Relocation guide london by Shaun Giblin

Relocation Guide: London Our guide to living and working overseas

London Overview of London

London is one of the world’s most important cultural and financial centres. London’s influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion and the arts contributes to its prominent position. Central London is the headquarters of more than half of the UK’s top 100 listed companies (the FTSE 100) and more than 100 of Europe’s 500 largest companies.

Area: 607 sq miles Capital City: London Currency: Pound Sterling (GBP) Government: Democracy Language: English Population: 7,556,900 Population Density: 12,331/sq miles Religion: 58% Christian 42% other

Air Energi in the UK

Air Energi’s UK hub is in Manchester, in the North West of England. From this branch we deal with all mobilizations to the capital city.

Geography

At London’s core is the small, ancient ‘City of London’ which is commonly known as ‘the City’ or ‘the Square Mile’. Greater London, encompassing the boroughs covers an area of 607 square miles.

Climate

London has a temperate climate, like much of the British Isles, so the city rarely sees extremely high or low temperatures. 1

Summers (June-August) are warm with average high temperatures of 21 °C. Winters (November- February) in London are chilly, but rarely below freezing. Spring and Autumn have mild days and cool evenings. London is a relatively dry city with regular but generally light precipitation throughout the year.

Banking Information

The major high street banks in England and Wales are Lloyds TSB, Barclays, HSBC and NatWest. Banking hours are: MondayFriday 9:30am-3:30pm. Some branches stay open until 5:30pm, and a few are open Saturday morning. Most banks will have an ATM outside the bank where you can withdraw cash with a credit or debit card. Many of these are available to use 24 hours a day, but some do still close for a few hours during the night. There are many ATM machines in the city. To open a bank account in the UK, you will need a passport, proof of current address such as a bill, or proof of employment. The major banks include Lloyds, Midland, Nat West, Barclays and the Bank of Scotland. You will receive a debit card with your account so you can withdraw your money at any time.

Accommodation

London is unfortunately one of the most expensive cities in the world to live. If you want your own flat or double room in a nice area then you have to expect to pay a lot of money for it. Typical costs are around £80-200/week, plus bills (electricity, gas, water, council tax, TV license). You will have to pay one months rent in advance.

Cost of Living * This is an approximate guide only

7 day underground travel Loaf of bread Pint of milk

£36.00 £1.70 £0.50

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Cigarettes (20) £6.50 Can of Coca Cola £0.70 Restaurant 3 course meal pp £30-£100 Cinema ticket £8.50 Beer/lager £3.50 Large take away pizza £12.00

Food and Drink

British cooking has moved towards being international in flavour and there are relatively few traditional dishes left, however, a national passion for good quality food remains.

National Specialities

A few typically English dishes to try are: a Full English Breakfast (bacon, eggs, sausages, tomatoes and fried bread) Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding (slices of beef served with vegetables and a hollow pancake ball) Fish and Chips (Cod or haddock deep fried in batter and served with potato chips). The most popular drink in England is undoubtedly tea, however you are likely to encounter the American chain coffee shops such as Starbucks and Costa, of which are on most street corners. A visit to an English pub is an absolute must. there are many different kinds of locally made ales, bitters, and ciders to try, Alongside the famous London Gin, which used to be made in copious quantities, unlicensed, throughout the city over 300 years ago.

Etiquette

For the most part, the British do not generally raise their voices and, particularly in the city, they like to maintain their own personal space. Generally London is very multicultural, and people from many nationalities live here, but it is best not to make assumptions as to where an individual might come from, this can cause offence. Giving gifts is not a normal part of British business culture. Indeed, British business colleagues are quite likely to feel embarrassed to receive any gift at all. © Air Energi 2013

Conservative dress is the norm for both men and women especially in dark colours (black, dark blue, charcoal grey) and in most businesses, those in management or senior positions will wear suits (trouser suits also for women). Extended business lunches and post-work drinks are regarded as part of the modern working environment to relieve the increasingly long working hours.

London Heathrow Airport

www.gatwickairport.com/parkingtransport

London City Airport (LCY)

www.londoncityairport.com London City Airport is the most central, located just 10km (6 miles) east. All facilities are catered for - bars, restaurants, shops, business facilities, as well as currency exchange and car hire.

www.heathrowairport.com Located 24km west of central London, Heathrow is the UK’s busiest airport. All facilities are catered for here including bars, restaurants, shops, business facilities, as well as currency exchange and car hire.

Transport to the City

Drivng in London

There are numerous ways to get from Heathrow airport into London and surrounding areas. The quickest taking 15-20minutes is the Heathrow Express www.heathrowexpress.co.uk, this operates from terminals T1, T2, T3 & T5 every 15-20 minutes. The London underground also runs services into and around London, this takes about 30 minutes to reach a central point and you can use your oystercard www.tfl.gov.uk. Coach services are also available. Taxi’s are also available for services to the city, however they are expensive and will cost around £50-£70. For more information on alternative ways of commuting to and from Heathrow visit the transportation section on the airports website www. heathrow-airport-guide.co.uk/london. html#b.

