Are you thinking of migrating to London from Singapore?
For those who know how to make the most of it, London is one of the most alluring cities. London is one of the top cities in the UK and the world for expats, with hundreds of thousands of people relocating there every year. However, for those that have moved internationally in the past, there are a lot of challenges when it comes to relocating to another country.
In this article, we will look at some things you need to know before you migrate to London and that need to be done when you arrive.
Before Moving To London
1) Find Trusted International Movers
One of the most stressful life events is being able to transfer your entire home to a new location. It can take some time to find a reliable moving company. You can save time and effort by using a moving company or renting a vehicle. Look for positive ratings, a website that appears professional, and years of experience when selecting an international moving company.
2) Make Sure You Have The Right Visa
It’s crucial that you take care of your visa before doing anything else because it’s the main barrier to entry. Remember to apply early to ensure you can make the trip you really want to take because the entire procedure can take up to six months.
Your native country is the first consideration when applying for a UK visa. Right now, if you want to move from Singapore to the UK to work or join your family, you must apply for a visa that will allow you to do so legally.
3) Understand Cost of Living
London is one of the biggest capital cities in the world, hence it is not cheap to live there. Your biggest monthly expenses will probably include your rent, travel expenses, food shopping, and obligatory socializing a few times a week.
Additionally, the cost of moving to London will also differ widely from person to person, but the following are some significant charges to take into account: visa costs, NHS healthcare surcharges, legal costs, shipment charges, the price of moving pets, airline tickets, etc.
4) Find Accommodation
In London, finding your dream flat is a process that shouldn’t be hurried. It might be challenging to find an apartment when you’re outside of the country, so we advise viewing the property before making a decision. It is worthwhile to stay in a serviced flat for the first few months you are in London. In this manner, once you’ve become used to city life, you can take your time to discover the ideal apartment.
Once you get to London, you have a lot of options for locating a place to live.
After Arriving At London
1) Open A Bank Account
You’ll need to open a bank account if you plan to stay in London for an extended period of time. You can open an account with any number of trustworthy high-street banks without having to worry about the security of your money.
However, creating a bank account in London can be a lengthy procedure that necessitates a lot of paperwork. To open a bank account, you first need to provide proof of residence, along with passport information. A utility bill, which you might not receive for a few months after you’ve found your flat, can be used as proof of address.
2) Get Health Insurance
You can be qualified for free medical care provided by the National Health Service (NHS) of the UK, depending on your visa. All UK citizens, as well as those with visas such the Tier 5 Youth Mobility, Tier 2 General, and Tier 1 General, are eligible for free appointments and treatments through the NHS.
You will already have paid an Immigration Health Surcharge, which entitles you to utilize NHS services, as part of your visa application. To sign up for the NHS, go to your local medical office and register as a patient with a GP (General Practitioner). You’ll need to complete a brief form with your contact information and any relevant medical history to do this.
Most treatments are covered by the NHS, although in rare cases you may have to pay a cost. for medications and dental procedures, as an illustration. You can still choose to pay for private health insurance if you’d like. Although this can be a very pricey option, you will receive luxurious service and lower wait times.
3) Understand The Transportation System
London offers a first-rate public transportation network that will safely convey you from point A to point B.
The tube is by far the most widely used means of transportation and the quickest route throughout the city. Trains in this subterranean network are divided into various routes and colors. Even while it could take you a few weeks to understand how the tube’s north, south, east, and westbound directions work, you’ll soon be zipping around like a local.
Buses are the cheapest means of transportation after the tube, although they frequently get caught up in the dreaded city traffic. In some areas of the city, such as the north and east neighborhoods, overground trains are excellent, but not in others. There are also many public bike initiatives in the city to take advantage of if you feel like you need a little more exercise.
4) Set Up Utilities
Make sure everything is connected once you’ve discovered the ideal place to reside in London. Your electric, gas, water, and internet bill organization is part of this.
There are various companies to pick from for gas and electricity. You must evaluate all available products and services before selecting the best one for you. Thames Water will be your provider of water, and you’ll typically receive bills twice a year.
CM Relocation has developed throughout the years via organic expansion, mergers, and acquisitions to become one of the top locally-owned international moving companies with headquarters in Singapore. They support you throughout the entire moving process, including assistance with domestic, international, and commercial relocation as well as storage services and moving insurance.
Click here for additional details regarding CM Relocation.
