Moving to England

[earlsy]

I am moving back to England in July after 18 years living in South East Asia.

I am guessing there are are a lot of things I will not know about everyday life in the UK there days.

Here are a few of questions - all answers gratefully received, plus any other advice I may not have thought of...

Which company should I use to get a mobile phone sim card?

How do I update my drivers license to a credit card type?

What do I do about registering for tax purposes and for voting?

I have already registered my kids to go to the nearest local school - anything else to do in this area?

Anything else?

Thanks in advance

John

[adigra]

Welcome back!

Most of the things you are asking about are simply done online now, including tax, voting and changing your driver's licence, and all through the gov.uk website. I've found all of the services to be very quick lately (new licence arrived in two days, for instance, while it used to take weeks, and amazingly, I got road tax refund on Monday having sold my car the previous Friday).

As for the mobile SIM, it depends on how you use it. I go with 3 because their internet rates are super low, and their roaming rates in many other countries are superior to anyone else. But those are the things I use the most, so it'll come down to your needs.

Be sure to remember that the funny yellow boxes on the side of the road aren't decorations, they will take your photo and charge your for the privilege, and add nice points to your licence (if you go too fast).

[bonzo697]

With regards to mobile phones the major providers all have coverage checkers, so you can type in your new postcode and see which offers the best reception.

[Rod]

For SIM card go GiffGaff and get a monthly goodybag. Voted by Which as the best provider. Uses the O2 network and is excellent.
Driving licence go online to change.

[valleywatch]

Ive still got the older style "paper" driving license..................Im not going to change it until its mandatory!

[thegreatdogwood]

With regards to mobile phones the major providers all have coverage checkers, so you can type in your new postcode and see which offers the best reception.

100% agree. I have a company phone on Vodafone which is terrible for this area whilst I registered a personal phone on O2 which has been great.

They all have similar packages these days but coverage can vary enormously depending on where you use it so make sure you have a perfect signal at home as first check

[jaytip]

I notice you didn't mention doctors. Get yourself registered with one of the local surgeries.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dave+63]

Ive still got the older style "paper" driving license..................Im not going to change it until its mandatory!

You're going to have to because you're changing your address.

[seadog1408]

You're going to have to because you're changing your address.

Do you know something he doesn't?!

[Dave+63]

Do you know something he doesn't?!

Good point. I was making assumptions.

[TaketheCannoli]

I think everything's already been answered so I don't have anything to add other than buy an umbrella and lots of warm clothes, be prepared to be screwed by this Government (unless you're extremely wealthy of course and then they'll look after you), be prepared for 8 months of winter and finally........have a re-think.

Best of luck.

[earlsy]

Thanks for the responses. Yeah, doctor - very important! I'll add it to my list.

Cheers

[Rolthai32]

Why would you? Stay away the UK is broken beyond repair

[earlsy]

Rolthai, Family reasons plus I would like more meaningful work and would like my kids to experience the UK.

[seadog1408]

Why would you? Stay away the UK is broken beyond repair

In which way?

[TaketheCannoli]

In which way?

In lots of ways; NHS slowly being killed-off by this Government for the intention of selling it off (I've heard that from two career GPs so it's not just my opinion), Government driving down public sector pay so far that it too can be sold-off which will lead to higher unemployment and poorer services, manufacturing dying on its arse, the weather....should I go on?

[seadog1408]

In lots of ways; NHS slowly being killed-off by this Government for the intention of selling it off (I've heard that from two career GPs so it's not just my opinion), Government driving down public sector pay so far that it too can be sold-off which will lead to higher unemployment and poorer services, manufacturing dying on its arse, the weather....should I go on?

The question was for rolthai.

[TaketheCannoli]

The question was for rolthai.

Sorry for interrupting.

[andrew]

In lots of ways; NHS slowly being killed-off by this Government for the intention of selling it off (I've heard that from two career GPs so it's not just my opinion), Government driving down public sector pay so far that it too can be sold-off which will lead to higher unemployment and poorer services, manufacturing dying on its arse, the weather....should I go on?

