Kats Gone Global

Author: Kat

  • First timers guide to London – COMPLETE WITH INSIDER TIPS

    First timers guide to London – COMPLETE WITH INSIDER TIPS

    London is one of my favourite cities in the world! There is always something to do and explore. I still to this day have a hit list of all the places that I want to visit, it’s never ending.

    As this will be your first time in London, trust me, you’ll have a great time! There is something for everyone and a never-ending supply of activities, food, bars, theatres and much more to explore.

    Why is this London Travel Guide Different?

    I want to make sure that you have the best resource for your first time visiting London. There are a lot of key things you should know to make the most of your trip. I come from a from a small city and I was confused as hell when I first landed at Heathrow! I am sure like me you want to arrive ready and prepared for your London trip.

    This is why I’ve made this London First Timers Travel Guide, so you have a one-stop resource for everything you’ll need to know.

    This First Timers Travel Guide will give you the breakdown on:

    • Things to do and see
    • Planning Your Trip to London (all the practical things!)
    • The best hostel and hotels
    • What areas to stay in
    • Restuarants and Bars

    London at a Glance

    Aerial view of London with iconic like Tower of London.
    Aerial view of London

    Costs, Top Attractions, Weather and Best Time to Go

    London is well known to be one of the most expensive cities in the world, so it is key that you plan and make your pounds go further!

    The great thing about London is the museums are free and there are ways you can experience things that cost money for less (included later in the guide). These can easily activities can easily be mixed and matched.

    Average Costs in London

    Budget

    Dorm Beds £15 to 30
    Markets, Lunchtime specials for food £3 to £15 (per meal). If you get a kitchen you can definitely save money here!
    Visit all the free museums and cheap sights!
    Travel zone 1 & 2 up to £8.40 (per day) or walk (completely free ;))

    Midrange

    Double Room in a Hotel £100
    Dinner with Drinks £30
    Theatre and Paid Sights £10 to £15
    Travel zone 1 & 2 up to £8.40 (per day)

    Top End

    Four-star/ boutique hotel £200+
    Three Course Dinner with Drinks £80 to £100
    Theatre and Paid Sights £10 to £200
    Cab Trips £30+

    Examples

    Just to give some quick examples of my spending when I go out to have fun. The other day I had a big “night out” (i.e. it was my sisters birthday and I spoilt her). It cost £224 (£75 each) for 3 of us to go out in Soho. What we bought was one round of cocktails, one bottle of wine at a wine bar and dinner was 3 courses (tapas style), one bottle of wine and a jug of margaritas. 

    The other day I went out for a low key Saturday night microbrewery which involved burgers with chips and 3 rounds of drinks then we stumble on a wine bar which included another bottle of wine plus a sherry to take home. This all came to £70 between two of us. 

    Things To Do in London

    My favourite things to do in London for some reason all revolve around exploring hidden gems of London, food and drinking! But as it’s your first time in London you need to see some of the famous sights as well. My list is not definitive (London has months worth of activities!) and tailored to what I think you should see when you first come to London. 

    Before you head to the sights and pay for entry have a look at:

    • Days Out Guide which offers you 2for1 deals on London attractions. Great if there is a group of you just make sure you buy a National Rail ticket (oyster and TFL tickets don’t count) and get the vouchers (either print online or get one at a National Rail station).
    • With a prepaid Oyster card, you can get tourist discounts for various sights. Go to the Visit Britain shop for more details. 
    • The London Pass will provide you access to loads of sights. Simply purchase how many days you would like, active the card within a year (i.e. your travel date) and show it at the venue. 

    Psst… Some London attractions are best to be booked in advance, this detailed guide will cover the when to book and all the information you need to know about them!

    Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard

    Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard
    The beautiful garden at Buckingham Palace hiding all the tourists.

    It is one of the few remaining working royal palaces. You might even see the Queen drive past (I honestly did see her drive past once when I was on a walking tour).

    The Tower of London and Tower Bridge

    If you are keen to watch the bridge go up check out the latest time at Bridge Lift.

    Everyone always thinks that Tower Bridge is called London Bridge. Tower Bridge is the pretty one you want to see, the other is just a plain old boring bridge however it is a great photo op place for Tower Bridge.

    All the Museums and Galleries

    The best thing about London are the museums as they are all free!!! Here are just some of the ones you can visit:

    • The British Museum
    • London’s National Gallery
    • Victoria and Albert Museum
    • National History Museum
    • The Two Tates
    Blue Whale in the Natural History Muesum
    Blue Whale in the Natural History Muesum

    I have listed 9 of my favourite museums in this article if you want to check out more.

    Big Ben and The Parliament

    Big Ben is going through a couple of repairs at the moment as it’s sinking (needs a little TLC). Still, see the Parliament building but expect loads of scaffolding.

    Piccadilly Circus and the Trafalgar square

    Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square
    Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square

    See the latest statue on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square. So there is more to do in the area then just see the plinth nearby are all the theatres, China Town and restaurants. 

    Westminster Abbey

    Most of us will remember Westminster Abbey from Kate Middleton and Prince William’s spectacular wedding in 2011 but the Abbey has played a big role in UK’s history. Benedictine monks set-up up the original church around 1050’s but in 1245 Henry III pulled down the church and replaced it with the Abbey we see today. 

    Impressively since William the Conqueror (way back in 1066), the Abbey has been where the British sovereigns have been crowned with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII that were never crowned.

    If you got Westminster Abbey for a Sunday Service you can enter the abbey for free, the downside to this is that you won’t be able to roam around for free.

    Explore the best parks in London

    There is always a good reason to explore one of London’s beautiful parks from boating in Hyde Park to deer-spotting in Richmond. During a sunny day Londoners will flock to the parks enjoying picnics, drinks, brisk walks and some fresh air. Here are some of my favourite London parks:

    • Hyde Park 
    • Primrose Hill 
    • Regents Park 
    • Richmond Park
    • Crystal Palace 

    St. Paul’s Cathedral

    If you want a perfect view of St Paul’s head to the roof of One New Change Building. The bar at the top is quite fancy so there will be dress code restrictions but you can just visit the balcony without any restriction. 

    St Pauls has played an important role in London’s history from royal weddings to state funerals. Located near the river it’s one of London’s iconic attractions to visit. Even if you don’t make it inside the Cathedral it is a beautiful building to visit. 

    Fun fact, buildings in London can’t disrupt St Paul’s view. It’s classed as a protect view which is why London has some interesting shaped buildings.  

    Covent Garden

    Christmas time at Covent Garden
    Covent Garden at Christmas time. It’s always so festive!

    In the West-end you will discover Covent Garden! Home to a beautiful market, a hot spot for shopping, near the theatres, restaurants, bars and full of history.

    Greenwich and Docklands

    University of Greenwich
    University of Greenwich

    This is a day in itself from markets, museums to parks there is a lot of cover in Greenwich. The coolest thing is the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) line (where the worlds time is set from).

    Visit all the Markets and eat all the food

    Bao buns at Bricklane Markets
    The delicious food at Bricklane Markets (open on Sundays).

    Here are just a few of my favourite markets:

    • Leather-lane market and Whitecross street market are food markets open Mon to Friday during lunchtime. A popular place for those working in the area to grab food.
    • Borough markets is a must to see and just a great place for eating all the food tasters but my favourite place is the vegan burgers.
    • Bricklane markets are open on Sunday, lots of vintage, arts & craft and variety of food.
    • Mercato is another great marketplace style of venue offering lots of food and drinks options plus they have a cinema.
    • Columbia Flower Market is as the name says a flower market. Open on a Sunday it has a great vibe, buskers playing on the street, food stalls and coffee places!

    See one of the great views of London

    View from Duck and Waffle with a typical grey London day.
    View from Duck and Waffle with a typical grey London day.

    What better way to enjoy London’s view then in one of these wonderful buildings capturing panoramic views of the city.

    Here are some of my choices:

    • The Shard – I suggest going to the Oblix Bar, it’s free to go up there and a lovely place to grab a drink whilst soaking up the views.
    • Sky Garden – It’s free to go to the Sky Garden you just need to book in advance.
    • Duck and Waffle at the Heron Tower – You need to grab breakfast here, delicious food and fantastic views!
    • Bussy and Franks – Slightly outside of the tourist area (still in zone 2) these two rooftop bars give amazing views on London.

    The list could go one but I have listed my top 5 views of London so check out the article.

    Incredible Waffles at Duck and Waffle
    I just had a show a picture of the waffles at Duck and Waffle. Not only are they pretty but they are so tasty!!!

    Do I need to buy tickets for museums and theatres in advance?

    Museums will have exhibitions that you can buy tickets to. If there is an exhibition you want to see then booking this in advance is a good idea and it will be a time slot on a day. General entry to the museums is free and you will be able to see a lot of cool stuff without seeing exhibitions. I highly recommend the wildlife photographer of the year award at the national history museum. 

    Theatres are best to be booked in advanced if you are set on seeing a show and price range. You can get last minute tickets fairly easy as lots of people book in advance and don’t show but these will be various prices points. 

    Have a REALLY good London Attraction Suggestion?

    There are endless things to do in London so I’ve barely touched the surface but would love to add your favourite attraction tip in. Let me know in the comments below.

    London Weather

    The weather is so easy to complain about in London! I think it’s the number one topic of Londoners. I always recommend bringing an umbrella and a jacket just in case.

    If you are debating whether to visit in London in spring or autumn make here’s a list of local favourite events during these seasons.

    Summer (June to August)

    Warm to hot days, generally between 20 to 30 degrees and most daylight!

    Autumn (September to November)

    Milder day, generally between 10 to 20 degrees. Mostly sunny at the start of autumn and head to more drizzle towards November.

    Cloudy autumn day over the Tate Modern.
    Cloudy autumn day over the Tate Modern.

    Winter (December to February)

    Cool days, generally around 0 to 10 degrees. Mostly drizzle or rain during the winter months.

    Natural History Muesum at Christmas time
    Natural History Muesum at Christmas time

    Spring (March to May)

    Mild weather, generally around 10 to 20 degrees. The weather can be hit and miss, either really sunny or drizzle.

    The weather has slowly been changing in London and season seem to be later (at least to me). In 2018 we still had snow in late March and then a few weeks later a heatwave of 25 degrees with beautiful sun.

    Best Time To Go To London

    The ‘BEST’ time to go to London can vary a lot depending on what you want to do. Some people are picky about the weather, while others don’t want to blow their budget during high season. Here is how I see it: ANYTIME is a good time to be in London! Just beware that the UK weather is unpredictable, the weather likes to keep us on our toes. 

    If you like Good Deals: March to May & September to November

    OFF SEASON. Heading to London outside of the school holidays has the most perks! You can enjoy lower hotel prices, people are friendlier and there is just better deals. If you are looking for a deal then avoid Easter and the May bank holidays.

    Personally, I love travelling in Europe in September and October, the weather is generally warm, not too crowded and sunny!

    If you love better weather then: July & August

    The middle of the summer has the sunniest days and school holiday which means bigger crowds! As it is the summer season across Europe the whole continent will be more expensive. I would only recommend going over the summer if you hate rain, love hustle and bustle and have a bigger budget.

    When to Avoid Travelling to the UK (in general)

    If possible, DO NOT plan your arrival for Christmas Day or Good Friday. There will be NO available public transport, taxis will increase their prices and only a limited number will be open for check-in. 

    Planning Your Trip to London

    Planning Your Trip to London
    Planning Your Trip to London

    Tourist Visa in the UK

    Being an Australian, a Kiwi, a Canadian, South African or an American you will not need a tourist visa and are allowed to enter the UK for up to 6 months.

    An EU national can enter the UK without needing a tourist visa however who knows after Brexit and what immigration laws will be agreed.

    How to Get a Tourist Visa London

    One of the most important things about travelling apart from having enough money and a valid passport is to ensure that you have a visa or the eligibility to enter a country. Some nationalities will need a tourist visa when visiting the UK easiest way to check is by using the gov.uk website and you use their visa questionnaire to find out. 

    The questionnaire will provide links at the end to the application details. If you are eligible for a standard visitors visa then follow this link for all the details https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa.

    Which airport should I fly into?

    A question I see all the time is which London Airport should I fly into? The airports available will differ depending on whether it is a long or short haul flight and whether it is a budget airline. 

    Heathrow Airport T5 Tube Sign
    The tube is the easiest and cheapest way to travel from Heathrow to London.

    Each airport does have access to transport to get into London and here is a breakdown using Covent Garden as the measure for distances/ time:

    • Heathrow Airport – 18 miles/50 minutes – London Underground (i.e. the tube) runs the Piccadilly line (dark blue line) to Heathrow, Heathrow Connect and Express (trains) taking you into Paddington Station and National Express Buses will run from Heathrow into London to various bus stations. The tube is the cheapest method is the tube costing £6.40 to get to zone 1.  You will be able to Oyster Card or Contactless for this option (recommended) or purchase a ticket (not recommended). 
    • Gatwick Airport – 28 miles/90 minutes – Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink all run train services to London Victoria and London Bridge. National Express runs buses into Victoria Bus Station (and a few others). The cheapest way is the bus but the trains are the quickest way which is about £8.40 to £25 into London. You can also use an Oyster Card or Contactless (bonus you won’t need to wait in a ticket queue if you use these options) on the train services or just buy a train ticket. 
    • Stansted Airport – 38 miles/70 minutes – Stanstead Express runs train services into Liverpool Street station or you can catch National Express buses into Liverpool Street and Victoria. You will need to buy tickets for these services as Oyster Card or Contactless are not options.
    • Luton Airport – 35 miles/70 minutes – Thameslink runs services into London Bridge, London Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon and London St Pancras International (basically it’s all the same line). However, you will need to catch a bus from the airport to the station. Again National Express will run buses into London Victoria. You will need to buy tickets for these services as Oyster Card or Contactless are not options.
    • London City Airport – 10 miles/40 minutes – This airport is in the centre of London you will be able to catch Transport for London services (TFL) like DLR and buses. You will be able to Oyster Card or Contactless for this option (recommended) or purchase a ticket (not recommended). 
    • London Southend Airport – 42 miles/85 minutes – I don’t really count this in my airports but technically it’s no further than Standstead Airport.

    How to Get Around London

    London has a wide range of transport it offers and little quirks to go along with it! City Mapper will be your best friend in London so make sure you download the app before arriving in London. I love it for figuring out transport modes and routes, however, the walking functionality to me is less friendly so I use Google maps for walking routes. 

    Catching the tube in London
    All aboard the bustling tube! Don’t let this photo fool you, peak times on the tube are intense! Super crowed platforms, everyone squeezing themselves on and occasionally smelling your neighbour’s armpit.

    What is an Oyster Card?

    It’s a plastic smart card which holds credit to allow you to travel on the London network. The card can be used to travel on various modes of transport in London like a bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, TfL Rail, Emirates Air Line, River Bus services and most National Rail services.

    You can buy an Oyster card at the ticket machines or as I mention above in things to in London you can buy this in advance. It’s £5 for the Oyster Card which you can get refunded when you are heading home plus any change left on the card.

    You can also use contactless payments so if your card has the ability to do this then you don’t need to purchase or top up an Oyster card. 

    London Transport
    In the top left you have the orange credit card style National Rail ticket and in the top right you have the blue Oyster Card.

    Quirks of London Transport System

    As I mentioned in the airport section all airports will provide you with the ability to use Oyster cards and when you leave London zones you won’t be able to use your Oyster card either. You’ll end up having to buy a ticket when you arrived at the station, generally at a higher price.

    If you buy a travel card be aware that Emirates Air Line and River Bus services (the ferry) will be an additional cost (it’s costly as well!).

    There are two types of credit methods, pay as you go and travel cards. Depending on your itinerary will be the deciding factor on which type of credit you should by. Staying under 4 days you should do pay as you go and over 5 days you should buy a travel card. Be aware that the travel cards are either weekly (7 days) or monthly (30 days). 

    Is an Oyster Card the same as the London Pass?

    No, the London Pass is a card a discounted prepaid card which gives you access to certain attractions.

    How hard will it be to navigate the trains? How long of a ride is it?

    I found the tube the easiest mode to concur when I arrived in London. At the stations there will be tube or national rail maps which are free and will help you navigate the system. The buses require a little more coordination and needing to know where the stands are.  

    Should I Rent a Car?

    London is so easy to get around without a car there should be no need for you to rent a car whilst you are here. Planning to travel more of the UK then look at getting a car when you have finished in London. I tend to pick up cars from the airport or further away location so I am not stuck driving in London (the traffic is horrible). 

    Buy Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance just gives you that piece of mind and protects you from the unknown. It always recommended that you purchase travel insurance and it is a prerequisite for some of the visas as well.

    It’s worth mentioning that a few countries have reciprocal health agreements with the UK such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada which means you can get healthcare when travelling.

    London Packing Tips

    Overflowing suitcase trying to decide what to pack for London.

