", When your local friends plan their many weeks of holiday time galavanting somewhere new, you will plan yours for a visit back to the same places again and again and again.A crannog (a human-made island) in Loch Kinord. If you plan to visit any of the Scottish islands other than Skye, you will arrive by ferry. Maybe you were a manager in your last company in America and you want to continue on the same level; you may have to be willing to take a few steps down just to start somewhere and then use that American work ethic to climb up the ladder. We got married so quickly because it was the only feasible way to live in the same country for us, neither of us wanted to go back to University, neither of us qualified for a work visa, and neither of us had any special circumstances. After you have your moving date, make sure to start the process of obtaining the required documents as soon as possible. Aside from trains, you can also take buses all around Scotland; the four main bus companies are First, Stagecoach, Lothian Buses, and National Express, but there are dozens of other smaller companies throughout the country as well. If youre sober, there are still many things that youll enjoy, but pub culture is a big part of everyday life here and few activities exist where drink isnt eventually introduced, for some. Renting privately is usually cheaper and, if youre on a budget, this is the avenue that you should pursue. Most people make their friends through work, and you should do everything you can to be as friendly and sociable as possible at work. If youre craving a taste of home, there are options throughout the country, but do your research first; the odds are that unless it is owned by an American in Scotland, it will be more American themed than anything else and not at all what youre used to eating back in The States American themed restaurants are primarily burgers and fries with Budweiser on tap. We bought our first electric car recently so theres no real need for me to learn manual now. Because its such a long post, I added a bunch of pretty Scotland photos to make it more enjoyable along the way. Im simply presenting some food for thought so you know what youre getting into should you move to Scotland someday soon. WebThe test below will reveal your personality traits and based on the research, it will predict the place in Britain that would make you happiest, or least happy, based solely on your As with anywhere in the world, there are certainly pros and cons to living in Scotland. Save time and get one of my bulletproof Scotland itineraries. With economic conditions improving, migration forecasters predict that well see more long-distance moves in the near future. You can create wonderful memories by taking pictures at these famous landmarks. 1/20. WebFor Americans moving to Scotland, a drivers license becomes a nightmare. In general, Scotland provides a competitive salary and many career development opportunities. To get an even more seamless relocation process, engage Sanelo to ship your belongings to Scotland. Having a relationship with the bank could make that a little bit easier. That distance does make things more challenging. The 67-year-old researcher fell in love with Scotland during a trip and decided to retire in the Highlands. You will need to phone the National Insurance Number application phone number, and you may be required to attend an interview before they will assign you your number. Always remember these are from my personal perspective and your own pros and cons for living in Scotland or elsewhere will undoubtedly vary. You can purchase tickets at the station or in advance online or withScotrails travel app. RT @AlbaParty: Do you agree with us that when Scotland becomes Independent we should ditch the monarchy and move to an elected head of state? Thinking about how you would look for and choose your next job, which of the following would be your approach?. In Scotland, the saying goes, a dry day is a good day. If youre coming to Scotland for a suntan, you may want to rebook your flights to Greece. "text": "Overall, Scotland is a good place for expats. In fact, thats what they call us. "acceptedAnswer": { Had he done the same higher education in the US instead of in the UK, he would have been under a mountain of debt when we met. Scotland is the second-largest country in the UK and is home to 5.51 million people. A better work-life balance is encouraged here, rather than that undercurrent of working yourself into an early grave in the States. So whats keeping Americans from longer moves? Dinnae Dont; Dinnae dae that, Cannae Cant; I cannae find the pub, Nae bother No Problem; Aye, nae bother pal., Wee Small; Just a wee bit more of that gin, please., Numpty Stupid; What an absolute numpty., Minging Disgusting; Oh, that is pure minging.. Youll be welcomed into the fold even if you ask too many clarifying questions and even if you dont understand all the slang. how to plan a road trip in Scotland 7. You can also use cab-hailing apps like Uber or Gett, or you can book a taxi through a local service. } For part-time and general job searches, Gumtree is