ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United KingdomFriday whinge from the maven
May I add to have a Tuesday whinge with blessings.

4am this morning we heard scuffling in the bedroom. Looked at the cat and she's on the bed so it wasn't her. I pushed Mr LL to get up and investigate, and to our horror there was a baby skunk in the bedroom. :o

We leave the door open overnight so the cat can come and go as she pleases. Mr LL has always assured me that a skunk would NEVER come in the house...ohhh..no. :no: Yeah right. :rolleyes:

So the skunk scuttles into the office and we bunker down in the bedroom with the door shut praying it won't do anything. This morning there was no sign of it of course. Phew. But I came into the office and it left a little calling card. You may all be grossed out by it, but thank F it didn't spray. :blink:
Lou LouFemale02007-07-17 09:23:00
United KingdomFriday whinge from the maven

I'm hoping he doesn't REALLY need it all - he needs another root canal, sure. But his dentist has just opened a brand new office and I think has bills to pay. I am sending him to get a second opinion!


$8,000 does seem really steep, even for a dentist! I think a second opinion is a good idea! Also, do you have any dental schools in your area? The UB Dental school here has dental students perform the work under the advisement of the "real deal" for much less money. My Mom has always had satifactory results, and they did some major work on her.

Good luck!


I ended up getting a 2nd and 3rd opinion and reduced my bill from $6,500 to $3,100, to $1,100. I then went to the UK and got the work done privately. Way cheaper and my insurance covered it all with no questions.

On the other end of the scale, my Invisalign braces cost $6,500 compared to $15,000 in the UK. Unfortunately my insurance doesn't cover a penny of it. :rolleyes:
Lou LouFemale02007-07-16 13:25:00
United KingdomDual Citizenship....

if you are a US citizen you have to enter and leave the country on your US passport - I think technically you are not supposed to serve in another country's army (though lots of Americans seem to serve in the Israeli army).


OK well let me confirm this - I was told that if I maintained both US and UK passports - when travelling back and forth for visiting family etc - is it true that I can use the us passport to leave the usa but on entering the Uk i show my UK passport? and when leaving the UK again show my UK passport and when arriving in the us i show my us passport? I know this is a silly question but this is what I have been told to do by a friend who travels alo I was just clarifying to see if anyoen else can confirm this for me?

Then what would happen say for example we go for a vacation in europe say Paris - would i still us my UK passport on entering paris?

Just thinking very well ahead of times LOL

Lina (UKC)


Exactly - the leave the US showing your US passport, enter the UK with the British passport. Obviously, you'll want to enter EU countries on your British passport as well for ease and speed. Any other coutries, it would be up to you - I'd guess they'd be treated about the same. I always used my US passport in Asia.

Just an aside, when I was at JFK POE - the officer scrutinized my US passport. He couldn't understand why there were no stamps in it for the UK! I explained the situation, but he didn't seem too happy to believe it. For a second, I thought he wasn't going to let me in my own country!


But when leaving the UK you should show your US passport because most airlines won't let you on the plane with just the return section, right? Showing the UK one without any visas etc is just asking for trubs.
Lou LouFemale02007-07-20 07:45:00
United KingdomDual Citizenship....
I'm applying for US citizenship next month. :thumbs:
Lou LouFemale02007-07-19 18:49:00
United KingdomDid anyone watch Posh's TV show last night?
I saw it and was actually surprised. I thought she'd be sucking up to the Yanks but she actually took the whole experience like most other Brits would. That woman in the pale blue suit was the biggest freak of the show. :blink: Yeh, it was boring, but that was probably cos it was for a US audience, so she couldn't be shown playing up that much otherwise she would really bomb.

I don't really care either way. I think they earn an obscene amount of money, but hey, can you blame them? If people are willing to pay her to act up and piss around good luck to her. Don't bovver me. :no:

On some other trailer for a tacky show about them there were "10 unknown fact about the Beckhams" or something along those lines. One was:

"Posh really is posh because she comes from a wealthy family and grew up with money". That makes you posh? :lol: Oh, the poor dhalings have no idea. :no: :lol:
Lou LouFemale02007-07-18 09:43:00
United KingdomAny UK folks NOT applying for US citizenship?

I don't understand how being a US citizen somehow makes one less of an Englishman.


