UK vs USA – Page 3

February 8, 2017 by: Sunny London

How to Find a Flat in London

How to find a flat in London can be one of the biggest challenges, when you first start planning your move. In America, I felt the rules were pretty simple. You search online and look at different apartment complexes, take virtual tours, and set up an appointment to view a unit that you like.

Easy peasy.

When I moved to London as an American expat, the steps and obstacles for how to find a flat was something I didn’t realise would be such an exhausting process. After going through this three different times, I can offer some moving advice to those considering or planning a move to London. In fact, I put together a video with 10 Tips for Finding a Flat in London and have an additional five to share below. So, if you keep reading and watch the video, you’ll have 15 tips for how to find a flat in London!

1. Find a Flat in London- Rent Prices

London is known for having some of the highest rent prices in the world. Brace yourself. It’s next to impossible to live in Zone 1 now. When I first moved to London, I lived on the edge of Covent Garden. Those days are clearly over. In fact, it’s even a little tough to find affordable, reasonable flats within Zone 2 currently. If you don’t know what I mean by a ‘Zone’, you need to check out an Underground/Overground map, STAT!

2. Find a Flat- Share

To compensate for the ginormous cost of living in London, most people flat share. This isn’t something for college grads. I am talking about adults that move to London tend to flat share when they first arrive because it means they have an opportunity to live closer to vibrant areas.

3. Find a Flat- Set Up Alerts

Properties also tend to go pretty fast once they are advertised. If your search involves something very specific, you’ll find it’s best to set up alerts with popular websites like RightMove and Zoopla. Those are the two that my husband, a man born in London, and I used each time we moved. Nestpick is another useful website for apartment search, as it is an aggregator – meaning it pulls various offers from different websites and provides you with a platform where you can sort through all the listings, searching by dates, dimensions, amenities etc.

4. Find a Flat- As It Is

Know that a landlord is going to show a property as it is. Luckily, more and more landlords these days are making investments in properties in different states and countries. When searching for a rental property, some landlords may not even live near to the flat. This ensures that the property will be shown in whatever state it’s normally in, which is a benefit for the potential renter.

In America, I was felt that an owner would fix up a few things (or more depending on what damage the previous tenant did) before putting a rental on the market. That is not the case in London. If you watch the video above, you’ll learn what you can do to get around the fact that some things need to be done before you sign a contract.

5. Find a Flat- Your Neighbors

Just because you choose a gorgeous г3,000 a month flat in a nice neighborhood doesn’t mean your neighbors are of the same caliber as you. Landlords who own multiple properties are required to rent a percent of them to people on benefits. While landlords still receive the rent amount, it is subsidized by the council. This means your neighbors could be living in a flat just like yours and not pay for it. Their lifestyle could likely be very different from yours.

More Advice About How to Find a Flat:

I have found that utilities like water, electricity and mobile phones are much cheaper in London. If you’ve lived in America or another country, what questions do you still have about the process after you’ve watched the video above? Do you have any additional advice or experiences you can share for people who read this and need help? Are there other websites you found useful?

The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help with your planning too.

Related blog posts about Moving to London include:

Living in London- An American Rant
What Electronics to Ship When Moving to London
Advice for Americans Working in London
US vs UK Living- Kitchen Differences
UK Visas and Immigration Specialist Interview
Moving to London: What Household Goods to Ship
How to Have the Best International Shipping Company Experience

The Expat Chat playlist on my Sunny News YouTube channel is worth watching and subscribing to so you don’t miss upcoming advice on living in London too! Here’s an example of what you’ll need to know about schools…

July 7, 2016 by: Sunny London

UK Visas and Immigration Specialist Interview

What changes will Brexit have on UK Visas and immigration? Why would an American expat consider UK citizenship now? I had no idea in the beginning of June when I scheduled a meeting with my immigration specialist that the political situation would be what it is now. My plan was to acquire answers for some of my basic questions and interview her for the blog due to so many readers being American expats in London.

In 2012, I discovered Qiyin Chuah and QC Immigration on Twitter. That’s probably the last place you would search for someone to advise you on something as important as a UK visa. In any case, I stumbled across her and then investigated her website. Mr. Sunny (the man who is now my husband) and I were pursuing a fiance visa for me to leave the US and move to London. It took two and a half months to receive. This wasn’t to the fault of Qiyin’s involvement. We had the misfortune of sending our documents the day Hurricane Sandy hit New York (and the UK immigration office in Manhattan), so the process was a nightmare. We didn’t want to have to wait that long.

