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35 Pros and Cons of Living in the UK in 2024
There are many pros and cons of living in the UK, whether you choose to settle in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
This post will focus on the pros and cons of living in England since I lived in Oxford, but many of my top pros and cons apply across the UK!
The countryside is beautiful, and historic cities like London are bustling with life and diversity.
England is also home to world-famous landmarks like Stonehenge and Big Ben.
I enjoyed my time living in Oxford, England, and I always saw myself settling in for life in England full-time. The country offers both beauty and loads of opportunity.
However, I also learned that some of the cons are too big for me to overcome in the long term.
Let’s take a look at the good, the bad, and everything in between!
When you’re ready to visit France, find the cheapest flights with this tool.
1. Pro: The NHS Means (Mostly) Free Healthcare
Living in a Commonwealth country like England means free healthcare.
The UK has a two-tiered system, more like New Zealand’s. That means there is a free option for everyone to use, but you can pay extra to upgrade your treatment.
The United Kingdom’s free healthcare system is known as the NHS (National Health Service). It officially opened in 1948 and has grown from one hospital in Manchester to cover all UK countries.
This government-funded healthcare system ensures that any British citizen with an injury or illness gets access to treatment from a doctor or nurse. It even covers dentist visits!
2. Con: But the NHS is Super Slow
Much like Canada, the UK’s free healthcare system has a big thorn – It’s so slow!
Since so many people can access healthcare and aren’t afraid of insane medical bills like in the USA, people actually go to the doctor.
However, since healthcare is government-funded, the doctors and nurses don’t make millions like they can in the USA. That means more patients and fewer doctors. Doctors also refuse to work 20-hour days without the extra pay.
British citizens wait weeks to see a doctor. If you have an appointment with a specialist, it can take months!
My friend needed to see a psychiatrist for medications immediately but was told it would take at least 2 months, even though she was a critical care patient due to a brain injury.
If you can afford it, you can fix this con by paying for healthcare. It’s expensive, but it won’t cost you nearly as much as in the USA.
3. Pro: Cheap Airlines Mean More Travel
One of the reasons so many travelers are drawn to the UK is their plethora of cheap airlines.
With Ryanair and EasyJet, you’ll have many options for a cheap weekend getaway.
I love a budget airline. It allows you to fly without paying for all the bells and whistles you don’t need on a two-hour flight.
Just be aware that these airlines tend to nickel and dime you. They charge extra for seemingly everything, so be sure to read the fine print! Ryanair passengers were outraged recently after getting charged to download their boarding passes!
Take advantage of airline sales to get the cheapest fares. When I lived in the UK, I saw flights across Europe for less than 10 pounds!
When you’re ready to visit France, find the cheapest flights with this tool.
4. Con: Expensive Visas Mean Less Accessibility
A con of living in England as an expat means paying incredibly high visa fees.
If you are a Commonwealth citizen, you can study abroad in the UK for 6 months without a Visa. That meant my study abroad in Scotland was incredibly easy.
But when I moved to England to live in Oxford, I needed a visa. It cost me nearly $1,500 USD for a student visa!
Getting a visa is also a complicated process. They require biometric checks – which are hard to find if you don’t live in a metropolitan city. Luckily, I lived in Toronto, but that’s the only city in Canada that offered this at the time.
Then, they take your passport for weeks – even with an expedited visa.
So plan ahead if you want to move to the UK. And start saving for the visa!
5. Pro: Easy Access to Europe
The main benefit of living in the UK made me think I’d want to settle here: you can travel to Europe so easily!
We already talked about cheap flights, but regardless of price, it’s so easy to get anywhere!
The UK is an incredibly accessible area due to Heathrow being a major hub for worldwide travel. You can find multiple flights anywhere in Europe just about every day of the year.
Growing up in Canada, flights were always at least $220 USD to go anywhere inside Canada. And it took HOURS.
In England, you can visit new countries without breaking the bank or wasting half your weekend in transit.
