Just arrived in the UK, how do I set up my mobile phone?
There are many things to consider when setting up your new life in the UK, one of which is how to get yourself a mobile phone contract. In this article we’ll help overseas doctors arrange a mobile phone contract by addressing the following questions:
Who are the main providers in the UK?
How can I check for the best coverage in my area?
What do I need to set up a contract?
Can I use my current handset?
What if I plan to be in the UK less than 12 months?
First, some general advice
At IMG Connect we strongly recommend doing some research by using several trusted market-comparison websites and looking at the reviews to help decide on your network provider.
The wrong contract might leave you stuck with a long contract, that proves to be unnecessarily expensive whilst offering poor signal in your area. If you rush this process and take out a contract that is not right, you will regret it. This comes from personal experience, so please do your homework!
Main Providers in the UK
The main providers are:
EE
Three Mobile
02
Vodafone
There are numerous other providers that ‘piggy-back’ off their service, but do not have their own network. The package you can get from a ‘piggy-back’ provider is potentially cheaper than the main provider who’s service they use – however the network quality will always be poorer than the main providers.
How can I check for the best coverage in my area?
Make sure to check the coverage and network availability in your area by using the Ofcom mobile and broadband checker.
Ofcom are the government approved authority for communications and tasked with ensuring people get the best service from their provider. You can raise any issues you have, free of charge, with Ofcom.
What do I need to set up a contract?
Once you’ve decided on your provider and package, most mobile phone companies will only require the following to open a contract:
Two proofs of address (utility bills, rental contracts etc.) which must show both your name and address.
Proof of Identification
Active bank account in order to set up a direct debit
Packages on offer:
There are two types of package you can consider; Contract or Pay-as-you-go
Contract:
Most providers offer a minimum contract of 12 months, SIM only.To get a handset included as part of your contract package typically you need a 24-month contract.
Pay-as-you-go:
Another option to consider is a pay-as-you-go sim card with no contract or handset. This will cost about £10 and can be up and running immediately.
Can I use my current mobile phone handset?
Yes, all sim-only packages will work with the device you already have.
What if I plan to be in the UK less than 12 months?
Whilst most IMGs prefer taking out a contract, if you do plan to be in the UK less than 12 months, a pay-as-you-go contract may be a better option.
In summary:
Only you will know what you are going to use your phone for, and which package will be right for you. If you are someone looking to call overseas regularly, think about WhatsApp calls, VOIP calling packages, face time etc.
With regard to phone contracts, just make sure to get a number of different quotes on similar packages and use these to try and get a bargain for yourself with one particular provider. All networks tend to be flexible at some point and the general rule is, if you don’t ask, you don’t get!
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I'm an overseas doctor planning to relocate to the UK. Can I drive immediately?
Good question, and IMGs asked this question frequently by IMGs planning their relocation to the UK. In this article we’ll help you to arrange your UK driver’s licence by addressing the following questions:
Is my driver’s licence valid?
What is the difference for EU and non-EU driver’s licence holders?
Exchanging your licence
Is my driver’s licence valid?
Regardless of where you are relocating from, if you hold a foreign licence you will be able to drive in the UK immediately. For how long and under what conditions will depend on whether your licence is from an EU (or designated country) or non-EU country. You can check here to confirm your licence status.
What is the difference for EU and non-EU driver’s licence holders?
For an EU licence holder:
If you hold an EU driver’s licence you can drive on your current licence for up to 3 years. After this time, you must exchange your licence, rather than retake the test.
For non-EU licence holders:
If you hold a foreign driver’s licence and are now a resident in the UK, you can drive for a period of 12-months with your current licence. Within this 12-month period you will need to take and pass both your theory and practical drivers’ examination to continue driving in the UK.
Exchanging your licence:
You can exchange your foreign driver’s licence for a GB licence if it is from:
EU (no time limit for exchange applies)
Northern Ireland (no time limit for exchange applies)
Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man (must be exchanged before 12 months)
A designated country* (must be exchanged before 12 months)
* Andorra, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and Zimbabwe
You can check whether you can exchange your licence here.
How do I exchange my licence?
