Simplifying Life When Moving to the UK: Solving Common Challenges Before You Arrive

The United Kingdom stands as one of the world’s leading economies and a top choice for expats. Known for its quality of life, rich historical legacy, world-class education system, and vibrant cultural diversity, it continues to attract individuals from around the globe. At iFAST Global Bank, with our headquarters proudly located in London, we are committed to supporting your relocation journey.

As a digital bank, we offer the convenience of opening a UK bank account online before you even set foot in the country, ensuring your transition is as smooth as possible. Whether you’re exploring a potential move or actively preparing for relocation, our guide provides essential information—from banking and housing to healthcare and beyond.

Relocating abroad requires careful planning, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. With an iFAST Global Bank multi-currency account, you can conveniently open an account from abroad. With a single application, you gain multi-currency access to GBP, USD, EUR, HKD, SGD, CNY, and JPY, all in one place.

Securing Accommodation in the UK

When you arrive in the UK, you may seek a city-center flat or a spacious family home in the countryside. A useful suggestion is to connect with friends, colleagues, and family members upon arrival and explore local estate agents to discover available options in your area. Many people new to the UK often settle in London, as it typically offers more job opportunities. However, it's worth noting that London is also one of the most expensive places to live in the country.

A UK bank account is often necessary to secure accommodation, as landlords and letting agencies typically require it for rent payments or deposit transactions. By opening an iFAST Global Bank account before you arrive, you’ll have one less hurdle to navigate when finding a home.

You can search for rental properties through local letting agencies online or by visiting websites such as:

• Zoopla
• Gumtree
• Rightmove

Ensure Your Healthcare is Covered in the UK

One of the benefits of living in the UK is access to the National Health Service (NHS), the country’s socialised healthcare system. This allows you to visit a doctor with minimal or no cost, and there’s no obligation to have private health insurance.

NHS Choices simplifies the process of finding a doctor, making the system convenient and effective for residents in the UK.

Securing Employment in the UK

If you’re planning to work in the UK, you can begin your job search using common online platforms. These websites offer diverse job listings and make it easy to apply for positions that match your skills and experience:

• Indeed
• Jobsite
• Reed.co.uk
• LinkedIn

How iFAST Global Bank Can Help

Moving abroad can be costly, but iFAST helps you save with fee-free international payments, whether for cross-currency transactions or through EzRemit. It’s a convenient and cost-effective solution for managing your finances across countries.

With the iFAST Global Bank multi-currency account, you can send and receive online payments globally. Additionally, you can earn up to 2.9% AER with instant access to your money. As a fully regulated UK bank, your eligible deposits are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) for up to £85,000 per person, giving you peace of mind.

Open your iFAST Global Bank account today and take control of your money. T&Cs apply.