However, from the initial contact to when my fiance visa arrived, I felt as if I was Qiyin’s only client. Her attention to detail, knowledge and response time to my emails was extremely impressive. As my first spouse visa expiration date approaches, I thought meeting with her again would be a good idea.

And then Brexit happened.

This political change has rocked Britain. Aside from the leader of the country resigning and creating tremendous turmoil, expats like me and European citizens living in the UK feel a tremendous amount of uncertainty.

My interview with a UK visas and immigration specialist couldn’t have been timed better. These are the questions I asked her when we met at her Westminster office to discuss the American expat experience in London. They are based on my inquiry in to two American expats in London Facebook groups and general questions I feel could apply to Americans interested in or currently residing in the UK.

I’ve taken my notes and transcribed them. Qiyin also had a chance to preview the draft prior to me publishing it on the blog.

What changes do you envision Brexit will cause for Americans in London:

In the short term, which can be defined as a year or two, there shouldn’t be many changes to the non-European UK visas and immigration process. In fact, it was promised that the rules would actually become more relaxed for non-European citizens interested in living in the UK. Entrepreneur and investor visas would likely be more welcomed because of the need to have a strong economic situation. It may even be easier for non-Europeans to come in to the country at various skill levels.

Will the new system affect the ability for people who have to apply for a second FLR or for ILR to stay here?

There normally would not be substantial changes to the process for those already following a typical 5-year visa route. Nevertheless, sudden changes have happened before so we would still need to be observant and plan in advance.

What are the most popular types of visas that you process?

Most of the UK visas and immigration cases are family visas, which are people who seek to bring family to the UK. Spouse visas are the most popular, particularly if they are from the LBGT community. I also worked closely recently with an American company to move senior management over to the UK. Permanent residents seeking UK citizenship also are in high demand. With Brexit, alot of European residents will apply for Permanent Residence (PR) as a step to pursue UK citizenship.

Why do you no longer publish your rate on your website?

The success rate for our cases is currently 98% but we are not allowed to reference it on the website. This is because there are always outstanding cases and applicants. Therefore, it is mandated that since the number can change at any time, immigration specialists cannot declare a finite number on our websites. However, through my ten years of experience I have maintained this level of a success rate.

What training do you do to learn about immigration law changes?

Aside from constantly reading and researching, attending conferences and seminars is important. My regulator is OISC, and I am a member of ILPA. There are criteria I must meet with each of them. I train other legal practitioners and have learned quite a bit through a decade of experience.

What are advantages for hiring a specialist for UK visas and immigration?

An immigration specialist (Americans can think of the term ‘specialist’ as synonomous to ‘lawyer’) will be informed of the latest changes to UK immigration law. The laws do change frequently. If you don’t have the time to research all of the current rules and amendments, having an expert handle it for you saves countless hours of research and possible room for error. For those who have a complex situation, it is ideal to have a trained professional handling the application. The forms for UK visas can change at any time, as well as the rules. Working with someone who studies this regularly enhances your ability to be successful.

Further, UK visas and immigration specialists should know ways to speed up your process.

How difficult are UK work visas to obtain for Americans?

A Tier 2 (General) work visa allow you to stay up to 5-6 years, and you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship However, if you are made redundant (the British term for being laid-off), your work visa may be cut short. You would only have very limited time to find suitable replacement. You may also pursue a Tier 2 Intra- company Transfer visa if your company offered you a role in the UK branch of the organisation. However, this visa route does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship.

Work visas are a good start, but exploring possible ancestory or family visas sometimes is more plausible for Americans. This means your visa won’t be volatile to your professional experience changing. For example, if you accept a position in the UK and are extremely unhappy, your only choice on a work visa is to return to the US. Often under the Tier 2 Work visa, there is a ‘cooling off period’ of 12 months that you must obey which involves returning to America before being allowed to accept a position in the UK on a work visa again.

What are advantages to pursuing UK Citizenship for American expats?

If you move to the UK on a spouse visa, pursuing UK citizenship may be of strong interest to those planning to live in the UK long term, especially if they want to start a family. You are able to have dual citizenship in both the US and UK.

Does a spouse visa entitle someone to live in Commonwealth countries?