To exchange your licence, you will need to get a D1 form from a post office that deals with DVLA transactions.Provide all requested details and send back the D1 form with your current driver’s licence.
A fee of £43 is payable by cheque or postal order and this takes roughly 3 weeks to process.
IMG Jobs
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In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
Get in Touch
Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
Here we take a look at an essential document for any Pakistani doctor looking to work outside of the country – the Pakistani Protector Stamp.
In this article we will look at what exactly the protector stamp is and consider the following topics:
What is the Pakistani Protector Stamp?
Do I need the Protector Stamp?
Life Insurance
How do I get my passport stamped?
Documents you will need
The process
I have my protector stamp. What happens next?
What is a Pakistani Protector Stamp?
The protector stamp is an actual passport stamp given to any Pakistani travelling abroad on a work visa. It is an official Pakistani government requirement and without the protector stamp you will not be allowed to travel.
In addition to allowing you to work abroad, it will also cover you for life insurance, with the person you nominate receiving one million Pakistani rupees in such an event.
Do I need the Protector Stamp?
Every intending emigrant is legally bound to get their foreign service agreement protected from the concerned Protectorate of Emigrants (PE) office in Pakistan.
It is important to remember that the protector stamp is needed alongside your offer of employment and your visa. Visits to the UK for leisure or PLAB 2 do not require the Pakistani Protector Stamp.
As well as granting you access to work overseas, the Pakistani Protector Stamp will also cover you for life insurance to a figure of PKR 1,000,000
Life Insurance:
Whilst life insurance is an obvious perk, you do have to pay for it.
You will be required to deposit PKR 2,500 to cover life risk for a sum of PKR 1,000,000.
This insurance is valid for five years.
There are also a number of other benefits that come once your life insurance and protector stamp are in place, you can read through them on the Pakistani Government website here.
How do I get my passport stamped?
You will need to attend an appointment at your local Protectorate Office in order to receive the stamp.
The process of getting your Pakistani Protector Stamp can be a little arduous. Specific documents are required and be prepared to spend up to one whole day completing the process.
Documents you will need:
Your Visa work permit
Contract or a conditional offer of employment from the UK employer
Pakistani passport
Pakistani CNIC (Computerised National Identity Card)
Next of kin information (including CNIC for recipient of insurance compensation)
Medical report
Bank challan receipts
Life insurance
Undertaking form
One passport photo
Please note, until very recently NICOP was an essential document for this process as well. There has been a little confusion over this recently so if you have a card already, it does not hurt to bring this along with you.
It is best to make any copies of your documents in prior to attending your local Protectorate Office, it will help you avoid any delays once you are there and make for a smoother process.
The Process
Attend your local Protectorate Office early in the morning with the original copies of your documents. You can find your local office here.
The main reception will direct you to a window to show the checking officer your CNIC, passport and the copy of your UK visa.
As soon as your visa copy is signed, you will need to take this and the rest of your documents to the next window to submit the rest of your documents.
Once these are ready you can expect to wait a few hours until your passport is stamped.
I have my Protector Stamp. What happens next?
You need to have your passport stamped once you have a job offer and work visa, so this should be one of the last steps before relocating.
Once your passport is stamped you will be cleared to work outside of Pakistan and begin your journey in the UK!
IMG Jobs
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Get in Touch
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
It is great to hear first-hand from overseas doctors the main reasons why they have enjoyed their move and quickly settled into life in the UK.
We enjoyed them so much that we have put together some of the best reasons to move to the UK (although there are hundreds!)
8. Culture
The UK is bursting with art and culture! Cultural diversity is the backbone of British life with workplaces and communities embracing diversity. The UK also has some of the greatest museums, art galleries, music venues, sporting events and theatres that the world has to offer. British culture has its roots in its people who live across its four countries, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each one has its own traditions and customs to explore and get involved in, everyone is welcome to join the fun! Culture vultures certainly won’t be disappointed!
7. Multicultural
The UK is truly multicultural, welcoming people from all over the world and embracing diversity. There are over 300 languages spoken in London alone, it can be said that the capital city of London is the most culturally diverse city in the world. It isn’t just London, everywhere you turn the country celebrates and embraces its multiculturalism. From Glasgow to Leeds and Birmingham to Manchester, the UK is diverse and distinct in equal measure.
