AIRPORTS

The United Kingdom consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  In England, there are 470 airports. London has five airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stanstead, London City and Luton. The first three have underground connections to the centre of London and are the main London airports. The top 10 busiest airports in the UK are:

  • Heathrow

  • Gatwick

  • Manchester

  • Stansted

  • Birmingham

  • Glasgow

  • Edinburgh

  • Luton

  • Belfast International

  • Bristol

ACCOMMODATION IN THE UK

In the UK, you have the option to either buy or rent a home. Purchasing a property can be a lengthy process, so you may need to rent ahead of completing your move. Points to be considered before you rent a house:

  • Is the landlord or letting agent trying to charge any fees? 
  • For how long do you want the tenancy for? 

You can ask for a tenancy to be any time between 6 months and 7 years. This has to be agreed with the landlord.

  • What can you afford? 

Think of how much rent you can afford. Usually, 35% of the take-home pay is the maximum that many people can afford. But this depends on what your other outgoings are; for example, whether you have children.

  • Are you entitled to Housing Benefit or Universal Credit? 

If so, you may get help with all or part of your rent. If you are renting from a private landlord, you will receive up to the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate to cover or help with the cost of the rent.

  • Which area would you like to live in, and how are you looking for a rented home?

The broader the area in which you are willing to look, the better your chances of discovering the perfect home.

  • Do you have your documents ready?

Landlords and agents will want to verify your name, immigration status, credit history, and job status, among other things.

  • Do you have the right to rent property in the UK? 

Landlords are responsible for ensuring that all tenants over the age of 18 who reside in their property as their primary or sole residence have the legal right to rent. They will need to duplicate your documents and return them to you.

  • Will you need a rent guarantee? 

Some landlords might ask someone to guarantee your rent. For more info, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent/how-to-rent-the-checklist-for-renting-in-england

COST OF ACCOMMODATIONS FOR RENT:

In the United Kingdom, accommodation cost varies from place to place. The rental prices in the UK depend on where you like to live and the type of apartments you want. To minimize the expenses you can share your accommodation or house. Usually, the accommodation expense in UK is £250 to £700 per month per person. In major cities like London, Manchester is more expensive compared to other places in the United Kingdom. The average hotel costs in London for a single room is £50 to £300 per day and for a double room £75 to £450 per day. 

When you opt to rent, there are two options:

  1. Option one is to live in a shared property. Shared accommodation allows you to cut the cost of rent and utilities in exchange for a single or a double bedroom. Other facilities such as the living room, kitchen, bathroom and garden are all communal.

  2. Option two is to rent accommodation of your own. It means you must pay all costs, but no need to share facilities.

Rental flats (apartments) or houses can be furnished or unfurnished. Furnished accommodation usually includes a bed, wardrobe, kitchen appliances and a sofa.

The best way to find accommodation to buy or rent is by using a local estate agent. There are usually several agencies in towns and cities, mainly located on the high street. You can also conduct your own searches for property to buy or rent on the internet.

For more info, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent/how-to-rent-the-checklist-for-renting-in-england

Few Recommendations: 

www.rightmove.co.uk (Buy and Rent)

www.zoopla.co.uk (Buy and Rent)

www.primelocation.co.uk (Buy and Rent) 

www.gumtree.com (Rent only)

BRP CARD

A biometric residence permit (BRP) can be used to confirm you’re:

  • Identity

  • Right to study or work in the UK

  • Right to any public services or benefits you’re entitled to

  • You do not have to apply separately for a BRP. 

You’ll usually get a BRP if you:

  • Apply to come to the UK for longer than 6 months

  • Extend your visa to longer than 6 months

  • Apply to settle in the UK

  • Transfer your visa to a new passport

  • Apply for certain Home Office travel documents

BRP WILL INCLUDE:

  • Your name, date and place of birth.

  • Your fingerprints and a photo of your face (this is your biometric information).

  • Your immigration status and any conditions of your stay

  • Whether you can access public funds, for example benefits and health services.

  • You may have a National Insurance (NI) number printed on the back of your BRP. Not all BRPs have this – it depends on factors like the date it was issued and your visa status.

HOW TO COLLECT THE BRP CARD?