That the NHS is regarded as one of the main reason which British think other people will be attracted to Britain is almost as funny as it is tragically sad. And that, naturally, any incomer would naturally gravitate to the public sector - and only the public sectore - speaks to the country's strong socialist leanings. However I agree on the weather - it's bloody awful.

[genesos]

"The question was for rolthai"

The answer was for all,,

[manganr]

The old paper Driving License is already obsolete so updating IS mandatory.

[Roy_Drage]

Ive still got the older style "paper" driving license..................Im not going to change it until its mandatory!

Same here, still valid.

[marcbe]

Well having lived overseas for a few years I really appreciate living back in the UK now. I think a lot of British people are quick to complain and slow to appreciate the many things this country has to offer ! It's much easier to focus on the negatives ! Just my view !!

[Roy_Drage]

The old paper Driving License is already obsolete so updating IS mandatory.

Do you mean the old paper licence or the new counterpart that came with the plastic card?

[Glamdring]

The old pink one which I still have is valid unless you change addresses or need the details changed in some way.

[Dave+63]

Well having lived overseas for a few years I really appreciate living back in the UK now. I think a lot of British people are quick to complain and slow to appreciate the many things this country has to offer ! It's much easier to focus on the negatives ! Just my view !!

That was my experience too.

[Andyg]

Thanks for the responses. Yeah, doctor - very important! I'll add it to my list.

Cheers

And dentist for the kiddies and you (if you are lucky).

Welcome home BTW.

[jaytip]

That the NHS is regarded as one of the main reason which British think other people will be attracted to Britain is almost as funny as it is tragically sad.

The NHS is still an institution that we can be proud of, is it perfect? Of course not. But it's there when you NEED. It, and it's FREE- let's not get into semantics about paying for it all our lives. My boy cut his head open last Monday (bank holiday, remember) and was all seen to within 20 minutes of us giving his name.

[draftsmann]

A big subject but depending on your circumstances there might be tax planning opportunities requiring action pre-relocation. Worth seeking advice.

[hilly10]

manufacturing dying on its arse, the weather....should I go on?

The auto mobile industry looks far from dead on its arse.

[paule23]

The people who are so down on this country, why stay? Nowhere is perfect but old Blighty is still a lot better than the majority of countries out there. Sure you can cherry pick individual items in other countries that are better, but as a whole it's a great place and nowhere near as bad as some people make out.

Re. The original question, there must be a thousand things you need to sort out, but one of the first would be to get a UK bank account (if you no longer have one). So many companies will want to see proof of address or bank statements, and you'll need somewhere for any salary!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Thewatchbloke]

Welcome back to England, as most of your points have been addressed I just though I'd add that I've always thought if you're English and you're not happy living here then you'll never be happy living anywhere else, for it's many faults it's still a superb place to live.

[Bristolian]

That the NHS is regarded as one of the main reason which British think other people will be attracted to Britain is almost as funny as it is tragically sad. And that, naturally, any incomer would naturally gravitate to the public sector - and only the public sector - speaks to the country's strong socialist leanings. However I agree on the weather - it's bloody awful.

Quite.

As for the weather - you're right it is awful in the northern bits, but at least it changes - and there are always cheap flights to somewhere hot when it gets too much.

If your 'somewhere hot' is inside the EEA, take your European Health Insurance Card (until June 23 obvs.) and enjoy free and largely superior health services while you're there.

[robert75]

Be careful of the food and watches (apparently)

[Rolthai32]

In which way?

Let's just list a few the demise of
Economy
Manufacturing
Services
Ethnically
Morally
NHS
Steel
Coal
Local government
Corruption
Immigration
EU
Etc,Etc
And many more,I moved out 14 years ago and on the few occasions I have been back I could not wait to get on the plane.

