London is a fantastic city to live in, albeit a rather pricey one! Living cost aside, there’s always so much to do in the big smoke, which is wonderful but can also be, well, a little overwhelming. Moving anywhere new can be taxing, both mentally and physically, let alone moving to a bustling hub such … Read more

Wherever you come from, this is an unsettling time to be living in the UK. EU nationals resident in Britain are already reporting difficulties with applying for residency. But what if you’re living here and you come from outside the EU?If you’re American living in the UK, the good news is that any effect on … Read more

At one point in the not so distant past, finding your way around required a map, a sense of direction and some navigation skills. Finding a new home involved visiting multiple estate agents, locating a good place to eat was based on trial and error or word of mouth, and figuring out the utterly ridiculous … Read more

Public transport is more or less the easiest way to get around London due to heavy traffic and congestion charges. London is excellently connected as a result of the public transport reaching all over the city. However, the system can seem complicated to the newly initiated. For example, since some of the underground in London … Read more

Are you a hipster or a homebody? Do you prefer cosy evenings in as opposed to late nights out? Do you revel in quaint, quiet venues and love a good book club? Perhaps you’re an early riser and love a good cup of expertly roasted coffee? Or on the flipside, do you enjoy a good … Read more

Tales of international romance sadly don’t tend to end with the happy couple riding into the sunset to enjoy a life of loving, bureaucracy-free bliss. If Cinderella had happened to be a foreign citizen when she fell for her Prince, she would have needed a visa advisor rather than a fairy godmother to reach her … Read more

Some countries are famous for their cuisine. The French have Cordon Bleu, the Italians have a rich heritage of pasta and wine, Singapore sizzles in a fusion recipe of cultural delights. Britain, on the other hand, enjoys a global reputation for stodgy dollops of carbs, tasteless beer and an obsession with gravy. While the rest … Read more

London has an alarming reputation for being inaccessible, with many areas retaining the original Victorian architecture. However, in recent years a number of improvements have been made to enable those who use mobility aids to enjoy many areas which had previously been inaccessible. Accommodation Accessible property can be difficult to find in London. To help … Read more

America is land of the free and home of the brave, according to the song at least. But what happens when Americans pack up their lives, leave the States behind and settle in the land of hope and glory? One estimate puts the number of Americans living in the UK at 197,000. Whilst a large … Read more

Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just a healthy eater, rest assured that the Big Smoke is a veritable veggie paradise these days. England might not have the best food reputation abroad, but you’ll be delighted to know that this has changed in recent years. Gone are the days of limp lettuce served with rust-coloured tomatoes … Read more

There always seems to be a new list doing the rounds, running down the most expensive expat destinations. Locations in which the cost of living will squeeze every penny out of your pocket, leaving precious little to actually enjoy the sights of city.Recent polls are usually topped by the financial titans of the Far East, … Read more

The city of London in the United Kingdom has a long history as both a world economic powerhouse and cosmopolitan cultural hub. Its primary airport, Heathrow, is one of the most important waypoints in Europe, its landmarks are recognized the world over, and it once stood at the center of the mind-bogglingly enormous British Empire. … Read more

As an expat, the hardest part of moving to a new country can be the ‘settling in’ phase, along with everything that goes with it. This could include any number of things, but expats often have to deal with factors such as culture shock and language barriers. These are on top of all the practical, … Read more

The Halifax Rural Areas Quality of Life Survey, which is dedicated to the quality of life within rural areas in the United Kingdom, is out – and the Orkney Islands in Scotland have come out on top. The Halifax survey comes out annually and compares crime rate, employment and units which measure general happiness in … Read more

Paris is often referred to as the city of love, and hopeless romantics all around the world have their eyes set on the French capital. Paris is portrayed in a plethora of literature and films as the ultimate romantic getaway, the ‘it destination’ for finding love, and generally the place to be.However, it may surprise … Read more

Has there ever come a point where you’ve wondered — have I been here too long? As an expat living abroad, you may start exhibiting clear behaviour and signs that are associated with a culture different to your own, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing! In fact, it’s part of the expat journey. Many people … Read more

Moving to London can be a daunting prospect. London is a densely populated city and English people have a reputation for being notoriously hard to read. We’re not an unfriendly bunch, per se, but we’re possibly not the most approachable either! In public situations, particularly with strangers, the uninitiated may often find themselves making a … Read more

