How to spend your first days in the UK after moving from the US?

Hello, mate! You’re about to enter the land of Adelle, Will and Kate, David Beckham, and eat fish and chips while drinking hot tea and watching the BBC. You’ll have an absolute blast in the UK if you’re moving alone. And if you’re moving to the United Kingdom with your family, we’ll look after you much as the British do with their Queen, sans the amusing guards. Our international movers USA to UK are here to help out. Therefore, take a Cornish pasty and a pint of lager, and quit climbing the mental apples and pears (stairs). We’ve got you covered, from Cornwall’s tippy-top through Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland (but not the Republic of Ireland). Take a look at some of the best ways to spend your first days in the UK.

1. Change To A UK-Based Mobile Network

On your first days in the UK, we suggest that you switch on the UK SIM card. While residing abroad, using your US mobile network provider is extremely expensive. Verizon charges $10 per day for international phone service, and that fee is waived if you sign up in advance of your first call. Data is necessary for using Google Maps and navigating your new life in the United Kingdom. Indeed, I’m not sure how I would have gotten through my first 24 hours without it.

Numerous mobile network providers, including EE, Vodafone, and O2, sell extremely low pay-as-you-go SIM cards. Simply remove your US SIM card and replace it with a UK SIM card. You’ll be up and running instantly. You will be able to swap SIM cards as needed if you intend to keep your current US mobile phone carrier. Switching to a SIM card from a UK mobile network is the ideal way to settle in without committing to a long-term contract.

2. Open a new bank account

Although you can use your American bank card and credit card abroad, the second most critical step after coming to the United Kingdom from the United States is to obtain a UK bank card. Opening a bank account in the United Kingdom might be a bit of a pain – even after you’ve relocated. It’s easy to reason why opening a UK bank account from America would be difficult. There are numerous requirements for opening a bank account while still residing in the United States. Therefore, it is much easier to do so once you have established residency in the United Kingdom. With our international moving company New York, you’ll be in the UK in no time.

3. Apply for a National Insurance Number (NIN) if you intend to work in the United Kingdom (even if you are a digital nomad)

NIN is an abbreviation for National Insurance Number. If you intend to work in the United Kingdom, you must obtain a NIN so that your taxes can be calculated based on your earnings. You cannot be employed until you have a NIN, so apply right away in your first days in the UK. You should only complete the NIN application form (Form CA5400) if you have a valid UK visa or a BRP that you applied for outside the UK and that allows you to work in the UK. If you’re unsure, check the front of your BRP; you may already have one.

Alternatively, you may apply by calling the National Insurance number application line. You will need to schedule an in-person interview, which will take several weeks before a decision is mailed to your address. If you’re going to work in the UK, you may want to move your car as well. With international car transportation, it’s never been easier to move a car overseas.

4. Enroll in the NHS and obtain an EHIC for healthcare coverage

To obtain an NHS number, you must register with a local doctor in your area. Every person registered with the NHS is assigned a unique patient identification number, referred to as an NHS number. That number is permanent, much like a Social Security number is in the United States. It is used to connect your healthcare records when you change GPs, consult with other healthcare providers, or attend A&E.

Obtaining an EHIC Card Is Critical for Traveling Outside the United Kingdom in Europe

Apply for a European Health Insurance Card if you intend to travel inside Europe, as ex-pats do. An EHIC card entitles you to access discounted (and possibly free) medical care if an emergency or treatment becomes necessary while on vacation or business in another country. Registration is completely free. Free healthcare? Yes, you’ve heard that right. You can start getting international moving quotes right now.

5.  Go and register with the US Embassy

Notify the US Embassy of your whereabouts. This is vital for Americans who have relocated to the United Kingdom and are not simply visiting. By registering with the US Embassy, you inform the US government of your residence in the event of a natural, civil, or family disaster. In the case of a pandemic, the US Embassy may provide daily email updates with critical travel information, passport and VISA services, and even information on repatriation. They will provide you with important notices through e-mail. This is another way to stay updated about your location in the United Kingdom or where you want to travel. After relocating to the United Kingdom from the United States, visit states register to sign in with the US Embassy.

5. Get out there and spend your first days in the UK enjoying amazing sights

It’s crucial to make the most of your first days in the UK because you only get to do it once. And you’ll soon discover that your new house offers a slew of fun activities that don’t entail comparing energy prices or looking into local school alternatives… Whatever your interests, there’s something for you here. Whether it’s a trip to your local museum, a trek through the beautiful countryside. Or even a pint at your neighborhood pub.

Don’t miss out on London’s many parks and gardens or a Thames boat ride on your first days in the UK. You can also visit Edinburgh’s historic Old Town or take a hike up Arthur’s Seat if you’re flying in there. Castles and bustling cities like Manchester and Leeds are the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon stroll through Wales’s rolling hills and moors.  With the help of our international household movers, you’ll be able to enjoy all the wonders of the UK in just a few days.