TNT UK & IRELAND GUIDE 2011

Page 1

UK & IRELAND GUIDE 2011

helping you make the move tntmagazine.com

UK & IRELAND GUIDE 2011

•how to plan your trip •The lowdown on job hunting •essential visa information tntmagazine.com

inside: a tourist’s guide to london’s attractions


All your essential contacts for living and working in London are right here. With offices in London, Australia and South Africa we’re here to help you.

> Limited Companies & Accounting > Money Transfers > Tax Refunds & Ni Rebates > UK Immigration > Kickstart & UK Bank Accounts > Financial & Investment Solutions > Travel Clinic > Aus/NZ Migration > Shipping > Umbrella & Contractor Payroll > Legal Services

Australiasia

1800 141 300* Aus 0808 224 322 NZ *

South Africa

London

saoffice@1stcontact.com

info@1stcontact.com

0808 003 163*

ausoffice@1stcontact.com

42734_IFC

www.1stcontact.com/tntguide *Freecall within these countries. All other numbers are free from within the UK only

0808 141 2274 0808 141 1677 0808 141 5502 0808 141 1623 0808 141 2308 0808 141 2293 0808 141 1621 0808 141 1619 0808 141 5521 0808 141 1640 0808 141 2317

0808 141 2313


LETTER

EDITORIAL UK & Ireland Guide editor Samantha Baden TNT editor Daniel Landon Production editor Claire Goodall Sub Janine Jorgensen Writers Jahn Vannisselroy | Rebecca Kent ART & PICTURES Art director Shabir Mahmood Designers Astrid Breacker | Laura Doyle Picture editor Shila Sultana SALES Managing director (sales) Jeff Perkins Key accounts Jaqui Ward | Helen Simms | Charlotte Page Classified sales execs Cameron Knapp | Kate Simmonds Norwich office Stephen Warman | Andy Ellis MARKETING & EVENTS Head of marketing Anna Williams Marketing exec Danielle Tessari Events marketing manager Hazel Willis Marketing assistant Camilla Hibbert ACCOUNTS Financial controller Nick Crampton Accounts Margaret Roberts | Alexandra Buchlakova PRODUCTION Head of production Libby West Production manager Jon Cooke Production assistant Justine Mackay DIGITAL & IT Interim digital manager Lily Nguyen IT manager Stephen Dann TNT PUBLISHING CEO Kevin Ellis Chairman Ken Hurst Director Tony Goodman Receptionist Danielle Charlton PUBLISHER TNT Publishing Ltd PRINTED BY St Ives Web Ltd PICTURES Getty Images, TNT Images TNT Magazine, 14-15 Child’s Place, Earl’s Court, London SW5 9RX tntmagazine.com General enquiries Phone 020 7373 3377 Fax 020 7341 6600 Email enquiries@tntmagazine.com Sales enquiries Phone 020 7341 6767 Email sales@tntmagazine.com

tntmagazine.com

ON YOUR MARKS, GET PACKED AND GO If you’ve ever thought of trading in your life at home for a taste of what London has to offer, this is the book for you. TNT’s UK & Ireland Guide 2010 has all the latest information and advice to help make your dream of living on the other side of the world a reality. It’s a big step to shift your life thousands of kilometres across the globe, but London’s proximity to Europe means the ability to travel and experience some of the world’s most beautiful and interesting destinations should ease those jitters. Plus London is the place to be right now if you’re looking for the best in entertainment, with shows, comedy and bands accessible on a nightly basis. Check out the guide’s Touching Down section on page 18 for advice on

making the most of this fair city. But of course, the UK capital isn’t the only place to live and Europe isn’t the only place to visit. We’ve included some vital information about living in and travelling to a wide variety of destinations. So if you’ve ever dreamt of exploring Edinburgh or Dublin, or marvelling at Egypt’s pyramids or Peru’s Inca ruins, we can help. Once you arrive in the UK, look out for TNT Magazine. You’ll find us every week in the red bins dotted around London and other parts of the UK (see tntmagazine.com/findtnt, or tntmagazine.com/emag to read the online edition). We’ll help you settle in and get the most out of your great adventure. Have a fabulous time in the UK. It’s an awesome experience, so don’t miss out. Samantha Baden UK & Ireland Guide Editor

TNT GUIDE 2010 3


CONTENTS TAKING OFF 7

Countdown to the UK

TOUCHING DOWN 18

Living in London

30

Banking, tax and NI

36

Getting around

38

Keeping in touch

41

Be a tourist in London

45

Entertainment in London

49

Sport in the UK

52

Driving in the UK

54

Healthcare in the UK

4 TNT GUIDE 2010

tntmagazine.com


GETTING WORK Getting work in London

58

Temping in the UK

60

Limited companies

63

Accounting and finance

66

Teaching

69

Medical and healthcare

72

Nannying and caring

76

Secretarial and PA

78

Catering and hospitality

80

Trades

82

PR and marketing

86

Construction

88

IT

CONTENTS

56

TRAVEL 90

Travelling in Europe

94

Rome

96

Barcelona

98

Bruges

100 Berlin 102 Dubrovnik 104 Paris 106 Travelling in the UK 108 Edinburgh 110 Cardiff 112 Belfast 114 Lake District 116 Dublin 118 World festivals 124 Big trips tntmagazine.com

TNT GUIDE 2010 5


EVERY AFL, NRL & SUPER 14 GAME THAT’S OUR PROMISE TO YOU!!! PLACE TO PARTY LIVE MUSIC & DJ’S HOME AWAY FROM HOME

VIEW WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK FOR FULL LISTINGS www.walkabout.eu.com SHEPHERDS BUSH

FINCHLEY ROAD

56 Shepherds Bush Green, W12 8QE 020 8740 4339

O2 Centre, 255 Finchley Road NW3 6LU 020 7433 6570

6 TNT GUIDE 2010

TEMPLE Temple Station, Temple Place & Victoria Embankment WC2 R2PH 020 7395 3690

COVENT GARDEN 11 Henrietta St, Covent Garden WC2 E8PS 020 7379 5555

WIMBLEDON 74 - 78 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1RQ 020 8543 8624

tntmagazine.com


TAKING OFF

LET THE COUNTDOWN TO ADVENTURE BEGIN There’s a lot to take care of before you get on the plane to the UK. Here’s a handy guide to ensure you don’t forget anything

I

f only moving to the UK and Ireland was as easy as packing a bag and jumping on a plane. The truth is you’ll need to get organised to make the move. But that’s where we come in.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS GET A PASSPORT If you already have a passport, check that it’ll be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your proposed stay in the UK. If you don’t have a passport, now is the time to apply for one. APPLY FOR A VISA If you want to work in the UK or Ireland, or if you want to spend more

tntmagazine.com

than six months in either country, you’ll need a visa. Apply through the British High Commission in your home country (Australians and New Zealanders can apply and pay online), and allow plenty of time – applications can take up to two months to process. However, note that the British High Commission in Australia only accepts applications from people who plan to arrive in the UK within three months of their application date. Remember, visa rules can change at any time. See ukvisas.gov.uk and workingintheuk.gov.uk for details on working in the UK; for Irish visas see foreignaffairs.gov.ie, and entemp.ie if you want to work in Ireland. There’s

also a comprehensive guide to UK visas at tntmagazine.com.

YOUTH MOBILITY VISA The Youth Mobility Scheme visa, also known as a Tier 5 visa, allows those aged 18 to 30 to live and work in the UK for up to two years. Australians and New Zealanders can apply for this type of visa, but South Africans are not eligible. To obtain a Youth Mobility Scheme (Tier 5) visa you must accrue 50 points under the UK Home Office’s points-based system: ■ If you have a certificate of sponsorship from your home country you’ll receive 30 points. Eligible citizens of some countries, including

TNT GUIDE 2010 7


TAKING OFF

Australia and New Zealand, receive 30 points automatically. ■ If you are aged between 18 and 30, you’ll be awarded 10 points. ■ You get 10 points for having £1600 in the bank. RULES OF THE YOUTH MOBILITY SCHEME ■ You can stay in the UK for up to 24 months. ■ You can work for the full 24 months in any job (except for setting up a business, playing professional sport or working as a doctor in training). ■ You will have to leave the UK once your visa expires. If you then want to apply for a Tier 1 visa (highly skilled) or Tier 2 visa (work permit), you will have to return to your home country.

TIER 1 VISA The UK’s Tier 1 (general) visa was previously known as a highly skilled migrant programme visa. The UK Home Office recently tightened the rules surrounding this visa, which means applicants must now have a masters degree and have earned £20,000 in a consecutive 12-month period. If applying for a Tier 1 (general) visa you will need to accrue 95 points, which are awarded according to your education (including extra for qualifications gained in the UK), your previous earnings, previous employment experience, English language ability, skills and funds. MONEY IN THE BANK ■ Applicants from within the UK will need at least £800 (or foreign currency equivalent) in the bank for a continuous three-month period before applying. ■ If you are applying from outside the UK the figure is higher. SWITCHING AND EXTENDING TIER 1 VISAS Working holidaymakers who want to obtain a Tier 1 visa now have to apply from within their home country.

8 TNT GUIDE 2010

WORK AND LIVE IN IRELAND Ever wanted to experience the legendary craic of the Republic of Ireland for yourself? The good news is that the friendly people of Ireland have set up a similar system of working holidays to the UK – albeit for a shorter period and with a few extra restrictions. Australians and New Zealanders aged 18 to 30 are eligible to apply for the Republic of Ireland’s Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) programme. South Africans aren’t eligible and must have outside sponsorship to work in Ireland. Each WHA lasts a year and holders can work the full 12-month period, although participants can only work for three months with a single employer. It’s worth noting that the rules on WHA mean you can’t bring

a spouse or partner with you unless they qualify for WHA in their own right. As part of the application process you’ll need to prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself for at least the initial part of your stay or in the event of failing to secure employment. Once granted, your WHA needs to be activated by arriving in Ireland within 12 months, or it will lapse. It’s not possible to extend the period of validity or be granted a WHA twice. If you’re not eligible for a WHA, such as South African citizens, but would still like to work in Ireland, you’ll need an Irish work permit. For more information on how to obtain an Irish work permit see foreignaffairs.gov.ie.

tntmagazine.com


020 8892 8877

RFU.COM/MUSEUM

VISIT TWICKENHAM STADIUM FOR A BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR OF THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS RUGBY STADIUM AND FIND OUT WHAT IT’S LIKE FOR YOUR TEAM TO RUN OUT OF THE TWICKENHAM TUNNEL. In the World Rugby Museum you will find memorabilia from all over the world including Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Only 20 minutes by train from Waterloo.

ISIT ALSO V GB Y U R E H T SPEND STORE; 50 GET £ OVER OFF 10%

AW3520_RFU_TNTAnnual_AD.indd 1

12/2/10 16:56:11

Shopping at

Twickenham

International kit Club kit Training wear Leisure wear Kid’s kit Match gear & equipment Gifts Memorabilia South Stand, Twickenham Stadium, Whitton Road, Twickenham TW2 7RE

open Monday to Saturday 10am - 6pm, Sunday 11pm - 5pm tel: 020 8831 6733

rfudirect.com tntmagazine.com

telephone orders: 0871 222 2003

he spend £50 at T and we’ll give

Rugby Store*

you a

p `e k_\ !F]]\i mXc`[ fec Efk kf jkX[`ld jkfi\% leZk`fe Y\ lj\[ `e Zfea f]]\i fi t this n`k_ Xep fk_\i please presen ek efk fl `jZ re to -s in [`jZflek% ; r he j% vouc XkZ_&\m\ek [Xp XmX`cXYc\ fe d

TNT GUIDE 2010 9


a degree or higher national diploma, or at least three years’ management/ specialist experience. ■ There’s increased scrutiny on all applications for sponsorship. This is to ensure that both the worker and the job are legitimate.

TIER 4 STUDENT VISA ■ Students must be sponsored by their university or college. ■ Educational institutions have to apply for a sponsorship licence and have to keep careful records of students. ■ Applications are scrutinised to ensure the course and educational institution are legitimate. Tier 4 visa holders can switch to a Tier 1 visa and a Tier 2 visa from within the UK.

ANCESTRY VISA An ancestry visa allows citizens from Commonwealth countries to work and settle in the UK if they have British-born grandparents. An individual on an ancestry visa is free to enter the UK and work without restrictions. The visa is usually valid for five years, and can be renewed as many times as you want. Commonwealth citizens aged 17 or over who have a grandparent born in the UK (or the Republic of Ireland before March 31, 1922), are eligible to apply. You will also need to show evidence that you intend to work in the UK. You can’t apply for an ancestry visa from within the UK, so make sure you do it before leaving your home country.

TIER 2 VISA This visa used to be known as a work permit, and is for skilled workers with a job offer, who are coming to the UK to fill gaps in the country’s work force. Tier 2 visa applicants must be sponsored by a UK employer. You can only enter the UK under a Tier 2 visa if your employer has registered as a sponsor with the UK Border Agency (UKBA) and issues you with a Certificate of Sponsorship. To be eligible for this visa you

10 TNT GUIDE 2010

SPOUSAL VISAS must score a total of at least 70 points – 50 are awarded for attributes, 10 for English language skills, and 10 points for maintenance. WHAT TO CONSIDER ■ Employers need a licence from the UK Border Agency if they want to sponsor workers. ■ All jobs that aren’t on the shortage occupation list must be advertised so UK/EU workers get the opportunity to have a crack at them first. ■ Jobs must be at a level that requires

If you are married to a British citizen or have a long-term partner with a British passport or right of abode, you may be eligible for a UK visa. Your partner must have “settled status”, which discounts those on Tier 1 (highly skilled) and Tier 2 (work permit) visas. If you or your partner meet these criteria, the procedure for gaining your UK visa will vary depending on whether, and for how long, you have been married or have held a civil partnership.

tntmagazine.com


YOUR STORIES LUCY BARNES

So much for the paperwork. Now you need to get down to the nitty gritty nce you’ve got your visa sorted, the real work begins. Now it’s time to get down to the business of packing up your life at home, and taking the first steps towards beginning a new one on the other side of the world. It’s a daunting prospect. But get this phase of your travels knocked into shape, and not only will your arrival in the UK be smoother – you’ll be able to get down to the business of having fun all that much sooner!

O

TWO MONTHS TO GO FIND SOMEWHERE TO STAY Some travellers simply get off the plane in London and hope for the best, calling hostels or turning up unannounced on the doorstep of a long-lost friend. The more organised or sensible traveller makes plans a little further in advance. Once you’ve booked your flights, there’s no harm in also finding somewhere to lay your head, at least for the first few days you’ll be in the UK. For one thing, hostels tend to get booked up well in advance, especially during summer. And if you’re planning on dossing,

tntmagazine.com

it’s best to get in quick. You don’t want to turn up and find that the newly arrived pal of your friend’s housemate has snagged the couch. CHECK YOUR WORK STATUS The vast majority of travellers arriving in the UK with Youth Mobility Scheme visas won’t need any other documentation before they can start work. However, workers in a select few industries (medical professionals, for example) will have to register with regulatory bodies in the UK. You may be able to submit your application from your home country; this can be very useful, as applications for registration in some areas can take up to four months to process. Check out our careers section on pages 56-89 for advice. SET UP A UK BANK ACCOUNT You can set up a bank account when you get to the UK, but it can be a long and tedious process. However, customers of some banks (such as HSBC) may be able to set up a UK bank account in advance of their arrival. There’s more on

TNT GUIDE 2010 11

TAKING OFF

COUNTING DOWN

Age: 24. Where from: Brisbane, Australia. Why did you come to the UK: To travel around Europe and experience life in a city I’ve heard so much about. What was the hardest thing about the move: Trying to secure an apartment without yet having a job. We were lucky that we had family to stay with until we got on out feet. Another hard thing to get used to was the short daylight hours. It was surprising how much it affected me, but after your first winter it’s not so bad. Favourite thing about moving here: Being in such close proximity to some amazing countries. To be able to just go somewhere like Paris for the weekend is amazing. What was your greatest misconception about London before you moved here: We had been told how easy it was to get jobs, especially for Aussies and Kiwis, because employers thought we had a good work ethic. But I’ve got close friends who spent months looking for work. I’m sure the credit crunch also contributed to this. What have you been pleasantly surprised by: I love how sociable the workplaces can be over here. Back home a job was a job, and there was little socialising outside of work. In London it’s so common to have social events any night of the week with workmates, which is great when you first arrive as you get to meet so many people. What advice would you give someone arriving here in 2010: Give it time. So many people come over and after a few months want to go back home. The best advice that someone gave me was to get through just one winter and you’ll fall in love with London. OK, you’ll get a little homesick, but for most of us this is a once in a lifetime opportunity – make the most of it.


banking in our comprehensive guide to UK banking at tntmagazine.com. TIDY YOUR TAX The precise rules on tax returns for Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans are far too detailed to describe in this guide. However, one piece of advice holds firm for citizens of all three countries: if you’re moving abroad, you need to contact your tax office and let them know. You may need to file an early tax return if you’re leaving midway through the financial year. Allow plenty of time to arrange your financial affairs in the way that the law demands. You may not be able or required to complete a tax return until you finish work in your home country, but you should at least find out exactly what needs to be done well in advance of your departure, just in case the process takes a while. Your precise tax status will depend on how long you intend to be away, whether you’ll be setting up a permanent residence elsewhere, whether you’ll be earning any income at home while you’re overseas, and whether you’ll be maintaining a home of some description in your home country (the Australian Taxation Office calls this the “domicile test”). Australians should see ato.gov.au for information; New Zealanders should visit ird.govt.nz; and South Africans sars.gov.za.

SIX WEEKS TO GO GET VACCINATED You don’t need any specific vaccinations if you’re travelling to the UK. However, there’s no harm in keeping your hepatitis A and B, tetanus and polio immunisations up-to-date, while the World Health Organisation recommends travellers should be covered for diphtheria, measles, mumps and rubella. If you are planning to travel on to exotic climes at a later date, you’ll be able to get the relevant injections in the UK. However, if you’re heading to the UK via other countries,

12 TNT GUIDE 2010

tntmagazine.com


YOUR STORIES MARK BASCAND

ONE MONTH TO GO SOURCE MEDICAL RECORDS Bring any medical records or important prescription details with you when you travel, especially if you have an ongoing medical condition. PUT TOGETHER A CV AND GET LETTERS FROM REFEREES References can help hugely when looking for somewhere to live or opening a bank account. As for CVs, see page 56. APPOINT SOMEONE TO HANDLE YOUR AFFAIRS Before you leave home you should appoint someone who is authorised to act on your behalf if you’re unable

tntmagazine.com

to do so. The legal term for this is “power of attorney”. This person can be anybody who you trust to act in your best interests. The process of granting someone power of attorney is usually straightforward, but it varies from country to country (and, in some cases, by jurisdiction within each country). MAKE A WILL Making a will is a relatively straightforward procedure. Do-ityourself will kits are available in Australia and New Zealand, and are suitable for most individuals without a large or complicated amount of possessions. The kits will lead you through the process quite comfortably, and it should help you save on those expensive legal fees. However, if you’re at all unsure

TNT GUIDE 2010 13

TAKING OFF

especially developing nations, you’ll need to get jabbed at home. Allow six weeks and you ought to be fine.

Age: 26. Where from: Wellington, New Zealand. Why did you come to the UK: I came over here to travel around Europe and save some money to take back home. What was the hardest thing about the move: Saying goodbye to family and friends back in New Zealand. Also living in a crowded houseshare became a bit of a pain after a while. It was all good for starters when I first arrived in London – but a little bit of personal space is always a good thing. Favourite thing about moving here: Being able to travel to so many different places so cheaply. And all the concerts and festivals that are held here all year round. I’ve been able to see so many bands and performers I thought I may never see. And they keep coming through! What was your greatest misconception about London before you moved here: My greatest misconception was that saving money would be easy. This is very much not the case! Everything costs and there’s so much to do. However, if you make something like travel your priority and save towards it, ignoring the bright lights once in a while isn’t so hard to do. What have you been pleasantly surprised by: How many chicken shops there are in London! They are literally everywhere. Always a good option on the way home form a big night. What advice would you give someone arriving in London in 2010: Try and go to as many concerts and festivals as possible, especially ones in random European countries. You could only be here once in your life, so make the most of it and get out and see as much as you can.


TAKING OFF 14 TNT GUIDE 2010

tntmagazine.com


YOUR STORIES STEFANIE RYAN

TWO WEEKS TO GO ARRANGE TRAVEL INSURANCE If you take out a travel insurance policy before you leave home, you at least have a fighting chance of replacing anything you lose. Shop around for a comprehensive policy that covers everything from wallet theft to travel cancellations. Once you start work in the UK

tntmagazine.com

and Ireland, you’ll be covered by the public healthcare system there. However, you’ll still need health cover if you plan to travel. START TYING UP LOOSE ENDS Shut down the electricity, gas and phone, cancel any club or gym memberships, return your library books, decide who will be looking after the cat and the dog … the list of loose ends that need tying up before you jump on the plane varies from person to person. A great way of ensuring you haven’t forgotten anything important is to go through your wallet and/or

TNT GUIDE 2010 15

TAKING OFF

how to proceed, contact a lawyer: it might not cost as much as you expect. Things are marginally more complicated in South Africa, but the process still shouldn’t be too tricky.

Age: 29. Where from: Durban, South Africa. Why did you come to the UK: For a change and to see the world. What was the hardest thing about the move: The goodbye at the airport – I didn’t like saying goodbye to my family. I’ve been told that the more you do it the easier it gets, but I think that’s rubbish – I’ve gone home on holiday a few times and every time it gets harder and harder to say goodbye. Favourite thing about moving here: The travelling and all the wonderful friends I’ve made. I know we’ll be mates long after we go our separate ways. What was your greatest misconception about London before you moved here: I don’t think I really had any. It was kind of a last-minute decision which took all of two months to put into action. I am one of the lucky few who have a British passport, so coming over wasn’t really that hard. I think I just woke up one morning decided it was time for a change – and two months later I was on a plane over here. What have you been pleasantly surprised by: Sometimes I forget where I am and then I’ll stumble on some really old building and realise how beautifully old this country is. You feel the history behind it, and I really like that. I also like how central the UK is to the rest of the world and how easy it is to jump on a plane and be in another country within hours. I really love that. What advice would you give someone arriving here in 2010: Come with an open mind, enjoy it, and travel as much as you can. We only live once so we should make absolutely sure that we do it right the first time!


TNT GUIDE 2010 16

tntmagazine.com


TAKING OFF

filing cabinet. It’s a good bet that the cards, bills and other bits and pieces you find will remind you of something that needs doing. RETAIN YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE Australian citizens who’ve been abroad for less than three years are eligible to vote, although there won’t be another federal election for a few years. See aec.gov.au for more. It’s a similar story for citizens of New Zealand, who are eligible to vote in any general election so long as they’re enrolled and have been in the country during the past three years. See elections.org.nz for details. In 2009, South Africans abroad were granted the constitutional right to vote in their country’s national elections. They should remember to bring their ID book with them to the UK if they want to vote in future elections. For more information see atelections.org.za.