Collect your BRP once you’re in the UK. You must usually do this before the vignette sticker in your travel document expires or within 10 days of arriving in the UK, whichever is later. Check your decision letter. It will tell you to collect your BRP from either:

  • A named Post Office branch.

  • Your sponsor if you chose this option when you applied.

You must be over 18 to collect a BRP.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

  • Bring your passport or travel document with your vignette sticker in when you collect your BRP.

  • You’ll get your vignette sticker when your visa application is approved. You have permission to come to the UK within 30 days of getting it.

COLLECTING A CHILD’S BRP

  • You must be nominated to collect a child’s BRP, even if you’re the child’s parent.

  • The Home Office will tell you within 5 working days if you’re approved to collect the child’s BRP.

NATIONAL INSURANCE

  • Your NI number is unique to you and ensures that your contributions and tax payments are properly recorded against your name.

  • As a UK worker, you must pay National Insurance (NI) in order to build up your entitlement to certain state benefits, including the state pension.

  • These contributions are based on the amount of money you are paid and are deducted from your salary each month.

  • It also acts as your reference number in any dealings.

  • Call the National Insurance number application line to ask for an application form.

  • National Insurance number application line (England, Scotland and Wales).

  •      Telephone: 0800 141 2075

  •      Text phone: 0800 141 2438

  • Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

  • Return the application form along with your proof of identity (Passport & BRP) and your right to work or study in the UK.

  • Refer the application form for any other Proof of documents to be submitted.

  • After you apply, it can take up to 6- 8 weeks to get your National Insurance number.

  • Documents Required:

  • Passport Copy

  • BRP Copy

  • Filled Application Form. 

CURRENCY IN THE UK

The pound sterling (symbol: £) is the official currency of the United Kingdom, and it is subdivided into 100 pence (symbol: p). You may acquire notes in the denominations of £50, £20, £10, and £5, as well as coins in the denominations of £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, and 1p. You can also get coins in the denominations of £2, £1, 50p, 20p, 10p, 5p, 2p, and 1p. Banks, travel agencies, and post offices are just a few of the sites where you can exchange money in the United Kingdom. Among the many nicknames for £ are Pound Sterling, Sterling, Quid, and Nickel.

BANK ACCOUNT

To open a bank account in the United Kingdom, you’ll need two pieces of documentation: one to prove your identification and another to prove your residence. This is true for both in-branch and online transactions. There is no single list of documents that are accepted as evidence of address; instead, each bank has its own list of approved documents. Generally speaking, these are comprised of the following: Rent or mortgage agreement; latest power or gas bill; and any other relevant documentation (less than 3 months old) Not printed off the internet, but a recent (less than 3 months old) bank or credit card statement is OK. The current amount of council tax is due. Credit card statements and a temporary driving licence will not be accepted as proof of identification.

Documents required opening a bank account in the UK without proof of address?

  1. Letter confirming your National Insurance number

Note: Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC and NatWest all offer international bank accounts. In these banks account can be opened in the home country and accessed internationally.
Bank Accounts types:

In the United Kingdom, there are several different sorts of accounts, but the most common is a regular current bank account, which is used for basic everyday activities such as paying bills and receiving a salary. Overdraft protection is usually included with these types of accounts, as is a debit card and a chequebook. Savings accounts provide a greater interest rate than checking accounts and are intended for just what their name implies: saving money.

Credit and Debit cards: 

Credit cards, debit cards, and contactless payment methods are widely used in the United Kingdom, and they are the quickest and most convenient way to pay for products. Visa and MasterCard (International) are the two most widely used credit cards in the world.

Money Exchange:

Travelex, American Express and Cheque point all have branches throughout Britain and usually offer good exchange facilities.  Marks & Spencer (one of the most popular and well-recognised department stores in the UK) has bureaux de change in more than 110 of its stores across the UK. They charge no commission on foreign currency travellers’ cheques and only 1 per cent on sterling travellers’ cheques. Many post offices across the UK also offer bureaux de change services. 