[paule23]

Let's just list a few the demise of
Economy
Manufacturing
Services
Ethnically
Morally
NHS
Steel
Coal
Local government
Corruption
Immigration
EU
Etc,Etc
And many more,I moved out 14 years ago and on the few occasions I have been back I could not wait to get on the plane.

I'm going to have to challenge a few of these. The economy? Yes we've had a recession, but so did pretty much every other major developed economy.

Demise of services? I thought the service sector was generally accepted to be one of the key strengths of the economy?

Morally - you'll have to be more specific

NHS - again, what don't you like about it!still free at the point of need, still saving lives every day

Steel - I assume you mean the decline of the industry. Well this is market forces. If you're happy to pay another £1000 for your car to use Uk steel feel free. The loss of the industry is due to it being uncompetitive globally. Do you want to subsidise it forever? Same goes for coal really.

Local govt - again, you might have to be a bit more specific here. What's the problem? Same with corruption, yes we have some, but I'd say we're less corrupt than the majority.

Immigration - the only thing sustaining economic growth in out country. We've always been a country of immigration, long may it continue.

EU - in my view a good thing, what don't you like about it?

I'd love to know where you live currently and why it is better than England on all the items you listed above?

[demonloop]

Can't belive no one has mentioned fish and chips?

[seadog1408]

Let's just list a few the demise of
Economy
Manufacturing
Services
Ethnically
Morally
NHS
Steel
Coal
Local government
Corruption
Immigration
EU
Etc,Etc
And many more,I moved out 14 years ago and on the few occasions I have been back I could not wait to get on the plane.

Really, you are bringing up, NHS, government, immigration, morally, ethnically, corruption and...............you live in Thailand, piss taker. ( I work 6 months a year in the land of smiles so your bullshit doesn't wash.)

[Andyg]

Really, you are bringing up, NHS, government, immigration, morally, ethnically, corruption and...............you live in Thailand, piss taker. ( I work 6 months a year in the land of smiles so your bullshit doesn't wash.)

I think he was just trolling - or the high moral and incorruptible drugs, vice and child prostitution industry, etc, etc have got to his brain.

[ryanb741]

Having lived in many countries over the years (Thailand, UAE, Saudi, Bahrain, Australia, France, India) the UK is hands down the best place I've lived. IMHO the NHS is the crowning glory.

[Dave+63]

Having lived in many countries over the years (Thailand, UAE, Saudi, Bahrain, Australia, France, India) the UK is hands down the best place I've lived. IMHO the NHS is the crowning glory.

I think that you probably have to live abroad to fully appreciate the benefits of living at home.

It's not perfect but, to me anyway, the upsides far outweigh the downsides.

[Auto]

The NHS is still an institution that we can be proud of, is it perfect? Of course not. But it's there when you NEED. It, and it's FREE- let's not get into semantics about paying for it all our lives. My boy cut his head open last Monday (bank holiday, remember) and was all seen to within 20 minutes of us giving his name.

Hope he's doing ok now.

All the best.

Jon

[snowman]

Why would you? Stay away the UK is broken beyond repair

I have family who live in Thailand, you're throwing stones from a glass house, mate...

I recall someone I used to work with moaning in a similar fashion. When pressed it turned out it was because he'd been (deliberately) tax avoiding and left the country in a huff when they asked for his back tax in one go...

Not saying this is your reason, but people with such a strong view usually have an underlying personal reason.

That said, I think the anti-EU lobby are living in a bit of a Utopian fantasy if they think all will be roses if we left the EU. After decades of destroying our industries, there's little we actually DO any more so if the money shufflers wanted to move out of the UK, we'd be the poor man (out) of europe...

Still, I'm sure there's a body of opinion that being the 51st State of America under President Trump would be just dandy! I'll be moving out, the day that happens (but it won't be to Thailand!).

M.

[Mr.D]

I'm going to have to challenge a few of these. The economy? Yes we've had a recession, but so did pretty much every other major developed economy.

