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Basics
UK is overall a very tolerant and welcoming country and friendly to immigrants from all parts of planet. It has close links with Indian Continent
and till date is considered a friendly destination by most Indians, whether for tourism, studies or work. UK (along with U.S. and Europe) does a lot for Developing Parts of planet, which is often neglected in sensational news hungry media reports. In author's opinion , UK scores much higher on Human Rights Protection Scale than many other countries the author visited. If you wish to further enhance your knowledge about UK's efforts for the developing and under-developed parts of the world, checkout following websites
http://www.aidsportal.org
http://www.dfid.gov.uk
http://www.myplatform2.com
http://www.developments.org.uk
Note: Cheese Burger in UK is a Beef (Cow's Meat) Burger. Please always ask at the counter for any pizza/burger you order, whether its veg or non-veg. Many Mc Donald's Milkshakes (e.g. Strawberry) are also Not VEG.
Veg marked Sandwiches here can have Eggs. There are two kinds of vegetarian terms used here
1) Vegetarian - No-Meat, But Egg is OK and products from Animal Milk are also OK.
2) Vegans - Only Plant products, NO Meat, NO FIsh, No Animal Product like Eggs or Milk, Yogurt etc.
What we call Vegetarian In India is actually known as Hindu-Vegetarian (food option offered in most flights) here.
Emergency No is 999 here. (112 in europe). When you call 999, Operator asks for police or ambulance? If you say Police then call is transferred to Police Department.
If you find understanding their accent difficult then you can always ask them to let you talk to someone who speaks Hindi/Gujarati/Punjabi etc.
Etiquettes
What is considered rude/inconsiderate/anti-social/taken-for-granted here (Grooming yourself for UK Culture and Social/Office Climate):-
Well every culture is different! Something which can mean "thumbs-up" in one country can mean "derogatory" in other. There are some habits/physical gestures which can be
pretty normal/ok backhome but here they are not liked.
1) You need to say "thank you" for every little favor! For Ex Cab drivers here are not supposed to handle your luggage and putit in/takeitout from boot of their cab.
So when they do it, they expect a "thank you". When driving, in a face to face road block situation, if someone lest you go first, they expect a "thank you" gesture in form of raising palm of your hand.
The superstore counter guy/girl packs your stuff for you in carry bags, they too expect a "Thank You". Basically, nobody is a Servant here. They are doing their job and
for the extra nice things they do, they expect an appreciation back.
2) Honking Horn Anywhere! Breaking the Q when stuck in traffic jam, crossing roads without proper signal is all considered Rude and Uncivilised!
3) Shouting, playing loud music in tube/bus. Always check the volume of your earphone/headphone. Don't stare at people/girls in tube/bus. Especially don't stare at girls here. Its Not OK here. They might find it disturbing or irritating and might change the seats because of you. Try to giveup your seats for elderly or pregnant ladies. Click Here for Tube Etiquettes
4) Breaking the Q anywhere - Bank, postoffice, BUS Q, Ticket counter Q, Cash/ATM Machine Q ( Stay 2 steps behind the person on cash machine). You need to arrive at time if any friend/colleague is waiting. LateComing is totally totally not liked here. So always give yourself 15-30 mins grace time for Tube/metro/buss/traffic/TicketQ issues.
5) Mobile not silent in Cinema. Picking calls in Cinema is totally disliked here. I will say Again. Don't pickup calls in Cinema and don't obstruct other's view by sitting high. While watching movie, when you change sitting posture, don't push the chair of person sitting infront of you. Its highly irritating. Also if you are one of those whoes legs vibrate during the movie, please don't do that as it vibrates all the seats linked with your seat because the base of seats is usually connected with each other.
Also don't talk during the movie, that is so normal backhome but is disgusting behaviour here.
6) Overtaking someone sharply when driving. Overtaking someone sharply when walking.
7) Pushing/Shoving in Tube, Bus, Shops especially places where buffet food is served.
8) Sneezing/Coughing without covering your mouth. Never go to your office when you have flu or cough n cold. Coughing disturbs other in office and is not taken as Normal. You are expected to take cough syrups or soothing lonzenges to keep the volume of your coughing in control.
9) Letting the (office/venue/lift) door shut on person coming behind you.
10) Picking things at display in shops and not putting them back nicely where they are.
11) Never treat a Waiter/Server like the way we usually treat them backhome. Order anything with respect. "1 bacardi please" is Ok. "1 bacardi" isn't OK.
12) Always greet old people in parks with a smile. Always meet superstore counter staff with a smile. Don't forget to say "Thanks, good bye!" when leaving.
13) Don't ask for emailid/ telephone nos from strangers in first meeting. Don't ask personal Qs. Don't give out judgemental remarks based on someone's choices. Don't peep into neighbour's windows. Don't make noise after 11pm in night. In multi-floor buildings, be considerate of people living on floor below you.
14) Don't pickup/touch others' kids without their permission. Don't offer them candy etc in their care-taker's absence.
15) Don't frown when you don't like/want something. Frowning comes so natural to we Indians but here in UK its considered kind of display of disgust/repulsion.
16) Don't stand with arms folded together. Its usually a Club Bouncer's posture and is considered aggressive here.
more will be updated soon..
To find out any location in UK based on postcode or street name click www.maps.google.co.uk
To find out any local business like, Surgeries (GP), Nursing Homes, Plumbers, B&B etc click www.yell.co.uk.
To find out about your neighbourhood safety records etc see here http://www.upmystreet.co.uk
A little Note on Racism Towards Asians: Don't be afraid to seek help from Police. Totally unlike India, Police here is your friend. They are very friendly chaps.
You should report to them any racist comment/incidence happened to you without any fear. Although most of us have a very pleasant stay in UK with rarely any mildly-racist remark/comment made at us (London is most diverse place on planet and so least racist in UK, countryside areas in UK can have a few less-educated ppl who might spoil your day by making a mildly racist remark, overall British people are very friendly and decent people) yet it is advisable to learn what can be considered racist and what is not. Broadly speaking discrimination based on appearance and ethnic origin Or any insulting remark in that context would be considered racist. While your stay in UK, you will quickly learn what is racist and what is not.
