THE
LONDON GUIDE
London...
Your adventure starts here!
LONDON, QUITE SIMPLY, IS ONE OF THE PLANET’S BEST CITIES. People have been travelling to the English capital in search of opportunity and adventure since the earliest days of its existence and everyone, it seems, finds a little of what they’re searching for in her busy streets. From raw commercial opportunity to no-holds-barred revelry, London is the jumping-off point for a new way of life. To help you land on your feet, the 1st Contact London Guide has been designed to make your transition from the old to the new as quick and easy as possible. There’s so much exploring to do in London, not to mention Europe, that you don’t want to waste time having to deal with things like admin! 1st Contact will do it all for you, and can help with lots more too. So take a deep breath, grab your 1st Contact London Guide and get ready to step out into the big wide world.
The 1st Contact London Guide
‘Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.’ Mark Twain
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Contents Before you leave 8 9 18 18 19 19 20 21
Kickstart Package Visas for the UK When to travel How to travel Airport security Packing tips Money on arrival Countdown checklist
Arriving in London 24 26 28
Landing in London Getting around (Un)written rules
Starting out 32 34
Types of accommodation Council tax and utilities
35 41 48 51
Popular areas to live London transport Healthcare Staying in touch
Your career 56 58 60 63 63 63 64 64 66
FREE job assistance CV assistance Interviews Working visas National Insurance Umbrella Payroll Ltd company accounting Tax refunds Employment sectors
Your money 72
Cost of living ‘The Gherkin’ – the second tallest building in the city of London at 180 metres
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Waterlow Park, Highgate
72 74 76 78 80 82 82 83 84
UK banking Lost cards and security UK tax system Umbrella Payroll Sable wealth/property Accounting Tax refunds NI number and rebates Money transfers
Travelling 109 Bank holidays 109 UK travel 110 EU travel 110 Festivals 112 Worldwide travel 113 Safety/lost passports 115 Travel health/clinic
Entertainment
Heading home
88 93 96 97
119 119 121 121 122
Food and restaurants Drinking establishments Nightlife Cinemas, live music and theatre 99 Shopping and markets 102 London days out (free) 104 London experiences (free) 106 London for a fee
Shipping Money transfers Tax refunds Job assistance Migration/immigration
Directory 126 Useful links, directory and 1st Contact details
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Services at a glance
Live London to the max... We can help
WHO ARE WE? 1st Contact is a service provider for the working traveller and settled migrant. We will help you before you leave, all through your stay and after you arrive back home, from visas to forex and job assistance to rebates, we have been experts in the ďŹ eld for over 15 years. KICKSTART pg 8: > UK bank account > NI assistance > London info pack > UK SIM card > International calling card JOB ASSISTANCE pg 56 & 121: > CV assistance > FREE recruitment help > Jobs back home VISAS pg 9, 63 & 122: > Migration/immigration > Tier 1 and more > Visa tips
The 1st Contact London Guide
> Ancestral, marriage, partner and student visas
TAX REFUNDS pg 64, 82 & 121: > Tax services
ACCOUNTING pg 64 & 82: > Administration
> NI rebates
> Full range of services
SABLE WEALTH pg 80: > Niche financial planning
> Ltd company assistance
> Tailored investments
UMBRELLA PAYROLL pg 63 & 78: > Compliance and payroll
> International needs
> Contracting with benefits
> FREE health advice
> Tax services FOREX pg 84 & 119: > Money transfers
1st Contact NEWSLETTER pg 92 - www.1stcontact.com: > Essential news and links
> 24/7 online transactions
> Affiliate offers
> Cheaper than banks
> Prizes and much more
TRAVEL CLINIC pg 115: > Vaccinations
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The 1st Contact London Guide
Before you leave
Kickstart your London experience
LONDON NEEDS SPECIALIST SKILLS, so we have provided some hints and tips on what to do before you leave. These include in-depth advice on the various options for visas and a useful countdown checklist. We can also help you find a job before you leave home. Pre-register with Umbrella and receive discounts on other 1st Contact services. Don’t leave home without it!
The Kickstart London Package Wondering how to get started in London? Need a bank account, got to sort out somewhere to live, need a SIM card to call the parents and assure them you managed to make it in one piece? No worries. The Kickstart London Package can help with all this and more – and you can get one at home before you leave (contact your local office). KICKSTART LONDON COSTS* UK
£35#
1st Contact London • kickstart@1stcontact.com • Freecall 0808 141 2255
AUS TBC#
1st Contact Australia • ausoffice@1stcontact.com • Freecall 1800 039 300
NZ
TBC#
1st Contact New Zealand • nzoffice@1stcontact.com • Freecall 0800 224 322
ZA
R390#
1st Contact South Africa • saoffice@1stcontact.com • Freecall 0800 003 163
#See website: www.1stcontactkickstart.com for the current price. **UK bank account is reliant on compliance with UK banking laws and is subject to change without prior notice. ***The composition of the Kickstart London Package is subject to change at any time.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE Package includes:*** > UK bank account assistance** – banking regulations in the UK are tight and banks demand proof of residential address, utility bills and more, making it very difficult for nonUK residents to open a UK bank account. 1st Contact has affiliations with top UK banks, and is able to offer help in opening a UK bank account with the least amount of hassle. > FREE job assistance, including connecting your CV with the top London recruitment agencies before you leave home. > UK mobile SIM card, which offers really cheap rates to call internationally. You will get your mobile number before you leave home. > London information pack – essential advice on how to get started up and settled down in London. > Accommodation referrals. vices. > Discounts on 1st Contact services.
Visas for the UK Unless you have a British or European Union passport, you will need a visa to work in the UK. Here we’ve given you a brief overview of the visa options and requirements. For more details, get in touch with our friendly visa team on visas@1stcontact.com or check out the website www.1stcontactvisas.com.
Make sure you ur ur passport is valid for at least another six months.
You should investigate your options thoroughly before you apply. If you are not in the UK you should get in touch with 1st Contact in your home country well before you depart. They will provide you with a comprehensive visa service to ensure you meet immigration requirements before arrival. Many countries won’t let you in with less than six months validity remaining on your passport, so check your passport has plenty of time remaining before you leave home. VISA OPTIONS TIER 5 – YOUTH MOBILITY SCHEME In mid 2008, the Home Office announced changes to the working holidaymaker scheme. This ever-popular visa has been replaced by Tier 5 of the UK’s 5-tier Points Based System (PBS), where it is now known as the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS). The main changes to the YMS are: > You may work for the full 24-month period > You must intend to take regular employment, not to engage in business or to provide services as a professional sportsperson > You are not able to switch into other employment categories from within the UK > You may not switch to or apply for Tier 5 if you have previously spent time in the UK as a working holidaymaker in the past. The requirements for a person seeking entry clearance under YMS are that he/she: > Is a citizen of a nation on the list of participating countries, (Currently South Africa is not included)
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> Is aged from 18 to 30 (or is not yet 31 when given permission to enter the UK, even if you travel after your 31st birthday) > Is unmarried, or married to a person who meets the requirements for entry under any of the UK immigration categories (at the same time) > Is able and intends to maintain and accommodate themselves independently without recourse to public funds, where the level of funds required is £1 600 > Has the means to pay for their homeward or onward journey > Intends to leave the UK at the end of the YMS. ANCESTRY VISA This Visa allows Commonwealth citizens with strong ancestral ties (a British-born grandparent) to become eligible to live in the United Kingdom and perform unrestricted work for a period of up to five years from their arrival. This visa carries fewer restrictions than the YMS. You must apply for this visa prior to coming to the UK. If you comply with certain criteria you will You might t ha have ve to h he elp be eligible to apply for Gran lo oo o o k fo f o r th h a at t ain Indefinite Leave to Remain birth ce e r rt t ifi if i ic c ca a t te e ! after being in the UK forr y five years on an Ancestry Visa. The criteria includee not leaving the UK for a certain period of time and you must have made every attempt to remain in continuous employment for this period.
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TIER 1 – GENERAL The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) was replaced by Tier 1 of the PBS in June 2008. It was a UK innovation since it was the first scheme designed to attract people to the UK, whereas all previous legislation had restricted entry. The initial qualifying criteria for HSMP were extremely high and made the original HSMP unobtainable for most potential applicants, unless you were a Nobel Prize winner! The criteria changed in June 2008 to make the scheme more realistic, where the scheme is now determined on a points system for age, qualifications and earnings over the 12 months prior to leaving. The criteria are an attempt to attract young, skilled professionals from overseas, where the visa is issued for a period of 24 months in the first instance and is followed by a two-year extension. On completion of the total five years, you can make an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Qualifying criteria: To qualify for this scheme, candidates have to demonstrate that they can achieve the current points threshold. Points are allocated based on the following criteria: > Age
> Qualifications
> Past earnings > UK experience
The 1st Contact London Guide
Additionally, all potential candidates also have to demonstrate the following mandatory requirements: > Ability to speak English > Ability to support and maintain themselves without recourse to public funds (certain fixed amounts apply depending on your location at the time of application). Note: The criteria for South Africans are now much stricter. Please see www.1stcontactvisas.com for details. TIER 2 – SKILLED SPONSORED WORKERS Work Permits were replaced by Tier 2 of the PBS in November 2008. Employers must hold a licence issued by the Home Office permitting them to issue Certificates of Sponsorship to eligible migrants. This Tier is designed to allow employers to recruit skilled foreign workers if they can demonstrate that they have tried to recruit in the UK or EU to fill the vacant position (they need to advertise job posts to UK residents through a UK job portal before they are able to consider recruiting a foreign employee outside of the EU), but that there were no suitable candidates available. This is called the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT). In some cases, the requirement is waived if it is an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT). The UK Skills shortage list will be used as a means of upskilling British nationals to decrease the UK’s dependency on foreign skills. The Tier 2 rules state that to apply, the employer must demonstrate that the candidate is suited to the position. The employee must then score the required points from the following three areas: > Certificate of Sponsorship (RLMT, ICT or skills shortage) > Qualifications > Prospective earnings.
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If granted, a Tier 2 Visa is valid for up to three years, after which an extension can be applied for. If you wish to change employers during this time your new employer will have to apply again for you. Once you’ve completed five years continuous work under Tier 2 in the UK, you can apply for permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain). MARRIAGE VISA If you marry in the UK, you may be able to change your visa status to become a dependant on your spouse’s status. This includes marriage to a British or EU national or someone with settlement status in the UK. The Home Office requires you to apply for a ‘Certificate of Approval’ to marry in the UK. If you married outside the UK, accompanying spouses and dependants of British citizens, or persons with UK settlement status who wish to travel to the UK, must seek to gain entry clearance prior to entering the UK. Other situations whereby spouses and dependants may apply for conditions in line with their partner/supporter include
The 1st Contact London Guide
persons holding an Ancestry Visa or Student Visa. Again, these must be applied for prior to your departure to the UK. If you comply with certain criteria you will be eligible to apply for IndeďŹ nite Leave to Remain after being in the UK for a certain amount of time on the Marriage Visa. UNMARRIED PARTNERS VISA Legislation allows unmarried partners of British or European citizens or someone with a settlement status in the UK to apply for dependency, provided they have been in a relationship akin to marriage for a minimum of two years. Documentary proof is needed. If you comply with certain criteria you will be eligible to apply for IndeďŹ nite Leave to Remain after being in the UK for a certain amount of time on the Unmarried Partners Visa. RIGHT OF ABODE If you or one of your parents were born in the UK you can apply to register as a British citizen, where Right of Abode is not needed. Take a turn on the London Eye for great views of Westminster and the rest of London (weather permitting)
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The 1st Contact London Guide
NATURALISATION This is the process of becoming a British citizen. If you are married to a British citizen you may apply after three years of living in the UK – without having left for more than 270 days in the three-year period – and if you hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status. If you qualify under the five-year residency criteria (based on Ancestry, Marriage to an EU national, Tier 1, etc), you may apply after five years of living in the UK – without having left for more than 450 days in the fiveyear period – and if you hold ILR status for at least 12 months. Essentially this makes it six years to qualify for residency. STUDENT VISA The requirements for a Student Visa are that you are enrolled in a full-time course of study, which is either at degree level or leading towards a degree (one year or longer) that involves no less than 15 hours of organised study per week where the study is held at the college during daytime hours, Monday to Friday. This excludes study via correspondence, evening or weekend classes. Student Visas must now be applied for in your home country before departing for the UK. SOME VISA TIPS > You should not pay for any travel arrangements if a delay or refusal of your visa application will result in losing money. > For security, it is strongly advised that you send your application by registered mail or with a reputable courier firm. Request this for the return of any documents as well. > If you are married, have children under 18 and your dependants intend to join you, separate applications must be submitted to a British High Commission overseas. You’ll need to produce evidence that you can maintain and accommodate them without recourse to public funds or state benefits.
