Going to London... finally
I posted a couple weeks ago asking about the job and rent situation in London and all that. Welp, I am about to make the move!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've got my Visa (a 2-year work permit) about 4000CAD saved up and this is equivalent to 2261GBP, roundtrip tickets, and travel insurance, so I'm pretty much set.
( Loads of questions on the way )
( Loads of questions on the way )
I do recommend bringing a US extension lead with several US sockets on it. That way you can buy one transformer (or even just a plug adapter) and plug your laptop and other devices into that extension lead (of course don't overload it!) That's what I do. UK->US adapters are very easy to buy over here, and you can find them in the travel products aisles in the drugstores (Boots), in the electrical shops (Currys and Maplin) and in luggage shops. I've even seen them in many corner shops in London since we get so many tourists and visitors. Expect to pay £2-£4 for one.
Get a UK cell phone contract and find out about international dialling cards. And don't expect internet broadband or telephone service to be included in your rent! If you want to watch TV, unless you're in a shared house, you may have to buy your own TV licence (around £150/year). As others have said, the council tax (rates) can be a surprise if not included in rent (check), as a house can have an annual council tax of around £200/month, so if you're sharing with three others, that could be another £50/month. Rent, you'll often be asked for a month's rent in advance, plus up to six week's deposit, so if you are expecting rent to be £50/week, be prepared to hand over up to £500 (of which £300 is deposit and you'll get a lot of that back) ... though of course that depends on the landlord and the people you are sharing with.
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