Country Guides » United Kingdom

American Expats in the UK: Your Complete Guide to Life Across the Pond

Fish and chips. Free museums. Pubs on every corner. Moving to the UK as an American means swapping dimes for 10p coins and learning how to queue like a pro.

Whether you’re relocating for work, romance, or the dream of having four weeks of paid vacation, we’ll help you make sense of the essentials—money, visas, healthcare, schooling, and the quiet thrill of mastering the self-checkout at Sainsbury’s.

Planning Your Move

From visa types to housing deposits to when you’ll actually get your NHS number, this section walks you through the logistics of starting life in the UK—without losing your mind (or your passport).

Planning Your Move What to Expect When Moving to the UK from the USA B!T Pick Start here Planning Your Move Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa to Visit the UK? B!T Pick Start here Planning Your Move How UK Work Visas for US Citizens Actually Work B!T Pick Start here

Banking, Finances, and Taxes

Dual tax systems? Oh yes. We’ll help you avoid paying twice, stay compliant with both HMRC and the IRS, and sort out bank accounts, exchange rates, and all things GBP.

Banking, Finances, and Taxes How the U.S.–UK Pension Tax Treaty Helps (or Hurts) Your Retirement Banking, Finances, and Taxes UK Remittance Basis Reforms in 2025: What U.S. Citizens Need to Know Banking, Finances, and Taxes The UK Tax Residence Test Explained for U.S. Citizens Banking, Finances, and Taxes New to Banking in the UK? Here’s How It Differs from the US Banking, Finances, and Taxes From Dollars to Pounds: How US to UK Conversion Works in Daily Life

Life in the UK

Get the lay of the land—from how to set up a phone plan to why everyone talks about the weather. We’ll help you feel at home (and possibly develop an appreciation for Marmite. Or not.)

Life in the UK How Much Is the Cost of Living in the UK for U.S. Expats? B!T Pick Start here Life in the UK What Life in the United Kingdom Is Really Like for Americans Life in the UK Cheapest Places to Live in the UK for Expats on a Budget Life in the UK Tea, Pubs, and Politeness: Getting Used to UK Culture and Traditions Life in the UK How UK Law Enforcement Works (and How It Differs from the U.S.) Life in the UK What Is the Emergency Number in England? (And Other Need-to-Know Info) Life in the UK UK Crime Rate vs US: Is It Really Safer Across the Pond? Life in the UK UK Laws vs U.S. Laws: What Changes When You Cross the Atlantic Life in the UK Looking for Your People? These Expat Communities in the UK Are Worth a Look

Healthcare and Retirement

Yes, the NHS is real—and no, you won’t get billed $800 for walking into a hospital. We’ll explain how to access care, what’s covered, and how to plan for long-term retirement in the UK.

Healthcare and Retirement UK Healthcare for U.S. Expats: What It’s Like to Actually Use the NHS B!T Pick Start here Healthcare and Retirement How to Retire in the UK as an American B!T Pick Start here Healthcare and Retirement Does the UK Tax U.S. Social Security Benefits? Here’s the Deal

Raising a Family

From prams to prep school, this section covers everything you need to know about family visas, childcare options, and the UK school system (uniforms included).

Raising a Family Moving to the UK with Kids? These Are the Best UK Schools to Know Raising a Family Does the UK Give Citizenship by Birth? What American Parents Should Know Raising a Family Dual Citizenship in the US and UK: What It Means for You and Your Kids Raising a Family Want to Bring Elderly Parents to the UK? Here Are Your Options

Business and Wealth Management

Whether you're launching a start-up in London or managing cross-border investments from Leeds, we’ll guide you through the tax rules, legal considerations, and financial strategy for doing business abroad.

Business and Wealth Management How to Get an Expat Mortgage in the UK Business and Wealth Management Investing in the UK as a Foreigner: Rules, Risks, and Returns Business and Wealth Management The Best Cities for Business in the UK (and Why They Matter) Business and Wealth Management What Expats Should Know About Private Banking in the UK Business and Wealth Management A Closer Look at the UK Wealth Tax (and Who Might Pay It)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need a visa to move to the UK from the U.S.?

    Yes—you’ll need the right visa to live and work in the UK long-term. Popular options include skilled worker visas, family visas, and the youth mobility scheme if you qualify.

  • Can Americans use the NHS?

    Once you’re on a visa that includes the immigration health surcharge (most do), you’ll have access to the NHS just like UK residents. Bring your own dental plan, though.

  • What’s the cost of living like in the UK?

    It depends where you live. London is pricey (bring snacks), while smaller towns offer better value. Groceries and public transport are often cheaper than in the U.S.—but brace yourself for energy bills.

  • Where do most U.S. expats live in the UK?

    London is the obvious favorite, but cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, and Oxford also have strong expat communities and plenty of charm.

  • Can I bring my U.S. retirement accounts with me?

    You can keep them, but managing them gets complicated. Cross-border tax planning is key, especially when it comes to IRAs, 401(k)s, and avoiding surprise reporting requirements.