No. If you are married to a UK citizen and living in the UK, you cannot simply move to somewhere like Australia or Canada. Your spouse would to apply to that country, and then you would follow suit with an application.

Is it possible to bring an ailing parent to the UK on a family visa?

This is a possibility, but it is extremely difficult. The success rate is low. The process is extreme, and it definitely is beneficial to have an immigration specialist working for you, rather than trying to accomplish this on your own. You absolutely must prove no one else can care for that parent.

What types of visas have to pay NHS fee?

Visas that are for a stay period longer than six months are now subject to the additional NHS fee. Whether or not you are working in the UK has no relevance on if you have to pay the fee or not.

How can people research your services to determine your credentials?

Aside from being a member of the organisations mentioned earlier, my LinkedIn profile shows recommendations and testimonials. Further, QC Immigration shows all of my contact details, what we offer specifically, and the awards we have received as visa and citizenship specialists. A huge part of our success is due to referrals and recommendations.

And finally….

There is a section of the blog devoted to the American in London experience…

February 21, 2016 by: Sunny London

UK vs USA – 5 Things the British Do Better

What happens when you live in London for three years as an American expat? You understand there are things the British do better.

When you have had the chance to live on both sides of the pond, you observe differences that are large and subtle. Naturally, you compare the UK vs USA and develop opinions about what happens well (and not well) in both places.

I’ve written about the differences between British vs American schools and what a person could miss from America. However, it seems time for a blog about what the British do better in the great UK vs USA debate.

Is it make great Mexican food? Sell strong plastic freezer or sandwich bags? Certainly not. Those are still things that you need to consume or purchase straight up in the USA.

1. UK vs USA: Driving

Let’s get over the fact that they do it on the ~~wrong~~ other side of the road. What I mean here is how they maneuver a car and approach other drivers. Living in an environment where nearly everything is smaller in comparison to the USA, British people seem to learn how to move a car in to a shoebox if the situation calls for it.

Aside from this, the proper demeanor they have in conversations and social interactions extends right on to the road. If you listen to the streets of New York City, you’ll be flooded with sounds of horns slamming, people yelling profanity and sirens screaming. Yeah, the sounds of the London emergency teams can really wind you up, but they aren’t against a background of angry people honking and swearing at each other.

British drivers nearly all seem to follow an understood system of giving way to someone who needs it on the road. Making a right turn (which would be against traffic here) isn’t too difficult, because people are fairly quick to stop and let you through. Instead, in the U.S. it’s always gut wrenching to attempt pulling out of somewhere and going the opposite direction.

2. UK vs USA: Policing

While the job isn’t easy on either side of the pond, there’s one clear difference between the job of an American cop versus the job of a British officer.

A gun.

While listening to several British police officers have conversations with American cops, I’ve heard one consistent question that neither can understand about each other. British police are curious what it’s like to feel the need for a weapon every day. American cops can’t fathom working without the protection of one.

I’m not trying to launch a blog debate on gun control. However, it seems the British like to discuss our gun laws and culture with Americans. The point I want to emphasize is that it appears that policing with just a baton and maybe a taser or horse puts a greater amount of vulnerability on British police officers, which could make their job more difficult. What do you think?

3. UK vs USA: Sending an Email

I find British people send emails that just sound better to the ear. The standard closing of ‘Kind regards,’ in the UK is one of the major differences when comparing writing from the two cultures. Americans generally close professional emails with ‘Sincerely,’ followed by their name. Whether or not that sincere sentiment actually exists could be debatable. However, I appreciate the ‘kind regards’ closing because it seems like a softer expression. Perhaps translating to, ‘whatever the outcome, I wish you no ill will.’

Their spoken and written professional communication just has a friendlier approach than what you find in America.

4. UK vs USA: Eating

I have yet to adopt the ‘fork in the left hand’ and other table etiquette guidelines of the British. That’s not because I don’t think they’re better. Quite the opposite actually. It’s because it is harder for me since I wasn’t raised or trained to eat that way, while growing up in America.

But, every time I eat food at my British in-laws home or attend a new restaurant launch, I am reminded of how different the British eat a meal. Their formal eating manners simply look far more elegant than what we do in the USA.

5. UK vs USA: Tipping

While living in America, I never really understood why we take on the aggravation and extra hindrance of tipping service employees. It makes so much sense to increase their actual wages to a standard equal to other professions and the work they do. When comparing the two cultures in terms of how the British handle gratuity, I have to say there’s no arguing. The British win this one hands down.