6. Healthcare
Once a resident, you have access to the National Health Service (NHS) – free at the point of access for all. Britain is a world leader when it comes to healthcare, medicine and medical research. It is also home to some of the best hospitals in the world. The NHS is something that all Brits are proud of, and very grateful for, especially at times of emergency. The UK also attracts academics, researchers and medical practitioners from across the globe, making it a world class place to work.
5. Education
The UK has some of the best schools and universities in the world. Renowned universities are on offer right across the country and you would be hard pressed to find a better place to study than the UK. The UK has a reputation for word class schools, research and teaching. What better place to learn!
4. Natural world of beauty
Great Britain has scenery for everyone to fall in love with. From rolling hills, sparkling lakes and lochs to snow-capped mountains, its natural beauty is astounding. Join the community of outdoors enthusiasts and go for a hike over mountains, stroll through fields and hedgerows, explore the coastline of beaches, canoe in the lakes, wild swim in the ponds and rivers, or cycle across the countryside. There truly is something for everyone to explore.
3. Finding a job
Industry and services stretch across the whole country, and the UK has a huge range of jobs to offer. With demand for skilled workers increasing every year, the chances of finding employment are greatly increased. It is also a great place to work! As an IMG, you are in demand!
2. Location
The UK is perfectly positioned for short trips if you want to explore Europe. With commercial airports across the whole country, ferry ports and the Eurostar train leaving from London, travelling out of the UK is easy. It can be cheap too!
1. The people
English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish, the people of the UK are renowned globally for their hospitality. A warm welcome awaits, and no doubt a dose of the Brits keen sense of sarcasm. But don’t fret, sarcasm is usually said with a smile and kind heart ;-) We look forward to welcoming you to the UK as you embark on your new career in the NHS!
IMG Jobs
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IMG Resources
Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
Get in Touch
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
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Attaining your national insurance (NI) number once in the UK is essential once in the UK.
Overseas doctors new to the UK will not have an NI number, and wll need to appy to ensure they are taxed and paid correctly. In this article we’ll help you to arrange your NI by addressing the following questions:
What is a National Insurance number?
Why do I need one?
When do I apply?
How do I apply?
I’ve got my National Insurance number, what next?
What is National Insurance?
National Insurance (NI) is a tax system in the United Kingdom paid by workers and employers for funding state benefits. It is a contributory form of insurance against illness and unemployment, and provides retirement pensions amongst other benefits.
Citizens of the United Kingdom pay National Insurance contributions to become eligible for State Pension and other benefits.
Why do I need a National Insurance number?
A National Insurance number is a unique number assigned to an individual looking to work in the UK. You will keep the same number all of your life.
Your NI number helps to make sure that the National Insurance contributions and tax you pay are properly recorded against your name.
It also acts as a reference number when communicating with the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
When can I apply?
You can only apply once you are living in the UK.
Once in the UK you can work for up to 12 weeks without an NI number. However, we strongly recommend applying within your first few days of moving to the UK.
How do I apply?
Call the National Insurance number application line on 0800 141 2075 between the hours:
8.30am - 5pm
Monday - Friday
The phone call will be a 5-10 minute process.
You’ll be asked some questions about why you need a National Insurance number, your background and circumstances. Following this call, you will be asked to attend an evidence of identity interview at your local job center which is followed by an email confirming the appointment.
They will ask you bring as many identity original documents as you can to the interview. Examples of documents which are acceptable are:
valid passport
National Identity card
residence permit or residence card including biometric immigration residency documents
full birth or adoption certificate
full marriage or civil partnership certificate
driving licence
In addition, you should provide:
evidence you are in work or looking for work
proof of address
*If relocating from outside the EU, you will also be asked for your residence permit.
I’ve got my National Insurance number, what next?
If you were asked to provide additional information you will need to do this by the agreed date.
If not, Jobcentre Plus will write to you and let you know whether your application was successful and what your National Insurance number is.
Provide your HR or Payroll department with your National Insurance number as soon as you have it.
Remember to keep the letter safe – you may need it in the future.
IMG Jobs
Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK
IMG Resources
In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
Get in Touch
Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
We just love the UK, and so do our IMGs!