ONE WEEK TO GO CLEAR UP YOUR STUFF Now’s the time to start thinking about what you’re going to take with you and what you’re going to leave at home. You may also need to book a

tntmagazine.com

storage unit if you’ve got furniture or other chunky belongings with no place to live while you’re away.

TNT’S MOVING ABROAD CHECKLIST WHAT TO DO, WHEN

REDIRECT YOUR MAIL If someone you know will be staying at or visiting your home address while you’re gone, ask them to check your mail. Australia Post (auspost.com.au) and New Zealand Post (nzpost.co.nz) can redirect your mail to another address, but you’ll need to pay them and give at least three days’ notice.

THREE DAYS TO GO START PACKING It is wise to travel as light as possible, and make sure to check your luggage allowance with your airline before heading for the airport. Make a packing list, sure, but don’t worry too much about forgetting something: you can almost certainly replace it in the UK. Apart from your passport, that is.

ONE DAY TO GO SAY YOUR GOODBYES It’s too late to back out now! Soon you’ll be touching down in the UK for a new life of fun and adventure.

AS SOON AS YOU DECIDE TO GO ■ Check you have a valid passport ■ Apply for a visa ■ Book your flight TWO MONTHS TO GO ■ Find somewhere to stay ■ Check your work status ■ Set up a UK bank account ■ Tidy your tax affairs SIX WEEKS TO GO ■ Get vaccinated ONE MONTH TO GO ■ Source your medical records ■ Put together a CV and references ■ Appoint a power of attorney ■ Make a will TWO WEEKS TO GO ■ Arrange your travel insurance ■ Start tying up loose ends ■ Retain your right to vote ONE WEEK TO GO ■ Clear up your stuff ■ Redirect your mail THREE DAYS TO GO ■ Start packing ONE DAY TO GO ■ Say your goodbyes

TNT GUIDE 2010 17


HOME SWEET HOME London’s a big city, but we can help you find the right place to lay down your head o you’ve arrived in the UK and you don’t know Salisbury from Shepherd’s Bush. Where are you supposed to live? Most people stay in London where job opportunities are greatest. But before settling on your very own stomping ground in the capital, take a mooch around the area first to see what shops and amenities it can offer. If your job doesn’t provide you with accommodation – some bar and nannying roles do – you’ll need to work out how to approach setting up a home. Don’t panic! You’ve got five main options to choose between.

S

HOSTELS Hostels are a great bet for shortterm stays – particularly if you’ve just landed, are still finding your

18 TNT GUIDE 2010

feet, and are happy to sleep in a room with 11 complete strangers. There are seven YHA (yha.org.uk) hostels across London. The Generator Hostel (generatorhostels.com) in King’s Cross is also popular with travellers. Expect to pay £15-£30 per night depending on the size of the room. Always ask whether the hostel offers weekly rates, too.

YOUR OWN PLACE If you value your privacy, consider getting your own place. Bedsits are self-contained rooms with their own small kitchen but a shared bathroom, and in London they start from about £85 a week. Studio apartments include their own bathroom, and you’ll be lucky to find one for less than £100. Always check

whether the rates include bills; some include hot water and gas, but not electricity or council tax. TNT Magazine and the website tntmagazine.com/accommodation are among the best places to look for somewhere to live. Also check out our handy online neighbourhood guides.

A HOUSESHARE OR FLATSHARE Most travellers end up in a flatshare or a houseshare either with people they already know – taking on the lease of a flat or house – or, more commonly, replying to an advert and then moving in with a bunch of (hopefully) like-minded strangers. A reasonably sized double room in a London house or flatshare will cost about £80-£100 a week, which may or

tntmagazine.com


WAKE UP

IN THE

CITY

5 STAR HOSTEL BEDS FROM £10

To book now and take advantage of our current special offers please contact us on 0800 840 5500 or book online @ www.smartcityhostels.com find us on facebook

follow us on twitter

www.accommodationlondon.net MOVE IN TODAY NO AGENCY COMMISSIONS.

STUDIOS ROOMS DORMS

e r websit Visit ou w and vie urs o tual To 360 Vir perties ro of our p

Open 7 days a week 8 am to 9 pm

• From £70 to £80 shared Double/Twin per week (cleaner & bills included) • From 4 days to 6 months • No references required • Modern interior + cooking facilities • Free Internet use • Safe & secure properties • 15 mins to Central London Talk to our friendly Aussie / Kiwi staff request FREE pick-up from tube to view and move in TODAY with no hassle !

TELEPHONE: 0208 459 6203 tntmagazine.com

TNT GUIDE 2010 19


TOUCHING DOWN

LEARN THE LINGO

may not include bills – always check in advance. Again, TNT is one of the best places to look.

ROOMSHARE The advantages to a roomshare are chiefly financial – you can get away with just £40 a week in rent. The disadvantages? Well, they’ll become apparent when the alarm goes off two hours earlier than you’d like, or the pile of stinking laundry on your mate’s side of the room grows to the size of K2.

DOSSING Many new arrivals in the UK hook up with a friend, or a friend of a friend, and sleep on their couch for a while as they’re getting settled, paying £5£10 a day towards household bills. If you behave yourself it’s a good short-term solution, but you probably won’t be welcome forever.

LOCATION When it comes to accommodation in London, Antipodeans and South

20 TNT GUIDE 2010

Africans tend to gravitate west (Hammersmith, Fulham, Acton, Shepherd’s Bush), north (Kilburn, Willesden, Dollis Hill, West Hampstead) or south (Southfields Clapham, Putney, Earlsfield). But people are also increasingly exploring the affordable and trendy areas of London’s East End as a place to call home (Shoreditch, Bethnal Green, Hackney) and the bohemian north (Camden, Angel). The further out you live, the cheaper the rent – but the more you’ll spend on transport.

Since you share the motherland’s mother tongue, you probably haven’t given the language issue a fleeting thought. Think again – chances are you’ll end up slightly confused by some of what’s being said. Help is at hand with TNT’s guide to British-specific terms to get you down with the lingo. Antipodean: An Australian or Kiwi; originating from the Antipodes, or the other side of the globe. Saffa: A South African person, just with fewer syllables. High Street or Road: A suburb’s main street where you’ll typically find a supermarket or convenience store, clothing chains, a post office, and an off-licence selling booze. Common: A sizeable park. London has loads, some with running tracks, bandstands and lidos. Pale throngs pack in on a sunny day. Lido: A public swimming pool. You right/All right?: An informal British greeting and not necessarily a question. Reply with the same. Snakebite: A pint of lager and cider in equal parts with a splash of blackcurrant cordial. Tipple of choice for Antipodeans and Saffas in London looking to get drunk fast. Cashpoint: Otherwise known as an ATM or hole in the wall.

BILLS Check whether the quoted rental price includes bills. If not, you’re up for another £40-£60 per month for gas, electricity, internet and council tax, which varies between boroughs. On average, council tax costs about £30 per month, but it could be anything from £17-£100. Gas bills, in particular, can be expensive, as most internal heating systems run on gas.

tntmagazine.com


tntmagazine.com

TNT GUIDE 2010 21



TOUCHING DOWN

WHERE TO STAY ACTON Many of the large sharehouses in Acton will be party houses, and their inhabitants partial to a session at Antipodean haunt The Redback Tavern (right). If that’s not your cup of tea you can pay a bit more for a civilised abode. Houses tend to be larger in north and west Acton and smaller in east Acton. Terraced houses are common in the areas around the high street, and south Acton is full of housing estates and apartment blocks. Expected rent: one bedroom flat from £155 a week; double room in a houseshare from £80. Tube zone: 2. SHEPHERD’S BUSH Houses in Shepherd’s Bush, or She Bu, as it’s affectionately known, aren’t as cheap as Acton up the road. But there are loads of sharehouses in this area, especially along the main arterial, Uxbridge Road, on the way to Acton, so travellers flock here in large numbers. The area has a multicultural feel and many shops along the main street have signs in Arabic as well as English. Expected rent: one bedroom flat from about £225 a week; double room in a houseshare from £110. Tube zone: 2. FULHAM Fulham can be expensive, but it’s a vibrant place to live with plenty of cafés, bars, pubs and restaurants all within easy walking distance. There’s a variety of housing options, from flats above shops all along Fulham Palace Road, Dawes Road and Fulham Road, to two-storey terraced houses in between. Expected rent: one bedroom flat from about £280 a week; double room in a houseshare from £120. Tube zone: 2. HAMMERSMITH Hammersmith has decent nightlife, excellent food shops and it’s a bit of a transport hub, with reliable links to Heathrow airport, Central London,

tntmagazine.com

Ealing and Richmond. The closer you are to Olympia and High Street Kensington, the more you will pay. There’s a mixture of terraced houses (left), detached houses and, of course, blocks of flats. Expected rent: one bedroom flat from about £240 a week; double room in a houseshare from £120. Tube zone: 2. KILBURN In north-west London, Kilburn has excellent transport links for Tubes, trains and buses. The hectic high road runs straight up the middle of the suburb and is crowded with loads of different ethnic groups going about their business, street vendors and shops. However, the residential streets are much more peaceful. An increasingly popular area and easy to live in, although a little rough around the edges. Expected rent: One bedroom flat from about £240 a week; double room in a house/flatshare from £120. Tube zone: 2. WILLESDEN GREEN & DOLLIS HILL Plenty of Antipodeans and Saffas live in sharehouses in Willesden Green, affectionately known as Willy G, but there are also loads of options for sharing a room or renting a flat. The sharehouses are mainly terraced and some are party houses, but there are

also refurbished, well-managed properties for professionals. Expected rent: one bedroom flat from about £200 a week; double room in a houseshare from £110. Tube Zone: 3. CLAPHAM Teeming with Aussies and Kiwis, Clapham is a broad and vibrant area of South London comprising a huge common, a long high street and Britain’s busiest railway station (Clapham Junction). Due to the area’s size there’s a great deal of variation in pretty much everything. Expected rent: one bedroom flat from about £240 a week; double room in a houseshare from £120. Tube zone: 2. SOUTHFIELDS A honeypot for South Africans, Southfields is a leafy, clean and safe area with decent transport links, including bus routes to Clapham Junction, Putney Bridge, Tooting Broadway and Richmond. This peaceful patch of south-west London also serves as the gateway to Britain’s tennis mecca, Wimbledon. Expect to find clean, spacious sharehouses and flats to rent here. Expected rent: one bedroom flat from about £240 a week; double room in a houseshare from £130. Tube zone: 3.

TNT GUIDE 2010 23


TOUCHING DOWN

WIMBLEDON Wimbledon is affluent suburbia and its attraction is a combination of convenient access to Central London and plentiful recreational and leisure facilities. Wimbledon Village, which has a rural ambience and is set among handsome period buildings, has a slew of restaurants, bars, pubs and chic shops. Expect to live in a spacious sharehouse or new or refurbished flat. Expected rent: one bedroom flat from about £200 a week; double room in a houseshare from £120. Tube zone: 3 TOOTING Tooting is in south-west London’s Borough of Wandsworth. Here the accommodation options range from the cheapest flatshares to overpriced ‘luxury’ studio flats (usually towards Wimbledon). It has a bustling high street market and a large common with an outdoor lido, tennis courts and running track. Expected rent: one bedroom flat from about £180 per week; double room in a houseshare from £110. Tube zone: 3

SIGNING A LEASE Leases typically run for six or 12 months. Always read the small print to be sure of your responsibilities. Whoever signs the lease is responsible for the rent. Leases can be difficult to opt out of early, so if you’re leaving, it’s best to find a flatmate to take your place. Rental flats and houses often come furnished or partly furnished, and you’ll be asked to sign an inventory list which details the complete household contents and any existing defects (if not, create one yourself and post a copy to your landlord). Most landlords will require proof of your employment; some will ask for bank references, and letters from previous landlords are helpful.

TENANT RIGHTS If you’re a tenant then you have certain rights to protect you for the duration of your rental contract,

24 TNT GUIDE 2010

tntmagazine.com


Long and short stay in University Accommodation Available from June to mid September ■

Central London locations

Furnished Single and Twin rooms

Reasonably priced

Young traveller rates available

Extended stay discounts

No agency fees

Use of shared kitchens & TV lounge

FREE wireless internet

No bond required

Linen provided

On site launderette

24 hours reception

tntmagazine.com

in t: +44 (0)20 7911 5181 Move y! e: summeraccommodation@westminster.ac.uk toda w: westminster.ac.uk/summeraccommodation

TNT GUIDE 2010 25


26 TNT GUIDE 2010

tntmagazine.com


TOUCHING DOWN

and your landlord has responsibilities they must adhere to. It’s wise to know exactly what your rights are. REPAIRS The Citizens Advice Bureau stipulates that as a tenant you have the right to have your accommodation kept in a reasonable state of repair. This means that your landlord is responsible for making sure things such as water, gas and electricity are working properly. Specifically, your landlord is responsible for repairs to: ■ Basins, sinks, baths and toilets; ■ Water and gas pipes and electrical wiring; ■ Fixed and water heaters; ■ The structure and exterior of the premises, such as walls, floors and window frames, as well as drains, gutters and external pipes; ■ Major structural repairs; ■ Common parts of the building,

tntmagazine.com

TNT GUIDE 2010 27


such as stairwells, lifts and gardens. Meanwhile, if the landlord has supplied an appliance such as a washing machine or cooker, and it breaks down, then the landlord must repair or replace it (unless the appliance’s failure is due to the tenant’s negligence). SAFETY Any gas or electrical items provided by the landlord must be safe. Your landlord must arrange an annual check-up for gas appliances, such as boilers, and is also responsible for paying for any necessary work to be carried out on the appliance. Other safety matters include ensuring there is mandatory fire resistant furniture in place if the property comes furnished. ENTRY RIGHTS Tenants are entitled to 24 hours’ notice if the landlord wishes to enter the premises for inspection, and permission must be sought. EVICTION If your landlord wants to evict you before your tenancy agreement is up,

28 TNT GUIDE 2010

tntmagazine.com


TOUCHING DOWN

then a court order must be served. You have the right to stay in your home until the tenancy agreement term ends unless the landlord can convince a court there are reasons for eviction, such as unpaid rent or damage to the property. WEAR AND TEAR Tenants aren’t responsible for general wear and tear on furniture and contents. According to the Citizens Advice Bureau, if the extent of the wear and tear on the property or contents becomes a hazard – for example if springs stick out of a sofa and could potentially cause injury – then the landlord should repair or replace the item.

LANDLORD RIGHTS While landlords are in a position of responsibility when renting their property, they also have rights. RENT ENTITLEMENT It may sound obvious, but landlords are entitled to receive rent for letting their property. If tenants leave the property without giving proper notice, landlords may be entitled to charge rent up to the date when notice should have expired, or up to the end of the tenancy agreement. If tenants stop paying rent, landlords can take the matter to court and try to get a court order for eviction. TREATMENT OF PROPERTY Tenants are obliged to look after the property and its contents by doing small jobs, such as unblocking drains or cleaning windows, which can be specifically mentioned in the tenancy agreement. If a tenant damages furniture or fittings, the landlord should be told so they can agree on how the repair or replacement will be made. The landlord may deduct part or all of the tenant’s deposit to cover the cost of damages. If damage to the landlord’s property is substantial or the property is in constant abuse, the

tntmagazine.com

landlord may turn to the courts for eviction. RIGHT OF ENTRY Landlords are allowed “reasonable access” to their property to carry out repairs. “Reasonable access” depends on why the landlord needs to get access, so in an emergency, for example, they are entitled to immediate entry. Landlords also have the right to enter a property for inspection purposes and to empty a fuel slot meter, but must give the tenant at least 24 hours’ notice. INSURANCE Landlords are not responsible for the tenants’ contents within the accommodation should damage or loss occur. It’s possible, and highly recommended, for anyone who rents a property in London to arrange their own contents insurance cover. BUSINESS If tenants start using their rented accommodation for business purposes rather than residential, landlords have the right to evict.

RENTAL DEPOSITS If you paid a deposit – also known as a bond – to the landlord when you moved in, you should get it all back when you move out. There is no set rule about how much deposit you’ll need to pay, but it’s usually between one and two months’ rent. By law, your deposit must be paid into a government scheme known as the Deposit Protection Service, which will adjudicate on claims to withhold some or all of a deposit. If you and your landlord disagree on a sum, contact the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) for advice on what to do. “At the end of the tenancy, you are guaranteed to get your deposit back within 10 days, as long as you and your landlord have agreed on how much you should get back,” the CAB says. Regardless of when you paid your deposit, landlords may take money from your bond if property or contents have been damaged, or if rent hasn’t been paid.

TNT GUIDE 2010 29


THAT’S MONEY, BABY Here’s what you need to know about making the most of your hard-earned moolah while you’re living in London


TOUCHING DOWN

rying to open a bank account after you’ve arrived in the UK can be a nightmare. You often need a mountain of documentation, including proof of your address, which you probably won’t have if you’re fresh off the plane (or if you’re still dossing on your mate’s couch).

T

HOW TO OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT FIND A LOCAL BRANCH If you’re from Australia or New Zealand, consider opening a bank account with HSBC before you leave home as it has branches in the UK. Otherwise, UK banks will

tntmagazine.com

normally ask for ID, proof of your current address, statements from your bank at home and money to activate the account. Not all banks have an exhaustive list of demands though, so it’s worth asking around. TRAVELEX If you don’t have a local HSBC branch near you at home, Travelex is a foreign currency business that can help you open a UK bank account with HSBC. You can apply at Travelex Australia or Travelex New Zealand and then head to the Regent Street

branch of HSBC in London to collect your card and pin number. USE AN AGENT Some companies, such as 1st Contact and South African company OVC (Overseas Visitors Club), will help you get the show on the road for a fee. They already have established ties with several major banks and can cut through all the paperwork. DOING IT YOURSELF If you do put off this task until you arrive in London, be prepared for a lot of legwork. Where one branch may issue you an account on the spot,

TNT GUIDE 2010 31


TOUCHING DOWN another could mess you around. Gather together as much documentation as possible, including proof of ID (passport, driver’s licence, birth certificate) and proof of your UK address (utility bill or a lease with your name on it). It’s also worth bringing a letter from your bank at home as a record of your credit history, and a letter from your agency or employer in the UK. The more documentation you have, the easier your application ought to be. CREDIT CARDS AND OVERDRAFTS You may be able to get a UK credit card soon after you’ve arrived in London, but it’s best to bring your credit card from home to use if things

32 TNT GUIDE 2010

get tight while you’re settling in. You can also apply for an overdraft, though the interest rates can be high so beware of going too far into debt. Banks charge penalty rates for exceeding your overdraft limit, so be sure not to overspend.

PAYING TAX While the tax man is inescapable, there are ways of reducing the amount you pay and ensuring you make the most of your situation. TYPES OF TAX The most common taxation status for Aussies, Kiwis and South Africans working in the UK is PAYE or Pay As You Earn, whereby tax is deducted by your employer prior to you receiving your pay. PAYE tax is made up of

income tax and National Insurance. During your UK employment, you will be issued with a P45 when you finish up at a job, and a P60 at the end of the tax year showing your earnings. You will need to keep these documents in case you wish to claim a tax refund. Limited companies are a popular choice for many travellers wishing to maximise their after-tax earnings, especially for those who contract (see page 60 for more information).

NATIONAL INSURANCE In addition to tax, workers in the UK also pay National Insurance, which covers state pensions, social security and health services. Most employers require your National Insurance number before

tntmagazine.com



Call us now for the Best rates

+44 207 357 7373 • London’s Unbeatable Bureau De Change • The Best Euro and Dollar in London - NO COMMISION • Over 100 currencies available to Buy and Sell • Next Day Postal Service • International Money Transfers 2 easy assessable locations: London Bridge & Canary Wharf 5 London Bridge Walk LONDON SE1 2SX

Canary Wharf, Canada Place Unit 8B (next to Waitrose) E14 5EQ

www.ace-fx.com

Going back or relocating to Sydney within 6-12 months? Setform Publishing’s Sydney office has a management vacancy for a dynamic sales professional. The role involves responsibility for a small advertising sales team, development of new print and online products and working with writers and professional organisations. Work in our London office first and learn about the role for 6-12months Then relocate with expenses paid OTE – Sydney – $125k AUD +

Please call Mike Bishop on +44 (0) 207 4547393 or email mbishop@setform.com 34 TNT GUIDE 2010

tntmagazine.com


APPLYING FOR A NATIONAL INSURANCE NUMBER Once you arrive in the UK you can apply for a National Insurance number. Phone 0845 600 0643 from 8am-6pm, Monday-Friday, to arrange an appointment at your nearest Job Centre office. Take your passport, a letter confirming you are employed or registered with a recruitment agency, and two or three other forms of ID. Once you’ve been successfully interviewed, expect to receive your National Insurance number in the post within eight weeks. Alternatively, if you’ve already started working, your employer may be able to apply for a National Insurance number on your behalf. CLAIM BACK YOUR NATIONAL INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS It’s recommended that once you have a National Insurance number, you look into contracting out of the State Pension in order to receive a rebate when you return home. National Insurance contributions are allocated to the State Second Pension, which is a governmentadministered fund that foots the bill when you retire. If you contract out the State Second Pension scheme before the end of the

tax year, you can direct your funds to your own personal pension fund, which will be set up as part of the National Insurance rebate process.

PENSIONS Retirement might seem like a long way off but if you’re working in the UK there’s no reason why you can’t continue putting money away for your future. It’s generally accepted that the UK state pension alone is unlikely to provide sufficient income during retirement. Nowadays we’re living longer and expecting more from our retirement years, so it follows that we’ll need more money than in previous generations. It’s never too early to start saving for a pension – and while it may be difficult to look at the bigger picture while you’re in the UK, working far away from home should not be an excuse to slack off on providing for your old age. PENSION OPTIONS You may as well get something back from your National Insurance by transferring those payments into a fund of your choice back home. You may have the option to participate in a pension scheme offered by your employer in the UK, so it’s a good idea to know what you can get out of that.

THE COST OF LIVING IN LONDON London isn’t a cheap city, with one of your biggest expenses accommodation. But how much are other things going to set you back in the UK capital?

FOOD McDonald’s meal: £3- £4 A week’s groceries: £40 Pub lunch: £6- £10 Restaurant meal: £20+

ALCOHOL Wine from the supermarket: £6 A six-pack of lager from an off-licence: £5- £6 A pint at the pub: £3.20

ENTERTAINMENT Gig tickets: £20- £50 Movie tickets: £5- £15 Museums and art galleries: mostly free

TRAVEL Single bus journey: £2 or £1.20 on Oyster Zone 1-2 day Travelcard (peak): £7.20 Zone 1-2 Travelcard weekly: £25.80 Zone 1-3 Travelcard weekly: £30.40 (Prices are approximate)

TAX-FREE SAVING An Individual Savings Account (known as an ISA) is a special kind of UK savings account that allows you to earn interest, but pay no tax. Each UK resident over the age of 16 is allowed to invest a total of £10,200 in the ISA scheme. Of this amount, it’s possible to put £5,100 into what’s called a cash ISA and then the remainder into stocks and shares. Shop around if you want to open an ISA as the interest rates vary widely.

tntmagazine.com

TNT GUIDE 2010 35

TOUCHING DOWN

you start work, and it’s a good idea to get one as soon as possible as it makes it easier to access hospital services. National Insurance numbers are issued through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).


