Things to do in Canada before moving to UK

Kha-17
New Member



Joined: 01 Sep 2008
Posts: 2
Location: London

Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 2:07 pm

 

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Hi, everybody.

I am moving to London shortly for a long-term employment and wonder if there is a sort of a checklist of things to do prior to leaving Canada. Maybe you could direct me to a forum somewhere here - I only saw some advise on taxes and bank accounts. I do not want to miss something important during the relocation process. My family intends to join me couple of months later so hopefully even if I forget (do not have time) to do something they could help with that while I am away.

Many thanks!

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Kha-17
New Member



Joined: 01 Sep 2008
Posts: 2
Location: London

Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 8:35 pm

 

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Dead silence? No one wants to share his/her experiences?

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rangermcfadden
New Member



Joined: 21 Sep 2008
Posts: 7
Location: London

Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 12:27 pm

 

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From my experience I'd suggest:

- Set up an account with a trading firm like XE, etc.
- Set up a free phone number in the UK to at least take messages for you. (Get a 01 or 02 number, not a 0845 or 0870 number.) Google "sipgate"
- Set up a free phone number in Canada to take messages and make calls. (You need a Canadian phone number to set this up.) Google "free phone line"
- Decide what mobile company you want to go with so you can sign up straight away. (You don't want to miss calls from employers and landlords but you also want to get a good deal. ASDA has the lowest pay as you go rates to the UK that I've seen at 8p. Nomi has good rates to Canada and so does some other company but I can't remember the name.)
- Bring a bank reference letter or two.
- Bring a few reference letters from employers or co-workers.
- Bring a few reference letters from landlords.
- Try to find places to live, but don't send any money without viewing a place. You should research neighbourhoods you want to live in, research the market rates, research bills, maybe set up a few viewings, if possible.
- Deal with your Canadian car and its insurance.
- Renew your driver's license if possible.
- Make sure your passports don't expire soon.
- Tend to any Canadian investments.
- Bring the names and addresses of your contacts.
- Obtain a special ballot to vote if necessary.

That's all I can think of. Pretty obscure list, I know.

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Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1676
Location: Calgary

Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 3:33 pm

 

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Ton of threads already on here if you do a search.

Two you might not think of are: make sure you get a copy of your car insurance abstract to take with you, as far back as possible (7 years) if you plan on getting a car in the UK.

And really, really important if you're going to move your tax home to the UK is to tell the bank you are no longer resident in Canada so they can withhold Part XIII tax (this is not the same as merely an address change, you must point this out to them).

Remember on your last T1 to check the box and tell them you've left. Helps if you can move your tax home on January 1st as it simplifies things on the Canadian end.

(This assumes you are going for awhile and are actually going to bother to move your tax home to the UK).
_________________
Steve.

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oliviaharis
New Member



Joined: 22 Jul 2008
Posts: 1

Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 8:06 pm

 

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I'm getting there, though a couple now I can't do and some of the remaining ones are pretty big.I'll keep on working my through as much as I can though.
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oliviaharis
drivenwide

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suvi_tytto
New Member


suvi tytto

Joined: 27 Sep 2008
Posts: 5
Location: Markham

Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 6:10 pm

 

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This brings up one of my most primary questions: should I renounce my Canadian residency or not? I am taking a temporary assignment in the UK, within my current company and am timing it to be a full calendar year. I'm thinking that I'll maintain bank accounts and credit cards here as well as other things such as my mobile account. By doing things like this, am I risking a double taxation scenario?

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Classroom Canada
Junior Member



Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 18
Location: Victoria, BC

Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 1:54 pm

 

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You won't be double taxed. Sounds to me like you're doing the right things to get ready, so don't fret. If you want to see packing advice for your move (from a teachers perspective) check out the classroom canada blog - not sure what work you will be doing, but its a fun checklist of things to bring. Look on the right hand side of the blog for "packing advice".
Also, you should just buy the book "Living in London: A Survival Guide for Canadians" by Network Canada. Everything you need to know about being a Canadian moving to the UK is in there. Good luck!

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Classroom Canada
Junior Member



Joined: 07 Feb 2008
Posts: 18
Location: Victoria, BC

Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 1:58 pm

 

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PS) You can get the Network Canada book from Amazon. I think it's 14.95.

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