Moving from South Africa to the UK can be a major life change, and it’s important to prepare for various aspects of the process to make it as smooth as possible.
Of course at first everything seems daunting and it may take a while to find your bearings, but never be afraid to ask directions. The British are pretty helpful and will gladly help in pointing you in the right direction.
By following these steps and staying organized, you can ensure a smoother and more successful transition to life in the UK.
There are quite a few things to do on arrival to get you up and running.
1. Visa and Immigration
- Visa Requirements: Ensure you understand the visa requirements for entering the UK. You’ll typically need a visa to live and work in the UK, depending on your situation (e.g., work visa, student visa, or family visa).
- Some Types of Visas:
- Skilled Worker Visa: If you’re moving to work in the UK and have a job offer from a UK employer.
- Student Visa: If you plan to study in the UK.
- Family Visa: If you’re joining a spouse, partner, or family member already in the UK.
- Global Talent Visa: For highly skilled workers in fields like science, humanities, engineering, or arts.
- Application Process: Check the official UK government website for details on visa applications, fees, and documentation (such as proof of income, qualifications, and English proficiency).
2. Immigration Control (Arrival at the Airport)
- Passport and Visa Check: After you disembark, proceed to immigration control. Have your passport and any required documents (e.g., visa, confirmation of employment or study) ready.
3. Baggage Collection
- Head to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. Ensure you check the screen for the carousel number that corresponds to your flight.
4. Transport from the Airport
- Airport to City Transport: Depending on which airport you arrive at, you’ll find various transport options.
- London Heathrow/Gatwick: You can take the Heathrow Express or Gatwick Express to central London. Alternatively, trains, buses, or taxis are available.
- London Stansted/Luton: Take a train or coach to central London or other destinations.
- Other Airports: Most major UK cities have good transport links to the airport, including trains, buses, and taxis.
- Taxis: Taxis are available, but they tend to be more expensive than public transport. Make sure to use official taxi services (look for “black cabs” in London).
- Oyster Card or Contactless Payment: If you’re traveling in London, consider purchasing an Oyster card (or use contactless payment) for easy access to public transport like the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains.
5. SIM Card/Phone:
- Upon arrival, purchase a UK SIM card at the airport or nearby stores like Tesco Mobile, EE, or Three. Having a local phone number and internet access will make things easier, especially for navigation and communications.
6. Finding Accommodation
- Temporary Accommodation: Consider booking temporary accommodation for the first few weeks, such as a short-term rental, Airbnb, or hotel.
- Long-Term Accommodation: Look for permanent housing (e.g., rental flats or houses) through property websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or Gumtree.
- Location Considerations: Research cities or areas based on factors like work opportunities, cost of living, transport links, and lifestyle.
- Proving your right to rent
7. Healthcare (NHS)
- Register with NHS: The UK has a public healthcare system (the National Health Service, or NHS). As a resident, you may be eligible for NHS services. Register with a GP (General Practitioner) as soon as you arrive.
- Health Insurance: If you’re coming on a visa, you may need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application, which covers access to the NHS.
8. Banking
Banking in the UK for immigrants is relatively straightforward, though the process can vary depending on the type of visa you hold and your personal circumstances. Here are some key steps and considerations for immigrants looking to open a bank account in the UK:
1. Types of Bank Accounts
- Basic Bank Account: These accounts are typically for people who may not have a credit history in the UK or have been declined for other accounts. They allow you to deposit money, make payments, and withdraw cash, but they might not offer overdrafts or credit facilities.
- Current Account: This is a standard bank account for everyday use, allowing for salary deposits, direct debits, and online banking. It may come with additional features such as overdrafts and credit cards.
- Savings Account: If you want to save money, a savings account will earn interest, though the rates vary from bank to bank.
2. Documents You’ll Need
- Proof of Identity: This could be your passport, national identity card, or other government-issued identification.
- Proof of Address: This is usually a utility bill, bank statement, or official letter (such as from the Home Office or NHS) with your name and UK address. Some banks may accept digital versions of bills.