    Bringing the kitchen sink isn’t a good idea if you struggle to carry the bag up and down staircases, uneven payment or crowds. London’s infrastructure is quite old and means that there isn’t a lot of lifts or accessibility around the city.

    Clothes:

    • Casual Wear – London is quite chilled with its clothing vibe unless you are living it up in the rich life! I can’t remember the last time I wore heels on a night out. The general items like tops, jeans, skirts or even shorts in the summer.
    • Formal-ish Outfit – People do make an effort to look casual smart like a nice dress on or guys will wear a long sleeve shirt. The ladies can convert a simple dress with some jewellery, a jacket and comfortable shoes. Guys might want to pack a light collared shirt, some nice jeans and closed shoes. Personally I mix it up between a top/jeans and dresses with flat shoes or boots. My boyfriend tends to wear collared shirts and jeans with closed in shoes.
    • Comfy Shoes – Pack your walking shoes! It’s key to making the most of your trip to London. Pack another pair of shoes that you can pair with a nice outfit for nights out.
    • Jumper, Coat or Jacket (and Winter Wear) – This is a must! The weather in the UK can be so unpredictable, it could be July and you still hit a 15-degree day then it shoots up to 25 and during winter it can get cold. Considering it was still snowing in March it just shows all the extremes of the weather (albeit unusual for us). During the summer bring a light jacket and jumpers. London doesn’t have the coldest winters but it’s cold enough to warrant scarfs, gloves and big jackets.
    • Nightwear – Staying in a shared room then you need nightwear but if you are living the high life in a private room or hotel I will leave that up to you.

    Personal Care – The usual items like toothpaste, hand sanitiser, face wash, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner.

    Technology:

    • Camera – Optional item to take with you. 
    • Phone
    • Laptop – Optional item to take with you. 
    • Chargers – Phone, laptop and camera chargers. 
    • Battery Pack – if you plan on using your phone loads this is an essential item (at least to me).
    • Power Board – I find having a small power board is a handy item to have whilst travelling, especially, when you have lots of electronics to charge.
    • Adapter / Converter – Universal adapters are the best to carry around and there is no need to worry about carrying one for each country you visit! If you do forget you will be able to pick one up so no need to worry! Hotels and hostel can have loan ones available too. London uses the 3 prong UK plug at 230V, so unless you are from the UK you will need an adapter/converter.

    Money

    In the UK, we use the British Pound (GBP). The currency does have a few nicknames like Pound Sterling, Sterling, Quid and Nicker so you might hear these said by the locals. Card is widely used in the UK and in London some places are turning card only so having a pre-topped up travel card, debit card or credit card before you come is a must. 

    There are exchange places dotted around London and lots of ATMs around if you do wish to get cash out during your stay. If you are using cash the currency is broken down into:

    Banknotes: Frequently used are £5, £10 and £20 (this is the only notes ATMs will dispense). Rarely used are £50 and £100 (it’s really hard to spend £50 & £100. If a currency exchange or bank gives you theses ask for smaller notes).

    Coins: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2.

    If you forget, don’t fret, you can use your card and then take out cash when you are in the city. Airport exchanges and ATMs will give you a worse exchange rate so you are best off waiting to get cash out. It’s there if you do need it.

    I have to admit, converting my Australian dollars into Pounds makes me sad. When you have $50 and it ends up being £25 to £30 (on a good day).

    Here’s a detailed guide if you are trouble finding solutions on how to exchange your money and advice for paying for things in London.

    Where to Stay in London for the First Time

    London reminds me of little towns put together to make a city and each area has its own vibes. You will find no “best” neighbourhood to stay in London as it is dependent on your interests and budget. For a weekend central areas will be way more convenient than being a few zones out but if you are here for a week being less central will help the budget.

    It’s also crucial that you can either walk place or are near good transport links as it’s what us Londoners rely on.

    I’ve detailed 15 of the best places to stay if you want somewhere that is walking distance to London’s best attractions.

    A couple of areas I recommend are:

    Bermondsey & London Bridge

    One of my favourite areas in London is Bermondsey & London Bridge. It’s the perfect place to stay if you love to discover new street-food, craft beer and gin. For the beer lovers, it’s a must to check out Bermondsey Beer Mile. A bunch of brewers decided to cleverly to locate their microbreweries under the railway arches.

    Close to sights like Borough Markets, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London and has good transport links.

    Covent Garden and Soho

    Classic shot of Piccadilly circus with Black Cab.
    My favourite photo I’ve taken of London lately. Classic shot of Piccadilly Circus with a Black Cab. It’s only around the corner from Soho and Covent Garden.

    Right in the middle of the action, always bustling, surrounded by restaurants and bars and in the theatre district.

    Close to sights like National Portrait Gallery, Oxford Circus and Southbank. There are good transport links as well.

    Greenwich

    View from Greenwich Park with Canary Wharf in the background.
    View from Greenwich Park with Canary Wharf in the background.

    A little quieter, full of open space and greenery. Slightly outside of the hustle and bustle but only a 20 minutes journey by tube, DLR or Thames Clipper. Plenty of restaurant, markets and bars to check out as well or a great place to have a picnic when the sun is shining.

    Shoreditch and Hackney

    Very hip and trendy areas (says someone non-trendy). From the curry mile, vintage shopping, street art and cool bars there is something to keep you occupied every day of the week. It’s one of the main areas I spend my time in London exploring and highly recommend to anyone visiting.

    With a wealth of activities like finding Banksy artwork, street art, cute little markets and shops, enjoying a curry on Bricklane and the restaurant/cafe scene you can see why it’s a fav spot. Watch more of the YouTube video here.

    Other London neighborhood to consider would be Victoria, St Pancras/ Kingscross, Earls Court, Camden, Kensington or Mayfair.

    Hostels to Consider

    Even today I still stay in hostels as I love that they are budget-oriented and sociable accommodation. I know people worry about whether hostels are safe and to help ease your worries about them here are 11 London hostel safety tips.

    There are 100’s of hostels you can choose in London so make sure you research before choosing. Here are 4 hostels I would recommend checking out, I’ve either stayed here or had friends rave about these hostels.

    Clink78

    Clink78  was once a former courthouse is now a vibrant hostel. Clink is centrally located in Kings Cross with great transport links. Offering a range of rooms from private to 12 person dorms with wifi, kitchen, luggage storage, bar, laundry and 24/7 reception. 

    Wombats City Hostel

    Wombats City Hostel is located in several European cities so there is no surprise there is one in London. Located in Whitechapel and super close to Shoreditch with lots of lively bars, restaurants and cafes. Offering a range of rooms from private to 6 person dorms with wifi, kitchen, luggage storage, bar, laundry and 24/7 reception. 

    Generator

    Generator is another chain that has several locations over Europe. Located in between Kings Cross and Russel square it is centrally located. Offering a range of rooms from private to dorms with wifi, kitchen, luggage storage, bar, restuarant, laundry and 24/7 reception. 

    St Christopher’s

    St Christopher’s has 8 locations in London so choose the area that suits you best is centrally and you’ll be able to determine which St Christopher’s is the one for you. I tend to think of this chain to be more party hostels in some of the locations. Offering a range of private and dorms rooms with wifi, breakfast, luggage storage, bar, laundry and 24/7 reception. 

    Hotels to Consider

    I always find that hotels add a sense of luxury to your trip and London doesn’t disappoint with it’s range. There is something to suit every traveller and your budget. Here are some of the hotels you could conisder on your trip to London. 

    Qbic

    Sustainability is an important feature in a hotel in this day and age. Qbic ticks the boxes in sustainability with its modern decor that features creative designs and uses sustainable practices.

    They have thought about everything in this mid-range priced hotel with incorporating sustainable materials, an eco-friendly rain shower and comfort with a natural bespoke mattress. Other amenities in The Qbic include free Wi-Fi, free tea and coffee, and free bike rentals.

    Leman Locke

    Leman Locke is an apartment style hotel, giving you the comforts of your own home but stay outside of the status quo. Located in the heart of Aldgate and a short distance to the City of London, Shoreditch and the Tower of London. Apart from the usual facilities like wifi, Locke guest can experience the regular curated events (ie. yoga, tastings, etc.), yoga / meditation rooms and access to Locke Labs (Locke’s unique take on meeting rooms).

    Motel One

    Not sure why they have named the hotel a Motel One but it’s nothing like what I picture a motel to look like. With its stylish design and affordable prices it makes it a great choice. Surprisingly the weekend is cheaper than during the week but I put that down to the location (i.e. where lots of people go to work). The downside to this hotel is that the area is not very happening during the weekend. However, it’s so close to Tower Bridge, Leadenhall Markets (where parts of Harry Potter were filmed) and Sky Garden. You only need to walk towards the river to find the action (i.e. Saturday/ Sunday night).

    Restaurants and Bars

    I have mentioned a couple of markets and restaurants in things to do in London but it’s always good to have more options. Being a vegetarian these will all have vegetarian options. 

    Indian

    I really like Indian food so here is my pick of restaurants Cinnamon Bazaar, Dishoom (various locations), Hoppers (don’t take reservations), Tayyabs (it’s also BYO) or Bricklane curry mile (it’s all about bargaining with the owners). 

    Vietnamese 

    In London there is also Vietnamese mile which mainly around Hackney area. I tend to go to BunBunBun Vietnamese Food which is also BYO. For chain restaurants Pho and Ping Pong (not Vietnamese) are good.

    Vegetarian and Vegan

    Specifically vegetarian and vegan my top choices would be Mildreds, Vanilla Black (quality of a Michelin star restaurant without the price) and Ethos. 

    The amazing vegetarian dessert at Vanilla Black.
    The amazing vegetarian dessert at Vanilla Black.

    Pubs

    It’s a hard job choosing pubs! and my list could go on forever but here are a couple; Porterhouse (Irish Pub), the Wigmore (slightly fancier), the Old Fountain and any of the microbreweries. 

    Pizza and Burgers

    There are lots of chain restaurants in London but my favourite go to‘s are pizza and burgers. For pizza, I recommend Franco Manca and Homeslice (they server 20″ pizzas). For burgers, my all time favourite is Patty and Bun with their Shroom burger. Honest Burgers just launched the All Beyond burger for those that haven’t heard of it, it’s the bleeding vegan burger, it’s a strange thought but if you miss meat then it’s an alternative choice. 

    The 20″ pizza at Homeslice. 

    Dessert

    How doesn’t love a bit of dessert?! I only have two recommendations at the moment as I am always trying to avoid the sugar but if you love icecream then I suggest checking out Milk Train (fairy floss ice-cream!) or try Bake (icecream served in a fish-shaped cone).

    How much do I tip in London?

    In London (and the UK as a general) there is a 12.5% surcharge that some restaurants add to the bill, if this is added then you don’t need to tip. Double-check the bill and then if the service charge isn’t included then you can give a 10% tip. 

    For pubs, it’s not necessary to tip but if you wish to the bar staff will be happy! There is generally a tip jar that you put your tip into. The pub will generally share this between all the staff. 

    Bonus tip as taxis don’t belong in this section… For taxis it is common to round up to the closest pound or say the amount you would like to pay (i.e. the meter says £7.10 and you wish to pay £9).

    For more paying and tipping tips in London read this article.

    Let me know in the comments below what you’re most excited about seeing in London, anything you want to know and how your trip turns out!

    More London Articles

    First Timers Guide to London
    Before you visit London for the first time there are a number of things you should consider. I’ve got you covered in this First Timers Guide to London with insider tips!
  • UK Ancestry Application (Explained)

    UK Ancestry Application (Explained)

    One of the most confusing things about applying for visas is the questions in the application and the evidence. What on earth do they expect you to answer and provide!? As it’s such a stressful process I wanted to make sure I could share on the information I entered on my UK Ancestry Visa.

    As the process does change regularly make sure you go to the gov.uk website before applying. This is all based on my information and when I applied. I have linked through all the official documents to speed up the process.

    Disclaimer: Please note this information is based on my application and evidence (I’m not a lawyer or immigration advisor). The article is to help guide you on what to expect question wise and get you thinking of what to prepare. Your answers should be tailored to you and your information. If you are unsure reach out to the Home Office or my friends at Britbound who will be able to help you. Here are some other documents that may be helpful:

    For more information about the visa process check out ‘What You Need to Know When Applying for Your UK Ancestry Visa’. 

    Disclaimer: This is based on my experience and you should seek professional advice if you are unsure. Go to GOV UK to check if there have been any changes to the visa rule & fees.

    Where to Start Your UK Ancestry Visa Application

    The UK Ancestry visa is moving to the new application process so to apply you need to go to the gov.uk website. Depending on which country you are applying from the gov.uk website will direct you to the right place.

    I’ve had a lot of questions about whether you should use VFS Global or were they come into the process. VFS Global is just like using a visa service such as VisaFirst and 1stContact. I actually used VFS Global for my Russian visa as they run a few services for different countries. If you wish to go with a visa service to submit your application then they are a company you could choose to use. 

    VFS Global do run some of the visa application centres (as a contracted third party) and that’s mainly where they come into the process. This is where you do your biometrics appointment and get your application stamped.

    Please note the UK gov have announced that IHS surcharge will be increased to £625 in the coming months. This means that the 5 years will now cost £3,125.

    Start an Application

    To ensure you are directed to the right place (as they are migrating their systems) go to the gov.uk website. The form will look slightly different from the screenshots in my application and included in the article. The questions are basically the same so the information in this article still applies.

    Now for the Questions and Evidence…

    Let’s go through the questions! I have put this in order of the sections within the online application and then added photos from my final application. You will notice that not all questions/answers end on the final application or in the same order so hopefully it all makes sense.

    Passport and Travel Information

    The Passport and Travel Information section is basically noting down what is stated in your passport or travel document so I won’t break this section down to much.

    Is this your first Passport? My answer was no.

    Then you need to enter your details of all other passports and travel documents held over the last 10years: Also state any non-documented nationalities you have held. I previous had a child’s passport so I entered these details and also submitted this passport along with my application as evidence.

    Are you travelling with anyone? I put no for this answer as I was moving here by myself.

    Date of planned arrival in the UK? i.e. when you planned to land in the UK

    How long do you intend to stay in the UK? I put 5 years for this answer (the length of the visa).

    What is the main address and contact details of where you will be staying whilst in the UK? I put the hostel that I would be staying at when I first arrived. Other options is hotel, Airbnb, friends or family etc.

    Example of my application:

    Ancestry Visa Application About You Section
    An extract from the final application. As you can see these should be pretty easy for you to fill 🙂
    Ancestry Visa Application Travel Purpose Section
    Example of the travel dates and purpose of travel section.
    Ancestry Visa Application Passport Information Section
    The passport information summary on the application.
    Ancestry Visa Application Passport Information Section2
    The passport information summary on the application.

    Personal Details and Travel History

    Personal details covers information like where you live, how long you have lived there and general information. The interesting section is where it covers your travel and criminal history, let’s begin!

    Have you been issued any visa for the UK, UK Overseas Territories or Commonwealth Country in the last 10 years? I put no as Australians don’t need visas to visit the UK or Commonwealth countries and I have never had a work visa. If you are country that does then put any visitor or work visas you’ve had here. A quick summary of information you will need if you select yes:

    • Type of visa issued – State the type of visitoror wok visa here
    • Date of Issue – Date of Issue as stated in thepassport or travel document
    • Date of Expiry – Date of Expiry as stated in the passport or travel document. If the passport ortravel document has no date of expiry please enter 01 JAN 2050.
    • Issuing Authority – that authority issued yourvisa i.e. British Embassy, High Commission, Consulate

    Have you ever travelled to the UK in the last 10 years? The one and only trip  (technically two entries) I had to the UK was detailed here. You can put up to 5 trips you have had to the UK. I suggest putting latest to oldest dates (just my preference).

    Have you made an application to the Home Office to remain in the UK in the last 10 years? I put no for this answer. Unless you have requested for Settlement or any visa like that then you answer will be no.

    The application then goes into whether you have be refused entry, deported, elected to leave the UK and any other country. Hopefully you will be able answer no to all these questions.

    Have you ever travelled outside your country of residence, excluding the UK, in the last 10years? I listed out all my trips, this needs to be as arcuate as possible. For my most recent application I was given 30 lines however it was a different visa but expect to have between 10 to 30 lines in the application to enter this. Again using the latest to oldest trip order. If you feel like it you can add a spreadsheet detailing your remaining trips but I didn’t provide a spreadsheet with my application Ancestry application.

    Have you ever been issued with a UK National Insurance Number? E.g. QQ 123456A Unless you have lived in the UK previously you won’t have a National Insurance Number. If you curious to know more about National Insurance Number I have detailed everything in this article. 

    The application then goes into criminal records, whether you are a terrorist and other information around your criminal history. 

    Example of my application:

    Ancestry Visa Application Contact Details Section2
    Ancestry Visa Application Travel History Section
    Ancestry Visa Application Travel History Section
    ncestry Visa Application Travel History Section2
    ncestry Visa Application Travel History Section2

    Family Details

    Family details is about your mother and father, your relationship status and whether you have children. This section should be a breeze.

