Down here youll nd all of the usual stuff that you nd at the bottom of a web page. I watched from afar as some of my friends and family back home saw their paychecks dwindle as they were regularly forced off work a few days at a time for Covid testing unpaid! Unfortunately, getting a driving instructor can often also have a long waiting list and can become quite expensive. It is no wonder because the residents in this city feel safe and secure to live and work here. Navigating the NHS can be tricky; there are often long waits for non-emergency situations, and there are certain treatments and procedures that the NHS does not cover for which you would have to pay privately. Overall, Scotland is a good place for expats. Your info brings it to reality. You can dig your roots as deep as you dare, but you will never quite be local. Basically, its just a good idea to sign up for it as soon as possible. Whether you are moving to work, study, or as a spouse, having the proper documents will help your relocation process go as planned without legal problems. Please make sure you have the important contacts in your relocation note, such as real estate agent and employer or school advisor. The hardest part of moving to a new country isnt necessarily opening a bank account or finding a place to live, but making new friends. Most homes do not come with A/C units, and your neighbors will probably raise their eyebrows if you get one; Scotland is only warm enough for a few weeks out of the year to justify having one. As an American, I got my drivers license the day I was legally able to do so. Congratulations on your decision to move to Scotland! Remember to find a job before moving to Scotland. While licensed drivers from many other countries can simply exchange theirs for a UK license, Americans must start from the beginning. As a Scot how now lives in Los Angeles, this was a delightful read.

If you want more information and tips about moving to other cities in the UK, check out the following articles: Moving To Scotland Checklist The Ultimate Scotland Quiz 50 questions to see what you really know about Scotland. Having things planned to destress is the best way to balance work and personal life. Thank you Helen. We can use the present perfect to talk about a past action that has a result in the present. "acceptedAnswer": { Surround yourself with supportive friends and family. Of course, thats a bit of a catch-22: to pay for your electricity, youre going to need a bank account first. In that case, you should consider moving to Scotland. WebWe would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us. The Should You Move to a New City quiz asks takers to consider their current climate, romantic relationships, job skills, financial situation and sense of adventure as they navigate through a series of 12 questions to determine if they are ready to move. Those who are young, single and fresh out of college are far more likely to relocate than those who are slightly older with kids set in their schools. Answer these questions truthfully to get an accurate result. Present perfect | LearnEnglish Hearing them talk about how much they love Edinburgh, I really can't wait for the restrictions to be lifted. 1 to 10 of 16,847 results. Sinks have a separate hot and cold tap, and after four years of living here, I still havent accurately mastered how to get an evenly warm temperature. You dont need a National Insurance Number to start working as youll automatically be assigned a temporary number, but you may be charged a higher rate of tax when using this temporary number. There are different council tax bands, from A (the lowest tax) to H (the highest tax). She has admired the kindness and generosity of her neighbours, who she says have gone above and beyond to make her feel welcome. I am retired with a good retirement income and want to move to Scotland. Thinking about how you would look for and choose your next job, which of the following would be your approach?. And thats okay! Regardless of whether your new home is furnished or unfunished, its likely that youll have a few extra costs to think about. The catchment areas maps were published on the citys official websites. Youll be welcomed into the fold even if you ask too many clarifying questions and even if you dont understand all the slang. Moving Moving to Scotland It may be one of the coldest parts of the UK but, what Scotland lacks in warm weather, Scotland makes up for it with free university education, free prescriptions, inventions like the spurtle, and warm, friendly people. Now, Im much more comfortable with the reality of receiving medical care and then going home. There are far too many pros of living in Scotland to fully iterate here in a single article. Youll see relationships shift. That would have affected our ability to travel, to try new jobs, to enjoy our 20s, and even to marry. Youll need a National Insurance Number, which is a fiscal number used to record your tax and national insurance contributions. For now, lets dive into some of the pros and cons, shall we? I know I am very privileged as a white American woman. When flying from the US to Scotland, it is likely you will have to make a stop and change flights. It doesnt matter if youve been driving for several decades; back you go to your written test, driving lessons, and practical exam. If you do opt for one of these new banking start-ups, always check that the bank is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (you can usually find this info in the website footer). the more connections youll create which can lead to opportunities. But for the vast majority of us, the NHS is a literal lifesaver. Living in Scotland: Pros and Cons from a US Perspective, Donating Hair to Locks of Love: How, Why, & How Fast it Grows Back (Updated 2021), What its Like Visiting the Isle of Arran in Scotland in 3 Days, The Insiders Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Know the Real Scotland, speaking American English versus Scottish English, How Can a US Citizen Get UK Residency Through Marriage, Fun Things to Do in Pitlochry Scotland + Why You Should Visit, A Quick Visit to the Three Cities in Malta. This classification is based on the accommodation you live in, such as the type and whether you have a TV or not. So you have to be ready to move everything in a very short time or be prepared to stay should your visa application not be successful. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 10 Reasons to Move to Scotland. Scottish food is rich and hearty and often either only boiled or fried; just how the locals like it. } There are many banks to choose from: Royal Bank of Scotland, Bank of Scotland, Clydesdale Bank, and TSB Bank are the four most popular in Scotland. In this article, we will let you in on the pros and cons of living in Scotland, and many tips to help you settle in the country. "@type": "Answer", Your website with tips about moving to Scotland has been a great resource. 35 Pros and Cons of Living in Scotland 1. Here are some tips that you can use to save more money in Scotland: Choose a neighbourhood outside the city centre area; Get vouchers and discounts by using a mobile app like Vouchercloud; Use a reusable cup because most coffee shops will give you a discount for using it; and. Given the marvelous train infrastructure in Scotland and throughout Europe, its very possible to take a vacation without leaving terra firma! For environmental reasons, its ideal if you can travel by less destructive means than airplanes. Trains connect all major cities for leisurely vacations while cheap airlines also offer quick escapes. If you are from a part of American that gets all four seasons, youll be surprised to learn that you wont need a separate summer and winter wardrobe here. If youre sober, there are still many things that youll enjoy, but pub culture is a big part of everyday life here and few activities exist where drink isnt eventually introduced, for some. Pro Tip: Youll probably want to transfer money from your non-UK bank account to your UK bank account. Do we really think your decision should be based on our quiz? You will be welcomed to be part of the community. If you love hot weather and the outdoors, then you might want to try New Zealand or Australia. Scotland is a welcoming place to live even if not every single resident is perfect. Save time and get one of my bulletproof Scotland itineraries. Health unions in Wales and Northern Ireland are still in negotiations with their governments over pay. If you want more permanent accommodation,Zooplais a popular website to use, but remember that homes in Scotland are different from what youre used to, so youll have to be open-minded. Please contact us for more information to adjust the process to fit your needs. Listen to my podcast Wild for Scotland for lots of travel inspiration. I found that healthcare, public transportation, and the cost of food to be a huge, noticeable difference; I can walk into a grocery store with 10 and come out with multiple meals. You normally wont be given your National Insurance Number on the day; this is usually sent by post a few weeks later. We bought our first electric car recently so theres no real need for me to learn manual now. Most rentals are listed on here, both by private landlords and by agencies. There are also expats groups that will help you adapt to your new environment." But if you want a licensebrace yourself. It asks people to assess their relationships, place fulfillment and personality in order to come to a conclusion on whether moving is the right decision. I am, of course, looking through Google as well but Im not really getting anywhere (I mean, Ive gotten some places but Im not really seeing much of a difference). Ive chosen to leave the country where I grew up and where my family and friends predominantly remain. Once you have submitted your online application and paid for it as well as your IHS surcharge fee, you will have to attend a biometrics appointment where you will be photographed and fingerprinted. So fasten your seatbelts because a move to Scotland, while worth it, is anything but easy. Its obvious but its brutally true. Leave us a comment at the end of this guide. It is worth opening a bank account with a high street bank like Barclays, Natwest, or Santander eventually or as well as your other bank account, as you may end up wanting a loan or mortgage later on. },{ If you get a manual license, you can drive either car type; if you get an automatic license, you can only drive automatic cars. "It wasn't too far from Belgium, so my friends and family could come visit, and I could easily go back home, even just for a weekend, if I ever felt homesick.". You may also enjoy reading our 7 days in Scotland itinerary. I wish I could say that the hard part was over, but theres so much more to go. Nicole Nadler is a New Yorker on her birth certificate and in her heart but becomes more of a Scottish lass with each passing day. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. "I can meet people outdoors, even if it's dark and cold.". For example, you can find the catchment area map for schools in Edinburgh on its local government website. The process for getting this number is reasonably straight-forward. Fanny Quindot says she saw more of Scotland as tourist than she did when she lived here, Elena Artacho says she is still waiting to discover her new home city, Lucie Aidart says she is enjoying life in Edinburgh, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. If you plan on renting a room, there are a handful of sites dedicated to flatshares like Spare Room, Easy Roommate, and Room Buddies. I know I said that one of the pros of living in Scotland is that you dont need a license. Take my FREE Scotland Itinerary Quiz to narrow down where to go. Can I Engage Sanelo To Ship My belongings To York From Overseas? Pros and Cons of Moving to Edinburgh Or does it? However, Edinburgh isnt the only entry point. Living in Scotland offers many benefits, such as free health care, proximity to recreational spots, and more. But, heres the thing: You dont need these things. After a few months working from home in Belgium, she decided to pack up her things and relocate to Fife, arriving in August for her first experience of living and working abroad. Once your visa is approved, you will receive a BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) that states your type of visa and how long it is valid. Should Just because one branch of Natwest didnt accept you, that doesnt mean all Natwest branches wont. If its not, you can ask to see it. Ensuring everyone has access to vital information has been legally required since before I moved to Scotland. In Scotland, I can leave the city center and see sheep and cows and horses within a 10-minute drive. The Ultimate Scotland Quiz Additionally, the cost of living and the housing prices in Scotland are relatively affordable. Some great recent cinema, Lots of local traditional music, including Portuguese styles such as fado, and art, A lot of beef, but some African/Caribbean-style dishes, and some Portuguese favourites, Chips with cheese and gravy. 23 Reasons You Should Move to Edinburgh Don't know when I'll be back again." "Because I arrived in the middle of the pandemic, I didn't meet anyone except my roommate and one of my colleagues," she says. You can maintain a work-life balance when living in Scotland. If you are a British citizen planning to move to Scotland, you need to obtain a visa from the UK home office. There are over 100 distilleries in Scotland that you can explore by joining a tour. For Americans moving to Scotland, a drivers license becomes a nightmare. You can always opt to supplement your public healthcare with private coverage. All rights reserved. Your experience living in Scotland will not be complete without tasting the traditional Scottish dishes. So lets jump into the negatives. Open Privacy Options Explore some of my favorite Scotland destinations. 2023 BBC. An NHS doctors appointment will feel different from what youre used to; they are only 10 minutes long and will only cover one topic, so if you have a stomach and heart issue, you will need to make two appointments to discuss each one. After that, jobs site like S1 Jobs, Monster, and Scot Careers are all incredibly useful. Funny thing about folks in the UK: they say theyre going to Europe when traveling to the likes of France, Spain, Greece, etc. Millennials are more likely to say they could choose a place first then move, but also more likely to say they would find a job and move to the required location. In the town where I live, I can walk to 4 massive grocery stores, 2 butcher shops, a fishmonger, countless restaurants and cafes, an expansive library, a huge sports complex, a variety of pubs, live music venues, and a train station that will bring me all around the country. National Insurance Number application phone number, https://watchmesee.com/blog/american-scotland-applying-spouse-visa-uk/, 7 Reasons to Visit Scotland Right Now Blond Wayfarer, 7 Reasons to Visit Scotland Right Now - Blond Wayfarer. By submitting the form on the next page, you are happy for our trusted partners to contact you. So an automatic driver I shall remain. One of the best things for me about life in Edinburgh is the long summer nights, at the height of the summer we have sunlight for 18 hours. For Americans moving to Scotland, the distance can certainly be a con. Read about our approach to external linking. There are now a number of online or app-based bank accounts in the UK such as Monzo, Tandem, and Starling. "I'm really good friends with my flatmates. All the best! As Europe's crisis deepens, thousands are moving abroad in search of better economic conditions and a better life. There are no plug sockets in the bathrooms because the voltage is higher here at 220 and 240 volts, which would give a higher risk of an electrical shock should your appliance come into contact with water; however, every other room should have at least one socket. The difference in living to work versus working to live is stark and certainly a huge pro of living in Scotland. WebThink about your standards of living and the things you need to be happy in life, and then decide what you find most important. I love living in Scotland, but moving to Scotland from the US was and still is a humongous undertaking that is very