going to your first port of call once again. If all else fails, you can live like a local and walk! Check out this guide on how to get to the city from Edinburgh Airport. The lifestyle of live to work and not work to live just makes me want to stay. the more connections youll create which can lead to opportunities. If youre driving in the countryside, theres a whole other slew of things to consider; many country roads are narrow, one-way roads with designated passing spots for you to pull over if another car is coming your way. - CON: Long waiting times As is the case throughout the UK, waiting times for appointments via the NHS can be long. If you go with any other banking startup, always check that it offers the same protection. Youll probably find that the other tenants have lined up a number of other people to view the room so, if you like the room and your future flatmates, let them know that youd like to take it straight away. Nearly one in nine Americans changed residences between 2013 and 2014, according to recent data released by the U.S. Census Bureau. In Scotland, union members have accepted an offer worth an average 6.5% for 2023-24. Just wondering since I am in a similar situation in that I am planning to marry a man from Scotland, I was wondering what process you went through in terms of that initial visa. Please contact us for more information to adjust the process to fit your needs. Or Welsh in isolated pockets, but there may not be jobs in the Welsh-speaking areas, Portuguese (with some Swahili and Bantu, but for professional purposes mostly Portuguese), Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. Hi Katie, youd need to speak to a specialist about that as in the UK most retirees have working in the UK, therefore, have paid tax and National Insurance. Theres a whole network of frightfully narrow country roads in Scotland and it helps to know how to maneuver around them. Answer our 11 question quiz to find the perfect part of the UK for you. For example, you can find the catchment area map for schools in Edinburgh on its local government website. "name": "Can A British Citizen Move To Scotland? Nevertheless, the weather in Scotland is not everyones cup of tea. Those with an ocean in between and many hours time difference have extra hurdles to overcome. Scotch Pie a savory pie filled with meat (usually beef or mutton). You dont need a National Insurance Number to start working as youll automatically be assigned a temporary number, but you may be charged a higher rate of tax when using this temporary number. Trains connect all major cities for leisurely vacations while cheap airlines also offer quick escapes. This is incredibly in-depth and has been so helpful. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a634281a31d74097d2879ff55c031259" );document.getElementById("j5ab783500").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Contact Us | About Us | Privacy | Disclaimer | Buy Us A Tea, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases UK & US Everything Edinburgh are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites., 10 Tips for Moving to Scotland by a US Expat. But youll still be unfamiliar with the history of places that is ingrained in those who have been here for generations. Your next step will be to find somewhere to live, either temporarily or semi-permanently. Therefore, it is crucial to know the type of accommodation you will live in before moving to Scotland. The landlord is legally supposed to pay the deposit into a tenancy deposit scheme. Not only does this protect your rights, but you may also be able to use this as proof of address for essentials like opening a bank account. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. In Scotland, union members have accepted an offer worth an average 6.5% for 2023-24. While, again, I am privileged to be able-bodied and not require any accessibility aids, I think its still fair to say that Scotland is accessible. Sanelo is a. Theyre not necessarily just a short-term solution: banks like Monzo are aiming to provide a better current account than the high street banks, and you may find that they offer a better product than most high street banks. Aw Amanda, Nicole will love to hear this. You can reach out to Nicole at this Instagram account to ask directly. Ferries grant access to islands and peninsulas. I wont talk about the fun festivals, the mesmerizing Highlands, or the fact that youre never far from the sea. You can always opt to supplement your public healthcare with private coverage. Scotrail is Scotlands national train service that has over 300 stations in Scotland, giving you a wide berth of travel choices; here are 8 fun day trips from Edinburgh you can take by train. She says Brexit rushed her decision. Find Out The Cost Of Living In Scotland, 5. Take out the overwhelm and let me help you plan an itinerary that is 100% YOU. 35 Pros and Cons of Living in Scotland 1. 7 essentials to sort out ASAP when Moving to Scotland. Leave us a comment at the end of this guide. 