A lot of things, you might think are normal, can be considered racist. Even if a British Asian(British Born Indian) scorns at you for you being fresh from INDIA, you can
and should always report it to his/her immediate supervisor and if need be to Police. Remember, some (not all) British Indians more than British White, can subject you to one
of the worst racist experiences of your life because they know Indians by habit never complain about these things. Don't suffer at the hands of their contempt. Law provides you protection and compensation for every wrong thing.
You should also be careful about saying a remark about any other ethnic person. London is world's most diverse city and every ethnic person here has equal rights.
Govt Report- What Qualifies As Racism?
How to Report Racist Incident In Central London - Westminster Council
"Paki" is a racist abusive word here! Some Racist British Whites use it sometimes. It would be Naive/Silly to tell them back that you are from India. They don't care. We all look same to them.
"freshie" or FOB (Fresh off boat-Wikipedia) are rude (but not considered as racist) remarks used by British Indians for Indians from India (desis) who by habits/looks/bodylanguage/language/mannerisms etc resemble to how people are backhome in India. Its use here is same as Indians in metro cities backhome (like delhi/bombay) say "Bihari" to any un-polished person from rural parts of India and "bahadur" to anyone from Nepal. That is also a very "rude" thing to say.
UK Hindu Temples
Click here for Bigger All Hindu Temples In UK MAP (more than 150 Temples listed)
View Hindu Temples In UK in a larger map
Shops to buy Accessories for Temple stuff and Puja thalis etc
Specialist Enterprises Ltd
91, The Broadway
Southall
Middx
UB1 1LN
AKILAN
274 High Street North, East Ham, London, E12 6SA
Nearest station: East ham (tube)
Manor Park by National Railway..
POPAT STORES
156-158 Ealing Road, Town Centre
Wembley, HA0 4PY
Nearest Station:Alperton
INDIAN SOCIALISING IN LONDON :-
Popular Websites for making friends/socialising/social networking:-
http://www.IndiansInuk.net - A leading portal for Indian Social Networking.
http://www.IndianProfessionalsInUK.com - A Popular Friendship And Matrimonial WebSite for Indian Professionals In London and UK
A list of Indian Online Groups on Orkut/Facebook
http://bengalisinuk.net - Social Networking Site for Bengalis In UK
Upcoming Meetups/Parties Through IndiansInLondon Orkut Community
Indians in London on Orkut.com
Indians in London Meetup Forum on Orkut.com
Delhites in London on Orkut.com
Indians in London on Facebook.com
Indians Students In London/UK on Facebook.com
http://www.meetup.com
www.everytwoweeks.com
http://www.bollywoodinlondon.com - Parties/Gigs in London
Nehru Centre Cultural Programmes
Popular Concert Venues :-
Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Kensington Olympia, Wembley Arena, Birmingham NEC.
Popular Ticket Sites :-
www.ticketmaster.co.uk
www.eventbrite.co.uk
http://www.365tickets.com/
Diwali In London, Holi in London, Dussehra, Durga Puja, Baisakhi festivals -
London boasts of huge celebrations of most Indian Festivals outside India. In August you usually have
Asian Mela at Gunnesbury Park park near Acton Town which attracts huge crowd in thousands.
Then there is Slough Asian Mela.
Then you have Diwali At Trafalgar Square In London which usually attracts more
than 40000 crowd in one day.
Holi in london is usually celebrated in the back gardens, in southall on streets and other small groups in community halls.
For all Indian Events like Diwali In London, Holi In London, Dussehra In london etc checkout www.IndiansInUK.net
For Durga Puja Venues and Celebrations checkout www.bengalisinuk.net
Checkout Youtube Indians In London Diary for
holi in London, diwali in london and durga puja videos and bollywood in london Videos. Most Indians In Video events and activities are
catalogued there.
ACCOMODATION :-
Etiquettes for Flatshare Hunting
1) When you contact someone through gumtree or other website, always provide some basic information about you in your first email.
Example of a Good Contact:-
Hi, I am XYZ originally from XYZ part of India. I work with XYZ company in a full time job as IT/Marketing/XYZ Consultant.
I am looking to rent a decent place for minimum 3-6 months.I am a clean person, non-smoker, eat both veg & non veg, social and with an open mind.
I like a quiet place as I am not a noisy/party person myself. My budget is upto £450 only. Please let me know if my details match your requirement.
Cheers
Example of a Bad Contact
Hello, I am XYZ looking for room. I am working. My contact no. is 653656536153. Call me back!
Example of a VERY VERY Bad Contact
Hello, My contact no. is 653656536153. Call me back!
NOTE: When you book a viewing appointment with the landlord or agent, always inform them if you can't make it
Usually while booking you will say "I will be coming in evening at around 7pm to see the flat." - So take it as a commitment!
In evening if you can't make it, before 5-6pm (not later than 6:00pm), always inform the landlord/agent.
Good Approach.
b) - "Sorry I won't be able to come as I have found another option. Please don't wait for me!"
Bad Approach.
- No call or message from you and landlord keeps waiting for you! THIS IS CONSIDERED VERY BAD and reflects badly on the whole Community from same ETHNIC background!
Looking For Indian Flatshare / Indian Room Share / Indian Flatmate ?
Checkout the Flatshare/Rental Sections of www.IndiansInUk.net &
www.IndianStudentsInUK.com
A similar website for All International Students In UK is coming online soon.
One of the biggest concerns of anyone moving to London/UK is Accomodation.
Quick Note: When you move houses In UK, you can take advantage of Royal Mail Redirection (roughly £5/month). This facility will automatically redirect all your post from old address to new address. You can even apply Online for it at www.royalmail.com. You will never miss that important bank/creditcard statement or your visa papers from homeoffice.