Demise of services? I thought the service sector was generally accepted to be one of the key strengths of the economy?

aye

Morally - you'll have to be more specific

NHS - again, what don't you like about it!still free at the point of need, still saving lives every day [/QUOTE]

aye

Steel - I assume you mean the decline of the industry. Well this is market forces. If you're happy to pay another £1000 for your car to use Uk steel feel free. The loss of the industry is due to it being uncompetitive globally. Do you want to subsidise it forever? Same goes for coal really.

Nay , national industry is about more than just profit margin. Most countries subsidise local industry. There is a strategy behind that to do with stability and maintaining a mean level of expertise that may become of critical importance in the future.

Local govt - again, you might have to be a bit more specific here. What's the problem? Same with corruption, yes we have some, but I'd say we're less corrupt than the majority.

Aye

Immigration - the only thing sustaining economic growth in out country. We've always been a country of immigration, long may it continue.

Aye let anyone who isn't a criminal in I say.

EU - in my view a good thing, what don't you like about it?

Aye , whenever they legislate something unhelpful we just tell them to do one anyway. Its much sexier being European than being British.

I'd love to know where you live currently and why it is better than England on all the items you listed above?

Aye but I'd say Britain rather than England. I've spent 8 years in India , coming back to the UK gets me excited the same way a a luxury holiday would.

[Mr.D]

I'm going to have to challenge a few of these. The economy? Yes we've had a recession, but so did pretty much every other major developed economy.

Demise of services? I thought the service sector was generally accepted to be one of the key strengths of the economy?

aye

Morally - you'll have to be more specific

NHS - again, what don't you like about it!still free at the point of need, still saving lives every day [/QUOTE]

aye

Steel - I assume you mean the decline of the industry. Well this is market forces. If you're happy to pay another £1000 for your car to use Uk steel feel free. The loss of the industry is due to it being uncompetitive globally. Do you want to subsidise it forever? Same goes for coal really.

Nay , national industry is about more than just profit margin. Most countries subsidise local industry. There is a strategy behind that to do with stability and maintaining a mean level of expertise that may become of critical importance in the future.

Local govt - again, you might have to be a bit more specific here. What's the problem? Same with corruption, yes we have some, but I'd say we're less corrupt than the majority.

Aye

Immigration - the only thing sustaining economic growth in out country. We've always been a country of immigration, long may it continue.

Aye let anyone who isn't a criminal in I say.

EU - in my view a good thing, what don't you like about it?

Aye , whenever they legislate something unhelpful we just tell them to do one anyway. Its much sexier being European than being British.

I'd love to know where you live currently and why it is better than England on all the items you listed above?

Aye but I'd say Britain rather than England. I've spent 8 years in India , coming back to the UK gets me excited the same way a a luxury holiday would.

[andrew]

The NHS is still an institution that we can be proud of, is it perfect? Of course not. But it's there when you NEED. It, and it's FREE- let's not get into semantics about paying for it all our lives. My boy cut his head open last Monday (bank holiday, remember) and was all seen to within 20 minutes of us giving his name.

Ans the best bit is, you didn't have to pay a refundable contribution at the time, to fix your son? That was the best bit? Stap me, that's twisted!

[seadog1408]

Ans the best bit is, you didn't have to pay a refundable contribution at the time, to fix your son? That was the best bit? Stap me, that's twisted!

Yawn.

[andrew]

Having lived in many countries over the years (Thailand, UAE, Saudi, Bahrain, Australia, France, India) the UK is hands down the best place I've lived. IMHO the NHS is the crowning glory.

Of what? Compared to the third world's options, the NHS probably looks attractive. But compared to the world's best, it's a serial underperformer. If that's the best thing you can think of, then you are painting a pretty poor picture of the UK compared to other countries.

[jaytip]

Hope he's doing ok now.

All the best.

Jon

Bounced back to his usual self straight away. Thanks for asking.

[mart broad]

The OP,s thread he can sort out schools but not driving licences and phones? strange and as to the NHS no it is not free it relies on contribution from the tax payer and my advice to the Op buy if you can the best private medical insurance you can afford.