6. Con: Brexit and Politics
Ugh, Brexit! Ugh, politics!
I’m not a fan of either, but unfortunately, they’ve become essential to keep up with if you’re considering moving to England.
Let’s start with politics: the UK has six major political parties. Much like the US and Canada, their parties can never see eye-to-eye. This means a lot of butting heads and needless debates that make it hard for any bill to pass ever.
Brexit came from this. The xenophobic and fiscally conservative party, the Tories, wanted to leave the EU to get more autonomy. So they called for a vote, and it passed (but everyone was mad about it, even the people who voted for it).
Nevertheless, the UK officially left the EU.
This has led to long-term ramifications, including a petrol shortage and issues with British citizens trying to travel abroad. It also makes it challenging for EU nationals to live and work in the UK. British expats abroad also struggle to stay abroad now that they need a visa.
7. Pro: Snow is Nothing Compared to Canada
Winter in the UK is a benefit to living in England. They barely get winter. As a Canadian, I’m more likely to call a UK winter “autumn” than an actual winter.
Most cities in the South (like London and Bristol) receive no more than a handful of snowfalls yearly, many of which barely settle on the ground before melting.
Northern cities may see more snow, but not even Scotland snows enough to warrant Canadian winter gear.
When I lived in Oxford, I could wear leather boots and a fleece jacket on the coldest days. I barely even needed a hat!
8. Con: England’s Weather is Miserable
If there’s one thing the UK is known for, it’s rain.
Although England isn’t that dreary, the media has painted it as a country where it never stops raining.
Sure, the UK gets a decent amount of rain, but probably no more than most countries.
That part that’s true is that when it does rain, the whole country becomes a grey fog of what it once was. Even people’s moods change.
It was nothing like the winter downpours I experienced in New Zealand. That makes it easy to go out still and live your life. Although, it does put a damper on fun UK day trips and hikes.
If you plan to live in the UK, you’ll need to invest in some wellies and an umbrella.
Prevent the SAD blues by using a SAD lamp like this one. It kept me going during the dark Glasgow winter. (And it’s portable!)
9. Pro: Adorable Cottage Homes
The UK is full of adorable villages with Tudor cottage homes.
When I first moved to the UK, I couldn’t understand why people would call a house a cottage. In Canada, a cottage is a lakehouse.
Now, I’ve come to appreciate the subtle splendor of an adorable country cottage. These are the kinds of homes that inspired the Hobbit.
Stop by the Cotswolds to visit the prettiest cottages – and maybe consider moving into one of them while you’re there.
Rent a cottage here to figure out if the English countryside is right for you.
10. Con: Houses Are Very Expensive to Buy
Millennials definitely need to throw out that avocado toast if they’re hoping to buy a house in England!
Depending on where you want to settle, it can be incredibly challenging to afford a house.
London is notorious for their insane housing and rental prices. Even in more Northern cities, finding a house that is actually affordable can be challenging before you’re in your late 40s.
Once you find a semi-affordable house, you’ll likely have to take out a mortgage for at least 30 years to pay off the cost.
11. Pro: Lots of Paid Time Off
I love the UK for their holiday leave. Every job gets a minimum of 4 weeks off – even if you work somewhere like McDonalds!
As long as you are in a salaried position, you’re sure to get a ton of vacation time.
You’ll get even more time off as you advance in your business!
As a Canadian who gets 2 weeks off with the maximum option of 4 weeks per year, this sounds like heaven. It’s no wonder there are so many UK travel bloggers out there who are able to see the world while working a full-time job in the city.
12. Con: Poor Work-Life Balance
Unfortunately, paid holiday leave doesn’t carry over to the work-life balance of most UK jobs.
Most jobs require employees to devote more than the standard 40 hours per week to their work. There’s a sense that you need to take your work home with you to get things done. In fact, many jobs keep employees late to ensure they finish work.
I’m not a fan of any country that prioritizes work over living a healthy life.
When I was considering a job in publishing in the UK, I was immediately put off when I found out almost every UK worker will be “on the clock” from the time they get up to the time they go to bed.
