Mix of paper and coin U.K. Pounds (alfexe (123RF))
These are some key services that are helpful to set up after you have arrived.
On-base options:
Community Bank
Keesler Federal Credit Union
Off-base options include:
• Barclays
• Halifax
• HSBC
• Lloyds
• Nationwide Building Society
• Natwest
• Santander
• Yorkshire Building Society
You will need to obtain a pounds sterling bank account in order to pay bills for cell phone plans, rent and off-base utilities. Opening a pounds sterling account can be accomplished at an on- or off-base bank.
To open a pounds sterling account off base you will need the following. It is highly recommended to visit the bank in person.
Proof of identity: U.S. passport with U.K. visa.
Proof of address: Rental agreement, utility bill, letter signed by your unit commander and orders.
There are many taxes and fees that you may not be familiar with or aware of. Below is a list of common fees and cost estimates that people pay while getting settled in the U.K.
Importing:
• Annual MOT tax – £65
• Light conversion – £300
• Number plate – £25
• Annual road tax – £325 (exempt for the first year)
Buying:
• HPI Test – £30
• Annual MOT tax – £60
• Annual road tax – up to £800 depending on fuel type, vehicle age and CO2 emissions (not exempt)
Prices will vary depending on the type of phone and plan you choose.
• Monthly payment/contract – from £20
• Pay-as-you-go cell phone – starting at £70
• Pay-as-you-go plan – from £15
Amenities
• TV license/tax – £169.50
• Monthly cable – £60
• Monthly internet at home – £50
• Monthly utilities – £300 for electricity
and water.
• Oil – £700 (excluding VAT) to fill a 1,000-liter tank (typically tanks need filled twice a year)
Travel
Tourist passport - $165
The VAT program exempts you from paying sales tax of 20 percent on non-fixed goods that are individually over £100. To utilize the VAT program for a large purchase, obtain a ration card and visit your installation’s VAT office for specific details.
Need to know:
• The “over £100 rule” means that each item must be priced at over £100 (VAT is included in that total).
• VAT exemption does not apply to clothes, vehicles, real estate property purchases, online purchases or utilities.
• For oil heating, you are exempt from paying five percent with VAT Form.
How to use the VAT Relief Program:
Ask the vendor if they are willing to participate in the VAT program.
Have the vendor address a quote or invoice to your base’s FSS.
Make an appointment and bring the quote to your FSS office and pay the amount listed on the quote, plus the processing fee (8-10 dollars). FSS will issue a government check in the amount of the quote and a VAT certificate.
Return to the vendor to pay for your items with the government check. The vendor must fill out the VAT certificate and retain the merchant copy.
Return a copy of the VAT certificate to your FSS office within 10 days.