America has a new home. But don’t panic; there’s no need to go checking maps! The entire United States has not shifted from its traditional spot between the Atlantic and Pacific. Instead, the US embassy in London has re-opened in brand new buildings, leaving its famous Grosvenor Square location.The new embassy has already caused a … Read more

The festive season is now upon us! Christmas is fast approaching, and so we have compiled this Christmas guide for all of you expats who may be spending it in London this year. We’ve explained English Christmas traditions and customs, and given you some great ideas whether you’re alone this year and looking to meet … Read more

Are you an expat living in London looking to practice your language skills? The main issues people experience when learning a new language are usually to do with confidence, and not being able to get enough real life practice. It’s all well and good using a fancy app with voice recognition software to correct your … Read more

You’ve moved into your new home and perhaps it’s a little empty; you want to fill your new space with colour and style, but you’re on a budget after your move. Or it could be that you want to find some unique interior accents or antique pieces to really make your new abode stand out?There … Read more

The 5th of November is a day of historic significance for the people of the UK. More than 400 years ago, back in 1605, 13 conspirators planned to blow up Parliament and kill King James I in what is now known as the Gunpowder Plot. One of the plotters, Guy Fawkes, was arrested by the … Read more

How long have you been an expat? 12.5 years, we moved to London in 2005… we only intended to be here for 4 years Why did you chose to move to the UK? We had come to a crossroads in our NZ lives, and were presented with the opportunity to apply for a UK Ancestry … Read more

I was born and raised in Australia, in a small town called Thornton just north of Sydney. The Great Southern Land is the envy of many for its warm weather, wide open spaces and abundance of possibility but it has its downsides too, one of those being isolation. Being so far from the rest of … Read more

Brexit is the term used to refer to the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union. On 23rd June 2016, a referendum was held in which 51.9% voted for Britain to leave the EU against 48.1%, who voted to remain. More than 30 million people took part in the referendum. Following the vote, former … Read more

It’s the final few weeks summer and you’re in the mood for a getaway. Why not stay within the shores of the UK and bypass the annoyances of long drives to the airport, delayed flights, and the difficulties of conversing in a foreign language? Going overseas means you will miss out on all that the … Read more

A yearly survey of 40 financial hubs has revealed that the United Kingdom continues to be the most expensive country for expat assignments. This is the case even considering the fall in the pound’s value following the Brexit referendum. This was something that emerged in the latest MyExpatriate Market Pay Survey by ECA International.When taking … Read more

London is an appealing destination for many reasons. It has an iconic skyline, as well as a view that never fails to disappoint with the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, the Shard and other famous buildings. It is a multicultural hub in which more than 300 different languages are spoken. It is, in fact, … Read more

Moving to London as an expat is an exciting decision. The big smoke is where many new experiences are to be had and lots of new culture is yet to be discovered. Settling down in London as an expat is easier than many think. There are various ways to make new friends and find someone … Read more

It’s been a busy few weeks for London. The Big Smoke has been hit by a terrorist attack and suffered a devastating fire, yet still it has dusted itself down and carried on. At times like these a lot gets said about the ‘Blitz Spirit’: the determination, resolution and downright stubbornness that saw the city … Read more

Rebecca, tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from, and what first prompted you to move abroad? I’m a kiwi from Auckland and I basically moved over to London because my mum told me to…yeah. I was a tax accountant back home (terrible life choice) and in the midst of hating my job … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at the UK and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.Expats living in Surrey UK Facebook … Read more

Leaving your hometown or country often causes relationships and friendships to break up. Pursuing a move to new destination that has only ever been a dream before is a bittersweet time – you are sad to leave people behind, but there are also many new memories and adventures on the horizon. Settling into a new … Read more

The United Kingdom, one of the top expat destinations in recent years, appears to have lost some of its appeal among migrants from across the world ever since the Brexit vote. According to a report published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), immigration to this country has fallen to a two-year low after citizens … Read more

Dorothy was right, there really is no place like home. When she began to miss Kansas, all she had to do was click those ruby slippers together and be whisked magically out of Oz back to Aunty Em and the farm. But here in the real world, it isn’t always that easy to get home … Read more

The UK has a long tradition of immigration. Many argue that the island is a nation of immigrants, its character and culture shaped by successive waves of migrants from pre-Roman times to the modern day. Their contribution to Britain’s history, culture, and landscape cannot be ignored.But the UK also has a long tradition of suspicion … Read more

