Ten pounds banknote with coins ()
COMMON BANKING OPTIONS
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
POUNDS STERLING ACCOUNT
You are required to obtain a pounds sterling account or bill pay option in order to pay bills pertaining to 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 may need: Copy of orders Passport Proof of address or a letter signed by your unit commander
Copy of orders
Passport
Proof of address or a letter signed by your unit commander
Copy of orders
Passport
Proof of address or a letter signed by your unit commander
Note: Do not try to open an off-base bank account online. Make an appointment to visit in person.
TAXES AND FEES
There are many taxes and fees that you may not be familiar with or aware of. Below is a list of common fees people pay while getting settled in the U.K.
Note: All prices below are an estimate.
Cars
Importing: Annual MOT tax - £65.00 Light conversion - £300.00 Number plate - £25.00 Annual road tax - £280.00 (exempt for the first year)
Annual MOT tax - £65.00
Light conversion - £300.00
Number plate - £25.00
Annual road tax - £280.00 (exempt for the first year)
Buying: HPI Test - £30.00 Annual MOT tax - £60.00 Annual road tax – up to £800.00 depending on fuel type and CO2 emissions (not exempt)
HPI Test - £30.00
Annual MOT tax - £60.00
Annual road tax – up to £800.00 depending on fuel type and CO2 emissions (not exempt)
Annual MOT tax - £65.00
Light conversion - £300.00
Number plate - £25.00
Annual road tax - £280.00 (exempt for the first year)
HPI Test - £30.00
Annual MOT tax - £60.00
Annual road tax – up to £800.00 depending on fuel type and CO2 emissions (not exempt)
Phones
Cell phone: Prices will vary depending on the type of phone and plan you choose. Monthly payment/contract - from £20.00 upwards Pay-as-you-go cell phone - starting from £70.00 Pay-as-you-go plan - £15.00 upwards per month
Monthly payment/contract - from £20.00 upwards
Pay-as-you-go cell phone - starting from £70.00
Pay-as-you-go plan - £15.00 upwards per month
Home phone: Set up cost for a telephone landline - £120.00
Set up cost for a telephone landline - £120.00
Monthly payment/contract - from £20.00 upwards
Pay-as-you-go cell phone - starting from £70.00
Pay-as-you-go plan - £15.00 upwards per month
Set up cost for a telephone landline - £120.00
Life amenities
TV license/tax - £159.00
Monthly cable - £60.00
Monthly internet at home (package includes telephone landline) - £50.00
Monthly utilities – estimate £200.00 to cover electric and water.
Oil - an estimated 70 pence per liter will cost £700.00 (excluding VAT) to fill a 1,000-liter tank (may need to fill a tank twice a year)
Travel
Tourist passport - $135.00
VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) PROGRAM
The VAT program exempts you from paying sales tax of 20 percent on non-fixed goods that are individually over £100.00. To enroll in the VAT program, obtain a ration card and visit your installation’s VAT office.
Need to know:
The “over £100.00 rule” means that each item must be priced at over £100.00 (VAT is included in that total).
VAT exemption does not apply to clothes, vehicles, real property purchases, online purchases or utilities.
For oil heating, you are exempt from paying 5 percent with VAT Form.
Vendors are not obligated to participate.
Do not pay for your items in advance of using VAT form.
Always check with your installation’s VAT office for clarification on VAT form use.
How to use a VAT form:
Ask vendor if they participate in the VAT program.
Have vendor address invoice to your installation’s FSS.
Pay the installation’s VAT office including the processing fee.
Go back to vendor with invoice and collect your items.
