Considering living in London? Expat Info Desk presents the most comprehensive international relocation guide for moving to London.
Our guide was written by Solange Berchemin and last published on Friday 11th March 2011, it's the 3rd edition.
The UK capital is reported to date back to earlier than 43 AD, marking the city's conquest by the Romans just north of the famous Thames river. The true beginning of the British metropolis is said to have occurred when the Roman invaders led by Plautius were somewhat slowed down by the presence of the Thames. The river Thames is still to this day the main demarcation line. North and South of the river are two very different entities. Building a bridge to cross this famous river was the monumental beginning of what was later to become the London Bridge - one of the city's most important landmarks.
The 16th century defeat of the Spanish Armada, the 17th century plague, the 18th century massive population growth, and later World War II are parts of London's turbulent past. All of which have played a role in making London the great city that she it today. London is the world's banking center and hosts the headquarters of many of Europe's top 500 companies. The career opportunities and cultural attractions, unmatched by any other city, have made it a global hub for expat and Brits alike.
Expats are not only found in great numbers, they are welcomed as an extension of the home-grown population. With its close proximity to continental Europe and its endless opportunities, cosmopolitan & multicultural London is a wonderful and fascinating place in which to live.
…| Population | The most culturally diverse city in the world is home to approximately 8 million people. It is Europe's most populated city. Some 300 languages are spoken in London everyday. |
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| Currency | The British Pound Sterling (£) is the national currency of the UK. Some prices, mostly in department stores are stated in British pounds & euros. Scottish banknotes are accepted everywhere. |
| Language | English is the official language of the UK. |
| Time zone | London operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). |
| Dialing code | The country code for the UK is +44. Central London landline phone numbers generally begin with (0) 207. |
| Temperature | While it is often said that 'no one does grey like London,' temperatures very rarely can be classified as 'extreme'. Winters see a low of 2 C and a high of about 15 C while summers, though rare, can see a high of 30 C. The hottest month is generally July, the coldest February, and the rainiest October. |
| Electrics | London's electrical current is 220 - 240 volts. Wall outlets accommodate 3-pin plugs, making the system unique from continental Europe. |
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The full guide contains over 25 chapters of information covering all practical aspects of moving overseas; from fulfilling legal obligations through to choosing a home for your family. Written by expats, for expats, we do not give you the “official version”, we give you the “real version” and that’s exactly what you will need to have the best possible start to your new life in London. You can purchase our London guide by clicking on the links on the right-hand side of this page.
If you have a discount code you'll be able to enter it before you make your payment.
