Working and Living in London
Tax enquiries
If you have any queries regarding your tax you can contact HMRC Taxes Helpline:
Telephone number: 0300 200 3300
Opening hours: 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am-4pm Saturday.
You need to have your National Insurance number when you call.
If you need more information about income tax and National Insurance please check the HMRC website for more details:
Obtaining an NI number
You need to call Jobcentre Plus to apply for a National Insurance number. You must have the right to work or study in the UK to get a National Insurance number. They will send you an application form, and may ask you to go to an interview.
Jobcentre Plus application line telephone: 0845 600 0643. Monday to Friday 8am-6pm
For more information please visit Apply for National Insurance number
NHS Services
In the case of an emergency, call 999, the UK emergency phone number.
If it is not an immediate emergency you can call NHS 111. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can provide medical advice and advise you on the best local service to offer the care you need.
Some hospitals have accident & emergency departments offering acces 24 hours a day, 7 days per week and a doctor or nurse will assess and decide on further action.
Less severe injuries can be treated in NHS walk-in centres, which can treat patients without an appointment. To find the nearest walk-in centre use the website Find NHS Walk-In Centre
How to register with a doctor/GP?
Choose the GP surgery in the area where you live. Contact the GP surgery and ask to register with them.
Your mental health and wellbeing
It is important to look after your mental health and wellbeing. Please follow the top tips here:
Opening bank account
To open a bank account you can do this in a branch, via telephone or online.
We can help you by providing letter for opening a bank account, please let us know.
Popular options for opening a bank account include:
Public transport
The main source of public transport are underground, train and bus networks.
The cheapest way to get around London is to get a oyster-card, which can be purchased from local convenience shops and most tube stations. If you travel every day, it may be worth getting a travel card and paying the same amount for travel every month, or if you travel by bus more often than tube or train, topping up on a weekly basis.
For more information visit TFL website.
You can also use the very popular cycle hire scheme to get around.
Leisure activities
Discover the best of London with Visit London, the official guide to England's exciting capital. Find things to do in London, from iconic sightseeing spots and fun-filled days out to top restaurants, theatre and unmissable London events, and many are free.
Some of our favourites include:
- Buckingham Palace - The King's official London residence has 775 rooms. It is one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today. The lavishly decorated State Rooms of the Palace are open to visitors during summer months, and you can visit all year round to see the famous Changing of the Guard.
- Westminster Abbey - admire the gothic architecture, and step back in time to discover 700 years of turbulent history.
- Tower of London - take a tour with one of the Yeoman Warders around the Tower of London, one of the world's most famous buildings. Discover its 900-year history as a royal palace, prison and place of execution, arsenal, jewel house and zoo!
The Royal Parks - with eight Royal Parks in London, you're spoilt for choice. The Royal Parks make up some of London's 3,000-plus open spaces. Explore the capital's nature reserves, commons and heaths, relax in one of its peaceful gardens, or meet the animals at London's city farms.
101 free things to do - from museums to attractions, London walks and gardens, here are 101 free things to do in London.
Cycling - London is a cycling city, wheter you fancy hiring a bike for the day to explore some of the capital's many scenic cycle routes, or cycling to work, you will never be short of cycling action.
London shopping - from luxury shops to bargain fashions at London's markets, big London shopping centres such as Westfield, local shops and more, there is something for all in London.
Eating out - London is home to a huge range of eating options - from street markets to restaurant specials, for every budget. Take a look at our pick of London's best eats.
Improving your English or ready to learn new language
A lot of people who come to London to work, would like to learn more skills and improve their English, or learn a new language.
Duolingo is a great online option.
The English Studio has some useful information on their blog.
We have created this helpful guide to working and living in London. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
