Immigrating to the UK

Job lined up (contract signed)... start 6 Feb 2023
Accommodation sorted (contract signed)... move in on 4 Feb 2023
Flight booked... leave SA on 3 Feb via Qatar. Land at Gatwick at 5:45 and then its a couple of buses to Buckinghamshire.
Got an ASDA 400m from my front door, bus station is 1 mile, and have to cycle 2 miles to the office and then back to the bus stop each day. Getting a foldable bike (maybe an electric one) to take on the bus.
 
killerbyte said:
Job lined up (contract signed)... start 6 Feb 2023
Accommodation sorted (contract signed)... move in on 4 Feb 2023
Flight booked... leave SA on 3 Feb via Qatar. Land at Gatwick at 5:45 and then its a couple of buses to Buckinghamshire.
Got an ASDA 400m from my front door, bus station is 1 mile, and have to cycle 2 miles to the office and then back to the bus stop each day. Getting a foldable bike (maybe an electric one) to take on the bus.
Click to expand...
Good luck! Good to have you aboard. Feel free to shout if you need any help/advice etc.
 
killerbyte said:
Job lined up (contract signed)... start 6 Feb 2023
Accommodation sorted (contract signed)... move in on 4 Feb 2023
Flight booked... leave SA on 3 Feb via Qatar. Land at Gatwick at 5:45 and then its a couple of buses to Buckinghamshire.
Got an ASDA 400m from my front door, bus station is 1 mile, and have to cycle 2 miles to the office and then back to the bus stop each day. Getting a foldable bike (maybe an electric one) to take on the bus.
Click to expand...

The Bucks and Chalfonts are a lovely area to live -- and most people commute to London from there so good for you for avoiding that!

Good luck with it all.
 
richjdavies said:
The Bucks and Chalfonts are a lovely area to live -- and most people commute to London from there so good for you for avoiding that!

Good luck with it all.
Click to expand...
My work is in Swanbourne, so I take the bus from Aylesbury to Winslow and then cycle to my office. I will be cycling between the fields. Google Street View makes it look tranquil AF.
 
killerbyte said:
Job lined up (contract signed)... start 6 Feb 2023
Accommodation sorted (contract signed)... move in on 4 Feb 2023
Flight booked... leave SA on 3 Feb via Qatar. Land at Gatwick at 5:45 and then its a couple of buses to Buckinghamshire.
Got an ASDA 400m from my front door, bus station is 1 mile, and have to cycle 2 miles to the office and then back to the bus stop each day. Getting a foldable bike (maybe an electric one) to take on the bus.
Click to expand...
Congrats and good luck.
What a perfect location.
Fairly sure Buckinghamshire is part of the e-scooter/bike trials which may be useful. Not sure if they’ll validate using a foreign license but worth a shot.
 
Paul Kemp said:
Congrats and good luck.
What a perfect location.
Fairly sure Buckinghamshire is part of the e-scooter/bike trials which may be useful. Not sure if they’ll validate using a foreign license but worth a shot.
Click to expand...
Tranquil yes... But will be cold and wet on many days... It's deepest darkest winter remember!
 
Paul Kemp said:
Congrats and good luck.
What a perfect location.
Fairly sure Buckinghamshire is part of the e-scooter/bike trials which may be useful. Not sure if they’ll validate using a foreign license but worth a shot.
Click to expand...
www.gov.uk

Riding an electric bike: the rules

Electric bikes meeting the EAPC regulations can be ridden on the road without being taxed, licensed or insured.
www.gov.uk www.gov.uk
UK law says the ebikes don't need licenses, insurance or get taxed. Its a bicycle that has assistance motors in their eyes.
 
killerbyte said:
Job lined up (contract signed)... start 6 Feb 2023
Accommodation sorted (contract signed)... move in on 4 Feb 2023
Flight booked... leave SA on 3 Feb via Qatar. Land at Gatwick at 5:45 and then its a couple of buses to Buckinghamshire.
Got an ASDA 400m from my front door, bus station is 1 mile, and have to cycle 2 miles to the office and then back to the bus stop each day. Getting a foldable bike (maybe an electric one) to take on the bus.
Click to expand...
Congrats and welcome. Feel free ro give me a ping if you need any tips/advise when you here. At least we are heading out of winter so a good time to arrive.
 
Paul Kemp said:
I mean the rental ones. The app makes you verify using your license.
Click to expand...
I am looking at buying this bike:
www.halfords.com

Dahon HIT Folding Bike - 20" Wheel - Black | Halfords UK

Shop the latest Commute on a fantastic bike then fold it away with ease, introducing the Dahon HIT Folding Bike. Have your bike built and delivered straight to your door. at Halfords UK
www.halfords.com www.halfords.com

I would love to buy this electric bike:
BUT... I do not think Halfords will let me buy it on their 0% over 12 months credit offering, which sucks because it would be the perfect way to build up my credit record. I will however try my luck.
 
Paul Kemp said:
Congrats and good luck.
What a perfect location.
Fairly sure Buckinghamshire is part of the e-scooter/bike trials which may be useful. Not sure if they’ll validate using a foreign license but worth a shot.
Click to expand...
Doesn't take long to convert your ZA license to UK. IMHO should be one of the first things you do, as it's a valid proof of address which is needed for so many things. Like bank accounts.
 
killerbyte said:
Job lined up (contract signed)... start 6 Feb 2023
Accommodation sorted (contract signed)... move in on 4 Feb 2023
Flight booked... leave SA on 3 Feb via Qatar. Land at Gatwick at 5:45 and then its a couple of buses to Buckinghamshire.
Got an ASDA 400m from my front door, bus station is 1 mile, and have to cycle 2 miles to the office and then back to the bus stop each day. Getting a foldable bike (maybe an electric one) to take on the bus.
Click to expand...
Congrats, exciting time ahead!

You have quite the trek lined up from Gatwick to Buckinghamshire. Make sure your phone is charged so you can at least entertain yourself on the last bit of your trip!

Also be sure to get a proper bike lock if you are going to buy anything half decent. Bike theft can be an issue, ask me my Trek got stolen 1 month after buying it (was fully insured tho).
 
Sinbad said:
Doesn't take long to convert your ZA license to UK. IMHO should be one of the first things you do, as it's a valid proof of address which is needed for so many things. Like bank accounts.
Click to expand...
Just dont apply for the swop (yet) if you need to travel internationally in the near future as you will need to send in your BRP (I nearly did this).

If I recall the Royal Mail leaflet said it will take 4-6 weeks. I got my British licence in 10 days flat.
 
Tman* said:
Congrats, exciting time ahead!

You have quite the trek lined up from Gatwick to Buckinghamshire. Make sure your phone is charged so you can at least entertain yourself on the last bit of your trip!

Also be sure to get a proper bike lock if you are going to buy anything half decent. Bike theft can be an issue, ask me my Trek got stolen 1 month after buying it (was fully insured tho).
Click to expand...
Folding bike in a bag... over my shoulder. Will never be parked on the street.
I have a 20,000mAh battery pack.
Total travel time on the bus is 4 hours.
 
Tman* said:
Just dont apply for the swop (yet) if you need to travel internationally in the near future as you will need to send in your BRP (I nearly did this).

If I recall the Royal Mail leaflet said it will take 4-6 weeks. I got my British licence in 10 days flat.
Click to expand...

Though worth remembering you can only drive for 12 months on the SA licence iirc.
 
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