This can even just be checking emails – but it means you don’t get to turn your brain off and take a proper break.
It’s a serious disadvantage of living in the UK for people like me who value work-life balance.
13. Pro: Easy Train Travel
When I lived in England and Scotland, I took the train constantly.
It’s the easiest way to travel! You don’t even have to worry about how much luggage you have.
Getting around England by train is very doable. Their rail signs are easy to understand, and Google Maps will help you figure out your transfers if you need them.
The train costs about the same as flying but has the benefit of not needing to get to the station hours early.
Book cheap train tickets through this platform.
14. Con: Constant Train Delays
Unfortunately, England’s trains often have delays.
Weather of any sort throws the trains completely off schedule. They’ll end up delayed or canceled entirely.
Trains in England also constantly run late, which is a nightmare if you use them to get to work.
I always recommend going for an earlier train if you have a schedule to keep.
15. Pro: Historic Cities Are a Stone’s Throw Away
Living in the UK is like living in a functioning historical museum. Everywhere you go, there’s so much history to explore!
One of my favorite historical day trips while living in England was visiting Stratford-upon-Avon. I explored the home of Shakespeare, saw an ancient market town, and visited the historic Avon River.
That was all just on a half-day trip from my flat!
You can easily visit other famous historical sites, like the Roman city of Bath, Manchester, Liverpool, and Stonehenge!
Get to these amazing day trips in major cities with cheap train tickets.
16. Con: You Need a Car to Get to Most Places
Trains can only get you so far in England.
Many historic places only have trains to their main station. If you want to see the countryside, go hiking, or do anything that isn’t within walking distance of the train station, you’ll be out of luck.
Expats living in England will need to invest in a vehicle, especially if they choose to live outside of major cities like London.
And if you’re coming from a country that drives on the right-hand side of the road, you’ll need to get used to driving on the left.
17. Pro: Good Work Opportunities (For Some)
The UK has a flourishing economy that offers plenty of work opportunities to British citizens.
London is the most popular city for work. Here, you’ll find most of the major industries and companies.
Although most people don’t live in the city (they opt for nearby suburbs and small towns), they still end up working there.
If you’re looking to move for better work opportunities, the UK might just be the country for you!
18. Con: Limited Work Opportunities (For Others)
You’ll struggle to find a job if you don’t speak English fluently or have a UK passport.
The UK prefers to hire its own citizens. That means that if you have any indication that you’re not from the UK, they see you as too much of a hassle.
For people like me who need a work visa, most companies don’t want to help you get the visas you need. They often leave you to this, only hiring you once you’ve finalized the details.
The weird part is, for most visas to work in the UK, you’ll need an employer to help you.
It’s also difficult to find work if you live anywhere north of Oxford. Most jobs in the UK are in the south, especially for office jobs.
There is a movement to allow for more jobs in the north of England, with large companies starting to open offices up north. However, my northern friends still find it harder to find jobs than any other Brits.
Once you get a job, it’s much easier to keep getting jobs. But getting that first job as an expat will be a challenge.
An alternative path is to find a company in your home country with an office in the UK. Ask to transfer through them after working there for a year or two.
19. Pro: Pub Culture is Lively
Pub culture is one of the biggest pros of living in England and one of the most fun aspects of British culture.
Pubs (from the term “Public House”) are essentially bars but are somehow different. The atmosphere feels homey. It’s like drinking on a couch with your mates, except you’re in public with live music and a fun crowd.
I love a good pub night out, even though I don’t drink. You can sub drinks for food – pub chips (french fries) are always yummy.
When you move to the UK and struggle to meet people, just head to the pub! You’ll have new besties in no time.
20. Con: But it Comes with Binge Drinking
You’ll see a lot of binge drinking when you live in the UK.
This happens at pubs and home. Even office parties show signs of binge drinking. I’ve been in a few situations where it feels like the Brits see it as a challenge to drink as much as humanly possible.
