London, United Kingdom Report of what it's like to live there - 09/27/12
Personal Experiences from London, United Kingdom
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
I am based in Western Canada. There are direct flights to Edmonton and Calgary (9 hours) and connections through Toronto for other cities.
3. How long have you lived here?
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
(The contributor recently finished a two-year assignment with the Canadian government, a first expat experience.)
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
I was incredibly fortunate with my fifteen minute walk to work in Central London. The Canadian High Commission has a variety of housing in various locations through London for different family sizes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything. There is a clear price and quality difference between stores, and some North American staples can be somewhat difficult to find, such as nacho chips and certain types of cooking ingredients. All the stores have websites, so if in doubt check online or ask a colleague about a specific food item.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Everything. Cost is generally slightly more than in Canada, but cost conscious consumers can find good deals.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None. Insects were not really a problem at all for me in central London.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Employees at the Canadian High Commission have access to a military mail delivery service where packages can be sent to an address in Ontario and shipped for free from there.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Cost is about 6 pounds an hour, which is $9 - $10.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
They are everywhere and generally the ATMs don't charge any transaction fees.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, pretty much everything is available.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Some of the regional accents can be difficult to understand for the first few weeks and a few words are different, but this is the home of the English language. Basic Spanish, Portugeuse, or Polish might be useful if you are hiring a cleaner.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Many older buildings are not easily accessible, though efforts are being made to improve this.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
They are safe, but they are pricey if used regularly compared to transport in Canada.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
The transit system is fantastic and I did not bring a vehicle. I never regretted this decision.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. It is a good idea to shop around a bit and find what is best for you.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I was not able to buy an iPhone on contract as I didn't have a credit rating in the UK, so the initial price may be greater if you have to buy the phone outright. There are a variety of companies who all offer good service.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Yes, but it doesn't come cheap.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Yes.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Some English men and women dress quite formally and certain events require specific dress. However generally business casual was sufficient at work. Some sections at the High Commission were more formal and business dress was the norm.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The quality of medical care is fantastic. From access to the NHS to private medical clinics, there is a wide variety of options.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Good. Somewhat hazy at times, but generally good.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Cloudy. The weather did really get me down sometimes.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Huge.
2. Morale among expats:
Good, except for those who were expecting to be treated special or go to frequent social events. In London expats integrate into normal life and they don't get special treatment.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
A note of caution: I had a few colleagues who had really enjoyed their social status as diplomats on previous postings and the amount of networking that was set up for them and the tight-knit diplomatic community. In London, you will have to fend for yourself more and make your own friendships.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes, good for all.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I'm gay and I had a great time in London. Using the same discretion I would in Canada, I never felt uncomfortable. I would hold my partner's hand while walking in parks, etc., and never had any problems. There is a wide variety of social circles and nightclubs to be involved in.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No difference from North America.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Cheap and easy travel to Europe, ease of getting around the city and country on rail travel, friendly colleagues, walking and exploring the city.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There is pretty much something for everyone, and many newspapers, magazines, and websites focusing on specific interests people may have.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Flights to continental Europe or train tickets to Scotland or Wales and other parts of England.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
(The contributor recently finished a two-year assignment with the Canadian government, a first expat experience.)
11. Can you save money?
The cost of living is similar to North America. If you can save money there, you can save money here.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. Other than the weather, I wish I was still there.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Car and expectation that you will be given preferential treatment as a diplomat.
3. But don't forget your:
Sense of adventure and networking abilities, or your calendar to manage which houseguest is coming when.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Watching the English