    For evidence I only provide my mums birth certificate as my dad isn’t linked to my ancestral heritage to the UK. If the birth certificates can tie your ancestral heritage then shouldn’t need a marriage certificate. If linking the heritage isn’t obvious then marriage certificates are a must.

    Example of my application:

    Ancestry Visa Application Family Details Section2
    Ancestry Visa Application Family Details

    Employment and Income

    What is your total monthly income from all sources of employment or occupation, after tax? WhenI submitted my application I added what currency I was paid in so my answer was: AUD 3000 (for example).

    The Type of work undertaken – For this question I just described my field and put IT ProjectManagement.

    Do you have any additional paid jobs or occupations? If you have any more jobs add them here.

    For evidence I also provided my employment contract to support the employment section.

    Income and Expenditure

    Do you have savings, properties or other income, for example from stocks and shares?  My answer was no as I didn’t have any income streams. If you do add them here.

    How much do you spend each month in GBP(£) on living costs? I actually put this in AUD and not GBP as it was the thing at the time. It’s just a summary of what you spend on rent, bills etc each month converted into GBP.

    The questions in the Income and Expenditure section is where people get the most confused. 

    For this sections first, work out the total cost of your trip: flights, hotels, meals, train tickets, everything, in the currencies you’re paying in. Then convert to pounds and calculate the total.

    Once establish the costs you need to figure out if you are paying for the whole trip or are you getting someone else to support your trip? If someone else is paying then did they buy your plane ticket? Will they be paying for the hotel stay? Are they reimbursing you for what you spend? Convert all that to pounds and add it up.

    How much of your total monthly income in GBP(£) is given to family members and other dependents? My answer was no but if your parents or anyone is supporting you add the amounts here.

    What is the cost to you personally of your trip in GBP(£)? I put a combination of my flights, accommodation and expenses for this. If someone is helping you pay for this then only put the amount that you are paying in this section so basically what is this personally costing you. I didn’t provide any evidence for this.

    The total amount of money you have for this trip? I just put what my total saving was for this answer, for example, AUD 8000. This was supported by bank statements as evidence.

    If you want to know how much to save before moving to the UK, I suggest reading ‘How Much Money Should I Save to Move to the UK?’. You can through all my suggestions out the window and wing it! In that case just have enough to show you can support yourself, I always recommend £1,890 as a minimum. 

    The cost of the aeroplane, boat or train tickets? Whatever you ticket cost to get to the UK. If you don’t have a ticket then find the most realistic cost by using Skyscanner etc. Slightly ironic that the advice is don’t book you travel before your visa is approved! I didn’t provide any evidence for this.

    The cost of your accommodation? I calculated my first months accommodation cost for this answer. I didn’t provide any evidence for this.

    The cost of your living expenses? I estimated this cost, for example, £600. It should cover things like transport, estimated food budget etc. It’s a bit of an odd question. I didn’t provide any evidence for this.

    If you want to know the cost of living in London I have you covered! It’s based on my costs living here. 

    Is someone other than you paying for all or a part of your trip? If someone is paying for a part of your trip this is where you add this. I didn’t have any one supporting me but having a statement from the person/ money in your account will help support the application (that’s just my personal opinion).

    Example of my application:

    As you can see in Employment and Income section, not all of my questions I had answered actually ended up on the final version. No idea why or whether this has now changed.
    As you can see in Employment and Income section, not all of my questions I had answered actually ended up on the final version. No idea why or whether this has now changed.

    Family and Friends in the UK

    Please enter details of what you plan to do whilst in the UK. My answer was ‘to live and work in the UK’.

    Do you have any friends or family in the UK? I didn’t so my answer was no.

    Medical Treatment

    There is a whole series of questions on whether you have ever received medical treatment in the UK. As someone that never had medical treatment in the UK my answer was no but if you have then put in the relevant information.

    UK Ancestry

    Finally where you put your heritage and how you qualify for UK Ancestry.

    How do you qualify for UK ancestry? Add your relevant grandparents details here.

    I provided my granddad’s birth certificate as proof, along side my mums birth certificate as mentioned in an earlier section.

    Do you have a job arranged in the UK? You don’t need to have a job lined up to qualify to move to the UK on Ancestry. My answer was no as I didn’t have a job.

    For evidence I provided my resume. The GOV UK website states that the evidence can be in the form of job offers you’ve received or a business plan if you’re self-employed.

    What is your English Language ability? English is my native language was my answer. If it isn’t just put the level of English you speak (not exactly sure the terminology you should use).

    What money is available to pay for your initial expenses such as accommodation and food for yourself and any dependents (if applicable)? My answer was whatever was in my savings account at the time it was just under $8,000. You should add the currency code in front of your answer so the answer should look like AUD 8,000. I also linked this to the same amount I had in the ‘the total amount of money you have for this trip’.

    For the evidence I provide 3 months of bank statements to support this.

    Example of my application:

    Ancestry Visa Application Employment and Income Details
    The questions in this section have changed a little since I applied, at least it’s less information you need to enter.

    Additional Information

    Is there any other information you wish to be considered as part of your application? I didn’t have any extra evidence so I put no for this.

    Summary of Documentation 

    In the bullets below is a summary of all the evidence I provided for my UK Ancestry visa. I go more into detail about how to get grandparents birth certificates and the process in ‘What You Need to Know When Applying for Your UK Ancestry Visa’. 

    I find lots of threads asking whether the documents must be originals or copies can be supplied. Just to add clarity to this point always provide originals to be safe, don’t worry the documents are returned to you.

    • The printout of your online application.
    • The copy of your biometrics appointment information.
    • Current passport, plus previous passports.
    • Birth certificate.
    • The birth certificate of your parent (only the parent of the grandparent you’re applying through).
    • The birth certificate of your grandparent.
    • Marriage certificate (to support heritage if unclear).
    • Three months of bank statements showing £1,600 (which was the requirement at the time). Bank statements should be printed on branch-specific letterhead with the contact info for the branch where it was printed. If not, each statement should be stamped and/or signed. If they won’t do that, a letter from a branch manager confirming their authenticity and correctness will suffice.
    • Resume/ CV (to prove that you can and intend to work in the UK) and you can also include printouts of registration emails from UK job sites e.g. Reed, London Jobs, Indeed.
    • I also included my employment contract to support the employment and finances (not sure if it was necessary, just something else I did include).

    Hopefully, that has given you some insight into what information you need for your application. If you are unsure reach out to the Home Office or my friends at Britbound who will be able to help you.

    More Moving to the UK Articles

  • A Guide to Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Via UK Ancestry)

    A Guide to Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Via UK Ancestry)

    After living in London for just under 5 years I finally qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). I have been preparing for this since I first arrived! Saving all my bills, contract, payslips and whatever other documentation I thought would be useful for the application. Yes, I am a little intense thinking about this before I had even lived here for a couple of years.

    One of the most confusing things about applying for visas is the evidence. What on earth do they expect you to provide!? As it’s such a stressful process I have documented the information and steps I took to get my Indefinite Leave to Remain.

    As the process does change regularly make sure you go to the gov.uk website before applying. This is all based on my sisters and I information and when we have applied. I have linked to all the official documents we used so you can reference these as well.

    Disclaimer: This is based on my experience (I’m not a lawyer or immigration advisor) and you should seek professional legal advice if you are unsure. Go to GOV UK to check if there have been any changes to the visa rule & fees.

    Indefinite Leave to Remain Visa Criteria for Ancestry Route

    The criteria for the IRL is:

    • you’ve been living and working in the UK for 5 years with a UK Ancestry visa
    • you’ve spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months of the last 5 years (known as ‘continuous residence’) – if you have then you will need to apply for an extension until you qualify.

    If you’re 18 to 64 years old when you apply, you must also:

    Before You Start Applying

    There are two steps you should complete before starting the application, they are:

    • Pass your ‘Life in the UK Test’ also known as citizenship test. There is no expiry date on the test so do this as soon as possible. Also, don’t lose the number, you will need it for your citizenship application!
    • Prove your English language ability (countries like Australia and New Zealand are exempt from this)

    When Can You Start Applying?

    For a Set O or UK Ancestry route to ILR, the earliest you can apply is in your final 28 days before your visa ends. For example; my visa expired on the 10th of September 2018 so the start of the 28 days would be the 13th of August. Therefore the 13th of August is the first day I was allowed to apply.

    You can see this stated at the start of the Set O application: Do not apply any sooner than 28 days before you complete your qualifying period.

    When I say to apply this doesn’t mean you can’t start your application in advance. You are able to start your application 70 days which allows you to prepare the application and any information you need to gather to support it.

    On the first day of your 28 days submit the application so when you get to the pay screen this where you cannot go back and change your application. Once paid you will be able to go to the next steps such as booking your biometric appointment.

    Indefinite Leave to Remain Visa Financial Requirements

    There is no listed financial requirements for the UK Ancestry route i.e. that you need savings in your account or give proof of income (just to clarify proof of income means that you need to prove you earn over a certain amount).

    There is a statement that you need to show that you can support yourself which I did by showing my savings accounts and various other documents (more in the documents section below).

    Visa Cost

    The cost for ILR in 2018 is £2,389 to apply online and £3,189 with Super Priority (i.e. 24-hour decision) and this cost is per person. For the latest fees check GOV.UK settle in the UK page. The fees generally change in April each year (the end of the tax year).

    Additionally, there will be £19.20 for the biometrics. There are free appointments available at the core centres but if you don’t manage to get one of these there can be additional costs.

    For my sister’s application, she went with the standard decision as super-priority is suspended. The cost for ILR in Dec 2020 is £2,389 for the visa, £19.20 for the biometrics and an express appointment at £75 as she couldn’t find a free appointment.

    You can pay the fees by debit or credit card. I paid the fee on my credit card, one to get the air miles and the second it allows me to show more savings in my bank account.

    Applying Yourself or Using a Company For Your ILR?

    I applied by myself this time around instead of using a company. This time around I put a lot more research into what I needed to do to evidence the visa and information I would need. I was confident that I would be successful.

    When I was at the Home Office there were a lot of applicants using companies so there will be plenty of places offering this service if you wish to choose this option. If you have a complicated application it’s a less risky option to go with.

    Arrival Date or Visa Start Date (which to use when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain)

    Before we start the application process less answer the question I see all the time on communities! Arrival Date or Visa Start Date?

    Read page 8 Period between the issue of entry clearance and entering
    the UK     of this document:
    https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/834928/calculating-continuous-leave-v19.0ext.pdf

    It basically says that as long as you arrive within 180 days after your visa starts and don’t go over the continuous period (i.e. 180 days in a rolling year) you can apply for ILR.

    Application Process 

    The best way to get to the right online form is to use the ‘find out if you can apply tool‘. This will direct you to the right application for your visa status.

    With the new process, appointments will be available up to 28 days in advance. Gov.uk says on the initial Set(O) application page “Do not apply any sooner than 28 days before you complete your qualifying period.” A recommendation from UKVCAS is that you book your appointment within 5 days of submitting your applications. You will be reminded in 15 days if you have not done so.

    As everyone needs to enrol their biometrics with their visa application you will need to book an appointment.

    In this video, I run through all the questions and my answers in detail. Please note the end form doesn’t display all the questions you are asked within the application.

    Submitting Your Application

    At the end of the application process you will be provided with three options to submit your application, only two are a viable option which is:

    For this application, I decided to go with the premium service (this is now super-priority) instead of posting the application. When I was reading about the troubles others had with keeping jobs whilst waiting for their visa to be approved it sparked concerns. I didn’t want to go through the same troubles so I paid the extra for the ease.

    Additionally not having my passport up to 6 months means that I won’t be able to travel so if something happened at home I wouldn’t be able to go. Plus not having an international holiday for 6 months!? That would be a struggle for me.

    My sister has had to go with the standard process as this is all that is offered currently and won’t be allowed to leave the country until a decision is made on her application.

    Booking Your Appointment

    Once you complete your online form and pay you will be sent to a further actions page. On this page click the book biometric appointment and this will trigger an access code for the UKVCAS site. Once received you can set up your account with a password.

    To read the full guide on biometrics appointments for UK Visas the UKVCAS process is explained, here.

    With the UKVCAS process you need to bring the following to the appointment:

    • Confirmation of your appointment, this can be just the document on your phone
    • Passport
    • I also brought all my documents to the appointment just in case

    Evidence Required for Indefinite Leave to Remain Application

    As my sister is applying in December 2020, I’ve updated the sections below to include what we both submitted and the updates for UK Ancestry. That way you can compare both our evidence provided and what we thought would meet the criteria.

    I find lots of threads asking whether the documents must be originals or copies can be supplied. As of the latest checklist in December 2020 it states:

    • You should use your supporting documents checklist as a guide to what documents you need to self-upload or take to your appointment.
    • You will be able to upload copies of your documents on our commercial partner’s website, or you can take your documents to your biometrics appointment to be scanned and uploaded by our commercial partner for a fee.
    • You do not need to send any physical documents to the Home Office or UK Visas & Immigration unless you are advised to do so.

    The checklist also states:

    If you do not provide any of these documents, we may not be able to make a decision on your application. Please note that we may occasionally ask you to provide other documents in addition to those listed.

    Your application may be rejected if you do not provide all mandatory documents. If your application is rejected due to documents not being provided, it will not be considered and an administration fee for each person included in the application will be deducted from your refund.

    All the titles and italics in this section of the article are the documents required by the Home Office for my application and what I have provided to meet these.

    ILR documents
    The stack of documents I provided to prove my ILR

    The passport issued by Australia

    Ok, pretty easy this one! I just included my current passport.

    New-Australian-Passport

    Evidence of UK Ancestry

    Evidence that you have a grandparent who was born in the UK or Islands (including the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Ireland (if they were born there before 31 March 1922) such as:

    • your full birth certificate
    • the full birth certificate of the parent through whom you are claiming UK ancestry
    • the birth certificate of your grandparent who was born in the UK or Islands
    • if you, your parent, or grandparent have changed name since birth, evidence of this, for example, marriage or civil partnership certificates

    For my sister’s application, she included her birth certificate, our mum’s birth certificate (the parent we have UK Ancestry) and our granddad’s birth certificate (mum’s dad). As you can trace the heritage via our birth certificates she didn’t include those.

    There is another checkbox that says ‘Applicants’ birth certificate showing their parents’ names which is included in my sisters birth certificate.

    This was not clear at the time of my application so I brought the documents just in case and then they said it was a must to include.

    Evidence of immigration status in the UK

    For this, we both provided this for our visa’s. Mine was a photocopy of my visa in my passport and my sister was a copy of her UK Ancestry BRP card/ the initial vignette. Plus the above documents to prove our UK Ancestry connection.

    Again like the requirement above it just requires a form to be signed.

    The consent forms are included in the application documents. If you have joints accounts with your partner or anyone else then they will need to sign this. The sponsor will also be required to fill out a consent form. No joint accounts or sponsors then this isn’t required.

    Employed Evidence

    • If you are employed at the date of application, please provide a letter from your current employer which confirms they will continue in their current job with that employer.
    • Documents to show you are employed, such as recent wage slips.
    • If you are self-employed, please provide one of the following: business and/or company accounts official letter from a registered accountant which confirms self-employment official tax documentation.

    Unemployed Evidence (plus gaps in working history)

    •  If you are unemployed at the date of application, please provide alternate evidence to show your employment record throughout the five year period in this category of leave, and of any attempts to make and find work.
    • If you have been unemployed for long periods over the five years, you must provide reasons why you have failed to find work and evidence to show you have been looking for it.
    • You must also provide evidence of how you can support yourself without a regular income.

    For my application, I included every employment contract, 5 years worth of payslips and a letter stating I was employed.

    For my sister’s application, she included the current employment contract, a letter from her company stating that she was employed and 6 months worth of payslips.

    Also to back this up, my sister and I provided P60’s and a letter from the HMRC which also show employment and that we have been paying taxes.

    Here is an example of the letter I provided from my workplace to support my application.

    Example Employment Letter for ILR
    Example Employment Letter for ILR

    Psstt… to get an HMRC letter is really easy just 0300 200 3300, ask for 5 years’ worth of employment history to be sent to you in a letter.

    HMRC letter
    Example of the HMRC letter I provided for my ILR to help support my application.

    Evidence of your finances. Bank statements, building society savings book(s), payslips or other formal documents

    • As evidence of your ability to maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants without recourse to public funds. Note, we do not accept internet or cashpoint statements as evidence of finances.
    • If you claim that a relative or friend is providing you with financial support, in addition to evidence of your own finances, you must provide bank statements or other documents of the kind described above as evidence of their financial resources.
    • The documents showing the finances available to you and to any person supporting you should cover at least the last three months.

    I asked my banks to provide one year of statements to support this evidence, HSBC provided this with ease and cover letter, however, Lloyds only provide 3 months (this is the minimum evidence) printed at the bank which they stamp to validate the statement.

