Things a Pinoy Should Do When First Arriving in the UK

For example, get tax file number. Sign-up for Medicare. Get insurance, etc?

Any advices you could give to us Pinoys? Even just tips in general like bring winter clothes, always have an umbrella even when it's sunny. Or even humorous ones, like prepare for a rice-less life.

I'm expecting to get my UK passport right around next week. I'm currently searching for jobs online. And jobs are plenty! I'll be leaving as soon as I have every thing prepared.

So any advices you could give to me, or even to other Pinoys on a Visit/Spouse visa would be appreciated.

Come on, share your knowledge!

Thanks Jim! Keep them coming!

1. Find somewhere to live. Perhaps because we have no ID Cards, many organisations are obsessed with Utility Bills, so get started on paying for gas, electricity, the telephone, and the rest as soon as you can so that you can produce a bill.
2.Go the JobCentre (used to be called the Labour Exchange when I was a boy) and apply for a National Insurance Number.
3. Go to a doctor's practice and ask to be taken on as a patient and get your NHS Number
4. Whilst you can drive for a year on your Philippines Licence, apply for a UK Provisional Licence (from the Post Office) and get started on the Driving Test as soon as possible.
5. Armed with the above, and with proof of identity and a utility bill, open a bank account.

I'm going to settle there. See how life is in the UK. Hopefully, earn a good living.

If things don't pan out, I could always travel to other countries and seek opportunity elsewhere.

The wonders of the UK passport...

I'm a pretty good cook. I have also worked for a restaurant as an Asst. Manager.

I also know the secret recipe of KFC.

----------

Thank you very much good sirs! Just keep them coming.

Jobs:

1. A resume is called a CV (Curriculum Vitae). Ask your uncle if you can name him as a reference.

2. Expect to apply for forty jobs before you get one. This is normal; don't get down hearted.

3. To be blunt, UK employers do not operate on "Philippines Time". Be early.

4. At interview, be sure to ask questions.

5. I hardly need to say this, but "Sir" is a very much stronger honorific than "po". It is not a direct translation. Beware of saying "Sir" too often.

Thanks Andrew!

Yeah I hate calling it resume too. CV is better. Same as in Australia.

I don't really want to rely on my uncle...

Nothing can faze me. Getting rejected for me is normal. Girls do it a lot to me and I don't give up easily.

But yes, I'll be aware of that Philippine Time. I'll most likely have problems with that.

Good advice from all here. I think we've all assessed that you're an intelligent positive young man from your posts so I don't think you're going to struggle with the mechanics of UK life too much.

Id just add that there is a difference in character between Brits and Pinoys and to bear in mind that generally young men here can be less respectful and more aggressive in nature especially the dead-heads.

A poke in the eye, and kick in the groin solves most fights.

But when in doubt, run!

Thanks I'll bear that in mind.

Note also that GIRLS in this country can be aggressive, espescially after a few drinks.

Not applicable to you but would be to Pinoys without a British Passport - collect the Biometric Residence Permit from the Post Office within 10 days of arrival in the UK.

You can buy second hand clothes at charity shops. Buy new clothes cheaply at Primark. Tesco and Asda supermarkets also have cheap clothes in their larger stores.

When enquiring about bank accounts be sure to state you want a BASIC bank account. The banks in the UK are expected to provide BASIC bank accounts but they don't like to advertise them. A basic bank account will not provide a cheque book or any form of overdraft but they often include a debit card. You won't be offered other types of current account as you have no credit history in the UK.

The best basic accounts are with Barclays Cash Card, Co-op Cashminder and Virgin Essential Current Account; you are virtually guaranteed an account. Virgin is probably the best as it pays in-credit interest and there are no fees if you attempt to go overdrawn, To open any bank account you will need a form of ID (eg passport) and proof of address.

Sign up for www.moneysavingexpert.com - there is a wealth of information on that website on all financial matters and you can get weekly emails sent to you. It also provides information on how you can earn money from home whilst, for example, you are looking for a job.

Find yourself a good woman, a redhead of course

You can sometimes buy rice in bulk and at a cheap price in LIDL.

Yes I should have put it in more context. Not meaning to scare or cast a negative image of our great country. I was thinking if knight was about town drinking and nightclubs just to be aware. Also my own observation is that I've seen more fights going on in towns than cities.

KFC has a completely different taste in the UK Ive found.. I hardly ever use them here as I`m always disappointed.
Book 3 or 4 driving lessons...
When driving,if an oncoming car flashes his lights at you it means he is giving way as a courtesy or a message to you that your headlights are on or something else is up,like forgetting to turn your hazard lights off,full beam etc..
Here,obviously it is the complete opposite!! (apart from the full beam warning)
You will need to learn to drive on the correct side of the road and how to negotiate roundabouts!
As a pedestrian,USE pedestrian crossings where possible..DONT walk into traffic no matter how slow with your hand up or try too direct traffic or they will run you over!!
I did this once after a long trip to Asia and nearly got into a fist fight with a scaffolder..
Always say "Please" and "Thank you" and "Sorry"!
learn how to make a nice cuppa tea...You`ll be fine.