GOING PLACES Here’s what you need to know about getting out and about on London’s public transport FIRST THINGS FIRST Before we start, just in case no one has told you – get an Oyster card the moment you land in London. It’s going to make your life much easier and much cheaper. You can use it on the Tube, train, bus and even boats. GETTING AROUND London’s travel system is a convoluted, yet largely integrated, network of buses and trains, which generally does a good job. It may seem daunting at first, but travelling on it will become second nature in no time. Soon you’ll be moaning about it like every other Londoner. We’ve outlined the basics, but it’s well worth visiting Transport For London’s website tfl.gov.uk, where

36 TNT GUIDE 2010

you’ll find maps, ticket prices and an online journey planner. TICKETS AND ZONES For the purposes of its Underground and rail network, London is divided into six zones. The price of your ticket depends on the zones your journey encompasses. Zone 1 covers central London, with Zones 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in rings surrounding it. THE WORLD OF OYSTER An Oyster card is an electronic smartcard-type ticket, which can be used on the Underground, Overland, bus network and Thames river boats. When you buy your Oyster card from a station (there’s a £3 refundable deposit), you feed it with an initial chunk of cash; the fare is then docked

from your Oyster card when you pass through the ticket barriers or board a bus. When the money runs out, you simply add more to your card at one of the ticket machines in

tntmagazine.com


TOUCHING DOWN

every station. You can also set up your Oyster so it automatically tops itself up from your bank account. Oyster isn’t only the most convenient way to travel, it’s also the cheapest. A Zone 1 Tube journey costs £1.80 when paid with an Oyster card, but a ridiculous £4 if paid in cash. Similarly, a journey on any bus service costs £1.20 when paid by Oyster but £2 in cash. In addition to single-journey tickets, season tickets (known as Travelcards) are also available, allowing the holder unlimited Tube, bus and train travel in the designated zones. Travelcards covering Zones 1-2 cost £7.20 a day, £25.80 a week, £99.10 a month and £1032 a year. THE UNDERGROUND Comprising 270 stations and 402km of track, the London Underground is the method by which most Londoners get to work. Affectionately known as ‘the Tube’ (and, when it fails, as ‘the fucking bastard Tube’), it runs from about

tntmagazine.com

5.30am until after midnight. It’s crowded at peak times, but it’s more reliable than the whingeing locals like to let on. Avoid rush hour, and your journey should be smooth. ON THE BUS The London bus system is a labyrinthine jumble of routes and networks, which locals have spent decades trying to master. However, it’s very useful when you know what you’re doing, not least because it travels to areas not served by the Tube, and runs at times when the Underground is shut. RAIL SERVICES Travelling to some parts of suburban London is best accomplished by rail. For London Overground services, see the TFL website. For information on other rail services in London, see nationalrail.co.uk. TAXIS AND MINICABS London’s black taxicabs roam the city day and night. If the cab’s yellow light

is on, simply hold out your arm to flag it down. You’ll get a reliable driver who knows his or her way around town; you’ll also pay a fair amount for the privilege. On almost every corner of London is a local licensed minicab firm. Minicabs are not allowed to be flagged in the street, so you’ll need to call ahead to book one. They’re generally cheaper than black taxicabs, but it’s a good idea to get the price of your trip when you book as they aren’t always metered. If you’re ever offered a lift by someone purporting to be a cabbie, don’t accept the ride. They won’t have a licence or any idea where they’re going, and they’re probably dodgy as hell. Text ‘CAB’ to 60835 for phone numbers of reputable taxi firms.

DID YOU KNOW? 46,000 people pass through Waterloo every morning, making it London’s busiest station.

TNT GUIDE 2010 37


TOUCHING DOWN

STAY IN TOUCH When your family and friends are thousands of miles away, it’s crucial to know how best to contact them

t’s a crowded market out there in the communications world. The advice here is to shop around, and don’t commit yourself to anything until you’re 100 per cent happy.

I

LANDLINES The smart Antipodean in London will go for a provider that gives them free calls to landlines back home. Don’t take up a contract unless you get this. It will save you pounds all year. Unfortunately, we’ve not heard

38 TNT GUIDE 2010

of a South African deal like this, but calls to SA landlines can be made for only 4p per minute depending on your provider. If you’re not too worried about

calling home, there’s plenty of cutprice competition – some TV deals also include phone rental. If you switch, check for connection charges as your monthly savings are offset by nasty up-front fees. CALL CENTRES In some towns and cities, you’ll see call centres, which claim to offer great rates on calling abroad. They work on the same principle as phone cards: the business owner buys minutes in

tntmagazine.com


tntmagazine.com

TNT GUIDE 2010 39


TOUCHING DOWN bulk from the line carrier and then passes on the discounts to the customer. However, there’s rarely a price advantage in using a call centre instead of a phone card. MOBILE PHONES If you don’t have a mobile phone on which to tap out texts, blare a raucous ringtone, listen to this week’s charttopping single and, occasionally, make and receive calls, you might as well not exist in the minds of some folk here. Get one as soon as you get off the plane. To save money bring your phone from home, have it unlocked here for a small fee and insert a British SIM card. When choosing a phone in the UK, you’ll first need to decide between a paymonthly contract, where you pay your bill each month, and a pay-as-you-go phone, where you buy credit as and when you need it. Do plenty of research online before deciding on a service provider and a tariff. The market is crowded and a little confusing. What’s more, some phone shop staff

40 TNT GUIDE 2010

may be paid commission to sell certain brands.

WHICH MOBILE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

PHONE CARDS These little marvels, available in newsagents and from a variety of websites, grant the purchaser cutprice calls to selected foreign countries at outrageously low rates: some cards offer calls to Australia for as little as 1.5p a minute. You can use them on any phone, although there may be an additional charge from a mobile. Deals are often as fantastic as they appear, but you’d do well to check, double-check and triple-check the rates at a particular time of day before picking up the receiver. There’s a reason the smallprint is so small.

Make sure you shop around thoroughly before you make your purchase. Here we provide you with a quick guide to help you on your way.

PAY AS YOU GO Pros: There’s no contract and no monthly fee. Phone credit is also widely available. Cons: Calls and texts are usually more expensive. Ideal for: The casual user, who’s planning to use the phone for social calls at evenings and at the weekend.

PAY MONTHLY SKYPE Skype (skype.com) allows members to call abroad at cut-price rates through their computer. Calls to other Skype users around the world are free, but calls to general numbers are also heavily discounted: a connection to an Australian landline, for example, costs a mere 1.4p a minute. Signing up is straightforward and the technology is stable, but you’ll need a computer to take advantage.

Pros: Calls and texts are cheaper. You never run out of credit. Many providers offer discounted international calls. Cons: You’ll have to pay a monthly fee and be locked into a long-term contract (12-18 months). If you lose the phone and don’t have insurance, you don’t get your money back (and replacement SIM cards are expensive). Ideal for: Anyone who uses the phone a lot, especially for work (you’ll need to keep the bills to claim expenses).

tntmagazine.com


TOUCHING DOWN

TOURIST TOWN Once you’re in London, make the most of the capital’s great attractions. Here’s our list of what not to miss here’s no excuses for getting bored in London. The city is like a big adventure playground, and no matter the day, there’s always something to do.

T

GO TO GREENWICH Take the Docklands Light Railway, which passes through the gritty East End and gleaming Canary Wharf, to Cutty Sark station and experience ye olde Greenwich. Marvel at the glorious architecture of the National Maritime Museum, wander through Greenwich Park, straddle the prime meridian at the Royal Observatory, and end with a pint of locally brewed beer at the Greenwich Union pub. LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC There’s no doubt that London has one of the best live music scenes in the world. Awesome venues such as

tntmagazine.com

the Brixton Academy or Shepherds Bush Empire pretty much guarantee bands and musos play out of their skins when in town. Catch hip upand-comers at Camden’s uber-cool Barfly and Koko (above). For more on London’s live music scene, see page 45. SIP AFTERNOON TEA Eating fancy cakes and sandwiches, and sipping tea from fine bone china cups in a charming dining room of a posh hotel is a quintessential London experience. It costs about £30 at a five-star hotel – you can’t go wrong at The Ritz, Claridge’s, The Dorchester, The Lanesborough or The Berkeley. TAKE THE BIG RED BUS Routemaster buses are the ones with big openings at the back so you can jump on and off at any

time. Although they’re London icons, most have been phased out. Some still operate on route 9 between Aldwych and the Royal Albert Hall, and route 15 between Trafalgar Square and Tower Hill. VISIT THE TOWER OF LONDON It’s easy to think of the Tower of London as yet another expensive tourist trap. But the centuries-old buildings, fortresses and grounds are impressive, and ooze a gory, tragic history. You have to pay admission, but the Beefeaters, who guard the Tower, run free tours. POSH RETAIL THERAPY For class, sophistication and style Harrods is hard to top. Wander through the store, browsing lavish items with price tags to match. For an equally elegant store without the crowds, head to Fortnum & Mason

TNT GUIDE 2010 41


in Piccadilly. Just across the road is Burlington Arcade, a treasure trove of olde worlde class. DELVE INTO THE WAR Discover the massive impact that World War II had on London and how the capital was the nerve centre of the fight against the Nazis. The Cabinet War Rooms and Imperial

42 TNT GUIDE 2010

War Museum (above) are evocative reminders, while the Museum of London in Docklands explores the horrors of the Blitz. EXPERIENCE THE EAST END Hang out with some of London’s trendiest locals in quirky cafÊs and cool bars in the East End, particularly Shoreditch and Hoxton. Another

essential East End experience is to bargain for a curry in Brick Lane, which is home to an endless stretch of Bengali eating houses. There are also markets galore in the area, from tacky Petticoat Lane to eclectic Spitalfields. ENJOY PARK LIFE Lie back on the grass in the sun, or simply go for a stroll in one of

tntmagazine.com


TOUCHING DOWN

London’s large parks. Hyde Park is the most well-known. Regent’s Park has a tranquil mix of formal and informal gardens, and Primrose Hill offers sublime views of the capital’s skyline. SEE SHAKESPEARE ON STAGE Shakespeare’s Globe (right) is one of the most inspired buildings in London – a faithful replica of the famous theatre that existed in the Bard’s time. For the most authentic experience stand in the open-air courtyard just in front of the stage and revel in a performance of one of the playwright’s masterpieces. BE A FOOTBALL FAN The English Premier League is one of the most prestigious and skilful national leagues in the world. London has five Premier League clubs; Fulham FC is the easiest to obtain tickets to watch. You also won’t have a problem getting tickets to see lower league clubs, such as Brentford, Charlton Athletic, Queen’s Park Rangers or AFC Wimbledon. DRINK IN A HISTORIC PUB There’s nothing more endearingly English than relaxing in a great pub. For an olde worlde feel try: Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (Fleet Street), Lamb And Flag (Covent Garden) and Ye Olde Mitre Tavern (Holborn). Make your order a pint of ale – Britain’s brewing speciality. EXPLORE THE CITY The Square Mile around St Paul’s Cathedral is known The City – it’s the heart of historic London and

home to the capital’s finance industry. Take a wander on a weekday and check out the grand Bank of England, the Guildhall, and all the suits. Get up close to modern architecture marvels the Gherkin and Lloyd’s of London. TAKE IN THE THEATRE London’s West End is the largest theatre district in the world, and there’s something for everyone – from sing-along musicals to more dramatic plays. Theatre tickets can be pricey, but you can often score last-minute deals. ADMIRE MODERN ART Tate Modern is an impressive building in itself, but the gallery’s collection of modern art (from 1900 onwards) is not to be missed

either. It includes out-there stuff to more classic pieces. Keep an eye out for Tate Modern’s excellent temporary exhibitions. VISIT A STATELY HOME Britain is famous for its country estates with manicured gardens and magnificent manor houses. The good news is you don’t have to venture too far take a peek inside some grand estates. There’s Kenwood House (adjoining the massive and wild forests of Hampstead Heath), Ham House (near Richmond), Chiswick House, and the grandaddy of them all, Hampton Court Palace. DISCOVER SOHO AFTER DARK Find the flipside to the touristy vibe of Central London by wandering through Soho on a Friday or Saturday

HONOURABLE MENTIONS Chic shops: Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge is a super fashionable department store; then stroll along trendy designer favourite King’s Road in Chelsea. High culture: London’s theatre, opera and ballet scenes are world leading. See a show at The Old Vic theatre or the Royal Opera House.

tntmagazine.com

Abbey Road: Walk in The Beatles’ footsteps across the world’s most famous pedestrian crossing in St John’s Wood (right). Rave at a super club: Every weekend the world’s best DJs play in venues across London such as Ministry of Sound, Matter, Fabric and Pacha. For more on clubbing see page 45.

TNT GUIDE 2010 43


TOUCHING DOWN night. The area (bounded by Regent Street, Oxford Street, Charing Cross Road and Leicester Square) is the traditional home of London’s redlight district. It’s been cleaned up though, and has dozens of pubs, restaurants and clubs. MARVEL AT MUSEUMS If you think ‘boring’ when you hear the word ‘museum’, you’ll change your mind after a visit to one of London’s many museums. The British Museum, Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum and Science Museum are some of the best. They’re all free to enter and are world-class. CRUISE ON THE THAMES A boat ride on the Thames is a great way to see London. Cruising from Hampton Court to Woolwich Arsenal via Central London offers a whole new perspective on familiar sights, such as Tower Bridge (above) and a chance to see less explored areas, such as the Thames Barrier and the old Docklands.

44 TNT GUIDE 2010

SHOP AT CAMDEN MARKETS The sights and sounds of goths, punks, eccentrics and out-there shops makes a visit to Camden an amazing experience. It’s one of London’s most vibrant areas, with busy markets (below), drinking holes, live music venues and even the odd celebrity or two. Once you’re done shopping, walk from Camden Lock along the canal to Regent’s Park.

QUIRKY LONDON Weird and wonderful sums up many English traditions – and London is a great place to delve into them. Check out the ranters and ravers at Speakers’ Corner, in the northeast corner of Hyde Park; throw a ‘cheese’ in the loud, heaps-of-fun three-dimensional London Skittles in Hampstead; discover life in a 19th-century classroom by attending a lesson at The Ragged School Museum; buy tea at Twinings, the oldest shop in London, which is still in its original location at The Strand; ignore Madame Tussauds and explore the wax and wooden effigies in the Westminster Abbey Museum; Carters Steam Fair is a travelling amusement park with fabulous old-school rides and games; play the sport of fives at Westway Sports Centre – it’s a bit like squash, but you whack the ball with your hands; swim with the ducks in one of Hampstead Heath’s bathing ponds.

tntmagazine.com


CURTAINS UP CAPITAL Whether it’s live music, theatre, comedy or festivals that you love, London is the place to experience all the best in entertainment ave you ever dreamed of seeing your favourite Hollywood star tread the boards in a West End play, or would you prefer to bounce along to UK grime superstar Dizzee Rascal (above)? London is pretty much the world’s capital for all that’s cool in arts and entertainment, which is great news for everyone calling the city home.

H

(the Stadium and adjacent Arena) in north-west London. You can also see huge international names at the O2 Arena near Greenwich.

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

KEEP IT INTIMATE If big stadium gigs aren’t your thing, there’s always the chance to catch famous bands and musicians, as well as up-and-comers, at smaller venues, such as the Hammersmith Apollo and The Forum.

MAIN STAGE All the biggest acts want to play London. Probably the capital’s most iconic venue is Wembley

SOUNDS OF HOME Plenty of Aussie, Kiwi and South African

tntmagazine.com

bands come to London and other UK cities to capitalise on and expand their fan base. Keep an eye on the pages of TNT for gig dates – there’s something special about seeing your favourite artists from home on the world stage. TICKETS PLEASE Getting tickets to see major bands and musicians perform in London can be a problem. But that doesn’t mean you can’t see your favourite musicians perform live. Big gigs often sell out in minutes, so the key is

TNT GUIDE 2010 45


TOUCHING DOWN making sure you have as much advance notice as possible. GO ONLINE Most bands’ official websites offer advance booking, or a reminder of when tickets are on sale. Set up an account with online sellers Ticketmaster or See Tickets – they’ll keep you up-to-date with who’s performing and when. Touting tickets in the UK is

not strictly illegal (although that’s currently being looked at by the government), and every year TNT hears scores of horror stories of how readers have been ripped off by unscrupulous touts, both online and in person. The good news is that reputable sites, such as seatwave.com and viagogo.com, aim to allow the sale of secondary tickets at reasonable prices, and try to guarantee the

ticket’s legitimacy. In all cases when buying online, don’t forget to read the small print.

CLUBBING Hitting a London club at least once is a must while you’re living in the UK. The capital has one of the most diverse clubbing scenes in the world: expect it all from electro, garage, techno and hard house, to more specialist clubbing with fetish and dress-up options. Pacha in Victoria is a magnet for glamorous party-goers; Fabric in Farringdon is more urban and gritty; while legendary Ministry of Sound in Southwark is the original super club. Check out TNT every week to find out what’s happening in the capital’s clubbing scene.

CLASSICAL MUSIC While classical music isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, your time in London may be the perfect opportunity to broaden those horizons, especially as ticket prices tend to be much cheaper. Head along to Wigmore Hall

46 TNT GUIDE 2010

tntmagazine.com


in Marylebone for affordable chamber music, or have a Pretty Woman moment at the opera for as little as a fiver (standing ticket) at the famous London Coliseum in Covent Garden. BBC PROMS The Proms (short for promenade concert) are an eight-week summer season of daily orchestral music concerts where part of the audience stands in a promenade area. Founded in 1895, each season consists of more than 70 concerts in the Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington. They’re huge, colourful and quintessentially British, especially the unforgettable Last Night of the Proms, where waving the Union Jack is pretty much mandatory. The Proms have been undergoing a bit of a renaissance recently and now you can take a picnic to the Proms in Hyde Park (left) or groove with the cool kids at the Electric Proms – though this takes place in October so technically isn’t part of the summer season.

COMEDY If you like to laugh, then you’ve come to the right place. Home to some of the UK’s hottest comic talent, London boasts plenty of comedy venues where you’ll see top international and British stand-up acts, including Stephen K Amos (below).

LAUGH IT OFF Jongleurs (the Battersea club is the flagship of the chain) is unashamedly businesslike in its approach to comedy, selling an overall package of top-notch stand-up acts, good food and post-show dancing. The Comedy Store in the heart of the West End is the daddy of all comedy clubs, offering some of the world’s best acts seven nights a week. Other solid but smaller comedy venues include the straight-friendly Comedy Camp in the heart of Soho, The Banana Cabaret in Balham, and Downstairs at the King’s Head in Crouch End. New Zealanders looking for a taste of home should head to Four Kiwis Walk Into A Bar comedy night at Headliners in Chiswick.

THEATRE THE WEST END Whether it’s a, sometimes cheesy, musical, such as The Lion King (above) or Grease, or a high-brow

drama starring the likes of Patrick Stewart or Keira Knightly, London’s highly acclaimed West End has something for everyone. Ticket prices vary, but the whole experience of pre-theatre dinner, interval drinks (or ice cream) and show, makes for a bloomin’ fun night out. NON-COMMERCIAL THEATRE It’s worth also checking out some of London’s non-commercial (usually government subsidised) theatres, such as the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Globe Theatre, Old Vic, Young Vic, Royal Court Theatre, Almeida Theatre and Open-Air Theatre. These are usually not located in London’s Theatreland and arguably enjoy greater artistic prestige. ON THE FRINGE Fringe theatre venues range from well-equipped small theatres to tiny rooms above pubs, and performances can be anything from classic plays

TNT GUIDE 2010 47


TOUCHING DOWN

to productions with strong political messages. It’s usually pretty affordable to go along and watch, but expect to be challenged.

BURLESQUE AND CABARET Think feathers, sequins, tassels, dancing and a fair bit of flesh and you’re probably about halfway there. The art of burlesque and cabaret has taken off in a big way in London over the past few years. Whereas at home you would probably have to make a big effort to seek out one or two small venues offering this kind of entertainment, burlesque performances (left) are now hitting some of London’s bigger venues quite regularly. Check out sexy performances at the fabulous Volupte in Holborn, decadent Madame JoJo’s in Soho, or 1920s-style jazz club Proud Cabaret near Tower Hill.

TOP MUSIC FESTIVALS IN THE UK AND IRELAND DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL June 11-13 downloadfestival.co.uk Expect the heaviest of metal and the hardest of rock. Them Crooked Vultures and AC/DC are confirmed.

ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL June 11-13 isleofwightfestival.com The line-up includes Jay-Z, Blondie and Florence and the Machine.

GLASTONBURY June 23-27 glastonburyfestivals.co.uk One of the most famous music and performing arts festival in the world.

OXEGEN July 9-11 oxegen.ie Ireland’s biggest music festival,

48 TNT GUIDE 2010

held every year at Punchestown Racecourse, boasts eight stages of live acts.

T IN THE PARK July 9-11 tinthepark.com Kasabian are confirmed for Scotland’s biggest music festival.

READING FESTIVAL August 27-29 readingfestival.com See punk, indie and alternate acts perform.

CREAMFIELDS August 28-29 creamfields.com Cracking two-day dance music festival for club lovers.


There’s lots in London to keep jocks happy

ondon has some of the best sports in the world on offer. Here’s a quick guide to help you get your fix while in the city.

L

FOOTBALL You can’t leave England without experiencing the tribalism, passion and roller-coaster of emotion that is a game of top-flight football. Get to Wembley to see England play or support a big club in London. ARSENAL The Gunners are based at Emirates Stadium in North London. Tickets are hard to come by. Call 020 7704 4040 or see arsenal.com. CHELSEA Strong contenders for Premiership glory each year. Home ground is

tntmagazine.com

Stamford Bridge, near Fulham. Call 0870 300 2322 for tickets. Get in quick. FULHAM A favourite team with Antipodeans due to the inclusive nature of the club, ticket availability and Aussie Mark Schwarzer (above). Home ground is Craven Cottage in southwest London. Call 0870 442 1234 or see fulhamfc.com. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR North London club who play attacking football. Home ground is White Hart Lane. Call 0844 499 5000 or see tottenhamhotspur.com. WEST HAM UNITED The Hammers have produced many a fine England star and are known for having arguably the most loyal

supporters in the city. Based in East London at Boleyn Ground. Call 0870 112 2700 or see whufc.com.

RUGBY AUTUMN INTERNATIONALS The Springboks, All Blacks and Wallabies usually make a pilgrimage to the Northern Hemisphere at the end of each year to take on the best Europe has to offer. To see your national team in action is only usually a short train ride away, but you have to get in early for tickets as they sell like hotcakes. LONDON SEVENS Played annually at Twickenham. An entertaining day out with plenty of colourful characters and the opportunity to get dressed up. Beer queues are often long so get your

TNT GUIDE 2010 49

TOUCHING DOWN

GOOD SPORTS


TOUCHING DOWN

KEEP THE HEATHROW INJECTION AT BAY STAY FIT AND HAVE FUN

Catch Aussie opener Shane Watson at Lord’s

maximum four each time you’re at the bar. See rfu.com. SARACENS Saracens Rugby Club now boasts a large contingent of South African players and officials. They play their home games in Watford, about 15 miles north-west of the capital, and hope to become the default option for London-based expats.