    I had four accounts I did this for plus I had a stack of old bank statements from 2013 until about 2015 which I included as additional evidence.

    I actually forgot one of my bank statements, however, it was a small saving account so in the grand scheme of things, I don’t think it would have added anything additional.

    For my sister’s application, she just included 6 months worth of bank statements.

    All previous passports, travel documents or national identity cards that you have used to travel to or remain in the UK

    If you have received a new passport since your last leave to remain application, and your visa is in your old passport, you must include both passports.

    I included my current passport and my old passport that was valid from 2008 until 2018, this had my initial visa in it too.

    Old Australian Passport

    Life in the UK Test pass notification (now electronic)

    When I applied you were still issued a life in the UK test pass letter and this is what I added as evidence to both my ILR and citizenship application.

    However, now you are issued with a number that you include in your application. This will be issued after you pass the test.

    Please, please, please don’t leave this to the last minute! Also, make sure your details are 100% correct. I have known people to get refused to take the test because their ID cut off their middle name or their country of birth was wrong. There is no expiry date so do this as soon as possible!

    Life-in-the-UK-Pass-Notification
    Make sure you keep your life in the UK test safe as you will also need it for Citizenship (if you plan on applying).

    Reasons for absences from the UK (additional information I provided)

    I included a full list of absences, a tally of days outside of the UK and both passports to prove my absences. I have created a Google Docs spreadsheet as an example but you can also use the template to calculate your reason for absences. 

    Here is an example of my reason for absences in the application. I also provided the spreadsheet as I had over 30 lines worth of trips to enter.

    Prove the level of English language required

    Not stated as a requirement for my sister’s application so I assume that they are no longer stating this for exempt countries, as we are Australian. However when I applied it was simply providing my passport to prove this.

    Some nationalities will require to take an English test, the pass letter just needs to be included in the application. Find out more information here.

    Indefinite Leave to Remain Visa Processing Time

    The processing time has changed with the new UKVAS service, you should expect a decision within the following timelines:

    • Standard service – get a decision within 6 months
    • Super priority – currently suspended. Check the website for the latest information on this.

    Depending on the service you choose you should get an email from Home Office on that your application was approved or denied. If approved then you will receive by post your BRP and approval letter.

    Decision Time

    Once a decision has been made on your application you will be sent a letter stating whether you were approved or not approved.

    As it is now emailed/posted to you I am not sure whether the caseworker is meant to tell you the reasons why you are unsuccessful. You could call the UKVI Support Centre to find out more information.

    Approval Letter
    Example of the ILR approval letter the Home Offices gives you

    Receiving Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

    The letter advising you that your application is approved will state that a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) has been ordered and sent to your address. If you completed the application yourself then it will be sent to your home, otherwise, it will be sent to the agency you used.

    The BRP card should arrive in 10 working days, there are details in the letter of what to do if your BRP doesn’t arrive. The letter will also include handy information about your BRP, what happens if it gets lost etc.

    The Home Office now just posts your BRP card so this will arrive in your letterbox at some point.

    Here’s what the Biometric Residence Permit looks like. The photo is so much better than my passport photo!

    Biometric Residency Permit

    Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Has an Expiry Dates

    I had no idea that BRP had expiry dates until my card arrived! Turns out every 5ish years you will need to renew your BRP. I have read that others got 10 years on theirs my mine is weird 5 years 5 months until I need to renew it. You won’t need to reapply if you decide to progress down the citizenship path.

    Next Step, UK Citizenship

    Want to know how to apply for your UK citizenship? Here is a step by step on the UK citizenship application requirements and process. Finding helpful information can be a hassle so this article is here to help!

    Disclaimer: This is based on my experience (I’m not a lawyer or immigration advisor) and you should seek professional legal advice if you are unsure. Go to GOV UK to check if there have been any changes to the visa rule & fees.

  • How to Catch the Infamous Belgrade to Budapest Overnight Train

    How to Catch the Infamous Belgrade to Budapest Overnight Train

    After reading all the internet had to offer on the infamous Belgrade to Budapest Overnight Train I was a little worried about catching the train! I spoke to our hostel to double check that our decision was the right one and that we wouldn’t end up robbed or stranded somewhere. He laughed and mutter ahh the infamous overnight train.

    He assured us that it would be perfectly fine and the only part about the train journey he didn’t like was constantly being woken up by the guards for passport checking so we went ahead with our decision to continue with this option of getting to Budapest.

    Belgrade to Budapest Overnight Train Timetable

    The overnight train leaves Belgrade Centar station at 21:47 and is scheduled to arrive at Budapest Keleti at 05:50. Our train was 40 minutes later than expected, although if you are like us it wasted a bit of time whilst you are waiting to check in to your accommodation.

    Other trains you can catch from Belgrade to Budapest

    The night train isn’t appealing to everyone so there are two-day time trains that you can catch to Budapest.

    There is the 07:42 that leaves Belgrade Centar station and arrives Budapest Keleti at 16:04. It is a train that is actually en route to Vienna and is a high-quality train compared to the night train.

    The other train you can get is the 11:42 which arrives at Budapest Keleti at 20:04. It’s a small train and there will be no catering on this train, so bring your own picnic and drinks.

    Where to buy train tickets in Belgrade? How much will a ticket cost?

    Belgrade Centar station
    Belgrade Centar station

    The best and easiest way to buy train tickets is at the Belgrade Centar Station at Savski trg 2, Beograd 11000, Serbia. There is a way that Seat 61 mentions that you can reserve a seat on the overnight train but honestly the train wasn’t that busy and would be fine buying a ticket the day before or on the day.

    I really wanted to purchase the sleeper beds instead of the seats but there was a bit of a communication problem and ended up with second class seats which cost €15. The train itself is not very fancy whatsoever so I wouldn’t bother upgrading to first class as there will be barely any difference.

    After I realised where I went wrong, basically you buy the €15 ticket.  You can then pay an additional fee for a seat reservation which you can upgrade to a bed for an additional €8 for a bunk in a 6-berth compartment or €10 for a bunk in a 4-berth.

    Ticket from Belgrade to Budapest

    The guy at the hostel said we could negotiate with the guards to upgrade our seats, as we were aware how infamous the train was, we thought we would just be inviting trouble into our journey so didn’t try.

    What to expect on the train journey from Belgrade to Budapest?

    Safety

    Keep your wits about you on the train journey and ensure that you secure your belongings as there are numerous reports of people getting scammed or robbed.

    I was safe during my journey and I did not experience getting robbed, scammed or kicked off the train, however, I was really careful of how I acted and how I kept my belongings. I made sure that if someone was to get to my belongings they would have to wake me up before they could access them. Additionally, I didn’t have my phone out, show I had anything fancy like a laptop or just flaunt anything that shows I have money. As we were leaving Serbia we had about £3 left of Serbian dinar so robbing us wouldn’t have been very fruitful.

    I did also witness people getting escorted off the train in some random part of Serbia, it was a big group of people travelling together and not a solo traveller so I didn’t intervene. Do not get off the train if you are asked to, I would not normally recommend arguing with border security but the border is in the middle of nowhere and it’s early hours of the morning.

    Unexpected bus journey

    It is also common to have rail works happening which is what happened on our train journey. The journey started with a bus journey to Novi Sad and once we were in Novi Sad we boarded the train there.

    This did not cause any added complication as the buses were waiting outside of Belgrade Centar station to take us to Novi Sad. It is a short bus ride taking about 2 to 3 hours.

    The bus did host some interesting characters, one guy that seemed truly nice but unfortunately seemed to have had a drunken incident and smelt like piss. The rest of the people were mainly backpackers or locals travelling between the countries.

    Overall Experience

    I experienced a lot of broken sleep as you are woken up several times for various checks. I also wished I didn’t have a couple of beers beforehand as the bathrooms are less to be desired as well so using them less is for the better. It’s the glamorous life of travelling and having a small bladder.

    Kat on the train from Serbia to Budapest
    Me on the train from Serbia to Budapest

    Do I need to go through border security on the train?

    Going through border controls you will not get off the train. The security guards in Serbia will come and check that you match your passport and then take your passports off to the passport booth. I know that some people worry that their passports are being taken away but don’t worry it is only for a short period of time. I saw everyone’s passport being returned in my carriage and heard no complaints about missing passports.

    The security guards in Hungary came on with all their gear and checked everyone’s passport as they went down the train. Mine (Australian passport) was checked and stamped on the spot. Hungary is in the Schengen Zone so the general Europe visa rules will apply.

    Arriving at Budapest Train Station

    overnight train from Belgrade Centar station
    Our overnight train.

    By the time we arrived in Budapest we were exhausted and keen to get to our hostel, we survived the infamous Belgrade to Budapest train without any hiccups. Hopefully your experience won’t be too dissimilar to ours.

    The train station has a good connection with public transport, left luggage facilities, ticket offices, toilets, shops and cafes. Budapest is a pretty easy city to get around and has plenty of information desks to help you if you need anything.

    That’s my not so exciting infamous train journey from Belgrade to Budapest. Let me know in the comments below your experience!

    More Balkans Articles

  • UK Visa Super Priority Appointment (Tips and Process)

    UK Visa Super Priority Appointment (Tips and Process)

    As of the 5th of November, the whole service has changed and it’s no longer the same Premium Service offering by UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI). There is a new service called UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS) which is run by Sopra Steria in partnership with UK Visas and Immigration. I have searched the internet, so you didn’t have to! Here is everything you need to know about the changes.

    Psstt.. You can read more about the application process and documents I provided for the Indefinite Leave to Remain Visa (Settlement) here.

    Super Priority service is currently suspended. As things are changing (due 2020 events) with UKVCAS service please keep up to date with UKVI latest information and UKVAS.

    Disclaimer: This is based on my research and you should seek professional advice if you are unsure. Go to GOV UK to check if there have been any changes to the visa rule & fees.

    5th November 2018 Changes to Appointments

    With the rollout of the UK Visa and Immigration new streamlined services there have been several changes introduced which include:

    • a streamlined online journey for most application types, with an intuitive form making it easier to apply and the option to purchase additional services;
    • a modernised, digital and more secure process to submit key evidence and personal information, with most applicants able to retain their passports and other valuable evidence rather than sending them separately to UKVI;
    • fast and convenient self-service with the ability to make applications and upload evidence directly;
    • more flexible on-demand, mobile application services accessible at third party premises;
    • enhanced support for vulnerable customers through a range of financial support for travel costs and mobile services.

    You can read more of the details UKVI issued on this here.

    Timeline of the Changes

    • From 5th November: the new UK VCAS centres will open and slowly rolled out until the 29th of Nov. They are opening 57 locations across the country to make the process easier.
    • During the period of 5th November – 29th November, the old and new service will run which means there will be access to the new biometrics/document upload centres and Premium Services.  
    • 29th November: Premium Service Centres will close
    • January 2019: Service and Support Centres will open, for use by a small number of customers who require more support with their application. These customers will continue to use the current process until January and the UKIV will issue more information on this process shortly so look out for it.

    Premium Service Appointment Booking

    In order to book the premium service appointment, you need to complete the online application (for my ILR I used the new visa immigration website), it will be the last stage of the online application process providing you with two options to submit your application. The two options are Standard and Super Priority service and the type of visa’s this service is offered to are:

    • Tier 2 or 4 visa
    • Tier 2 or 4 dependant – applying on your own
    • Tier 1 or 5 dependant – applying on your own
    • Remain in the UK with family – applying in the partner, family life as a partner or private life in the UK routes
    • Indefinite Leave to Remain
    • And a few more.

    What does this mean for you?

    This changes the way the visa appointments used to work so instead of the appointments opening 45 business days in advance they now open within 5 working days of making your application. They encouraged to go to an appointment as soon as possible and will receive a reminder after 15 working days if you have not attended an appointment.

    If you want to visit one of these service points you can book an appointment:

    • up to 28 days in advance
    • the same day
    • the next day
    • outside of standard office hours

    If your application included family members or dependents you will need to attend the appointment at the same time.

    What are the Decision Timelines for the New Premium Service?

    The changes have introduced a new timeline for when a decision is made on your application, the choices are:

    Example of the new application

    Visit Gov.uk to commence your application, depending on the visa type you will be directed to the appropriate form you need to fill out. Once you commence the application you will be presented with an information page about your visa which will detail information about; biometric information, healthcare Surcharge, before you start applying, what you need to know, how to apply and application fees.

    Example of Tier 2 Application page.
    Example of Tier 2 Application page.

    Once you’ve completed the application and declaration you will get to the payments section.

    The first step of this process is providing your evidence and biometrics information. Between 5th November and 29th November you will be offered the choice between the existing service or the new UK VCAS. This is still displaying on some applications. You will need to choose the new service as the existing service no longer exists.

    Example of page 2 of the Tier 2 application page for providing biometics.
    Example of page 2 of the Tier 2 application page for providing biometics.

    The next step is choosing the service, to recap the decision timeline is:

    • Standard service – get a decision within 6 months
    • Super priority – get a decision in 24 hours
    Example of payment page and options available.
    Example of payment page and options available.

    The moment of spending your money is now here! Put in those card details.

    Choosing your payment method on UKVI.
    Choosing your payment method on UKVI.

    The last page is further actions will cover booking appointment, downloading the checklist and application.

    Further actions page on UKVI which allows you to book an appointment with UKVCAS.
    Further actions page on UKVI which allows you to book an appointment with UKVCAS.

    Booking Your Appointment

    Once you complete your online form and pay the fees you will be emailed an access code. This is used to book an appointment through the online portal on the UKVCAS website.

    This is also the portal you will self upload your support evidence.

    What Locations Can You Get a Premium Service Appointment?

    Before the changes there only used to be 7 Premium Service Centres now there is now 57 UKVCAS centres across the UK:

    • 6 core service centres offering free appointments – Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast and Croydon.
    • 50 enhanced service centres offering charged appointments so it will be £60 for appointments between 10 am – 4 pm, £100 for weekday appointments outside of these hours, or £125 for weekend appointments.
    • 1 premium lounge for a fee of £200 (or £260 outside of10 am –4 pm hours). Choosing this service won’t improve your application processing time.

    To find your closest centre use the location tool here. When you are booking the appointments the location tool will also appear providing you with the 4 closest centres. If you wish to find another location then enter the postcode of that area and it will show you the centres to that area.

    For example, my closest centres in London are:

    • Croydon Core Service Point – Bedford Point, 35 Dingwall Road Croydon
    • Wimbledon Service Point – Wimbledon Library, 35 Wimbledon Hill Road London
    • Victoria Service Point – Regus, 52 Grosvenor Gardens London
    • Premium Lounge Service Point – 20 Mark Lane London

    Indefinite Leave to Remain Premium Service Fees

    The fee structure for the Premium Service was £800 which has now been transferred to Super Priority service (new arrangements).

    You can see the latest fee list here.

    Additionally, you can purchase the following services:

    Enhanced service points

    Basically, this is scanning and evidence checking services and cost £60 per person. I suggest doing this yourself instead of paying for the third party to do this on your behalf.

    Out of hours appointments

    This service was previously offered and is just appointments out of the core hours. Prices start from £100 per person on top of any other appointment-based fees.

    Next day appointments

    As the title states, they now offer next day appointments for £100 per person on top of any other appointment-based fees.

    Same day appointments

    For urgent applications you can now get a same day appointment. Prices start from £100 per person on top of any other appointment-based fees.

    How Long Does a Premium Visa Appointment Take?

    I would allow 30 to 60 minute for the appointment. The appointment will just the enrolment of your biometrics and a check supporting evidence has scanned correctly. If you have uploaded/scanned the documents, then it will be simply getting you biometrics done and you will be out the door.

    Once that is complete the decision process will be kicked off and should take 24 hours. I would allow up to three days and if you’ve not heard back by then you can call UKVI.

    Preparation for the Appointment

    The preparation before the appointment is just ensuring that you have your application completed, booking confirmation, checklist and all the documentation prepared. Make sure have certified translations of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

    With the new service you will be told what you need to bring to your appointment when you submit your application, this will include:

    • appointment confirmation
    • passport or travel document
    • supporting evidence (bring the originals to the appointment)

    When I submitted mine there was no electronic way of uploading the information, so I brought mine all neatly separated into different files and categories to make it easier for the caseworker. It was all just placed in one folder, so it wasn’t necessary to prepare this. I would still put the documents in order as per the checklist to make it easier when someone is reviewing your case if you are bringing physical documentation.

    I’ve read horror stories with the new appointment service that their paper scanners didn’t work. Upload all the docs *before* the appointment and take the original documents to the appointment. No need to take photocopies of docs or passport photos.