Banking Hours:

Banks and building societies may be found on nearly every high street and are normally open from 9 a.m. to 16 p.m., Monday through Friday; however, opening hours might vary depending on the location. Some banks, particularly in larger towns and cities, may also be open on Saturdays and Sundays. During public holidays (also known as Bank holidays), banks are closed, and some Scottish banks are closed for an hour during lunchtime. As a result, many banks now have 24-hour banking lobbies where you may access a variety of services through ATMs (also known as cash machines), and support is available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week (24/7)

HEALTH CARE

Health care surrounds the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), which is probably one of the greatest in the world. The service provides free hospital treatment on-site. Private healthcare is also available, although at a cost. You must be registered with a family doctor, often known as a general practitioner, to receive NHS treatment (GP). Do this as soon as you arrive in the UK. In England, you don’t pay to see a GP, but prescriptions are £8.60. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you require emergency medical care but it is not life-threatening, dial 111. Call 999 if you fear for your life. Then you’ll be told where to go for treatment. You can go to an urgent care centre if you require immediate medical assistance but it is not life-threatening. Currently, the NHS offers walk-in clinics, urgent care clinics, minor injury units, and urgent treatment clinics, all of varying quality. This means they will either be termed urgent treatment facilities or offer other primary health care services by autumn 2020 Urgent care centres want to provide a consistent service across the country. They’re GP-led and open at least 12 hours every day (including bank holidays). Clinics – Unable to arrange an appointment with your doctor or not yet registered, you might go to a walk-in clinic. Once there, fill out a form and join a line. You will see a doctor that day and it is free. If you are aged 13-16, your information will be kept private and no one in your household will be contacted without your agreement. Your co-workers may advise you to contact your parents or another trusted adult. 

Sexual Health: 

Consultations on sexual health are provided free of charge. You can usually walk in, but sometimes you need an appointment. You can get free condoms, birth control tablets, and a pregnancy test. Some clinics will also test for STDs.

Dentist: 
Dentistry is one of the few NHS services where you have to pay a co-payment. Charges must be agreed upon before therapy begins. Emergency dental treatment costs £22.70.  For more information visit https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/dentists/understanding-nhs-dental-charges/
Childcare:

Childcare is offered all around the UK, with rates changing depending on service level, child’s age, and location. Private nurseries typically accept children as young as six months old and charge between £30 and £100 per day. Many workplaces provide a Daycare Voucher programme where you can set aside a portion of your wages that isn’t tax deductible for childcare expenses. The Tax Free Childcare Scheme provides financial assistance to parents based on parameters such as household income. Three-year-olds are eligible for 30 hours of free childcare.  For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator

 

PHARMACIES

Pharmacists in the UK are highly trained professionals who should be able to assist you in most instances. You can find many community pharmacies in towns and villages in and around the UK where pharmacists will be able to dispense medication, dispose of out-of-date medication and offer advice on minor ailments and wellbeing. If you’re feeling unwell a pharmacist will be able to help you decide whether or not you need to see a healthcare professional. You can buy a wide range of over-the-counter drugs in Britain. Many medicines, however, are available only with a doctor’s prescription so if you are likely to need medication, either bring it with you or ask your usual doctor to write out the name of the drug you need. If you are entitled to an NHS prescription, you will be charged a standard rate; if not, you will be charged the full cost of the drug. Some pharmacies are open until midnight; contact your local hospital for a list. You can call the NHS 111 Service, a 24-hour helpline or, for emergencies, go to a hospital A&E department. In an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

 

MEDICINES DURING TRAVEL

When travelling with medicines, you are permitted to bring the following items: Not more than 100ml of essential medications, including liquid nutritional items and inhalers, are required. If you require medical equipment for your journey, make sure to bring it along with you! You’ll need supporting documents from a medical practitioner who can vouch for your qualifications (for example a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription). In order to screen the liquids at the security check, airport personnel may need to open the containers. Equipment for medical use is subjected to a special screening procedure.

COUNCIL TAX

If you are over the age of 18 and own or rent a home, you are required to pay council tax. A full Council Tax bill is calculated on the assumption that a home has at least two adults residing in it. The bill is jointly and severally liable amongst spouses and partners who live in the same household. 25 percent off your payment if you qualify as an adult for Council Tax and either: you live on your own, no one else in your home qualifies as an adult; or you qualify as an adult for Council Tax and both. There will be a 50 percent discount applied if there is no one residing in your home who qualifies as an adult, including you. If everyone in your household, including you, is enrolled as a full-time student, you will not be required to pay any Council Tax. 

For more info visit: https://www.gov.uk/council-tax

INCOME TAX

When you make money, you have to pay taxes on it. You won’t have to pay tax on your earnings in the majority of circumstances. Amount of money you receive as a salary or wage from your job. Any earnings you make as a self-employed person, including those from services you sell on websites or through applications, can be deducted from your taxable income.