UK Immigration Visas
Give me more of London Which visas will enable you to stay? If you love London and want to extend your stay or even become a local, 1st Contact can help you get the best visa to suit you. We cover all kinds of visas including work permits and the Tier 1 visa for highly skilled individuals, which is simply the best option to maximise your earning power. Call us today...
0808 141 2251 guideim@1stcontact.com www.1stcontactvisas.com/guide 1st Contact Visas is registered with the office of the Immigration Services Commissioner under registration number F2001-00004. * Number only accessible in the UK.
When to travel While the timing of your arrival in the UK will often be dictated by various things, every season in the UK has something to offer, so there isn’t really a bad time to arrive. The benefits of arriving in January or February, however, are mostly to do with settling in quickly and saving enough cash to take a summer break by June. You’ll have to put up with a few months of cold, wet weather but this will get you in the mood for spring’s festivities.
How to travel Flights from South Africa take about 11 hours. The time difference is one to two hours depending on daylight saving (putting clocks forward an hour at the start of spring and back in autumn so afternoons have more daylight and mornings less),
Register with 1st Contact Umbrella. Are you considering contracting in the UK? The UK contracting market is valued in excess of £20 billion a year so there is no shortage of work. One of the benefits of doing contract/ freelance work is that you receive a higher rate of pay and it affords a degree of freedom and flexibility not associated with permanent employment. Register with 1st Contact Umbrella and not only will you be able to increase your take home pay but you will also be able to claim back your air travel, insurances, shipping costs and claim 6 weeks of temporary accommodation. As long as these costs are known as relocation costs and cannot exceed £8,000. For more information visit www.1stcontact-umbrella.com or email guideumb@1stcontact.com
The 1st Contact London Guide
which means no jetlag. Flights from AUS and NZ take 24 to 36 hours because of the nine- to 13-hour time difference. Travelling en route to the UK is a great way to break up the trip. A popular short-stop for Aussies and Kiwis is Thailand, as many European flights are routed through Bangkok. Popular longer diversions include a ski season in the USA or volunteer programmes in South America, which range from a few weeks to a few months. Shop around for fares – they vary greatly depending on a number of factors. As with all travel, it pays to be either very organised (booking well in advance) or very flexible and fast to react (last-minute deals). Keep in mind that it helps to have a return fare valid for a year and that allows a free change of date. These can sometimes be re-routed to another destination. Ask your travel agent about these fares and don’t forget to take departure taxes into account.
Airport security All airport security has greatly increased over the years. Pack your luggage yourself and always keep your bags close to you. Lock every zip and keep your valuables, such as your passport and wallet, locked in your hand luggage or in a body belt. Sharp objects such as nail scissors or pocket knives must be packed in your main luggage or they will be confiscated. Ensure your luggage is labelled inside and out. Most airport security checks now require you to remove coats, belts, boots and hats before walking through the metal detectors. If you’re taking a laptop with you, remove this from its cover – it will need to be scanned separately. Also remember to decant any handluggage liquids into transparent 100ml containers and bag them together – bottles exceeding 100ml will be confiscated.
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Packing tips Most airlines limit you to 20-25kg and 5-7kg hand luggage, but they’re becoming stricter every year. Avoid having to unpack your bag at check-in by saving weight. Pack smart outfit (for interviews), a warm jacket, towel, sheet or thin sleeping bag, an unlocked mobile phone, medication and contact lenses. Suitcases with wheels are great for walking the streets, but they eat into your weight allowance, so consider a backpack with a front zip as opposed to a top-loader – you’ll get more in to it.
Money on arrival Many visas require that you have at least £2 000 in savings for your trip. You will need to have bank statements with you to show Passport Control proof of sufficient funds to support yourself. We would also recommend that you have around £150 cash for when you first arrive to cover transport, meals, emergency supplies and emergency accommodation. If you are travelling from Australia or New Zealand, 1st Contact can arrange your money transfers to the UK. If you use 1st Contact’s Kickstart Package, you can start organizing your transfer before you even leave for London, by transferring your Dollars into our holding account. As soon as your new UK account is open and active, we will convert the dollars into pounds and transfer it to your new account, free of charge. If you have a credit card, take it with you. UK banks are inconsistent with granting credit services to new arrivals. A credit card is essential for online bookings such as flights or shows, and they allow you to draw local currency from most ATMs around the world – much easier than traveller’s cheques.
The 1st Contact London Guide
Countdown checklist 8 WEEKS BEFORE YOU GO Call 1st Contact for visa applications, opening a UK bank account and to purchase a Kickstart Package. Send your CV to your local 1st Contact office for FREE job assistance with top recruitment agencies in London. Confirm that your flight ticket and relevant visa documents to enter the UK are in order. Consider joining a frequent flyers scheme when you book your tickets – it’s a long way to London so you’ll earn many points. Check that your passport is still valid for at least six months and that you have plenty of blank pages for travel visas and immigration stamps. Ensure all your financial obligations are up to date, e.g. tax returns, change of address, contact and payment details, etc. Do some more travel research by visiting www.1stcontact.com. 6 WEEKS TO GO Visit the dentist before you leave as UK dentistry is pricey. Organise a will and power of attorney with a family lawyer. The power of attorney will enable someone you trust the power to act on your behalf in your absence. Check with your mobile phone provider to see if your phone is unlocked for use in the UK and Europe or if they can unlock it. Set up a web-based email account to back-up your CV and references, etc. If you are travelling from Aus or NZ, contact us to arrange your money transfers to the UK.
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The 1st Contact London Guide
4 WEEKS TO GO Notify the post office, bank, credit card companies, and so on, of your new forwarding address, e.g. your power of attorney. If you are a landlord, inform the utilities companies of your departure date and ensure that all outstanding bills are settled. If you rent, ask your landlord for a reference as this will help enormously when looking for accommodation in the UK. If you are travelling to the UK via other countries, confirm any relevant visas for entry clearance and get vaccinated if needed. Notify your council and/or government that you’ll be unable to vote due to travels. (This may save Australians from paying a fine.) 3 WEEKS TO GO Collect your bank statements to prove you have sufficient funds. Organise your initial accommodation for the UK. Change your CV to a UK format as it will be rejected if it’s in the wrong format. 1st Contact can provide this service for you. 2 WEEKS TO GO Tie up all loose ends: cancel memberships, close accounts, etc. Make copies of all documentation – passport, flight tickets, visa, travellers’ cheque receipts, insurance docs, etc – and put copies in various places where they can be easily accessed in an emergency. Arrange travel insurance – it can be difficult to to do so after arriving in the UK. Organise storage for your belongings while you’re away. 1 WEEK TO GO Email your CV to your web email and check that it arrived. Start to pack. SAY ALL YOUR GOODBYES AND GET TO THE AIRPORT EARLY
www.1stcontact.com/londonguide
Just arrived in London? Living in London is made simple with 1st Contact. To enable you to make the most of your time, career, money and London Experience, 1st Contact have a range of services to get you started. Experience London without the effort. > > > > >
Kickstart London info pack International CV & Job Assistance UK Bank Accounts Umbrella Services Money Transfers
0808 141 2255 londonguide@1stcontact.com www.1stcontact.com/londonguide Numbers only free and accessible within the UK.
> > > > >
Travel Clinic Visas and Immigration Tax Refunds and NI Rebates Personal Financial Mortgage & Property Services
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The 1st Contact London Guide
Arriving in London
Welcome to a new adventure
IT PAYS TO BE ORGANISED and in a fast-paced city like London, it’s a survival necessity. Ideally you want to organise accommodation before you arrive – whether that be dossing at a friend’s place or staying in a hostel or B&B. Your Kickstart London Package will help you to start out, so call the 1st Contact London office on 0808 141 2264 for information and assistance, or to buy a package if you forgot to do so at home.
Landing in London No matter where you land in the UK, you will go through passport control: > Fill out a landing card – you’ll need the address of where you’re staying when you arrive in the UK > Have your passport ready. Make sure it expires at least six months after your planned departure from the UK and that it has at least two blank pages in it > Have bank statements and supporting documentation necessary for your visit.
YOUR ARRIVAL
Not No te e to self: buy an umbrella
The key for this is to be prepared and even though you may be tired, always be polite and friendly. Visitors are sometimes asked questions concerning their destination, purpose of travel and expected departure. Always bring a copy of your travel plans and important numbers.
Getting into London FROM HEATHROW The tube is by far the easiest and cheapest way to get into central London. After collecting your luggage, follow the signs to the Underground Station (the tube) and buy a ticket (even if there is no one on duty you should still buy a ticket at the machine as you will need it at the end of your journey). It takes about 45 minutes to get into central London on the Piccadilly line. For more tube information, see page 74 and the map on the inside back page. Heathrow Express This leaves every 15 minutes from Heathrow and takes 15 minutes to arrive at Paddington Station in central London. You can then buy another ticket and complete your journey on the Underground. Pre-book tickets at www.heathrowexpress.co.uk (save ÂŁ1 if you book online). FROM GATWICK Southeastern trains run regularly into London Victoria Station, stopping at various stations along the way and taking about 40 minutes. Tickets must be bought at the station before you board. Visit www.southeasternrailway.co.uk. Gatwick Express This direct service also runs regularly into London Victoria Station and takes about 30 minutes. You can buy your ticket in the station or on the train for no extra
The 1st Contact London Guide
cost. It departs every 15 minutes. For more information, visit www.gatwickexpress.co.uk. Tak Ta ke e the 15-minute jour jo urne ney on the Heat He athr hrow Express to Padd Pa ddington Station
Paddington Station
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The 1st Contact London Guide
(Un)written rules of London LONDONERS COME PRE-PROGRAMMED with some unwritten rules of the city, which no one ever tells you about.
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On public transport, if there is a seat further away, rather don’t sit next to someone – Londoners relish the little time they are allowed space. For your own safety, do not stand on a street corner with your map. Beware of pickpockets and con artists. Be discreet about being lost or ask a local. NEVER EVER stand still on the left side of escalators. This part is for people who want to walk up and down. Stopping is one of the most unforgivable London sins. Don’t suddenly stop walking in the middle of a busy pavement. Londoners are always in a hurry. Be considerate and avoid rush hour when sightseeing. Learn to love the queue – it seems to be a national sport. Don’t make a fuss or be rude, just go to the back of the line and wait your turn nicely.
UK Bank Accounts
Let us kickstart your life in London Find your feet and hit the UK ground running! Why waste valuable time trying to get a bank account? The Kickstart London Package is the answer. Besides assisting you with opening a UK bank account, it also includes a London orientation pack, FREE job assistance, international call card, UK SIM card and tons of great advice on how to really live London! Contact your local office now to buy your package and get discounts on other 1st Contact services. Visit www.1stcontactkickstart.com
1800 039 300 Aus 0800 003 163 SA 0800 224 322 NZ 0808 141 2264 UK ausoffice@1stcontact.com saoffice@1stcontact.com Please note: Bank account assistance is subject to UK bank compliance regulations. All information correct at time of print and is subject to change at any time. Numbers only accessible within country listed.
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The 1st Contact London Guide
Starting out
Get your London experience moving LONDON IS A TRANSIENT CITY – people are always on the move, be it changing jobs, where they live, going travelling or just getting around the city. Once you’ve arrived, your London life kicks in as soon as you get a job and a place to live. You’ll soon learn the tricks of the transport system, organise your banking, find your local doc and also learn how to stay in touch with home for as little as possible, or where and when to get your hands on regular traveller media, which will keep you up to speed with the latest events, parties and travel specials.
STARTING OUT
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
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The 1st Contact London Guide
Accommodation With so much flux, your experience of London will be greatly enhanced by finding a comfortable digs – it can be your still point or party central, depending on your needs. DOSSING Chiefly a British term: to sleep or bed down in a convenient place. If you are staying with a friend or sleeping on their couch you will be known as a ‘dosser’. You’ll have to be flexible as your bedroom is also the TV room, dining room and party room! Dossers have no rights in the house and they usually pay a small daily amount as thanks. Make sure you do your bit to help out and try not to overstay your welcome. HOSTELS If you don’t mind sharing, staying in a hostel is the most flexible accommodation and there is a great social atmosphere. There are hundreds of hostels in London ranging in style and price: usually about £15 to £25 per night for a dorm room and cheaper if you ask for weekly rates. Hostels are also great in-betweeners once you’ve packed up your flat or when y you’ve jjust arrived back from travelling and need a place to t lay your head. RENTING Long-term renting is the R best b value for money if you are planning to stay in the UK for a p while. Be patient as flat hunting can w be time consuming, although using the Internet can make it easier. You can post and browse ads on sites like www.gumtree.co.uk or
The 1st Contact London Guide
www.moveflat.co.uk, which have more details about the flat and potential flatmates than newspapers do. Many people still advertise in the classifieds of free traveller publications, so pick them up or purchase a LOOT paper from a newsagent.
