The UK is a popular choice for expats looking for a new place to work. This section gives you a sneak -peak into what it would mean to live in the UK. If it feels overwhelming, don’t worry as you are not alone. That’s why if you can afford getting professionals to help you through the process, please do consider acquiring their services. Companies like APAC Relocation Services takes it upon themselves to do the thinking and worrying for the expat on the go.

Some of the benefits of living in the UK include a robust job market. It can be quite lucrative but also highly competitive. The average full-time salary across industries is 35,000 GBP (45,420 USD) per year.

The UK can be your entry point to the rest of the European countries. In fact with budget airlines and cross country trains like Eurostar, you could travel to another country for very little cost.

Education is also a plus point, as studying in Europe is touted as one of the best in the world and if you are an expat who moves every couple of years, then your children will definitely benefit from the wide variety of schools offering International Baccalaureate degrees.

On the downside, the healthcare system is notorious for long waiting periods to see a specialist. Be prepared to spend a lot of money if you avail of private healthcare to avoid waiting.

Another negative to living in the UK is its bad weather. We’ve read it in fiction, and we’ve seen it on the news. Winter is particularly harsh with degrees going below zero and sunlight gone even before 4pm.

As desirable it is to live in the birthplace of the Queen, Shakespeare and the Beatles, it comes with a hefty price tag. The average rent in Greater London is around 1,700 GBP (2,200 USD)- that’s almost double the UK’s national average of 1,000 GBP (USD 1,300 USD).

Here are some quick trivia about the UK:

• Population: Over 66 million
• Capital city: London
• Main languages: English, Scots, Welsh and Irish
• Major religion: Christianity
• Political system: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
• Time: GMT -GMT+1 or British Summer Time (BST) from late March to late October
• Electricity: 230 volts, 50Hz.
• Currency: British pound (GBP)
• International dialing code: +44
• Road Traffic: Left-hand drive

In case you need emergency assistance, here are some useful numbers:

• Ambulance: 999 or 112
• Fire: 999 or 112
• Police: 999 or 112
• Gas emergency: 0800 111 999
• NHS new number: 111

If you are finally making the move, make sure you touch base with your country’s embassy. London for example has 167 embassies and high commissions, and throughout the UK there are 339 consulates, so there is a very good chance that your home country is represented.

Here’s a list of the embassies: The London Diplomatic List .

Here’s a brief on what it’s like to meet and greet new people in the UK:

Greetings

• For starters, a firm professional handshake is enough to greet a person you have just met. Reserve the kissing of one cheek and hugging for someone close to you.
• It takes a while for a Brit to warm up, so don’t be offended when they seem curt. They just feel its impolite to ask to many questions.

Etiquette:

• A polite tone is not enough- use the usual words of courtesy like please and thank you.
• Avoid asking questions about money, weight and other sensitive topics.
• NEVER EVER cut a line. Brits are known to take this very seriously.
• Calling a waiter from afar whether through waiving or verbally in a restaurant is considered rude. Establish eye contact with your server and then signal politely for them to come over.
• Sorry is one of the most heard words in a British conversation. It is simply their way of being polite. So do expect to hear a lot of it in this hyper-polite society.

Gifts

• Greeting cards are still the rage in the UK- even after the birth of the internet. In fact it is still a multi-pound industry. Brits spent 1.7 billion GBP (2.19 billion USD) on greeting cards in 2017.
• It is also common to receive small gifts like mugs, flowers or even chocolates. It is quite a common practice, especially if the person is a new acquaintance.

Visiting

• Always let your friend know that you will be going to his house- no surprises. Don’t bring uninvited people either.
• If you do get the invite, don’t arrive early or late. Be punctual. But if you had to make a choice, do opt to arrive later than earlier.

Verbal Communication

• British are known for being indirect just to avoid confrontation. You will have to try and understand what they really mean. So if someone says, “Do you have a quick minute?,” it could actually be something quite urgent.
• British are great at poking fun at themselves and sarcasm.
• British people tend to listen intently, so they may not interrupt you unless they have a clarification. Be prepared to do the same when you have to lend an ear.

Non-Verbal Communication

• Respect people’s space. Never be too close that it gets uncomfortable and avoid leaning into people.
• Ensure that you wait patiently in line. They consider this polite, and as a new resident of the UK, it will be expected of you.
  

Driving in the UK

If you want to drive in the UK, have a look at this tool to see if you are eligible. You can also check here if you want to exchange your license: how to exchange your non-British driving.

Generally though, if you do want to exchange your driver’s permit, you can only drive within the first year of your arrival. Then you will have to take the UK driving tests for a local license. You must be 17 years old to drive, but you will have to renew your license once you hit 70 years old and re-apply every three years.

When the time comes for you to get your own license, you will need to:

• Obtain a Provisional Driving License.
• Pass a theory test which is valid for 2 years.
• Book and take your practical in this link. If you will be taking your exam in Northern Ireland you will need to register elsewhere.

If you need to rent a car be prepared with the following documents:

• A driver’s license and passport
• International Driving Permit (IDP) valid for 12 months.
• Proof of address whether a utility bill or bank statement
• Flight tickets or hotel confirmation
• Insurance documents, if you don’t have any, you may buy it from the car rental firm. Ready to Move to UK?

Public Transportation is relatively easy in the UK. It has a contactless payment system and has 15 accessible airports that cater to low-cost airlines too. The train is one of the most popular modes of public transport that connects England, Scotland, and Wales.

Another popular way to travel across the UK is the London Underground, otherwise known as the “Tube.” This iconic underground railway opened in 1863 and is considered the oldest tunnel railway system. Prices vary depending on where you will be going but don’t expect to pay more than GBP 4.90 (USD 6.40).

If you will frequently travel by National Rail, then do purchase an annual pass to save on money. The price of your card will vary depending on where you will be going.

Here are the two commonly used discount cards for traveling via train:

• The Senior Rail Card (for those over 60 years)
• The 16-25 Rail Card (for students aged 16-25)

It’s easy to be confused between a coach and a bus in the UK but one difference is the distance they travel. Buses are often for short distances with many stops while coaches travel in between cities or even countries.

Here are the two main coach services:

• National Express – serving all major destinations with frequency.
• Megabus – covers a limited number of destinations at a discounted price; popular with students.

Coach services are not usually fully-booked and are quite comfortable, making them a great alternative means of transport. They often cost less than half of what you would pay for a similar train journey.

Taxis are expensive in the UK, but if you are travelling short distances or with luggage, it could be the most convenient way. Make sure to check that the meter is on before your driver takes off.

There are three taxi options now:

• The iconic black cab based in London which wait around transit areas like trains and bus stops.
• Minicabs which are cheaper and are booked online or on the phone.
• Uber ceased operations for a short time back in 2017, but can still legally operate in the UK.

If you want to get to Scotland for example, then ferries are the most popular option. Should you want to read more about this, do click here: Discover Ferries.