 The following are some of the benefits of living in each state:

A few examples of accessible grants include the Self-Employment Income Support Program, the Small Business Grant Fund, the Retail Hospitality and Leisure Grant Program, and the Corona Virus Job Retention Program. State pensions, company and individual pensions, and retirement annuities are just a few of the many retirement benefits that are available. Unless you’re an in-home landlord who earns less than the maximum rent per room, all rental income is subject to federal taxation. Employment-related advantages that you’ve accrued an example of trust revenue are trustee income.

​Deposits that are greater than the amount of money you have set aside earn interest.

VAT

Value added tax, also known as VAT, is a tax that you must pay when you purchase goods or services. The standard rate of VAT in the United Kingdom is 20 percent, with approximately half of the things that households purchase falling within this category. When it comes to certain items such as children’s car seats and home energy, there is a reduced cost of 5 percent that applies. For more info visit: https://www.gov.uk/browse/tax/vat

PENSION

You’ll be able to claim the new State Pension if you’re:

  • A man born on or after 6 April 1951

  • A woman born on or after 6 April 1953

The earliest you can get the new State Pension is when you reach State Pension age. To qualify for any State Pension, you must have a minimum of ten qualifying years on your National Insurance record. They do not have to be 10 qualifying years in a row. This means for 10 years at least one or more of the following applied to you:

  • You were working and paid National Insurance contributions

  • You were getting National Insurance credits for example if you were unemployed, ill or a parent or carer

  • You were paying voluntary National Insurance contributions

  • If you’ve lived or worked abroad you might still be able to get some new State Pension.

You might also qualify if you’ve paid married women’s or widow’s reduced rate contributions.

For more info visit: https://www.gov.uk/browse/working/state-pension

COST OF LIVING

The cost of living is dependent on where you live in the UK. The prices of accommodation, goods and services are generally more expensive in the south of England, particularly in London. In contrast, living in the north of England or in Scotland can prove much more affordable, although public transport can be far less reliable in more rural areas. In addition to monthly mortgage repayments/rent payments, you must pay council tax (to fund local services) and monthly utility bills, including gas, water and electricity, all of which are dependent on usage. The main costs that you need to consider are:

  • Accommodation in UK, Transport in UK, Food and drinks in UK, Entertainment in UK, Clothing in UK.

UK EDUCATION SYSTEM

The UK education system is worldwide reputed for its high quality and standards. In general, the British higher education system has five stages of education: early years, primary years, secondary education, Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE). Britons enter the education system at the age of three and up to 16 are obliged to attend school (compulsory education), while afterward is upon their choice. This aging time frame contains two sections of the education system in UK: Primary and Secondary School.

About 94% of pupils in England and rest of the UK receive free education from Public funds. Rest 6% attend independent fee paying schools or home schooling. The school year usually begins in September and concludes in July and is split into three terms. Children are required to attend primary school from the age of five, although four-year-olds are eligible to be registered, too. Children between the ages of 11 and 16 must attend secondary education. Once compulsory education has been completed, students may seek further education at college or university, or find employment.

Admission Criteria

All schools have admission criteria to decide which children get places. The school or local council usually set these. Admission criteria are different for each school. They may give priority to children who live close to the school, who have a brother or sister at the school already from a particular religion (for faith schools), who pass an entrance exam (for selective schools, for example grammar schools), who went to a particular primary school (a ‘feeder school’), who are eligible for the pupil premium or the service pupil premium Whose parent has worked at the school for 2 years or more

Children with special educational needs (SEN)

If your child has SEN, their Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan will name a school for them. The school must give your child a place. You can ask your local council to carry out an assessment if you think your child needs additional support with their educational, health and social needs.

For more info visit: https://www.gov.uk/schools-admissions

DRIVING IN THE UK

Having a valid driver’s licence is required to drive a vehicle in the United Kingdom. The driving licence of a foreign country is valid for one year from the date of entry into the United Kingdom. It is advisable to apply for an international driving permit (IDP) if your licence is not printed in English. It is possible to convert a driving licence from a left-side driving country to a right-side driving country. If you are planning on remaining in the UK indefinitely, you will need to apply for a UK driving licence.