I'm wondering that too. :huh: If someone asks me I'm always gonna say I'm English no matter how many passports I have. I'd feel a bit fake saying I was American. Plus I think my accent may give me away. ;)

------

I'm only getting citizenship as there's a very strong chance I'm gonna be in the abandonment of GC category in a few years time, and quite frankly the fuss and nonsense it's taken to get it all and get to this stage, there's no way I'm gonna ####### it up by having to do it over again.

I'm also being completely practical. Who knows what could happen to either of us. I want to be free and able to come and go, and one day it may not be with the ole man by my side. So having citizenship is purely for the passport and the freedom to live and travel here when I want. OH will do the same the other side when he has the chance. It's like a lil extra gift to each other.
Lou LouFemale02007-07-20 20:44:00
United KingdomProper Back Bacon
I haven't found Canadian bacon to be a good substitute. Nor have I found any back bacon English style in any shop. Your best bet is to buy it online. Once you find somewhere good, stock up your freezer to save on shipping charges. Either way, it ain't gonna be cheap so it may be time to get used to the streaky stuff. Always look at the back of the pack to assess how meaty the strips are, and check ingredients for hidden sugars and too much salt. Most brands have a low sodium kind which is way better.
Lou LouFemale02007-07-20 07:35:00
United Kingdomprescription drugs

(And Queen Elizabeth II used to own everything in the USA? Blimey.)


:lol:
Lou LouFemale02007-07-24 23:06:00
United Kingdomprescription drugs

If he needs medications, you better make sure he has some kind of insurance over here. I was dreading paying for my diabetes meds, but it only works out to about $5 a month for them with insurance. Which is actually cheaper than a UK NHS prescription.


I thought diabetics got free prescriptions, or did it depend what postcode you had? :rolleyes:

(sorry OP)

Clara, as everyone has stated, it's a no no for prescriptions once he's left the UK. He should perhaps go to his GP and let them know of his intentions, and perhaps try to pick up a copy of his records (or at least a list of his meds), so when he gets treatment in the US it may make it all a bit easier to explain.
Lou LouFemale02007-07-10 14:17:00
United KingdomSafe journey to America for Chas!
There's nothing sweeter than that special reunion. :yes:



There's nothing sweeter than that special reunion. :yes:


Or should that be :no: ?

I dunno. I'm a little bit tiddly. Must be in the air. :P
Lou LouFemale02007-07-24 23:04:00
United Kingdomtax

How do i go about filing my taxes, with my wife and step daughters still living in England.
And does it make ant differance.
Thanks tonyt.



I'm not really sure what you mean? Your UK taxes or? You just file them as you always do. That is if you are still receiving some form of income from the UK. I do mine online and it's pretty simple.
Lou LouFemale02007-07-31 12:27:00
United Kingdomfinacial sharing

With any bank, due to the Patriot Act, all accounts opened must have a social security number.


I think if you do some research you'll find that to be a crock of shite that banks want to spute out.

Like others posted here, I also was able to get a bank account without a SSN. I had to give my ID and a secure UK address. If they won't accept you, find one who will.
Lou LouFemale02007-08-02 07:57:00
United KingdomWhere in the UK are you or your SO from?
I was born in East Sussex but brought up in Richmond Park, then lived all over London; East Dulwich, Blackheath, Hackney, Islington, Archway, Clapham, Wimbledon and Maida Vale. Plus a few years off studying in Norwich and France. We spent the last few months of my time in the UK in Whitstable. Lovely little town but a ####### every weekend for tourists!
Lou LouFemale02007-07-30 13:59:00
United KingdomWhere in the UK are you or your SO from?

Dunno if being from Slough means he's a Londoner? *shrug*


That's the 'burbs, not London in my insignificant little book. :P
Lou LouFemale02007-07-30 13:51:00
United KingdomChristmas Pudding
Yes, I pick them them up often to pass on to homesick expats.
Lou LouFemale02007-08-14 16:47:00
United KingdomKrispy Kreme in UK
Haven't they been in Harrods for years, though? I'm pretty sure I've seen them loads of times there. :huh:

I've never tired one and have no desire to try one. Too much stodge. :no:
Lou LouFemale02007-08-12 11:09:00
United KingdomTravel Insurance
Emergency treatment (which I assume is all you're thinking about) will be covered, but routine GP visits would not. My health insurance covers me for treatment in any country. Maybe check to see if yours does too.
Lou LouFemale02007-08-26 13:58:00
United KingdomI Did It!
Fantastic! good.gif
Lou LouFemale02007-08-28 13:47:00
United KingdomHi! Anyone still in England that's from Kent here?
My folks live in Kent too :)
Lou LouFemale02006-05-07 08:32:00
United KingdomOH My how old's this make me
Blimey she was quite young on TDUDP! I preferred her as Aunt Sally meself. Showing my generation too ;)
Lou LouFemale02006-05-23 08:33:00
United KingdomThis is where we start again

She scolded Lucy and told her "we don't do that". Apparently bubble gum is not looked upon favorably in the UK.