2023 BBC. If you arent coming over on a work visa, finding a job can feel overwhelming and daunting, some fields of study arent recognized here, and you may have to get re-certified. But for the vast majority of us, the NHS is a literal lifesaver. You can dig your roots as deep as you dare, but you will never quite be local. The best thing is you can enjoy sightseeing in many ways here. There are many banks to choose from: Royal Bank of Scotland, Bank of Scotland, Clydesdale Bank, and TSB Bank are the four most popular in Scotland. These living expenses are relatively affordable because the average annual salary in Scotland is among the highest in the UK. I have, obviously, taken more than my fair share of flights. Hi Dori. "@type": "Question", #ALBAforIndependence #NotOurKing. Livability.com commissioned an in-depth survey, conducted by the leading global market research firm Ipsos Public Affairs, to examine the issues that drive and impact relocation decisions. Cut off contact with your ex, at least for a while. Elena Artacho, 27, is still learning how to feel at home in Edinburgh. When you move into your new home, you can register at your local doctors office referred to as a Doctors Surgery or GP Office (General Practitioner) to begin receiving healthcare.You can register for a dentist through the NHS or choose to pay an nominal out-of-pocket fee with private care. But Im trying to be more conscientious about my travel choices and encourage you to investigate alternatives wherever possible. Or I could turn the next corner to say hello to the cows. Thats the beauty of Scotland. Image one below. Fanny Quindot says she saw more of Scotland as tourist than she did when she lived here, Elena Artacho says she is still waiting to discover her new home city, Lucie Aidart says she is enjoying life in Edinburgh, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Some people have a preference for agencies, while others prefer private landlords. This is wonderful because it means that you dont have to worry about finding a doctor or paying for expensive procedures. Of course not. Scots is its own language, and I have learned to understand some of it. "@type": "Question", Private landlords should have a landlord registration number, which should be included on the rental agreement. The amount that you pay annually is based on the value of your home; you canfind your Council Tax band here. } I wish I could say that the hard part was over, but theres so much more to go. "So many good things happened in my life when I decided to just let go, and follow my intuition," she says. From missing big events to planning every visit around weddings and holidays; from phone calls at odd hours due to time differences to watching the little ones in your life grow up from too far awayliving in Scotland if your family lives in the US can be a struggle. I know I said that one of the pros of living in Scotland is that you dont need a license. There's been an accident on the main road, so let's take a different route. In the town where I live, I can walk to 4 massive grocery stores, 2 butcher shops, a fishmonger, countless restaurants and cafes, an expansive library, a huge sports complex, a variety of pubs, live music venues, and a train station that will bring me all around the country. The average cost of living in Scotland totals out to about $1,546. Thank you for taking the time to write this!!!! It is worth opening a bank account with a high street bank like Barclays, Natwest, or Santander eventually or as well as your other bank account, as you may end up wanting a loan or mortgage later on. WebTake time to grieve and process your emotions. There are many websites that cater to bringing American food to the UK, so you should be able to find your favourite snacks at a slightly higher cost. Psst thats why its a question in this what country should you live in quiz! If you chose to bring over any American appliance, you must ensure that you have a proper converter to be able to use them; overall it would be better to purchase UK appliances. If its not, you can ask to see it. The visas must be applied for while you are in the USA, and you must remain in the USA from the application date until you receive your response. And even if you qualify, getting an approved visa to Scotland isnt guaranteed. Typically you will be asked for the first months rent in advance, along with a deposit. } Most American drivers are accustomed to a four or five-point stop sign or red light to control traffic flow; here, youre more likely to find a roundabout to do the same thing. Gumtree.com is a classifieds website, a little like Craigslist in the US, and itll probably be your go-to website for everything while youre in Scotland: accommodation, jobs, second-hand furniture, English-language tutors, you name it. 3. Good luck! I hope you can make it work! Planning to move from America to the glorious country of Scotland? Take our quiz to see if youre ready for a move. There Are 196 Countries In The World But Which One Should You Live In? As Europe's crisis deepens, thousands are moving abroad in search of better economic conditions and a better life. How to get Scottish citizenship will depend on your visa pathway, but once you have the opportunity to get it, I would highly recommend; there are no negatives to having Scottish citizenship and you will have two passports, never have to apply for a UK visa again & finally get to say that you are Scottish! The nation, on the whole, is welcoming. I hope that your dream comes true. We have a tumble dryer in our current home, but I still line dry as much as possible. 1. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, Im Kathi! Seize The Opportunities In Scotlands Job Market, 6. One of the things that immediately blew me away what how much it cost to live in Scotland compared to my life in NYC it felt like everything was nearly free!Most Americans will find that the cost of living in Scotland is much more moderate than theyre used to back in The States; as of 2020,the median earning in Scotlandwas 25,616, which is roughly $35,620. Hi Andreas, Nicole lives in Edinburgh. "@type": "Answer", That would have affected our ability to travel, to try new jobs, to enjoy our 20s, and even to marry. Don't worry if you don't know, we are still here to help. You can rent by the night or by the month, which gives you quite a bit of flexibility. Thats an unfortunate reality for any expat. Many startup banks (like Pockit currently) arent banks, but prepaid cards, and you dont get the FSCS protection with a prepaid card. Although renting with Airbnb is often more expensive than renting normally is, its possible to find spare rooms for rent for as little as 10 per night in otherwise expensive cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow. There was nothing to pay and no paperwork to worry about! The cost of your ticket varies on the travel distance and the time; during peak hours (coinciding with rush hours), tickets will be higher; the more off-peak, the more affordable. Our friends live a mile away. Not only have I felt welcomed by neighbors and strangers alike, but I feel welcome in Scotland by policies and legislation. Thank you so much for this. If youd like to learn some more about the Nordic countries and Scandinavians in general when youre done with this quiz, here is some further reading for you: You can also visit museums and historical sites during weekends or off days to learn more about the local culture. The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Best Place to Live, What a Budget of $300,000 or Less Will Get You in 10 Cities Across the Country, 6 Affordable Islands You Can Actually Live On, 10 Best Cities for Antique & Flea Market Lovers, 10 People On What Its Really Like to Leave NYC for a Smaller City, Copyright 2010-2023 Livability - Journal Communications, Inc. Should You Move? She is usually a very active and social person and had expected to struggle with the two-week home quarantine at her arrival. NHS Scotlandis a fantastic and life-saving service, but often very confusing to understand even for the locals. Another huge pro of living in Scotland is free higher education. I dont know where youre from or your circumstances, but this post by my friend about getting a spouse visa might be useful: https://watchmesee.com/blog/american-scotland-applying-spouse-visa-uk/ Of course, this covers only her personal experience. Nicole Nadler is a New Yorker on her birth certificate and in her heart but becomes more of a Scottish lass with each passing day. When you move into your new home you must contact your local Council Authority to register your new address. Moving To Bath, Fanny Quindot had thought about moving to Scotland for a long time, but putting down roots in a new country during the Covid-19 pandemic was not easy. Another aspect of travel weve not discussed is ferries! I am retired and have been to Scotland a couple of times and absolutely love the simplicity of it. Your email address will not be published. Edinburgh is a home I'm building up to.". Get Familiar With The Climate In Scotland, 3. If that isnt the case, consider doing an extended stay at an Airbnb to learn more about the area before you sign a lease; here are some great options forAirBnbs in Edinburgh. Even living in Edinburgh or any of the bigger cities, it often feels like Ive taken a step back in time. Yes, you can! The following information is taken from a new report written by former Livability.com Editor Matt Carmichael, author of the book Buyographics.

So lets jump into the negatives. If you decide to drive in Scotland, you need to know the basic traffic rules, such as always driving on the left side of the road, learning the speed limits, and making sure you have a valid driving licence to drive in Scotland. If you plan to rent an entire apartment or house, Gumtree is also the best starting point. by Julia Brown. First, you have toapply for a provisional license. As well as proof of address, youll also need a passport or another form of ID. In America, many people live to work, but in Scotland, people tend to work to live; you will rarely find people who work 60 hour work weeks and ignore their time off and prioritise their job above all others.The culture supports a stronger work-life balance; which gives you more time to enjoy living in the wonderful country.