For additional info, go to-

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/driver-and-vehicle-licensing-agency/index.html. 

Vehicle

The vehicle must have a current MOT certificate. It is necessary to insure and tax the vehicle.

Rules of the Road

  • As you drive around the UK, keep some basic driving rules in mind, and know that the UK uses miles per hour, so there’s no need to convert to kilometres.

  • Driving on the left side of the road

  • Speed limits: On highways, the speed limit is usually 70 miles per hour (mph), but on country roads, it slows down to 40 or 50 mph.

  • U-turns: Drivers are allowed to execute a U-turn or 3-point-turn on any UK road where it can be safely done, and it is not expressly forbidden. 

  • You’ll know when U-turns are not permitted if you see a sign with an upside-down “U” crossed out with a red line.

  • Seat belts: It is illegal not to wear a seatbelt in the UK, and if you are caught you could be fined up to 500 pounds.

  • Children and car seats: Children under 12 years old or shorter than 4 feet 5 inches (135 centimetres) must be fitted in a car seat.

  • Driving – Fines & Penalties

  • The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and 3 penalty points added to your licence.

  • You could be disqualified from driving if you build up 12 or more penalty points within a period of 3 years

For more info visit: https://www.gov.uk/speeding-penalties

NOISE REGULATIONS

If there is a noise nuisance, the council can issue an abatement notice to the individual who is causing the noise as well as the owner or occupier of the property in question. The night time hours are from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. The law establishes a maximum quantity of noise that is acceptable during the night hours in order to decrease the nuisance caused by dwellings and businesses. When noise levels surpass the authorised limit, the district council can investigate and take action against the neighbour or other source of the excessive noise. When a council investigates a noise complaint about a neighbour, entertainment venue, pub, club, or restaurant during the night hours, they have the authority to issue a warning under the Noisy Neighbourhoods Act. A fixed-penalty notice should be sent. Take control of any noise-making equipment.

 

SMOKE ALARM

Smoke alarms are self-contained devices that incorporate a means of detecting a fire (smoke detector) and giving a warning (alarm), usually a very loud beeping sound.

  • They are about the size of a hand and are normally fitted to the ceiling.

  • All smoke and heat alarms should be interlinked.

  • They can detect fires in their early stages and give you those precious minutes to enable you and your family to leave your house in safety.

  • A smoke alarm will be on every storey of the premises on which there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation.

POLICE

  • The sight of a traditional bobby (an affectionate term for a policeman) walking the streets is still a common occurrence and police patrol cars frequently navigate towns and cities.

  • There are police stations across cities, towns and villages that you can go to should you need to.   

  • Unlike in many other countries, the police force in Britain does not carry guns but there are specially trained Firearms Officers.

  • If you are lost, ask a policeman or woman – they are courteous, approachable and helpful.

  • Traffic wardens may also be able to help you with directions. If you have been the victim of a robbery or an assault, contact the police by dialling 999 or 101 for non-emergencies.

  • All Britain’s major cities have police community support officers, who patrol the city streets working alongside the police.

  • They are able to deal with anti-social behaviour, can offer advice on crime prevention and can also help you with directions and information.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Ambulance: 999, Fire: 999, Police: 999, Non- Urgent police calls: 101,24-Hour Medical advice: 111

A BRIEF ABOUT BRITISH CITIZENS

These little cultural differences will be a regular part of adapting to life in UK, and so it’s important to learn them before you even arrive. You want to make sure that you don’t offend anyone as you’re getting used to life in UK

  • The British are punctual

  • Never jump lines, known as “queues” in UK

  • In the UK, it’s acceptable to keep one arm’s length between yourself and those you are speaking with. 

  • Please, thank you, sorry and excuse me are normal parts of everyday conversations and interactions. 

  • The British have a high amount of respect for older adults and the disabled

  • British people rarely use superlatives and are not very animated when they speak

  • British people often avoid extended eye contact. 

  • If you are invited to the home of a native British person, it is normal to bring along a gift, such as   chocolate, wine, or flowers to say thank you.

  • If you go to a pub with your friends, it is common practice to buy a round of drinks for those who you   came with.

  • The person who has invited you to dinner is typically the one who pays. 

  • Not only true in London, but throughout the rest of the UK, it’s an unwritten rule that you should stand   on the right of escalators. The left is for people who like to run up them if they’re in a rush.

