I am from the U.S. (Ohio) and my husband is getting transferred to London. I am having a hard time finding websites with the info I need. I would like to know some of the culture and/or and differences that you know of and maybe some money comparisions. For instance, I have been told that our TV's and VCR's do not work there and we would have to buy a converter or a new one. This is good to know and kind of the things I would like to know. I also have an infant son so if there is somthing that might have to do with babies, or equipment or schools I should know I would appreciate it. Thank you so much -this will help me out tremendously!!

Sara, <BR> <BR>I'm not from the UK, but if you have any pets that you plan on taking, you need to check into the requirements. As recently as a year ago, dogs and cats had to be quarantined for six months (at the owners expense). These strict requirements have been relaxed for European Union citizens, but I'm not sure about pets from the US.

I just posted on another thread: the quarantine for U.S. pets is still six months UNLESS you are from Hawaii. a/o Jan 2001, pets from several rabies-free islands (and Hawaii is one named) can enter the U.K. under the PETS program. The U.K. will re-evaluate the quarantine restrictions next year, but when and if U.S. pets can be brought in without quarantine remains to be seen.

How exciting for you! You may find valuable information on sites designed for expatriates, such as the following: <BR> <BR>www.expatexchange.com <BR>www.expatforum.com <BR>www.expataccess.com <BR>www.expat-moms.com <BR>www.liveabroad.com <BR>www.escapeartist.com <BR> <BR>Many of these sites have forums, as well as country guides, info re moving overseas, embassy information, and links to other sites which may be of help. I would love to be in your shoes....

Hello Sara, <BR> <BR>I am an American living in England. I can confirm that your appliances (TV, VCR, blender, breadmachine, etc.) will NOT work over here unless you get something called a transformer. <BR> <BR>Here's how we do it: <BR> <BR>appliance(s)--&gt;plug into American multi outlet strip with surge protector--&gt;plug this into the transformer--&gt;plug transformer into British wall outlet. <BR> <BR>Make sure you get a transformer specifically for the UK - the European continent uses the same current as the UK, but the plugs are different. <BR> <BR>Generally you only need transformers for things with motors and moving parts, but not things like lamps. You may use your American lamps, but you have to get plug adaptors. <BR> <BR>lamp --&gt;plugs into plug adaptor--&gt;plugs into British wall outlet. <BR> <BR>For your lamps, you will still be able to use screw in type light bulbs, but you MUST get ones that are for 220V. You cannot use regular American lightbulbs, they will blow out every time you turn on the lamp. You can get 220V screw-in light bulbs at any DIY (do-it-yourself) store over here in the UK. <BR> <BR>As far as your TV - you will not be able to pick up any British TV stations with your American TV. You have two options: get a 'multi-system" TV, which you can switch back and forth from 220V to 110V (should you want to take it back to the States). You can get television stations here, and then if you move back to the States, you can also use the multi-system TV back there. <BR> <BR>Or, just get a British TV. You will not be able to use it if you move back to the States, however. <BR> <BR>As far as a VCR, you have the same options: multi-system or British. Videos over here are PAL format, and US videos are NTSC format. This means that if you do bring over your American VCR, you will only be able to watch the American videos you bring over with you. You won't be able to watch British videos you rent at the corner Blockbuster (Yes, Blockbuster is here too). If you have a multi-system VCR, you will be able to watch both British and American videos, simply by flipping a switch back and forth. <BR> <BR>Any other questions, feel free to email me at the above address - it's legit.

Sara, <BR> <BR>Bet it sounds scary coming to Britain. Don't be afraid, we're quite nice really. You may find this hard to believe, but we are actually rather shy, which is why we have a reputaiton for being cold and formal. We are reluctant to make the first move with people we don't know. <BR> <BR>Usually in England, if you ask anyone in the street for information, you'll get plenty of help (people will TAKE you to the end of the street, not just point) - and if you make the first move to introduce youself to your new neighbours, they'll be really pleased. <BR> <BR>London is a bit different, but not too much. It's perhaps partly because most Londerners these days aren't from London, they've moved there from all over the country, so they aren't quite as "at home" as people elsewhere. The other reason is that London gets a lot of visitors, and after a long hot summer in a crowded tube train, people are a bit frazzled and a bit fed up with "their" city being do full of strangers. But I still say that if you ask for advice, you'll get a nice smile and plenty of help. And if you mix with locals, not just other expat Americans, you'll find it very worthwhile. <BR> <BR>One plea - don't stay in London all the time. There's plenty of England outside London, and it can be a very different place indeed, and very very beautiful. And of course, you should come to Yorkshire for a trip or two - we're even friendlier than the southerners (actually, we're just NOSIER - and can't bear not to know all about someone new). The industrial cities are very lively, the old ones are beautiful, and the greenery is VERY green. <BR> <BR>For an insight into the British as seen by Americans, read "Notes from a Small Island" by Bill Bryson. He came for a visit, and stayed for 20 years, so he must have liked it. It is a VERY funny book. <BR> <BR>Chris <BR>Sheffield

Hi all! Chris, your post was so dear..I tried to think of a better word, but"dear" seems best,,,and I find my U.K Fodorites extremely interesting and helpful,,,just wanted to let you know,,,noticed I didn't single out the various nationalities,,,I was afraid I would get hammered,,,appreciate you all!

Thanks, Judy, don't think I've been called "Dear" before. I rather like it , &lt;blush&gt; <BR> <BR>Let me know of anything in particular you want to know, and I'll see if I've got any good URLs. <BR> <BR>Chris