CRICKET AUSTRALIA V PAKISTAN AT LORD’S Lord’s combines all the elegance and tradition that befits the home of cricket but is still an intimate ground. Australia taking on Pakistan in June is a great chance to see a Test at Lord’s without all the Poms taking

GIDDY UP HORSE RACING IN LONDON A chance to don your frock or suit, sip some champers and have a flutter or three. London has some top race days – the Grand National, Royal Ascot week and the Epsom Derby among them. Remember to eat as you drink and look after your mates. Things can get a bit messy after a long day at the track. » See racingfixtures.co.uk

50 TNT GUIDE 2010

the tickets. Australia will also take on England at one-dayers in London in June and July.

THE BOAT RACE A great social day out along the banks of the Thames to watch Oxford University take on Cambridge University in an annual race that’s been held since 1829. There’s plenty of great vantage points along the river. Check in with TNT Magazine near the time for the best spots.

TENNIS WIMBLEDON The oldest tennis tournament in the world is considered the most prestigious. It’s been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon since 1877. It’s the only Grand Slam tournament still played on grass, which gave the game of lawn tennis its name. The tournament takes place over two weeks in late June and early July. If you can’t get tickets on the day, head to The Hill where fans sip Pimm’s while watching stars like Lleyton Hewitt (right). ATP WORLD TOUR FINALS Held at the O2, this mini tournament features the top eight players in the men’s tennis world rankings. A great chance to see the world’s best in one place.

It can be hard to keep your fitness up when there’s a constant diet of beer, barbies and then recovery. One of the best ways to stay fit and still have fun is to join a social sports team. There are plenty of touch rugby competitions around London, many sponsored by TNT. The major ones are at Regent’s Park, Acton, Putney/Wandsworth, Twickenham and Wimbledon. Most areas have five or seven a side football social football leagues, as well as social netball and hockey. If full contact is more your thing there are a few rugby clubs around London and a couple of AFL clubs. Keep your eye on the TNT forums for information on your social sporting options. As always though, a good diet in combination with exercise will help keep you healthy. » See in2touch.com, london touchrugby.com and aflgreat britan.com for more details


SPORT4ALL

SEASONS

4 Sports | 4 Venues | 1 Unique Ticket

Learn to sail in sunny Cape Town. Whether you are wanting a Career change or learning to sail for pleasure, Yachtmaster Ocean Sailing School offers all the following RYA accredited courses: • 1 Week Competent Crew • 3 Week Day Skipper Tidal / Gap Year • 7 Week Coastal Skipper Tidal • Yachtmaster Offshore • Yachtmaster Ocean • Upgrades from Day Skipper to Coastal Skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore • SRC Radio • Diesel Engine Maintenance • Radar Our Instructors will ensure that you have a safe, exciting, interesting and enjoyable learning experience!

A unique opportunity to see behind-the-scenes at four of the most prestigious, world renowned sports stadiums in London.

To book, call +44 (0)20 7915 2915*

www.sport4allseasons.com *during office hours 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday

tntmagazine.com

TNT GUIDE 2010 51


BEHIND THE WHEEL Make sure you know what you’re doing if you decide to take to the roads in London f you’re sick of signal failures and waiting for buses that never come, or you want to get out and explore the countryside, it might be time to consider driving in the UK. Here’s our guide to getting behind the wheel.

I

DRIVER’S LICENCE It’s perfectly legal to use a foreign driving licence to drive in the UK (as long as the licence from your home country isn’t out of date). However,

52 TNT GUIDE 2010

there are some conditions. If you have a Saffa, Aussie or Kiwi licence and are living in the UK, you can only drive legally on this licence for 12 months from the date that you first entered the country. If you are visiting the UK you can drive for 12 months from the date of your last entry. The easiest way to get a UK licence is to go to a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency office (there are London branches in Wimbledon and Borehamwood). The licence costs £50, plus £5 to have your documents checked (take your passport). If you have an EU/EEC passport you can also apply at certain Post Offices. A UK licence, valid for 10 years, will be posted to you within a week or two. If you apply by post

you’ll save the £5 checking fee but have to send your existing licence and passport – not advised. All the info is at direct.gov.uk/ en/motoring/index.htm. RULES OF THE ROAD Most of the road rules you will be familiar with back home apply in the UK. It’s important to remember that just because you’re in a foreign country doesn’t mean you can drive with impunity. Speeds and distances are measured in miles. Standard speed limits are 30mph in towns/built-up areas, 70mph on dual carriageways, 60mph on single carriageways, and 20mph around some schools. Drink driving is a serious

tntmagazine.com


TOUCHING DOWN

crime. The legal limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (equivalent to .08). CRAZY TRAFFIC Big red buses, massive congestion and narrow streets laid out during Roman times – what’s not to fear? To make things easier, go for a few drives at a quiet time on streets in your neighbourhood that you already know well. And ask any Brits you know if they’ll sit with you for a few pointers. THE CONGESTION CHARGE Since 2003 there has been a fee to drive into Central London. There are no toll booths or barriers – you simply drive into the zone (which is monitored by cameras; it roughly correlates to zone 1 on the Tube map). It costs £8 per day to enter or exit the zone from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. There’s no charge at weekends or public holidays. You can pay online, by SMS, post, and at some

tntmagazine.com

newsagents, mini-marts and petrol stations. See tfl.gov.uk FINDING A PARKING SPOT London’s parking is pricey and hard to come by. Find somewhere before setting out at park-up.com, ncp.co.uk and the website of the relevant local council. Prices vary – the NCP car park in Soho is £24 for four hours, at Russell Square it’s £10. On-street parking is limited – if you can find a space it’s typically a pay-and-display for a maximum of two hours and often restricted to residents only. To park on the street you’ll need a permit from your local council – it’s £99 a year in Hammersmith and Fulham. You can also apply for visitor permits. CAR POOLING Even those without a car can join liftshare.com, a site that links people taking similar journeys in return for sharing fuel costs or driving.

GET A SET OF WHEELS HIRE CAR Hiring a car starts at about £20 a day or £120 for a week. TNT readers get 5 per cent off already low rates at easycar.com/tntmagazine. If you’re heading to the countryside avoid London’s traffic by hiring at Heathrow, from where it’s easy to get straight on the motorway.

PAY-AS-YOU-GO CAR CLUBS If you need a car occasionally but without the hassle and expense of owning one, car clubs are a great idea. For an annual fee of £50- £60 you can hire a car by the hour (£4£5), a day (£30-£60) or longer, from one of dozens of locations around London, including 30-50 miles of free fuel. See citycarclub.co.uk, streetcar.co.uk and zipcar.co.uk.

BUY YOUR OWN A good place to find second-hand cars is autotrader.co.uk, which also has a useful advice section. Do your research beforehand – not just on the vehicle, but on the buying process itself.

TNT GUIDE 2010 53


TOUCHING DOWN

IN GOOD HEALTH Know what to do, where to go and who to talk to if something goes wrong taying healthy is an important consideration during your time in London. There’s something to do every day and night of the week, and you want to be at your optimum to take advantage. That said, know your limits and don’t push yourself too far. And if you do get sick, know where to go and what to do to get you back on your game as soon as possible.

S

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY Make sure you know what the local emergency services number is – in Britain that’s 999. Most big hospitals have a 24-hour accident and emergency

54 TNT GUIDE 2010

(A&E) department, where you can turn up without an appointment and get treatment. Expect a wait, though. SORT YOURSELF A GP Before you can see a doctor you’ll need to register with a surgery in your area. Contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or see nhsdiret.nhs.uk for a list of GPs, and make an appointment with one taking patients. There are walk-in centres across London that don’t require you to be registered if you need to see a doctor without an appointment. Contraception is available free of charge with a prescription from your

tntmagazine.com


TOUCHING DOWN

doctor. The morning-after pill is also free with a prescription or from an A&E department, but you can buy it over the counter for £25. Sexually active women and those over 25 are recommended to have a smear test every three years, which is free. These are usually done by a nurse. SCRIPTS Prescription medication in the UK is set at a standard £7.20 per script. If you know you’re going to need regular scripts for a period of time it’s worth investing in a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC), which caps the amount you spend. For instance, a three-month PPC will cost £28.25 and a 12-month PPC is £104. PEARLIE WHITES Some dentists are NHS-registered, but you will still need to pay a percentage of the cost of your treatment as only the basics are covered. To find a dentist in your area who is taking on new patients call NHS Direct on 0845 4647. HOSPITAL CARE The NHS boasts a massive and extensive network of hospitals across the whole of the UK. Be

tntmagazine.com

aware that if you are admitted to an NHS hospital, all treatment you receive there will be completely free, from the medication you need to any X-rays, tests or surgery. Ambulances are also a free feature of NHS care, so provided it really is an emergency, you won’t have to pay for the transport. GOING PRIVATE Private health insurance in the UK can be pricey, though some workers will be joined up by their employer as part of their remuneration package. Some employers offer access to subsidised health benefits which can take the form of a private health fund, or what’s called a health cash plan. Health cash plans require monthly payments, but in return give limited cash sums towards everyday bills, such as dental and optical tests. If your employer doesn’t offer access to a health cash plan, you can apply to join one independently.

GOOD MANNERS At the doctor’s surgery remember you’re not the only sick person there – it’s not called a waiting room for nothing. It can take a while to see a GP, but don’t come down hard on the receptionist. They’re doing their best. In fact, a polite manner and a friendly smile might help get you seen by the duty doctor if you’re really feeling awful.

SWINE FLU If you think you or anyone you know might have swine flu, call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513 for advice. If you have any flu-like symptoms stay at home and call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

TNT GUIDE 2010 55


WORK WANTED Once you’ve arrived you’ll need to find a job and get some cash in your pocket ongratulations: you’ve made it. But don’t sit back and relax just yet – now you’re here, it’s time to figure out how to pay for this massive adventure.

C

THE JOB MARKET Provided you’ve got experience and enthusiasm, you should be able to find work before long. Despite the recession, the UK jobs market remains in decent shape, especially in major cities, and Antipodeans and South Africans are looked on favourably by employers, who appreciate their can-do attitude and work ethic. The 2009 revamp of UK visas means that New Zealanders and

56 TNT GUIDE 2010

Australians can now work in Britain for a full two years, which makes hiring an Antipodean a far more attractive option for employers. There’s also plenty of short-term contract and temporary work if you know where to look, which is where we come in. RECRUITMENT AGENCIES Many new arrivals head straight to recruitment agencies. Whether you join them will depend on a few things, such as: how much flexibility you’d like (do you want a permanent job or short-term contracts?); how much confidence you have in your ability to find work; and what you’d like to do while you’re here. Some

industries rely on agency recruitment more than others. Finding work through an agency is effectively a three-stage process: ■ You contact an agency and arrange to submit your CV. ■ The agency calls you in for an interview, and may also test you on your skills. ■ The agency matches you to a job that suits your skills and experience. Keep at it. While many recruitment agencies are very efficient, others may essentially forget about you when you’ve finished your interview. It’s worth signing up to several agencies to broaden your chances of finding work, and don’t be afraid to phone them regularly if they’ve not

tntmagazine.com


GETTING WORK

found you anything. A little reminder often goes a long way. GOING IT ALONE You could always just look for work yourself, as well as having the agencies working for you. Members of some professions should check specialist publications; we’ve mentioned a few of them in the relevant careers sections here. Many national and local papers also carry job adverts, among them The Guardian, The Times and The Independent; in London, the Evening Standard; in Scotland, the Daily Record and The Scotsman; and in Ireland, the Irish Times and the Irish Independent. Of course, don’t forget to check TNT Magazine each Monday for jobs, or see tntjobs.co.uk. NETWORK Talk to as many people as possible. Even when you’re out at the pub, drop

tntmagazine.com

into conversation that you’re looking for work. Other Southern Hemisphere arrivals are usually only too happy to share their experiences and advice, and you may even get a heads-up about an upcoming position. Even when you’re in a job, keep your ears and eyes open and make as many contacts as possible. You never know when that old connection will come in handy. It’s the old case of not what you know, but who you know. Some firms offer incentives to their employees if they refer new staff, so there could be something in it for both of you. Consider joining associations or networking groups as these can give you useful contacts or a bit of inside information on available jobs. If you’ve got your heart set on a particular firm, you can always offer to do work experience there, or work shadow someone for a week or two to give yourself a chance to shine.

ADVICE FOR A CRACKING CV ■ Keep it brief: No one wants to read about your needlepoint prizes or your talent for the ukulele. Well, except your mum, and you’re not exactly writing this for her. ■ Make it neat: Don’t be too fancy with the layout: it should be easy for agencies and employers to find what they need. ■ Back it up: Always include two references. ■ Keep it clear: When listing your qualifications, include the UK and/ or Irish equivalent if applicable. ■ Get it right: True story: we once received a CV from a journalist who claimed to have a “keen ey for detail”. Check your spelling and punctuation: you won’t get a professional job if you look like an amateur.

TNT GUIDE 2010 57


PART-TIME LOVE The recession and subsequent layoffs have made temps more popular than ever

he temping market in London is a busy one. In the wake of the recession and layoffs, companies are realising they need to hire people to fill in on a regular basis. Temps provide help during busy, peak times and provide cover for staff off sick or on maternity leave. They can help companies survive the current climate as they save on overhead costs of full-time staff. And they can help fill gaps in expertise on projects and allow firms time to assess potential candidates before hiring them full-time.

T

ADVANTAGES OF TEMPING Instead of sitting around waiting for a staff job, temping gives you the chance to try out different jobs and find out what they’re really like. It’s also a great opportunity to get your foot in the door of a company and make yourself indispensable. You can keep existing skills up-todate and learn valuable new ones. Temporary work can last for any length of time, from a single day to a month, or longer. Wages are usually paid on a weekly basis and are based

TNT GUIDE 2010 58

tntmagazine.com


GETTING WORK

on an hourly rate, meaning you don’t have to wait a month to get paid. It can be full-time or part-time hours, giving you control over when and how you work. WHERE ARE THE JOBS? While dozens of sectors need temp workers, accountancy, education and healthcare are the areas with the biggest gaps. Reed’s Tempzone (reed.co.uk/ tempzone), has literally thousands of temporary positions throughout the UK from Bristol and London to Manchester and Leeds. WHAT DOES IT PAY? Hourly rates vary from minimum wage (£5.73 per hour for workers aged 22 plus) to about £25 per hour for a skilled worker in accounts or engineering. Temps are entitled to annual leave based on hours worked, and there are also conditional entitlements to sick pay. TAXING TIMES If you work part-time or on a casual or temporary basis you must pay income tax and National Insurance contributions if you earn more than £6475 per annum. This applies

tntmagazine.com

TIPS FOR SUCCESS MAKE THE RIGHT IMPRESSION ON YOUR TEMP APPOINTMENT ■ Be punctual. If you are held up or unable to get to work, contact your recruitment agent as early as possible so they can alert the client or arrange any necessary cover. ■ Be respectful of company dress codes. It’s safest to go with smart business attire unless you are otherwise advised. ■ Give your recruiter your direct line so that they can stay in touch during your assignment. ■ Arrange any personal

whether you are employed or self-employed. If you’re employed on a casual, temporary or part-time basis, by law your employer must: ■ Deduct tax and National Insurance contributions from your wages; ■ Give you payslips; ■ Give you a P45 form when you leave; ■ Give you a P60 tax summary at the end of each tax year if you still work for the employer. If you work for more than one employer, you’ll get a special tax

appointments or interviews outside the company’s working hours. ■ Switch off your mobile when on assignments. ■ Client telephones, internet, e-mail, faxes and photocopying facilities are generally not to be used for your own personal use. ■ If you need to work overtime or through the lunch period, clear it with your employer. ■ Be aware of an employers’ health and safety policy, and at the end of an assignment leave handover notes and return your security pass.

code to take this into account. Your tax allowances will normally be given against the pay from your main job. Your other job(s) will be taxed at the basic or higher rate, depending on your total income. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS All employees have legal rights, whether they are hired on a fullor part-time basis, or are casual or temporary. These include: ■ Holiday pay; ■ National minimum wage; ■ Protection from discrimination.

TNT GUIDE 2010 59


GETTING WORK

TAXING TIMES Taking time to organise your tax affairs efficiently could save you a pretty penny in the long run many Antipodeans and South Africans who head to the UK end up with contract work. This has its advantages, the best being the potential to reduce your tax bill. Raymond Ridgeway, commercial manager at 1st Contact, says there are many providers in the UK market that can help you sort out your tax if you are contracting, but it’s important to remember that: “One structure does not fit all.” A company that is looking out for

M

60 TNT GUIDE 2010

your benefits will have a number of choices available. The best option depends on individual circumstances and the nature of the work, including: • Your rate of pay; • Flexibility of your payment options; • Average hours/days of work; • The type of work and manner in which you work; • How much involvement you wish to have in the process; and • Your financial astuteness. There are a number of structures, but two of the main ones are umbrella

companies and limited companies (personal service companies). The main factor affecting your choice is legislation called IR35. It’s designed to distinguish between “disguised” employees (those acting as contractors to avoid paying tax) and those who are genuinely self-employed.

UMBRELLA COMPANY Umbrella companies act as thirdparty employers to contractors and have become increasingly popular. Ridgeway says you can enjoy

tntmagazine.com


Hey you with the backpack! Travelling to the UK? We need healthy people to take part in research studies in London. If you are aged between 18-45 please call

FREEPHONE 0800 5877394


GETTING WORK many benefits of being “in business”, along with the convenience of being an employee. “Your agency or client pays into an umbrella company, which then pays your income net of income tax and National Insurance, but you can offset certain expenses prior to this tax calculation,” he explains. POSITIVES • Your involvement is low – it’s considered the “hassle-free” option. • Fees are taken per invoice and there are no set-up or closure fees. • Typically beneficial for individuals earning less than £20 per hour (under £40,000 per year). • Since the umbrella company is responsible for all of the back-office administration, such as invoicing and payroll, recruitment agencies and contractors can earn higher premium or “company” rates. • No IR35 issues. NEGATIVES • The tax benefits are not as good

62 TNT GUIDE 2010

as those for a limited company. • Reduced control – as an employee you have little flexibility and cannot custom-fit your solution.

LIMITED COMPANY Ridgeway says setting up a private limited company has long been a popular choice among professional contractors or freelancers, and can be particularly rewarding for those earning a high income and those whose contracts fall outside of IR35. “Unlike an umbrella structure, a business is incorporated as a limited company and has a separate legal entity to its owners,” he says. POSITIVES • Lower tax – profits for small companies are taxed at a flat rate of 21 per cent (compared to the top rate of 50 per cent for employees). • You pay yourself from a business bank account in a mix of dividends, salary and expenses, according to your personal requirements. An accountant can advise what is best.

• Ideal for those who wish to maximise their tax efficiency and are earning more than £20 per hour or £40,000 per year. • Dividends do not attract National Insurance and you only pay personal tax on any dividends drawn over and above the upper tax threshold. • You can register for VAT/FRV. • Pensions are tax deductible . NEGATIVES • There is medium to high involvement as you are a director of your own company. The onus is on you to adhere to all company rules, and there is therefore a high degree of responsibility. • The fees involved include occasional set-up fees, accounting fees and Companies House (the UK government register of companies) fees. • You will need to be familiar with the IR35 legislation and be compliant with it. » See 1stcontact.com

tntmagazine.com


GETTING WORK

MONEY MATTERS As the UK crawls out of recession there are more opportunities for financial specialists t’s no secret that the UK’s financial sector was hit hard by the global financial crisis. But the good news is that Britain’s economy is picking up, and confidence is returning in the banking and finance sector. For job seekers, this translates into increased demand for financial specialists. London remains one of the world’s top financial centres, and there are jobs in virtually every sector of the industry. And while top-notch experience and skills are always

I

tntmagazine.com

sought after, there are also plenty of opportunities for those with one to two years’ experience back home. ON THE UPSURGE Rachel Lynn of recruitment consultant Goodman Masson says: “Since the end of 2009 we have seen a significant increase in hiring volumes, especially on the permanent side, mostly driven by change and integration projects and replacing heads cut during

the initial part of the downturn. “There has been significant increase in short-term recruitment and temporary to permanent. Also the changes in the regulatory framework have and still are driving recruitment in these areas.” While a return to strong hiring levels for full-time positions is welcome, for job seekers – especially those who have just arrived from overseas – there are also some shortterm contracts available, which can

TNT GUIDE 2010 63


Broaden your horizons

Tax & NI Refunds

Are you owed a Tax or NI rebate? Call 0800 071 6766 or download a tax pack now at www.taxback.co.uk

AVE REF RAGE £1,4 UND 43* *200 8/09

AVER A

GE

National Insurance Refunds • Irish Tax Refunds • Tax Returns • Online Refunds Calculator Company Accounts • Self-Employed Accounts • CIS Repayments • Payroll • Book-keeping • ATA Bonded Taxback, 167 Earls Court Rd, Earls Court, London SW5 9RF • Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5.30pm

We are the UK’s most successful tax rebate company with over 20 years experience 64 TNT GUIDE 2010

tntmagazine.com


GETTING WORK

be a great way to gain invaluable UK experience, give your CV a boost and get your foot in the door. WHERE THE JOBS ARE Although the finance and banking sector as a whole is more upbeat, there’s demand in particular areas. Accountants are among the most sought-after, followed by specialists in financial analysis, reporting, audit and compliance. Though financial and management accounting have traditionally been not as prestigious as other sectors, the recession has meant accounting has become a safe and attractive option. Timing is also important. There is often a surfeit of temporary work near the end of the financial year (March/April), when the industries

tntmagazine.com

are at their busiest. Tax accountants may find short-term work in the runup to the deadline for personal tax returns at the end of January. Lynn suggests that for contract workers hands-on change experience and strong commercial finance experience are the best attributes. “On the permanent side, many banks and financial services companies are moving towards the ‘business partner’ structure, with more commercially minded finance staff being hired to face off with the businesses and provide clear and concise information to senior management, and meaningful analysis to help drive profitability,” Lynn says. QUALIFICATIONS On your CV highlight professional qualifications, particularly any with the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants or Associated Charter of Certified Accountants, or overseas equivalent. “Relevant sector experience is also necessary in 90 per cent of cases,” Lynn points out. However, some companies value experience over a degree, while for

some roles, such as a project accountant, payroll supervisor or internal auditor, experience is just as important as qualifications. In addition, enthusiasm is as essential for your role as experience and qualifications. A rock-solid CV will be little help if, in an interview, you cannot show that you really want the job.

TOP TIPS JOB HUNTERS TAKE NOTE Rachel Lynn, of Goodman Masson, has this advice. ■ Only apply for roles for which you have the appropriate experience and qualifications. If you apply for five completely different roles, recruiters will assume you are not right for any of them. ■ Tailor your CV to specific roles to help illustrate any relevant experience you have. ■ Try to avoid working with more than two or three recruiters. ■ Don’t price yourself out of the market. ■ Don’t get complacent. Go the extra mile when you have an interview and set yourself apart from the competition.