    What to Expect During a Premium Service Appointment at the Visas and Immigration

    Since my appointment, the process has changed (I have included that below), the new process will be:

    • show your appointment confirmation (you will get this as an email containing a QR code) and ID documents to confirm your appointment – even if you pre-upload the documents you still need to bring the originals to the appointment.
    • enrol your biometric information (fingerprints, photograph) and digital signature
    • submit your supporting evidence (unless you choose to self-upload this)
    • show your passport or travel document and have your identity checked
    • speak to a member of staff who will check that your biometric information has been successfully enrolled and your passport and supporting evidence has scanned correctly

    Afterwards you are supposed to get an email confirming you’re biometric was enrolled but I’ve never received any confirmation stating this.

    Later, depending on the service you choose you should get a letter from the Home Office on that your application was approved or denied. If approved then you will receive by post your BRP and approval letter.

    Useful Links

    Video Update on UK Visa Premium Service Appointments

    Video on the UKVCAS Biometric Appointment

    More UK Visa Articles

    Let me know of your experience in the comments below!

  • Amazing Things to Do in Sintra (Portugal)

    Amazing Things to Do in Sintra (Portugal)

    Sintra is probably one of the most visited spots in Portugal and for good reason! Get ready to explore the colourful Palace of Pena, marvel in the old Castle of the Moors, get lost in the beautiful gardens of Quinta da Regaleira or enjoy one of the many hiking paths.

    Don’t forget about the incredible history of Sintra! Some of the history can be traced back to early civilisation stretching all the way back to the Neolithic times and the Romans who also spent some time here.

    Fast forward to now and here is us exploring the town filled with castles, parks and monasteries. Here is a quick summary of the things you need to know about visiting Sintra!

    What to Do in Sintra

    Sintra is the perfect place for those who love history, architecture or beautiful gardens. Everything just seems so stunning here! Let’s start with a quick breakdown of the major sights of Sintra and the amazing things you need to do when visiting: 

  • Park and National Palace of Pena
  • Castle of the Moors
  • The Quinta da Regaleira
  • Palace of Sintra (Palácio Nacional de Sintra)
  • Monserrate Palace
  • Try Travesseiro and Queijada
  • Cabo da Roca

    • Sintra Map with Attractions

    The map below highlights all the places I mention in this article and it is super handy to save on your phone for reference. 

    A map of Sintra can be picked up from the tourist information centre if you prefer these styles of maps. I always think maps are the perfect souvenir.

    Map of Sintra provided by the tourist office
    Map of Sintra provided by the tourist office

    1. Park and National Palace of Pena

    Park and National Palace of Pena
    Park and National Palace of Pena

    In the 19th century, Ferdinand II acquired the land in the 19th Century and set out to build a summer palace for the royal family. He appointed Ludwig von Eschwege to be the architect of this magnificent palace. Ludwig drew inspiration from the Manueline and Moorish styles, as well as from the great castles he visited along the Rhine River.

    It’s hard to miss the Palace of Pena, perched high on the hill and its striking colours on display. If you were wondering about the colours, the palace has been repainted with the original shades.

    The palace gardens host over five hundred different species of trees originating from all corners of the earth. It’s considered to have the richest and most unusual collection of tree species in Europe. Some of the plant species that can be found in the gardens can no longer be found where they originated from.

    The Pena Palace is a wonderful tourist attraction, but the popularity means that it can get very crowded during the summer. I suggest when visiting either plan to arrive early or late in the day to avoid the mid-morning/mid-afternoon coach tours. If you are short on time I suggest skipping the castle and focusing on the gardens.

    For costs, opening times and transport options skip to the bottom of the article. 

    2. Castle of the Moors

    Castle of the Moors
    Castle of the Moors

    As the name suggests the Castle of the Moors dates to the North African Moors. The castle was selected as it has a good vantage point over River Tagus and safeguarding the important trade town of Sintra.

    Detailed in the history books, Sintra was a very rich in cultivated fields and was one of the most important castles in the region. In 1092 the Christian crusade, led by King Alfonso VI of Castile, captured the castle, however, they were shortly driven out due to limited forces. During the first and second Christian crusade the castle flourished and was regarded as the highpoint of its history.

    The castle was eventually abandoned in the 16th century when the castle started to fall apart due to neglect, decay, fire and earthquakes. Fast forward to today and now the castle provides one of the best views of Sintra and Pena Palace. Pena Palace is higher, but the Castle of the Moors offers more of an uninterrupted view of the town, Pena Palace and the other palaces and parks in Sintra.

    3. The Quinta da Regaleira

    The Quinta da Regaleira
    The Quinta da Regaleira

    The Quinta da Regaleira is the place to explore more incredible and elaborate gardens with its 19th-century gothic mansion.

    The gardens are filled with a series of secret passages, caves, mystic religious symbols, lakes and fountains. The garden features two initiation wells which are not your typical wells as they were never filled with water and instead were used for ceremonial purposes that included Tarot initiation rites.

    The Quinta da Regaleira is a popular tourist attraction but not as popular as the Pena Palace or the Palácio Nacional. Most of the visitors are spread throughout the gardens so it never feels as crowded as some of the other attractions.

    4. Palace of Sintra (Palácio Nacional de Sintra)

    Palace of Sintra
    Palace of Sintra

    Located in the centre of Sintra you will notice this palace straight away with its pair of white conical towers above a mishmash of halls and annexes. It was the most lived in royal residence up until the fall of the monarchy in 1910.

    Whilst the palace has a plain exterior, inside the palace you will be able to spot the influences of all the palace’s former inhabitants. A great mix of architectural trends can be discovered from the Manueline, Moorish to Gothic.

    It generally gets busy here around lunchtime.

    5. Monserrate Palace

    Monserrate Palace
    Monserrate Palace

    Monserrate is less crowded generally as it is deep in the mountain range and slightly removed from Sintra’s other palaces as its 3.5km outside the town centre.

    Explore the Islamic influences of the residence, the latticework in the arches, arabesque stucco patterns on the stairway and the ceiling of the radiant music room. How could we forget the garden!? The park has bamboo plantations, grottoes, man-made waterfalls, ponds, cedars and tree ferns. Yet another example of the incredible architecture you can find in Sintra.

    6. Try Travesseiro and Queijada

    Try Travesseiro and Queijada
    Try Travesseiro and Queijada

    We all know about the famous Portuguese pastry custard tarts! Get ready for more delicious baked good in Sintra! There are two in particular that you should add to your list, travesseiro and queijada.

    Queijada is a small circular cake made with eggs, milk, sugar and cheese. The centre is a mild, soft cheese similar to ricotta is used in place of butter.

    Travesseiro us a cylindrical puff pastry filled with an almond and egg cream and best served with a cup of coffee.

    Where to pick up these delicious treats? Travesseiro is sold at Piriquita (Rua das Padarias 1/7) and queijada, the most famous of which is sold at the Fábrica das Verdadeiras Queijadas da Sapa (Volta do Duche 12).

    7. Cabo da Roca

    It was believed Cabo da Roca was the edge of the world until the 14th century! Now just the most westerly point of mainland Europe. Apart from enjoying views from the cliffs and hiking around you can visit the Cabo da Roca lighthouse which was the first purpose-built lighthouse in Portugal in 1772.

    Lastly there is a stone monument with a cross atop. The inscription on the side of the monument is a quote from the famous Portuguese poet Luis Camoes (1524–1580) who described the area as “Where the land ends and the sea begins”.

    Cabo da Roca is often included with day trips to Sintra, however, it is easy enough to get there by driving or taking the infrequent (once an hour) Cascais to Sintra bus route (bus number 403).

    Best Way to See Sintra (If You Only Have A Day)

    Kat at Pena Palace
    Kat at Pena Palace

    Start the day off early and get the 8.08am (summer) or 8.38am (winter) from Rossio Station to Sintra. You will arrive at 30 to 45 minutes before Pena Palace opens. I suggest starting your day here as it’s the highest point and then you can just enjoy the walk downhill!

    Catch the 434 bus to Pena Palace (more details below) next to Sintra stations. Be careful of scams near the station, for example, you may see someone selling the tickets for the “City Sightseeing” buses in Sintra, for €20. You can get to the Pena Palace for €5 either by the local bus, Uber or tuk tuk.

    At the ticket office grab a multi-site pass (more detail below). Spend a few hours exploring Pena Palace and its gardens before heading across to the Castle of Moors. It is about a 30-minute walk to the castle.

    As you’ve already picked up your multi-site pass just head towards the entrance. Castle of the Moors will take an hour or so to explore.  The walk back to Sintra Town centre will be about 50-minute walk and there are plenty of signs guiding you back to the town so no need to worry about getting lost. 🙂

    The traffic is intense around the area, so you can catch the local bus or tuk tuk back. We found that Ubers didn’t wish to travel up to the castle and continuously cancelled our requests.

    Grab some lunch in the town centre. We went to Cantinho Gourmet for lunch as it had the best vegetarian option on the day. It also has a great range of local drinks to choose from, I tried the Sharish Blue Magic Gin which turns pink when you mix the gin with tonic. Don’t forget to pick up some tasty travesseiro and queijada for desert!

    Depending on the time you have left and your energy levels head to either the Palace of Sintra (Palácio Nacional de Sintra), Quinta da Regaleira or Monserrate Palace.

    There are direct trains that will run late at night (i.e. 9pm etc) which is great as you will only be limited by when the attractions close.

    Entrance Tickets for the Castles of Sintra and Opening Times

    If you’re planning to visit a few of the sites make sure you purchase a multi-site pass from your first stop. Who doesn’t love to shave a few euros off the overall price?!

    Alternatively, you can also pick up tickets online at Parques de Sintra and save 5% buying online or if you have the Lisbon Card you can enjoy between10 to 15% off some of the attractions entrances.

    Most of the sights are open from 9.30am until 7.00pm during summer and 10.00am until 6.00pm. For the latest times visit the Parques de Sintra website.

    Is Sintra Worth Visiting?

    Castle of the Moors
    Castle of the Moors

    Yes!!! There are only so many words I can use to describe how excited I was to visit Sintra. I totally underestimated how many things there are to do in Sintra. Unsurprisingly, Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and so is every sight you’ll visit in Sintra.

    I must say I regretted not being able to spend more time in Sintra and hope to go back to explore the wonders that Sintra has to offer.

    How Long Should I Spend in Sintra?

    Visiting the town of Sintra is a popular day trip from Lisbon. This is exactly what we did on our last trip to Lisbon. It’s totally doable to see two to three of the attraction in Sintra in a day but if you want to see what Sintra really has to offer you ideally need two to three days.

    Is Sintra Too Touristy?

    Flocks of tourist buses do arrive in Sintra and can make it quite crowded. Summer is the busiest time to visit Sintra so if you’re not so keen on crowds, you might want to avoid the visiting during Summer, especially at the weekends.

    Alternatively, when visiting either plan to arrive early or late in the day to avoid the mid-morning/mid-afternoon coach tours. Some of the attractions are less busy than other so with a bit of planning you can time your visit to certain places to experience less of the crowds.

    Transport Options

    How to Get to Sintra From Lisbon

    Ticket Machine to use to get a ticket to Sintra
    Ticket Machine to use to get a ticket to Sintra

    Sintra is a quick 30-minute train ride from Lisbon and a bargain at € 2,15. The easiest way to get to Sintra from Lisbon is the regional Comboios do Portugal (CP) train from Rossio station. If you have been travelling around Lisbon I am sure you have picked up a reusable Viva Viagem card. Otherwise you can pick up a card for € 0,50 at Rossio railway station or almost any train or metro station in Lisbon.

    To get to Sintra load it with one of the following options:

    • Two one-way 4 zone tickets:  € 2,15 each way, so € 4,30 total (this the option we went for)
    • 24 hours: € 10,00 valid for unlimited trips on Comboios do Portugal (CP) trains, Carris trams and buses and metro
    • Zapping: € 1,80 each way, so € 3,60 total. As we were barely using transport when we were in Lisbon we didn’t opt to pre-fill our cards. It is the cheapest way you can travel as get a more favourable rate on trains, buses, trams and the metro than if you were to purchase a single ticket.

    I wouldn’t recommend driving to Sintra, the town has very congested roads and limited parking. At the end of the day it would just be a hassle and stressful with all the one-way systems they have implemented to deal with the tourist traffic.

    Getting Around Sintra Without a Car

    The town centre is a scenic 10-minute walk from the train station. To get to the points of interest in Sintra you can take the local bus, an Uber or one of the many hiking trails available.

    The Castle of the Moors and Pena Palace is a steep 3km incline to the top so for these you may want to take the bus or an Uber to the top and then walk back down. Quinta da Regaleira is a short walk from the station, however, Monserrate Palace is an additional 3km up the road.

    How to get to Sintra Points of Interest by Local Bus

    The Sintra 434 bus route makes a loop from the railway station to three major sites in Sintra: the National Palace of Sintra (Palácio Nacional de Sintra), the Castle of the Moors (Castelo dos Mouros), and Pena Palace (Palácio Nacional da Pena).

    The Sintra 435 bus route makes a loop from the town centre to Quinta da Regaleira and the Monserrate Palace (Palacio de Monserrate).

    Walking Routes Available

    Each walking route will require an average level to good level of fitness and take you through various forest paths to the Castle of the Moors and the Park and Palace of Pena. You can pick one of the following trails to get there; Santa Maria Trail, Lapa Trail and Seteais Trail.

    What to Pack for a Day Out in Sintra?

    Be prepare for some walking and pack or wear comfortable walking shoes! Even though you can get a bus/drive close to most of the main sights (unless you plan to hike up there), there is a lot of walking required when you’re there (on the cobbled street too).

    It has its own microclimate so even if it’s sunny in Lisbon doesn’t mean it is wonderful weather in Sinatra. Check the weather before you travel and bring along an umbrella or jumper/jacket.

    Undoubtedly pack a camera (optional), phone and a battery pack so you can capture all the wonderful views and buildings of Sintra.

    If you want to cram in as many sights as possible bring a packed lunch. That way you can save time on the wait time in a restaurant and get to the next sight. Plus, there are so many pretty parks and wonderful forests to enjoy your lunch.

    Lastly, bring along a water bottle to keep hydrated during the day.

    Let me know in the comments below your experience about visiting Sintra or any questions you may have!

  • Things to do in Perth (by a local)

    Things to do in Perth (by a local)

    Perth has such a laid-back attitude, good weather, beaches and overall great lifestyle. It’s not a city you visit in a rush, take your time, enjoy the laid-back attitude, explore one of our awesome brunches, get some serious outdoors in, take a lovely beach walk and make sure you watch one of Western Australia’s great sunsets.

    Since I left Perth, it there is so much more happening in the city these days. Every time I go back there seems there are more cafes, restaurants, bars and events are popping up. Hopefully inspiring a long list of things to do whilst you are visiting

    Perth! Here is an insider’s guide to Perth from someone who grew up there!

    Things to do in Perth

    Bike or walk along the Swan River

    The Swan River is a perfect place to enjoy a walk, rollerblade (old school) or cycle around. Perth has a great climate and even though we complain about the winter there is still a tone of sun!

    There will be bike hire places dotted around like About Bike Hire located at 305 Riverside Dr, East Perth WA 6004. For a bit of fun picking up a family quad-cycle (pedal car), plus it provides a little shade from the sun!

    Occasionally you will see some black swans (more common) or dolphins! The best time to try and see dolphins is going super early in the morning (i.e. 5am in the morning). I only know this as I used to go rowing at 5.30am in the morning and watch the dolphins swim by the club.

    Towards the Swan River is Elizabeth Quay, is a major piece of redevelopment started before I left Perth in 2013, opened the first section in January 2016 and set to finish this year in 2018. Further along, the quay is Perth Bell Tower and was built to hold the bells of London’s St Martin-in-the-Fields which were given to Western Australia by the British Government in 1988.

    View of Perth from Elizabeth Quay
    View of Perth from Elizabeth Quay

    Wander around Fremantle and Market

    Fremantle (Freo as us locals say) is renowned for its eclectic mix of artsy and alternative types, the streets are filled with music and art. The area started to boom after the Americas Yacht Race in 1987 and has been growing ever since.

    It is perfect for a day and night out with friends or solo with an abundance of things to do in Fremantle from the cappuccino strip, charming streets, shopping and markets.

    The Fremantle Markets. is a must! Only open on the weekend from Friday until Sunday. Trust me the local food doesn’t disappoint with a great source of independent produce.

    I’m normally a vegetarian, however, I decided to have fish and chips, I was not let down by my choice. To follow we had what is known as a Muffle, it was pretty much bubble waffle filled with chocolate and other yummy ingredients, wrapped as a cone then filled with again delicious choices, I went with peanut butter.

    Crazily bubble waffles where in Perth way before they arrived in London. A rare occasion that we were ahead of the game on a trend.

    Muffles at Fremantle Market
    Muffles at Fremantle Market

    Fremantle Prison

    Fremantle Prison was established in 1850 and held convicts until 1991. It was built as a convict barracks in the 19th century and remained in continual use until 1991.

    The Prison was a place of hangings, floggings, dramatic convict escapes and prisoner riots. Inmates included imperial convicts, colonial prisoners, enemy aliens, prisoners of war and maximum-security detainees. It really has some interesting history!

    After its closure, the government embarked on a conservation plan to ensure the Prison’s preservation. Fremantle Prison is one of the largest surviving convict prisons in the world today.

    It’s now a tourist attraction and holds several attractions including; Doing Time, Great Escapes, Tunnel Tours, Torchlight Tour and Arts.

    Try Beer at Little Creatures

    Little Creatures is a famous brewery that started in Fremantle, it first opened its doors in 2000 and has become a well know brewery across the country and other parts of the world. It was another stop on our list, it has a great venue both indoors and outdoors, it’s also next to the water.

    We decided to start off with a tasting platter and were pleasantly surprised that it was free! There is just over a pint worth of tasters and it helps you to choose which pint you should get. I recommend trying the Pale Ale, Flagship and White Rabbit which is the sister brewery.

    Little Creatures Brewery, Fremantle
    Little Creatures Brewery, Fremantle

    Explore Kings Park

    Kings Park brings back lots of childhood memories! It’s a 400 hectare bush filled parkland in the city. It showcases amazing views of the city, lots of local plants, a tree top walk and great picnic spots.

    The best place to see the spectacular views is the DNA Tower where you’ll be able to see around Kings Park and Botanic Garden and the Swan River. Alternatively, the see the city skyline from the treetops on the Lotterywest Federation Walkway.

    Trying to get some fitness into your trip? Then try and tackle Jacob’s Ladder, a local spot for fitness junkies, just short of 300 steps and a steep 43-metre descent from Cliff Street down to Mounts Bay Road.

    The park also has a bike rental store, lots of trails, a few playgrounds, botanical gardens, BBQ areas and a few cafes dotted around.

    View of Perth from Kings Park
    View of Perth from Kings Park

    Wander around Leederville

    Leederville, also known as Leedy, has always been one of my favourite areas in Perth. Since leaving, it has become even more trendy than it used to be. Full of cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs. I didn’t get to spend as much time in Leederville as I would have liked but I did check out some of the new places on the strip.

    Leederville Street Art
    Leederville Street Art

    My suggestion for a night out in Leedervilles is:

    Headed to a place called Kitsch which is Asian-style eats and had a great special Pad Thai and $2 beer to accompany it. The restaurant had a great ambience, good service and is a place you should add to your restaurant list in Perth. It isn’t on the strip so you will need to walk about 10 minutes from the station, keep walking down past Sienna, the cinema and bit further down the street you will eventually get to Kitsch.

    Afterwards, try out the Garden or Bill’s Bar & Bites. Bill’s used to be a part of a club called the Leederville Hotel, I am sure lots of us Perthians thought they would never step foot in again after our teens! It has since been repurposed into a few different venues, ending the student scene. Exposed brick walls, dim lighting and eclectic furniture, has definitely given it a different tone! A recommendation for a great bar.

    The Garden is an open-air bar. During the summer it is a fantastic bar, thriving and has a great food and drink range as well. The restaurant section is indoors, so if you do want to head there for dinner it is a great choice.

    Make friends at Caversham Wildlife Park (CWP)

    The park offers you the chance to get close to Australia’s nature with acres of flora and of course get close with Australia’s unique native animals including koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, birds, reptiles and wombats.

    You can interact with some of the animals like kangaroos, get close with the koalas and even get an iconic photo and last of all meet the wombats and friends.

    It’s about half a day to go around and see all the sections, there are also areas where you can bring your own food and have a picnic at the park as well as cafes around the place.

    Caversham Wildlife Park
    Caversham Wildlife Park

    Walk across the wall at Mundaring Weir

    Enjoy a leisurely walk or cycle around Mundaring surrounded by forest, waterfalls and an abundance of wild life. The walking and cycle routes are marked around the Weir so that you won’t damage any of the surrounding native bush :).

    At the Weir, there will be signage showing the different routes you can take. One of the most popular walks in the Weir View Walk. It’s a 1.2km loop trail that starts and ends at the Perth Hills Discovery Centre and will take about 20-30 minute to complete the walk.

    If you are visiting during the months July to November it’s wildflower season and enjoy the striking array of native flowers. And… Don’t forget to bring a packed lunch to enjoy the beautiful picnic spots. In Aussie style there are also free gas barbecues are provided.

    See a sunset over the Indian Ocean

    In Western Australia, we are really proud of our sunsets and this is a must see when you are in Perth. The best place to watch our sunset is over the water so make sure you head to the beach to see the sky light up with vibrant colours from blue, purple, orange to pink.

    Perth, WA
    Perth, WA

    Hit the Beaches! Or Just Enjoy One of Perth’s Beach Areas

    In Perth, there are so many beach spots to choose from! Don’t forget that we are big into BBQ’s too so lots of our beach parks and areas will have BBQ facilities (p.s. you’ll have to hide alcohol as we don’t allow drinking in public spaces).
    So here are a few suggestions to consider when you are here:

    Cottesloe Beach

    Cottesloe Beach (known as the Cott) is one of our most iconic beach areas and is a common spot for swimming, snorkelling, surfing and catching one our beautiful sunsets over a glass of wine or a refreshing beer.

    Cott is a popular spot for what the local call Sunday Sessions. Basically, it’s just afternoon drinks at a pub or bar with DJs.

    In March, you’ll also see Sculpture by the Sea which is an outdoor gallery open to the public for free. One year there was a giant goon bag which still makes me laugh today! For those who do not know what a goon bag is, it’s box wine and inside you will find in a silver bag with a nozzle.

    Hillarys Boat Harbour

    Known as Hillarys to the locals, it’s a bustling area with restaurants, beaches and a place I used to frequently go to with my friends. During summer it’s a great place to grab dinner, go for ice-cream and take a nice walk along the harbour or beach.

    Bellisimo Gelato has my favourite ice-cream, pavlova flavour! What’s not to love about pavlova.

    Scarborough

    Scarborough is another popular beach area for residences that live north of the river. Over the past couple of years, it has had a bit of a revamp with new cafes, restaurants and it’s a popular spot for windsurfing and kite surfing. Unfortunately, I haven’t tried many of the places around here apart from the Wild Fig Café and it serves a worthy brunch, breakfast lover’s dream!

    Scarborough Beach
    Scarborough Beach

    Explore Northbridge and the Museums

    Northbridge has changed a lot since over the years. During the day it now has lovely cafes, restaurants, little boutique shops and general city vibe. During the night it turns into the main clubbing & bar area which it’s always been known for.

    Like London, Perth’s museums are free! There is the Art Gallery of Western Australia and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts which is located just next to the central station on the Northbridge side.

    Recommendations for a night out in Northbridge:

    Start the night off at Ezra Pound. It’s a place more suited to sitting around chatting and drinking in a very chilled atmosphere rather than those looking for a loud bar/club. A good location to catch up with friends before heading out to the other bars.

    Head to Alabama Song next. It’s located near the state library and is American themed with taxidermy hanging on the wall and honky tonk music playing in the background. The owner of this place also owns Sneaky Tony’s which is a speakeasy bar and has been on my list to visit for a while, although I still didn’t manage to get to Sneaky Tony’s whilst I was there.

    There is this great place that has been open for as long as I have been going out in Perth. I loved it so much I even had my 18th birthday there! This place is The Moon. Set up like a diner and open until about 3-4 am in the morning, you can always head there on your way home for some food or continue the night with more drinks! Back in the days when I couldn’t drink, I would go for late night ice-cream Sundays. It also has nights where they have musicians playing or movie screenings. It also always has board games available to play.

    More coming soon!

  • Everything You Need to Know About the Life in the UK Test

    Everything You Need to Know About the Life in the UK Test

    The Life in the UK test is a key requirement if you plan on settling in the UK. After having gone through the test I thought I would share my experience, all the questions I had, what the process was, the experience on the day of the test and some suggested ways to learn about life in the UK.

    Psstt.. prefer to watch my experience? I’ve included a video at the bottom of the article.

    What is the Test There to Do?

    The test is to ensure we know something about the UK so basically covers the UK history, traditions, society, monarchy, government, values and culture.

    Who Can Take the Test?

    The test is for anyone that is between the ages of 18 to 65 who are applying for indefinite leave to remain (Settlement) or British citizenship (if you have not previously taken the test in the settlement process). You do not need to take the test if you:

    • are under 18
    • are 65 or over
    • have passed it before
    • have a long-term physical or mental condition (must be supported by a doctor’s note)

    Can I Take the Test After Applying for Settlement or Citizenship in the UK?

    No, it is a part of the evidence that you need to provide the certificate and is specifically stated on the required documents list. 

    When Can I Take the Life in the UK Test?

    As the pass certificate doesn’t have an expiry date it is possible to take the test anytime. I suggest not leaving it to the last minute as I did! I gave myself 1 month to study for the test which ended up being crammed in 3 days! It added unneeded stress to my application process and I was thankfully that I knew a lot about the UK anyway.

    How Do I Book My Test for Life in the UK?

    The only way you can book a life in the UK Test is by using the website. Simply go to the website above and create an account. You will then be given options to choose a test centre and you’re able to book with one of five closest test centres to your home address. Select a centre that suits you, choose a time and date and then be asked to pay for the test.

    When you’re creating an account and booking your test it’s very important to ensure that what is written on your ID is exactly what you’re putting in as your account name. When you turn up to the test centre they will be comparing your ID that you provided against the booking details. If you don’t have this correctly documented or provide the ID, you booked with then you may not be able to take the test and you lose your payment.

    What’s the Official Website for the Test and Books?

    Here is the official website for the life in the UK Test.

    I bought the following books for my Life in the UK test, Life in the United Kingdom: a guide for new residents, Life in the United Kingdom: Official Practice Questions and Answers and Life in the UK Test: Study Guide 2018: The essential study guide for the British citizenship test.

    I would recommend purchasing the first book, a guide for residence, then purchase the online test instead of the other books. In my opinion, the test will give you more practice on the questions to expect and has 1000’s stored in the database to keep you in dated with new questions.

    Life in the United Kingdom: a guide for new residents
    Life in the United Kingdom: a guide for new residents

    The https://lifeintheuk.net/online-tests/ is where I mainly spent my time practising the test! You can get a years subscription for £6.

    Psst… this contains affiliate links, I will earn a small commission if you buy one of these products at no extra cost to you :). 

    How to Postpone Life in the UK Test

    To postpone the test, you need to log back into your account on the official website and simply reschedule the date this can only be done 3 days before your test date if you don’t do this then you will lose the fee you have paid.

    How Many Questions Are There? How Long Does the Test Last?

    There are 24 questions with either true/ false or 4 multiple answers available to choose from. The questions will be different for each test, however, all the questions will all be from the Life in the United Kingdom book.

    The Test lasts for 45 minutes but in general will take between 10 to 20 minutes. If my computer didn’t glitch during the test I would have been out in 10 minutes.

    What Score Do You Need to Pass Life in The UK Test?

    You will need to get a 75% pass rate which means 18 questions right out of 24.

    Did you know that Megan Markle also had to take the Life in the UK test to become a resident of the UK? Turns out even Royals can’t get away without taking the test. 

    How Do I Prepare for the Life in the UK Test?

    Preparing for the life in the UK Test is like taking any test and will vary on the way you learn to what best suits you.

    All the questions in the test will be based on the Life in the United Kingdom handbook so make sure you purchase a copy. This way you’ll know what to expect test wise on the questions. There are another two books that you can purchase (insert) but the main book will give you all the information that you need.

    The official book also has a website which I found helpful to do the practice tests. Not only does this give you the structure of the question and answers but tests your knowledge. I spent a great deal of my time practising for the test using the practice questions!

    Find out more ways to learn about life in the UK at the end of the article.

    Do I Need to Take Any Identification with me to the Life in UK Test?

    Yes, you will need to take two forms of identification, they will even send you a reminder. It needs to be the ID that you booked with and a document verifying your address, the following documents can be used.

    Your main identification should be the photo ID which you registered with so:

    • a passport (from your country of origin)
    • UK photocard driving license, full or provisional (if you use your license identification evidence than you will need a different proof of postcode)
    • Biometric Residence Permit

    Proof of postcode (must be originals and this cannot be any older than 3 months prior to the date of the test):

    • gas/electricity/water bill
    • a council tax bill
    • bank or credit card statement
    • UK photocard driving license
    • a letter from the Home Office with your name and address on it

    When Will You Get Your Results?

    The result will be provided on the day, you will be told to wait in the waiting room after your test and then be called up by the receptionist who will tell you whether you have passed or failed.

    Will I Get a Certificate If I Pass?

    Life in the UK Pass Notification
    You will get one of these bad boys if you pass! 

    The test centre will issue one copy of your pass certificate so keep it safe! If you lose that copy you will need to call the Home Office to get another copy.

    If I Need to Re-sit the Test Will I Have to Pay Again?

    Yes, unfortunately, every time you fail the test you need to pay for another test. Additionally, if you forget your ID you registered with, your ID doesn’t match the booking detail or you forget your proof of address.

    How Many Times Can I Resit the Test If I Fail How Do I Book a Test?

    There is no limit on how many times you can take the test. It is more a case of how many times are you willing to pay for the test? The only rule in place is that there must be a minimum of 7 days before you can book another test if you fail.

    What to Expect When You Arrive at the Test Centre?

    My test was scheduled at 10 am on Tuesday and as with anything like this I arrived 15 minutes before the scheduled test time. When I arrived at the test centre I was greeted by the security guard.

    The guard asked me for my name and asked if I wanted to go to the bathroom I was a bit confused because they didn’t understand it initially when he asked me at the time. Basically, as soon as you all registered with the front desk you’re unable to go to the bathroom. I guess it is just ensuring you’ve not got someone hiding in them giving you answers.

    Once I was a ticket off the sheet I was given a laminated sheet explaining the details of the test process. I was surprised to see that the sheet said that it would be roughly an hour and a half to two hours at the test centre, thankfully this was not the case.

    After 5 minutes of waiting I was called by the receptionist to verify my booking details against my passport. I was asked to confirm my first and last name, birthplace and nationality. Therefore, it’s important that your ID matches your booking information as I mentioned above, fail to meet this and the test centre will not allow you to take the test.

    Once I was all checked-in a locker was provided for me to put all my belongings in. Everything apart my passport needed to be in the locker.

    When I entered the room, the supervisor checked my ID again and logged me onto a computer. The centre provided a headset so you can have the program read you the questions and multiple-choice answers if you need.

    Starting the test, I was given four questions to practice and these answers were not included in my results. Once I passed those four questions the test then proceeded to give me the 24 questions and started the 45-minute timer to complete the test. My version was a bit glitchy so I was worried that I might lose my test results during the process but thankfully that was not the case! Just needed to press f5 every time it froze.

    After completing the test I then head to back to the waiting room and collected my things from the locker.

    An anxious 5 minutes waiting until the receptionist called me up to tell me whether I passed or failed. Whilst I was waiting there was a lady arguing with the receptionist about her first and last name. It went on for some time! For some reason she put her first and last name back to front so the booking and ID did not match. Luckily for her the receptionist was trying to put a note on her file to allow her to take her test!

    Finally, the moment came and I was told I had passed! That sigh of relief was so real in that moment. I was given a pass certificate, requested to sign it and advised that this will be the only copy I get. Consciously keeping it safe and constantly checking that it was there until I got home. Now it’s safely sitting with my Indefinite Leave to Remain evidence.

    Other Useful Ways to Learn About Life in the UK

    The other way I find I learn more is by going out and exploring. This way you can get knowledge by just soaking up the history and facts. If you’ve not had a chance to explore it will give you more of an opportunity to see the UK and there is no shortage of places you can choose to visit! Here are a few sites to consider visiting or things to try:

    Stonehenge (Paid)

    Stonehenge is a great place to visit to learn about Englands history for the life in the UK test.
    Stonehenge is a great place to visit to learn about Englands history for the life in the UK test.

    Learn about the history of the UK before the Romans, I highly recommend going to Stonehenge! You will get a free audio guide during your visit which will bring you up to speed on all the things you need to know.

    You will learn about the history of early Britain when the first farmers arrived in Britain 6000 years ago. In later years Stonehenge continued to grow during the Bronze Age where people-built roundhouses and buried their dead in tombs called round barrows. The people of the Bronze Age era were also accomplished metalworkers who made many beautiful bronze and gold objects this included ornaments and weapons.

    Tower of London (Paid)

    The book will expect you to know some of the places of interest to visit in the UK and history of the Monarchs. The Tower of London will cover William the Conqueror and much more. This is where the Crown Jewels are kept and you’ll get to see the famous Beefeaters.

    To make your visit to the Tower of London cheaper make sure you get there by rail and enjoy the 2for1 Days Out Guide offer (this isn’t available during July and August).

    National Portrait Gallery
    National Portrait Gallery

    The gallery covers the history of the Monarchs and eras like Victorian and Edwardian times. Pick up an audio guide (a small fee) for some additional information and history around the portraits or simply just wander around the National Portrait Gallery and see famous paintings of:

    • The Tudor and Elizabethan portraits
    • The Stuart portraits and the Civil War
    • Georgian and Regency portraits
    • Victorian and Edwardian portraits.