London Gatwick Airport

www.gatwickairport.com Gatwick airport which was formerly known as London Gatwick airport and is located 45.7km south of central London. With the world’s busiest single-use runways, Gatwick rates as London’s second largest international airport and the UK’s second busiest in terms of passengers. The airport has two terminals, North and South,linked by a free train. Both terminals full airport facilites - shops, bars, restaurants, a business centre, curency exchange and car hire.

Transport to the City

The fastest way to get from Gatwick airport to central London is via the Gatwick Express, which is a non-stop train that runs to Victoria. Services are every 15 minutes and takes 30 - 35 minutes www.gatwickexpress.co.uk. Other trains run to Victoria, although they are cheaper they take much longerA number of coaches run from the airport to the city and taxi’s are also available. For information about current services and prices from Gatwick, visit the transport section of the airports website

A DLR (Docklands Light Railway) link connects the airport to Bank underground station on the Central Line. Trains run every 7 minutes, (journey time - 14 minutes) Taxi fares to central London start from £20-25.

Non UK driving licenses are valid up to 12 months and you must be adequately insured to drive. It’s a good idea to avoid driving in London as the congested roads together with the congestion charges and one way systems can be a bit of a headache. The city has a well developed transport system that usually offers the fastest way to get from A to B. However, if you need to drive in the city, try and prepare in advance for any journey. For more information about driving in London visit www.visitlondon.com/ travel/getting_around/london-driving.

Public Transport

Purchasing a prepaid electronic ‘Oyster card’ is the cheapest way to get around, on both buses, trains and the underground network. Enquire at an underground station for details, or visit www.visitbritaindirect.com. London’s famous red buses are now limited to two ‘heritage routes’ (buses 9 and 15, every 15 minutes). On many routes, you have to buy tickets prior to boarding and there is a fine for travelling without a valid ticket. Services operate 24 hours a day.

The London Underground

Commonly called the ‘Tube’, is the oldest and most extensive underground system in the world. The network is divided into six zones, which determine the price of tickets. The London Underground operates daily approximately from 5:30am to 12:30am but is best avoided during rush hour (Monday to Friday 8:00am-9:30am and 5:00pm- 6:30pm) when it is extremely crowded. There are a number of tickets available, including the Day Travelcard, which can be used on buses also. Travelcards including other zones cost more. The one-day bus pass is only valid on buses. You can buy all tickets, at Tube stations and most newsagents. www.airenergi.com

Taxi

London’s distinctive black taxi cabs are a pleasant (but expensive) way of getting around the city. The lowest tariff is in effect Monday to Friday 6:00am - 8:00pm (except public holidays). Tariffs are higher at night and at the weekend. A tip of 10-15% to round up the bill is customary. London cabbies undergo intensive training and learn all the street names in the capital. Minicabs (usually standard saloon cars) can be booked over the telephone or direct from local offices throughout London. There are numerous illegal and or unscrupulous operators, so it is always wise for travellers to check that the company is registered.

Driving in the City

London has a congestion charge for all vehicles entering the central zone from Monday to Friday between 7:00am and 6:00pm. The charge zone is clearly marked on roads and signposts. You will find a map of the zones and how to pay on the www.cclondon.com.

Car Hire

Drivers usually need to be around 25 years or older. A foreign national driving licence is valid in the UK for one year, although an International Driving Permit may be preferred if the licence is not in English. A credit card is essential and it is important to check what level of insurance is included in the price of car hire. Major car firms are Avis www. avis.co.uk Budget www.budget.co.uk and Hertz www.hertz.co.uk. The London congestion charge does apply to all hire cars and drivers will usually be responsible for arranging this.

Healthcare

The UK has a national healthcare system (NHS) whereby everyone can receive medical consultations and emergency treatments for free. All you will have to pay for is the cost of a prescription apx (£7.50 per item). This service does not include dental care, which instead has a contributory system for those in employment. When you arrive in the UK you need to register with a local doctor and dental surgeon. Eye exams are not covered. There are a number of Private healthcare providers, which we can set up for you and your family, which require a contribution. NHS emergency services and treatment are still available for those who pay for private care.

Vaccinations

Visit your doctor and ensure that your tetanus and polio vaccinations are kept up to date.

Emergency Numbers Police / Ambulance / Fire: 999

Travel Tips Be prepared

Generally, overseas travellers are more likely to be injured through unintentional injuries than to be struck down by exotic infectious diseases. In fact, accidents and traffic collisions are the most frequent cause of death among travellers, so ensure you have good insurance and if you are hiring a vehicle, ensure it is in good working order. It will be beneficial to have some vehicle maintenance knowledge if you are planning on travelling to the more remote areas of the world, where a breakdown in harsh conditions can cost your life.

Copy your documents

In the unfortunate event of your luggage going missing, or your passport / wallet is stolen or lost, it is a good idea to have copies that can help you with re-issues. Take 2 colour photocopies each of your passport, plus visa stamps and documents, driving licence, important prescriptions or other ID documents. Make 2 sets of the documents and keep these copies separate from your main luggage, preferably in 2 separate bags. It is also a good idea to copy scanned or phtocopied documents to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home knows how to access it in case of an emergency.