Types of rented accommodation HOUSE/FLATSHARES This is the most popular option for travellers living in London. You can either reply to an advert for a room in an existing houseshare or get a few people together and find a vacant house or flat. Depending on size and location, rooms range from £300 to £500 per month. Couples or doubles should expect to pay a little more for the room. You’ll usually need to pay a deposit (bond) to the value of four to six weeks rent as well as four weeks rent in advance, and most rental agreements run for either six or 12 months. Before you sign the lease agreement, read it thoroughly and be sure of what bills are excluded. Never hand over your passport as security for your bond. If you are asked to do so, refuse and be wary of dealing with this person or company. Several companies offer antipodean accommodation in quality houses in various areas of London at very affordable rates. Try searching the web on www.sx-live.com/flats. BEDSITS These are semi-self-contained rooms with a small kitchen and communal bathroom. Depending on the location they range from £85 to £250 per week. STUDIO/ONE-BEDROOM FLATS These are totally self-contained with a kitchen and bathroom. They are perfect if you like your privacy, but can be expensive at over £100 per week.
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Accommodation and terminology F/F
Fully furnished
D/G
Double glazing
F/M
Female/male
W/M
Washing machine
OR
Own room
S/C
Self-contained
S/R
Share room
PCM
Per calendar month
N/S
No smoking
£90pw exc
Cost per week excluding bills
‘SW5’
Postcode
£90pw inc
Cost per week including bills
C/H
Central heating
Dep
Deposit required
AGY
Agency (this can mean extra fees)
No DSS
No social security beneficiaries
Council tax Street cleaning, rubbish collection and similar services are funded by council tax, which is levied on homeowners (or onto the tenants). Council tax is not usually included in your rent, so make sure you check as there are serious consequences if it’s not paid. The amount varies from area to area.
Utilities Water, phone, gas and electricity are usually billed quarterly. They can be tricky to arrange, so try to take on the previous tenant’s phone number and get their utilities transferred into your name. Also, take down meter readings and the previous tenants’ new contact details to avoid their outstanding bills being charged to you. Phone the utility companies for an upto-date tally of how much is owed in the billing quarter so far.
The 1st Contact London Guide
Popular areas to live Po Eve Everyone has different opinions of areas in London because upmarket and council areas are are right next to each other. Each area ar has a certain something and you may m get quite attached to your particular spot. sp Here is an overview of popular locations for young professionals. The lo further outside of central London you f live, the cheaper the rent, but travel costs and times increase. Commuting should be the most important factor in your decision. For more information, visit www.livinglondon.net. NORTH Highgate N6 and Archway N19 Highgate is on the Northeast corner of Hampstead Heath, which is made popular in summer with kite-flying, fishing, model boating and swimming in any of the three ponds. The edges of the Heath play home to several famous drinking havens and people from all over the world visit the homes of John Keats and Sigmund Freud. Archway is a popular area with leafy streets and beautiful Victorian homes – slightly less expensive than Highgate. • Zone 2 and 3 • Northern Line Finsbury Park N4 and Turnpike Lane N8 Finsbury Park will suit an active lifestyle. The park is 112 acres and is a mix of open ground, gardens, a children’s play area,
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café and an art exhibition space with sports facilities, which include a football pitch, bowling green, athletics stadium, tennis and basketball courts as well as an American football field and softball and baseball diamonds. These areas have reasonably priced accommodation and there are good pubs, bars and restaurants. Finsbury Park is a great space that is developing. ensington • Zone 2 • Victoria and Piccadilly Lines and Overground Islington N1 and Highbury N5 Islington and Highbury are very popular areas to live because of their beauty and proximity to central London. Islington has a vibrant nightlife with many restaurants, bars, cinemas and theatres and Highbury has sports and leisure facilities. There’s also a variety of quaint shops together with the Camden Passage Antique Market. The more affordable area is near Arsenal football stadium. • Zone 2 • Victoria Line and Overground NORTH WEST Crinklewood, Dollis Hill NW2 and Kilburn NW6 These are reasonably priced areas with good transport links into the centre and many houseshares. There is a lively nightlife and plenty of pubs, restaurants, tennis courts, a shopping mall, a cinema and a theatre. In NW2, there are a variety of small, inexpensive cafés and restaurants. • Zone 2 • Jubilee Line Camden Town NW1 A bustling and high-profile area, Camden is full of life with a Bohemian vibe. Some parts are expensive but affordable places abound. It’s close to the centre and has some lovely housing and great shopping. This is home to the huge Camden Market and live jazz venues and quirky bars. • Zone 2 • Northern Line
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WEST LONDON Shepherd’s Bush W12, Acton W3 and Hammersmith W6 These areas are popular with antipodeans for the reasonably priced rent and great tube and bus links. There are many traveller pubs, including the notorious Walkabout Inn (Shepherd’s Bush) and the raucous Redback Tavern (Acton). There are also sports grounds, museums and the newly built Westfield shopping centre. Hammersmith has some great pubs and entertainment in lovely settings along the Thames, but costs a little more. • Zone 2 • Central and Hammersmith City Lines and Overground (Shepherd’s Bush) SOUTH WEST Clapham SW4 A great area with relatively cheap accommodation. The transport links are good and reliable, with lots of night buses supporting the busy nightlife near Clapham South. There are a variety of bars and clubs ranging from small and conservative to the multilevel and slightly crazy infernos. Clapham Common is a big draw card, being home to many rugby and football teams and more recently, military fitness enthusiasts. • Zone 2 • Northern Line and Overground Wimbledon SW19 and Putney SW15 Both areas are easily accessible and beautiful, with Wimbledon’s sweeping commons and Putney’s view of the river. They are very popular areas, which tend to be a bit more pricey than Clapham. Wimbledon boasts its famous tennis championship in summer and the Oxford/Cambridge boat race sets off from Putney. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and
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Sable Property
Property success with a solid foundation. Mortgage arrangements in the UK, Aus, NZ, SA and Europe. Get focused expertise in the mortgage finance and property arena. Whether your requirements are as simple as a re-mortgage or as complex as offshore property or development finance. Obtain the most competitive property finance arrangements to actualise your property investment goals. We provide specialist mortgage advice for UK based and international individuals.
Tel: 0808 141 2294 Web: www.sablemortgages.com Email: mortgages@sablewealth.com
Sable Property is an Authourised Representative of Sable Wealth Management, which is an Authorized Financial Service Provider FSP license number 35134 Number only accessible in the UK.
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clubs in this area and beautiful shops in Wimbledon Village. • Zone 2 and 3 • District Line and Overground Brixton SW9 Gritty Brixton has a raw excitement to it, and young professionals live here as it’s close to the centre. There are plenty of shops, pubs and night clubs. It’s famous for the Brixton Academy (concerts) and its Caribbean Street Market in Electric Avenue. • Zone 2 • Victoria Line and Overground Earlsfield, Southfields and Wandsworth SW18 Earlsfield and Southfields are popular with London newcomers as it’s possible to find good value for money. There’s a shopping centre in Wandsworth, which is convenient and easily accessible from Earlsfield and Southfields too. The nightlife is more focused around smaller bars and pubs and there are many parks suited to leisure activities. • Zone 3 • District Line and Overground SOUTH EAST Blackheath and Greenwich SE10 These are pleasant areas with good transport links into the city and Canary Wharf. This area is a mixture of expensive and affordable accommodation and is highly sought after. • Zone 3 and Zone 2 • DLR and Overground EAST LONDON Docklands, Limehouse and Canary Wharf E14 Canary Wharf is the commercial hub of London. Many places are still very reasonably priced. There is steady growth in the
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local vibe and the gorgeous modern accommodation. Riverside pubs, good Chinese restaurants and the soap ‘EastEnders’ are famous here. • Zone 2 • Jubliee Line, Overground and DLR Stratford E15 The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will have their main base at the Olympic Park in Stratford, which will contain a significant number of venues including the Olympic Stadium, Aquatics Centre and London Velopark. Some of the new housing will serve as the Olympic Village before being reconfigured for the property market. After the Olympics the plans include the largest new urban park in Europe in over a century. • Zone 3 • Central and Jubilee Lines and Overground Leytonstone E18 The birth place of David Beckham and the home of Alfred Hitchcock, Leytonstone is a high-density suburban area and may derive its name from the large stone standing at the junction of Hollybush Hill and New Wanstead. In the 18th century, an obelisk was mounted on top of it and it has been claimed that it is the remains of a Roman milestone. • Zone 3 and 4 • Central Line CENTRAL LONDON Earl’s Court SW5 Earls Court has become expensive for long-term accommodation. However, it’s full of hostels and B&Bs, so is perfect for when you are just starting out or need an inbetween place to stay. It has many pubs, bars and restaurants and an energetic atmosphere. • Zone 1 • District Line
The 1st Contact London Guide
London transport One of the most common conversation topics after the weather is transport. Knowing the best route from A to B using Y or Z is a sure sign of a seasoned veteran. This is because London has a thorough web of public transport, resulting in many options and routes to any destination. Start by familiarising yourself with the tube map then graduate towards train routes and the bus system. It pays to know your way around above ground too, so spend some time exploring the city from the top of a double-decker bus (try the Number 14 from Putney to Piccadilly). You’ll see that it’s often quicker and easier to walk between certain stations than to connect underground – the tube map is not drawn entirely to scale. TICKETS AND TRAVELCARDS All the information you need about tickets (as well as a very useful Journey Planner) is on www.tfl.gov.uk. When you first arrive at the airport, buy a single tube ticket to your destination. Then, you are likely to explore the city in your first week, so the cheapest option is a weekly Travelcard for Zone 1 to 4. This gives you unlimited access to the travel network. As soon as you settle in, you can save money by using an Oyster Card, which you can buy at most tube stations or off-licence cafés. You swipe the card at the beginning and end of each journey and the system works out the best rate and deducts it from your pre-paid balance. Oyster Cards don’t work on all forms of transport, but it’s worth having one even if you use the tube or bus system infrequently as it takes the hassle out of queuing, finding change and working out the best route.
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Lond Lo ndon nd on Tra rans nspo ns p rt po rt:: 02 020 0 72 7222 22 1234 12 34 o or r vi isi sit it ww www w.tf w.tf w. tfl l.go l.g l. gov. gov v.uk k THE TUBE The tube is the fastest, easiest and most tightly packed way to get from zone to zone. It has over 270 stations and 400 kilometres of track, of which about 55% is above ground. Recently, over one billion passenger journeys were recorded in a year. Rush hour means time to get up close and personal with your fellow travellers. However, at any other time of day it’s a pretty easy ride. Some lines are faster than others and there are always upgrades and improvements being made across the network, so delays and re-routes are common. How to use the tube > Make sure you buy a ticket as you will get a £20 fine if you don’t have one. Remember, even if you can get in at one station without a ticket, you’ll need one at the other end. > Once you’ve bought your ticket, you’ll need to put it through the machine to get through the barriers. If you’re just starting your journey, the ticket will come through and you’ll need to pull it from the top of the machine for the barriers to open. If you’ve got a single or return ticket and are at the end of your journey, the machine will retain the card and the barriers will open automatically.
The 1st Contact London Guide
> All Travelcards will be fed back to you to use again. > Oyster Cards have to be touched on the reader at the start and end of your journey. > The Underground services usually run from around 4.30am to 1am (with shorter services on weekends) – each station should list their first and last train times for the day. > If your ticket doesn’t open the barriers or if you have luggage, there are TFL attendants to help you. > It’s illegal to buy tickets from ticket touts. NATIONAL RAIL For timetables, fares and ticket availability, call National Rail on 08457 48 49 50 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk/ planmyjourney. National Rail trains depart from key stations throughout London taking you out of London, or to areas within London that the tube doesn’t service. You can use your Travelcard if you’re within your zones, or buy an extension before you start your journey. Main BR terminals include Waterloo, Paddington, Kings Cross, Victoria and Charing Cross.
The Th e tu t be b m map ap p is sc sche hema he ma ati t c and no an ot to to sca sca ale le, so le, o rea eal al distances will vary.
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BUSES London’s bus network has over 8 000 buses and 700 bus routes. Lower emission double- and single-decked buses cover the whole city and there are plans for hydrogen buses with zero emissions by 2010. Although buses mostly take longer than the tube, they cover areas the tube doesn’t serve and have a 24-hour service. Night buses run from d some routes h midnight to 6am and have the letter ‘N’ before the bus number. Bus tickets can be bought with cash on board most buses. Otherwise, pre-purchase your ticket from a ticket machine by the bus stop or from a ticket retailer. Bus fares are simple – all fares cost £2 (cheaper with an Oyster Card or Bus Pass). But be warned, evading fares is taken very seriously. The national bus and coach system is very good with most long-distance bus trips leaving from the Victoria Coach Station, which is situated near the Victoria Train Station. Visit www.nationalexpress.com. BLACK CABS These vehicles and drivers have a good reputation. They’re a bit more expensive than public transport, but can carry five passengers and are economical if there are a few of you. The meter is clearly visible so you can keep watch of your fare. Tipping is expected (about 10%). Unoccupied black cabs have the yellow light on their roof illuminated. To hail a cab just fling up your arm. All cab drivers and cars must be licenced under strict regulations – they must display their registration number clearly.