TNT GUIDE 2010 65


GETTING WORK

TOP OF THE CLASS There’s always jobs for teachers in London, whether you’re looking for a full-time position or supply work eaching in London is a fantastic experience and an opportunity for you to be able to work in a different type of education system, different schools and find different challenges while giving you plenty of opportunities for travel.

T

THE SCENE Tradewind Recruitment manager Bill Andrews says while the recession has had some effect on the market and on the amount of work available, the impact on the demand for supply teachers has not been nearly as great as other industries. “Towards the end of 2009 and moving into 2010 we have consistently had record weeks in terms of numbers of people out working. The market is very buoyant again now and there are

TNT GUIDE 2010 66

many more opportunities for supply teaching positions.” WORK AVAILABLE London will always be the place for teachers to come and work when they travel from their home country. The city’s multicultural nature, combined with a dense population and a variety of types of schools means that you should always be able to find work when you want it. Andrews says Antipodean and South African teachers have always been welcome in London schools. “Schools here embrace different teaching experiences, so whether you are looking for a longer term position, working at the same school for half a term up to about six months, or daily supply, then you will be able to find a position to suit you.” QUALIFICATIONS To the newcomer, the UK’s education system can appear confusing and constantly changing, and there seems to be a historical trend towards using

an acronym wherever possible. However, as long as you have a recognised teaching qualification from your country, then you will be eligible to teach. Overseas Trained Teachers (OTTs) are required to register with a central governing body called the General Teaching Council (GTC). Currently you do not need to pay for your membership to the GTC, there’s simply a form to fill out when you register with an agency. You are permitted to teach as an OTT for a maximum of four years before you will need to have obtained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). WHAT EMPLOYERS WANT Andrews says the key attributes schools are looking for are teachers who are flexible in their approach to teaching, who are not afraid to step up to a challenge and those who are willing to go the extra mile if required. “For longer term roles they will also be looking for commitment from

tntmagazine.com


Go Further with Capita

Do you want to teach in the UK? Wherever you want your teaching career to go you can trust Capita Education Resourcing to help you get there. To ďŹ nd out more or to register contact us at london.web@capita.co.uk or call us on (+44) 0800 731 6871. Setting the Setting thestandard standardinineducation education recruitment recruitment www.capitaeducation.co.uk

Scanbalt offer fun and inexpensive tours for adventurous travellers who want to experience unique

culture and stunning nature in Scandinavia and the Baltics including Lapland in winter.

www.scanbaltexperience.com

tntmagazine.com

TNT GUIDE 2010 67


GETTING WORK

PITFALLS TO AVOID BILL ANDREWS OF TRADEWIND RECRUITMENT OFFERS SOME ADVICE FOR SUCCESS

■ Not all agencies are created equal, and many will promise you the earth and entice you with empty promises. There are reasons why the more established agencies have more work and need to offer fewer gimmicks.

■ Only register with an agency that has the DCSF Quality Mark, as this seal of approval is a sign to schools that teachers and support staff are vetted to the highest industry standards. ■ Register with more than one agency, even if an agency has a job on offer straight away. Different schools use different agencies and more often than not you will need to find another position at some point while you are in the UK. Having said that, if you register with two or three of the main Quality Mark accredited agencies, you should have regular work all year round as well as plenty of options for long-term roles. Register with too many when you first arrive and you will want to throw away your phone after a couple of weeks when demand for daily supply picks up!

■ Refer teachers that you meet to your preferred agency. Most agencies will offer you a referral bonus for recommending good teachers that you know or meet while supply teaching in London.

a supply teacher to be able to stay as long as required.” SUPPLY OR LONG TERM? Many people like the idea of a long-term role, which guarantees them work every day. It also allows them to work at the same school on an ongoing basis; to get involved in extra curricular activities; earn more due to the planning and prep work involved; and to work towards getting a more permanent role at the school. On the flip side, others prefer the idea of working on daily supply. “They will be able to work when it suits them, to experience a variety

68 TNT GUIDE 2010

■ To start with, be flexible in your

of schools before making a choice on where they might like a longer term role, and they can end their working day without having the pressures of planning and preparation for the next day,” Andrews says. “Whatever someone is looking for, they will always be accommodated while working in London.”

approach to teaching and the types of school you want to work in. Keep your options open until you make a choice on where you would like to work, and remember that the requirements of a school change on a daily basis, and so do their needs for supply teachers.

» See twrecruitment.com

tntmagazine.com


GETTING WORK

HEALTH CHECK

How to get yourself started as a medical professional in London nce you’ve found light at the end of the paperwork tunnel, London’s medical world could be what you are looking for.

O

QUALIFICATIONS As a nurse you’ll need to have a nursing degree and training in a specialist area if applicable. You will also need to be registered in your country of origin. Doctors must be fully qualified and certified. DOCUMENTATION Next you need your qualification recognised in the UK, and this can be complicated, admits Hannah Keely, international nurse recruitment consultant at Pulse. “Nurses should do the legwork at home by obtaining an application pack through the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which requires certified copies of their nursing qualification, academic transcript, registration certificate, birth and marriage certificates, passport, current place of

TNT GUIDE 2010 69

tntmagazine.com


GETTING WORK employment and reference details,” Keely points out. Doctors will need to supply the same information to the General Medical Council (GMC), and a criminal record check is necessary across both disciplines. A TIP FOR NURSES If the theory hours in your academic transcript are greater than your practical hours, and those theory hours include study outside tutorials, it is worth obtaining a letter from your university explaining this. Otherwise, you may be required to undergo three to six months of supervised practice in the UK. REGISTRATION Doctors and nurses from outside the EU must sit an English test, even if it is your first language. Do this through the NMC or GMC before arriving in the UK. Once in the UK, nurses must complete the Overseas Nurses Programme, which can be arranged through healthcare agencies and academic institutions. Zara Bhayani,

70 TNT GUIDE 2010

who is in charge of medical locums at Pulse, says a new rule stipulates that all doctors will now need a licence to work in the UK, whether already practising or not. “We need to ensure their file is fully vetted and cleared to the required standards, so it’s better if they register in advance while applying for their visa and GMC registration to save the eight- to 12-week wait,” she says. STARTING WORK “Nurses should be prepared to wait up to six months before they can start practising as a fully registered nurse as some candidates will be need to meet additional requirements such as exposure to specialist areas or supervised practice,” Keely says. “In the interim, they can work as healthcare assistants, which will give them exposure to the system here.” WHERE ARE THE JOBS “There is a particular need for nurses in critical care, psychiatric care, intensive care, cardiology and A&E,” Keely says. Bhayani adds that

SOME SAGE ADVICE Pulse’s Hannah Keely recommends keeping your nurse registration active in your country of origin for easier transition when it’s time to make the move back home. “UK experience is highly sought after, especially in the Middle East. Once a doctor has UK experience, they are usually snapped up when back in Australia or New Zealand,” Zara Bhayani points out.

anaesthetic and paediatric doctors are constantly in demand. HOW TO GET THEM Your best bet is to register with an agency which can offer an array of roles in the public and private sectors. You will benefit from flexibility of choice and more competitive pay. WHAT TO EXPECT A heavy patient load, greater cultural diversity in the patients and, with that, the types of clinical diseases you will treat. For example, there is a greater prevalence of tuberculosis than you’d likely see back home.

tntmagazine.com


RMR Practice Nurse Specialists Our Clients based in the UK are looking for the delivery of general practice nursing to the whole practice population. The focus of these role’s is both the delivery of evidence based practice for patients presenting with a long-term condition, and the provision of preventative health care to the practice population. As an autonomous practitioner the nurse is responsible for the care delivered demonstrating critical thinking and skills in clinical decision making in the management of patients. They will work collaboratively within the general practice team to meet the needs of patients, support the delivery of policy and procedures, and provide nurse leadership as required. For more information please email: Richard@richmedical.co.uk or phone: 020 8432 2095

tntmagazine.com

LIVE-IN CARE ASSISTANTS WANTED Could you be a live-in care assistant for a dependent person in their own home? We are looking for special people to join our Caring Agency in return we offer: Good rates of pay An excellent free four-day training package Dedicated Support Teams for our carers Flexible pattern of work Work throughout the UK – including London and surrounding Interested? Ring our Recruitment Department on:

0845 702 3873 recruitment@christiescare.com www.christiescare.com

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/carersatchristiescare We are an equal opportunities employer

TNT GUIDE 2010 71


GETTING WORK

LENDING A HELPING HAND Working as a care giver in the UK can be rewarding, both personally and financially WORKING AS A CARER There is always work available in the UK care industry – you just need to decide what type of care work you’d like to do. If you are planning to work and travel while you are in the UK, then a live-in position could be just the solution for you. Working with a company such as London-based Active Assistance, you live with a client for up to three weeks at a time. This could be anywhere in England or Wales, giving you an ideal opportunity to see different parts of the country while earning money for your next trip. Some carers join their clients on holiday or on business trips abroad, so there may even be opportunities to travel and earn at the same time. WHAT YOU NEED Most care companies offer training before you start, so prior experience is not always necessary. Active Assistance’s training course takes you through everything you need to know in order to work with clients with spinal cord injuries. If you are working with vulnerable children or adults, you will need a criminal record check. Some care companies will ask you to provide this yourself, but others will pay for your enhanced criminal record check. You may also get help setting up a UK bank account and getting a National Insurance number, along with a whole heap of other administrative headaches. WHAT DOES IT PAY? In the care industry, rates of pay vary widely from company to company, as do benefits on offer. Working through a company can often be easier as it

72 TNT GUIDE 2010

tntmagazine.com


tntmagazine.com

TNT GUIDE 2010 73


LIVE-IN CARE JOBS The Freedom of Working with young adults – who need your help to live life to the max! G G G G G G G

Supporting active people with a spinal injury Long and short term vacancies London and throughout UK Earn £490 per week Free food & accommodation, when working No experience needed, full training given Join a 1st class, professional team – giving you great 24/7 support

ny “The best comparked for!” I’ve ever wo

APPLY TODAY ! www.origincare.com/careapp.htm or Call 0207 617 7894 for more information

an ACTIVE Life

We specialise in providing live-in care to clients with spinal cord injury Choice: Security: Support: Career:

a huge choice of clients & flexible working comprehensive insurance protection professional nurse supervision & support opportunities for promotion & development

We Offer ✓ UP TO £507 PER WEEK plus paid holiday ✓ FREE accommodation WHILE TRAINING ✓ FREE food & accommodation when working ✓ Award Winning Training ✓ NVQ Study Programme

About You ✓ Over 21 and hold a driving license. ✓ Flexible enough to work throughout England ✓ Previous experience not required as full training given ✓ If you have an NVQ in care or other medical qualification you will start work on our enhanced rate of pay

Visit www.activeassistance.com or call our recruitment hotline on 01732 749175 for further information.

CAREGIVERS A change is as good as a rest Use your care/nursing background to work as a temporary live-in care giver Do you want to Work and Travel? Are you capable of providing housekeeping support, have some care-giving experience or have trained as a nurse and are you eligible to work in the UK? Then we can help you work and travel in the UK. Placements involve live-in care for adults of all ages in their own homes. Depending on experience the pay is between £460 and £540 per week plus holiday pay All placements are short-term and include free board and lodgings, making them a great way to augment your cash in between travel excursions. Visit our website for more information about this fantastic opportunity – not only the great pay and conditions but also the good time off, free training and professional friendly support. To be eligible to work for us in the UK you must have one of the following: • A valid British or European Union Passport • A Working Holiday Visa (Youth Mobility Scheme) for those under 30 • An Ancestry Visa by virtue of having UK grandparent Email us on: enquiries@oxfordaunts.co.uk Or visit our website at: www.oxfordaunts.co.uk OXFORD AUNTS CARE 3 Cornmarket Street Oxford OX1 3EX • Phone: +44 1865 791017

74 TNT GUIDE 2010

tntmagazine.com


GETTING WORK

eliminates worries about how much social security or tax you need to pay, or going through the hassle of registering as self-employed. In addition, you can often get free training; your travel to and from each assignment is paid for; the client provides your accommodation and food while you are working; and you receive holiday pay in addition to your monthly wage. If you fancy gaining some care

qualifications while you are in London, many companies will help you gain recognised qualifications in health and social care, enabling you to increase your earning potential. Care work can be very rewarding. You meet new people, see UK culture from the ‘inside’, and see different parts of the country, as well as work a flexible pattern to suit you. You will be enabling someone to live an independent life. What could be better than that?

WORKING AS A NANNY The challenge in this job is finding the right family. An agency such as Kensington Nannies can take the hassle out of the search for you. Manager Louise Taylor says there are several windows of opportunity for nannies arriving in London. Many people in existing jobs will leave in June to travel Europe; children also start full-time school in September and move away from the traditional English nannies; and before Christmas and after Christmas are also good times to find a job as many Antipodeans like to travel and

tntmagazine.com

see the family during the southern hemisphere summer. Taylor says temporary placements often become available during the summer when working parents need a helping hand keeping the kids occupied during the school holidays. WHAT YOU NEED Ideally you should have a diploma in childcare, a nannying certificate, bachelor of education or child social worker experience. An employer will generally require a police clearance from your home country and good references. You may also need a valid driving licence and a first-aid certificate. Nannies hoping to work in Ireland will also need Garda clearance. WHAT DOES IT PAY? Nannies in London can expect to earn £300 to £400 a week living in, and £400 to £500 for a live-out role. Often a nanny will be invited to travel on holiday with the family, an attractive and cheap way to see other parts of the UK and Europe while earning money at the same time.

TNT GUIDE 2010 75


SUPPORTING ROLES If you’re in office support, here’s what you need to know about the job market hose in the know say the job market for secretarial and support workers is looking up after last year’s slump. This means if you’re a PA or office administrator who has been ripping up your CV in frustration, you now have something to fight for.

T

76 TNT GUIDE 2010

WHAT’S GOING ON? There’s been a significant increase in appointments in the financial sector, as well as within commerce and industry, with both permanent and temp jobs becoming available. According to Nick Dutton, of recruitment firm Robert Walters,

there’s now competition in the marketplace, whereas in previous quarters small businesses were doing most of the hiring. “Some companies see it as a great time to attract top staff when bigger institutions don’t hire,” Dutton says. “But some of those bigger

tntmagazine.com


GETTING WORK

institutions are now starting to hire again.” If you’re a competitive candidate, you can pick between the two. THE RIGHT SKILLS There’s no need to be afraid of being over-qualified. In a time when saving money is vital, companies are more than happy to take you on and wring out what they can, so it’s important to have skills beyond your duties. Being a PA is no longer restricted to front-of-house responsibilities, so if you can learn a new language, or the dynamics of office management, you’ll be a better candidate. OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS Salaries for PAs and administrators are still quite stable (see box on right),

but be realistic about bonuses. “If people assume bonuses are going to be absolutely spectacular, I think that’s a bit misguided,” Dutton says. What companies can offer instead are more opportunities. “Candidates who are highly motivated, and highly driven and demonstrate good skill sets are the ones finding more in the marketplace,” he says. THE FUTURE Although there’s no guarantee the job market will keep improving, there are no major signs of it declining. There’s also been an increase in temp jobs, which is good news for those wanting something more flexible.

» For career opportunities, see tntjobs.co.uk

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR ROLE Take your job seriously Make sure you are professional in your interactions, arrive on time, and focus on the task at hand. Improve your skills and learn new ones to be more effective. Seek opportunities Don’t sit around staring at the walls. People respect their co-workers when they see them contributing

tntmagazine.com

and trying to find more ways in which to do so. Think of the big picture This will help you do your job better and allow you to speak more intelligently on matters concerning the business. Learn what other departments do to improve your opportunities for growth within the company.

MONEY TALKS ■ Executive assistant Annually: £35k- £45k Temping per hour: £15- £20 ■ Office manager Annually: £30k- £45k Temping per hour: £17- £20 ■ Personal assistant Annually: £27k- £37k Temping per hour: £15- £18 ■ Senior administrator Annually: £25k- £30k Temping per hour: £15- £17 ■ Trading floor secretary Annually: £28k- £40k Temping per hour: £11- £14 ■ Bilingual secretary Annually: £28k- £35k Temping per hour: £13- £16 ■ Project co-ordinator Annually: £28k- £35k Temping per hour: £12- £15 ■ Junior secretary Annually: £20k- £25k Temping per hour: £10- £12 ■ Junior administrator Annually: £18k- £23k Temping per hour: £10- £12 ■ Data entry operator Annually: £18k- £23k Temping per hour: £10- £12 ■ Receptionist Annually: £21k- £25k Temping per hour: £10- £12 SOURCE: Robert Walters

TNT GUIDE 2010 77


BAR NONE Working in the hospitality industry is a great way to enter the workforce, meet people and kick-start an active social life he running joke that London’s pub industry would collapse if all the Australians, Kiwis and South Africans were sent home is actually grounded in truth.

T

FINDING A JOB Pounding the pavement may yield dividends, as many pubs and some restaurants advertise for staff in their windows, and cold-calling catering firms is also worthwhile. Expect to find plenty of short-term jobs in the run-up to Christmas. Experience is more important than qualifications. THE WORK In London, and in cities such as Edinburgh, there seem to be more Antipodeans than Brits working behind the bar. Waiters and other front-of-house staff should find work without trouble. There are also jobs available behind the scenes, especially in the kitchen. Pay varies

78 TNT GUIDE 2010

widely. Waiters and waitresses may supplement their wage with tips. And if the pay offered in a particular job seems tight, always check for perks: many hospitality jobs, in and out of London, include accommodation – which is a massive bonus. There are still plenty of jobs in London, and if you’re qualified it shouldn’t be difficult to find work. Employee turnover in the sector is high, and employers are always on the lookout for enthusiastic and qualified staff. WHAT DOES IT PAY? There is a minimum wage for hospitality workers in the UK. The adult rate, which applies to those aged 22 and over, is £5.80, while the rate for 18- to 21-year-olds is £4.83. The adult minimum wage is due to be extended to 21-year-olds from October 2010. Payment further up the ladder

PINT-SIZED PERKS If you’ve got the time, shop around before committing to a particular pub job – you can get some great deals. Some offer accommodation, drinks and laundry facilities . Free meals are sometimes included, if you’re really lucky, and you should have two days off a week.

depends on the position. Assistant managers get between £15,000 to £21,000 a year. Managers can earn from £20,000 to £35,000 a year depending on the company and position. QUALIFICATIONS If you want to secure a hospitality management role, or be responsible for selling alcohol, you must get a personal licence. Those wanting to find work in kitchens must have basic food and hygiene and health and safety course

tntmagazine.com


GETTING WORK

qualifications under their belt. For wait staff positions there aren’t any qualifications necessary but, like any job out there, experience is always important. Some employers prefer to train their staff; others have an expectation that their employee will come to them ‘ready-made’. TRAINING COURSES A recruitment and training company such as London-based Kubaba (kubaba.co.uk) can provide training courses for those who want to gain extra qualifications. Kubaba rerepresentative Emine San says Antipodeans and South Africans have the added advantage of being fluent in English – an attractive quality especially for front-of-house positions. “Coming from a native English speaking country will gain extra points for job applicants,” she says.

SERVICE, PLEASE! CODE OF PRACTICE In an effort to make things more clear for both customers and employees, the British Hospitality Association (BHA) has published a voluntary code of practice on service charges, and urges restaurants, including those inside hotels, to disclose to customers exactly how they manage their discretionary service charges and non-cash tips.

WHAT’S AT STAKE? The BHA says there’s been too little information in the past about the way service charges are collected, what they’re for and who exactly gets them. This has led to some widespread criticism, which in turn has damaged the industry’s reputation. The BHA code will ensure that restaurants make crystal clear how they distribute the proceeds of the charge, who gets what, and what percentage, if any, is kept by the restaurant owners to cover legitimate costs.

tntmagazine.com

TNT GUIDE 2010 79


TRADING PLACES An increased demand for casual work in 2010 means London is a great place to be if you’re a tradesman he recession has had an impact on the construction labour market, but huge projects like the upcoming Olympics and large infrastructure works are still providing opportunities for tradies and construction workers arriving in London. The signs for 2010 certainly seem to be a little more positive than they were in a very tough 2009. Chances are there will be an increased need for casual work since contractors are reluctant to use directly employed workers to avoid a repeat of the recent troublesome situation of redundancy

T

80 TNT GUIDE 2010

and employer obligations brought on by the financial crisis. TOOLS OF THE TRADE Most jobs require tradies to at least have their own hand tools, but with a 20kg limit on international flights it’s hard to pack everything required. Power tools in the UK also require different voltage. Recruitment company Downunder Tradies is able to provide specific tool packs for each trade. They have also set up an option for tradespeople who have

just arrived to purchase the tools of those workers who are leaving. General operatives, labourers and various others will not

tntmagazine.com


GETTING WORK

normally be required to provide tools. However basic requirements are lace-up safety boots, hard hat, hi-visibility vest, safety goggles and gloves. All except the boots are normally provided by the contractor or agency. RIGHT QUALIFICATIONS Generally, qualifications from a tradie’s home country are recognised in the UK. Some workers (carpenters and plumbers for instance) may need to get their qualifications officially recognised, and have a statement of comparability issued. Further certificates once arriving in the UK vary for each trade. At the very least all tradies must sit and pass their trade’s relevant health and safety test. Plumbers and electricians have a trade-specific health and safety test that they must complete. THE RATES OF PAY There are different pay options in the UK construction industry, but the two main methods of earning are self employed or PAYE. The CIS Scheme allows for tax within construction to be 20 per cent, and there are also umbrella company options to take into account. As a rough guide you should be looking at earning £14.75 per hour if you’re self employed, and £11 PAYE. If you’re a self employed operative (which is common in the industry), a Unique Tax Reference (UTR) is required from the tax office. This can take four to six weeks, and without it you will get taxed at 30 per cent. Some specialist trades require specific cards that can only be obtained with time on the job.

PITFALLS TO AVOID PETER HART FROM NUMBER 8 GROUP SHARES SOME ADVICE ❏ Don’t rely on the reputation of Antipodean workers. It might get you in the door but it will not keep you there. ❏ Look out for contractors who have no regard for compliance with any

tntmagazine.com

laws or legislation. They will probably have the same attitude towards paying you. ❏ Be aware that building methods and attitudes are very different to what you are used to in the southern hemisphere. Take the time to learn about the new systems. ❏ Try to find work close to where you

are living. Travelling around London can be time consuming and costly. ❏ Try not to blag your capabilities too much. It is likely in many cases you will get found out pretty quickly. ❏ Be realistic about rates. You might wait a long time to find something that offers the rates you may have heard were available.

TNT GUIDE 2010 81


GETTING WORK

SELL YOURSELF Landing a marketing job in the capital takes some clever self promotion

T

he marketing industry is tough in London, but if you bring your A-game, there are jobs available.