LOADS of people chew gum in the UK. The sister has decided she doesn't want her kid doing that, and I know many parents like that, but it's not an exclusive UK thing at all.

ohh heinz baked beans - I love that on toast - my American fiance think I am mad to have baked beans on toast! He wouldnt even try it (rolls eyes). I am planning to take a case of tins with me when I move to the states - is this possible? does anyone know if we can do that? should I take it with me as access baggae or ship it with some of my other items?
Lina (UKC)


Yes, you can take the tins as long as there is no meat product in them. Pack them well as they do tend to dent easily!
Lou LouFemale02006-05-07 10:24:00
United Kingdomanyone buy immigrant health insurance before they went to US?




I used http://www.expatriate-insurance.com - they were very easy to deal with and I could extend the cover month by month from the US. I barely remember what I paid but I think it was around 60 quid a month. Well worth it for peace of mind.


If you keep clicking through, looks like Allianz may be the Insurer:

http://www.allianzwo...om/EN/index.php

Just checked their premium for me - $4,600 odd a year.


I couldn't see anywhere on Allianz that offered US insurance only. Yes, the worldwide cover gave me a quote of nearly $4,000 per year too but it would be a waste for an expat who is only going to be needing it for the US until they can get coverage other ways. I will have to look up the monthly fee I paid though I doubt I still have the paperwork, but I know for sure it was under 100 quid per month with excellent coverage.


The US is the most expensive area, it would be a lower risk if you did not need US coverage in total or partially.

Allianz is a reputable company and all in all I thought it was 'reasonably' priced for what you get.

If you are paying a lot less than that there has to be a reason.

Usually you see posts from people who buy travel insurance and think they have annual medical insurance.


Mine was a very good deal with the above link and no, it wasn't travel insurance. OH's broker checked out the deal before I took it so we were sure it was the right one for us. My advice to anyone would be to get a quote from them as it's free and check all their policies including the small print! Of course, it was 2 years ago that I got this insurance so I'm sure things have changed....just like the USCIS ;)
Lou LouFemale02006-04-28 15:04:00
United Kingdomanyone buy immigrant health insurance before they went to US?


I used http://www.expatriate-insurance.com - they were very easy to deal with and I could extend the cover month by month from the US. I barely remember what I paid but I think it was around 60 quid a month. Well worth it for peace of mind.


If you keep clicking through, looks like Allianz may be the Insurer:

http://www.allianzwo...om/EN/index.php

Just checked their premium for me - $4,600 odd a year.


I couldn't see anywhere on Allianz that offered US insurance only. Yes, the worldwide cover gave me a quote of nearly $4,000 per year too but it would be a waste for an expat who is only going to be needing it for the US until they can get coverage other ways. I will have to look up the monthly fee I paid though I doubt I still have the paperwork, but I know for sure it was under 100 quid per month with excellent coverage.
Lou LouFemale02006-04-28 14:33:00
United Kingdomanyone buy immigrant health insurance before they went to US?
I used http://www.expatriate-insurance.com - they were very easy to deal with and I could extend the cover month by month from the US. I barely remember what I paid but I think it was around 60 quid a month. Well worth it for peace of mind.
Lou LouFemale02006-04-28 13:25:00
United KingdomBanks - keeping UK bank account
Another vote for First Direct - they are fantastic. I've been with so many banks in my time (and got plenty of nasty letters to prove it!) but FD are a breeze. Really fantastic customer service too. Get some one to recommend you and I think you get some free cash for opening too! Not a lot but it all helps.

I use my US credit cards in the UK all the time - the UK ones will never match my US 0% interest charges!
Lou LouFemale02006-05-27 08:07:00
United KingdomPOE & Immigration Stuff


Just the regular white and blue customs form that everyone has to fill out, USC and non-USCs alike. Just says you're not doing anything like bringing foreign species in or foods or anything.