The 1st Contact London Guide
MINICABS/PRIVATE-HIRE OPERATORS These are independent taxi operators that run throughout London. Make sure you agree to the fare in advance as there isn’t a meter. It’s cheaper than a black cab, but you can’t hail one on the street – it’s illegal. You have to either call a licenced operator or go to the company’s offices. All minicab operators must be licenced by the Public Carriage Office and strict regulations have been introduced to licence all drivers and cars. To check if a company is licenced, visit www.tfl.gov.uk/pco. CARS AND DRIVER’S LICENCES Having your own car in London is an absolute luxury as it can be more hassle and expense than it’s worth. Renting a car for a weekend can be a good way to get out and explore the country. Policies vary with relation to age restrictions. After you’ve been in the UK for one year you’ll have to apply to exchange your driver’s licence for a UK driver’s licence. If you’ve been in the UK for over a year and are caught driving Cabw Ca bw wis ise: e:: Text Te t H HOM OME OM E to 60835 to get the number of a taxi and two licenced minicabs, in the area.
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The 1st Contact London Guide
without a UK driver’s licence, you are breaking the law. Use your local post office to get the application form D1 and send it in with required documents and payment (about £50) to the DVLA, Swansea, SA6 7JL. They will require your current driver’s licence, which they will send back to the authority that licenced you. When you return home, you can regain your original driver’s licence. Also see www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers.
Congestion Charge The London Congestion Charge came into effect to ‘help get London moving’. This means that every vehicle that enters a specified central London boundary from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) will have to pay a daily £8 charge. Also see www.tfl. gov.uk/roadusers/ congestioncharging.
Tax Services
For all your tax and accounting needs > Accounting services > Umbrella payroll > Personal Tax > Limited companies > Finance advice > Tax Refunds
Why use 1st Contact? 1st Contact specialises in providing services to expat contractors, which is a niche area of the tax advice market not widely understood in the UK. We have established ourselves as market leaders with in-depth understanding and experience you can be sure of. Providing an outstanding customer experience is always our primary objective and the results speak for themselves with 65% of our new business being derived from word-of-mouth referrals. We are certain that whatever your circumstances we will be able to help you make the most of what you earn, save and invest.
0808 141 2255 londonguide@1stcontact.com www.1stcontact.com/tax Numbers only free and accessible within the UK or country listed.
Healthcare DOCTOR The National Healthcare System (NHS) offers low-cost or free healthcare. Register with a GP in your area as soon as you have a permanent address in London. Private medical centres, such as Medicentre, are situated across London and are very efficient and convenient. You have to pay for this service, but it’s useful if you can’t take time off work. NHS also has walk-in centres in London. You don’t need to be registered and the service is free. Call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhs.uk for a 24-hour nurse-led information line. DENTIST NHS Dental care is available. Register with your local NHS dentist and pay 75% of the cost of your treatment. Quality private care is available, but this
The 1st Contact London Guide
can be expensive. If you require emergency dental care, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. OPTOMETRIST Optometrists are on every high street, so shop around. Contact lenses can be expensive in the UK so bring a supply from home. Emergency optic care information is available from NHS Direct. DISABLED ACCESS All black cabs and buses have wheelchair access and most tourist attractions have facilities for a number of disabilities. For more information, check out: > Access in London: A great guide book that was written and researched by people with disabilities > A variety of useful websites: www.disabilitynow.org.uk, www.visitlondon.com/access, www.artsline.org.uk. View across the Millennium Bridge towards St Pauls Cathedral
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www.1stcontact.com/kick
A very lucky packet Get a valuable host of services, products and orientation guides > UK bank account assistance – help in opening a UK bank account with the least amount of hassle. > FREE job and CV assistance – connecting you with the top London recruitment agencies before you leave home. > UK mobile SIM card – really cheap international call rates and a mobile number before you leave home. > London orientation information pack > Accommodation referrals > Discounts on 1st Contact services
...and more.
1800 039 300 Aus 0800 003 163 SA 0808 141 2264 UK ausoffice@1stcontact.com saoffice@1stcontact.com Please note: Bank account assistance is subject to UK bank compliance regulations. All information correct at time of print and is subject to change at any time. Numbers only accessible within country listed.
The 1st Contact London Guide
Staying in touch LANDLINES AND PUBLIC PHONES The number of public phones in the UK has reduced due to the increased use of mobile phones. You can still find a public phone on the high streets, some bus and train stations, shopping centres and some hostels. The traditional red telephone boxes have now largely been replaced by more modern versions suitable for cards. To dial an international number from the UK, first dial 00 followed by the country code for the country you are calling and the rest of the telephone number as per normal. PHONE CARDS AND CALL CENTRES Phone cards offer lower call rates to many countries, but check the time of day these rates apply. Call centres also offer similar discounted rates. 1st Contact includes an international call card as part of the Kickstart London Package. You can load it with additional credit as you need it. MOBILE PHONES A mobile phone is a must in order to receive calls from your recruitment agent and to organise your life. It can be a hassle to obtain a mobile contract if you’ve just arrived. You can use your mobile phone from home if it’s unlocked. 1st Contact will give you a UK mobile SIM card with your Kickstart Package. You can opt for a pre-paid option, which you can top up with airtime as you require or take out a contract and pay monthly.
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The 1st Contact London Guide
INTERNET On arrival, if you need to access the Internet, just walk along any high street and keep an eye out for an Internet café. Most hotels, hostels and B&Bs offer Internet, as do coffee shops, gyms and the local library. If you have a Wi-Fi enabled laptop with you, there are hotspots at most airports and Starbucks outlets. For a longer term solution, look into setting yourself up with a connection in your home. Thanks to the competitive UK telecoms industry, broadband is relatively inexpensive. SOCIAL NETWORKING AND INSTANT CHAT Keep up to date with friends and family by logging onto Facebook or MySpace. You can leave messages, photos and let them know your status in a very userfriendly environment that can become addictive. If you load Skype or Messenger, you can see when your contacts are online and chat with them in real time, hook up a web cam, speaker and a microphone and it’s almost as if they’re next door. Skype to Skype calls are free! POSTAGE Use first- or second-class post to send mail within the UK or if it’s urgent you can request special delivery, which costs more. First-class mail will generally be delivered the next day and second class usually takes two days. There are sometimes delays; visit www.royalmail.com for info. It’s advisable to register a package or valuable letter to ensure it’s delivered. Never send cash or valuables anywhere through the post.
www.1stcontact.com
Service at your ďŹ ngertips www.1stcontact.com/londonguide 1st Contact’s integrated mix of online products and services is designed to give you everything that you need at a touch of a button. From UK based financial services and tax solutions to the many immigration options, visit our cluster of websites.
www.1stcontactforex.com www.1stcontactvisas.com www.1stcontact.com/tax ...and more
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The 1st Contact London Guide
Commuting across Tower Bridge
YOUR CAREER
Your career
earning pounds
Opportunities abound if you do it right THE LONDON JOB MARKET IS VAST, covering almost any job you can think of. Be flexible should your perfect job not be available straight away. It’s better to be out working and getting some valuable UK experience in the meantime than sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring. Our job assistance service can help you get in touch with the best recruitment agencies in your industry. Attitude goes a long way when you’re looking for a job, so be committed and willing to go the extra mile – you will be more successful at securing a good position. The Southern Hemisphere workforce has a good reputation for being hardworking, friendly and ethical. Keep it that way!
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The 1st Contact London Guide
Job assistance 1st Contact can provide you with job assistance for the UK. We have teamed up with the best agencies in the UK to assist you in your search for employment. Based on your enquiry and a skills assessment, we will put you in touch with agencies best suited to your employment prospects. In this way you can start preparing for interviews and jobs before you leave your home country. Please note: if you are looking for UK job assistance, we are only able to help you if you haven’t yet arrived in the UK or if you are a Kickstart candidate in your first month. Visit www.1stcontact.jobs.
A snowed-up southbank with St Paul’s Cathedral in view
Job & CV Assistance
You can get the job... Before you even arrive in the UK! 1st Contact can help you find the perfect job before you leave home! We specialise in assisting professionals from all industries, so send us your CV and we will ensure it is in the correct UK format and gets to the top recruitment agencies in London.
1800 039 300 within Aus 0800 003 163 within SA 0808 141 2267within UK ausoffice@1stcontact.com saoffice@1stcontact.com www.1stcontact.jobs/guide This service is only available before you arrive in the UK.
CV assistance Does your CV stand out for the right reasons? Don’t be a top candidate with a useless CV. Across all industries, London has the most competitive recruitment marketplace worldwide. Agents and employers receive hundreds of CVs every day and many get ignored because they are not in the ‘UK CV format’ or contain one of these common mistakes: > CV contains spelling and/or grammar errors > CV is formatted in an unusual, difficult-to-read format > CV is too long or too short (the UK standard is two pages) > CV includes far too much or too little relevant information. 1st Contact’s CV assistance service is able to use group experience as well as contacts in the recruitment industry to prepare, format, error check and present your CV in the UK format. You will receive a CV in MS-Word and PDF formats, with six months’ worth of free updates! Submit your CV and get more information at www.1stcontact.jobs. A few tips to make your CV stand out from the crowd: > Keep it brief – it should be no longer than two A4 pages. It’s meant to just give an overview of what y you can do. > Keep it factual. Never liee o on your CV – you’ll get found ound out. > Keep it organised. CVs in the UK are in reversee chronological order. First list your work experience and duties
Check for spelling erro er rors ro rs and d t typ ypos yp os
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for each position. Include the relevant company details and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements. List your education, including qualifications and where you studied. Include special achievements that are relevant. Other categories for all CVs might include computer skills, language skills and professional qualifications. > Don’t forget the essentials including your name, contact numbers, email and postal address. Your date of birth and marital status is optional and a personal preference. > Make it look smart. Choose a plain font, e.g. Arial, and a decent size, e.g. between 9 and 12 points. Don’t use colours, graphics or formatting, especially Clip Art. Keep it black and white and as simple as possible. > Always tailor your CV to the job description. Identify what they’re looking for and tweak your CV appropriately. > Hobbies and interests. Some employers want to hear about a well-rounded person with a range of skills, but keep it relevant. > Check and re-check your spelling and grammar.
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Interviews All interviews, whether with a recruitment agency or with a prospective employer, should be treated equally. You are there to make a good impression and prove that you are worthy of the job.
Men’s uniform. . . Buy a de Bu Buy dece dec cent nt suit uit ui
t A few tips: pu > Be punctual – in fact get there a few minutes early. > Have all necessary documents with you: hard copies of your CV, references, certificates and r a few passport photos. > Wear We a neat, formal outfit. Rather overdress than Rat underdress and don’t und overdo the perfume or ove aftershave or make-up. aft > Engage in a firm (but not E crushing) handshake. cr > Make eye contact when conversing and smile. c > Don’t appear too confident or too shy. > Listen carefully and answer questions appropriately. > Never bad-mouth previous employers.
Umbrella Payroll
PLUS! Refer a friend and receive £50 cash* PLUS! Switch over to 1st Contact Umbrella and receive £50 cash*
Take Home Pay! The contractor payroll service that fits your lifestyle UMBRELLA PAYROLL If you are a contractor, working through an Umbrella company will ensure that you increase your take home pay by reducing the overall amount of tax that you need to pay. Our fees start as low as £18.50 (Gross) per week so contact us today or sign-up online.
> Over 15 years’ unrivalled experience
> No time sheet no charge
> Higher take home pay
> Simple 5 minute registration
0808 141 1697 guideumb@1stcontact.com www.1stcontact.com/tax Numbers only free and accessible within the UK.
NI Rebates
National Insurance Rebates
It’s free and easy so don’t miss the deadline. Visit our website for full details. Make sure you claim before the 5th April. A National Insurance Rebate represents an opportunity to have a portion of your annual NI contributions allocated to your own stakeholder pension in the UK. If you are currently employed and have a permanent NI number you may be eligible to claim your NI rebate.
0808 141 2278 guideni@1stcontact.com www.1stcontact.com/guideNI 1st Contact Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority Numbers only free and accessible within the UK.
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Working visas Ensure you have the correct visa type to work in the UK or not only will you find it hard to get a good job, but you could end up being chucked out of the country! The Tier 1 Visa – if you’re eligible (see page 12) – is the best option for maximising income. Your local 1st Contact office can assist you with your application.
National Insurance (NI) All employees in the UK need to obtain an NI number so their contributions and tax payments to the Government can be tracked. This makes it a lot easier when you want to claim a tax refund. Obtaining an NI number can be a complicated process, but 1st Contact offers information on getting one, as well as assistance with your NI rebate (see page 83).