expensive, time-consuming, and ultimately very stressful. This is usually another months rent, and legally it cant be any larger than the equivalent of two months rent. You can rent by the night or by the month, which gives you quite a bit of flexibility. Ill surely add to this post over time. Quiz But its true. When telling stories, its common to reference people by their relations, many of whom you will not know because you didnt grow up here. A sim card with data is essential these days. However, as a general policy, the Scottish government goes out of their way to welcome New Scots. "Sometimes, not being able to socialise normally is tough but we can adapt," she says. Hi Cathy, for visas related to retirement you are best speaking to an immigration lawyer to see if there is such a thing. As an American living in Scotland, you and drive on your American drivers license for one year before you have to get a UK one; there are many rules of the road that you may not be used to, so it would be a good idea to look over theUKs Governments website, where you can learn everything you need to know. So I also have the benefit of still feeling like a newcomer while also feeling very settled and comfortable here. On average, a family of four spends around 2,100 to 2,900 per month. The weather takes some getting used to for nearly every newcomer to Scotland. Good luck! Navigate Your Ways: Public Transport And Driving In Scotland, 7. She is eager to discover life in Scotland with some degree of normality, whenever that may come. This is very interesting. - CON: Long waiting times As is the case throughout the UK, waiting times for appointments via the NHS can be long. And even if you qualify, getting an approved visa to Scotland isnt guaranteed. Knowing these downsides beforehand is important so that you can make the necessary preparations. Planning to move from America to the glorious country of Scotland? To explore the Highlands areas, you should drive a car. Finally, apply for a National Insurance numberas soon as your visa is granted (but check your BRP, there may be one printed on it), it can take up to 16 weeks to get one, and many jobs will want you to have one to start working there. In general, the cost of living in Scotland is relatively more affordable than in the rest of the UK. Every America citizen must file their taxes annual with the IRS, and depending on the amount of money you earn, youYou may also be subjected topaying tax in America; the only way out of this is by renouncing your citizenship,. Can I Live In Scotland As A US Citizen? The Biden administration has been the first to offer interpreters during their daily news briefings. Find Out The Cost Of Living In Scotland, 5. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. In the US, youll find dishwashers, tumble dryers, coffee makers, air conditioning, and a variety of modern conveniences everywhere you go. The average cost of living in Scotland totals out to about $1,546. There are many websites that cater to bringing American food to the UK, so you should be able to find your favourite snacks at a slightly higher cost. You may also like our Edinburgh gifts guide. You can ask your employer, school advisor, or immigration staff when you apply for your visa. You probably wont be shocked to hear that Scottish people like to drink, the country is frequently voted to be the heaviest drinkers in the world. Always make sure you get a tenancy agreement. One of the most obvious benefits of living in Scotland is the NHS. First, you have toapply for a provisional license. Every year you must report your earnings to the IRS; however, you will not owe taxes back to America unless you earn over roughly $100,000/80,000, you can do this yourself via the IRS website, but there are also numerous ex-pat tax services that will do it for you for a fee. It doesnt matter how long you live in a place, if youre not from there then youll never be a true local. Prepare yourself for castles and beautiful views! Electric cars are gaining prominence and the Scottish government has ambitious climate change goals. "I love the sense of community caring for community,"she says. Fish and chips, langostine, salmon or trout. This means registering for council tax, paying for a TV licence (if you have a TV), setting up the internet, and registering with the utility companies. Your next step will be to find somewhere to live, either temporarily or semi-permanently. "acceptedAnswer": { There are a few weeks where I go to bed and wake up with the sun shining as bright as it would in mid-day!The downside of that means that during the winter there are about 7 hours of sunlight a day, meaning I go to sleep and wake up in total darkness. Or Welsh in isolated pockets, but there may not be jobs in the Welsh-speaking areas, Portuguese (with some Swahili and Bantu, but for professional purposes mostly Portuguese), Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. Very informative. Another great place to meet like-minded people are University clubs and societies. If you plan to visit any of the Scottish islands other than Skye, you will arrive by ferry. If they dont provide one, that probably means theyre not officially registered. In 2015, Livability.com updated this research to include the following question: Please imagine for a moment that you were considering looking for a new job. Some banks will accept a tenancy agreement, although often it depends who you end up speaking to at the bank.