Leaving a country where you grew up and spent your early life, adapting to the culture you were born into, and then moving to a city that is very set in its British etiquette, there will be times when you miss a little piece of home, including those authentic traditional home-cooked meals.The delightful thing about … Read more

There has been a lot of talk about ‘Brexit’, a term that is used for the United Kingdom departing from the European Union. It has already had a major impact on the country. Many expats have moved to the United Kingdom and started to settle into what was supposed to be their happily ever after, … Read more

If you are moving to the United Kingdom (UK) in the near future, congratulations! You’re on the move to a great place. Whilst you may be excited about your new adventures ahead, there are many emotions that come with moving. Understandably you are leaving your friends, family, home and memories behind. Luckily, there is social … Read more

Where to begin with an offering of the ten classic British traditions all expats should experience? 1. The pub Let’s start in the pub – the best times often do. Expats who have just moved to the UK may be surprised at how popular the pub is to their British colleagues but it’s a good … Read more

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) says that reform of the UK’s citizenship system will help prevent harm to the economy. The Home Office has revealed a 14% increase in the past 12 months in the number of EU nationals applying for British citizenship – which, the IPPR says, illustrates the level of uncertainty … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at the UK and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there.Oh, the places we will go! www.selenatheplaces.com American Selena confesses to … Read more

If you’re new to Scotland, then you’re probably wondering what Burns night is and what all the fuss is about. Burns night or Burns supper is a tradition that celebrates the life of popular 18th century Scottish poet and lyricist, Robert Burns. This tradition has been carrying on since 1801 when a few of his … Read more

The capital and financial hub of England has always been one of the most popular expat destinations in the world. Some of the factors that make London a great place to live in include its living standards, rich culture, diversity, benefits, education, career prospects and healthcare, to name a few. There is plenty to see … Read more

“What really knocks me out is a book that, when you’re all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it. That doesn’t happen much, though.” ― J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the RyeHolden … Read more

By choice or chance, there are millions of people who will be spending the holidays alone. It’s natural to feel emotional during Christmas time; more so if it’s going to be a solitary Christmas. But even if you are by yourself, there are tons of ways to enjoy the festive season. The upside is that … Read more

Take advantage of free entry to a wide variety of London’s iconic museums and explore the famous city’s rich culture and history on a shoestring budget. Here are ten of the best museums in London that you can check out even if you’ve left your wallet at home.British Museum Situated in the Bloomsbury area of … Read more

Despite the grey weather, London has always been an attractive destination for expats. The city is home to some spectacular architecture, wide parks and places of art and culture. It is a multicultural, modern city with a bustling population that is always on the move; and as enjoyable as this may be, it’s also precisely … Read more

London is a highly populated, multi-cultural city with an effective public transportation system that helps people get around the capital. Expats may be looking to enjoy a thriving theatre and concert scene, art galleries, large inner-city parks, impressive architecture and other world-class tourist attractions in addition to travelling across the city for work.While London’s public … Read more

The United Kingdom has always been one of the top destinations for Indians who are interested in emigrating. This country offers them a good quality of life, great career prospects and excellent educational opportunities. When it comes to migrating to the UK, things aren’t as easy for Indian citizens as they are for Americans or … Read more

London is an expat hotspot for many reasons. It is a city filled with opportunities and in spite of the predominantly cold, wet weather, expats continue to flock to its shores either for personal or professional purposes. The city, with its rich and long historical tradition, has a multicultural society that makes it easy to … Read more

For many decades now, the United Kingdom has been drawing expats of all ages from around the world to work in a multitude of industries. This is mainly because of the lifestyle it offers, which includes factors such as good living standards, education, healthcare, infrastructure, career opportunities and other similar benefits, to name just a … Read more

The United Kingdom is renowned for several factors such as its cultural diversity, employment opportunities, infrastructure, healthcare facilities, education, social tolerance, benefits and high standards of living, just to name a few. Foreigners moving to the UK are often drawn to London or some of the other urban areas such as Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Sheffield, … Read more

Scotland: a historic land where kilted clans roam the windswept glens and bagpipe music fills the air. Or something like that. This proud nation is actually a little more diverse than just haggis, Rabbie Burns and Braveheart. Although it does celebrate its cultural heritages, Scotland is also a destination for modern culture, with the annual … Read more

