. For all your relocation needs, get in touch with us to avail hassle-free international relocation services.