Moving to London for work?

Barclays Wealth International offers banking services and bank accounts for individuals moving to the UK for work

In choosing to come to London, capital city of the UK, you will be at the heart of the 24-hour global market. As well as being one of the world's major cities, London is at the mid-point between the American and Asian markets - so it is open when they are, for a time.

But London has so much more to offer. Alongside major art galleries, theatres, ballet and opera, it boasts some of the best restaurants in the world as well as major sporting venues.

All this comes at a price, however, as it's expensive to live and work here, so it is essential to prepare and get advice before you move. For example, you may want to look at the type of flats in London for rent. You can get a good idea of what is available on London estate agent websites.

If you see something that fits your needs exactly you may want to place a deposit quickly. Some banks have problems handling international transfers, and impose high charges for them.

However, as an international bank, these things are routine for us at Barclays Wealth International. We offer online money transfers at a reduced tariff and also offer competitive rates on currency conversion. Also, we can help by enabling you to open a bank account without the need for an existing financial footprint in the UK. You just need to provide proof of identity and confirmation of your overseas address.

So there is an obvious advantage in having an international bank account set up before you arrive in London. It can be located in the UK or offshore to suit your purposes, and is available in sterling, euros or US dollars.

Our bank accounts make it easy for you to transfer currencies up to a maximum of £50,000 (or currency equivalent). And by choosing to make your international payments online, rather than by letter, fax or face-to-face, you will get to enjoy discounted tariffs.

Apply for a Barclays Wealth International bank account before you move to the UK.

You can also call us on +44 (0)141 352 3986^†, or use our call back service.

Advice on moving to London

Moving to a major city like London can be daunting, but as a resident non-domiciled you will not be alone. It is highly likely that a community of people from your home country is already established in London. Your domicile is generally regarded as the country where your roots are, or where you would like them to be. It is not necessarily determined by your nationality or passport status.

In London, getting advice from someone who can really understand your concerns is not likely to be a problem. One thing they might suggest is to get your tax status as a resident non-domiciled resolved as quickly as possible.

You can contact Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC) via a local office or online (www.hmrc.gov.uk). But once you have an account with us we can introduce you to our preferred tax specialists, Ernst & Young, who can provide you with individual tax advice.

Apply for a Barclays Wealth International bank account now.

Buying in London

When moving to London, you may want to buy property. Our mortgage specialists can offer you a wide range of mortgage choices for property buying. Whether interest-only, repayment, onshore or offshore, or in a choice of currencies, we will find the mortgage that is right for you.

As an alternative to a mortgage, a loan can be raised against the value of long-term savings and investments you hold with us. So, you can finance property purchase while not disturbing your investment plans. Security over your savings and investments will be required.

Moving around in London

Apart from having somewhere to live when moving to London, you will want to know the best way to get around the capital. London has a large underground rail network as well as buses and taxis.

But if you want to drive, don't assume that your current driving licence will permit you to drive in London. Check the requirements with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (www.dvla.gov.uk). In most cases you will have to take the UK driving test after 12 months.

Studying in London

London's universities are attractive to anyone wanting to study. But as a student living on a grant for most of the time, you will have to use your money wisely. So we have developed an account specifically aimed at your needs, the iBank Student.

This is a low-cost banking solution designed for students' banking needs both in the UK and abroad. Entry requirements include £1,000 (or currency equivalent) minimum opening balance, and acceptance into a recognised institution in the UK for at least nine months, full or part time.

Apply for a Barclays Wealth International iBank Student account before you move to the UK.

You can also call us on +44 (0)141 352 3986^†, or use our call back service.