I am an American and my BF is Dutch. We are both 35+ adults and he has been offered a full time permanent contract position in Belfast. We are planning to settle there in a few weeks and have never been there. We are curious to hear all about what it is like in the area and what we should expect. We are planning to move to the area of South Belfast and other than that, we know nothing. I have spent a decent of amount of time traveling before and look forward to learning a new culture. I would greatly appreciate any comments about any aspect of Belfast day to day living from how much average water bill is to where is best place to shop for food or go to gym or grab some cocktails, all would be welcome. Thanks.

Just be very careful what "full time permanent contract" means under UK law. It should be ok, but if the term "consultant" is slipped in there or "contactor" then you are expected to be self employed with very few rights.

The religious devide still exists.

Try http://www.city-data.com/
and good luck to you both~

Thanks for the tip. The contract is pretty firm. He has benefits and relocation assistance.

What does the religious divide still exists mean to an American and Dutch expat? Will there be an issue? He is an Atheist and I am a Baptist that is more about just believing in God and not organized religion because of my own bad past experiences with churches. If we keep our mouth shut about politics and religion are we good to go?

I have searched the internet pretty hard and really want to hear from as many people that live in the area as possible. I have spent a lot of time outside of USA recently and so I understand that some have bad viewpoints of American politics. I want to fit in and just be like everyone else as much as an Expat can, He is Dutch so he wants the same thing too. He is fluent in English and his new job is Bi-lingual so that won't be any type of a barrier more so than my cultural differences and vernacular styles will be for me.

What is it like to just be an average joe in Belfast? What are the cultural day to day experiences consisting of? Where are the best places to hang out at? What are the cool things to do, besides tourist traps? Is there anything we should be doing to prepare before we come? We wish to be respectful and humble and make new friends while still being ourselves.

Please do not make the mistake of calling Northern Ireland ; Ireland either. It is more the UK then Erie.

I should add, that while the contract is "permanent" our plan is too stay for only a year or two before moving back to Netherlands or SouthEastern England area.

PS you will still need a work visa
http://www.wikihow.com/Move-to-England

Sorry, I had no idea. I know it is part of the UK as I am working with the UK immigration for a family permit but I also have to list the country as Ireland and not England. So, it is best to call the country "northern Ireland" when asked, is that not incorrect as it is not a separate country?

Does this come up a lot? What is best way to respond?

As an American, non EU marrying a Dutch person ( soon) I am eligible for a EEA family permit according to UK law. Once I obtain my family permit, I am allowed to apply for my residence card which allows me a work permit. This is via the Freedom of Workers Movement of EU law. I do not have the contract in Belfast, my EU partner does. I shall not apply for a job in Belfast until I have my residence card.

Ireland is the Republic of - the southern part. Nothing to do with the UK.

Northern Ireland is one of the 4 parts of the UK - England, Wales, Scotland (but I don;t know the details of what is going on there) and Northern Ireland.

Have never spent significant time there - only a couple of days - so can't help with details. But politics and religion can be very intertwined and complicated. And I know nothing about residential areas - but I would look into this carefully with local experts before making any decisions.

Northern Ireland is most definitely not the country of Ireland. It is a part of the UK.

I wasn't responding to Nytraveller! I would always call it Northern Ireland and never shorten it to Ireland.

I would spend some time reading about Northern Ireland to familiarise yourself with it before moving. This book may be useful

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Worki.../dp/1845280679

Here is my question, UK is not a "country". It consists of four countries. So, I should respond that I live in "northern Ireland" if ever asked what country I live in?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom

Can anyone tell me what costs to expect in addition to monthly rent for budget? I have checked and found their is a tax that is called "rates" and I see their is water/sewage but cannot find where to get an average for a 1-2 bedroom apartment in Lisburn Road area for these extra expenses. I really need this info from Belfast locals if there are any out there.

You could say either the UK or Northern Ireland. Depends on the context. I live in London and almost always say I live in the UK unless specifically asked to refer to England. Others may be more specific...I am guessing some would say Scotland, or wales, or Northern Ireland rather than UK. But they could also say uk.

I good site for rentals to get an idea of price is http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-...e&rent=To+rent

Your local council will tell you the rates for council tax etc

http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/counci...tarerates.aspx

You will also need to pay for a tv license if you have a tv

https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/cs/pay...ence/index.app

Your rates will be determined based on the property value at some point in time and is paid by the occupier not the owner. You will likely need to get this from the owner or vendor of the place you rent from.

@jamkins............Wow you have to pay to have a tv? That is different. Thanks for that info.

I have been all over rightmove.uk but that only tells me my rental rates and what I should clarify I am looking for is expenses outside of rental rates, this TV license is a great example of that. Can you tell me how much the average water bill is for a 2 bedroom apartment in that area? Are the tax rates due with your rental payments or separate and do you pay extra for trash pickup as well? I expect the normal tv/internet/ phone/ electric bills so I am really asking about the others. Thanks.

Gotha. I shall tell BF also, to refer as Northern Ireland and never Ireland.