Q1- How much is average living cost in london?
Ans- London is divided into 6 Zones. Click here http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/travel/downloads/tube_map.html Or http://www.londontown.com/TubeMaps/TubeMapLarge.jpg to see the map.
Central London is Zone 1 and is the costliest place to live. In this zone, a room in an average shared accomodation (3-4 rooms in one flat/house) will typically cost you £600-£700+ Pcm
As you move towards outer zones, rooms/flats/houses get cheaper. The best website to check for room rents is http://www.gumtree.com. If you are an Indian,
you would be more comfortable in living in predominantly Indian areas like Hounslow, Slough, Uxbridge, Hayes, Feltham, Harrow, Hendon, Ilford, eastham, westham, upton park, tooting etc.
A Room in a shared acco in these areas will typically cost you £300-£400Pcm. Some students prefer to live even cheaper and go for 2 ppl per room kinda sharing which reduces the cost further to £250-£300 per month. To get these cheap accomodations, either visit the local Newsagent shops' windows or PGAccomodation section of this Guide! Crime and security scene of all these areas is more or less same. Check www.upmystreet.com for the crime scene in the neighbourhood you are thinking of moving in. For women, London is comparatively safer than many parts of India or South asia. Some long-established Indian families here operate PG (paying Guest) Accos in these areas where you can live for £60/£70 per week (2 persons per room). Most of them provide food too. A list of contact nos for PG Accos is provided here.
Following are some of the websites that can help you in your Flatshare / Accomodation search:
www.IndiansInUk.net -
www.IndianStudentsInUk.com
List of Indian PG Accos and Student Hostels here
www.gumtree.com - A leading site for london
www.studenthousing.lon.ac.uk - Excellent guide for student accomodation
www.rightmove.co.uk
www.ononemap.com - Amazing Google Maps Based Site!
www.spareroom.co.uk
www.easyroommate.com
www.findaproperty.com
www.homesandproperty.co.uk
www.hotproperty.co.uk
www.primelocation.com
www.springboardurban.co.uk
Your Rights As Tenants - All Kinds of Tenancy Explained here
Q: Types of Short Term/Bed&Breakfast/Tourist Accomodation in UK?
Ans: This Q is best answered here
Shared Acco - 2 or more people share same house, kitchen, toilets etc. Every tenant gets an individual room.
Most shared-acco rental contracts are for 6 months (rolling after that) with 2-4 weeks notice period. You are expected to pay deposit (usually one month's rent) and one month's rent upfront. Usually these contracts are done direct with landlords and estate agents arenot involved in them
Whole House/Flat - This typically involves three parties 1)Tenant (single person, couple or group of friends), 2)Estate Agent, 3) Landlord. Landlord is more or less invisible in this arrangement (although by law, you can ask for Landlord's contact details). Estate Agents take care of the house, rent and all maintenance.
You will have to go through a Credit Check (at your cost - £45 Approx) and in some cases might have to provide reference letter from your Employer.
Estate agents will charge admin and contract drawing fees ( £60 - £125 Approx) to you. Contracts are Assured tenancy agreement of 6-12 months. (rolling after that - with one month notice period).
In most cases, You will have to pay 1 months rent in advance and deposit which could be 1 to 1.5 times of monthly rent. You are liable to pay for remaining term of contract if you have to leave before the term is over, unless you, with mutual agreement between you and estate agent, find out someone who is interested to take up the property on rent.
House Move Tips:-
1a) Register yourself on voter's list (www.aboutmyvote.co.uk) and with a local GP (Free Healthcare Doctor) (find nearest surgery/clinic on NHS website) as soon as you move into a new accomodation.
1b) If you are the sole occupier or have a non-earning spouse then you can get 15-25% council-tax discount if you apply for it in writing at your local council office.
1c) When you move houses In UK, you can take advantage of Royal Mail Redirection (roughly £5/month). This facility will automatically redirect all your post from old address to new address.
You can even apply Online for it at www.royalmail.com. You will never miss that important bank/creditcard statement or your visa papers from homeoffice :)
2a) Always take meter readings on the day you move out and move in. Check from your landlord/estate agent about who are the utility (gas, electricity, water) provider companies for the house you are moving in.
Its your responsibility to call up utility companies and inform them about your house move. Any laziness here can spoil your credit history later.
To find out which utility company provides cheapest gas/electricity in your area try www.moneysupermarket.com Or www.uswitch.com.
3a) Virgin Media is the best choice for Telephone/Cable TV if they provide fibre-optic (Not services through a Normal BT Telephone Landline) services in your postcode area. Its usually a 12 month contract.
Otherwise you can go with SKY TV and Broadband.
You will need British Telecom (BT- Telephone Line) for Sky Broadband. Sky & BT both will also require you to sign a 12 Month Contract. For Sky Dish antenna make sure you get the permission from landlord or estate agent in writing.
3b) For Broadband Service comparison check http://www.thinkbroadband.com/
O2 Broadband is also a very good deal for money if you have a O2 mobile contract!
4) Tesco, ASDA and Wilkinson are considered to be the cheapest Groceries and Home Goods Superstores in UK.
However, if you are in london, your local high street will most probably have a 1 Pound shop like (poundland, costcutter, 98p shop etc), where most household things are sold
for around £1. These can save you lot of money while settling in a new accomodation.
5) Argos, Index, PRIMARK are some other high street shops famous among Indians. They provide quality products like furniture, bed linen, clothes etc for cheap prices along with 30 days money back guarantee.
Contact No of Some Indian PG Accos In London area here:-
##Harrow ##
02082027627
07723093055
02084272377
02088615854
02089072500
##Wembley/Alperton##
Alperton 0208-902-6790 (Dinner Included)
##Hounslow East##
Hounslow East - 02085695683 - (North Indian Dinner - £3/head - NO tiffin delivery - Dine at PG only)
Hounslow East - 0208 7377 848
Hostel/Student Accomodation
HOST - This Company arranges student accommodation in Westminster and rest of London.