THE JOB MARKET Pippa Bonnar from marketing recruiter Robert Walters warns that UK experience may be preferred. “However, people that have worked with global brands outside the UK will still be viewed very favourably,” she adds. “Roles are specialist at the moment. They also tend to be highly line driven as there are fewer project opportunities in the market. “On the temporary side of the

82 TNT GUIDE 2010

market, employers want people who can make an impact from day one, which means there will be fewer opportunities at an entry level. WHAT EMPLOYERS WANT Bonnar says clients are seeking candidates for all areas of marketing, specifically those with related industry experience who have worked in a similar role within that industry. QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED To be in with a chance, candidates must either have the UK qualification

that an employer is seeking or the foreign equivalent. Computer skills will often include competence in Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint. Within certain specialist sectors and highly skilled roles, employers

tntmagazine.com


GETTING WORK

tend to look for the relevant experience within that industry or that specific type of position. A proven track record is essential and there is a high demand for employees that have shown the ability to progress within another company or previous role. In this day and age it is expected that most, if not all, highly skilled positions will require a certain level of marketing systems skills. Bonnar advises: “If a job spec specifically states that a qualification or a system is essential, it is best to assume that you will not be considered for that role unless you hold the required qualification or have used the required systems. “Indicate how many exams you have taken or when you passed the qualification, and clarify when you used the systems that have been asked for.” GETTING THAT INTERVIEW Key to getting an interview is adapting your CV, says Bonnar. “A one-size fits-all CV will not stand out to an employer, nor will

tntmagazine.com

it really express any in-depth knowledge. No two jobs are the same, so why should your CV be?” HOW IMPORTANT IS A PORTFOLIO? While it’s good to bring your portfolio to the UK and great to have up your sleeve if requested, most job applications will not need a portfolio of your previous work. In certain industries and for certain roles it is essential you take your portfolio of work along with you to any interview. But just because you’ve got a portfolio of work to explain, don’t lose sight of the fact that you’re in an interview situation. When meeting a prospective employer it is important to have a full grasp of the position you are being interviewed, for and you must know your own CV backwards, Bonnar advises. “In truth, your CV or examples of your work will get you an interview, but an employer hires a person not a portfolio.”

WHAT’S IT WORTH? HOW MUCH MARKETING PAYS Marketing graduates can earn £18,000- £21,000 as their basic salary. Someone with one to two years’ experience can earn from £28,000 to £31,000, while people with three to five years’ experience can earn up to £40,000 a year. Many people in marketing will also get an annual bonus which is generally around 10-15 per cent of their salary, sometimes more for senior marketers.

TNT GUIDE 2010 83


. . . B O J T N E R E F F I D A T N E R E F F I D Y L L A T O AT ! E C N E I R E P X E > Looking to travel and see the UK? > Wanting to earn high commission? > Wishing for accommodation as well as a great job? > Apply to Wesser today and start earning the moment you arrive in the UK! www.wesser.co.uk email: recruitment@wesser.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0) 845 20 937737 just think: +44 (0) 845 20 WESSER

84 TNT GUIDE 2010

tntmagazine.com


tntmagazine.com

TNT GUIDE 2010 85


BUILDING A FUTURE Despite the recession London keeps growing at a rapid rate – very good news for those in construction n a bulging and evolving metropolis like London, bagging work in the bricks and mortar trade should be straightforward. Use our tool kit to get started in no time.

I

THE RIGHT DOCUMENTS One of the major differences between working here and at home is a distinct lack of regulation in the UK construction industry. Depending on your ethics, this can either be a drawback or a positive. But for some good honest work, Darin Burrows, operations director of recruitment company Rullion Alltrades, suggests tradesmen obtain a Construction Skills Certificate Scheme Card as a priority. This is the basic mandatory requirement for large building contractors and it will give you access to any construction site. To get the card, you will need to sit a basic knowledge test with a recognised

86 TNT GUIDE 2010

training provider and it should cost you around £30. “Tradesmen such as painters and electricians will additionally need to get the relevant skills card based on their qualifications and acceptance of those qualifications by the Construction Industry Training Body,” Burrows says. Checks on the engineering

industry are much more stringent, according to Chinasa Uyanna, the business manager for Rullion engineering personnel. A SMOOTH SET-UP “Engineers will need to have a higher national diploma or degree qualifications,” explains Uyanna. “Some consultancy companies are

tntmagazine.com


GETTING WORK

even now requesting a masters as a minimum requirement.” Have to hand any proof of skills documents trade papers, academic records, plus references, which will aid a smooth set up. DEMAND IS HIGH There are always ample jobs for electricians, plumbers and carpenters rather than bricklayers or plasterers, Burrows says. Sparkies may have to do a little training to familiarise themselves with the electrics on this side of the globe. For engineers, transport, energy and utilities are the biggest recruitment hotspots, according to Uyanna of Rullion. “Demand for skilled labour is always high but the right supply isn’t, particularly for electrical and mechanical engineers, degreequalified and chartered engineers,” Uyanna says. “On the basis they have the skills and qualifications, engineers can take their pick from a large crop of positions across the UK. Projects based around energy and utilities are expected to last right up until 2025 in some cases.” WHERE TO START LOOKING It is usually best to start with bigger firms and agencies, which is where large contractors tend to source most of their workers. “Even if you go online to look for positions, you will almost always be directed to an agency to apply first, it’s just the way the recruitment process is designed in the UK,” Uyanna points out. Reputable agencies will be members of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation. WHERE ARE THE JOBS? The obvious major project that comes to mind is the 2012 Olympic development in Stratford, East London. However, it is not necessarily the Olympic venues themselves, but the offshoot infrastructure, such as hotels, which are the source of jobs, Burrows says. There is also the massive Crossrail high speed rail network

tntmagazine.com

across London, expected to generate 14,000 construction jobs. Plus, the London Gateway port in Thurrock, Essex, has just begun and is expected to be the largest deep-sea port in Europe, creating thousands of new jobs. Additionally, the government has pledged to embark on one of the biggest building schemes ever in council housing, creating 45,000 jobs. But that all depends on the outcome

of the 2010 general election. THE RECESSION The construction industry was hit hard when the economy went bust. “Trades and labour jobs were down about 30-40 per cent,” Burrows says. “What we are concerned about now is that number not dropping any more in 2010.” Engineering, however, was barely dented, according to Uyanna.

TNT GUIDE 2010 87


THE IT CROWD What you need to know about landing a job as an IT worker in the UK and Ireland hatever field of IT you work in, securing a job in the UK shouldn’t be too much trouble if your CV is top notch and your knowledge is up-to-date with trends in the industry.

W

THE JOB MARKET During the second half of 2009 confidence returned to the IT sector, with more companies in the UK and Ireland now looking to recruit both permanent and contract IT workers in 2010. Alex Lawson, account manager at CV Screen, says Antipodeans and South Africans looking for jobs in IT are well placed to secure employment in the UK. WHAT EMPLOYERS WANT Lawson says there’s been a huge increase in demand for SEO and

88 TNT GUIDE 2010

web development professionals. “This is symptomatic of companies looking to take advantage of the huge return on investment that these types of candidates can add to their online business,” he says. Candidates who offer a diverse skill set and strong interpersonal

NETWORKING TIPS FOR IT JOB HUNTERS Alex Lawson of CV Screen offers this advice. ■ Take some time to make sure your CV is formatted attractively. ■ Don’t only rely on recruitment agencies to find you work. Applying to companies directly will often yield positive results, as you’re saving them recruitment fees. ■ There are IT roles all over the UK

skills are also always in demand. “In fact, many of our clients look very favourably on candidates from New Zealand and Australia for this very reason,” Lawson says. He adds that they offer a depth of experience sometimes lacking in UK-based candidates.

and Ireland. Look beyond London and Dublin as there will be less competition from other candidates, and this will improve your chances of securing work. ■ Avoid training companies that promise you work when you’ve completed the course; they’re expensive and won’t find you work when your training ends. A better option is to train at a local college for a fraction of the cost.

tntmagazine.com


GETTING WORK

QUALIFICATIONS While it isn’t imperative that you have a degree in IT, many of the more prestigious companies in the UK require that you have university qualifications. However, in general, most companies regard work experience, and what technical skills you can bring to a role, more highly than your tertiary education. Microsoft certifications are highly thought of, but the most important thing to offer is experience in dealing with as many technologies, operating platforms and programming languages as possible. SO WHAT DOES IT PAY? The average salary for secondor third-line IT support in central London is about £25,000-£30,000. The average salary for a developer would be about £28,000-£35,000. The website itjobswatch.co.uk will give you a good indication of what you can expect to earn in the UK as an IT employee.

NEED A UK BANK ACCOUNT? UK JOB STARTER

PACK

ONLY

£25

Arrival Information Session UK Bank Account U NI Number N Job o Assistance & CV Forwarding

Professional Chef de Parties

Fee e Free International Money Transfer Welcome Arrival Party W Tax T Advice & Refund Assistance Umbrella Companies U 5 Day Gym Pass Monthly Social Events Calendar M Monopoly Pub Crawl M

required for Event Catering. Companies within Central London.

£9.00-£11.25 p/h. Weekly pay, flexible hours, 7 days p/w. CV, Qual, Passport, Hyg Cert ess.

On-going Advice & Support On

Hit the ground running

CONTACT US ON: FROM OS: +44 20 7808 3815 FROM UK: 0845 450 3536

Vouchers available at Reception or call 0845 450 3536 so we can book you a place at one of our Arrival Information Sessions. These are held at The Britain & London Visitor Centre, 1 Regent Street, Piccadilly, London SW1 5QX. These are held 3 times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:45am (sharp).

www.britbound.co.uk ukoffice@britbound.co.uk

tntmagazine.com

Phone 0208 946 6342 or 0208 944 1609 Email claire@claireschefs.com (Agy) TNT GUIDE 2010 89


DESTINATION EUROPE The continent beckons. The only question is: how will you go about exploring it while you’re based in London? ne of the major benefits to London, and no doubt a main motivation for living in the city, is its proximity to Europe. The sights, smells, sounds and tastes of so many different cultures are ready and waiting for you to explore. Here’s how to discover them.

O

ON THE ROAD There’s nothing more adventurous than an old-fashioned road trip. One option is joining the annual van tour, which isn’t an organised tour but basically a bunch of vans full of party-loving young people (many of them Antipodeans) following the same route around Europe and meeting up along the way. Because most people on van tours are up for a good time, major summer festivals around Europe are the main stops. It all unofficially kicks off at the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, in July, and ends at Munich’s Oktoberfest in September. However, if you want to see

90 TNT GUIDE 2010

Europe at a more leisurely pace, you can buy a van, grab a handful of likeminded mates, and follow your own route on the open road. You’ll find plenty of second-hand camper vans for sale in London, and once you have your own home-awayfrom-home, you can pack up and hit the road whenever you like. The best time to buy a vehicle is at the end of the previous van tour season in October – many vans will already be decked out with beds, camping gear, a stove and cooking utensils. Expect to pay around £2000 for a roadworthy set of wheels, more if you’re buying from a used car dealer – though the plus side is that your van will come with a warranty. Remember the costs of running a vehicle mount up long after the initial outlay. As well as forking out for road tax, you’ll also need an annual MOT (roadworthy) certificate for vehicles more than three years old. Think about the equipment you’re going to need: spare tyre, jack, basic

tools, a stove, bedding … Again, being prepared before you leave is easier than hunting down essentials on the road. Renting a vehicle can be more cost effective, especially if you can split the fee with some mates. As for a licence, you can legally drive in Europe using your home

tntmagazine.com


licence for one year, after which you must give it up and apply for a UK licence (see page 52). You don’t need to take another test, but you will need to pay a fee. See dvla.gov.uk.

TRAVEL

CHEAP FLIGHTS Hundreds of cheap flights to cities all over Europe take off daily from London’s five major airports. The main budget carriers are EasyJet and Ryanair, but your best bet is to Google ‘cheap flights’ and go from there. Often you can get hotel and car hire discounts thrown in as part of the deal. Remember to read the small print. Often the prices of cheap flights are boosted by checked bags, insurance and priority charges, which you can choose not to pay for. Keep in mind the timing of your trip when booking your flights. Air ticket prices vary depending on the season, date and time of day. Usually flights are more expensive during school holidays, festival times and ski season, when the airlines are busy. Tickets can also be pricier for weekend travel when working people get some time out to go away. It pays to be flexible with the

timing of your flights. The ideal days for flying from London are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. INTERRAIL PASSES With an InterRail pass you have the option of exploring 30 countries by rail with the classic Global Pass starting from £145. The pass is valid for Austria,

St Pancras International

tntmagazine.com

Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK. The InterRail One Country Pass is your best choice if you only want to visit one European country by train. This starts at £29. InterRail also entitles you to cheaper ferry fares, such as from Italy to Greece. EUROSTAR With core train services from London to Brussels, Disneyland Paris, Paris, Lille and Avignon, Eurostar can connect you to more than 100 places in Europe. If you’re into skiing or boarding, hop on the Eurostar ski train at St Pancras International, and be whisked off direct to the winter resorts of Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne or Bourg-St-Maurice. You can travel on the Eurostar ski train either during the day or night – daytime offers stunning views from your seat, while if you take the overnight train you’ll arrive bright and early at your destination, with more time on the slopes.

TNT GUIDE 2010 91


DAY 12 TAGGED

DAY 14 TAGGED

DAY 9 TAGGED

DAY 2 TAGGED

EUROPE » EGYPT » AFRICA » Tired of boring photos on your profile? Wanna make all your friends jealous? Just book a Topdeck trip this summer and take loads of awesome shots of your adventures; cool profile guaranteed! Go on, pimp up your profile!

92 TNT GUIDE 2010

tntmagazine.com


trips for 18 to 30 somethings

DAY 21 TAGGED

*R RQOLQH WR RUGHU D IUHH EURFKXUH AUSTRALIA » NEW ZEALAND » FESTIVALS

facebook.com/topdecktravel

tntmagazine.com

visit us: www.topdeck.travel TNT GUIDE 2010 93


TRAVEL

A WEEKEND IN ROME History, fine cuisine, art – Rome has it all. Here is what you can cram in if you only have a couple of days in the Eternal City he gladiators are now stationed outside the Colosseum posing for photos instead of inside fighting for their lives, but the essence of Rome hasn’t changed that much. Loud, crazy and completely addictive, Rome is bursting at the seams with history, art and food.

T

HEADLINE ATTRACTION The Colosseum is probably Rome’s most famous site. It was completed in AD80 and seated about 50,000 spectators, whose blood lust was sated by gladiatorial contests and people being fed to lions. BEST OF THE REST Other iconic Roman sites include the Pantheon, an ancient temple fronted with massive columns and topped by a huge dome; the baroque Trevi

94 TNT GUIDE 2010

Fountain (toss in two coins and legend has it you’ll fall in love with an Italian); and the Spanish Steps, where you can channel Audrey Hepburn in the film Roman Holiday. BE SQUARE No other Italian city quite does public squares, known as piazzas, like Rome. Don’t miss the incredible Piazza Navona, featuring Bernini’s masterpiece of a fountain. Campo de’ Fiori has a lively flower and vegetable market most mornings and is a magnet for young Romans in the evenings. CHOW DOWN Pizza in Rome is much thinner than the Neapolitan variety, and has a

crunchy base. Rome also offers a great line in pizza a taglio (takeaway pizza by the slice), and the incredible potato and rosemary is a Roman speciality. Grab a slice from Forno di Campo de’ Fiori (Campo de’ Fiori 22). Pasta fans should also take note that Thursday in the Eternal City is gnocchi day. Make sure you wash it all down with a local frascati. JUST DESSERTS Romans also love their gelato – Italian ice cream made with milk and sugar. Get your fill at La Fonte della Salute in the Trastevere neighbourhood (Via Cardinal

tntmagazine.com


WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ROME

ROME

ITALY

The Vatican Museum

Marmaggi); or Gellateria della Palma (Via della Maddalena, around the corner from the Pantheon). RUIN YOUR DAY Travel back in time and take in the majestic ruins at the Roman Forum, the heart of Ancient Rome. BACK TO NATURE At some stage while in Rome you’ll want to get away from all the hustle and bustle in the city. To escape the crowds and the noise spend a day in Rome’s green lung, the Villa Borghese, undeniably one of Europe’s

tntmagazine.com

most elegant gardens. The city’s largest park is a real magnet for Romans on a Sunday, and is the perfect place for a picnic on a lazy summer day. It is also home to a couple of excellent museums, including the Galleria Borghese. OUT OF TOWN You’ll need a full day to explore Vatican City, from the immense St Peter’s Basilica and Square to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Get there early as the crowds can be horrific. The Pope’s weekly blessing is held each Wednesday.

TNT GUIDE 2010 95

TRAVEL

Getting there: The main airport is Leonardo da Vinci. Jump on the Leonardo Express for €11 to the city centre. Ciampino airport is used by some budget carriers. International trains arrive and depart frequently from Rome’s Stazione Termini. Visas: South Africans need a Schengen visa. Australians and New Zealanders don’t. Currency: Euro. 1 GBP = 1.15 EUR. Language: Italian. Getting around: Buses, trams, the metro and trains use the same tickets, which must be bought at nearby shops before boarding and then validated. Only use official yellow or white taxis. Going out: A beer costs €5. Accommodation: Dorm beds from €13. Private rooms from €25.


A WEEKEND IN BARCELONA With cool architecture, great food and top nightlife, this Spanish city won’t disappoint arcelona is the ideal setting for long, lazy days broken up by a siesta before heading out to wine, dine and an all-night party alongside friendly locals. Few travel experiences can be more enjoyable than relaxing in a street café with a huge plate of paella and a jug of sangria after a day of

B

sightseeing around the sprawling, vibrant city. HEADLINE ATTRACTION From the spires of his unfinished Sagrada Familia to the magic of Parc Güell (main picture), Antoni Gaudí’s architecture is an essential part of Barcelona’s visual DNA. Don’t miss


TRAVEL Gaudí’s Casa Batlló La Pedrera, an apartment block designed by Gaudí with a stonking roof terrace, and the nearby Casa Batlló, which resembles a mermaid’s palace. The ‘modernista’ style is also evident in work by other architects in the city. BEST OF THE REST Check out the Palau de la Música Catalana, a concert hall with the most elaborate interior imaginable. You can only see it on guided tours – and these tend to sell out so get in early. CHOW DOWN There are tapas bars galore in Barcelona, particularly in the Barri Gòtic area just off La Rambla. Dishes to try include calamares a la Romana (deep-fried calamari), patatas bravas (fried potatoes), chipirones (baby squid) and albóndigas (meatballs). You won’t eat early – most restaurants don’t get busy till 10pm. If you’re on a

TNT’S TOP TIP Barcelona is a great cycling city. Hire a bike and see the city from street level for a different perspective. The locals have their own bike hire service but try under the Mirador de Colón at the end of Las Ramblas for all day hire for €16.

tntmagazine.com

budget buy cooked fresh prawns and a tub of allioli from the Mercat de la Boqueria market off La Rambla. Also try some marinated artichokes in the Poble Sec area (above left). TRY THE LOCAL TIPPLE There are plenty of bars to choose from, with the pick in Barri Gòtic and El Raval. Don’t leave without trying sangria, typically made of red wine, fruit, brandy, fizzy water and a sweetener such as honey. It’s really refreshing – but it can lead to an extremely nasty hangover. OUT OF TOWN Relive the glory of the 1992 Olympics with a trip to the Olympic Port and Village. The area has one of the city’s best beaches and is a pleasant spot to enjoy the sunny climate. RETAIL THERAPY Spain brought us Zara, Mango and Camper – to name a few of the betterknown brands – so it’s only right you spend at least some time checking out Barcelona’s shops. The Barri Gòtic is a good place to head if you’re after interesting trinkets or authentic wares such as handmade espadrilles. Don’t leave any planned shopping for a Sunday – the Spanish take their day of rest seriously and few shops open.

Barcelona

SPAIN

MADRID

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BARCELONA Getting there: The main airport is El Prat. Take the Aerobus into town (€5, 30 minutes) or the RENFE train (€2.80) that links with the metro. Girona Airport, 100km away, is used by some budget airlines. Take the Barcelona Bus service (€21 return) into town. Getting around: Barcelona is spread out, so jump on the metro or splash out on the hop-on, hopoff Bus Turistic (€22 for one day), which visits the main attractions. Visas: South Africans need a Schengen visa. Australians and New Zealanders don’t. Currency: Euro. 1 GBP = 1.15 EUR. Language: Spanish and Catalan. Going out: A beer is €4. Accommodation: Dorm beds from €15. Private hotel rooms from €24.

TNT GUIDE 2010 97


A WEEKEND IN BRUGES

Colourful medieval buildings, hearty food and a tour of the famous film’s locations make Bruges a worthy destination n the movie In Bruges, Colin Farrell’s hitman character is anything but impressed by this Flemish town. “If I’d grown up on a farm and was retarded, Bruges might impress me. But I didn’t, so it doesn’t,” he says. Most of us, though, can’t help but be won over by a place where horses and carts clatter over cobbled streets, fairy-tale bridges cross winding canals and buildings are topped with gabled roofs like stairways leading to the sky.

I

Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell in In Bruges

98 TNT GUIDE 2010

HEADLINE ATTRACTION At the centre of Bruges lies the vast Markt square, framed by medieval buildings and overshadowed by the Belfort tower. Take a seat at one of

tntmagazine.com


MEET AND GREET

TRAVEL

Belgium has the second highest suicide rate in the EU, so a few years back Bruges council decided to cheer people up by making them say hello. Langestraat, one of the main roads leading into the town centre, officially became Hello Street. In French it’s ‘bonjour’, in Flemish it’s ‘goede middag’ – but a cheery ‘hi’ should work just fine.

the many restaurant terraces and watch the world go by. BEST OF THE REST Check out the sombre church of the Holy Blood (Heilig-Bloedbasiliek) and the Flemish art gallery Groeningemuseum before taking a stroll around the city or a boat trip along the canals. Reward yourself by splurging in one of the many chocolate shops. Alternatively, try the samples at the Choco-Story museum. CHOW DOWN Hearty meat dishes covered in thick sauces are the order of the day. Waterzooi is a national favourite – a watery broth served with chicken or fish. And it’s a crime to leave without having mussels and chips. GET THE CAMERA OUT Haul yourself up the 366 steps to the top of the Belfort tower (right) for panoramic views of the town’s medieval layout and the Belgian coast. TRY THE LOCAL TIPPLE Belgium is renowned for its beer and has a choice ranging from fruit-

flavoured to that brewed by Trappist monks. On Blekersstraat you’ll find Café Vlissinghe – Bruges’ oldest bar, built in the 1200s. AVOID THE CROWDS A model medieval town such as Bruges gets its fair share of tourists. Many of them are day-trippers,

though, so stay overnight for a chance to see the town when it’s quieter. OUT OF TOWN Combine a trip to Bruges with a visit the Belgian capital, Brussels. Or in summer head to the coast for the beaches of De Panne or the seaside resort of Ostend.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BRUGES When to go: You can enjoy Bruges at any time of year. Getting there: Fly or take the Eurostar to Brussels and make your way from there. Alternatively, catch a train to Dover for a ferry to Calais and drive across the border. Getting around: It’s small enough to walk, but take a horse and cart for novelty value or a water taxi

to see the city from the river. Visas: Aussies and Kiwis don’t need visas. South Africans need a Schengen visa. Money: Euro. 1 GBP = 1.15 EUR. Language: Flemish and French. Going out: A beer is €5. Accommodation: Dorm beds start at €15. A double room is about €50. See: visitflanders.co.uk.