It has been great to hear first-hand from overseas doctors the main reasons why they have enjoyed their move and quickly settled into life in the UK. We enjoyed them so much that we have put together some of the best reasons why we think that Great Britain is great!
12. Cities
There are currently a total of 69 cities in the UK, 51 in England, 7 in Scotland, 6 in Wales and 5 in Northern Ireland. Each one has its own diverse history and culture to explore. Cities in the UK are bursting with cultural diversity. They are truly multicultural places to live, work and visit, welcoming people from all over the world and embracing diversity. There are over 300 languages spoken in London alone, it can be said that the capital city of London is the most culturally diverse city in the world. It isn’t just London, cities have their roots in its people who live across its four countries, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each one has its own traditions and customs to explore and get involved in, everyone is welcome to join the fun!
11. National Parks
The UK’s 15 National parks span the length and breadth of the country and are open to the Public at all times. From deep waters to high peaks, discover the unspoiled landscapes that are open to everyone. Both beautiful and rugged in equal measure, these breath-taking landscapes are truly special places for the whole family to enjoy. An adventure awaits you in the wilds of the mountains, or the ancient woodlands full of intrigue.
10. Weather
Not the most reliable, but the British weather gets everyone obsessed. Everyone loves to talk about it, and why not! Hot sunny days at the beach, rainy days in the city, or rainbows across the landscape, the UK has it all – so join the fun and start talking about it! Just remember to pack an umbrella.
9. Music
For decades British music has taken the world by storm. Blues, rock, folk, metal, ska, punk, rock’n’roll, jazz, classical, electronic, hip hop, pop… there is something for everyone with bustling music scenes up and down the country. Not only can you find British music to follow, but the UK is a hub for diverse musical tastes and cultural difference, with world music accessible with ease.
8. Wildlife
Get closer to nature and get outdoors. With plenty of outdoor attractions, parks and countryside to explore, you are never far away from spotting some of the British countryside’s finest, rarest and most magnificent species. From spotting Golden Eagles soaring high in the mountains, to falcons in the city. Or whale sharks to whales! The UK has a myriad of amazing wildlife to spot! And the good news… nothing is so poisonous it will kill you!
7. History
From ice ages to invasions, British History is diverse with traces left everywhere you look. Centuries of conquerors and migrants have shaped the United Kingdom, and there is plenty to explore. Historical sites, museums, castles and cathedrals will fascinate! Britain wasn’t always called Britain, in fact that was a name made up by the Romans!
6. Festivals
From the annual International Festival and Fringe in Edinburgh, to Glastonbury or the Manchester International Festival, these events come in all shapes and sizes, helping make the UK a hub of creativity and cultural events that attract the biggest names from all over the world. Great fun for the whole family to enjoy, whatever your tastes.
5. Sports
The British sporting calendar is vast. Major events in 2019 will include the Cricket World Cup, Rugby World Cup and the Women’s World Cup in football. But the month by month sporting calendar is packed full of unmissable events. Don’t just watch from the TV, you have to see these in real life!
4. Landmarks
Everywhere you turn, you will see familiar sights, iconic buildings, bridges and streets. Architectural masterpieces like the Tower of London, the palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge, the Angel of the North, Tower Bridge, Blackpool Tower… the list is endless and are all amazing landmarks that everyone should visit.
3. Gardens
The Brits take their gardening seriously, and thank goodness, because there are hundreds of wonderful gardens bursting with colour to enjoy. From grand estates like Abney House, to perfected wonders at Kew Gardens, or even the humble village garden, take a stroll and breathe in the intoxicating smell of honeysuckle.
2. Beaches
Yes, that’s right, the beaches! Britain might not be famous for warm weather, but it has miles of unspoiled coastline and many beautiful beaches to explore. In Britain you are never that far away from a beach, even in London!
1. The People
In such a small country, it might surprise some to know that Britain is one of the most diverse, rich and multicultural countries in the world. And we celebrate it at every chance we can get! Our strength lies in our diversity. We look forward to welcoming you with a warm smile!
IMG Jobs
Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK
IMG Resources
In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
Get in Touch
Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below: