USEFUL LINKS

Visit London - The Official Website for London

• Public transport info: www.tfl.gov.uk
• Postcode info: www.royalmail.com
• Online maps: www.multimap.com
• Entertainment: www.walkabout.eu.com | www.elusivecamel.com
• Recruitment: www.recruitmentuk.net
• Backpacker's/traveller's advice and budget travel: www.travellers.com.au
• UK Yellow Pages: www.yell.com
  

Opening a bank account

The main banks in the UK are HSBC, Lloyds TSB, Barclays and NatWest.

Since September 11 th , security has tightened so as you can imagine banks require varying types of identification to allow you to open up a bank account. Some banks have made it an almost 'catch 22' situation to open an account, so be prepared for this. The best advice we can give you is to sort out your bank account before you get here.

The type of identification you will require to open your account when you get here could be any of the following: Your passport, a letter from your employer, a utility bill or proof of address. As some landlords require you to have a bank account before you take a flat, you can start to see what we mean by a 'catch 22' situation. Basically, anything that you think might help with your identification - bring it! Also, ask your Bank Manager back home to give you a reference before you leave so when you apply over here, the bank will see you already have a good history with a bank back home.
As a last resort, Lloyds TSB have an account that can be opened within their World Wide Services division. This account is specifically for people in the UK on a temporary basis. There address is: 1 Waterloo Place , London , SW1Y 5NJ . Closest tube is Waterloo . Alternatively you can call them and arrange an appointment. Their number is 020 7839 2099. They will need to see your passport and proof of address. They will accept proof of your address from back home. It is recommended that you bring your driving license over as a form of proof. This bank account has all the same features of a high street bank account, it is just a lot easier to get. For further information check out

www.lloydstsb-offshore.com