GERMANY Bruges

BRUSSELS

BELGIUM FRANCE

tntmagazine.com

TNT GUIDE 2010 99


A WEEKEND IN BERLIN With history, counterculture and a great nightlife Berlin is a mustsee destination on your European journey t’s been 20 years since the Berlin Wall came down. In that time Berlin has been re-invigorated to the extent that it is now one of the most dynamic and exciting cities in Europe.

I

HEADLINE ATTRACTION While Berlin has moved on, the city’s Cold War history is too important to ignore. There are some remnants of the wall around town. The East Side

100 TNT GUIDE 2010

Gallery is a stretch which has been transformed by street artists. Checkpoint Charlie, once a gateway between East and West, is now home to a great museum documenting the attempts of East Berliners to escape to the West. To appreciate the full horror of the GDR’s repressive Ministry for State Security (the Stasi), check out the Stasi Museum in the old

Eas t German souvenirs

tntmagazine.com


TRAVEL

headquarters, or visit the Stasi Prison where former inmates are guides.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BERLIN

BEST OF THE REST Try the Museum of Contemporary Art in the former Hamburger Bahnhof. For an overview of Jewish life in Germany check out the Juedisches Museum, and visit the moving Holocaust Memorial. For something a bit different, whizz around the city in a Trabant – the much-loved East German car.

When to go: Any time, but it’s very cold from November to February. Getting there: Berlin’s main international airport is Tegel, but most low-cost airlines fly into Schoenefeld. Getting around: With a choice of S-bahn (train), U-Bahn (underground), trams and buses, you won’t need to walk far. Visas: South Africans need a Schengen visa. Australians and New Zealanders don’t. Money Euro. 1 GBP = 1.15 EUR. Language German. Going out: A beer is about €5. Accommodation For a quirky option try Ostel: The GDR Design Hostel (ostel.eu), which has dorm rooms from €9.

GET THE CAMERA OUT Get snap happy at the Reichstag, home to the German Parliament, where old meets new thanks to the addition of a stunning glass cupola. The equally photogenic Brandenburg Gate (main picture) is nearby.

Alexanderplatz and Potsdamer Platz. The former was the centre of the East German sector of Berlin and still has a TV Tower built to celebrate the glories of communism. Potsdamer is the modern centre of Berlin.

TNT’S TOP TIP

CHOW DOWN Berlin is not really renowned as a gastronomic destination, but you’ll find the best restaurants in affluent areas such as Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg. Try one of Berlin’s famous currywurst, a sausage with curry.

Make sure you don’t miss the free Alternative Berlin tour. Your guide will take you on a mission round Berlin from underground raves to street art and vintage markets, and even into abandoned buildings. The tour departs daily from Alexanderplatz TV tower.

OUT OF TOWN With funky bars and clubs and a fledgling art scene, the former East Berlin suburb of Friedrichshain is for those of a boho bent. The Turkish suburb of Kreuzberg is an exciting, edgy area with a great nightlife.

DARE TO BE SQUARE Two vast squares provide a good way of getting your bearings in Berlin:

tntmagazine.com

BERLIN GERMANY

TNT GUIDE 2010 101


A WEEKEND IN DUBROVNIK With supreme seafood, breathtaking views and great summer weather this European jewel is well worth a visit


ubbed the ‘jewel of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik’s Old Town is set within city walls built from the 13th century onwards. A Unesco World Heritage Site, the city is made up of cobblestone streets, forts and museums. Despite being bombed heavily by the Serbs in 1991, Dubrovnik has been well preserved and is a top destination in Croatia.

D

TRAVEL

HEADLINE ATTRACTION Walking the walls that surround the Old Town is a good way to get your bearings. Head to Pile Gate, the Old Town’s main entrance to the 2km walk, and then pay a visit to the stunning Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin (right). BEST OF THE REST With temperatures hitting 30˚C in the summer, taking a dip in some of Dubrovnik’s crystal clear waters is the perfect way to cool down. The beaches are generally pebbly, although there are some concrete areas that allow swimmers to dive in. Banje beach, located outside the city’s eastern Ploˇce Gate, is a good bet, with great views of the Old Town and the option of hiring a pedalo or jet ski. CHOW DOWN If you like seafood then you’ll be in heaven in Dubrovnik, with excellent fresh prawns, calamari, fish and mussels available. Pizza and pasta dishes are also offered in lots of places, but leave room for ice cream, which

is heavier than Italian gelati, and comes in a variety of flavours. MUSEUM TIME Get a bit of culture in at the Dominican Monastery and Museum, which has paintings dating from the 15th and 16th centuries on display, or check out works by contemporary Croatian artists at the Museum of Modern Art. Other options include the fascinating Ethnographic Museum and the Maritime Museum. LOCAL TIPPLE If you like beer then get used to saying ‘pivo’. Try Croatian beers such as

DID YOU KNOW? Dubrovnik (an independent state at the time) was the first nation to formally recognise the United States as a nation when it declared independence from Great Britain.

Zlatorog or Ozujsko, which aren’t too bitter and are usually served on tap. For sundowners, head to Buza I or II, two open-air cliff-face bars. Croatians love their café culture so you’ll feel right at home if coffee is your thing. OUT OF TOWN Head to Lokrum, an island situated less than a kilometre from the Old Town. Boats to the island leave the harbour every half an hour between April and October.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DUBROVNIK When to go: Dubrovnik is buzzing during its annual Summer Festival, from July 10-August 25. Getting there: There are regular flights into Dubrovnik from London. Ferry services run from several Croatian destinations. Visas: South Africans need a Schengen visa, Australians

tntmagazine.com

and New Zealanders don’t. Currency: Croatia Kuna. 1 GBP = 7.3 HRK. Language: Croatian. Getting around: The Old Town can easily be explored on foot. Going out: A beer is about 16 HRK. Accommodation: A room in a guesthouse starts at about 70 HRK.

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA CROATIA Split

Dubrovnik

TNT GUIDE 2010 103


A WEEKEND IN PARIS Also known as the City of Light, the French capital has plenty of famous attractions to keep you enthralled aris is one of the world’s greatest cities. It drips with culture and beauty, making it a visitor’s delight. And even if you stray away from the tourist traps, there’s still so much to love about a city that takes itself seriously.

P

HEADLINE ATTRACTION The landmark that instantly says France is the Eiffel Tower. And despite its fame, it isn’t as cheesy as you might expect. Not only is the view from the top pretty darn

good, but it’s also a fantastic spot for people-watching. The chances of seeing a man go down on bended knee to pop the question are higher here than any other place on earth. The queues to buy tickets and climb to the top are long, but you can book ahead at tour-eiffel.fr. BEST OF THE REST Take the time to meander along the River Seine. In summer, “beaches” are set up on the river’s banks and you can hire a deckchair to soak

up the sun. Between February and November, cruise the Seine on a hopon, hop-off river boats. A day-pass will cost you €12 and sights along the river include the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay and Notre Dame cathedral. Also worth a stroll is the once bohemian, now posh Latin Quarter – home to the Sorbonne university and streets of chic boutiques. HILLTOP HOOD Grab a croissant and start your day at Montmartre’s Sacré-Coeur


TRAVEL

Basilica. The church, at the highest point in Paris, is stunning, and the surrounding streets offer an escape from the thriving metropolis. MUSEUM TIME If you’re into art, the Louvre museum is heaven. If you’re not, you’ll probably race around the building looking for Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa (right), before trying to take a sneaky picture on your mobile phone. There’s also the Musée d’Orsay, where you can admire a collection of works from impressionist and post-impressionist to art nouveau masterpieces. RETAIL THERAPY After the Louvre you might need to unwind with a good dose of retail

therapy. Be warned, your credit card may also need some R&R, as the famous shopping stretch ChampsÉlysées is lined with designer retailers, such as Louis Vuitton, where you often have to line up to get in. Boulevard Haussmann is home to the famous French department stores Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. For quirkier boutiques, head to Le Marais – the centre of Paris’s Jewish and gay communities. GET THE CAMERA OUT Situated at the end of the ChampsÉlysées, the Arc de Triomphe is the world’s most famous roundabout. Built as a monument to fallen soldiers of the Napoleonic Wars, it’s another classic image of Paris.

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE EIFFEL TOWER Add the Centre Pompidou in Le Marais to your list of buildings to see in Paris. The museum and library was designed for freedom of movement and flow both inside and out, so the

tntmagazine.com

escalators are on the building’s exterior, the interior has plenty of open space, and one facade is transparent, which allows people to see what’s going on inside. Plus the view from the top is superb.

PARIS FRANCE

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PARIS When to go: Paris is great to visit at any time of year. Getting there: The major airports are Roissy-Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Eurostar (eurostar.com) trains from St Pancras take just over two hours to Gare du Nord. Getting around: ParisVisite tickets can be used on the Metro and bus networks, the city’s trams, and SNCF trains. Visas: South Africans need a Schengen visa. Australians and New Zealanders don’t. Currency: Euro. 1 GBP = 1.15 EUR. Language: French. Going out: A beer costs about €5. Accommodation: Dorm rooms from €16. Private rooms from €23. See: parisinfo.com.

TNT GUIDE 2010 105


LEAVING ON A JET PLANE Your guide to getting to and from London’s major airports on your way to your European adventures ondon has five major airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City. During your time in the UK capital you’ll use at least one of these. Each has its own set of pros and cons.

L

HEATHROW One of the world’s busiest and most sophisticated airports, handling more international passengers than any other. It’s located 32km west of Central London and has excellent transport links. Each of the five terminals has competitive currency exchange facilities, information counters, accommodation desks and left luggage facilities. HEATHROW BY TUBE The Piccadilly line connects Heathrow to Central London and

106 TNT GUIDE 2010

the rest of the Tube system. Journey time to Piccadilly Circus is about 50 minutes. A single ticket into Central London (Zone 1) costs £4. If you’re going to be using London’s public transport system, it’s worth buying an Oyster card (see page 36).

65 minutes. Standard bus fares apply (£1 Oyster/£1.50 cash).

HEATHROW BY COACH National Express runs frequent coach services between Heathrow’s central bus station and Victoria Coach Station. The journey takes between 40 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the route. Standard tickets cost £4 single or £8 return.

Luton Airport (LTN) is one of the UK’s fastest growing airports. Many of the scheduled flights are provided by low-cost airlines. Luton Airport is 51km north-west of London.

HEATHROW BY BUS Between midnight and 5.30am, the N9 night bus runs about every 30 minutes to Central London and terminates at Trafalgar Square. Journey time is approximately

HEATHROW AIRPORT BY TAXI A metered trip in a black cab to/from Central London will cost about £40.

LUTON

LUTON AIRPORT BY TRAIN A regular shuttle bus links the airport to Luton Airport Parkway train station in around eight minutes. From there, First Capital Connect operates regular rail services to Central London stations. Trains run throughout the day and night and the journey time is approximately

tntmagazine.com


50 minutes. A standard single ticket costs £10.90.

TAKING OFF

LUTON AIRPORT BY COACH EasyBus offers a low cost express bus service between Central London and Luton Airport. EasyBus coaches run 24 hours a day between the airport and Central London. A standard oneway ticket costs £11. LUTON BY TAXI A metered trip to/from Central London will cost £70 to £80.

STANSTED Stansted is Britain’s third busiest airport and home to many of the UK’s low-cost airlines, serving mostly Mediterranean and European destinations. It’s located 64km to the north-east of London. STANSTED BY RAIL Stansted Express is the quickest way into Central London. Standard fares are £19 single and £28.80 return. Journey time is around 45 minutes, and the trains stop at Tottenham Hale station before terminating at Liverpool Street station. STANSTED BY BUS EasyBus operates between Central London and Stansted Airport. Services run every 20 minutes at peak time, and every 30 minutes off-peak. Fares start from £2 oneway. National Express operates a 24-hour service to Victoria Coach Station. The journey time is one hour and 40 minutes. Standard tickets cost £10 single/£17 return. STANSTED BY TAXI A journey into Central London will cost £70 to £80.

LONDON CITY London City Airport is situated approximately 9.5km east of Central London, and around 4.8km from Canary Wharf. LONDON CITY BY RAIL You can catch the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to London City Airport. Services run every seven

tntmagazine.com

to ten minutes. Fares on the DLR are the same as those on the Tube. LONDON CITY BY BUS Local bus routes serving the airport are the 473 (Stratford, Silvertown, North Woolwich, and Prince Regent Station) and the 474 (Canning Town, North Woolwich and East Beckton via Silvertown). Standard bus fares apply (£1 Oyster/£1.50 cash). LONDON CITY AIRPORT BY TUBE Take the Jubilee Line to Canning Town or Canary Warf, or take the Central Line to Bank, and change to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). BY TAXI A metered trip to/from Central London will cost about £20.

GATWICK The second largest airport in the UK after Heathrow, Gatwick is located 45km south of London. GATWICK BY RAIL The Gatwick Express is the fastest way into Central London. Standard fares are £16.90 single and £28.80 return. Journey time is

30 minutes and is non-stop to Victoria station. Thameslink trains to London Bridge, Blackfriars and King’s Cross stations leave every 30 minutes. The standard adult single fare is £9.80. Southern Railway services operate every 15 minutes during the day between Gatwick and Victoria. The journey time is around 35 minutes. A standard single ticket will cost you £8.90. This service runs from Victoria station to Gatwick’s South terminal, and will take a little longer than the Gatwick Express. GATWICK BY BUS National Express runs services between Gatwick and Victoria Coach Station. Coaches run hourly and journey time varies. Standard fares are £6.60 single or £11.40 return. EasyBus runs services every 20 minutes between 6am and 11pm. Fares start at £2 one-way. GATWICK AIRPORT BY TAXI A metered trip in a black cab to/from Central London will cost around £70.

SOME USEFUL AIRPORT TRAVEL WEBSITES easybus.co.uk nationalexpress.com tfl.gov.uk heathrowairport.com gatwickairport.com london-luton.co.uk londoncityairport.com stanstedairport.com

TNT GUIDE 2010 107


A WEEKEND IN EDINBURGH With its stunning buildings, great food and friendly people, the Scottish capital is perfect for a quick getaway


ith its architecture, culture and welcoming locals, Edinburgh rarely fails to win visitors over. Whether you plan your trip around Hogmanay or the summer festivals, or simply explore the city, it’s bound to be memorable.

W

TRAVEL

HEADLINE ATTRACTION Every August, Edinburgh hosts the best artists at the Edinburgh Festival and Edinburgh Fringe Festival (edinburghfestivals.co.uk). Another must-do event is Hogmanay on New Year’s Eve – one of the biggest street parties in the world. BEST OF THE REST Browse the shops and cafés on the cobbled Royal Mile and head for Edinburgh Castle, which is a good introduction to Scotland’s history. You can also visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse (above right), the Queen’s official residence in the country (royalcollection.org.uk).

SCOTLAND TRY THE LOCAL TIPPLE It feels like there’s a pub on every corner in Edinburgh, so finding a pint in the city isn’t difficult. One of the best is The Last Drop Tavern in Grassmarket, where, legend has it, criminals were taken for their final meal and a whisky before being hanged in the market square. CHOW DOWN Nip into a pub on the Royal Mile or Grassmarket and order a plate of Scotland’s most famous dish: haggis (sheep’s intestine stuffed with minced offal, oatmeal, onion and spices). It sounds gross but tastes great. THE GREAT OUTDOORS Take a stroll up Arthur’s Seat (the little bump on the range of hills in Holyrood Park) for a blast of fresh air and a bird’s eye view of Edinburgh’s stunning gothic architecture. HAUNTED HOUSE It seems the dead have haunted Edinburgh since medieval times, and what better way to get spooked than by going hunting for their ghosts. You’ll find plenty of ads

tntmagazine.com

EDINBURGH Glasgow

EDINBURGH: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Royal Mile during the Fringe for some truly frightening tours all along the Royal Mile. MUSEUM TIME The National Museum has heaps of treasures from Scotland’s past. Art buffs should make for the National Gallery of Scotland and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. RETAIL THERAPY Hit Princes Street for great shopping. Then grab lunch on the run and chill at West Princes Street Garden while gazing up at Edinburgh Castle.

When to go: Catch Edinburgh’s festival season. The famous Fringe runs August 6-30, 2010. Getting there: You can fly to Edinburgh then catch the Airlink 100, which goes every 10 minutes and costs £3 one-way, £5 return. The ride is 25 minutes. Catching a train from London is quick and cost-effective. Both East Coast and Virgin run trains from London. Journey time is five hours. Getting around: Most of the city’s sites are easily navigated on foot. There is a fairly extensive bus service if you want to go further than the city centre. Going out: A pint is £2.80. Accommodation: Dorm beds are available from £9 and private rooms from £18.

TNT GUIDE 2010 109


A WEEKEND IN CARDIFF Visiting the lively Welsh capital will put a song in your heart

uilt around a ruined castle, Cardiff is a vibrant city. The main shopping areas of Queen Street and St David’s Centre are bustling, and the new Cardiff Bay development gives the Welsh city a truly cosmopolitan feel.

B

HEADLINE ATTRACTION The Millennium Stadium is one of the finest in the world, hosting various sporting fixtures, including the first Test of last year’s Ashes series. If the Welsh rugby team is playing, the singing of the national anthem will give you goosebumps.

Cardiff Castle

110 TNT GUIDE 2010

ON THE WATERFRONT Head to Cardiff Bay (above) to admire the modern architecture,

tntmagazine.com


WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CARDIFF

ENGLAND

£25. Trains leave from London Paddington and take two hours. Getting around You can easily explore the city on foot, but if you want to experience the countryside consider hiring a car. Get a 5 per cent discount at easycar/tntmagazine. Going out A beer costs £2.80. Accommodation Dorm beds start at £15. A double room at Sleeperz Hotel (sleeperz.com) near Cardiff Central Station is £55. See visitcardiff.com.

WALES

CARDIFF

such as the Millennium Centre and the Welsh Assembly building. Grab something to eat or drink in one of the many buzzing cafés or bars. MUSEUM TIME Check out the National Museum and Gallery, which is home to an impressive array of exhibitions, including the evolution of Wales and a fine Impressionist art collection boasting works by Monet and Degas. BEST OF THE REST Cardiff Castle is well worth the visit to admire its imposing Roman wall and extravagant Victorian interiors. You can also explore the green space of Cathays Park, which dates back to the 12th century, and

tntmagazine.com

the stunning domed City Hall, which is nearby. TRY THE LOCAL TIPPLE Chapter Bar in Market Road and RSVP in St John Street have a good selection of real ales. Alternatively, sip a pint of local beer Brains in the wooden interior of an Edwardian pub such as The Cottage in St Mary Street and Old Arcade in Church Street. Creation is the best known of Cardiff’s clubs, and for live music there’s the scruffy but affable Barfly. CHOW DOWN Cardiff is a thriving cosmopolitan city and its food reflects this with

many international dishes on offer. But if you’re keen to try some local Welsh delicacies opt for pork faggots (meatballs) or laverbread. Head to the café quarter of Mill Lane or the Brewery Quarter where you can dine alfresco at a number of fine eateries. OUT OF TOWN They might be overshadowed by the mountains of Snowdonia in the north of Wales, but the Brecon Beacons are a lot easier to access from Cardiff. Pen y Fan is the highest ground in southern Britain and has challenging walks, whatever your ability. The ‘waterfall country’ in the south of the park offers tranquil, pretty lakes.

TNT GUIDE 2010 111

TRAVEL

When to go Time your visit to coincide with a rugby match at the Millennium Stadium (below). Getting there Cardiff’s airport is served by many low-cost airlines. A shuttle bus to the city centre is £4.50 one-way, and a taxi is about


WEEKEND IN BELFAST Northern Ireland’s once troubled capital has recently undergone a facelift and is ready to be explored

nce a city under serious threat of bombs and bloodshed, Northern Ireland’s capital has reinvented itself as a cosmopolitan destination on the rise. With good food, plenty of pubs and a host of attractions, Belfast now makes an exciting weekend break.

O

HEADLINE ATTRACTION Belfast is no longer a troubled hotspot, but its past is not forgotten. Take a black-taxi tour, guided by both Protestant and Catholic drivers, of West Belfast’s political murals painted on the terraced houses of the Catholic Falls area and Protestant Shankill district, and the Peace Line that divides them. BEST OF THE REST Though new developments now dominate the skyline, make time to visit the lavish 19th-century City

112 TNT GUIDE 2010

tntmagazine.com


TRAVEL

NORTHERN IRELAND BELFAST

Hall, and Belfast Castle (above) with its stunning gardens. The excellent Ulster Folk & Transport Museum traces life in early 20th century Northern Ireland. For cutting edge art and culture, make sure you visit the newly regenerated waterfront. CHOW DOWN Café culture has really taken off in Belfast, with plenty of options on Botanic Avenue for a cup of coffee or a delicious snack. Coffee house chain Clements makes an excellent cappuccino. For good and affordable local food try Mourne Seafood Bar in Bank Street or The Barking Dog bistro in Malone Road. NIGHTS OUT Belfast’s reputation as a party city has much to do with the stretch known as the Golden Mile, a kilometre of pubs and restaurants including lively

tntmagazine.com

boozer/club Lavery’s and student favourite Eglantine. If you prefer cosmopolitans to Guinness, head to designer bar Irene & Nans. GET THE CAMERA OUT Climb to the top of Cave Hill to see Belfast from afar. If you’re lucky you might even spot Scotland on the horizon. For good views of the city ride Belfast’s very own Big Wheel. SHOP TILL YOU DROP From trendy boutiques in Lisburn Road to giant mall Victoria Square, Belfast has no shortage of shops. For something a bit more local visit St George’s Market, which sells fresh produce and arts, crafts and some weird and wonderful collectables. AND A RANDOM FACT The Titanic was built by Belfast’s Harland and Wolff shipyard.

IRELAND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BELFAST When to go: Belfast is a great destination year-round. Visit in late October to catch the annual Belfast Festival at Queens. Getting there: There are daily flights from London to Belfast. Visas: The rules in Northern Ireland are the same as for the rest of the UK. See tntmagazine.com/visas. Money: British pound. Some Irish banks print their own banknotes. Getting around: Belfast’s city centre is easy to navigate on foot. Beer: A beer costs less than £3. Accommodation: A bed in a hostel dorm starts at £12. A double in a basic hotel starts at £50. See: gotobelfast.com.

TNT GUIDE 2010 113


A WEEKEND IN THE LAKE DISTRICT The largest national park in England has plenty to offer, from gorgeous mountain scenery to quaint country pubs ngland’s largest national park boasts the country’s tallest mountain and deepest lake, and is superlative in many more ways.

