Aberdeen Inside Guide

Section 3 - The Move

3.1      Preview Visit to Aberdeen

3.2      Pre-arrival Requirements

3.2.1        Useful documents

3.2.2        Vaccinations and medical checks

3.2.3         Banking and currency

3.2.4         Insurances

3.3       Pets

3.4       Air/Sea freight

3.5       Air-freight

3.6       Electrical Appliances and Electronics

3.7       On arrival

3.7.1          Arriving at the airport

3.7.2          Welcome at the Airport

3.0   The Move

3.1              Preview Visit to Aberdeen

If you are coming on a preview visit to Aberdeen and have to organise accommodation for this yourself one of our clients has recommended staying in the Holiday Inn in Chapel Street, which he says, "is in a good location just off Union Street, is cheap and is also convenient for the ASPC office to check out properties and get advice. Union street is right there for shopping and places to eat too." For current offers, accurate prices and online bookings go to www.hieaberdeen.co.uk.

3.2              Pre-arrival Requirements

As Outpost deals with non-contractual issues only, we advise you to contact your HR Adviser/Team Relocations Group about any issues regarding your contract. They will deal with contractual arrangements, pre-arrival, during your stay in Aberdeen and upon departure. As soon as we hear from HR that you are moving to Aberdeen we will send you a welcome email. If you do not receive this please get in touch with us directly: outpost-aberdeen@shell.com.

3.2.1        Useful documents:

o       Valid passport. If you have children, it is advisable that they have their own passports. (National identity cards for Citizens of the European Economic Area are also acceptable)

o       Visa, to check if you need a visa, visit: www.ukvisas.gov.uk. Fill in the questionnaire to find out if you need a visa or Entry Clearance to enter the UK.

>      If you intend to work in the UK, be sure to bring:

o       Signed and stamped records from your previous employers

o       Diplomas, certificates and qualifications (preferably originals, otherwise certified copies. If you have diplomas in a foreign language, you might want to get them translated before coming to the UK. They have to be translated by a certified translation agency. You can also contact NARIC, the National Academic Recognition Information Centre, www.naric.org.uk for an assessment of your academic qualifications or the National Reference Point for Vocational Qualifications, www.uknrp.org.uk for vocational qualifications.

o       A selection of passport photos

>       If you want to work or volunteer with children or other vulnerable groups

You will be asked to provide a "Disclosure". This is a certificate issued by Disclosure Scotland which either states you have no record of criminal convictions or provides details of such for the whole of the UK. Prior to moving to the UK you will want to request written 'criminal record histories' from the country (or countries) in which you have recently resided during the last 5 years (if even more than 5 years can be verified, so much the better!) A country's local police force or data protection office may be a good place to start, although different offices in different countries may maintain criminal records. Obtaining such records ahead of time will enable relocated individuals to provide prospective employers of voluntary service agencies with Xerox copies of their criminal record history upon request. Non UK residents who have already relocated to the UK may be required by employers to request criminal record histories from their previous countries of residence. For more information and information on the different types of Disclosure visit the website: www.disclosurescotland.co.uk.

>      If you want to import a car into the UK,

o       You need a foreign registration document and any other papers you have relating to the vehicle.

o       Evidence showing the date the vehicle was collected in the UK (normally the invoice from the supplier, if applicable)

o       Evidence of type approval

o       To qualify as a Personal Import, you must show that, at the time the vehicle was imported, you had been normally resident in a country for a continuous period of at least 12 months and that you have been in the possession of the vehicle for a period of at least 6 months before its importation and that the vehicle is intended for personal use in the UK.

o       The appropriate Customs and Excise form (check with the DVLA, www.dvla.gov.uk).

o       A current MOT certificate (if applicable). (Ministry of Transport test, i.e. compulsory annual check up of cars older than 3 years).

3.2.2        Vaccinations and medical checks

No medical checks or vaccinations are needed when becoming a UK resident. For information on Health Care see section 6.

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3.2.3        Banking and currency

>       Currency

The British pound, symbol £, is divided into 100 pence, symbol p. Pounds and pence are written in decimal form: £5.25 or £0.25. When the pound symbol is used the p. is not indicated. There are notes of £5, £10, £20, £50, (and £100 in Scotland). Coins: Pence 1p, 2p (bronze); 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p (silver); £1 (gold), £2 (gold and silver). The £1 note has been replaced by the £1 coin.

