So you’re moving, or thinking about moving, to the UK? Let this Indigo guide help you know what to expect!

The United Kingdom is a very diverse country with access to world-class culture and heritage, cuisine and sports, to rural and coastal locations where you can appreciate the natural beauty of the UK.
 
Cost of Living:
Living costs vary across countries and regions, with the highest costs generally found in London and the surrounding areas. You can find an overview of the cost of living in the UK here.


Housing:
The UK offers a wide range of housing options. Renting and buying is normally done through estate agents. Property prices vary widely across regions.

Guides to buying and renting property in the UK can be found on property websites Rightmove or Zoopla which will also give you an idea of the housing options available across the UK and the associated costs.
Whilst you are searching for the right rental property, we recommend finding a short term rental close to the hospital– you could use Airbnb or SpareRoom or find a local Bed & Breakfast, by using the Postcode of the hospital.

If you need any help in locating or securing accommodation for your move to the UK, please get in touch with your Indigo Healthcare contact.
 

Housing Costs:
As well as paying rent or a mortgage, there are a number of other living/housing costs to consider. The list below offers a good starting point:
  • Council tax – depending on your council and the number of rooms your home has, you will pay a fixed fee on a monthly basis.
  • Utilities: electricity (and gas in some properties) and water
  • Internet
  • TV licence
 

Feeling at Home:
Moving to a new country can be challenging, especially if you are leaving friends and family behind to embark on your new adventure.

We have a few hints and tips to try and make you feel as at home as possible:
  • Join our ‘Doctors Working in the UK’ Facebook group to meet other Doctors already in, or in the process of moving to the UK.
  • There are a number of blogs and websites online which you can read about other people’s move to the UK from all across the world and some great tips on moving to and living in the UK: Expatica is a great resource.
  • Find a local ‘World Foods’ store or International Supermarket so you can buy or cook foods to make you feel at home.
  • Find out about local places of worship, community groups, sports teams, etc. where you can meet people with similar interests to you.
  • The Hospital may also be able to put you in touch with other overseas Doctors who are going through a similar experience to you.

Registering with a Doctor & Dentist:
It is advisable that you register with a local doctor (General Practitioner, GP) and Dentist. You can locate your nearest GP and Dentist by visiting the NHS Choices website. This site also provides information on finding local Opticians and Pharmacies. You can also telephone 111 to find out more about your health or a health service.
 

UK Emergency Services:
The emergency number in the UK is 999. This number connects to the emergency services and should only be used when:
  • There is a danger to life
  • A crime is in progress
  • Police attendance is immediately required
 
Driving in the UK:
If you have an EEA/EC driving licence, you may use it to drive in the UK for up to three years or until you are 70 years old, whichever is longer.

Holders of a driving licence from a country which has a licence exchange agreement with the UK may drive on the foreign licence for up to 12 months and exchange it for a UK licence before the end of the 12-month period.
If you have a valid driving licence from any other country, you may drive on it for up to 12 months during which you should apply to take a UK driving test. For more information please read the Government advice or UKCISA also has a very useful information sheet on driving in the UK.
 

Have a question? Get in touch, the Indigo Team are ready to help!

Call: 0330 123 9665
Email: contactus@indigohealthcare.co.uk