It is highly advised that the hiring firm set up bank accounts for you prior to your arrival or at least liaise with the bank to inform them of your arrival and affiliation. Otherwise, this can be potentially long and drawn out process. Many hiring bodies have provided an initial stipend to help new PAs get started in the UK. The banks typically require completion of an application form, passport details, employment and salary details as well as contact information.
American credit cards will work over in the UK but will be subject to a service fee from your stateside bank/credit union. Notify your bank and credit card company prior to the move as sometimes the bank will stop its use if any spending habit changes are noted. It will take awhile to get a British credit card, as it will take some time to establish credit here.
Most ATM machines (cash points) in the UK do not charge for their use. Your home bank may charge at their end, as well as adding a transaction fee for making the transfer from dollars to pounds sterling. If you wish to avoid extra charges on withdrawals, avoid the private ATMs often found in pubs or smaller shops.
Hotels are quite pricey. If your organisation does not provide temporary housing, there may be options for a corporate rental apartment.
If you begin your search online before the move, it is helpful to know that ‘estate agents’ and ‘letting agents’ are your ‘realtors’ in the UK. Letting agents deal with rented accommodations and estate agents deal with properties for sale but also may advertise properties to let.
A helpful website is: www.rightmove.co.uk . Properties to let or for sale are typically listed in the local newspapers. Privately let accommodations will also be advertised in the local newspapers.
Be aware that there are several fees associated with letting or purchasing a property. These can be outlined by the estate agents and may vary between agencies.
If you have a valid driving license, you may drive in the UK up to 12 months. If you live in the UK longer than one year, the law requires that you must get a UK driving license. If you wish to continue driving in the UK, you will need to get a provisional driving license and sit a theory and practical driving test.
You will also be required to obtain auto insurance. There are several companies, including many grocery stores that offer this service. It is worth it to get several quotes. Be aware that many insurance companies will not provide coverage to drivers without a British license.
For more detailed information, check the DVLA’s website.
As a US citizen, you are still required to file taxes every year regardless of where in the world you are working you must claim your gross income from worldwide sources.
For more details on filing as a US citizen living abroad, click here.
If you worked in the UK for less than the tax year, you can reclaim a portion of the tax withheld from your pay. You can write to your local tax office with a cover letter explaining that you only relocated to the UK later in the tax year and started employment on the date applicable. Include any relevant documents about your earnings during the tax year for which you're claiming, such as:
The tax office will look into your query, work out how much they owe you and send you a refund in the post or by bank transfer. You can claim back overpaid taxes for up to a maximum of six years previous to the current tax year.
Contact details for all tax offices
Find your tax office through an HMRC Enquiry Centre
If you go to live or work abroad and become non-resident in the UK, you might still have to pay UK tax - but only on your income from the UK. If you do need to pay, you may need to complete a Self Assessment tax return.
You'll be treated as non-resident from the day after you leave the UK if you can show:
For more information from HM Revenue & Customs, click here.
If you're leaving the UK you must tell HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Your Tax Office will give you form P85 to get any tax refund you're owed and work out if you'll become non-resident. If you still need to complete a tax return after you leave they'll let you know.
Download form P85 (PDF)
If you worked in the UK and left prior to the end of the tax year, you can reclaim a portion of the tax withheld from your pay.