Reg Address:
211 Streatham Road
Mitcham
Surrey
United Kingdom
CR4 2AJ
Tel: +44 02086464320
Fax: +44 02086460905
http://www.host.gb.com/
Indian YMCA -check http://www.indianymca.org/ for rates of rooms.
YMCA Indian Student Hostel
41 Fitzroy Square
London W1T 6AQ
Telephone:020 7387 0411
Fax 020 7383 4735
Email: reservations@indianymca.org
London WaterLoo Christian Alliance Centre
Contact Details / Website:
2 Secker Street
Waterloo
London
SE1 8UF
Tel: 020 7450 4601
Fax: 020 7401 9945
Convent Religious Of Mary Immaculate Hostel (For Girls)
Nice Hostel Near Gloucester Road Station
15 Southwell Gardens
London
SW7 4RN
020 73733869
Find More Youth Hostels Click here - Complete List A , Complete List B
Indian Food Tiffin Services (London And UK)
London
## Heathrow,Hounslow,Isleworth,Brentford,No
Sams Café
Tiffin Service - 127 Lillie Road, SW6 7SX
Tel No-00447957952594.0044-2076103100
Cinnamond Foods - £16 (veg tiffin) for 5 days - Delivered at your workplace/residence everyday!
Call 07773405814
## tiffin service in canary wharf ##
www.lunchbrunch.co.uk
Upton Park/East Ham Area - 07533425556
Tiffin service in East London (Postcode E16 and Canary Wharf Offices) Contact: 07809441527
http://www.annapurnas.co.uk Indian Vegetarian lunch starting from £2.99 only!!! Delivered free to Canary Wharf, London Bridge and City as well as harrow, hounslow, twickenham, isleworth.
## tiffin service in Wembley, Sudbury, King'sbury and surrounding area...##
Call: 0750 688 5965.
########################
London- ONLY £3.00 PER MEAL .. (Rice, Roti, Veg or Non Veg Option and Soft Drink)
CALL/SMS/EMAIL ON 07595383400/ORDER@EAT-INDIAN.CO.UK FOR SAME DAY ORDER
Call Before 11 AM For Lunch and 4PM for Dinner
Cardiff
Tiffin Service available in cardiff and surrounding areas indian vegetarian home made food available Lentils(dal) rice(basmati) (different variety available) 1 vegetable (different everyday) 2 chapathi or paratha (whole wheat home made wrap) £3.50 everyday weekly rates negotiable weekend special indian breakfast (chole bhature , pav bhaji or aaloo poori , pakora- all home made with indian spices) call 07969731009 before 8.30 P M and leave your name and number to contact.
INDIAN FOOD IN LONDON :-
List of Some Popular Indian Restaurants In London with Reviews here IndiansInLondon.net
Indian Curry is UK's No 1 Fav Food for more than a decade, however the most fav dish "Chicken-Tikka" isn't an authetic India-Born Dish.
Most Curry restaurants in UK are owned and operated by Bangladeshi People which is the reason that food doesn't taste anything like we are served in India.
Plus a lot of Indian people have reported that Bangladeshi Restaurant Staff had been very RUDE to them on many occasions. We would advise you to double check about the
staff & operators of a restaurant and better avoid chances of a humiliating experience.
If you are really missing Indian Food like the way it tastes in India then nothing can beat Indian Restaurants in Southall (Overground from Paddington Station- its also known as Mini-Punjab).
There are many good restaurants there serving you exactly the same taste as you get back home. Plus you can also get rare things like Aloo-Samosas, Jalebis etc.
Many other Indian areas like Hounslow, East ham etc have some good restaurants owned and run by North Indian Or Pakistani Punjabi Staff. Probability of you liking the food served there is very high. :) .
JD Wetherspoons chain of pubs in london serve a fantastic Curry deal on Thursday (Which is a curry day in many Pubs) in which you are offered a spicy-hot chicken tikka + naan + basmati rice + mango chutney + pappadams + 1 Pint of beer - All this for only £6.49 Pounds something.
Its a great offer and food is yummy too. Combine it with a Movie and your thursdays will become as good as your weekends. :) Or checkout the total Indian Style canteen at
Indian YMCA near Warren Street Tube Station where you can get Indian Canteen style food for £5. :)
Or checkout the lunch buffets (£5-£6) at Diwana's or Chutneys (pure-veg) plus Aloo-Samosa/Gulab Jamun from Ambala Sweets at Drummond Street (Near Euston Station). It's pretty good. There is this Pure Veg Buffet at Tourist prices £3 only near Angel station. For simple daal+rice+poori+aloo nothing can beat this one at this price. Checkout this Map for directions to reach there. There is also this £2.50 takeaway decent taste Indian curry available in
heart of west end. When you come out of Leicester Square station, on charing cross road, walk towards Barclays Bank Cash Machines/Trafalgar Square.
This "coffee n snacks" Indian owned shop is just there, a little before the Barclays cash machines. Or Try lamb/chicken/veg Samosa and Achari Lamb + Pulao Rice at SPAR-Haymarket. Its just Opposite Tiger Tiger in Piccadilly.
Or Try the awesome chicken/lamb/veg biryani from any TREATS shops in London. There is one Treats shop inside Leicester Square Station and for another, walk to charing cross station and then to embankment station. Just after Gordon's Wine Bar you will find a small Treats Shop.
Great Cappuchino/Tea and Super-Great take-away aromatic Biryani (with kishmish, kaju etc) for just £2.90 :)
www.quickindiancooking.com/ - Interesting Blog on Indian Cooking
http://healthycooking-sumi.blogspot.com Blog - Healthy Indian Cooking
CHEAP CALLING TO INDIA:-
Call India for (1.5p-2p/min) Direct from Home/Office BT Landlines
Now Call India direct for 2p/min from BT/Virgin*/TalkTalk* landline - 0844 838 2718 - no pin needed.