After three years of living in London, I feel fully ingrained in the non-tipping culture and love it! It’s so refreshing so order a beer and wine at a pub for Mr. Sunny and I and not try to calculate extra money outside of what the round costs.

UK vs USA: Final Thoughts

Those are a few of the things I find the British do better. If you’ve lived as an expat, what are the differences you have found that you liked more in your new country? Do you agree the British do these things better? Curious about other UK vs USA observations? You can see tons more on the Sunny News YouTube channel. In fact, there’s a video on more things the British Do Better here…

May 28, 2015 by: Sunny London

5 Things British People Say that Drive Me Crazy!

There’s a few things British people say that really make me shake my head as an American expat living in London. I am not referring to the general words that are nearly common knowledge for their other names now on both sides of the pond. They have been posted and documented to death:

– French Fries vs Chips
– Band Aids vs. Plasters
– Elevator vs. Lift
– Apartment vs. Flat
– Baby Stroller vs. Pram
– blah, blah, blah, blah…

No. It’s not those ~~issues~~ words that make my skin crawl.

Don’t get me wrong. I love living in London. My husband is British, and I love him too. However, in the time that I have lived in London, there’s a few things British people say that make me go crazy when I hear them. Every. Single. Time.

In fact, let’s start with that.

1. Things British People Say- ‘Mental’

Instead of saying ‘go crazy’, people in England say ‘mental’. For example, a British person would say, ‘The traffic is mental’ or ‘My schedule is mental.’ Oh yeah, and they’d probably say it like ‘shhhhedule’ also. But that’s a completely separate blog post. 😉

To me, the term sounds awkward and very harsh on my American ears. It’s just plain crazy.

2. Things British People Say- ‘You Alright?’

I swear the first few months I lived here I was constantly paranoid about how I looked. Every time I saw someone that I either already knew or had just met, he or she said, ”You alright?’ It sounds like this: ‘Y’awwwwwwwroyt.’

Yep. One big long strangely exaggerated syllable. Y’all sound silly.

When my husband would introduce me to his ~~mates~~ friends at a pub, I felt I had something on my face or had a weird rash on my neck that everyone was curious about.

Why wouldn’t I be alright? What was wrong with me that I didn’t know or see?

After a month or two I realized this greeting is best equated to, ‘Hey, what’s up?’ in America. When we ask this, we don’t really want an answer from the person. It’s more like we’re just saying ‘Yo!’ with a head nod.

That’s not to be confused with ‘YOLO’, which is wildly annoying on both sides of the pond.

3. Things British People Say- ‘But’

Once you accomplish getting a British person to engage in a conversation with you that’s not about the weather, there’s the inevitable ‘but’.

I have no issues with the word. Obviously. But- the way it’s said presents never ending torture for me. It seems to be more peculiar to certain accents in England, but Londoners manage to turn it in to what feels like four syllables and 35 solid seconds of noise. ‘Buuuuuu-uhhhhhhh-uuuuuu-tttt.’

Anyhowwwwwww….

4. Things British People Say- ‘Gym Kit’

What in Sam hell is a gym kit? Each time I hear a Brit call a gym bag and its contents a ‘gym kit’ I want to stay away from a fitness centre. It sounds too much like a ‘medical kit’ to me, AKA first aid supplies.

Is it common to do CPR at a gym in England? Do they carry around portable difibileators in their ‘kits’? Perhaps they have a stash of Bengay and ~~paracetamol~~ Tylenol in the bag? Antiseptic? Who knows. It’s such a verbal exercise on my ears.

5. Things British People Say- ‘It’s Not an Issue’ and ‘It’s Quite Simple, Really’

These two phrases seem to get tossed around together in conversations with British people. Foremost, when I ask a question, many times the response begins with ‘It’s not an issue.’

Hmmmm.

Does this translate to ‘don’t be so overly American-dramatic about the situation?’ What exactly is an issue?

Then, a few minutes later when the answer is addressed, the response closes with ‘It’s quite simple, really.’

Oh. ok. If it’s that simple, a small yes or no will do. Why the sideways finish?

I could really keep ‘going on about’ the things British people say that drive me ~~mental~~ crazy, but it may be best to take a full stop here.