- Visa or Immigration Status: Some banks will require proof of your immigration status or visa, such as a biometric residence permit (BRP), if applicable.
3. What to Expect in the Application Process
- You can typically apply online or in person, depending on the bank.
- Banks may ask about your employment status, income, and reason for being in the UK.
- Some banks offer specific accounts tailored to newcomers, which might have fewer requirements and more support for people without a credit history.
4. Challenges Immigrants May Face
- Proof of Address: If you’ve just moved to the UK, finding a utility bill or other proof of address might be difficult. Some banks may accept a letter from your landlord or accommodation provider as temporary proof.
- No UK Credit History: If you’ve recently arrived, you may not have a credit history in the UK. Some banks are more flexible and willing to help newcomers without a credit score, but others may require a longer stay in the country or other financial documentation.
5. Banks that are Immigrant-Friendly
- HSBC: Offers a “Basic Bank Account” and other options for newcomers with no credit history.
- Barclays: Known for being welcoming to new immigrants, offering a range of accounts for different needs.
- Lloyds: Also has options for immigrants, including the ability to apply for an account online, with proof of address and ID.
- Santander: Offers a range of accounts and services with online applications that can be processed quickly.
6. Considerations for Newcomers
- International Transfers: If you plan on sending or receiving money from abroad, you may want to check the bank’s fees for international transfers.
- Online and Mobile Banking: Most banks in the UK offer digital services, so you’ll want to ensure your bank has a solid mobile app or online banking platform, especially if you’re new to managing finances in the UK.
9. Employment
- Work Opportunities: If you don’t already have a job lined up, research opportunities in your field through job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor.
- Have a look at the recruitment and job search page
10. Cost of Living
- Budgeting: The cost of living in the UK varies depending on the region. Cities like London tend to have higher costs for rent, groceries, transport, etc., compared to smaller towns or cities in the North of England.
- Utilities: Set aside budget for utility bills (electricity, water, internet, etc.), which are typically not included in rental prices.
- Numbeo is a popular online database that provides information on the cost of living, housing, health care, crime, quality of life, and other factors in cities and countries worldwide. It relies on user-generated data, which means the information comes from people who actively contribute their experiences and prices, making it a useful resource for comparing cities and understanding how costs differ in various locations.
11. Transport
- Public Transport: The UK has an extensive public transportation network. In London, the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains are commonly used. In other cities, buses and trains are popular.
- Driving: If you plan to drive in the UK, you may need to exchange your South African driver’s license for a UK one, depending on the type of visa you hold. The rules can vary for different countries, so check with the UK DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) for more details.
- Transport Costs: Invest in an Oyster card for travel in London, or a railcard if you’ll be using the train regularly.
- Travel Apps: Download transportation apps like Citymapper (for city travel) or Google Maps to help with navigation.
12. Taxation
- National Insurance: If you plan to work, you will need to get a National Insurance (NI) number, which is used for tax and social security purposes. You can apply for one once you are in the UK.
- Income Tax: Understand how the UK income tax system works. Tax is deducted from your salary based on income.
13. Education (if applicable)
- Schooling: If you have children, research schools in the area where you’ll be living. The UK has both state schools (funded by the government) and private schools. You may need to apply for school places in advance.
- University: If you’re attending university in the UK, research tuition fees, scholarships, and student accommodation.
14. Moving and Shipping
- Shipping Household Items: Research shipping companies that can help you move your belongings from South Africa to the UK. Companies like DHL, TNT, and international moving services offer container shipping and air freight options.
- Customs and Duties: Be aware of UK customs regulations. Some items, like alcohol or tobacco, may be subject to duties. You will likely need to complete a customs declaration upon arrival.
15. Cultural Adjustment
- Weather: Prepare for the weather, as it can be quite different from South Africa. The UK generally has a cooler and more temperate climate, with rain being quite common.
- Cultural Differences: While the UK and South Africa share some cultural similarities, there will be differences in terms of customs, social norms, and everyday life. Try to learn about British culture to ease your transition.