Its called the I 94. Be sure that you keep your portion of it in your passport (don't let the immigration officer take all of it, as some of them try to do!) as you will need it for AOS.


No, the blue and white form is the customs form which has to be stamped before getting through. They glance at it and then take the whole thing away from you. The I-94 is the other form that you rightly said they must not take all of it away.
Lou LouFemale02006-06-08 10:33:00
United KingdomPOE & Immigration Stuff
Probably depends on what airport you're going through. Philly appears to one of the worse with time delays and courteous immigration staff. Personally I would avoid it like the plague if I could. I would say leaving a 2 hour window between flights would be safe enough. Longer if you want to relax a little and walk around before the next connection.
Lou LouFemale02006-06-07 11:51:00
United Kingdomnetflix...

Got Craig onto UKNova months back, *(he's the one who actually learned how to use it after finally being able to join!!!) :lol: and totally addicted now...love that site..so whoever recommended it here first..>WOOT WOOT and thanks! to you!!!

Will have to check out NetFlix..been hearin' about it for a long time now...main thing I'm worried about is how much does it cost and exactly how does it work? I'm worried about things like extra charges, postage, late charges and the like...anyone care to enlighten me...sounds like a good thing to have! :) Mich


If you check out their site it give a clear explanation about all their charges. Personally I find it a bit of a rip off and going to the video store is cheaper and more relaible. My local store has all the obscure foreign films we like to watch at only $1 for 2 night rental. You can't really beat that. With Netflix you don't really get to choose when you watch the film as you're always waiting for the mail. There are NO late charges or postage charges which is good. You just send it back in the prepaid envelope whenever you like.
Lou LouFemale02006-06-11 08:45:00
United Kingdomnetflix...
And they also have a two week free trial which is a fab deal :thumbs:
Lou LouFemale02006-06-07 18:11:00
United KingdomUk Food

I have a strange question to ask, not exactly about food, but food related. Has anyone seen stores over here that sell egg cups? I've been looking for some for a while, to no avail. Just wondering if anyone else had found any.


I've seen them in Pier 1, Christmas Tree Shop, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma...or any really good kitchen supplier. Sometimes they will only have them in stock over easter though.
Lou LouFemale02006-06-14 07:07:00
United KingdomMedical and Packet 4 type stuff

Yes i was told my tetanus was due in 2001 and i had it in 1991.

Should i ask about titres at my doctors?


If you want to go the titre route there is no harm in asking your GP. They may allow you to have them on the NHS or direct you to a private clinic. Call around and get a few prices for comparison. Where do you live? I got my titres done at the clinic in Victoria station.
Lou LouFemale02006-06-16 12:01:00
United KingdomMedical and Packet 4 type stuff

Can someone also help me in confirming these are all i need:
According to the vaccination chart I am 38 yrs old and I need to have TD (what is TD), MMR, and I had chicken pox as a child lucky they found the record of that :), and the Influenza I presume is for 50 years and older although some years here in the UK I have had the jab, But I guess it isnt the fl season yet so I dont need that one.


Yes, they are the jabs you need, but like I said you don't have to have them as per my post above. It sounds like your tetanus is up to date as it supposed to last ten years, I think. I'm sure someone will clarify that.
Lou LouFemale02006-06-16 08:39:00
United KingdomMedical and Packet 4 type stuff

Seriously though what is it? I don`t want jabs(not because of needles just because of the fact you never know what they are giving you and it seems unnatural to me.


It's a simple blood test to prove you have already had the jabs, or are immune because you already had the disease, or built your own immunities playing kiss chase in the playground :innocent: I too didn't want to have the jabs because of health reasons, and not cos I'm a wuss with needles. I got them done at a private clinic in the UK, but you can get it done for your AOS in the US, especially if you can wrangle the health insurance to pay for it.
Lou LouFemale02006-06-15 13:27:00
United KingdomMedical and Packet 4 type stuff
Don't forget that you don't have to have the shots if you don't want them. You can get titres to prove you have immunity if you prefer not to have any more chemicals pumped through your body. I paid for the titres (about 60 quid in total) and my immunities were so high the nurse said I would have probably had a very nasty and serious reaction to repeat jabs. My chicken pox scar, that is clear on my face, was not accepted by the panel physician...unfortunately :(
Lou LouFemale02006-06-15 13:05:00
United KingdomThe Big Move to the States..