From Mobile txt 'phonefriend' to 80041. You will be charged £3 on your mobile bill and will receive a Pin and Access No. Always the lowest rate and best quality call on these Nos. Please confirm call charges with Virgin and Talktalk before you make a call on 0844 no.
08443202929 - 2.5p/min (plus 5p Connection charge)
Checkout Cheap International Calls with Localphone.com (1.9p/min for India,No Connection charge, Vat Included) for a local UK no for ur international destination.
Most people stay stuck with BT even when some other providers give you a better landline deal.
(Note: You are free to choose any broadband provider with following landline service providers. For Broadband we recommend
SkyTV+Broadband,
Virgin &
O2 ).
1)PostOffice-Landline - No 12 month contract. Same Line rental as BT (£10.50),Call Free and Unlimited to UK Mobiles and 20 Countries (Inc U.S., Canada and Europe) On Weekends Plus Evening UK landline Free.
2)Talk Talk - 12 month Contract - same line rental as BT (£10.50 + *£2.65 after 12 months), Evening and Weekend Free, Plus Call Anytime to 36 international destinations (including US, Canada, Australia)!
Call your family in India (Or Any Country Like China, Japan, Brazil etc) Unlimited If You Have Broadband Connection (128 kbps+) there for £5.99 Per Month Only.
Vonage
On an average newcomers to UK Spend £30/Month on calling cards for calls to their family in Home Country.
Two months of that expenditure is almost equivalent of 12 months of unlimited calls to One fixed internet-enabled house in Home Country using the following method.
click here to order vonage
http://tinyurl.com/5zpms9
Here is How it works, In Simple words
1) You get a Vonage Box and a UK landline No. (0207, 0208, 0203) assigned to it.
2) You plugin the Vonage Box to any broadband connection/router (in UK or India or anywhere)
3) You connect a normal home touchtone phone to Vonage Box. That phone becomes the Assigned Vonage UK Landline No.
4) Now, whoever calls that Assigned Vonage UK (0207, 0208, 0203) landline No, will reach the Vonage Box and the TouchTone Phone at the receving end.
5) You can use that normal touchtone phone to call any UK Landline No for unlimited time. It doesn't matter if that touchphone and Vonage Box is not in UK. It can be anywhere. All you need there is a Broadband Connection (256Kbps +). So You can Travel with you Vonage Box and stay in touch with your friends in U.K..
6) Add £2 to ur plan and call U.S. and Canada Unlimited too. If ur Bros/Cuzs/Family is scattered in UK/U.S./Canada then Its best to send a Vonage Box back home. Can save a lot of money in international family calls.
7) Plus Free Vonage to Vonage Calls.
Best UK Mobile Phone Deals on Internet are at DialAPhone Or Mobiles.co.uk,
Lebara Pre-Paid Sim or
Vodafone Pre-Paid Sim
http://www.asda-phones.co.uk/ - For UK Use only - ASDA Pay-As-YOu-GO is cheapest
It will always cost you to call NON-PC destinations in India unless the Target Mobile Phone is Running SKYPE/FRING/GIZMO on it.
From PC - http://voicecheap.com is probably cheapest.
From Symbian Mobile /Win Mobile PDA - Fring is a very good option to voicechat for free.
3Skypephone - 6 month Contract OR £10 topup every month will get u unlimited Skype-2-Skype calls(valid for 30 days from date of every topup.) Skype is inbuilt into it so it also stores Skype Voicemails in your Mobile's 3Voicemail Inbox. Uk based Couples/lovebirds can go for 2 skyphones to call each other unlimited. Or if u hv a BF/GF/Fiancee/Interest in
India or anywhere where they have internet, this is the best option.
http://www.lebara-mobile.co.
http://www.1899.com/rates.php
http://www.1899.com/sms.php
http://www.18185.co.uk/index2.
http://www.rebtel.com/en/
Or make a complete free call to U.S. Thru rebtel - here is how - http://www.rebtel.com/en/How-
Or You can get a O2 Pay Monthly Sim (No mobile phone with it- Only 30days contract) - with unlmited landline minutes addon + rebtel account (voice quality) is good. . makes a cheap & best combination to call Phones in India.
If your people backhome can use PC, then going with 3Skypephone is best option.
Editor's choice:-
3Skypephone for family. They use PC at home.
Rebtel account for any other call to India or elsewhere.
If you need to find the international access code for a country, click here.
To find out STD code of any City In India Click Here
TRAVEL TO INDIA - India Sightseeing- Planning your trip
Tourism in India :-
http://www.mustseeindia.com
http://www.entrip.com
http://www.conciergeservicesindia.com/
http://www.myconcierge.co.in/
http://www.optiontown.com - For Kingfisher Seat Upgrades at discount price
Some websites to buy/compare AIR- Ticket prices:-
www.
.com - One of the cheapest ones
www.lastminute.com - Usually the cheapest, price fluctuates all day, usuaully best price available at 7-8am in morning
www.ticketstoindia.co.uk - This site shows details of weight limits as well
www.globester.com - Get the best airfare deals
www.indratravel.co.uk
www.opodo.co.uk
www.makemytrip.com
www.virgin-atlantic.com - has Best Flying Club Account In Market, 2 yrs expiry, Get Miles (4169 Miles for One-Way to Delhi) for flying in economy class, Get Virgin American Express card and earn 1 mile for every 1 pound you spend, Rewards Eg:- 20000 Miles = Return Ticket to Dubai, 50000 Miles = Return Ticket to New Delhi/Mumbai. Click Here To Join Virgin Flying Club Now - Free to Join - No Purchase Necessary Plus You can Earn miles for a Virgin (or JET) flight made up to 6 Months in past., You can earn miles for flying through partner airlines. Jet Airways is a Virgin Partner
To check how many miles you need for free ticket to a Virgin Atlantic Destination Click here (50000 miles for Return tkt to Delhi/Mumbai, 25000 for one way)
To check how many miles you need for free ticket to a Jet Airways Destinations Click here (54000 miles for Return tkt to Delhi/Mumbai, 27000 for one way)
www.tripadvisor.co.uk
www.tescotravelstore.com
www.southalltravel.co.uk
www.travelocity.co.uk
Get a worldwide travel insurance from www.moneysupermarket.com. It will cover you for any mobile-phone theft, damaged luggage, lost luggage kinda incidents when you are in India.
