3 Things You Should Know Before Moving To The UK

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The UK is home to some of the world’s best sports teams, universities, museums, and iconic landmarks, making it an attractive relocation destination for people globally. Many Americans live in the UK, with the Office for National Statistics estimating the exact number to be between 121,000 to 157,000.  Whether you are moving to the UK to work or study, you could always do with certain helpful tips to make your move easy. So, if you want to know more about moving to the UK, then take a look at these points. 

1. Legal Requirements

You will need a valid passport to enter the UK, no matter where you are from. However, the legal requirements for moving to the UK may differ based on your nationality. For Americans, you will need to obtain a visa, which will typically be a work or family visa. If none of these options applies to you, it may be challenging to complete your relocation. Also, there are various work visas that you can apply for, depending on your unique situation. For example, if you have recently been offered a job that falls in the ‘skilled’ category, you’re allowed to put in an application for a “Tier 2” visa. However, you will need to fulfill other requirements before obtaining this visa, like proving your English proficiency and providing a criminal record certificate if you will be working with vulnerable people.

2. The Cost Of Living

The cost of living is another essential thing you should know before moving to the UK, as many experts consider it relatively high. Wage rates and housing costs typically determine costs of living anywhere, so the high living cost reflects the country’s relatively high wages. In the UK, the living cost is significantly affected by higher transport and energy costs. Tax rates are also higher on goods like cigarettes, alcohol, and petrol than US or European rates. The current housing market also significantly influences the cost of living, with rising house prices and rents increasing the living costs and other associated expenses. However, this tends to be typically regional, with residents in Greater London, Oxford, Winchester, Cambridge, etc., being more affected by the high housing costs. However, areas like Lincoln, Guildford, and Newcastle are relatively cheaper compared to places like London. Guildford, for example, has a 30.33% lower rent price compared to London. Guildford has several historic properties, and homeowners in the area have ample opportunities to expand smaller homes or convert old barns and farmhouses into family homes by securing quality architectural services.

3. Setting Up Your Finances

The UK banking process is relatively straightforward, as several of its banks are international. Therefore, you may not even need to find a new bank before relocating, but you will need to open a bank account in the country if your move is a permanent one. You will likely need to exchange your home currency into pounds to fund that bank account or make payments. However, keep a close eye on the exchange rate you’re getting, as most banks mark up the exchange rate to make more money off such transactions. Alternatively, you can open a multi currency account and connect a debit card to make it easier to make financial transactions in the UK.