>        Banking

There are many different banks to choose from.  They offer a great number of services for day-today business, saving and investing money, making international payments, telephone banking, Internet banking etc. All major branches have cash machines; most of them operate 24 hours. When you want to open a bank account, you will need proof of identity (passport) and often also some other documents, like proof of address in your name (i.e. utility bill). It may be difficult to open a bank account if you have no credit history in the UK; previous bank statements, a salary slip, or a letter from your employer can be helpful.

>        Banking in Scotland

Scotland has its own banking system. The four major international clearing banks are:

o       Bank of Scotland, merged in 2001 with the English Halifax Building Society to become Halifax Bank of Scotland.

o       Royal Bank of Scotland

o       Clydesdale Bank

o       Lloyds TSB Scotland

There are also many merchant banks and other financial institutions.

The Bank of Scotland, the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Clydesdale Bank have all, by long standing tradition, issued their own banknotes. These banknotes are widely used throughout Scotland, and are usually accepted in the rest of the UK, although strictly speaking, they are not legal tender. You can have trouble using Scottish banknotes outside Scotland.

There is a branch of Halifax/Bank of Scotland at the Shell Tullos office. Opening hours are10.00 am-1.30 pm, Mondays to Thursdays

You are advised to bring Pounds (or Euros) into the UK, as the banks will not exchange every foreign currency.

3.2.4        Insurances

>       Car insurance
To obtain a no claim discount you need to have a certificate from your present Insurance company stating the period no damages were claimed.

>        Household Insurance
You are responsible for insuring the contents of your house, whether you are renting a house or buying. There are many insurance companies to choose from with competitive rates. There is also a Shell staff insurance scheme. Email: shellscheme@swib.co.uk.

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3.3              Pets

Under the PETS Pilot Scheme, which was introduced in March 2000, it is possible to bring a cat or dog with you to Scotland from certain countries within Europe without putting it into quarantine for six months. For more information about the procedure, visit the Government Pet Travel Scheme website:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/index.htm

Please note that the 'PETS Pilot Scheme' applies to cats and dogs only. All other types of animals still have to go into quarantine for 6 months, if brought into the U.K.

There is a wide range of boarding kennels in and around Aberdeen where you can pay to leave your pet safely during holidays or visits abroad. (early booking for holiday periods necessary).  Lists of kennels and catteries in the Aberdeen area are available at:
 www.accessplace.com/kennel-cattery/aberdeenshire/aberdeen.htm

 www.city-visitor.com/aberdeen/cattery.html (for catteries)

 www.city-visitor.com/aberdeen/boardingkennels.html (for kennels)

3.4              Air/Sea freight

For the latest information on what you can take in your hand luggage check with your airline. If you have children, you may want to bring car seats/booster seats, because you are required by law to use appropriate child restraints for children until either they reach the age of twelve or are at least 1.35 meters in height, whichever comes first. However, the seats need to comply with the UK safety regulations for child car seats. For information, see:
 www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/childcarseats/childcarseats.htm

3.5              Air-freight

Air-freight consignments normally arrive around the same time as the owner. Sea-freight from outside Europe could take up to 3 months to reach its destination, so this should be remembered when arranging your air-freight. If you plan to move into your house before the sea-freight arrives, it would be advisable to include items such as linen and towels. You may also wish to pack certain foodstuffs with a long shelf life, though some may not be imported. See the UK Customs website at: www.hmce.gov.uk. TV/video recorders, computers, and sports items can be important items to include in the air-freight, as well as toys, if you have children.

3.6              Electrical Appliances and Electronics

Electricity in the UK is 240 Volt, 50 Hertz (frequency or cycles per second). Some appliances are made for several voltages (by adjusting a switch) and can be used in the UK, others need a voltage transformer and some appliances cannot be used at all. There is no device that will convert 50 to 60 Hertz, so any appliance with a motor will run slower than normal even if run on a transformer.

>       Adaptors
Most of the UK plugs have three-square prongs. Appliances that donít require a voltage transformer will need a plug adaptor. A cheaper option would be to replace all the non-UK plugs on voltage compatible appliances with UK plugs. All major electrical stores will sell adaptors.

>       Transformers
A transformer is a device used to decrease voltage from 220/240V to 110V in order for US appliances to work in the UK. They are available in different sized watts and are priced accordingly. Depending on size, transformers can be used to power several appliances, so you donít need one transformer for each appliance, as long as you donít exceed the total wattage required by all the appliances together. For retailers, look in the Yellow Pages under Electronic Components.