    British Museum (Free)

    British Museum

    The Life in the UK book expects you to understand the impact that the Romans had on British Society. The British Museum delivers you just that by their free daily eye-opening tours on Roman Britain or just visiting room 49.

    The room 49 tour will cover the Roman occupation of Britain, the diverse society, the wealth of the Romans, the laws, administration, currency, architecture and much more through the variety of objects and artworks on display.

    Museum of London (Free)

    The Museum of London offers a wealth of topics that are covered in the Life in the UK book from World War I, World War II, British Empire Exhibitions 1924-1925, Elizabeth II Coronation 1953, Great Plague 1665, Suffragette Campaign 1903-1918 and Great Fire of London 1666. It is a place you should add to your learning tour of the UK.

    Urquhart Castle (Paid)

    Urquhart Castle
    Urquhart Castle

    Every time I have visited Urquhart Castle I have thoroughly enjoyed my visit. The tour guides are so friendly and rich in knowledge about the history of Urquhart Castle and Scotland. On my last visit I learnt about how the castle played a key role in the Scottish fight for independence so make sure you to take the time to chat with them during your visit.

    Stirling Castle (Paid)

    Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland. The castle was one of the most used by the Scottish royal family and included crowing of several kings and queens including Mary, Queen of Scots and many others. The three-sided cliff face gave the castle a strong defensive position and strategic location during its time as a serving castle.

    Try Some Traditional Foods

    Food is a great way to get immersed in traditions and cultures. A few dishes you could try are:

    • In England try some roast beef served with potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire puddings (which is a must with any English roast) and other accompaniments. For vegetarians, you can still try the tasty Yorkshire puddings!
    • In Wales try some Welsh cakes which a snack is made from flour, dried fruits and spices.
    • In Scotland, Haggis is the traditional dish which is made from a sheep’s stomach stuffed with offal, suet, onions and oatmeal. Not so friendly for the vegetarians out there! Instead pick up some Scottish Shortbread.
    • In Northern Ireland, Ulster fry is the dish to try. A fried meal with bacon, eggs, sausage, black pudding, white pudding, tomatoes, mushrooms, soda bread and potato bread. Just leave out the meat if you are a veggie and try the slices of bread!

    Get Involved in UK Events

    Guy Fawkes Night

    On the 5th of November, the UK hosts a series of events for Guy Fawkes Night. It is sometimes known as Bonfire Night and marks the anniversary of the discovery of a plot organized by Catholic conspirators to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London in 1605. Many people light bonfires and set off fireworks.

    Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday)

    Shrove Tuesday is the day before Lent starts and traditionally where people eat pancakes which were made to use up foods such as eggs, fat and milk. I am not religious so to me it’s just an excuse to have pancakes for dinner!

    St Patrick Day

    Celebrated around the world by the Irish is St Patrick’s Day on the March 17. It particularly remembers St Patrick, one of Ireland’s patron saints, who ministered Christianity in Ireland during the fifth century.

    Remembrance Day

    On the 11th of November at 11 am, the UK commemorates those who died fighting for the UK and allies in the First World War. Everyone takes part in a two-minute silence and some buy poppies (the red flower found on the battlefield of WWI) to commemorate.

    Good luck! If you have study tips or links to the information you found helpful, share it below.

    Life in the UK Test – The Whole Process (Video)

  • How Much Money Should I Save to Move to the UK? With a Cost Breakdown

    How Much Money Should I Save to Move to the UK? With a Cost Breakdown

    Now that you have made the big decision to move to the UK (congratulations!) you are probably thinking how much money should I save to move to the UK?

    I recommend saving over £8,000 as a single person. A budget like this will help you cover:

    • Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa (adjust to whether you need a visa and type, this could be as little as £75 if you have a British passport or as high £3,600 with a UK Ancestry)
    • Initial travel cost
    • One month of accommodation in a hostel
    • UK transportation
    • Food
    • Initial monhtly rent and deposit
    • Being without a job
    • and some money for fun activities.

    Holy (add swear word) right? Is it really going to cost me that much money to move to the UK? Just translating it in Aussie terms that’s $16,000 which is a lot of money!

    At the end of the day it is about your planning, risk factor and deals you can get. My sister only spent $5,000 of the $10,000 that she brought over but had me to support her. She spent her first 6 weeks rent free which you can imagine immensely helped the pocket. 

    The savvier you are with your accommodation, travel and food or happy to take the first job you are offered, the more room you have for being able to save less money. 

    Initial Costs

    There are numerous costs associated with moving across the world. These costs will all be one-offs to you moving to the UK budget, however, they may make a dent in your budget.

    Visa Cost (if required)

    Visa costs can quickly add up! You have the initial visa prices and then the immigration health surcharge (IHS).

    The table below is the most popular visas and the current costs as of Jan 2020. I’ve added examples of the potential costs you could expect, however, these vary depending on visa length, type and other variables. Always check the Gov website for the latest costs.

    Visa Type
    Cost (Applications Outside the UK)
    Example of Potential Cost
    Skilled Worker Visa
    Standard fee ranges from £610 to £1,408 depending on your circumstances
    Example cost of 5 year Skilled Worker visa: £3,730 to £4,528
    UK Ancestry Visa
    £516
    £3,636 for 5 year visa
    Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (T5)
    £244
    £1,184 for 2 year visa
    Family Visas: Spouse, Children etc.
    £1,523
    £3038 for 2.5 year visa
    Student Visa
    £348
    £1,288 for 2 year visa
    Source: Gov UK Jan 2020 Costs

    Immigration Health Surcharge Fee (IHS)

    This fee gives you access to the UK National Health Service (NHS). The fees vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, here’s a summary:

    • £470 per year for a student or Youth Mobility Scheme visa, for example, £940 for a 2-year visa
    • £470 per year for visa and immigration applicants who are under the age of 18 at time of application
    • £624 per year for all other visa and immigration applications, for example £3,120 for a 5-year visa

    Not everyone likes filling out visa applications so I recommend Britbound to help. Just to give you an extra bonus to start your adventure, Sarah at Britbound is giving you 10% off visa package (Youth Mobility and UK Ancestry only)! Just use the code KATSGONEGLOBAL.

    Travel to the UK

    Flight to the UK

    You must get to the UK somehow! You’ll need to factor in flights, bus, train or however you plan to get here in your budget. The cost can be anything from £50 to £1,000 depending on your current location. The most I’ve had to pay for a one-way flight from Perth Australia was £500 so this is an area you can definitely reduce my estimated costs.

    Able to be flexible on the dates you can travel? Then head to Google Flights or Skyscanner and use their handy calendar tool to find the best travel dates for your route, by locating the dates with the lowest fares.

    Travel Insurance

    For travel insurance purposes you are only considered a resident in the UK after you live here for 6 months and this means you will need to get one way insurance for moving to the UK.

    One way travel insurance does end up costing more but I feel that it’s better to pay a few dollars for the peace of mind. If you are like me, sold all your belongings and only travelling with what you have left then it will be sad if you lost or had anything stolen!

    World Nomads offer one-way travel insurances which will cover you whilst you’re settling here.

    After 6 months you will be able to access cheaper insurance. Most banks will offer travel insurance with current accounts. This is the best place to check before looking at insurance packages. Normally it is a monthly recurring fee and will include other things.

    Otherwise use places like “Compare the Market” and “Money Supermarket” to find the best deals.

    Costs of Getting To/From Airport

    Costs of getting to from airport
    The classic black cab will be more expensive to get to and from the airport, whereas a pre-booked minicab will be cheaper and at a set price. Photo by Biel Morro on Unsplash

    Hopefully, this won’t be a massive expense, especially if a friend or a family member has a car and can drop you at the airport before you leave! Otherwise, it is another cost to factor in.

    Then it is figuring out how to get from the airport to your accommodation. If you plan on getting a taxi this will cost more, however, you can get pre-paid taxi service instead of metres which will be cheaper. Public transport or bus will be the cheapest option.

    For example, a taxi from Heathrow to Crystal Palace (Southeast London) costs between £40 and £60. The same route by public transport costs £8.40 although there are barely any lifts.

    Luggage

    Airlines will have baggage rules and it’s so easy to take the kitchen sink with you! It’s always cheaper to buy extra baggage up front than getting a shock at the airport. Alternatively, you can use shipping companies or the post to get those last items over.

    I’ve not included what it costs to ship furniture, household items and anything else over as I just bought everything I needed over here. This is where the cost of moving can significantly increase and depending on how long you plan on being here it may not be worth it if you are only here for two years.

    Costs When You Arrive in the UK

    The best practice is of course to have more savings than you need to cover the costs of any worst-case scenario. As we’ve seen with 2020 you just never know what surprises are around the corner.

    I suggest that you allow 3 months worth of padding into your budget, however, I understand this is not always achievable. As this varies from person to person you will be able to adapt the budget to suit your needs.

    The Office for National Statistics says that in 2019 the average family spent £585.60 per week which includes transport, housing and recreation, and culture. For a 3 month budget, this would be £7,027.20.

    If you are interested in the average cost of living in London check out this article. 

    Accommodation on Arrival

    Finding accommodation on arrival in the UK

    Firstly, you will need to factor in the cost of temporary housing, hotel or hostel while you are looking for a flat. I mention this in things you should organise before you move to the UK that I highly recommend you find accommodation that has a kitchen and allows you to cook your own food.

    Average Accommodation Cost

    I’ve gathered the average cost for hostel, hotel and Airbnb rooms to help establish potential costs for a month’s worth of accommodation.

    If you have friends or family to stay with this will add some major savings to your budget! You could also look into couch surfing or pet sitting as another option to save money. Think about staying outside of the city or tourist areas to make your money go a bit further. 

    I’d recommend joining Facebook groups as some people might be renting out their rooms whilst they are on holiday.

    Hostel Dorm Room

    Country
    Daily Average
    Example Cost for 1 Month
    England
    £24.57
    £736.99
    Northern Ireland
    £17.99
    £539.81
    Scotland
    £21.13
    £633.79
    Wales
    £21.71
    £651.39
    Source: HostelWorld

    Hotel Room

    Country
    Average Achieved Room Rate
    Example Cost for 1 Month
    London (included as it’s significantly higher)
    £158.39
    £4,751.70
    England
    £64.75
    £1,942.50
    Scotland 
    £60.35
    £1,810.50
    Wales
    £67.42
    £2,022.60
    Source: BDO Hotel Britain Lite 2020

    Airbnb

    Country
    Daily Average
    Example Cost for 1 Month
    England
    £70.10
    £2,103.00
    Northern Ireland
    £72.50
    £2,175.00
    Scotland
    £76.20
    £2,286.00
    Wales
    £134.95
    £4,048.50
    Source: Witter Blog

    Food

    Kat and friend at Duck and Waffle

    As mentioned a kitchen is something that really helps the budget go for longer in the UK and food is an expense that can add up quickly!

    Just as an example, if I grabbed a coffee and croissant at Pret that would be £4 to £5, Lunch would set me back around £7 then dinner anything from £10 upwards for a dish then add drinks at £5 to £10.

    Versus a weeks’ worth of food and cooking. Personally, I spend between £15 to £30 per week on food shopping and this is about 5 breakfast, lunches and dinners.

    Transport

    Catching the tube in London
    All aboard the bustling tube! Don’t let this photo fool you, peak times on the tube are intense! Super crowed platforms, everyone squeezing themselves on and occasionally smelling your neighbour’s armpit.

    According to the Office of National Statistics, the average family in the UK spends £80.20 per week on transport, including buying and maintaining a car and public transport.

    Using three months as a basic guide this means you will need between £960 for transport. However, this can easily be cut down if you use public transport. Even in London, you can get a travel card for £131 (zone 1 to 2 travel card) to £340 (zone 1 to zone 9 travel card) per month depending on zoning.

    There are ways that you can save on transport costs like staying walking distance to shopping centres, high streets and other amenities that you may need. That way you are only paying for transport to an interview, sightseeing or a day trip.

    Basic Needs

    One thing to note is it is very common to find furnished apartments or you can request that you landlord furnishes the apartment (this will be their choice).

    With a pre-furnished rental, you can expect the place to have bed frames/mattresses, tables, couches, fridge, washing machine etc. You will need to bring your owning bedding, towels, clothing and anything else you wish to make your place homely.

    I went to places like TK Maxx to buy quality products at a cheaper price like bedding, plates, ironing board, sheets, pots & pans.

    Phone sim card

    Most phone companies will offer low range prepaid sim cards for £10 and upwards. You’ll need to have an unlocked phone otherwise you will be locked into your current home provider. Below are just a few examples of the kind of deals you can get for £10 on a sim only contract:

    • Tesco’s £10 top-up gets you 3GB of data, 500 minutes and 5000 texts.
    • Giffgaff  £10 top-up gets you 3GB of data, unlimited minutes and unlimited texts.
    • Virgin Media £10 top-up gets you 2GB of data, 500 minutes and 500 texts.

    Spending Money

    Being new in the UK is understandably exciting and you most likely will want to explore your new city or town. In the UK there are a lot of free things to do which is super handy and of course some paid activities. Or trying out the latest coffee shop or restaurant.

    Rent And Deposits

    You will need to save the up-front costs such as rental deposit and first month’s rent. The rental deposit is typically four to five weeks’ rent.

    London will be the most expensive destination to move to in the UK so if you plan to move to a cheaper city like Liverpool, Glasgow, Cardiff, Nottingham Belfast or Birmingham cost can decrease.

    I’ve split the example costs into two sections, one if you rent a share house in a city and the other the average median prices for private rentals. Additionally an example of the initial costs to save towards. As these are averages you will need to adjust based on your circumstances.

    Share House

    Here are the average rent prices per city in a share housed.

    City
    Average Room Rent 2019
    Example of Initial Costs (with 1st months rent and deposit)
    Brighton 
    £647
    £1,294
    London 
    £728
    £1,456
    Glasgow 
    £558
    £1,116
    Leicester 
    £437
    £874
    Manchester 
    £491
    £982
    Nottingham 
    £436
    £872
    Bristol 
    £543
    £1,086
    Edinburgh 
    £563
    £1,126
    Aberdeen 
    £528
    £1,056
    Cardiff 
    £516
    £1,032
    Southampton 
    £459
    £918
    Oxford 
    £577
    £1,154
    Portsmouth 
    £467
    £934
    Cambridge 
    £564
    £1,128
    Leeds 
    £459
    £918
    Bournemouth 
    £473
    £946
    Birmingham 
    £438
    £876
    Newcastle 
    £418
    £836
    Liverpool 
    £406
    £812
    Sheffield 
    £420
    £840
    GB 
    £566
    £1,132
    Source: Hamptons Lettings Index

    Spareroom and Ideal Flatmate is where you can find listings for share houses.

    Private Rental

    Here is the median monthly rent across the UK in 2020.

    Location
    Median Monthly Rent
    Example of Initial Costs (with 1st months rent and deposit)
    England
    £700
    £1,400
    London
    £1,425
    £2,850
    Northern Ireland
    £651
    £1,302
    Scotland
    £687
    £1,374
    Wales
    £679
    £1,358
    Sources linked in the table.

    Zoopla or Rightmove are the best websites to get an idea of the price of renting a whole property.

    Just moving to England can make renting in London harder especially if you are fresh off the boat! The more time you spend in London working, the easier it will get over time. Here are some things to consider:

    • Not having a credit history will impact your ability to be accepted through estate agents. Some landlords will request that you provide 3 to 6 months rent in advance to ensure the landlord has security.
    • If you wish to go down the guarantor route to avoid paying so much rent up front you would need a person that is a UK homeowner who is willing to act as your guarantor so this can be a challenge.
    • You need to prove that you can legally be in the UK so British Passport, EU Passport or working visa. The paperwork can’t be started until you can prove this.

    More Renting Articles
    10 Things you need to know before you rent in London
    A Helpful Guide on How to Find a Flat in London

    Finding A Job

    Just to give an indication of how long it took me to find a job, each time I have searched for a permanent job in the UK as a Project Manager it has taken about a month. Whereas my mum struggled as her career is a bit more niche and needed more time to find a job that suited her.

    Summary of Total Costs

    Let’s summarise the costs so we can get a rough indication of the start-up budget. The following figures are based on a single person and as I mentioned above budgeting for 3 months of living costs. Some careers may be quick to find a job and others will take a bit longer so it’s good to factor in how long you could be unemployed.

    Initial Travel Costs

    Skilled Worker Visa (max example cost of 5 years) 
    UK Ancestry Visa (5 years)
    Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (T5) (2 years)
    Family Visas: Spouse, Children etc. (2.5 years)
    Student Visa (2 years)
    Visa and IHS
    £4,528
    £3,636
    £1,184
    £3,038
    £1,288
    Transport
    £500
    £500
    £500
    £500
    £500
    Travel Insurance
    £100
    £100
    £100
    £100
    £100
    Transport
    £60
    £60
    £60
    £60
    £60
    Total
    £5,188
    £4,296
    £1,844
    £3,698
    £1,948
    Disclaimer: these are estimations and not actual figures. Excludes shipping belongings to the UK.