E

HEADLINE ATTRACTION To fully appreciate the Lake District you need to grab an anorak and get hiking. Langdale is home to three of the Lakes’ four loftiest fells: Scafell Pike, England’s tallest peak at 978m, Scafell and Great Gable. The fourth, Helvellyn, is near Ullswater. Those who prefer a journey to scaling a mountain can try part of the 70-mile Cumbrian Way or Wainwright’s Coast to Coast walk. BEST OF THE REST Keswick, close to Derwent Water and the peaks of Skiddaw

114 TNT GUIDE 2010

and Blencathra, is the main hub of the north. Windermere is the centre of the action in the south, and the lakeside town of Bowness-onWindermere is the launch for several rowing boat companies. Coniston Water is less touristy, and a great place to picnic. For more dramatic landscapes head to Ullswater. HIDDEN GEMS The Lakes can be overrun in summer, but leave behind the

bottlenecks of Windermere and Keswick and the crowds soon thin out. Hire a car to explore Langdale, Borrowdale, Buttermere and eerily beautiful Wast Water. If you really want a challenging drive, though, Eskdale is the place. Tackle Hardknott and Wrynose passes and reward yourself with an ale at the Three Shires in Little Langdale. CHOW DOWN Having built up a healthy appetite with a brisk walk in the countryside there are many fine restaurants in the Lake District to try out. Top eateries include Lucy4 At The Porthole in Bowness and The Glass House in Ambleside and, for that special occasion, the fabulous Sharrow Bay by Ullswater. If you’re

tntmagazine.com


TRAVEL

Lake District

Leeds

ENGLAND

THE LAKE DISTRICT: NEED TO KNOW

Kirkstone Pas s Inn

in need of a cosy café try Lucy’s on a Plate in Ambleside or Chesters Café at Skelwith Bridge. LITERARY LEGENDS Follow in the footsteps of William Wordsworth and visit his former homes at Dove Cottage in Grasmere (home to Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread, left) and Rydal Mount. For fans of Peter Rabbit, there’s Hilltop Farm where Beatrix Potter

tntmagazine.com

lived in Near Sawrey, and a museum in Hawkshead. Brantwood, the former home of social thinker John Ruskin, is worth a look too. TRY THE LOCAL TIPPLE The park specialises in the pleasures of old man pubs and real ale. Some of the most famous ones are the Drunken Duck Inn in Barngates, the Old Dungeon Ghyll in Langdale, and the Kirkstone Pass Inn in Ambleside.

When to go: All year, but brace yourself for four seasons in one day. Getting there: Virgin Trains go to Oxenholme (for the south Lakes) and Penrith (for the north) from Euston. National Express coaches go to Windermere, Keswick, Ambleside and Grasmere. It takes about five hours to drive from London. Getting around: The Lakes Ranger ticket (£15 per day) offers unlimited travel on local rail and bus networks as well as a cruise on Windermere (above). Hire a car to get away from the crowds. The area has great cycle paths. Beer: A pint of real ale will cost about £2.50. Accommodation: YHA dorm beds start from £15.95. Hotel rooms start from £30. See: visitcumbria.com.

TNT GUIDE 2010 115


A WEEKEND IN DUBLIN Ireland’s bustling capital has a well-earned reputation for being one the world’s biggest and best party cities ourists and locals jostle on Dublin’s cobbled streets, seeking a pint of Guinness in a traditional pub, soaking up the city’s culture, from live Celtic music to a fascinating literary tour, or shopping on Grafton Street. Ireland’s capital has a distinctly cosmopolitan vibe that ensures a good time.

T

HEADLINE ATTRACTION One of the highlights of visiting the city is the nightlife. Head to Temple Bar for a raucous night on the tiles or, for something a little quieter, The Stag’s Head off Dame Street is a quaint boozer. If you’ve been inspired by Riverdance and want to see the Irish fiddle in action you’ll find most

116 TNT GUIDE 2010

pubs have live music nights. Try Sean O’Casey’s in Marlborough Street or, for the real thing, head to the Irish Cultural Institute in Monkstown, on the Dart train service. BEST OF THE REST Take a tour of the home of the black stuff at the Guinness Storehouse. Don’t miss out on sipping a pint and taking in the city views in the brewery’s Gravity Bar. CHOW DOWN You don’t have to settle for stodgy pub grub in Dublin – take your pick from a wide range of restaurants. Many of the best are located on the south side of the city. For a spot of

afternoon tea, bag a seat at Queen of Tarts on Lord Edward Street. The Baileys cheesecake is delicious. PARK LIFE If the bustle of Ireland’s capital becomes too much, take time out in St Stephen’s Green and Merrion’s Square. Another option is to stroll along the River Liffey and enjoy the views from Dublin’s bridges. CITY OF LEARNING Head to Trinity College and take in the tranquil setting of this revered university. Admire the illuminated pages of one of the world’s oldest manuscripts, the Book Of Kells. You can also retrace the steps of famous

tntmagazine.com


WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DUBLIN

DUBLIN IRELAND

is €3 but takes a while. Other shuttle services, including Aircoach (€6-€8 one-way), are quicker. Currency: Euro. 1 GBP = 1.15 EUR. Getting around: The Dublin Bus is a great way to get around and the service runs throughout the entire city. Just make sure you have the exact fare before boarding. Dart train services run to the coast and the outer suburbs. Going out: A pint will cost you about €5. Accommodation: Hostel dorm beds from €10 a night, private rooms from €22. See: visitdublin.com.

writers James Joyce, Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde on a literary tour of the city. RETAIL THERAPY Grafton Street is home to Irish designers selling chic clothes and jewellery. Discover Dublin’s more ethnic neighbourhoods near O’Connell Street, or browse the markets near Temple Bar. OUT OF TOWN Take a trip along the coast of Dublin Bay using the Dart rail service. Head south to the seaside village of Dalkey (right) or north to Howth, a popular destination for Dublin day-trippers.

tntmagazine.com

TNT GUIDE 2010 117

TRAVEL

When to go: Any time, or go for the St Patrick’s Day party on March 17. Getting there: Many budget airlines fly into Dublin from London. From the airport take a taxi (about €20, around 20 minutes) or a bus into the city centre. The Dublin Bus


LOCK IT IN From beer to bulls, don’t miss a single party with our guide to the world’s best festivals LAS FALLAS WHERE Valencia, Spain. WHEN March 12-19. WHY One of the hottest festivals in Spain, this is a five-day, multi-faceted celebration involving fire. Valencia,

a quiet city with a population of just over 1 million, swells to an estimated 3 million flame-loving revellers during Las Fallas celebrations. The focus of the fiesta is the creation and destruction of lifelike statues (above). During the day, there’s bullfights, parades, paella contests and beauty pageants, while at night the city is ablaze with firework displays.

tntmagazine.com


TRAVEL Fiesta de San FermÍn GETTING THERE You can fly to Valencia with most budget airlines. You can also reach Valencia by rail and coach from Madrid, Barcelona and other Spanish cities.

SOUND ADVICE Make sure you don’t go straight back to work: you’ll need at least two days to recover from all the partying.

HOW MUCH Four-day tours start from about £160.

WHERE Pamplona, Spain.

is the most popular event in Spain, and is broadcast live on two national television channels. It’s an adrenaline-charged brush with danger if you’re brave (or stupid) enough to take part. For those who prefer to watch, there are plenty of great vantage points. At night the whole town parties hard.

ACCOMMODATION Dorm beds start from €12, private rooms from €20. Book your accommodation as early as possible to get the best deals.

WHEN The Fiesta de San Fermín is held from July 6-14, with the bull run taking place at 8am every day. Six bulls are brought back to fight a matador in the arena at 6.30pm.

GETTING THERE Fly to Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao or Biarritz and then catch a train or bus to Pamplona. You can also fly direct to Pamplona from Madrid or Barcelona.

WHY The nine-day Running of the Bulls festival of San Fermín in Pamplona

HOW MUCH If you’re not getting there under your own steam, you can also go

VISAS New Zealanders and Australians don’t need visas to visit Spain. South Africans need a Schengen visa.

tntmagazine.com

RUNNING OF THE BULLS

TNT GUIDE 2010 119


TRAVEL

La Tomatina with tour operators from as little as £200, but book well in advance. VISAS Aussies and Kiwis don’t need a visa. Saffas need a Schengen visa. ACCOMMODATION Rooms in Pamplona tend to get booked out early, but there are campsites outside of town. You can also base yourself in Bilbao, San Sebastián or Zarautz. SOUND ADVICE Don’t be tempted to fling yourself off the top of the statue of St Cecilia into the crowds below. There’s no guarantee they’ll catch you.

LA TOMATINA WHEN The last Wednesday in August. WHERE Buñol, Spain.

120 TNT GUIDE 2010

tntmagazine.com


TRAVEL Oktoberfest WHY The world’s biggest food fight, La Tomatina sees 40,000 people gather in the Spanish town of Buñol to throw tomatoes at each other − 115,000kg of tomatoes, to be precise. GETTING THERE The closest airport is Valencia. Many people also choose to base themselves in Valencia as accommodation in Buñol is limited. HOW MUCH Three-day organised tours start from £189. VISAS Australians and New Zealanders do not need a visa, but South Africans will need a Schengen visa. ACCOMMODATION In Valencia dorm beds start from €12.50, and private rooms from €19.50. Book early to avoid disappointment. SOUND ADVICE Girls who fancy maintaining their modesty should aim to wear a singlet – or three. For many festival goers, La Tomatina is just as much about

tntmagazine.com

ripping tops off as it is about throwing tomatoes.

OKTOBERFEST WHEN Late September to early October. WHERE Munich, Germany. WHY It is one of Germany’s most famous events and the world’s largest fair, with 7 million litres of beer, 30,000 litres of wine, 62,000 pork knuckles and 460,000 roast chickens consumed. Millions of punters merrily “prost” each other in beer halls (above) as they guzzle steins of Bavarian brew during this two-week festival. GETTING THERE Budget airlines fly direct to Munich. Otherwise, book a package tour from the UK, which is usually by coach. You can also catch a train from other German cities. HOW MUCH Tour packages start from about £120 depending on the operator.

VISAS Australians and New Zealanders can travel there visa-free. South Africans need a Schengen visa. ACCOMMODATION Dorm beds in hostels start at €25. Hotel rooms are from €60 for a double. Hotels and hostels book out in a flash for Oktoberfest – some up to a year in advance.


SOUND ADVICE Some drinkers keep a tally of beers in marker pen on their arm – handy for knowing how much you’ve had, and not a bad badge of honour either.

HOGMANAY WHEN New Year’s Eve. WHERE Edinburgh, Scotland.

Hogmanay in Edinburgh

122 TNT GUIDE 2010

WHY No matter how many times you’ve celebrated New Year, you’ve never savoured anything like Hogmanay, the riotous party that ripples through Scotland. Edinburgh’s massive street party features bands and DJs.

tntmagazine.com


TRAVEL

ANZAC DAY GETTING THERE You can fly to Edinburgh. Train services from London to the city centre take about five hours. HOW MUCH Three-day organised tours start from £199. VISAS No visas if you have one for the UK. ACCOMMODATION Dorm beds in Edinburgh from £9 and private rooms from £18, but book early. SOUND ADVICE Edinburgh’s street party is ticketed, so buy yours in advance. Don’t forget a brolly and warm clothes.

tntmagazine.com

WHEN Anzac Day, April 25. WHERE Anzac Cove on Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula. WHY To pay your respects to the World War I soldiers who defined and embodied the Anzac spirit. More than 10,000 people make the pilgrimage every year. It’s also a perfect chance to explore Turkey. GETTING THERE Fly into Istanbul. Gallipoli is 350km from there. To access the peninsula for Anzac Day you have to join an official tour.

HOW MUCH Tours start at £120, excluding flights to Istanbul. VISAS Australians must buy a tourist visa upon entering Turkey (roughly £10). New Zealanders don’t need a visa if their stay is three months or less. See anzacsite.gov.au. ACCOMMODATION Sleeping outside is the only option at Anzac Cove. In Istanbul, dorms start at 20-40 lira (£8-£16). A basic hotel room is 60-80 lira (£25-£33). SOUND ADVICE Take a sleeping bag, ski jacket, gloves and thermals to Anzac Cove. It can get pretty chilly.

TNT GUIDE 2010 123


BIG TRIPS Seven of the best trips to help you satisfy the curious traveller inside EGYPT WHY Put simply, there’s nowhere else like it. Cairo is a thrilling, chaotic city; Mt Sinai is almost other-worldly in its beauty; the Pyramids at Giza will have you in awe. And that’s before you even get to the pristine Red Sea. WHEN TO GO Peak season is November until May. At other times it’s cheaper, but also much hotter. GETTING THERE Egypt is a five-hour flight away from London. HOW MUCH Tours start at about £200. Unless you’re an experienced traveller, it’s advisable you take advantage of the safety and knowledge a tour provides. Once you’re there, it’s cheap: you can feed yourself for about a fiver a day. VISAS Aussies and Kiwis can buy a visa when they arrive (roughly £15), but it’s less hassle to get one in advance. South Africans need to apply for a visa in advance. SOUND ADVICE Women should remain aware of the strong Muslim culture in Egypt and try not to expose too much flesh. It may be a little warmer covering your arms and legs, but it’ll be better than being ogled or offending the locals.

AFRICA WHY There’s so much to see: deserts, rainforests, savannah, mountains, lowlands, stunning beaches and tropical islands. If you’re into adventure, a trip to Africa is for you. See wildlife in its natural


TRAVEL

habitat and discover the friendliness of the locals. Watch the annual migration in the Serengeti or have some fun at Victoria Falls. Trek in search of mountain gorillas in Uganda or get up close and personal with the Big Five in Africa’s national parks. And that’s just scratching the surface. WHEN TO GO Between April and June is a good time if you want to see the wildlife migration in Tanzania and Kenya. Keep in mind that predicting where the animals are is not easy. GETTING THERE An overland trip is a great way of seeing different parts of Africa. If you want to go it alone, start in Tanzania by flying into Dar es Salaam and making your way to Arusha, where many safari operators are based.

tntmagazine.com

HOW MUCH Tours start at about £295. Some private lodges charge hundreds of US dollars per night. Most overland tours make use of camping sites.

to the Far East. It travels through remote and ever-changing landscapes, from the rugged Ural Mountains in Siberia to the remote Gobi Desert and Mongolia.

VISAS Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans need a visa for Tanzania. All foreigners travelling to the country also need to show proof of a yellow fever inoculation.

WHEN TO GO Trains are busiest from May until September due to the warmer weather, but it can get very hot during July and August. Travel in March to experience the tail end of a Siberian winter. Avoid the first snow in October and the spring thaw in April.

SOUND ADVICE Pack your own first-aid kit for the treatment of common ailments, such as grazes, insect bites and diarrhoea.

TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY WHY The Trans-Siberian is an incredible railway journey, connecting Moscow

GETTING THERE Take an overnight train from St Petersburg to Moscow from where the incredible journey departs. HOW MUCH Adventure packages start from about £800.

TNT GUIDE 2010 125


VISAS All visitors need a visa for Russia and China, and most nationalities need one for Mongolia too. Leave at least six weeks to sort your visas out. Ask your tour company if they can help with visa arrangements. SOUND ADVICE Take US dollars to exchange. There are ATMs in the big cities in Russia and China, but don’t rely on them in Mongolia. It will also pay to learn some key phrases in Russian, Mongolian and Mandarin.

SKIING WHY It’s so much fun. There’s nothing like heading up the mountains, breathing in that fresh alpine air and carving your way back down. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, the slopes of Europe will have something to offer.

The Trans-Siberian

WHEN TO GO Winter’s obviously the best time to go skiing, but if you’re looking to save money and your sanity avoid halfterm (usually mid-February) and the Easter weekend (March/April). Other peak times are Christmas and New Year. Instead, catch cut-price deals by going early in the winter season (before Christmas) or in January, just after New Year. GETTING THERE Take your pick of European ski resorts. There are slopes in Andorra, Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, as well as in many places outside the Eurozone. There are plenty of flights leaving from London, but often the best bet is to hop on a train, as baggage charges can be expensive if you’re taking your own ski gear. Bus journeys can be long, but they’re usually cheap.

Moscow, Russia

126 TNT GUIDE 2010

HOW MUCH With the euro biting the heels of the pound it makes sense to look outside the Eurozone for cheaper skiing options. Try Bansko in Bulgaria, Slovenia’s main resorts Kranjska Gora and Bovec, the High and Low Tatras

tntmagazine.com


TRAVEL

mountains of Slovakia and Romania’s Poiana Brasov. Increased interest in these resorts has resulted in bigger investment, so though none rivals the big hitters of the Alps, the areas are improving all the time. And if you’re a beginner the size of the ski area will be the last thing on your mind anyway. Lift passes, ski hire, lessons and restaurants are cheaper at these resorts too. A list of companies specialising in ski tours, with varying prices, dates and locations, can be found at tntmagazine.com/travel. VISAS Aussies and Kiwis don’t need visas for most EU countries. South Africans will most likely need a Schengen visa. Check before you leave.

tntmagazine.com

CANADA WHY Get back to nature in the Rocky Mountains, explore the country’s pristine wilderness or ride the rodeo. Check out some of Canada’s cities – the bright lights of Toronto, French-speaking Montréal and eclectic Vancouver. Breathe in the fresh air of summer, revel in the white winter snow. Wherever and whenever you go, Canada has something to offer travellers. WHEN TO GO You can visit Canada at any time of year, but most people arrive in summer when temperatures are pleasant and much of the action moves outdoors. In most areas, March to May and September to

October bring fewer tourists and often surprisingly pleasant weather. Autumn, which finds forests cloaked in a spectacular mantle of colour, is a great time to visit. GETTING THERE Air Canada is the best bet for travelling to Canada. Which hub you choose will depend on your final destination – Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton are the gateways to the Rockies, while the cities of the eastern provinces have their own airports. HOW MUCH Tours of Canada start at about £900. VISAS No visas required for stays up to

TNT GUIDE 2010 127


TRAVEL

Machu Picchu 180 days for New Zealanders and Australians. South Africans need a visa. SOUND ADVICE If you’re travelling to Canada in the summer time, make time for Montreal’s Tam Tam Jam, where a number of the city’s locals and visitors play hand drums on the east slope of the mountain in Mount Royal park. The Sunday gatherings attract people of various backgrounds, and often dozens of tam-tam players perform their art at the same time, encouraging others to dance.

SOUTH AMERICA WHY Whether it’s paddling down the Amazon in a canoe, exploring ancient Inca temples in Peru or immersing

128 TNT GUIDE 2010

yourself in the frenetic chaos of Buenos Aires, there’s so much in South America to make it an appealing travel destination. WHEN TO GO As South America is such a large and varied continent, climate conditions differ from country to country. Best check tntmagazine.com/travel for more specific information. You’ll want to avoid the rainy season if at all possible. GETTING THERE You can go it alone if you’re an experienced traveller who has a good command of Spanish. Otherwise there are a variety of tour groups, many of which advertise in TNT Magazine every week, who will take much of the hassle out of the planning

for you without sacrificing the adventure. HOW MUCH Tours start from about £345. The earlier you book your flights, the cheaper they will be. VISAS Some South American countries require that you have a visa, others just a passport and return ticket. Check with the relevant country well in advance. SOUND ADVICE Learn a bit of Spanish before you go to help make your trip more enjoyable. Even a few key phrases will allow you to experience more of the local culture. So enrol in a language course or grab a phrase book from your local library – even

tntmagazine.com


DISCOVER

MOROCCO!

Nomadic Expeditions ltd is an independent tour operator offering adventure holidays in Morocco. On our tours, we aim to capture the magic and mystery of this awe inspiring country whether it is the quiet vastness of the Sahara Desert or the colourful hustle and bustle of Marrakech. Come and join us on a Moroccan adventure!!

OVERLAND A great way to experience Morocco. Join likeminded people on a two week camping and hotel adventure taking in the best of this amazing country. HOTEL Travelling by minibus and 4x4, visit the Dades Valley, Todra Gorge and the awe inspiring Sahara Desert. Not forgetting majestic Marrakech of course!

SKI & SURF Yes it’s true! Our 8 day Morocco Surf & Ski 8 day tour

takes you to the heights of the Atlas mountains for some skiing followed by a beautiful journey across to the Atlantic coast for some surfing at the world renowned hotspot of Taghazoute.

TREKKING Scale Mount Toubkal, investigate the

Saghro and Sahara area or become a real nomad and join a Berber family on their bi-annual migration between the Atlas mountains and the Dades Valley.

WHY NOMADIC?

• No singles surcharge • All of our departures are guaranteed (no minimum numbers) • Our tour prices include the Local Payment and all food

CONTACT

Nomadic Expeditions Ltd 0044 (0) 1189 737 011 • info@nomadic.co.uk

www.nomadic.co.uk

tntmagazine.com

TNT GUIDE 2010 129


TRAVEL

New York practising for 20 minutes a day will help you get around more easily.

USA WHY If you’re going to the USA, think big. The country’s huge, the lakes are superior, the canyons are grand and one meal will keep you going for a week. Then there are the city skyscrapers, and, of course, the iconic road trips. WHEN TO GO Peak season is the American summer, which begins on Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) and ends on Labor Day (the first Monday in September). Autumn (‘fall’) can be spectacular, and Christmas time in New York is festive.

130 TNT GUIDE 2010

GETTING THERE Unless you’re coming from Cuba, it’s pretty easy to find flights to the USA. If you’re flying from the UK you’re on one of the busiest, most competitive routes in the world and now, thanks to the Open Skies pact – which allows any airline from the EU or America to cross the Atlantic – prices are lower than ever. Major international airports include JFK and Newark (New York), LAX (Los Angeles), SFO (San Francisco) and Hartsfield International (Atlanta). HOW MUCH Simple four-day tours of the USA start from £189. VISAS Australians and New Zealanders don’t need visas for stays of less

than 90 days, but are required to obtain travel authorisation prior to departing for the USA. Authorisation may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a free internet application. South Africans will need to make an appointment at their nearest US embassy or consulate to obtain a visa. SOUND ADVICE There is more to Las Vegas than just some of the world’s most glamorous casinos and hotels: you can walk the Strip down to Glitter Gulch without gambling a dime and still see some great sights. Outside the city limits you can take in the Hoover Dam, picnic at Red Rock Canyon, or stand in awe at the edge of the famous Grand Canyon.

tntmagazine.com



All your essential contacts for living and working in London are right here. With offices in London, Australia and South Africa we’re here to help you.

> Limited Companies & Accounting > Money Transfers > Tax Refunds & Ni Rebates > UK Immigration > Kickstart & UK Bank Accounts > Financial & Investment Solutions > Travel Clinic > Aus/NZ Migration > Shipping > Umbrella & Contractor Payroll > Legal Services

Australiasia

1800 141 300* Aus 0808 224 322 NZ *

South Africa

London

saoffice@1stcontact.com

info@1stcontact.com

0808 003 163*

ausoffice@1stcontact.com

www.1stcontact.com/tntguide 42734_OBC

0808 141 2274 0808 141 1677 0808 141 5502 0808 141 1623 0808 141 2308 0808 141 2293 0808 141 1621 0808 141 1619 0808 141 5521 0808 141 1640 0808 141 2317

*Freecall within these countries. All other numbers are free from within the UK only

0808 141 2313


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.