|
YOUR
SUITCASE
In summer take light clothes with you, but
also a few sweaters, a warm jacket and a
windcheater.
In winter you need warm clothes. In all seasons a
raincoat or an umbrella is absolutely
indispensable. A grey suit is recommended for
business appointments.
USEFUL INFORMATION
CARS AND DRIVING : It is very difficult to
park in town. Driving is on the left with priority
on the right. Speed is measured in miles per hour,
1 mile = 1,609 kms. The speed limits are 30 mph in
town , 60mph on a main road and 70 mph on a
highway.
If you are a resident your French licence is valid
for a year; after this time limit has expired it is
oblitary to have a British licence, which can be
obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing
Centre (a 2 week wait).
NB Following a guideline from the European
Community (dated 15/02/1983) the French licence
which has been withdrawn is sent back to the
administrative office from which it was delivered.
You can recuperate it when you return to France in
return for your British licence.
London is three times bigger than Paris, expect to
spend a lot of time travelling in town.
Taxis are a bit cheaper than in France, one big
advantage is that five people can travel
altogether, with their baggage for which there are
no supplements to pay.
For the underground take a one day travelcard, on
sale after 9h30, instead of individual tickets
which work out much more expensive. Good advice :
don't cheat, ticket controls are daily in
London.
SHOPPING :
They are normally open between 9h and
17h30. In London several shops are open every day
and even at night. In the rest of the country there
is weekly half-day closing.
MEALS :
Mealtimes are not the same as in France.
Several restaurants refuse clients after 8 pm in
small towns and after 10 pm in big towns. Tips are
included in the bill.
HOUSING :
There are usually more sales on offer than
rentals.
If you are interested in buying you can either
negociate directly with the owner or go via one of
the many real estate agents.
There are two kinds of properties :
- a leasehold or bail (bails are usually 99
years, cales can take place during the term of the
bail)
- a freehold property : free from bail, but a lot
more expensive.
There are organizations, 'Building societies',
which are financial institutions, and similarly to
banks can accord loans equivalent to three times
your yearly income. But before anything you must
see how long you are staying in Britain and the
current interest rates. All these things have to be
taken into consideration before choosing between
renting or buying.
BANKS AND OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS
Times and days that banks are open : Monday
to Friday from 9h30 to 15h30, some on
Saturdays.
|