Yes I havent worked out what would be best as for health insurance, should i just get a 3 month travel insurance to cover any health issues if they occur? My fiance doesnt have health insurance with his company so we will be looking at buying private health insurance - once I am in the US and married but in the meatime anyone have any ideas what do in the short term - plus I am concerned about prescriptions - I am on Paroxitine which is for anxiety and depression - I cant ween myself off it right now as with all the stress of the immigration stuff and family not backing me I cant seem to get off it - my doc suggestes that e will give me enough (possibly 6 months supply) and when I move to america and am settled there i should ween myself off it then - but what if I need more? I know I would have to get a doctor over there in the states - but will this be covered with health insurance or is it preexhisting? I get so confused with all this - plus I am on pills for vertig - which I need all the time mostly my doc again can give me a supply but I may need more


Travel insurance will not be valid once you are an immigrant. You can get health insurance to cover you until you are working. There are a few threads kicking around on the 'moving to the US' forum. I used www.expatriate-insurance.com who gave me a good deal but there are plenty of companies around. Most companies will be ok with your pre-existing problems. They are fairly common so I wouldn't worry too much. Your GP sounds great to be giving you extra prescriptions - definitely take him up on that offer! Once you are here it would be best to ask friends and family about a good doctor - they can be very hard to find so start looking soon.

ajames79 - I have insurance over here with Cigna. I didn't say it was cheap! I said my private dentist in the UK is cheaper than my US one. For example, Cigna pays half of all my dental care and I have to stump up the other half apart from cleanings and check ups. So if I need a filling, it costs around $180 here in the US but only $100 in the UK. I called Cigna and they said it didn't matter where I got the treatment so I schedule the big stuff when I'm going back home. I do get all other healthcare free tho apart from the co-pay visit which is $15.

(we also get UVA/UVB sunscreen readily here too...and don't forget peeps it goes off after a year and becomes less effective :thumbs: )
Lou LouFemale02006-06-05 17:11:00
United KingdomThe Big Move to the States..
With regard to the NHS treatment your doctor is wrong but since you're under him on disability and incapacity he is seeing you a a 'special' case for him? Anyone who has emigrated and lived out of the UK for over 6 months loses the right to have free routine care with a GP. Of course as a citizen visiting your own country and needing emergency care you will not be denied but going back for prescriptions and other care is not allowed. I know plenty of expats do it but I guess that depends on which side of the fence your ethics lay.

Good tip on getting your hair cut. I had a horrible time finding a decent hairdresser!

Bring your fave foods before you get so desperate you'll pay $5 for a pack of digestives.

Dental check up is good too. Again, you will not entitled to go back for NHS dental care but I actually go back and pay for private care with my UK dentist as he's so much cheaper than my US one. My insurance company still pays for half the UK bill so it's worth checking out if your insurance will do that too if you so wished.
Lou LouFemale02006-06-04 06:58:00
United KingdomCan anybody help with the medical number to call?
I meant Yab's post. Anyway, doesn't matter now :no: :)

Generally, cases are much faster than a few years back, but I understand how waiting can be frustrating...I've been there :yes:
Lou LouFemale02006-06-21 22:41:00
United KingdomCan anybody help with the medical number to call?

Yabasta is filing CR-1, and he didn't lose the letter, he is awaiting his packet 4, London is just slow getting things out right now.


Whoops. I guess things weren't so clear for the likes of me :blush:
Lou LouFemale02006-06-21 18:40:00
United KingdomCan anybody help with the medical number to call?
You don't have to get everything done for the K1, so you could wait and get your titres done in the US for the AOS. Just call your GP and find out if they do them or who they can refer you to. The other option would be to get your jabs done through your GP which would be a whole lot cheaper than the embassy medical.

You lost the letter? Not sure if it's so important now, but back when I went through the K1, losing the letter would mean they wouldn't let you in.
Lou LouFemale02006-06-21 18:31:00
United KingdomTaking a bag into the embassy

I've just noticed that it says on the sheet about the interview that you shouldn't take any bags to the embassy.. I'll have one bag with me with my overnight stuff, change of clothes, and documents in it.. is that likely to be a problem?, has anyone been not allowed to take something like that in, and if so, is there anywhere I can leave it when I go in - with security or somewhere nearby or something?

My interview is on Wednesday btw, 10:30 AM btw :)

Cheers :)


If you're staying overnight at a hotel, they will often hold it for you in the lobby...for a small tip of course ;)
Lou LouFemale02006-06-26 16:26:00