You must report the claim within 48 hrs and in some cases within 7 days.
Sending Courier/Cargo From UK To India
A J Worldwide Services (Hounslow based) :- 020 8570 0888 (Delhi:- 011-26786501)
£14 - First 0.5Kg
£4 - Next 0.5 KG
After that - £8/kg
Another cheap cargo service - 01895422112
Another - 02074764800 - 6 weeks for stuff to India. £3 Pound /kg .. (insured)
Asia Cargo:-
east london (new ham): 0208 522 0824
west london (wembley): 0208 902 1333
1.5 quid per kilo for clothes and 3quid for electronics items... min. 20 kg's... 8-9 weeks delivery to the address... DTDC - 02085702030
ZETA LOGISTICS LTD - 07854105103
Sevenseas India(Sevenseas Worlwide Shipping-india):-Send Your's Excess Baggage Anywhere to India from Uk in just £1* per Kg.
Contact:- +44 1303 814777(Mobile),
0800 216 698 (Home)
Website:-
http://www.sevenseasworldwide.com
http://www.sswstudentservices.com
http://www.jumboparcelservices.com/
Data post by royal mail is trackable and guranteed service ... its either one day guranteed or then u can go for slightly less expensive service called global priority
For India the international signed-for (Royal Mail) is only tracked till it leaves UK.
Online Bollywood Music, Radio, Movies, File Storage&Share Links:-
Music
================================
www.vrfranks.com
http://www.esnips.com
www.mp3hungama.com
www.123musiq.com
www.papuyaar.com
www.mag4you.com
www.bollyfm.net
www.pz10.com
www.musicmaza.com
http://mp3nation.blogspot.com/
www.mydesihits.com
http://donrulz.folderland.com/26022/
www.cooltoad.com
http://thehindimusic.com/category/music/
www.radioreloaded.com
http://desiramp.com
file sharing option- DC++ Software - Good for searching Old Songs
Best Torrent client is www.utorrent.com
Torrent Search Site www.isohunt.com
You might need to do some port-mapping in your broadband router to your Desktop/Laptop. Check your router's documentation.
Click here to check whether your port is receiving incoming connections
Broadband Speed Test - results you can share in blogs/forums
Broadband Speed Test - Another good Site
Cineworld chain of Cinemas Offer a fantastic Unlimited Movie Pass £11.99 pcm (not including West End) and £14.99 pcm (Including West End- Piccadilly Area) to watch Unlimited movies per year in whole of UK at any of their Venues.
Its a minimum 12 month contract paid by Direct Debit (You must have a UK bank account Or you'll have to pay for whole year in advance) but you are allowed to break it if because of VISA/JOB over, you have to leave UK.
Just call their Cust Service and then mail your E-Ticket to them.
Cineworld Unlimited Movie Pass for £11.99
Cineworld Theatres in London Which show Indian/Bollywood movies are:-
Trocadero-Shaftesbury Avenue, Piccadilly
Cineworld Feltham
Cineworld Ilford
Cineworld Wood Green
Cineworld Wandsworth
Radio
Download FireFox Media Player Plugin Here
RadioTeenTaal - paris *Editor's Choice
RadioOfIndia FM
Bombay Beats FM
DesiSoundz FM
Apna Radio FM USA
101.6 City FM Dubai
Radio Nimbooda France
Craze FM
Bollywood Hindi World Music
GuyanaNJ FM
MadhurSangeet USA 50s,60s,70s,80s*Editor's Choice
Radio Mirchi FM India
Desi Music 24/7
Radio Tarana
Sanskar Radio
Aag Radio (more punjabi)
Mera Sangeet *Editor's Choice
Radio City Lucknow
Religious
Radio Sai
All UK Online Radio Stations
All Indian Online Stations
Listing of All Radio Stations In India
Some More Stations Here
And Some More Stations Here
Some More Here
www.unity101.org Radio (Community-uk) Direct Link:-
http://icecast.commedia.org.uk:8000/unity24.mp3
Or http://www.unity101.org/listenlive.html
http://www.sunriseradio.com - 1458AM
http://www.dishant.com/
Hum Fm Dubai
Search for MadhurSangeet in Shoutcast Radio
Delicast Indian Radios List
MarsKarthik radio List
List of Regional Languages FM Channels
BBCWorld News
SkyFM 24hrs Jazz
Online TV
MCM TV France
EuroSport TV
Online Bollywood/Hollywood Movies & TV
================================
http://www.bhejafry.net/ - Beta Site for Movies
http://www.techsatishdesi.com - Good Site for Movies and Live TV
www.idesitv.com - claims to show live stream of Sony and Zee
http://orkutmovies.wetpaint.com/ -Online Movies
http://www.lucky88.eigenstart.nl/ -Online Movies
http://www.ssupload.com/ - Online Hollywood Movies
http://www.tv-links.co.uk/index.do/4 - UK TV serials
http://www.videoduniya.com/ - Huge Repository - Google video based theme
http://www.muft.tv - Huge Repository - online movies and recorded TV serials
http://www.muftonline.com - forum based- registration needed
http://trailfire.com/peasea79/marks/67667
http://www.moviesfromindia.com
http://www.filmijoy.com/Forum/forumdisplay.php?f=144
http://www.webmirchee.com/ - full hindi movies
http://www.bharatmovies.com - full hindi movies
http://www.watch-movies.net
http://hindidownloadlinks4u.blogspot.com
http://www.hindifilmfun.com
http://www.start2enjoy.com movie site with high quality screen
Huge Collection Of Hollywood Movies
http://www.nosubscriptionrequired.net/
http://watch-movies-links.net/
iReel.com - HD Quality Movies
Software/Ebooks downloads
http://www.filetransit.com/
www.esnips.com
www.isohunt.com - torrent download
Top 5 FileStorage Options
FileSavr.com makes file hosting easier with Web 2.0 technology and the use of Ajax and Flash. FileSavr has 10 GB upload size limit.
