Thoughts about Edinburgh

Hello again!

I thought I'd ask here for a bit of advice and answers to some questions. I am planning to move to Edinburgh, it looks like, in about 2 years. I've been researching like mad for every cost that might be incurred and I'm astonished at what it takes to rent a place in the UK. You pay the processing fee for the application, then pay the agent fee, then pay a damage deposit of up to 2 months rent, plus the first month's rent, then there's council tax on top of that. NOt to mention most places need a 6 month lease. When I inquired with one agent there, she said becasue I am emmigrating from Canada, I'd need either a British guarantor, or 6 months rent up front.

AHHHH

But it seems to me that many people have moved over with less money than I will have and they certainly have found accomodation. Has anyone had any experience with renting? Do most landlords go through agencies? Is it possible to find a place that's not affiliated with an agent? How did you get through the 6 months rent up-front, or was that even an issue? Any advice in this area?

I also wanted to ask about any cards I might need to get, like social insurance cards. When did you apply for yours?

And how does health care work over there. I understand it's free, but not for me I'm sure, so is basic health care done through the gov't or private agencies?

Is there anyone from Edinburgh and area here who wouldn't mind me picking their brains a bit off-list?

Thanks!


Erin

Hi there

I'm not from Edinburgh, but can answer some of your questions.

With regard to accommodation, it should certainly be possible to rent direct from a landlord on more favourable terms. Not all landlords use agencies, you will probably see plenty of ads from private landlords in the local press.

The health service should be free for you provided you are eligible for a NHS Card, which gives you a NHS number. The card is proof you are entitled to NHS (i.e. free at point of delivery) treatment. As far as I know you would be entitled to a card if you are settling in the UK and have permanent residence or citizenship.

As a footnote, I have never once been asked to show this card at any hospital or doctor's surgery, and do not even carry it with me!

I'm not sure how or where you apply for a NHS card, but if you contact the local NHS office on arrival, I'm sure they'll tell you.

Hope this helps.

Hello Erin

National Insurance Card

I applied for my card in late August 2001, within two weeks of arriving in the UK. I went to the office where I had to produce items of identification plus proof that I was employed. Then I was given appointment in October. For this appointment, I had to bring items of identification and recount my entire working life. The agent writes down this declaration and I signed it. This meeting takes an hour. I was told that I would get my card within three months or so, as they were running behind.

In February, I received a letter saying that there was something wrong with my application so could I call the office to re-book an appointment? I called to inquire and it took a week to sort out. The woman who had sent the letter had sent it on behalf of someone else in the office who was unhelpfully on vacation. It turned out that the letter had been sent in error. I received the card two weeks after that.

I’m not sure if you can get a card without a job. But until you get a card, you pay a higher rate of tax on your earnings (22%) instead of 18%

Health Care
You will be eligible for healthcare (NHS), but it’s not what you’re used to. Upon arrival, you need to register with your local surgery (doctor’s office/ medical clinic) and they will provide you with a medical card (it gets mailed to you). When you’re sick, you need to make an appointment as there are no drop-in clinics. In England, I had to wait a week to see a doctor, but where I am now I can see the doctor within 2 day. You will pay for your dental and optical needs.

Accommodation
I agree with the previous posting. You should be able to avoid using the agents by renting from a private landlord. You’re right about most rentals being leases for 6 months, month to month rentals are rare. Make sure you have all your paperwork in order. Have your current landlord provide you with a reference.

Bank account.
This could be one of the larger hurdles. I had a letter from the teaching agency to the bank with made the application process go more smoothly. You may want to research into this. Banks here are very strict.

Taxes and deductions
One of my paycheques:
Gross: 856.43
Tax: 177.10
National insurance deductions: 42.54
Pension: 51.39
Net: 585.40

I hope this information helps.

WOW! What a huge process that was. I don't know if it was you, but when I posted last someone said to get my insurance card in order now. And All I could think was, but I'm not moving for 2 years, but I see why now.

I'm at work right now, so must go. But thankyou alll for your info! I'll get looking into that right away!

Erin

Applying for a National Insurance Card has to be done in person, so you will have to apply once you arrive. Just arm yourself with information... and patience.