London has the third highest population in Europe, after Istanbul and Moscow, with an estimated 8 million people calling the Big Smoke home. With so many people, it’s surely easy to make a friend in the capital? Sadly not: London has incredibly high rates of loneliness, with over 30% of the city’s population reporting that … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at London and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there.Candids By Johttp://candidsbyjo.com/ First the gorgeous images catch the eye, then her … Read more

Anyone with half an ear pointed toward the UK will hear the hue and cry of intense political debate. In the halls of power, over the airwaves and on the streets of towns across the nation, Brits are loudly voicing their opinions and critiquing those of their neighbours, arguing furiously.Until recently, the reserved Brit would … Read more

The United Kingdom has long been known for its vast cultural diversity; each year people from all around the world move to this country for work, business, study, or to join their family members. Over the last 20 years, the number of foreigners living in the country has more than doubled, from two million in … Read more

An Irishman once said ‘the reason the sun never sets on the British Empire is… God would never trust them in the dark.’ Whether this Irishman was reporting the entire British people or untrustworthy or utterly inept isn’t clear from this quote. But it is clear that for many new arrivals to the Green and … Read more

Talk to a Londoner and you could come away believing that the city is not just the capital of the UK, but of the entire universe. They’ll praise its busy, bustling streets, its world-class art gallery and its place at the forefront of fashion. The Big Smoke attracts visitors, expats and Brits to its heaving, … Read more

The ‘green and pleasant land’ of rolling hills and picturesque rural perfection, England is often celebrated and romanticised for its countryside and village life. Not that this is reflected in guidebooks and business papers. For most of the working work, England, and indeed the entire UK, appears to exist solely within the M25. London’s reputation … Read more

Read part one here. They say that “when you’re tired of London, you’re tired of life.” The massive metropolis is the ultimate destination for cosmopolitan culture, fine fashion and booming business. But London isn’t one homogenous soup, it’s a fine and varied platter offering visitors a choice in the delicacies they enjoy.Head East to sip … Read more

Scotland is universally acknowledged as the home of golf – the game that is now played around the world began here in the 15th century. There are written records of the word ‘golf’ as early as March 1457 in an act of Scots Parliament. James II banned both football and golf because his troops spent … Read more

Few things can transport you across time and space as quickly and easily as food can. The taste – and often the mere smell – of a familiar, beloved dish can instantly take you back to a time when you were much younger or to a place in another country, thousands of miles away. A … Read more

London is a mighty city. The largest in England, the UK and indeed the EU, the Big Smoke is a massive, multicultural megalopolis. A shopping pilgrimage, a cultural capital, educational epicentre and financial behemoth, the English capital fulfils many roles and dominates the country. Home to an estimated population of nearly 10 million people, this … Read more

Samuel Johnson once said, “when a man is tired of London, he’s tired of life.” Britain’s capital is a thriving metropolis of business and pleasure; anyone who can’t find something to be excited by in The Big Smoke is a sad soul indeed. The city boasts world famous art galleries and museums, a thriving cultural … Read more

Derek, you're an author, blogger and columnist for ExpatFocus. Tell us a bit about yourself: What was it that first prompted you to start writing? Well, I always wanted to write, which probably came from being an avid reader when I was young. I loved the way a story could carry me away from where … Read more

Sarah-Jane, you're the Founder of Parental Choice, which provides specialist childcare services. Tell us a bit about the company, and what drove you to start it. Parental Choice provides all-encompassing childcare and admin services for parents who wish to spend the little time they have with their children rather than sorting out their childcare. We … Read more

London is the centre of the universe. At least that’s the impression you could get from watching British TV shows, movies or news programs. Rather than being the capital of a diverse and vibrant country, London sometimes seems to be shown as the last surviving city after the rest of the UK got sucked into … Read more

Being away from family can be very difficult for expats at Christmas. More than most other celebrations, Christmas, for most people who celebrate it, is all about sharing with extended family and close friends. Spending Christmas away from all of them can make you pretty miserable if you let it. Nonetheless, if you enjoy Christmas … Read more

Samuel Johnson may have said, “when you’re tired of London, you’re tired of life”, but the man neglected to mention that it is the city’s people that keep it an ever-changing medley of cultures, faiths, nationalities, music, art, fashion, languages and attitudes. There are over 300 languages spoken in the capital and 36% of the … Read more

The United Kingdom is complicated beast, a dysfunctional family of nations muddling through their differences and staying together through thick and thin. This land of hope and glory is not just a hodge-podge of political and historical alliances seemingly created just to confuse tourists, but a glorious landscape of green and pleasant vistas. Floating proudly … Read more

On the 8th of December 2015, Expat Focus will be holding an evening of drinks in aid of Central London Samaritans. This will present a great chance to meet other expats living in London, grab a beer or a glass of wine, and show your support for Samaritans. Plus, the first drink is on us! … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at London, UK and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there. Girl Gone Londonhttp://girlgonelondon.com/ The blog of an expat who moved … Read more

There are few cities in the world – perhaps no other city – that can offer you the kind of experience that London can. The architecture, the iconic locations and sights, the infrastructure, the constant buzz, the vibrant business and cultural scenes, the incredible mix of people you will encounter – it’s difficult to be … Read more

There are many good reasons to move to the UK. Despite being such a small island, it has one of the largest economies in the world, which continues to witness steady economic growth, translating into lucrative employment and business opportunities. Some of most highly regarded universities are located in the UK, such as Oxford and … Read more

Tipping is one of those minor but important customs that is different everywhere you go and is rather tricky to figure out. For expats, it’s among the bigger of the small challenges. Should you or shouldn’t you tip? How much should you tip? What’s a good way to tip? Going against tipping etiquette can be … Read more

London is considered to be among the world’s most desirable cities for overseas workers. In a 2014 survey, London topped the list of popular cities beating other major international cities like New York, Paris, Sydney, Berlin and Rome. London is also a beautiful destination with fascinating architecture, a thriving music scene and great art and … Read more

As the capital city of the UK and England, London seldom fails to live up to expectations. London seems to have it all, from tranquil parks and towering buildings to some of the best restaurants in the world and a chic but colourful nightlife. As an expat, the change can sometimes be overwhelming, so it … Read more

London is a charming city with many attractions. It is modern and multicultural, but also celebrates its rich history and culture. There are several things to do and see in London and here’s our list of five experiences that are as unique as the city itself. Secret Cinema Secret Cinema aims to create ‘experiences’ around … Read more

London is a major international banking and financial hub, has the highest concentration of universities in Europe and is one of the most visited cities in the world. There are so many reasons that make the city such a great expat destination. Here are some of them. A diverse society Londoners come from different nationalities, … Read more

The experience of moving to a new city is made much easier when you have access to the right information. Dynamic and diverse London also happens to be Europe’s biggest city, and easy availability of information and useful resources on where to live, how to travel and even how to pay your taxes, can be … Read more

Moving to a new country is daunting at the best of times, and the initial thought of leaving the comforts of your home and moving somewhere completely different can seem overwhelming. But if you’ve got your heart set on moving abroad, there are plenty of resources available to help ease your transition. We’ve spent some … Read more

“The Tube” is London’s underground rail network, a highly efficient mode of travel to and from a large part of Greater London and some parts of Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Essex. The Tube plays an important role in the life of anyone visiting or living in London. Here is our simple guide to travelling on the … Read more

The English language, given its unparalleled distribution throughout the world, has become such a complex and syncretic beast that we can sometimes wonder if it might be better to classify some of its most esoteric variants as different languages altogether. From the intentionally un-grammatical constructions of Internet message boards to the Rasta argot of Jamaica … Read more

The cities, towns and villages differ greatly in the UK and those moving to the area have a large, personal decision to make based on their preferences, employment opportunities and the landscapes they prefer. The UK, on the whole, has it all on offer, from valleys and lakes to bustling cosmopolitan life. Employment The highest … Read more

Among Brits, there exists a divide between London and the rest of Britain, possibly heightened by the recent Olympic Games and the media branding of ‘Planet London.’ The divide is not one of animosity, but simply of location, size and opportunity. Britain is well-known for being a diverse nation. For this reason, London tends not … Read more

With over fifteen million citizens residing in the London metro area, and with the second largest immigrant population behind New York City also residing here, it would seem that London is far better served for expatriate socializing opportunities than most cities in the world. Indeed, its non-indigenous population comprises some 50 different ethnic enclaves, and … Read more

Over 400 000 French people live in London alone. Just as the British flocked to France to find peace and tranquillity and a slower pace of life, so the French, for the large part young professionals, flock to the UK to find opportunities, career openings and freedom from French bureaucracy. In Britain they may change … Read more