Umbrella Payroll 1st Contact Umbrella Payroll offers you the benefits of contracting without the risk or administration involved, i.e. the best of both worlds, otherwise known as an umbrella service. This option is good for temporary workers and contractors or freelancers who: do not want to set up as a sole trader or set up their own limited company, PAYE is not available, or they do not want to be a regular employee. For more details, see page 78 or visit www.1stcontact-umbrella.com.
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Ltd company accounting 1st Contact Accounting offers you the most up to date and relevant ďŹ nancial advice to assist you in gaining the best possible tax beneďŹ ts from running your limited company. We offer a full range of accounting and tax services.(see page 82). If you want to use a limited company to pay less tax and optimise your earnings, call us on 0808 141 2283 or visit our website: www.1stcontact-accounting.com for any enquiries.
Tax refunds There are millions of pounds in unclaimed UK tax refunds held at the Inland Revenue. If you only work part of the tax year or leave the country part of way through the tax year, you may be entitled to claim back any overpaid tax. 1st Contact takes the hassle out of tax claims, ensuring that you claim the maximum amount available. For more details, see page 82, visit www.1stcontact-taxrefunds.com or call 0808 141 1694.
Tower Bridge
Accounting Services
> Need a Limited Company > Free set up within a day* > Call us now for expert advice
LIMITED COMPANY If you are contractor, a limited company will ensure that you increase your take home pay by reducing the overall amount of tax that you need to pay.
Take home pay after taxes
Annual earnings
PAYE
£20,000
£15,608
£19,215
£30,000
£22,508
£28,600
£6,092
£40,000
£29,408
£37,985
£8,577
£50,000
£35,471
£45,750
£10,279
Limited company
0808 141 2283 guideac@1stcontact.com www.1stcontact-accounting.com Numbers only free and accessible within the UK.
Annual benefit over PAYE
£3,607
Employment sectors Here are recommended shortage occupation lists for the UK as of September 2008. Occupations may be reviewed at any time. This is especially useful for Tier 2 Visa applicants (see page 13). RELATED OCCUPATION JOB TITLES ON THE CURRENT TITLE AND SOC CODE SHORTAGE OCCUPATION LIST Managers in construction
Only: project managers for property development and construction. Skill level: a leader on a project or combination of projects that would amount to a large ďŹ nancial responsibility (at least several million pounds).
Civil Engineers
All job titles including: public health engineer, rail engineer, drainage engineer, structural engineer, water engineer, geotechnical engineer, geotechnical design engineer, geotechnical specialist, tunnelling engineer, marine engineer, mining engineer, mining geotechnical engineer and petroleum engineer.
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Quantity Surveyors
All job titles within this occupation.
Chemical Engineers
All job titles including: chemical engineer and petrophysicist.
Engineering Technicians
Only: aircraft component manufacturing engineers.
Pipe Fitters
Only: high-integrity pipe welder. You must have three or more years’ documented evidence of related on-the-job experience.
Lines Repairers and Cable Joiners
Only: electricity transmission overhead lines workers.
Physicists, Geologists and Meteorologists
Only: geologist, geological engineer, hydrogeologist, geophysical specialist, geological advisor/analyst/associate, geophysicist, geoscientist, geosupport engineer, contaminated land engineer, geoenvironmental engineer, reservoir panel engineer, rock mechanics engineer, soil mechanics engineer, geomechanics engineer, landfill engineer, contaminated land specialist and geoenvironmentalist.
Ship and Hovercraft Officers
All holding a certificate of Competency from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, indicating qualification to a level equivalent to Officer of the Watch or above.
Chefs/Cooks
Only: skilled chef. You are earning at least £8.10 per hour after deductions for accommodation, meals, etc.
Dancers and Choreographers
Only: skilled ballet dancers. You must reach the standard required by internationally recognised UK ballet companies (e.g. The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet).
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Biological Scientists and Biochemists, Psychologists, Medical Radiographers, Medical and Dental Technicians Pharmacists/ Pharmacologists, Pharmaceutical Dispensers
Only: audiological scientist, band 6 and above biomedical scientist, state registered scientist in cytogenetics, clinical psychologist, ultrasonographer, HPC registered radiographer, audiologist. Only pharmacists, pharmacy technician.
Medical Practitioners and Dental Practitioners
Only: consultants in the ďŹ eld of psychiatry, anaesthetics and intensive care, chemical pathology, clinical neurophysiology, clinical oncology, dermatology, genito-urinary medicine, haematology, immunology, neurology, occupational medicine, oral and maxillo-facial surgery, orthodontics, paediatrics, paediatric dentistry, plastic surgery, renal medicine.
Will be reviewed over the next six months.
Nurses Will be reviewed over the next six months.
Care Assistants and Home Carers
Only: registered nurse employed or engaged at band 7 or 8 or their independent sector equivalents; registered nurse at band 5 or above employed or the following specialties: operating theatre nurse, anaesthetic nurse, operating department practitioner, scrub nurse, theatre nurse, critical care (nurses working in critical units with a level 2 or 3 classiďŹ cation). Only: skilled senior care worker. You are earning at least ÂŁ8.80 per hour after deductions for accommodation, meals, etc.
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Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and Therapists
Only: occupational therapists engaged at band 7 or 8 or their independent sector equivalents (within 3222), speech and language therapist employed or engaged at band 7 or 8 or their independent sector equivalents (within 3223), orthoptist (within 3229), and band 7 dietician (within 3229).
Secondary Education Only: secondary education teacher within Teaching Professionals the subjects of maths and science. Veterinarians
Only: veterinary surgeons. You must be registered as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to work in the UK.
Animal care occupations
Only: skilled work riders. There must be documentary evidence that you have three or more years’ paid experience in this job, at a level equivalent to NVQ level 3. You must be licensed by the British Horseracing Authority.
Fishing and Agriculture related occupations
Only: skilled sheep shearers. You must hold the British Wool Marketing Board bronze medal (or equivalent) or above with documentary evidence that you have worked at this level for three years.
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XXXXXXXXXX YOUR MONEY
your
Money
Earn it, spend it wisely and save IT CAN’T BE DENIED, London can be an expensive place, but you don’t always have to spend a fortune to have a good time. For every expensive option, you should be able to find a bargain if you know where to look and snap it up quickly. Plus with the current exchange rates your pounds can usually be turned into a nice wad of local currency when you head back home. Start by getting a job and second, get your finances sorted. 1st Contact can help you make the most of your money by offering you services that save you time, effort and offer great value for money.
Cost of living Flat share rental per month (single) Monthly travel card Zone 1 to 2 and 1 to 3 Pint of beer in a pub Bottle of average wine Fish and chips Average restaurant meal Movie ticket West End theatre ticket Loaf of bread Milk – 1 pint (about 500ml) Can of Cola Newspaper Haircut – men Haircut – women
£290 - £550 £93 and £109 £2.50 - £3.50 £6 - £10 £3 - £5 £14 - £25 £9 - £14 £30 £1 65p 60p 30p - £1.50 £10 - £50 £30 - £50
The list above is a rough price guide for a few everyday items. The average prices were correct at time of print, but are subject to change and vary from area to area. It also depends on what you regard as average, i.e. a supermarket or corner shop.
UK bank accounts One of the first things you’ll need in the UK is a UK bank account, but opening one by yourself can be a very difficult process. Banks have tightened their compliance regulations immensely, so if you’ve just arrived in the UK and have no previous credit history in this country, no permanent address or utility bills in your name and no job, you will find this nearly impossible. The answer is the 1st Contact Kickstart London Package. 1st Contact has established an excellent working relationship
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with leading UK high-street banks and as part of the package, offers help to get your account opened as quickly and easily as possible.* Bank account assistance is dependent on banking compliance laws. Terms and conditions apply.
UK banking system UK banks are meticulous so changes to your account balance won’t show up for a few days and transfers can take up to a week to clear. High-street banks include HSBC, City Bank, NatWest, Barclays, Halifax, Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds TSB. Once your account is open you’ll receive a debit card. Debit cards can be used to withdraw money from a hole-in-thewall cash machine (usually called this or a ‘cash point’ rather than ATM) and in most shops. PIN numbers are used at cash machines and now also in restaurants and shops. The majority of plastic-card transactions are made using the secure chipand-PIN system. To save time and hassle, you should try to do all your banking online or by phone if possible.
The Bank of England and the Royal Exchange
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Lost card Report your missing UK credit or debit card to your bank or credit card company. They can cancel your card immediately to prevent anyone from making purchases on your card for which you may be liable. It is imperative that you report the lost or stolen cards as soon as possible. You will be issued with replacement cards within five working days. If you suspect that your PIN has been discovered or if it doesn’t arrive in five days, call the bank immediately. Make sure you also remember to do so for any cards from home that you may have in your wallet.
Security and fraud A scam called ‘skimming’ happens when you pay by card, but you are not present to see the transaction. When your card is put through a machine, it ‘skims’ your details and uses them to make a copy card. Always ask to see the card transaction on a mobile card reader so you can pay at your restaurant table. Fraudsters can also obtain your details from receipts with your full card number printed on them. These details are used for ‘card not present’ fraud, especially when internet shopping. Always cross your card details off a receipt that the business keeps. Shred any of your own receipts too. ‘Bin divers’ look for them in rubbish. Fraud is often unnoticed until it shows on a bank statement so keep a really close eye on your money and your bank statements to keep your money your own.
Tax Refunds
DOUBLE DISCOUNT DEAL CLAIM YOUR TAX BACK AND SHIP YOUR GOODS HOME WITH US FOR A DOUBLE DISCOUNT
Don’t miss out 1 in 3 people are due a tax refund…
Are you?
Call us now and we will tell you! 0808 141 1694. Claim online at www.1stcontact-taxrefunds.com and receive unbeatable discounts. Start thinking what would you do with extra cash in your pocket.
> No refund – no fee! > Submit your claim online and receive discounts.
0808 141 1694 guidetax@1stcontact.com www.1stcontact-taxrefunds.com £850 is roughly the average amount owed to a Tax Refund client. Your personal claim will depend on your individual circumstances. Number only accessible in the UK
.
UK tax system You are required to pay tax when you are working in the UK whether you are a temporary or permanent employee. If you do not pay your tax while you are working in the UK, the Inland Revenue have means to find you in your home country. The UK has a staggered tax system, where the more you earn, the higher the tax rate. The UK tax year runs from 6th April to 5th April. There are three main ways of paying tax in the UK: as an employee, through a limited company or as a selfemployed individual. Tax rates are announced in the PreBudget Report in November or December each year. Go to www.hmrc.gov.uk for more details on the UK tax system.
TAX RATES FOR 2009/2010 EARNINGS
2009/2010
2010/2011
Tax-free threshold
£0 - £6 475
£0 - £6 475
Basic rate: 20%
£6 476 - £43 875
£6 476 - £43 875
Higher rate: 40%
£43 876 and over
£43 876 - £150,000
*From 2009/2010 the Starting rate for savings: 10% is £0-£2,440.
The Venetian Gardens in Hyde Park
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EMPLOYEE If you are an employee, your company will usually deduct PAYE (Pay As You Earn income tax) and NIC (National Insurance Contributions) from you before they pay you the net amount. NIC covers entitlement to a number of state benefits such as healthcare, maternity leave and the unemployment benefit. Both of these deductions can be claimed back with 1st Contact. SELF-EMPLOYED Self-employed people must register with the Inland Revenue within three months of commencing self-employment or risk a penalty. Strict business records must be kept and an annual self-assessment tax return must be filed. If you are self-employed it is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice before you start work in the UK to clarify exactly what payments need to be made and when. Self-employed individuals who are classified as sub-contractors (generally those working in the construction industry) should obtain CIS25 vouchers from each place of employment. This certifies your gross pay and tax deductions and enables you to file your tax return and obtain a tax refund.
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Umbrella Payroll Some people like the benefits associated with contracting, but are concerned about the compliance risks and administration involved. 1st Contact Umbrella Payroll offers you the flexibility and freedom of the contracting lifestyle. We become your employer and allow you to choose appealing temporary contracts and we take care of all the administration, tax and payroll work. Our generous expense policy allows you access to tax deductions for a range of expenses that may not be available to you if you don’t use 1st Contact Umbrella Payroll. Don’t forget to pre register with Umbrella and claim your relocation costs to the UK. For more information, visit www.1stcontact-umbrella.com or call 0808 141 1697. The city of London
Sable Wealth
Getting settled in the UK? Get financial advice tailored to the international individual Sable Wealth Management brings a new era of financial services to foreign nationals based in the UK. Your individual circumstances with respect to your tax status, mobility and specific attitudes, require niche planning. Our focus is on helping you earn, save and invest your money as efficiently as possible.