Thanks to this mentality, I’ve had to carry a few friends into black cabs after a night out.
Avoid giving in to this cultural difference when you move to the UK. It’s not good for your liver or your wallet!
Binge drinking also occasionally leads to pub fights. Stay out of the way, and if you ever feel unsafe, it’s best to trust your gut and leave the situation.
21. Pro: Lots of Cultural Diversity
England is home to incredibly diverse populations. Historically, the British took over basically everything, so it makes sense that they’ve gathered a population from around the world.
While the origins of their multiculturalism are suspect at best (let’s be real, they’re pretty shady!), it’s now a pro of living in the UK.
Growing up in a multicultural city, I love walking down the street and hearing various accents, seeing people of different ethnicities, and enjoying various ethnic foods from around the world. It actually confuses me to go to places without that multiculturalism.
The UK is a place to go if you want to feel like you’re traveling the world just from the places you eat and the people you meet.
22. Con: Xenophobia, Racism, and Classism are Prevalent
But that multiculturalism I love so much… Not all British people enjoy it.
The UK has quite an issue with -isms.
One of the most significant issues is classism, which dates back to the founding of the British Empire. Class systems were entrenched in their society, creating a clear divide between the upper and lower classes.
This has continued today, with class and wealth holding a lot of weight for the “WASP” (white Anglo-Saxon people) of the upper society. They look down on people from lower-income backgrounds or who have working-class accents.
You’ll see them mistreat these people or deny them jobs just for how they sound and where they came from.
Nepotism happens often, too, as part of the maintenance of the class system.
Racism is a huge issue in the UK. Like the US, they have an issue with white nationalists and British people who feel that the color of their skin matters more than who someone is.
You’ll see some unfortunately graphic street art and graffiti of these people espousing their beliefs.
Xenophobia comes along with racism. Many British people struggle with “others” – wherever they may be from. This leads to gatekeeping around high-paying jobs in the country and ostracizing people who aren’t white-born Brits.
While I’m certainly not saying that every British person is racist, xenophobic, or classist, it is a clear issue in society. People who try to deny it often aren’t looking at the whole picture.
You can thrive in the UK if you’re foreign, aren’t white, or are lower class, but you’ll have to work harder to succeed.
23. Pro: Cheap Cell Plans
I always include cell plans as a judge of a country. I know it seems odd, but coming from Canada, where the cheapest phone plan is $55 USD and never seems to include more than 1GB of data, phone plans around the world always astonish me.
In the UK, I had a phone plan with Giffgaff that cost $10 USD for over 3GB of data! That included unlimited phone calls and texts across the UK and Europe (although Europe may soon be phased out).
I never hit my data limit – even when I’d go on Instagram at the gym.
I recommend this SIM card for new immigrants.
24. Con: High Cost of Living in England
Cell phone plans don’t represent the general cost of living in the UK.
Many people look into the cost of living before moving somewhere, which is a smart thing to do. In the UK, it may make you think twice before moving there.
England has a very high cost of living, especially in populous cities like London.
In Oxford, I found the cost of living very high. It wasn’t survivable to live on your own, making a full-time minimum wage salary. You’d probably need a few roommates and still need to live outside the city.
Jobs do pay well in the UK once you move above entry-level positions, but the cost of living is high enough to make it challenging for people to get by.
The cost of living improves outside of London and Oxford. If you go to cities like Bristol, you’ll find it much more reasonable. But it is still higher than in other European countries.
25. Pro: Fun Festivals
Unique holidays are so cool!
In the UK, you’ll find tons to celebrate while you’re living abroad.
Some of my favorite celebrations and festivals are:
- Guy Fawkes Night (also called Bonfire Night)
- Eurovision Song Contest (not a festival, but they treat it like one!)
- Glastonbury Music Festival
- London Book Fair
- Hogmanay (same as New Year’s Eve)
- Burns Night
- Pancake Day
- Swan Upping
- Notting Hill Carnival
26. Con: Rowdy Football
One of the biggest disadvantages of living in the UK as someone who does not care about sports is their love of football (soccer).