16. Social Security and Pensions
- If you’re working in the UK, you’ll be contributing to the UK pension system (National Insurance). If you’re already contributing to a pension in South Africa, check whether there’s any way to transfer funds or recognize your pension contributions.
17. Settling into Your New Environment
- Grocery Shopping: If you’re setting up your new home, visit local grocery stores like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or Asda for food and essentials. If you’re in a major city, you might also find international food stores with products from South Africa.
- Utilities and Bills: If your accommodation is not fully furnished, you may need to arrange for utility bills (gas, electricity, water, etc.). Many landlords take care of this, but if you’re responsible, companies like British Gas, SSE, or EDF offer services.
- Internet: Set up broadband or mobile data as soon as you can. The UK has various providers like BT, Sky, Virgin Media, or TalkTalk, so research what’s best in your area.
18. Emergency Services
- Emergency Number: In case of an emergency, call 999 for police, fire, ambulance, or other emergency services.
- Local Authorities: Familiarize yourself with local services, including your local council for issues like waste collection, local events, and services.
- Embassy: Know where the South African Embassy or High Commission is located in the UK in case you need assistance with consular services or emergencies.
- Emergency Numbers: Besides 999 for emergencies, 101 is the non-emergency police number, and 111 is for non-urgent medical advice.
19. Pets
If you have brought your pets with you to the UK, you will need to find pet friendly accommodation.
Although the search for accommodation can be a bit more challenging, there are places available that will accept pets.
Another option is to let your pets stay with pet sitters, friends or family until you can find suitable accommodation.
The British are big animal lovers and you will rarely see dogs roaming in the streets.
It is a good idea to have your pets micro chipped, in the event that they get lost.
This way they will be able to track your pet back to you in the event they are found or taken to a vet.
Vet costs can be expensive, so it is also worth taking out pet insurance.
20.Getting a vehicle and vehicle Finance
21. If you are renting a property
22. Council Tax
Council tax is the local tax which helps councils pay for the services they provide. They use the money collected for things such as maintaining roads and street lighting, and for services such as street cleaning and rubbish collection etc.
Some helpful council tax links
- Who has to pay
- Discounts for full time students
- Discounts for disabled people
- Paying your bill
- Check your Council Tax band
- Apply for a Council Tax discount
- How to set up a new Council Tax account on a property you have recently moved into.
23. Register on the electoral roll
IF you’re registered on the electoral roll at your new address, it might improve your credit rating.
24. Find out your rubbish collection day
Check your council’s website to find out when your rubbish will be collected.
25. Locate the Fuse Box and Water Valve
The fuse box and water valve are two things that you don’t want to end up looking for when you really need them. It’s much better to identify their locations now so that if your power goes out or you need to turn off the water for some reason you’ll be able to make your way there directly. As
26. You may have to apply for a parking permit
If you’re moving to a residents-only parking area, you may want to apply for a parking permit before you move
27. Furniture and appliances
It makes sense to start of with the essentials when setting up home, and if you are on a tight budget then you will find many items that are gifted for free on the freecycle websites and Facebook pages.
Also try joining the Facebook selling groups in your area, where you will find items that are being given away or being sold at affordable prices.
You could also try looking at your local charity shops, where you will find many household items in excellent condition.
When you start building your home, look at the essentials first, then you can later build on that as your budget allows.
28. Groceries
If you are still in South Africa and want to get an idea of what your groceries will cost in the UK, a good idea is to make your usual shopping list, then visit the online supermarkets below so that you can get an idea of what your groceries will cost you in the UK.
These are some of the more popular supermarkets.
Most supermarkets offer a deliver service for a small fee, and online grocery shopping is handy if you do not have a car.
If you are returning to the UK
Information about some of the actions you may need to take if you are a UK national living abroad and you are returning to the UK permanently.
A keyring with both the South African flag and the Union jack to carry with you and remind you of both South Africa and your new home.
A reminder of your journey from South Africa to the UK.
