I am moving to London for California. Tips? Helpful hints? Procedures I should know about?

Question

I know a little bit and my employer is helping me out, but I was hoping to get some other points of view. Don't tell me I should or should not go, I'm going! But I'd love the point of view of more people who have been there, hopefully people who have lived and worked there as american citizens. What do i need to watch out for, how safe is "the tube", tips on getting used to Pounds instead of $, tips on vocabulary, and words I should stay away form... etc etc etc. Thanks!

Answer 1

The tube is quite safe. I lived in Britain for 2 yrs. get a small colour (not color) map book that you can keep in your pocket. learn British English, which is all different,
but fun. Learn all about Parliament and Blair's Cabinet.
Ken Livingstone, London's Mayor, is a super intelligent and very real person. Learn about Oasis and the battling Gallagher bros. Read NME. Read the Times, The Guardian, and the Express daily. Your local is your favorite pub, and the landlord's
home. Shop at small, local shops. Gas (petrol) is much more dear than here.
The police are helpful and carry few weapons.
Gun ownership is very restricted.
See: The 24 Hour Museum on the web, and the site
Transport for London. Concerts at Albert Hall.
Pay to sit in a park chair!
People are loyal and friendly, and wear something with a Union Jack on it!
The coinage has been decimal for some time, and the 1/2 p was eliminated years ago. The pound coin is quite thick and unlike any others. The pound is about $1.60. You can exchange money anywhere, and many will take dollars.
The hardest test in the world is "The Knowledge of London", to drive a London Taxi, you must memorize London!!
Driving on the left gave me a headache for three days. Watch it at crossroads - don't go on the right! And rotaries are roundabouts, and some are double roundabouts - out of one into another!
The landlord of your local will be a very good source of info! And his wife!
You will love it! I tried to stay, including starting my only business, but things didn't work out.
Ask specific questions at:
[e-mail].

Answer 2

First, hope you don't have pets that you're planning on taking with you because it's a MAJOR hassle; they may have to be quarantined for months! 2nd), pounds are right now almost double USD's; so 1 USD equals about 1 pound 60; tube is as safe as anywhere else, but never stand by "stray" bags or packages, bangers are sausages, mash is potatoes, stay away from haggis(disgusting stuff stuffed into some animal's stomach-yuck!), eat the steak and kidney pie, a "pint" of beer/ale is larger than a 12oz beer; find out where the American Consulate in case of "war"; make copies of all your important papers: leave a copy with family, 1 w/friends, 1 in a safety deposit box or safe for you, have fun and enjoy! Say 'ello to the queen for me, mate!

Answer 3

The most expensive city in the world, partying is expensive, eating out is expensive, smoking is expensive, it is so unrealistic, get used to the subway and bus.