Crown Relocations is NZ’s leading moving company.

Moving To Birmingham From New Zealand

Let us help you plan your relocation and discover everything Birmingham has to offer. Crown are an international relocations company, specialising in international removals, storage, overseas moving, movers insurance, relocation services and lots more. We will even relocate your vehicle and pets!

Our team is available to answer any relocation questions you may have. They can be reached between 8:00 am and 5:30 pm from Monday to Friday on 0508 227 696 or email [email protected]

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About The Birmingham

Birmingham became a major population centre at the time of the Industrial Revolution, and around the same time became internationally recognised as being at the forefront of science, technology and economic development. In modern times, the city’s economy is dominated by the service sector, but it is still home to a number of household names, such as Cadbury’s. It is a little known fact that due to the city’s development during the Industrial revolution, Birmingham also has more miles of canals than Venice, Italy.

Birmingham is home to over a million people, making it the second-biggest city in the United Kingdom (UK), and is to be found in the West Midlands, between the cities of Coventry and Wolverhampton.

The city is home to five universities and a wide variety of artistic and sporting organisations and venues. It has excellent transport links, both road and rail, as well as an international airport.

Birmingham is an established tourist centre, and there are many things to do and see, a good place to start is the official tourist website at www.visitbirmingham.com.

Visas/Permits in Birmingham

If you are a member of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), then you do not need a UK-specific work permit or visa. If you are not a member then you must apply for the relevant work permit or visa before you arrive in the UK — this can be done through your local UK embassy.

New Zealand passport holders may generally enter the UK for six months without a visa on a visa waiver if they are here for a holiday. However, they will still need to satisfy a Border Force officer (UK Customs) when they arrive that they meet the requirements of a visitor category, and aren’t in the UK for any other purpose. While New Zealanders generally do not need a visa before entering the UK on holiday, there are circumstances when you may need to obtain one before you travel. To live, study and work in the UK you must obtain the necessary visa before you arrive in the country. These visas can only be applied for from your country of residence; this will likely be New Zealand for most New Zealanders. For details of visa and general immigration enquiries, visit the UK Home Office Visas and Immigration page.

Money in Birmingham

The local currency of the UK is the Pound Sterling. Shops and service providers, as a rule, only take sterling. Coins come in denominations of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, £1 and £2 while notes come in £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100, although some of the larger shops will take Euros (the official currency of the European Union).

Many migrants have found it helpful to set up a UK bank account before arriving in the country. This makes it easy for converted money to be transferred straight in to your account, as well as minimising the need to carry cash while travelling. There are many banks in Birmingham who offer an easy, online sign-up service.

The best way to convert large sums of money is through online transferral companies, who provide a much cheaper rate.

Crown has entered into a partnership with OFX to provide an easy, reliable and cost effective solution for clients who are moving their funds internationally. The deals offered by OFX are at super competitive exchange rates and in most cases there’s no fee. The cost structure is so good that the saving you make may even pay for the entire cost of your relocation. Visit the OFX website for more information.

Moving your money | Crown Relocations

Transportation in Birmingham

Birmingham has an excellent public transport system, with regular bus services throughout the city and the city is at hub of the national rail network, with services to cities throughout mainland Britain.

When driving in the UK, a seatbelt must be worn at all times, and operating a mobile phone while driving is illegal.

Members of the EU and those from Commonwealth countries are eligible to drive in the UK for up to twelve months, assuming that they hold an up-to-date license. This includes those from; Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.

An overseas license can then be exchanged any time within five years for a GB (Great Britain) version.

Education in Birmingham

Birmingham has five universities, and in terms of the local schooling system, there are both private and state education services available for children in the city. Most expatriates choose to enrol their children in private or independent schools (called ‘public schools’ in the UK) this is because state schools are solely based on ‘catchment areas’.

The school year begins in September and ends in July, typical school days run Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm. Children typically travel to school by car with their parents or take the bus.

Crown can arrange an appointment with a Specialist Education consultant who can provide an in-depth explanation of local education systems, the curricula available and arranging interviews, as well as assist with enrolment requirements. Please contact us for information and rates.

Health in Birmingham

Birmingham, like the wider UK, has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. The National Healthcare System (NHS) is the main public healthcare system.

Eligibility for NHS services is dependent on resident status in the UK. Expatriates registering for NHS treatments need photo identification and proof of address.

If you are paying tax or National Insurance in the UK, then you will need to apply for a National Insurance Number — this is something that will allow assistance with NHS services.

Excellent public healthcare is available all throughout Birmingham, however some expatriates may choose to take out private healthcare, and this is available through companies such as BUPA or PPP.

If the insurance company you were with in New Zealand is a member of the International Federation of Health Funds, you may be able to transfer your policy to the UK without penalty – at a similar level of cover. Check with your insurance provider for details.

Accommodation in Birmingham

When choosing where to live in Birmingham, the deciding factor for expats is normally how close you need to be to your place of employment and school. The cost of accommodation and commuting to work are also significant considerations.

Rather than purchasing a home, most expatriates choose to rent, at least at first. This is because house prices in Birmingham, and the rest of the UK, are more expensive compared to their equivalents in New Zealand.

Looking for a home in Birmingham can quite often be a daunting task, Crown Birmingham provides accommodation information for rental or purchase properties and can also arrange for temporary accommodation.

Networking in Birmingham

Birmingham’s diverse, multi-cultural population means that you are bound to meet people from all different walks of life.

Expatriates most commonly assimilate in to the community through pursuing sports and hobbies they are interested in. There are a number of established expatriate communities that new migrants can join.

A renowned pub/night-life culture provides opportunities to meet new people, and establish friendships with people in the area. Social media and activities such as volunteer work, sports teams, and foreign language classes are all great ways to get to know like-minded people in your area.

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Moving to Birmingham, UK? Go knowing

Next Steps

Crown Relocations has 50 years of experience moving individuals and families to Birmingham and throughout the UK, contact us today for more information about our services.

To arrange a quotation call our office for an obligation FREE quote on: (NZ) 0508 227 696 or you can use our online quote form.

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