Every British person I met who cared even 1% about sports would go insane about football. The others were just as annoyed by it as I was.
This means the entire country comes to a standstill on a night when a match is happening. It is all anyone talks about before, during, and after the match.
Unfortunately, it pairs well with binge drinking, which leads to a lot of rowdy footballers.
They get so wound up that when they go to a football game, people must sit in separate sections based on which team they’re rooting for. There’s a small section for tourists with no idea what’s going on to sit in and hide from the madness.
27. Pro: There is a Range of Accents
I LOVE an accent. After living in a myriad of countries, I’ve gotten sick of the sound of my Canadian accent and prefer to be around others.
In the UK, you’ll never get tired of listening to the music of accents from across the country and from around the world.
If you’re British, you learn from an early age how to identify where people are from based on their accents. Some people can do it to the nearest few kilometers!
I prefer to just enjoy the accents themselves without judgment. They’re all just so much more fun than my American-Canadian accent!
28. Con: If You’re Not From the UK, It’s Hard to Understand Them
British accents aren’t for the faint of heart.
My sister cannot understand anyone with anything more than a London accent. Even then, she often needs subtitles.
I’ve gotten used to listening to accents from around the world, so I can understand almost all accents thrown at me.
But many people do find the UK accent difficult. You’ll encounter a new way of speaking with new slang and tones everywhere you go. If English isn’t your first language, it can feel impossible to tell what the hell people are saying.
I recommend watching some UK TV before arriving so you can get used to the sound of the accents with the benefit of subtitles to help you get the associations.
British panel shows have been part of my life since I was a kid, so maybe that’s why I never had a problem with UK accents.
29. Pro: The UK is Safe for Women
The UK is one of the safest countries for women. I value safe locations as a solo female traveler and an expat who goes abroad alone.
I’ve been in quite a few sketchy situations while traveling solo over the years, and growing up in Toronto wasn’t always the most peaceful. So, maybe it’s just normal for some people, but I noticed a huge difference in the UK.
You don’t have to worry about sexual harassment or theft like I did at home. I never fear, even when I have to take a night bus (something I did A LOT when I lived in Oxford and would go to London for shows or to meet friends).
One of the main reasons the UK is so safe is that there are CCTV cameras in all major cities. There are also police readily available and prepared to help.
In smaller towns, the communities have banded together to ensure the safety of visitors. While I still wouldn’t walk down a dark alley, I don’t worry because the people will support me.
30. Con: But It’s Nearly Impossible for Expats to Get a Bank Account
This doesn’t relate to female safety in the UK, but it was a PAIN when I lived there. So, I’m going to connect them this way.
Living in the UK means you need a bank account. That requires you to have all sorts of information they inevitably won’t accept, mail back to you, and then start a four-month excruciating process.
To open a UK bank account, you will need your Visa, proof of tenancy, proof of enrollment in a school or proof of a job, and proper identification.
It took me 3 months to get a bank card in the UK. For most of that time, my documents were in limbo at three different banks. I kept desperately trying to open an account to pay my tuition and have money for food without incurring credit card charges for every foreign transaction.
I now wish I’d just opened an account with Wise.com and saved myself the hassle!
Opening a bank account is so much EASIER by creating a free multi-currency account here.
31. Pro: Stunning Landscapes
If you’re going to move abroad, it should be somewhere pretty, right?
The UK is one of the most stunning regions on Earth. It has a variety of landscapes that vary from the extreme beauty of Jurassic Coast to the quaint charm of a country cottage to the fantastic wonder of Stonehenge.
You’re sure to see stunning landscapes everywhere you look that leave you in awe. Living somewhere with that benefit is amazing. You’ll feel like you’re on a movie set every day, making even weekend road trips feel like a grand adventure.
32. Pro: Hilarious British Comedy Panel Shows
My love of British culture started with Robert Pattinson from Twilight and British panel shows. I spent most of my teens watching “best of” reels from panel shows on YouTube when I should have been going outside – which explains why I photographed fluorescent white for those years.