 All the latest electrical appliances are available here. Most houses (if rented) are fitted with fridge/freezer, washing machine and dryer. The UK has its own brands, ranging in quality and price, and a smaller selection of other well-known brands can also be found.

>       Televisions, DVDs and Video Recorders

The British Pal system is slightly different from the European Pal, so if you don't have a multi-system TV, you will probably have problems with the sound. It is sometimes possible to have your television and video converted, but this depends on its age and make. Remember when you leave you will have to have it converted again! It may be cheaper to rent equipment during your stay.

DVDs are coded differently for different regions of the world, so it may not be possible to watch your DVDs here, when you have bought them in a country with a different region code.  TheUK region code is 2.

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3.7              On arrival

Arriving by air, the most important thing to know is that you will have to walk from the aircraft to the terminal building. This could be your first experience of the weather and if you arrive in winter make sure you have warm clothes ready for disembarking from the aircraft. Aberdeen airport is small and, generally speaking, you will not find long queues. It is not difficult to find your way.

If you are not a EU National or Commonwealth Citizen you will have to fill in an immigration card. It is not necessary for EU Nationals and Commonwealth Citizens to register with the Police.  Any nationalities that do need to be registered with the police will be advised at the point of entry that this is the case, and this requirement will be endorsed in your passport.  You must register within seven days of arriving in the United Kingdom. To register you will need your passport, two passport size photographs of yourself and the registration fee. The nationalities listed below need to register with the police. Registration is made at:

Grampian Police Headquarters
Queen Street
Aberdeen
AB10 1 ZA
Tele: 0845 600-5-700

http://www.grampian.police.uk/Advice.aspx?id=48&pid=30;34;22

List of all countries whose citizens are required to register with the police:

3.7.1        Arriving at the airport

Once through immigration you will want to get to your temporary accommodation. You will not be met by any Shell representative. The quickest way is to take a taxi. The taxi rank is in front of the Airport Terminal on the other side of the road. In general, you do not have to queue long for a taxi, and it is perfectly safe to travel in one. You can expect to pay around £15.00 to travel from the airport to the centre of Aberdeen.

There is also a bus service to the centre of Aberdeen, though it is much more convenient to take a taxi. Alternatively, you may prefer to hire a car. For information on car rental at the airport see www.baa.com/main/airports/aberdeen/ and click on hire a car. If you have young children who require a car seat (see Section 3.3) you will also need to order a baby or child seat. Taxis are exempt from having to use child booster seats and don't have them, so if you want to use one in a taxi, you have to bring your own.

If you choose to arrive by sea and road, you will probably arrive at Rosyth, Hull or Newcastle and drive to Aberdeen (around 2 hours from Rosyth, 5 hours from Newcastle and 8 hours from Hull). You can expect to drive on dual carriageway all the way. There are no road tolls but expect to pay £1 if you have to cross the Forth Road Bridge.

For assistance in route finding try www.multimap.co.uk or www.theAA.com.

3.7.2        Welcome at the Airport.

In Aberdeen it is not customary to be welcomed at the airport. You will, however, receive a welcome folder with essential information about settling into Aberdeen. Where we can we try to have the folder waiting for you in your hotel, so that you have access to the information on arrival. In order to deliver your folder we need to know where you will be staying on arrival, so please contact us with this information when you know it. If there is no folder, you should contact Outpost as soon as possible. Shell partners are invited to the 'Settling in to Aberdeen' presentation. This is provided free of charge by Shell to welcome them shortly after their arrival. The presentation takes place over two days/evenings. Its aim is to provide practical information about life in Aberdeen. It is also an opportunity to meet with other people new to the area. This course covers the following subjects: Education, Employment and Study, Health, Scottish culture and cultural change, Leisure pursuits, Banking, Driving, Utilities, Internet /telephone providers etc. Families will also receive a welcome phone call from one of our volunteers.

Three months after arrival there is a further course, 'Settling in Further' which explores cultural change in more depth, as well as the difficulties and advantages of making an international move.

Outpost also keeps in contact with partners and employees via an email database. We give information and cultural background to local events.

Every Friday morning Outpost runs a welcome coffee for new arrivals. There are details of this in your welcome folder.

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Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Outpost Aberdeen cannot assume responsibility for errors in the information included in this guide.

All rights reserved, including the right to translate or to reproduce this guide or any part of it in any form or by any techniques, without the written permission of Outpost Aberdeen.