Contact us for a free Analysis. Tel: 0808 141 2291 Web: www.sablewealth.com Email: info@sablewealth.com Sabre Wealth Management is an Authorized Financial Service Provider FSP license number 35134 Number only accessible in the UK.
The Thames at dawn
Sable Wealth Sable Wealth Management helps foreign nationals based in the UK earn, save and invest their money as efficiently as possible by: > Helping you structure your individual finances to make full use of the UK’s very favourable non-domicile tax status. > Optimising your earnings through tax reduction, particularly if you have flexibility in the manner in which you are paid. > Maximising the various UK tax breaks and allowances (ISAs, Pensions, Capital Gains etc). > For those with limited companies – optimising the way in which income is paid out and retained earnings are released. > Asset structuring for those moving back to their home country, taking into account both UK tax and that of the home country. > Assessing your individual insurance cover needs, taking into consideration cost, flexibility and mobility. > Providing Professional Indemnity insurance for those with limited companies. Sable will help you contract-out
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Sable Property Sable Property is the mortgage advice and property investment arm of Sable Private Wealth Management. As an international mortgage brokerage, we are regulated to provide advice to clients on mortgage arrangements in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and mainland Europe. Our focus is to help our clients obtain the most competitive property ďŹ nance arrangements to actualise their property investment goals. We specialise in mortgage advice for UKbased contractors and expat clients without IndeďŹ nite Leave to Remain in the UK. We also help property investors from within the UK and abroad to ďŹ nance their investment properties in the UK. We have brokers in Melbourne, Auckland and Cape Town helping our clients to purchase properties in their home countries while living abroad. We advise our clients ts on all issues relating to theirr property purchase ase and have links with property sourcing agents and solicitors in all the countriess mentioned.
of NI to your approved pension.
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Accounting 1st Contact Accounting offers a full range of accounting services traditionally specialising in assisting contractors with their accounting and tax requirements. Whether you are working through a limited company or self-employed, we help to take the headache out of your paperwork. For more information, visit www.1stcontact-accounting.com or call 0808 141 2283.
Tax refunds A tax refund is a repayment of PAYE (Pay As You Earn) tax that you have overpaid to the Inland Revenue during the tax year. If you work less than the full tax year, are under an emergency tax code or leave the country before the tax year ends (April 5th) and don’t intend to return to work again in the UK in the g same tax year, you sam will probably have wil overpaid tax and ov will wi therefore be due du a refund. Dealing with D the th Inland Revenue can be R complicated but c 1st Contact Tax ccan take the hassle out of claiming your tax back. We’re
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bonded by the ATA (Association of Tax Agents) so you can be rest assured that your money is in safe hands. Most claims take six to 12 weeks to be processed and you can claim for up to five previous tax years. When you leave a position or cross the tax year, make sure you obtain a P45 or P60 respectively to enable you to claim your tax refund. Make photocopies of all these documents in case they get misplaced. To see if you are eligible for a tax refund claim, call us on 0808 141 1694 or visit www.1stcontact-taxrefunds.com.
National Insurance number and rebate Anyone intending to work in the UK needs to obtain an NI number. It is a unique personal number that ensures the Government correctly records your contributions, which go towards the UK social security and state pension system. Apply through your local Jobcentre (call 0845 600 0643 or visit www.dwp.gov.uk) where they will interview you and will require documented proof of identity, your address and work status. If you are not employed yet, you will need letters from your recruitment agent, job interview letters, rejection letters, and so on, to prove this. A National Insurance rebate represents an opportunity to have a portion of your annual NI contributions allocated to your own stakeholder pension. If you are currently employed and have a permanent NI number, you are eligible to claim your NI rebate. You don’t have to contribute anything extra to contract out. The average national insurance rebate is £1 645. Visit www.1stcontact.com/nirebate for information to apply.
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Money transfers to AUS, NZ and SA Once you’ve been in the UK for a while you might want to start sending money home for savings or to pay off a student loan. The bank is the most expensive way to send money, which is why more and more people are using 1st Contact. We offer: > Better exchange rates > Much lower fees and no receiving fees > Money clearance in three working days > No minimum or maximum amount. 1st Contact can also transfer money from Australia and NZ to the UK (if you have a UK bank account – see page 74). Register on www.1stcontactforex.com or call 0808 141 1690. Did you know? You can use your UK debit card to transfer money online, securing the exchange rate* you see at time of transfer. * Terms and conditions apply.
Money Transfers
Send what you don’t spend... Ouut ewufw eyu we wa jjgj!
You want to send your money home safely, securely and at a the best rate. But you’d be paying too much if you use a UK bank to do it. 1st Contact Money Transfers are faster, cheaper and just as secure as UK banks. To get your cash from the UK to many places around the world without the hassle, you could say we’re right on the money.
> Unrivalled customer service
0808 141 1690 guidemt@1stcontact.com www.1stcontactforex.com/guide Numbers only free and accessible within the UK or country listed.
> No min or max amount
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Entertainment in London
Eat, drink and be merry LON LONDON IS A LAYERED CITY – LAY meaning just when me you think you’ve seen it all, a you discover and an entirely new world wo that demands exploring. This is the ex beauty of London, be so we won’t spoil it for you. Instead, here are just a few h popular spots to get p you y going.
‘W Whe hen n a ma an is tir ired ed o of f Lond Lo don o , he he is ti tire red re d of f life.’ Samuel Johnson
ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
Food and restaurants From Michelin-star restaurants to a kebab stop on the corner, the choices are endless with cuisine from ever corner of the globe. You don’t have to spend a fortune either – there are plenty of good affordable places to eat in your area. TIPS FOR EATING OUT > Find restaurants online at www.bestlondonrestaurants.co.uk, www.london-eating.co.uk and www.londontown.com. > Visit Chinatown (Gerrard Street) – little restaurants off the main street are the best value. > Brick Lane in Aldgate is renowned for its curry houses. > Gastropubs are renovated old pubs selling excellent food at reasonable prices. A cut above your usual scampi and chips, they’re well worth a visit and very popular. > Most restaurants in London are licenced and don’t allow BYOA (bring your own alcohol), but check with some smaller local restaurants who may. > Avoid the tourist-trap r re restaurants with permanent ‘S ‘Specials’ boards – the qu quality is not great. > Tipping: if you’ve had g good service it’s polite to g at least a 10% tip. Check give t that the tip does not appear b both on your bill and then a again on your credit card s – a scam that’s easy to slip miss after a few drinks!
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Top affordable eats WAGAMAMA’S Well priced from £5 to £10, tasty noodles and Japanese beers in a buzzy environment. Various locations all over London GOURMET BURGER KITCHEN ‘GBK’ You will get a huge organic burger and chips for around £11. All over London MASALA ZONE Authentic Indian dishes and fast service in a canteen environment – delicious stuff in all price ranges. All over London WEATHERSPOONS A chain of pubs serving a variety of inexpensive food. Some nights offer 2 for 1. All over London HELL PIZZA A New Zealand company with the best pizza in London! Every Tuesday is all-you-can-eat for £6! Get eight or more friends together and it’s all-you-can-eat for £6 any night of the week! SW6 LITTLE BAY Offering inexpensive international cuisine, Little Bay is a fun, theatre-like experience with live opera. SW11 OOZE RISOTTO BAR As the name suggests, Ooze Risotto Bar is the UK’s first risotto restaurant that creates unbelievably tasty risotto – there is a range of Italian food too in case risotto isn’t your thing. W1 AS GREEK AS IT GETS Serving delightful Mediterranean food at a great price, from tsatziki to souvlaki (meat kebab or pita). SW5
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Visas
Immigration, visa and relocation experts Applying for a visa is a daunting task and often results in a lot of undue stress. For this reason we have built our business around your needs to ensure that you can get on with the other important factors involved in migrating while we take care of the visa administration. For over 10 years we have strived to be the premier visa service provider to people wishing to migrate around the world. Whether you need help lodging a skilled visa for Australia or want to stay longer in the UK, you can rest assured that we have the skills and experience to take the hassle out of the migration process so that you have a smooth landing and can enjoy getting on with life.
0808 141 2255 londonguide@1stcontact.com www.1stcontactvisas.com/guide Numbers only free and accessible within the UK or country listed.
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Top-class restaurants If you feel like splashing out on London’s finest food or have something to celebrate, here are some places to try – look out for special offers or head there at lunchtime when most of the best places do lunch deals, usually including a glass of wine. BENTLEY’S OYSTER BAR AND GRILL One of the most famous seafood restaurants in London with mouth-watering meals and fantastic service. W1B L’ESCARGOT MARCO PIERRE WHITE Super smart French restaurant with amazing food and formal atmosphere. Sit upstairs for a real experience. Greek St W1 BROWN’S HOTEL AFTERNOON TEA For the best traditional English afternoon tea and an experience of a lifetime, look no further. W1S TAMESA @ OXO A very posh restaurant with sumptuous food and one of the best views through the vast windows overlooking the Thames. For a slightly cheaper option, try the brasserie. SE1 LE GAVROCHE Le Gavroche is a stunning restaurant that serves French classics and has an impressive wine list. Be sure to book in advance as it is very popular. W1 MARCUS WARING AT THE SAVOY GRILL This Michelin-starred restaurant is a long-standing London institution serving impeccable traditional cuisine. The Savoy Hotel WC2
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Drinking establishments London has a multitude of pubs, bars and other drinking holes. You can find old pubs that haven’t changed in centuries to trendy ice bars that change every season. Whether you want musical or sporty, day or night, real ale or fantastic cocktails, there will be a place in London that does it well. Pub culture is a big part of life in the UK and very much so in London. Even so, some pubs still stop serving at 11pm because of licencing laws, but you can always move onto another bar or club with a late licence. Visit www.fluidfoundation.com or www.visitlondon.com/attractions/pubs_bars for more. TOP BEER GARDENS AND SOCIABLE BARS THE DUKE’S HEAD A beautiful and authentic pub with an excellent atmosphere. The large beer garden overlooks the Thames. This is one of Putney’s best riverside pubs. SW15 WALKABOUT INN Mainly an antipodean-style pub where you’ll see sports on a big screen and listen to the likes of Jimmy Barnes. Weekends also have the allure of live bands. Various locations THE WINDSOR CASTLE A definite must-see, especially for the interiors – look out for the hobbit-like doors! The large beer garden has a vibrant atmosphere during summer with no distractions. Just sit back and have a pint with friends. W8 THE FALCON This is a great new-style Clapham beer garden with a BBQ on the weekends during the summer. SW4
When Wh en goi ing ng out t drin dr inki king ng, al lwa ways ys tak ke a recognised form of identificat ion.
TTOP TRADITIONAL OLD PUBS L LAMB & FLAG The oldest p and one of London’s last pub w wooden framed buildings in Covent Garden (1623), it used to be known as The Bucket of Blood because of the bare-fisted brawls that took place in it. WC2 YE OLDE CHESHIRE CHEESE th ti wooden d floors and big fireplaces, enjoy With authentic a drink in this 17th-century pub where Charles Dickens and Samuel Johnson once sank a pint or three. EC4 THE MAYFLOWER Dating from the 17th century, the Mayflower is one of the most visited pubs in London. On the south bank of the Thames, you can sit on the jetty and watch the passing river traffic as you knock a few back. SE16 TOP COCKTAIL BARS ABSOLUT ICEBAR The entire interior is constructed from ice – ironically one of the hottest venues in London! With abundance of Absolut cocktails to sip from oversized ice-cube glasses, listen to good music, chat and keep warm in your silver cape and gloves given upon entry. W1 MATCH With friendly staff, a laid-back crowd and over 200 superb cocktails including the famous Wibble, it’s considered one of the best cocktail bars in London. EC1
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LONSDALE Truly delicious cocktails and surroundings that look like a glamorous spaceship – celebs flock here. W11 THE FIFTH-FLOOR BAR Knightsbridge is synonymous with luxury, and this intimate bar in the famous Harvey Nichols department store lives up to expectations, with an ambiance of London chic, which compliments sophisticated concoctions such as the Gilded Lily. SW1 B@1 For those south of the river, try this Clapham favourite – a vibrant and friendly venue and a great place to meet friends. The Twisted Mojito and Mango Collins are worth a try. SW4 Be s str t ee tr eet t sm sma art ar rt:: n nev ev ver lea eav ve e you our r coat co at o or r ba bag un bag unat atte att tend nded d i in n an any a ny pu pub ub. b.
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Nightlife London’s club scene is world renowned for its brilliance. There’s something on every night of the week and the scene changes all the time. It’s not just about dance clubs – there are also DJ bars, warehouse clubs, burlesque clubs, members clubs and jazz clubs. Visit www.viewlondon.co.uk/clubs.aspx and read the Time Out, weekly magazines and flyers to see what’s on. TOP NIGHTSPOTS TO TRY THE LIGHT An incredible warehouse club where the crowds chill out and have a good time. The DJ mixes up commercial RnB, hip hop, hard house, DnB and a bit of electro thrown in. E1 FABRIC London’s premier superclub with top DJs churning out breakbeat, DnB, hip hop and more in multiple rooms. Recently voted the world’s best club by the finest DJs, Fabric never disappoints. Believe the hype – Fabric is top class. EC1 PLASTIC PEOPLE An eclectic mix of hip hop, house, grime, jazz, reggae and old school makes this basement club so much fun. Every night is played out well with new styles all the time. EC2 MINISTRY OF SOUND It’s been around a while now, but Ministry of Sound’s reputation for hosting the best international DJs keeps the crowds coming back. Boasting its own record label and online radio station, it remains an essential pilgrimage for dance-music enthusiasts. Various locations
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Cinemas London is cinema heaven with over 600 screens. The most prestigious movie area is around Soho and the West End where the glitzy premieres are held. Head to Leicester Square for World Premieres, but make sure your get there early in the day to fight the crowds. The fantastic Prince Charles Cinema off Leicester Square is the exception – really affordable with tickets at £5 for an evening show (£3.50 for members). It runs films a month or two after their main release, as well as cult classics. There are plenty of less expensive cinemas in other areas with equally good variety and quality screens. Visit www.odeon. co.uk, www.myvue.com and www.cineworld.co.uk.
Live music gigs The live music scene in London is a music lover’s paradise – there are world-class bands playing every night. You could choose a stadium for international big-name concerts or your local pub for up-and-coming talent. The variety of music on y and world music offer is vast – pop, rock, jazz, folk, country s. and the variety of venues is endless. You can’t beat London for venues soaked in atmosphere and various other things, judging by the state of your shoes by the time you leave! Bands from home often do gigs and are featured in the free travellers’ publications. Also see festival information on page 112.
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Theatre, comedy and opera There is nothing like the theatre in London, with 20 to 40 shows happening every night of the week. Seeing a West End show is a must. Some of them boast film celebrities in the cast, but even so, you don’t need to pay an arm and a leg.
Get halfprice ti pr tickets from the Tkts booth in Leicester Square on the day.
The variety of shows include: drama, musicals, opera, comedy, plays, ballet, pantomime, dance and more. Visit www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk for more details about what’s showing and for special offers. Also try www.lastminute.com. The Royal Albert Hall was built from 1867 to 1871 to commemorate the death of Queen Victoria’s consort, Prince Albert. It’s the home of the Proms and is the leading classical music venue in the UK.
The 1st Contact London Guide The famous department store Harrods is housed in a 150-year old building that has become a landmark in London.
Retail therapy London is every shopper’s paradise. There are over 30 000 retail outlets dotted across the capital, but crowds descend during sales and before Christmas. Standard shopping hours are 9.30am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday (some open to 8pm) and 12pm to 6pm on Sundays. Late-night openings are held one day a week with the specific day dependent on the area. Keep one step ahead of the trends, be the first to know about sales, opening specials and more: www.visitlondon.com OLD/NEW BOND STREETS W1 are known for exclusive designer outlets and top-end art galleries. Saville Row and Jermyn Street are historically known for bespoke tailoring.
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KNIGHTSBRIDGE SW1 is home to large fashion houses like Gucci and Prada as well as the luxury department stores such as Harrods and Harvey Nichols, which have legendary sales. OXFORD AND REGENT STREETS W1 are known for highstreet clothing shops and megastores. You can also find the exclusive Selfridges and Hamley’s toy emporium here. PICCADILLY CIRCUS W1 From souvenir stalls to upmarket shopping at Liberty and Fortnum and Mason, London’s largest Waterstones bookshop is situated here, as is the sports megastore Lillywhites. SOHO W1 is home to alternative shops, sometimes seedy, but always arty with well-stocked music stores. Chinatown in Gerrard street has Loon Fung and other Asian supermarkets. CHARING CROSS ROAD WC2 is the best for bookshops, with enticing secondhand shops and music stores. COVENT GARDEN WC2 The Piazza, once the fruit and vegetable market, is now filled with specialist shops, cafés and craft stalls. It’s busy, yet lively, with street performers and musicians entertaining tourists. Neal Street offers shoppers trendy clothes and shoe shops. OUT OF LONDON Malls aren’t big in the city centre, where High Street shopping dominates, but travel out of town and malls are very popular because of the ease of parking. The massive Bluewater (www.bluewater.co.uk) in Greenhithe, Kent, is a good example: a huge mall with hundreds of shops and restaurants and a 12-screen cinema.
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Markets There is a wonderful selection of markets in London offering everything from fresh produce to antiques. BRICK LANE E1 seems to have almost everything you could imagine; trendy or crazy. It has a great vibe and excellent bars to recharge after shopping. Sunday markets are an East End staple – try Petticoat Lane and Columbia Road E2 as well. CAMDEN NW1 is huge and one of the city’s top attractions. It’s open daily, but gets busy on weekends, so go early for gifts, ethnic goods, organic food, vintage and clubbing clothes.
Get wellpriced gifts and novelties at London markets.
PORTABELLO ROAD W10 is best on weekends for very trendy buys, antiques, celebrities and boutiques on the side streets. SPITALFIELDS continues to thrive in its beautiful old building, with its Sunday market boasting excellent organic produce, arts and crafts, antiques, music and clothes. Other markets include Camden Passage, Islington N1 (antiques); Greenwich Market SE10; Borough Market SE1 (best food); Brixton market SW9 (Caribbean); and West India Quay E14 (crafts).
Westminster and Big Ben
London days out and about (for free) When you first get to London, get out and see as much as possible. Don’t be put off by high prices – there are hundreds of things to do for free or very cheaply. Here are a few ideas: TATE MODERN www.tate.org.uk Situated in the spectacular Bankside Power Station, you will find the world’s most influential modern art collection. Walk over the Thames Millennium Bridge while you’re there. Southwark, London Bridge, Waterloo THE NATIONAL GALLERY www.nationalgallery.org.uk Home to one of the greatest collections of Western European paintings in the world, don’t miss these famous artworks and exhibitions. Leicester Square, Charing Cross, Embankment SCIENCE MUSEUM www.sciencemuseum.org.uk If you’re interested in how science has steered us into the 21st century, check out the many exhibitions and activities at
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the Science Museum, including regular IMAX films. Admission is free but there’s a charge for IMAX, simulators and major exhibitions. South Kensington NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM www.nhm.ac.uk Interactive displays and fascinating natural exhibits are sure to amaze you. Definitely worth a visit. Admission is free but there’s a charge for some exhibitions. South Kensington BRITISH MUSEUM www.britishmuseum.org The British Museum is one of the biggest repositories of ancient and historic artefacts. There’s too much to see in a day, so make use of the 50-minute ‘eyeOpener’ tours run daily to get some background into what you are looking at. It’s worth it. Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, Russell Square Access to the Nati Nat Na ti io onal ona on al g gal all al lle lery ler ry i is s free! But don’t feed the pigeons – it’s against the law.
FFree r experiences in London While you anticipate your first pound W paycheck, experience some free fun p without being tacky. Visit www. w londonisfree.com. lo FREE MUSIC The HMV music store on F Oxford Street plays host to top rock bands previewing their latest tracks. You You can can catch catc ca tch h a free orchestral practice in many churches and concert halls. FREE TO WATCH Watch free cult classics and good movies at the Roxy Bar and Screen on Borough High Street. See the stars and explore deep space at the Royal Observatory. FREE COMEDY Theatre Royal Stratford and Rhythm Factory hold free comedy nights every Monday, while Comedy Café and Mirth Control at The Lower Ground Bar do the same on Wednesdays. FREE STUDIO AUDIENCE Appear in the studio audience at TV recordings of X Factor and Top Gear. Get free tickets from the Applause Store, BBC Online Tickets and SRO Audiences. FREE LIVE APPEARANCES Meet your favourite author for signings and readings at bookstores. Record megastores often stage live appearances and signings. FREE DANCE CLASSES Take part in a beginner’s lesson at Salsa! on Charing Cross Road: Fridays at 6.30pm and Sundays at 7pm. FREE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: The Scoop outdoor amphitheatre hosts free music, films and theatre in summer. Adore the animals
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at the free Kentish Town and City Farms. Join over 5 000 skaters at Wellington Arch every Friday at 8pm or the Sunday Stroll at 2pm from Serpentine Road, Hyde Park. Greenwich, Hyde, Regent’s, Richmond and St James’s Parks, Embankment and Kensington Gardens and the Royal Parks Green have music and events in the summer. Visit Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park on a Sunday to hear random opinions and poems on the soap box. Ways to save Students or those on a gap year can get the ISIC card for plentiful discounts – visit www.isiccard.com. The International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) is the equivalent card for non-students between 12 and 25 (inclusive) and you get similar discounts and concessions. Book an appointment at Toni & Guy College or the Vidal Sassoon Academy for a nearly free haircut and colour with a student. It takes a while, but they usually do a great job! The changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace
Tower of London
London days out and about (for a fee) There is so much history and so much to experience in London, and many ways of doing it – walk, cruise, take a bus or fly in a pod! Book tickets online, sometimes at a discount. Visit www.visitlondon.com. TOWER OF LONDON www.hrp.org.uk This world-famous fortress, which houses the Crown Jewels and (supposedly) numerous ghosts, is where King Henry VIII executed two of his wives. It is full of facts and gory stories as told by the Yeoman Warders (beefeaters) during their guided tour. Discover its diverse history in summer by visiting after 3pm when the crowds have left. Adult price: £16.50. Tower Hill THE LONDON DUNGEON www.thedungeons.com Gory fun, live actors, shows, scary rides and interactive special effects have you screaming for joy in this unique experience. Everything that you see is based on historical events from Jack the Ripper to the Great Fire of London. Adult Price: £18. London Bridge
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THE ORIGINAL LONDON SIGHTSEEING TOUR www.walks.com Board the open-top buses and enjoy the entertaining live guides. Your 24-hour hop-on hop-off ticket can be used on all five of the tour routes and will also include a fantastic free Thames cruise. The buses run every 20 minutes. Adult price: £21. CITY CRUISES SIGHTSEEING TOUR www.walks.com Cruise past London’s world-famous landmarks on open upper decks or spacious, comfortable lower deck with a bar. Adult single £6 to £7; Adult return £7 to £9. LONDON EYE www.londoneye.com Take a flight in a pod for 30 minutes up to the viewing ng height of 135 metres. Also o visit at sunset or after dark ark to see the floodlit city. Each ach pod is enclosed and holdss up to 25 passengers. Adult lt price: £15 (save 10% online). ine)). Combine your flight on the Eye with a 40-minutee circular cruise on the Thames. Embankment, t, Waterloo, Westminster
Get a combo ticket to t i s at tion cti ttrac several att nt. cou dis al nti sta sub a
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Globe trotter
Put those hard-earned pounds to good use and do some travelling
TRAVEL IS ONE OF THE BEST REASONS to head to the UK for a couple of years and the range of adventures are seemingly endless. Everything is accessible and possible to do and the many holiday or travel experiences you’re looking for are much easier and cheaper from the UK. Take weekend city breaks in Europe, extended trips through Egypt, a week on a sun-drenched Mediterranean island or a trip across the Atlantic to the States.
Summer Most Europeans take their annual holidays during August. The best option is to take your holiday earlier in June/July or later in September when the weather is still warm. Prices are then a bit cheaper when the children are back at school.
Winter Experience some of the world’s best skiing and snowboarding in Europe. Tour companies offer the best deals including flights, transfers, accommodation, breakfast and dinner.
TRAVEL Annual Bank Holidays 1 January First Friday before Easter Sunday* First Monday After Easter Sunday* 1st Monday in May Last Monday in May Last Monday in August 25 December 26 December *
New Year’s Day Good Friday Easter Monday Early May Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday Summer Bank Holiday Christmas Day Boxing Day
Easter is the first Sunday after the first full moon or after 21st March.
UK travel Don’t miss the opportunity to travel outside London. Favourite UK destinations are Edinburgh (festival), Dublin (St. Patrick’s Day), Bath (Roman ruins), Canterbury (en route to Stonehenge), Glastonbury (festival), Cornwall, the Cotswolds and the Lake District. There’s so much out there to explore and the transport p p links are brilliant on the train and bus. You can also lso hire a car with friends. The Angel of the North, Tyneside Many travel companies organise excellent tours to the different areas in the UK. For more information visit www.visitbritain.com. Plan your UK trips around arou ar d B Ba ank Ho ank an Holi Holi lid days day da ys. ys.
European travel Europe is less than two hours away and won’t cost you and arm and a leg with the likes of Easy Jet, Ryanair and other budget airlines. > Get there: look for flights on www.easyjet.com or www.ryanair.com. > Ferries: visit the P&O Ferries (www.poferries.com), > Eurostar: take the Eurostar from St Pancras International, London, to Paris (in just over two hours) or Brussels. > Get around: Europe by rail or coach can be cost effective with cheaper passes for those under 26 years old. > Visas: South Africans will need a Schengen Visa to enter most EU countries. Festivals Europe is full of festivals throughout the year. Most tour companies take package tours to these festivals for very reasonable prices. Be sure to book in advance as they are popular. There are also many excellent music festivals including the Isle of Wight Festival and the V festival, which feature big names and days of fun. MUNICH OKTOBERFEST, GERMANY The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 to honour the prince’s marriage and lasted a week. With the festivities carrying on year in and year out, it’s a huge party atmosphere, so book a tour in advance – it’s well worth it! ANZAC DAY, GALLIPOLI, TURKEY A moving and evocative WW1 commemoration for Australian and New Zealand visitors, take a day out to do the Anzac Walk.
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HOGMANAY, EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND The most popular New Year’s destination in Europe. Partake in this incredible threeday street carnival of music, dance and street theatre. FIESTA DE SAN FERMIN, PAMPLONA, SPAIN A week-long fiesta held in honour of Saint Fermin, watch the running of the bulls or join in and run with them! BASTILLE DAY, FRANCE A festival of parties, feasts and fireworks to celebrate the start of the 1789 French Revolution. LA TOMATINA, VALENCIA, SPAIN ‘La tomatina’, or tomato battle, takes place on the streets of the small town Bruñol. Music, fireworks and tomatoes make for a bundle of fun.
Worldwide travel You can travel virtually anywhere in the world, cost effectively and quickly from the UK. Fly to Cairo or take the Trans-Siberian railway to Moscow; cross the Atlantic relatively quickly to New York or travel Europe in a minibus; take a cruise through icy fjords or to the balmy Mediterranean. Keep your eyes out for deals as there are plenty of them. Many long-haul ights have stop-overs, which should allow you to make time to explore. Your choices can include Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, LA or Hawaii.
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Travel safety Even in the safest areas there can be pickpockets and scooter snatchers. Keep your bag or wallet upfront and close to you and be aware that your camera bag is a beacon. If the worst happens, let it go, it isn’t worth getting hurt for. If you are alone, walk confidently, don’t give away where you are staying or planning to go and possibly dress discreetly if that is the culture. Beware of scams and con artists. Don’t get overly drunk in public and watch out for erratic and bad drivers. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has good and important safety advice for countries on their website: www.fco.gov.uk.
Lost or stolen passports Immediately report lost or stolen passports to the local UK police and obtain a police report. Your High Commission needs this to issue a new passport. If it goes missing outside the UK, report this to the local police and contact the closest diplomatic post for your country – details are on your High Commission’s website.
Keep a separate list t o of f tr travel trav ell lle lers lers rs’’ cheques numbers and credit card numbers for fast cancellations.
Travel Clinic
Next stop? CHEAPEST VACCINATIONS, NO CONSULTATION FEE! ONLINE VACCINATION SEARCHES... Are you swapping the concrete jungle for the real thing? 1st Contact Travel Clinic can take care of all your travel health needs – with free advice plus accessories, vaccinations and tablets. Low prices, online vaccination search, same-day appointments and free consultation. Castlewood House, 77/91 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1DG Tottenham Court Road, Direct: +44 20 7759 5437
0808 141 2265 guideclinic@1stcontact.com www.1stcontact.com/Lgclinic Registered by the Healthcare Commission. Registration number: E010000632. Registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. Registration number: UKYFVC2800.
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Travel health When travelling in the Middle East, South East Asia, India, Africa or South America, you definitely need to stay healthy – get the best advice before you go. The 1st Contact Travel Clinic has over 20 years’ experience in travellers’ health. We offer a full range of vaccinations with free international certificates including Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Yellow Fever, Meningitis, Tetanus, Rabies, Polio, Typhoid and information on Malaria. Visit the online vaccination search to find out which jabs you need for your travels and check out the online disease fact file, with up-to-the-minute information and advice. We also stock a range of items you might need, such as sterile first aid kits, mosquito nets, insect repellents and water purifiers. For some free advice, drop in here before you go anywhere. Call 020 7759 7574 or visit www.1stcontact.com.
1st Contact’s nic nic lini li Cli el C vel Trav Tra Tr ise adv l wil you on the areas that require anti-malaria medication.
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GOING HOME
Heading home Take it all back with you
IT’S TIME TO GO HOME or to move on to somewhere new. No doubt you have had some wonderful new experiences and made many friends and memories along the way, but perhaps it’s too soon to go straight home...
How to prepare yourself If your visa is coming to an end, you have a deadline to work with, so don’t put everything off until the last minute. With a few months to go, you may not still have a return air ticket and the sooner you book one, the cheaper it will be. Organise someone to take over your rent and make sure all your bills are paid and are no longer in your name. Check notice periods to cancel your mobile phone contract and gym membership and check if there are early cancellation penalty fees.
Shipping
DOUBL
E DISCO
UNT DE UR GOO AL DS HOM YOUR TA E AND X REFU CLAIM ND WIT H US FO DOUBL RA E DISCO UNT *
SHIP YO
Shipping your excess baggage? Trusted shipping and removals 1st Contact’s shipping team offers a full international removal service, whether it’s one bag or an entire household. So from surfboards to sideboards, we’ll get it there for you – always safe, fast and affordable..
> FREE packing materials > FREE collection and delivery in the London area
> Air and sea freight > Storage and mini-moves > Shipping to Aus/NZ/SA
0808 141 2270 lgship@1stcontact.com www.1stcontact.com/Lgship *Terms and conditions apply. An ATN of Anglo Pacific International PLC. Numbers only free and accessible within the UK.
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You will hopefully have a good d few pounds saved to enjoy in your local currency and will nevertheless need to organise a new job back home. Don’t stress about all the great things gs you have accumulated, there is a way to take it all with you. u. Shipping takes six to 12 weeks.. Please don’t forget to reclaim your tax refund and transfer your NI rebate to your pension. You really don’t want the tax man to keep it!
Shipping When it’s time to head home you’ll ’ll probably b bl b be shocked h k d att how much stuff you’ve accumulated! If you came over with a bag and you’re leaving with a houseful, ship it all home safely with 1st Contact Shipping. Call 0808 141 2270 or visit www.1stcontact.com/shipping and use our online shipping calculator to work out how much it will cost.
Money transfers Transfer your money home via 1st Contact and enjoy a better deal than you would with your local bank. Use your UK debit card online, securing the exchange rate* you see at time of transfer. Visit www.1stcontactforex.com. *Please note: guaranteed exchange rates are subject to terms and conditions.
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The rate you see is the rate you get Sending money home?
With the best rates and the best customer service available, 1st Contact makes transferring money safe, quick and easy. To register, visit www.1stcontactforex.com > Best exchange rates guaranteed > Unrivalled customer service > Fast and secure 24/7 online transfers
> No hidden fees or additional charges
0808 141 1690 guidemt@1stcontact.com www.1stcontactforex.com/guide Terms & conditions apply. Registered with Customs & Excise. Registration Number: 12148630. Numbers only free and accessible within the UK.
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Tax refunds If you’re leaving the UK and have only worked part of the tax year, you may be due a tax refund. 1st Contact Tax can make this claim for you no matter where you are in world. Call 0808 141 1694 or visit our website on www.1stcontacttaxrefunds.com and use our online tax calculator to see how much you could claim back from the tax man.
Job assistance Send your CV to us and we’ll forward it to the best recruitment agencies in Aus, NZ and SA. This is a free service! Trafalgar Square’s trademark is Nelson’s Column, which stands in the centre with four lion statues guarding it. The column was built between 1840 and 1843 to commemorate Admiral Nelson’s death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The statue of Nelson is 5.5 metres tall while the granite column stands at 46 metres.
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Migration If you would like to migrate to Australia or New Zealand or you are heading home to and would like to take a partner of another nationality back with you, 1st Contact Migration can offer help lodging a visa that suits your needs and will take the hassle out of the migration process so that you have a smooth landing and can enjoy getting on with life. Call 0808 141 2286 for a free consultation, or for more information, please visit www.1stcontactvisas.com.
Immigration Your life and career are going well and you are feeling settled, but you’re coming to the end of your visa in the UK and would like to stay y longer. g Good news – there may be options for extending your stay. This fo ccould be done from within the UK U or you may need to take a holiday back home to arrange h it i from there. Either way, with offi o ces around the world, 1st Contact’s dedicated team of immigration specialists can advise you of your choices. We can help with a range of visas to suit your individual circumstances. Visit www.1stcontactvisas. com or call 0808 141 2251.
Aus/NZ Migration
Where to next? How about an antipodean opportunity in the sun? 1st Contact Visas have a dedicated team of consultants and caseworkers who specialise in Australian and New Zealand visas and immigration services. They can manage your visa application so that you can get there sooner and can spend more time planning your new life and less time tangled up in red tape! Complete our Australian or our New Zealand Migration free online assessment form to help us determine your eligibility!
0808 141 2286 guidemig@1stcontact.com www.1stcontactvisas.com/guide Numbers only free and accessible within the UK.
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Testimonials Experiences and recommendations
We offer the best be t c cus u to us tome me er service possible.
XXXXXXXXXX TESTIMONIALS
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Directory of contacts Lost/stolen credit cards
Emergencies Emergency
999
Transport Transport for London
020 7222 1234 www.tfl.gov.uk
National Rail
08457 48 49 50
American Express
01273 696 933
Diners club
01252 513 500
Mastercard
0800 964 767
Visa/Connect
0800 891 725
National Express 087 1781 8181
Disabled visitors
Eurostar
08705 186 186
Radar – see www.radarsearch.org
Rail Europe
08705 848 848
Airlines
Health NHS Direct
0845 46 47
Air New Zealand 0800 028 4149
Medicentre
0870 600 0870
British Airways
084 4493 0787
0845 310 1334
Qantas Airlines
08457 747 767
Sexual Health Direct
South African Airways
08707 471 111
Utilities British Telecom Enquiries
Airports Heathrow
08700 000 123
Gatwick
08700 002 468
Stansted
08700 000 303
Luton
01582 405 100
London City
020 7646 0088
0800 800 150
London Energy 0800 096 5010 (gas and electric) Thames water enquiries
08459 200 888
Royal Mail 08457 740 740 General enquiries
DIRECTORY Taxes Companies House
0870333 36 36
Inland Revenue and Customs
020 7438 6420
Telephone BT Direct
100
International operator
155
Directory enquiries UK
188 188
Accommodation www.sx-live.com/flats www.kfh.co.uk
020 8739 2000
Embassies Australian High Commission
020 7379 4334
New Zealand 020 7930 8422 High Commission South African 020 7451 7299 High Commission
Country codes Australia
+61 + area code
New Zealand
+64 + area code
South Africa
+27 + area code
NB: All numbers accessible from within the UK only. For other numbers, please check the yellow pages or search online.
www.1stcontact.com
Heading home? 1st Contact should be on your checklist We hate to see you go, but would love to help you leave. If it’s time to go home or to somewhere new, let 1st Contact take the hassle out of your preparations. Take home more than your just your memories. With our full suite of services, we specialise in assisting you with the following international services and more:
> CV and Job assistance
> NI Rebates
> Money transfers
> Investment planning
> Tax refunds
> Aus/NZ/SA Migration
> Mortgages
> Australian bank account
> Property management
> Shipping
0808 141 2255 londonguide@1stcontact.com www.1stcontact.com/londonguide Numbers only free and accessible within the UK.
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Contact International Offices
1st Contact London
1st Contact New Zealand
info@1stcontact.com Freecall in UK: 0808 141 2255
nzoffice@1stcontact.com Freecall in NZ: 0800 224 322
1st Contact Australia
1st Contact South Africa
ausoffice@1stcontact.com Freecall in Aus: 1800 039 300
saoffice@1stcontact.com Freecall in SA: 0800 003 163
1st Contact Services (Freecall within UK only) Money Transfers
guidemt@1stcontact.com
0808 141 1690
Immigration
guideim@1stcontact.com
0808 141 2251
Tax Refunds
guidetax@1stcontact.com
0808 141 1694
Migration
guidemig@1stcontact.com
0808 141 2286
Accounting
guideac@1stcontact.com
0808 141 2283
Shipping
Lgship@1stcontact.com
0808 141 2270
Sable Wealth
info@sablewealth.com
0808 141 2291
Sable Property
mortgages@sablewealth.com
0808 141 2294
Umbrella Payroll
guideumb@1stcontact.com
0808 141 1697
Travel Clinic
guideclinic@1stcontact.com
0808 141 2265
NI Rebates
guideni@1stcontact.com
Job/CV Assistance ausoffice@1stcontact.com saoffice@1stcontact.com Kickstart
0808 141 2278 0808 141 2267 0808 141 2264
www.1stcontact.com/londonguide
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