About somali

Status:

Preparing to Move Abroad 

Currently Lives:

New York, United States

Citizen Of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

United Kingdom: I Wish I had Known... Before Moving to United Kingdom:

1. phone and internet services takes approx 2 months to activate... Virgin Media may be the exception because they have their own pool of engineers..apparently, all other companies share the same pool. 2. Having a British debit card (with Pin and Chip) is necessary. Not all stores, including large furniture stores, accept credit cards, and especially not a foreign one. 3. that Argos is a mail order store! Can't see anything that you purchase in advance (at least not big tix items such as sofas etc)...but they do have a 28-day return policy.

United Kingdom: Determining a relocation salary:

Hi there. Relocation packages could include: 1. housing allowance (you need to figure out what your needs are..moving alone, with family etc...; COL adjustment; transportation allowance; trips back home (if 12 mos or over, sometimes 1 every 6 months); tax equalization (very important..otherwise you end up paying both USA & UK taxes); visa application; tax consultation in USA & host country; tax preparations; and sometimes, a bonus just for relocating plus a salary increase (if its part of a promotion); home finding trip (I've seen up to 5 days with 2 days accompanied by local relocator company; shipping expenses (allowance depends on whether you are travelling alone or with family and length of assignment (e.g., for short term 12 mos or less, you get less allowance than for 12 months or greater); temporary housing (30 days) until you are able to move in to permanent place; a one-time allowance to buy appliances, pay transfer tips, car rentals on your way out and sometimes the same amount on your way back home; car storage fees. check out an article at: www.expatcpa.com/expat.htm In addition to tax information that you should start becoming familiar with, they also have a Survey on Expatriate Salaries. Tells you what other companies are doing. ....and by the way, yes this is a great opportunity; yet the company is getting lots of value from you taking on the assignment. None of what is listed in this response is unusual, extravagant or too much. ALL the best.

United Kingdom: Car options in the UK:

Greetings; I am relocating to the UK for a 12-month assignment. I would greatly appreciate any advice & insight options that are alternative to purchasing a car. Thank you!

United Kingdom: Expat Relo..Housing/COL/Car?:

a single prof. considering a 12-month expat assignment in UK (from NYC metro area) with annual USD$108K (no gross-up for allowances); 1-time relo allowance (same for repat): $5000; 600 lbs of cargo; transportation $1000 pm; COL $1800 pm (fixed amt vs. percentage of salary); housing (1 furnished bdrm flat) $2400 (includes utilities cable/tv & maintenance) & if not furnished $10,000 for furniture; 5-day home finding trip w/companion; 30 day temp living; 4 home trips/year; tax equalization; tax assistance (2 consults (on depart/on reentry) & 1-hr consult during year; tax return prep (USA/UK); all home country benefits continue to apply. My concerns: housing allowance (is it realistic?). Work is 30 miles sw central london)..where can I live that allows cosmo feel of NYC metro area, is reasonable commute to Central London (4 tube stops) & in vicinity of railway to commute to work; or go by car (M32?) if needed . Also, is fixed COL adj. reasonable..(would like to revisit the amt if COL fluctuates by X%, but am not sure what that % should be. Any suggestions? Would also like input on what currency conversion fees could be per month (this is supposed to be covered by COL amt). I drive everywhere at home; would like to consider same in UK; Should I consider leasing a car? Tks in advance!

Date Joined:

9/28/2010

Total Posts:

6

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