Vaccinations

Check with your medical practitioner on what vaccines are required before your travel. Due to your medical history, you may require more than one dose, or you may need boosters for childhood vaccines. Check the latest travel advice and travel bulletins for your destination before you depart, and also while travelling, so you can ensure you have the latest information. Common diseases contracted by travellers include those which are the result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or not practising safe sex, plus a number of mosquito or tick-borne diseases endemic to tropical areas. Be sure to take measures to avoid being bitten such as wearing light-coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs, regularly applying an appropriate insect repellent and staying in mosquito-proof accommodation or using bed nets.

Taking medicines with you

Book a checkup at your doctor or dentist, dbefore you leave. If you wear glasses or contacts lenses, bring an extra pair of glasses and your prescription. Persons taking prescription medications should make sure they have an adequate supply for the trip, and/or bring their prescription, making sure it includes the medication trade name, manufacturer’s name, generic name, 3

and dosage. Prepare a simple medical kit of over-the-counter medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, antiseptic, diarrhoea medication), bandaids, thermometer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. When travelling overseas with medicine, (including over-the-counter or private prescription) it is important that you talk to your doctor and discuss the amount of medicine you will need to take. Carry a letter from your doctor detailing what the medicine is, how much you will be taking, and stating that it is for your own personal use. Leave the medicine in its original packaging so it is clearly labelled with your own name and dosage instructions. If you have to inject your medication, inform your airline before you travel and, if necessary, arrange a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to carry them.

Your health on long-haul flights

Keep important medication with you in case your luggage goes missing. To help avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT): drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and whilst seated, stretch and rotate your feet and lower legs. Walking around the cabin at regular intervals will help.

Scuba Divers

If you have been scuba diving, don’t travel in an aircraft for at least 24 hours after your final dive.

Coping with Jetlag

Factor the effects of jet lag into your itinerary. In order to cope with Jetlag you should get a good deal of sleep before your journey. It is also important to rest as much as possible during your flight. Planning to arrive at your destination as near to the time when you normally go to sleep will also help with the adjustment. If you are able to plan your itinerary allow time on arrival for adjustment or plan meetings at similar times to back home. Some people advise changing their watches to destination time when they get onto the plane. While this helps many people, for those who are on regular medication, such as diabetics, watches should remain on home time until you are able to adjust your medication to local times on arrival at your destination or as suggested by your health advisor.On arrival at your destination get active as soon as possible, as exercise has been proven to improve productivity. Adjust your meals and activities to local time as soon as you can. Exposure to light is also a good way of naturally allowing your body to adjust. If you need to take a short nap, do, it will help refresh you, but don’t forget to use an alarm clock or wake up call to get you up! www.airenergi.com

Lost Luggage

If you happen to lose your baggage on arrival at your destination airport, tell the airline immediately and get suitable compensation. Agree on an amount you can spend on essential items that you will need and give them an address to deliver the luggage to when they find it. It is wise to make a copy of your passport details and any other important papers or vaccination certificates that you are carrying with you when you travel. Leave them in a safe place in the office or copy to an Internet based e-mal account. Make sure someone at home either a partner or friend knows how to access it in case of an emergency. You will need photo identification even for air travel within the UK.

Personal Safety

Be aware of your surroundings at all times; thieves will use many tricks to distract you - wiping something off your shoulder while an accomplice is picking your pocket, getting young children to surround you while they plan to rob your belongings. Trust your instincts, especially when visiting countries where a high poverty rate comes along with high petty crime rates. When not attending meetings, try to blend in with the crowd when out and about - try not to look like a visitor! When enjoying the local nightlife, guard your food/drinks and keep your wits about you. Beware of the fact that you will be an easy target after a few too many drinks. Avoid walking home to your hotel late at night, even if it is close by. Get a taxi. Don’t take shortcuts through poorly lit areas, it pays to trust your instincts in these situations. Keep your wits about you when making new friends - men and women may come across very friendly indeed if you are the route to an easier life. Be careful of telling people where you live.

Unsafe Water - What to do

If travelling to more remote areas with poor sanitation - only drink boiled water, hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, canned or bottled carbonated beverages, beer, and wine. Ice may be made from unsafe water and should be avoided. It is safer to drink from a can or bottle of beverage than to drink from a container that was not known to be clean and dry. However, water on the surface of a beverage can or bottle may also be contaminated. Therefore, the area of a can or bottle that will touch the mouth should be wiped clean and dry.

Frequently asked questions Do I need a visa to enter the UK (London)? Those who are not EU citizens will require a valid entry visa. We will advise and assist you with the process of obtaining one if necessary. Can I take my family with me? Those who are non EU citizens will require a valid visa / permit. We will advise and assist you with the process of obtaining one if necessary. Do I need a local bank account? No, however this is advised when paid in GBP Will I need a medical? You may be asked to complete a medical examination for the client you are working for before you go.

Contacts Air Energi Euston Tower, 32nd Floor 286 Euston Road London United Kingdom NW1 3DP Phone: +44 (0) 20 346 38710 europe@airenergi.com