File Dropper - Free File Hosting for MP3, Videos, Documents
FileDropper’s beauty is in its simplicity. It has one click file hosting where you simply click on the upload button and select your file. After the file is uploaded you are taken to the page where the file is hosted. If the file is an image, it shows the image directly on the page for easier sharing. Upload size is an impressive 5 GB.
File Factory - free and simple file hosting service
FileFactory lets you host files up to 300MB for free. You don’t have to register and there is nothing to download. Your files can be downloaded an unlimited number of times! One thing we found very annoying and spammy about FileFactory was the number of ads they have on the page.
FileDen - Free file hosting and online storage
With File Den’s free file hosting and online storage service it’s easy to share files across the internet with friends, family, work associates or anyone else. They allow our users to direct link to their files also giving you the oppurtunity to embed your files into your webpages, myspace or other social networking profiles.
Fileqube - Free Online Storage
Fileqube has an eye-pleasing design that shows its intentions well. When you upload a personal file it gives you a download link, a link to remove the file, and embed code to drop your file’s link on a website. The only downside is the 150MB file size, which is rather small with some of the other sites in comparison.
Reading /Book Clubs/ Book Swaps
http://www.librarything.com/ - Book cataloguing and social networking.
http://www.bookcrossing.com - Leave books for others to be found. Let books travel across the world
Other Useful Links for Visitors:-
Tourist information
Visit Britain http://www.visitbritain.com/world
UK immigration
British High Commission http://www.ukinindia.org
British culture
BBC World Service http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice
Hindu culture in UK
Hindu Youth UK http://www.hinduyouthuk.org
Sacred-texts:Hinduism (vast repository of resource on Ancient Hinduism)
Hindu Panchang
Life in England
Multikulti (in Gujarati) http://www.multikulti.org.uk/gu
Living in the UK
Indian High Commission http://www.hcilondon.net
USEFUL INFO FOR NRIs:-
Returning to India? Worried about TAX n All ? read this Click Here
Useful info:-
1) NRIs in UK are allowed to VOTE in all elections except a European parliament election for which they need to be UK Citizen.
2) If you are on any work visa ( Work Permit/ HSMP/ IGS) then your spouse (on spouse visa) can also work in UK without needing a Work Visa.
3) You can apply for Permanent Residence status (Life-term Visa to stay and work in UK) in 5 yrs from your date of entry on a work visa. Student years/Business Visa period don't count.
4) You can apply for UK Citizenship in 12 months from getting a PR. You will have to attend a ceremony and granted UK Citizenship Certificate. You'll have to surrender Indian Passport at Indian Embassy
and apply for a British passport. You will have to attend an interview at British passport office for Identity Verification. Once you have got British passport you can apply for OCI(Overseas Citizenship of India)
which gives you all the rights of a Normal NRI along with a life long Visa to Enter and live in India.
Money Transfer Tips:-
1) Most people use www.money2india.com - ICICI venture or remit2india.com - TOI - UTI venture.
Check out this link. RATE Comparison
2) If you have more than £5000 to transfer then try specialist Forex Service providers like www.currenciesdirect.com Or www.rationalfx.com (Both charge £15-£20 transfer fees if its less than £5000)
3) These days, cross bank transfers in UK take only 2 hrs. And then just 2 days for money to reach Indian account. Indian Account can be your NRE or any person's normal account.
To place a classified (e.g. matrimonial) advertisement in Indian NewsPapers check http://www.releasemyad.com/
Useful URLS:-
Indian IT professionals Worldwide
Indian NRIs In UK
Indian Professionals In UK - Use it for Dating, Matrimonial or for Meeting Like Minded Indian Professionals.
VISA/HSMP/Workpermit/Job Market Info
UK Govt Site for VISA related FAQs http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/
Official British Govt Site for Online Visa Applications http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/
LatestGovt Updates on Work Visa/HSMP Information here http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/
Travel/Driving Within UK
It is a general understanding that your Indian Driving License is valid authority to drive in UK for 1 year from your date of entry.
You don't need an IDP (International Driving Permit) to drive within UK for first 1 year. You should apply for a learning license within frst 1 year and try your best to clear the
practical driving tests within 1 year. If for any reason you leave the country for more than 3months within 1st year, then at the time of re-entry your 1yr cycle starts again.
Note: To Drive in Europe . If you don't have a UK license then you'll need an IDP.
To findout cheapest insurance for your car try
First Alternative - Build Upto 75% NCD (Most others offer 65%)
http://www.postoffice.co.uk - Good source of all kinds of Insurance Needs
Gocompare.com Car Insurance
www.moneysupermarket.com- Price Comparison site
http://www.confused.com - Price Comparison site
http://www.adrianflux.co.uk - Independent broker
http://www.quotelinedirect.co.uk - Independent broker
http://www.performancedirect.co.uk - Another Cheap Provider
Note:
1)Don't lie to Insurance company about anything. Unlike India, here they work on the funda that your statements are assumed to be true. Not many checks are being made. But once you get stuck in an accident, they won't cover you if they can prove in court that you lied. So better not do that as it can land you up in criminal charges and may be jail.
2) Drink Driving is one of the most dangerous driving offences in UK. Its a criminal offence and not a civil one.