Panel shows are the BEST. I’ve introduced so many friends to Mock the Week, 8 out of 10 Cats, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Would I Lie To You?, and more!
These panel shows are rivaled only by amazing content like Taskmaster, my all-time favorite TV show.
When you’re in the UK, other people actually know of these shows. Finally, you’ll have someone to talk to about James Acaster’s perfect line on Scenes I’d Like to See!
(This is one of my favorite benefits of living in the UK, to be honest.)
33. Pro: Incredible Literature
I’m a literature buff. After getting three degrees in literature, it’s obvious that words are my thing.
Living in the UK is like living in a library. Everywhere you go, you can find a connection to famous works of fiction and nonfiction.
In Oxford, I visited the pub where Tolkien and C.S. Lewis would get together to write and discuss politics. I visited Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon and traced his life through the village. In London, I got to enjoy a taste of Harry Potter.
Whether you love fiction or non-fiction, modern or historical literature, you’re sure to find a connection to a literary masterpiece that will make you fall even more in love with this country.
34. Pro: Unique Slang
A pro of living in the UK is the slang. You’ll come away from your time in the UK with a whole new language based on slang from different regions.
Classics include mate, lorry, tube, lift, knickers, and cuppa.
If you move between cities, you’ll find that the slang changes. Even though the UK is small, they’ve developed more regional slang than Canada! Traveling to a new city or town sometimes feels like visiting a new country.
Another benefit is that none of the slang is hard to master. People forgive if you don’t know it and will help teach you. Once you learn it, it’s easy to get the hang of their terms and see how they came to be.
The only genuinely impossible slang is Cockney rhyming slang – like learning a new language and then flipping it on its head!
35. Pro: Yummy British Food
I’m what a dog trainer would call “food-motivated.” So, of course, British food plays a role in my love of England.
Some people see British food as a con of living in England, but I disagree. They just don’t know the right food!
British food is supposed to be bland, flavorless, and oily.
However, you’ll understand the allure if you find good British food.
Everything is made to be satisfying, homey, and warm. So things like a good sausage roll with flaky pastry, a perfectly crumbly scotch egg, and a runny meat pie become Michelin-star delicacies when done right.
They should all be on their own list of good things about living in the UK!
How to Transfer Money to the UK
Moving to England requires a lot of steps. One of the biggest ones is sending over money so you can start your life here.
I used to use outdated bank transfers and PayPal, which meant paying HUGE fees and inflated exchange rates. I’d often lose thousands just trying to move my own money.
Then, I found Wise.com.
I use them exclusively now to send my money around the world. Whether moving to a new country, taking a gap year, or studying abroad, I’ve relied on Wise.com to transfer my money for the lowest rates.
If you’re skeptical, they even have a tool to compare their service fees and exchange rates with other providers to prove that they save you the most money.
Sign up today to start moving your money to the UK securely and without ridiculous added fees.
Click Here to Check Wise’s Rates
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FAQs About Living in England
Is living in England safe?
It depends! The crime rate is generally low compared to other countries, but as with anywhere, there are risks involved. I lived in England as a solo female and found it very safe. However, if you’re living in an area like London, it’s probably best to be very cautious of your surroundings.
Is the UK a bad place to live?
No, the UK isn’t a bad place to live. Nowhere is a “bad” place to live in general. However, certain places aren’t right for certain people.
So, the UK would be a bad place to live if you hate rain, struggle with accents, don’t want to live in a multicultural area and think adorable cottages are gross.
Is the UK a good place to live?
Yes! The UK is an excellent place to live because the cost of living is high but manageable, and the weather is mild compared to other European countries. There are many excellent employment and educational opportunities, and the public transportation system is efficient. The UK has a rich culture and many beautiful places to visit.
Why is the UK so bad to live in?
