British culture is influenced by the combined nations’ history; its historically Christian religious life, its interaction with the cultures of Europe, the traditions of England, Wales and Scotland, and the impact of the British Empire. Although British culture is a distinct entity, the individual cultures of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are diverse and have varying degrees of overlap and distinctiveness.
The United Kingdom sits in the higher mid-latitudes between 49° and 61° N on the western seaboard of Europe. Since the UK is always in or close to the path of the polar front jet stream, frequent changes in pressure and unsettled weather are typical. Many types of weather can be experienced in a single day. In general, the climate of the UK is cool and often cloudy and rainy, and high temperatures are infrequent.
While the UK is up there in terms of cost of living, Numbeo, the world’s largest database of user-contributed data, points out that it’s cheaper than the United States.
In the UK, the cost of living is 10% lower than in the US (based on the aggregate data for all cities, excluding rent).
Planning a move to the UK? Here are a few average costs worth keeping in mind (according to Numbeo):
For more detailed cost of living in the U.K., please click here or visit:
Adapted curriculum / IGCSE / American High School Diploma / AP / IB Diploma; ages 2-18; co-ed; day and boarding; independent; privately owned; 1,350 students
One of four ACS International schools, three around London and one in Doha. Located in Surrey, close to West London and offering the alternative of American or IB Diplomas. Recently, over 70 IB graduates scored an average of 33 points, against the global figure of 30. High level of EAL support available. Dually accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
PYP / MYP / IB Diploma / IB Careers Programme; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 600 students
The only member of the ACS group of schools to offer the complete IB programme including the Careers Related option. T Students consistently reach an average IB Diploma score in the mid-30’s against a global figure of around 30. Located opposite Windsor Great Park. Dually accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Adapted curriculum American High School Diploma / AP / IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 570 students
The member of the ACS international schools located closest to central London. Non-selective and offering an American/British curriculum with the option of taking the IB Diploma. IB average results marginally below the other ACS British schools. Dually accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
French curriculum / Brevet; ages 5-16; co-ed; day; state; 670students
Bilingual school opened in 2011 for the increasing number of French nationals in London. Located in Camden with students moving on to French lycées either in London or overseas. A small number transfer into the English education system or the English section of the Lycée Charles de Gaulle.
PYP / MYP / IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 320 students
Founded in 1972, by the chancellor of Dwight School, New York and part of the global group of Dwight schools with other campuses in Seoul, Shanghai and Dubai. Offering the full IB program except for the Careers related option. Average points scored by IB graduates recently was just over 33 against the global figure of 30.
Returning citizens may import household goods and personal effects duty free into the United Kingdom subject to the following requirements:
In order for an individual to qualify to import their used personal belongings free from duty and tax, an online application under Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, needs to be made by the importer (which we recommend is done at least 10 days prior to shipping) using the TOR01 application form at the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-transfer-of-residence-tor-relief-tor01
Once completed the form should be printed, signed and emailed with all applicable supporting documentation (6MB max size) to nch.tor@hmrc.gov.uk.
Supplementary items that may be required to accompany the ToR01 Application to HM Customs:
Note: URN code is only valid for 12 months from shipper arrival into the UK. If the shipper does not arrive into the UK within one year of the URN provided, they still need to contact customs to confirm they can use the previously provided URN for import of their household goods past the 12-month mark.
For more detailed information, please view the full Customs Regulations Guide from FIDI. Please also contact one of our move specialists who are here to help you with importing your house hold goods into The U.K. from Thailand.
Foreign citizens may import a motor vehicle into the United Kingdom duty free provided that the vehicle or boat has been owned and used overseas for a minimum of 6-months prior to import. Vehicle must also comply with United Kingdom compliance of vehicles (see www.dft.gov.uk). Customers are required to complete and provide the following documents:
Importation of pets into the United Kingdom is strictly governed and subject to quarantine regulations. Pet Passports are accepted if the pet is being imported from participating countries.
For more detailed information, please view the full Customs Regulations Guide from FIDI. Please also contact one of our move specialists who are here to help you with importing your house hold goods into The U.K. from Thailand.
Sea Shipments:
Port of Entry | Transit Time | Customs Clearance |
Felixstowe | 23-30 Days | 3-7 Working Days |
Liverpool | 29-32 Days | 7-14 Working Days |
Southhampton | 29-30 Days | 5-10 Working Days |
Air Shipments:
London | 1-2 Days | 3-9 Working Days |