Its taken as "intention to kill" by law. Which means 11 yrs of criminial record. Your DNA, 3 photographs and Fingerprints taken at Police station. Minimum 12 months of driving ban for first offence. Hefty fine. Costly insurance for next 5 yrs. Loss of eligbility for PR/Citizenship till expiry of BAN Period. (Note: Fine expires in 2 yrs from conviction date. Fine Amount will also affect your car insurance for next 5 yrs) . Car rentals won't give you a car for 5 yrs from date of offence as their insurance won't cover you. Some basic facts to be kept in mind always:-
a) Most people get caught as "Morning After" case. They had just too many drinks last night and next morning when they are feeling absolutely fine, alcohol in their blood is usually above the legal limit (80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, breath alcohol - 35 µg (microgrammes) per 100 ml). It is because on an average 1 Unit (25ml of Spirits in UK ) takes 1 hr to be digested by your system. Please remember Coffee/Hotshower/ChewingGum etc NOTHING will help or speedup breaking of alcohol into glucose by your liver. Your Body/Liver will take their own time.
Note: Police Can ask for a breath test on a pub car park. A private car park is also actually a public space because residents park their cars there. You can be charged for intention to drink drive when you walk out of a pub and move towards your car.
To understand legal limit and metabolism of body related facts etc please see below links:-
UK Legal Limit, Can/Pint of beer Into Units Calculation, Alcohol Absorbtion in Blood
NHS Guide About Alcohol Consumption
Drink Driving law in UK
List of Some Solicitors for Defence of Drink Driving Offence
Can't Afford the Case - Legal Aid Info
3) Speeding over limit gets you minimum 3 points for one fault. U'll loose license at 12 points. You'll have to re-apply again from scratch. Within first 2 yrs of having cleared a full driving license test, if you end up accumulating 6 points, you'll loose your license and will have to start from scratch.
4) Its a very hard process to get driving license in UK. People celebrate passing the practical test like its their 18th Birthday. So don't take any risk with it.
5) Most new cars come with 3 yrs limited warranty. Some Korean ones come with 5 yrs warranty too. For second hand cars www.autotrader.co.uk is a good site. www.cargiant.co.uk is another big dealer of second-hand cars. Plus most car makers have their own certifed used cars scheme. You can also buy decent cars from local dealers or private sellers thru gumtree, autotrader or ebay.
6) Every car older than 3 yrs is required to have a MOT done. Its an Annual fitness test for the Car. You will also need to Pay roadtax(depends on Carbon emission and Engine size) on the car. Keeping a Car is a very costly affair in UK and thats why second hand cars are very cheap.
If you are in london you don't need to have a Car as public transport is very good. For those occasional needs you can try cheap/hourly car rentals from www.streetcar.co.uk.
If you are buying your first car in UK then its advised not to spend more than £2500 on it. If you are lucky you can get a decent car from a private seller for as cheap as £500-£800.
Once you are used to all aspects of car-keeping like roadtax, insurance, maintenance cost and all, you can always go for a bigger/costlier car.
Ten Ways To Cut Motoring Costs
Where to Look, If caught in a motoring offence
More information about license and regulations here www.dvla.gov.uk
To find out about cheap petrol prices in an area check this http://www.petrolprices.com
To find out Travel Tips to/from the london postcode you are interested in
http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk
General Map /Travel Directions Sites for whole of UK
http://maps.google.co.uk
http://www.theaa.co.uk
http://www.mapquest.co.uk/
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/
Travel Outside UK
Plan your Road/Rail/Air travel here - http://www.routerank.com/
Schengen States - More Info Here on Entry Conditions and restrictions
Indians with HSMPs, WorkPermits can travel to Switzerland without needing a Schengen Visa, as long as they don't travel through a Schengen State.
For list of documents you need for applying Schengen Visa and Fee Details etc Click Here
French Consulate is the most generous embassy when it comes to duration of Schengen Visas. They easily give you 3-12 months Of visa on same day.
French Schengen Visa Info
French Consulate Online Appointment Booking System
You will need :-
1)Travel Insurance - get cheapest from www.moneysupermarket.com
. Get 1 yr Multi Trip covering India as well. (around £27) So you get cover for your India trip as well. It not only covers your health/accidents but also gives you compensation for late flights, lost -damaged baggage etc. Plus 1 yr insurance will help you get a longer term scehengen visa. The other alternatve, "European Health Card" is only available to you if you have PR/Citizenship of UK. But that card doesn't cover for late flights and other losses. Spending money on travel insurance is worth every penny.
2)Proof of Lodging - Book a hostel from hostelworld.com
Note: To Drive in Europe . If you don't have a UK license then you'll need an IDP (International Driving Permit).
British Airways Holidays and Destination guides
Hostelworld Holidays and Destination Guides
Times Summer 2008 Travel Guide
Learn the lingo - Travellers Language Guides (Survival MP3 Clips)
Travelling to UK from EU - Alcohol n Tobacco Import limits
Some not conventional places to visit and talk about http://www.backofmyhand.com/
List of european tour operators famous among Indians..
International Friends UK
www.startours.co.uk (Popular Among NRIs)
www.tajtours.co.uk (Popular Among NRIs)
Pamzee Airlines Centre (Mainly into Air-Tickets)
82, South Rd, Southall, Middlesex UB1 1RD
Tel: 020 8843 1604
Hari Aum Holidays
560, North Circular Rd, London, NW2 7QA
Tel: 0870 0414752
Baba Holidays Ltd
145, Melton Rd, Leicester, Leicestershire LE4 6QS
Tel: 0116 266 2481
Pali Tours - Southall
02088138313
(main audience - punjabi crowd)
Authors:-
1)To contact the author to add more useful info (e.g. PG Acco Nos) to this Guide please email
helpguide @ Indiansinuk.info
Version 1:- 03rd Jul 2008
Version 2:- 05th Jul 2008
Version 3:- 10th Jul 2008
Version 4:- 31st Jul 2008
Version 5:- 31st Aug 2008