Did you know?

  • On Average 165 million cups of tea  are consumed every day in Britain

  • There are 100 universities in UK

  • The UK was the first country to use postage stamps.

  • London is home to the world’s largest library

  • There are total 69 official cities

  • London has more Indian restaurants.

  • The oldest house in UK has stone furniture.

  • The Queen Mary of Scotland became queen when she was just six days old.

  • You get a personalized card from the queen if you reach your 100th birthday.

  • The UK is the world’s first country to permit the formation of offspring from the DNA of three people.

  • There is a ‘Rent a Mourner’ facility to fill your funeral with fake friends.

  • All the horses, Ponies and donkeys have horse passports.

  • It is illegal to ride a hover board scooter in public

  • VAT is charged at 20 Percent

  • Speed and distance are measured in miles.

  • Central London operates a daily congestion charge of £11.50 between 07:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday

  • Average rainfall: 885 millimetres per year

  • Four seasons in one day is totally normal

London

  • London is the capital of the United Kingdom.

  • The Romans founded London about 50 CE. Its name is derived from the Celtic word Londinios, which means the place of the bold one.

  • The City of London, known simply as ‘the City’ which is the business and financial heart of the United   Kingdom. It is also known as the Square Mile (2.59 sq. km/1 sq. mi)

  • London is situated in south-eastern England, lying astride the River Thames some 50 miles (80 km) upstream   from its estuary on the North Sea.

  • London is made up of two ancient cities which are now joined together. 

  • The City of Westminster, where Parliament and most of the government offices are located and the Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the Queen and the Royal family are located.

  • Together they all make up a region known as Greater London.

  • London is the biggest city in Britain and in Europe.

  • London occupies over 620 square miles

  • London has a population of 9,304,000 (2020)

  • London is in the southeast of England.

  • London is the seat of central government in Britain.

  • The tallest building in London is the Canary Wharf Tower.

  • London was the first city in the world to have an underground railway, known as the ‘Tube’.

  • Some of the most important people from countries all over the world visit the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

  • There are over 100 theatres in London, including 50 in the West End.

  • London theatre accounts for 45% of all UK theatre admissions and over 70% of box-office revenues.

  • More than 300 languages are spoken within London

  • As one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe, London offers Michelin-starred dining, electrifying entertainment and truly vibrant nightlife and a first-class transport links.

  • The  four prominent UNESCO World Heritage Sites in London are  The Tower of London , The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, The Palace of Westminster, Maritime Greenwich

FESTIVALS

English citizens anxiously anticipate Festival & Event season. The ways in which the New Year is celebrated vary greatly from city to city within the United Kingdom. Boxing Day is a significant element of the celebrations and events that take place in England over the holidays. Easter, Easter Monday, May Day Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, and Boxing Day are all popular celebrations in England.

 

TIME

  • In the UK the clocks go forward 1 hour at 1am on the last Sunday in March, and back 1 hour at 2am on the last Sunday in October.

  • The period when the clocks are 1 hour ahead is called British Summer Time (BST). There’s more daylight in the evenings and less in the mornings (sometimes called Daylight Saving Time).

  • When the clocks go back, the UK is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

  • For easy understanding it’s ‘spring forwards, fall back.

DO'S

  • Do stand in line.

  • Do say ‘Excuse Me’

  • Do Pay as you Go

  • Do say ‘Please’ and ‘Thank-you’

  • Do cover your Mouth

  • Do Shake Hands

  • Do Smile

  • Do take an Umbrella

  • Do greet people you meet

  • Do lower the volume

  • Do take your appointments seriously

  • Do Respect personal space

DONT'S

  • Do not greet people with a kiss

  • Do not stare at anyone in public

  • Do not pick your nose in public

  • Do not do gestures such as backslapping and hugging.

  • Do not speak with your mouth full of food

  • Do not ask personal or intimate questions

  • Do not eat off a knife when having a meal.

  • Don’t Drive in Cities Until You’re Confident You Can

  • Don’t get Offended at Being Called ‘Duck’ or ‘Mate’

HOW TO BUY A HOME?

Buying a home is often the largest purchase you will make in your lifetime. It is really important you have the right information, at the right time, to ensure you make informed decisions. 

For more info visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-buy-a-home/how-to-buy