New to the UK? A South African's Guide to Cracking the Bank Account and NI Number Puzzle
Stepping into the UK: The Initial Challenges Moving to the UK from South Africa is a challenging experience, especially when it comes to getting the essentials sorted out. If you've just arrived in the UK on a spousal visa, you might find yourself navigating the complexities of opening a bank account and obtaining a National Insurance (NI) number. Here’s a guide to help you through the process, enriched with personal experiences from others who’ve been in your shoes. Opening a Bank Account: The Quest for Proof of Address One of the first things you'll likely want to do is open a bank account. However, this can be tricky without a proper proof of address. Many South Africans in the UK have found themselves in a bit of a catch-22: you need proof of residence to open a bank account, but you often need a bank account to get that proof. Tips for Smoothing the Process Voter Registration: One of the less-known hacks is to get on the voter’s roll. As a Commonwealt...