    Estimated Living Costs (3 Months)

    England
    Northern Ireland
    Scotland
    Wales
    Hostel 1 Month
    £737
    £540
    £634
    £651
    Average Rent + Desposit
    £1,400
    £1,302
    £1,374
    £1,358
    Average Transport Cost
    £962
    £962
    £962
    £962
    Average Food Cost
    £743
    £743
    £743
    £743
    Average Recreation and Culture
    £923
    £923
    £923
    £923
    Average House Hold Bills
    £318
    £318
    £318
    £318
    Average Eating Out
    £488
    £488
    £488
    £488
    Basic Needs (bedding, household items, etc)
    £500
    £500
    £500
    £500
    Sim Card
    £30
    £30
    £30
    £30
    Estimated 3 Month Cost
    £6,101
    £5,806
    £5,972
    £5,973
    Disclaimer: these are not actual figures. Costs will vary country to country and what options you choose. The information is based off various sources linked throughout the article.

    Be sure to download the savings tracking checklist (it can be opened with Google Sheets) which covers all the items I mentioned in the article.

    Let me know in the comments below in the comments how your savings are going!

    More Moving to the UK Articles

  • Things to do in Skopje – A Complete Guide

    Things to do in Skopje – A Complete Guide

    Skopje is a quaint and unusual city that is well worth either being added to your Balkans trip or as an individual trip. I have pulled together a list of things to do in Skopje as well as providing a complete guide of how to get to Skopje, where to stay and local cuisine you should try whilst you are in Macedonia.

    Table Of Contents

    Things to do in Skopje

    Free Walking Tour Skopje

    I recommend going on Skopje Walks whilst you are in Skopje. Miha was a great tour guide, he explained in a funny and witty way the reasons for building huge old/new buildings and monuments in Skopje. My favourite line of the tour was that the mayor had “copy and paste” syndrome. Around the city you can see a lot of elements around the world for example, the bull that is in front of the stock market but instead here it is in front of a shoe shop.

    You’ll also be joined by a pack of stray dogs during the walking tour. The dogs are really protective of Miha tour groups and quite entertaining, just as long as you are not driving a car or riding a bike. All the homeless dogs in Skopje are vaccinated, feed and de-sexed as a part of a programme. The dogs will have these yellow tags on their ears showing that they have been seen and not carrying any harmful diseases.

    Skopje walking tour and dog pack
    One of our many dog friends on the walking tour. Sometimes there are more dogs on the walking tour than people!

    See the Monuments in Plostad Makedonija and Around the City Centre (free)

    I didn’t think anywhere could have so many statues in one place but I think Skopje has won the prize. There are over 200 statues around Skopje. You could play “where is the statue” all day and still not find them all! They even started to run out of space so you will find the statue on the tops of buildings displaying Macedonian famous figures.

    Visit the Mother Teresa Memorial House (free)

    Mother Teresa (Teresa of Calcutta) was born in Skopje on August 26, 1910. Her original house was lost in the earthquake so in 2009, two years after her death, the Mother Teresa Memorial House was built in her honour. The museum displays photos, memorabilia and documents of Mother Teresa’s life and religious work. Above the museum there is a small chapel which you can visit.

    The museum is free and opens Monday through to Friday between 9 am an 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday between 9am and 2pm.

    Mother Teresa House
    Mother Teresa original house was lost in the earthquake. This is built as a museum to show how she lived in Skopje and her works throughout her life.

    Modern style church

    Have a quick look around Church of St. Clement of Ohrid and its modern style. It is the largest cathedral of the Macedonian Orthodox Church today.

    Wander through the Old Bazaar (free)

    Skopje’s is the second biggest bazaar in Europe to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Start your walk through the bazaar at the Stone Bridge and continue your way through to the Kale Fortress. Around the area you will see active mosques, türbes (mausoleum tombs), converted hammams (bathhouses), churches, the Museum of Macedonia, the Museum of Modern Art, and several inns.

    Pick up some handcrafted gifts from copperware to traditional Macedonian folk costumes. With the Ottoman and Turkish influence traditional restaurants and coffee houses throughout selling kebab, lahmajun (meat pie), and Turkish delight.

    It is also the number one place in Skopje to enjoy cheap eats or enjoy some drinks whilst you people watch. During the 16th and 17th century, the Old Town was one of the most famous and largest open bazaars in the Balkans with a mix of eastern and western culture.

    Visit the Old Railway Station (free)

    In 1963 Skopje had an earthquake that brought down most of the city and now the Old Railway Station stands as a reminder of that day. It is one of the few parts of the city that stood to remain after the earthquake. Interestingly The clock on the railway station still points out the time when the earthquake happened, 05:17 am.

    Since 1970 it has become the Museum of the City of Skopje and hosts permanent exhibitions representing the history of Skopje. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday between 09:00-15:00 and entry is free. You can still walk around the outside any time and see the damage from the earthquake.

    Old Railway Station

    Walk the Bridges (free)

    The Vardar River runs through Skopje and as you’d expect there are several bridges that link you to the other side. The most famous bridge is the Stone Bridge which was originally built under the Roman Emperor Justinian’s era when Skopje was known as a colony known as Skupi. The bridge was destroyed and then rebuilt under the Ottoman empire in the 15th Century then damaged again during the earthquake.

    Nearby the Stone Bridge will by the Art Bridge another pedestrian bridge lined with statues of notable Macedonian artists and musicians which leads you to the National Archaeology Museum.

    Stone Bridge in Skopje
    Stone Bridge in Skopje is a is a bridge across the Vardar River. The bridge was built to connect the two parts of the city, Christian and Muslim and now connects you to the Old town and new square on each end.

    National Archaeological Museum of the Republic Of Macedonia

    Explore the archaeological relics from ancient Macedonian times, including coins & statues from the Paleolithic Period 10.000 BC to the 14th c. A.D;  settling of the Slavs, 6th c. A.D to 1945.

    National Archaeological Museum of the Republic Of Macedonia
    National Archaeological Museum of the Republic Of Macedonia

    Hike to the Kale Fortress (free)

    Since the 6th century during the rule of Roman Emperor Justinian I the Kale Fortress has stood and watched over Skopje. The fortress was partially destroyed during the Ottoman occupation and today only 121 meters of the wall remains with three watchtowers.

    Kale Fortress is only 10-minute easy walk away from the city square. It also offers great views over the city! There are no information boards currently around the fortress.

    Kale Fortress
    Kale Fortress

    Take the Cable Car to the Millennium Cross

    On top of Vodno Mountain you will find the 66m tall Millennium Cross. On a clear day you can see the cross gleaming down from the mountain. It was built to commemorate 2,000 years of Christianity in Macedonia with donations from the Macedonian Orthodox Church.

    The easiest (i.e. less effort) way to get to the Millennium Cross is to take the bus and cable car to the top. Catch bus number 25 from main bus station in Skopje to the mountain which will be about 15 minutes from the station. There is the cable-car station in “Middle Vodno” which will take you to the cross costing about 100 MKD (£1.42).

    The harder way is to climb up Vodno Mountain to the Millennium Cross. The climb to the top will take 2-4 hours depending on the speed and the need for breaks and the track is about 5kms long. The entire trail passes through dense forest with mostly pine and chestnut.

    Visit Matka Canyon

    Matka Canyon is the ideal day trip from Skopje for anyone who loves nature, cool rocks and hiking. It’s hard to believe that this incredible canyon is just 15km away from the busy urban streets of Macedonia’s capital city.

    From the Skopje main bus station take bus number 60 to Matka Canyon. The bus stop is outside the main station next to the petrol station. Bus tickets can be bought on the bus and will take about 45 to 60 minutes.

    Eat the Local Food

    Skopje is the perfect place for meat lovers with hearty portions but there are also a few specialities for vegetarians to try like their famous bean casseroles, fresh salads (most likely covered with cheese) or deep-fried cheese-stuffed peppers.

    Fast food options in Skopje are like those in the rest of the Balkans: Burek (flaky, meat- or cheese-filled rolled pastries) and kebapi (minced-meat sausages). Sweet shops and bakeries selling syrupy tulumba are found throughout the city. Regional and international fare can also be found in the city center; particularly Turkish fare in the Old Bazaar.

    What Macedonia food should I try?

    Tavce Gravce

    Tavce gravce (literally meaning beans cooked in a skillet) and is widely considered as Macedonia national dish. Fresh beans are boiled, combined with onion, peppers, tomato, oil, flour and spices, and then baked slowly in an earthenware pot. Perfect dish for the vegetarians out there! And probably the only vegan dish on the menu (Macedonians love their cheese!)

    Tavce Gravce
    Tavce Gravce is a dish you must try in Macedonia! We tried our first Tavce Gravce at DM TP Kjebapcilnica in Skopje.

    Burek

    Burek is a flaky rolled pastry normally filled with meat, cheese, potato or spinach. A great breakfast on the go, maybe not the healthiest.? Burek can be found across the Balkans.

    Macedonian Pastries
    A snapshot of all the delicious pastries you can find in Macedonia. Don’t forget to try some Burek!

    Kebapi

    Kebapi is grilled minced meat composed into the shape of a sausage normally with onions, vegeta (which is a very popular mixture of Macedonian herbs) and paprika. Kabapi is served with freshly baked flatbread and kajmak, which is similar to sour cream or cream cheese.

    Kacamak

    Kacamak (also known as pura or bakrdan) is a very popular dish in Macedonia, is a thick and creamy mixture of cornmeal that is usually topped with crumbled feta cheese and yogurt.

    Ajvar

    Another Balkan favourite and a staple in Macedonia. It is a relish made from red bell peppers, eggplant, garlic and chili. Ajvar is commonly used in sandwiches and as a side salad. The relish can be super orange but don’t let the colour put you off as it is always delicious.

    Pastrmajlija

    Love your meat lovers pizza? Well, Macedonia has it’s very own called Pastrmajlija. It is a long oval-shaped pizza topped with diced pork (or lamb), and often fried egg.

    Rakija (Macedonian Brandy)

    Rakija is an alcoholic drink made from the distillation of fermented fruit like plums, apricots, cherries and other fruits. Generally, Rakija is homemade and can have high alcohol range (40% to 65%). You will be offered Rakija constantly during your trip! So be prepared for lots of shots.

    Rakija (Macedonian Brandy)
    No trip in the Balkans would be complete without being offered Rakija. If you go on Skopje free walking tours your break will come with a side of Rakija!

    Macedonia Wine

    As I am a lover of wine it was fantastic to discover the that Macedonia produces great wines. The country is the 25th largest producer of wine in the world and has over 24,000 hectares of vineyards.

    Macedonia specialises in, produces full-bodied, fruity red wines made mostly with dark-skinned Vranec and Smederevka grape varieties.
    Try the Vranec when you are eating some of the famous local dishes like Tavche Gravche (baked beans) or Selsko Meso (a classic meat dish). If you’re trying the local goats cheese, make sure you wash it down with a glass of Stanushina.

    Places to eat in Skopje

    DM TP Kjebapcilnica

    The food is delicious Tavche Gravche, the bread with cheese, meat dishes salads and side dishes. They all come with an affordable price tag. The space itself can be a bit tight during winter, so be sure to book a table if visiting on a weekend.

    Kaj Serdarot

    Our walking tour took us here for some Rakija shots before we ended up eating here. It’s a small place in the Old Bazar that serves tasty local food at good prices. The staff were friendly as well.

    Old City Bar

    Located in the Old Bazar is the Old City Bar it’s a small bar where you can stop for a few drinks. The bartender was super friendly, offered us lots of suggestions for dinner and local food we should try.

    Is Skopje Worth Visiting?

    Skopje is certainly worth visiting! It is fascinating as the city seems to be in the process of finding its identity. The government has invested massively in making the city centre look impressive. Most of the development was along the riverside promenades with grand new buildings, squares and hundreds of statues.

    A few other reasons why you should visit Macedonia….

    The incredible nature!

    Macedonia has beautiful lakes, big national parks and mountains; some only 30 minutes outside of Skopje. All of these can be enjoyed without having to share with hundreds of other tourists at the same time. There is a wide range of outdoor activities keeping you outdoorsy travellers busy.

    Matka Canyon
    Explore Macedonian wonderful beauty and take a day trip out to Matka Canyon during your visit to Skopje. It is only a short bus ride away!

    Very affordable!

    Macedonia won’t break the bank whilst you are travelling around. You will find that the price levels are way cheaper than other destinations in Europe. Not only is it affordable but you feel that you get great value for the money you spent. To give an example we had a what I thought was an extravagant dinner (5-6 dishes) that only came to £20! The wine was 50% of the total bill.

    We budgeted £50 a day for 2 people.

    You can find double rooms for under £20 night and meals rarely cost more than £10 in a restaurant including drinks.

    Friendliness of the Macedonians!

    It might not seem like it on the first impression of meeting a Macedonian but they are warm and welcoming people. Most younger people can speak English without a problem, and many of the older generations understand and can speak a little English.

    How Many Days Should I Spend in Skopje?

    I recommend spending two days in the city of Skopje. If you are an outdoor person or love nature you could add another two to three days on your trip. Near Skopje is some of Macedonia beautiful nature which can be an easy day trip from Skopje to Matka Canyon or Vodno (mountain). More on how to get to them below!

    How to get to Skopje?

    Skopje can be reached by all popular modes of transport and is aiming to be an important flight centre of Eastern Europe and into the Balkans.

    By Air

    Skopje has two airports with the most frequent flights arriving at Alexander the Great Airport of Skopje. The easiest routes by air can be reached from the following cities:
    London, Malmo, Eindhoven, Brussels, Dusseldorf, Dortmund, Munich, Zurich, Basel, Milan, Venice, Ljubljana, Vienna Zagreb, Rome, Belgrade, Istanbul, Izmir and Dubai.

    Ohrid Airport is the smaller airport which is used for small to medium-large aircraft.

    Check out Skyscanner or Kayak for the latest flight deals Skopje.

    By train

    The Skopje railway station is a 15-minute walk from the main square called Makedonija. The railway station has connections to Belgrade, Thessaloniki, Athens and Ljubljana. The express route Vienna-Thessaloniki passes through Skopje twice daily, once going to Thessaloniki and a second time returning to Vienna, passing through Belgrade and Ljubljana.

    Seat 61 will provide an in-depth guide on how to Skopje by train. 

    By Bus

    There are numerous bus lines connecting Macedonia with all neighbouring countries and other European cities. Buses are frequent and offer relatively inexpensive fares compared to other modes of transport. You can look at the SAS website for timetables and ticket prices.

    There is only one main international bus station in Skopje which is located next to the Railway Station. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the Alexander the Great Statue in Skopje City Centre. The bus station offers connections to all around the Balkans including Serbia, Albania, Bulgaria and Kosovo.

    Read more about my bus experience around the Balkans with How to get a bus from Sofia to Skopje or How to get a bus from Skopje to Tirana.

    Where to stay in Skopje?

    We stayed at the Urban Hostel in Skopje during our time in Skopje. When we arrived we got upgraded to an apartment that the hostel had and didn’t get to see much of the vibe of the hostel as it was in another complex.

    The hostel common areas were nice, clean and had utilities available. The staff were friendly and helpful. It was a 15-minute walk to the city centre and nearby cafes, restaurants and bars. Click more here to find out about Urban Hostel.

    When I was travelling the Balkans, I learned about two associations of hostels that offer 10% off if you use their flyers with the hostels when booking directly. One is the Balkan Backpacker (website) and the other is I Travel Balkans (Facebook Page). By using these associations and booking directly you could get 10% off the following hostels in Skopje:
    Get in Hostel (alternatively, use Booking.com to book here)
    Hi Skopje (alternatively use Booking.com to book here)
    Unity Hostel  (alternatively use Booking.com to book here).

    Do I need a visa for Macedonia?

    Macedonia does have visa requirements unless you are from one of these countries; Argentina, America, Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Botswana, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cuba, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Canada, Costa Rica, Chile, European Union Citizen, Malta, Monaco, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Turkey, Russia, Peru, Serbia, Uruguay, New Zealand, Kosovo, Peru, Panama, Montenegro and Venezuela. If you from one of the countries listed this means that you can stay in the country for up to 90 days.

    For further information about visas see Travel Macedonia,

    Let me know in the comments below how your trip to Skopje was! 

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    Things to do in Skopje - A Complete Guide
    Are you planning a trip to Skopje, Macedonia? Check out this things to do in Skopje a complete guide including where to eat in Skopje, places to stay in Skopje, what to see in Skopje, things to do in Skopje, how to get to Skopje and much more. Save this Skopje travel guide to your travel board so you can find it later. #Skopje #Macedonia #ThingstodoinSkopje