CHECKLIST

Banking; cancellations and disconnections; car; children; electoral registration; financial planning; forwarding of mail; language training; legal advice; your home in the UK; medical matters; National Insurance; passport and visa; pensions; pets; removals; travel arrangements; your will.

If you are leaving Britain for good, you will need to start preparing for the move weeks, perhaps even months, in advance. This chapter lists the most important points, but does not claim to be definitive. Personal circumstances will dictate which matters are of relevance to you.

BANKING

Transfer of funds

If you are buying a property abroad you will need to enlist the aid of your bank or a currency broker at an early stage in the proceedings to transfer cash from one country to another (see Chapter 4). Note that transfers across national boundaries may take longer than you expect.

Bridging loan or mortgage

Many people hope to finance the purchase of their retirement residence from the proceeds of the sale of their house in the UK. Until the latter is sold you may need to borrow from a bank or building society (see Chapter 4). You will need to explore the relative merits and costs of a bridging loan and a short-term mortgage.

Foreign currency and travellers’ cheques

It is sensible to obtain foreign currency and travellers’ cheques to tide you over the first few days abroad. Credit cards and cash cards are also widely accepted abroad.

Maintaining your account

It makes sense to keep your UK account open, even if you decide to remit the bulk of your cash abroad; there will be times when you may find it more convenient to write a sterling cheque. Another consideration is if you need to open a bank account in the UK in the future you will find there is a lot of red tape involved. You need, however, to ensure that the account is kept topped up (eg by having your pension paid into the account) in order to deal with any direct debits you have to fulfil. (Incidentally, this is a good time to review your regular payments.)

Arranging for banking facilities abroad

If you have not yet made arrangements your bank may be able to put you in touch with a bank at your destination abroad or provide a letter of introduction.

Other matters

Most banks offer other services (eg insurance, investment advice) and can act as your executor. However, you may prefer to deal with other organisations regarding these matters.

Don’t forget to give your bank a contact address.

CANCELLATIONS AND DISCONNECTIONS

You will need to cancel:

• milk deliveries
• newspaper deliveries
• subscriptions to magazines or clubs you are no longer interested in
• rentals (eg TV)
• credit agreements.

You will also need to notify the companies providing the following services of your date of departure and arrange for the payment of bills:

• electricity
• gas
• telephone
• water.