Some disadvantages of living in the UK are:
– High cost of living
– The weather
– Difficult to adjust to the new lifestyle
– Racism
Reasons Not to Move to England
Some reasons not to move to England are:
– The weather is unpredictable and often cold.
– The cost of living is high – especially the cost of rent.
– Finding a job matching your skills and experience can be difficult.
– The pace of life is generally faster than you may be used to.
– Other countries are more welcoming and fun to live in!
Is England a nice place to live?
England is a nice place to live because it is safe, there are many opportunities for employment and education, and the culture is interesting. However, the cost of living is high, and the weather is dreary in winter.
What is it like to live in England?
Living in England is a unique experience that combines the best of British culture with London’s cosmopolitan vibes. There are many things to do, excellent employment, and quality educational opportunities. However, the weather can be unpredictable, and it rains more than in other European countries.
Is the UK a good place to settle?
The United Kingdom is a popular destination for immigrants and refugees to settle. The UK has a long history of welcoming people worldwide, and its diverse population is one of its greatest strengths.
There are many reasons why the UK is a good place to settle, including its strong economy, high quality of life, and excellent educational and employment opportunities.
Closing Thoughts
So, is England a good place to live?
Whether you’re looking to move to the UK for work or just because England is your favorite country, there are many pros and cons of living in the UK that could impact your decision.
Living in the United Kingdom isn’t for everyone, so you need to know the advantages and disadvantages before you commit to moving your life overseas.
The pros of living in England include affordable healthcare, easy access to Europe, and a diverse culture. The cons of living in England are that the country is expensive and there’s not much work for non-English speakers.
Ultimately, your experience living in the UK will be based on your personality, needs, and how much you put yourself out there. You’re guaranteed to have a terrible time if you just sit in your bachelor apartment all day, never speaking to anyone (trust me, I’ve been there!).
While England isn’t the soulmate destination I’d hoped for, I could still find so much good while I lived there.
Now that you know all the reasons to live in England, take a closer look at the pros and cons of living in Oxford, England – where I lived!
When you’re ready to visit France, find the cheapest flights with this tool.
Ready to move to England?
- Book an amazing hotel in the UK.
- Find an apartment with a kitchen.
- Get a travel adapter so your tech will work abroad.
- Make friends staying at one of the best hostels.
- Get a quote for travel insurance to protect your things from theft or loss while you move.
- Find amazing things to do with these awesome UK tours.
- Find a great deal on a rental car.
Related Posts:
- 15 Pros and Cons of Living in Oxford, England from an Expat
- Living in England vs. Australia: Which is Better
- 14 Pros and Cons of Living in France
- 25 Pros and Cons of Living in New Zealand
- 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Canada
- 28 Pros and Cons of Living Abroad: Why You Should Move to Another Country
- Best Stratford Upon Avon Day Trip
- Everything You Need To Know About Living In Wales [From a Local]
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🌎 What is the best country to live in as an expat?
It depends – the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you!
📍 How do I pick a country to live abroad?
It depends – picking a country to live in is hard. That’s why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps I’ve taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there.
Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all!
💼 How do I get a job as an expat?
You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. They hire for 100% remote roles only.
If you’re looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work!
💰 How do I open a bank account abroad?
Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK!), Wise.com is a great solution.
I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. (Read more)
👯♀️ How do you make friends abroad?
Meetup.com – Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! It’s free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee.
🙀 I don’t speak the language. Can I still live abroad?
Learn languages in no time with iTalki! Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. You don’t need to know it before you leave home.
💻 Do I need a VPN?
Yes! – VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. It’s a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities aren’t restricted.
🧳 What’s the best luggage for living abroad?
This is my favourite luggage set for long term travel. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here.
🏡 How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad?
Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad … and then when I did it again. I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who aren’t supportive.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?
To find cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. (Read more)
🏨 What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?
To find cheap hotels, I recommend Booking.com. (Read more)
Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!
🚗 What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?
To find cheap rental cars, I recommend Discover Cars.
🚗 What’s the best site to find tours?
To find epic tours, I recommend Viator.