Things British People Say- Disclaimer

I hope that anyone British who reads this (Sorry) blog post realises the intent is fun. Sorry. I really do love your accents and idiosyncrasies. Sorry. Please add your (sorry) comments and thoughts below. Aaaaaaaand… definitely don’t hesitate to add what (sorry) things Americans say that drive you crazy. Buuuuut, do so tactfully, Sunny ~~mates~~ friends.

Sorry.

The Sunny News YouTube channel has a playlist full of videos comparing life in the UK vs USA. Some of the topics include differences on: television options, grocery store and food shopping, schools, cultural exchanges, and choosing a hotel in London. The most popular video is below. And it sure has some interesting comments!

August 21, 2017 by: Sunny London

British vs American Stereotypes: Myths Busted!

What are some popular British vs American stereotypes? As an American living in London married to a British man, these stereotypes and their validity are a part of my every day life as an expat. After four years, there isn’t a day that passes that I am not fully aware of how Americans are perceived and judged. Further, learning which British stereotypes are true and which ones are myths has taken time to sift through as well.

Maneuvering between perception vs reality is a tricky trail. At times, it is frustrating and discouraging. Sometimes, it’s quite humorous. In the video below, I identify the most popular British and American stereotypes I have encountered during my time living in London. It’s part of my hugely popular UK vs USA series on the Sunny News YouTube channel.

Discussions and feedback in the video comments can be quite lively! In fact, you’ll find the comments will give evidence supporting some of the British and America stereotypes you already have. 😉

British vs American Stereotypes- Final Thoughts

What questions do you have about American life in London? Are you visiting London and need a more information to plan your trip? Leave your questions and advice for people either on the blog or YouTube channel.

February 1, 2017 by: Sunny London

London Travel Tips from a Londoner

What’s better than visiting London and having travel tips from a Londoner? After living in London four years and being married to a man born in London, there’s a lot I have to share with someone travelling to London for the first time.

Aside from suggested itineraries like How to See 9 Attractions in Two Days and Saving Money with a London Pass, there are other cultural things you might want to know too. In the video below I list 10 Things Londoners Know about London that visitors don’t. It covers things like what Londoners eat and when and stuff you won’t want to say when you are here.

One of the hidden treasures of London that just opened a few years ago is Sky Garden. In just a few months I have visited twice because it was such a breathtaking experience. The video shows shots of just how much you can see on a sunny, clear day. And yes, we do have them in London.

London Travel Tips for Sky Garden:

You must book a visit time in advance and bring proof of your tickets for each person in order to be admitted.
Arrive at least a half hour before your scheduled time and be ready to wait in a long line during peak travel times of the year.
Plan on going through a security check.
Bring a fully charged camera and mobile phone because you will take tons of pictures and possible video!
The food and drinks are expensive.
The outside balcony won’t be open if the weather is the slightest bit disagreeable.
You can stay longer than the website indicates you can. No one keeps track of what time you leave.
Figure you will be there about 90 minutes or longer. It’s mesmerizing!
It has restaurants in which you can book tables for breakfast through dinner.
They have special events in the evenings.
It’s on my list of Best Places to Propose in London.

London Travel Tips: More Information:

The Sunny News YouTube channel, shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes safety tips, pub advice, and a shopping guide. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too.

October 20, 2016 by: Sunny London

How to Get Weird Looks When Visiting London

Visiting London as an American and worried about embarrassing yourself?

Even though English is spoken on both sides of the pond, there’s a huge difference in culture between the UK vs USA. After living here for three years as an American expat married to a lifelong Londoner, I’ve learned quite a few lessons about what to do in London and NOT to do! If I can help you not make the same mistakes I did so you enjoy your trip or adjust to life here faster, count me in!

From tips for the Underground to lessons for visiting pubs, I’ve tried to think of an array of advice videos to create for you on the Sunny News channel. This one will not only make you laugh but also guarantee you don’t look like a fool in the most basic situations!

Trust me.

So go on then. Take five minutes to learn about what you can do that I guarantee you will earn you weird looks when visiting London or living here.

Mr. Sunny has two more sneaky tips to add. He says you can definitely get some goofy glares if you dress alike to everyone with whom you’re traveling and… tell Londoner to ‘Have a Nice Day.’ 😉

If you’re visiting London, make sure you pin this and the Guide to Visiting London for the First Time. Of course, you can always subscribe to emails to learn more as it happens too!