SA2UK - Part 2 of 3 » Move Up - Relocation Solutions

UK Visas
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UK Visas
British Passports
UK Jobs
Schengen

Crash course continues

Here we want to give practical tips. The UK public often reference the imperial measurement system. We give tips and advice on what to expect.

SA2UK Induction - Part 2 of 3

This is designed for South Africans that are relocating to the UK. Fortunately, we have put a save function into this program, so that you can take your time (and take breaks should you need). International relocation is a big change. It's important to remember you are not the first South African going to the UK, nor will you be the only South African in the UK.

Step 1 of 5

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Welcome
This induction primarily serves to help South Africans factor in what others have gone through before them.
Moving houses is a stressful experience. Moving countries is even more stressful.
This induction serves to help South Africans process aspects of change that will occur. Preparation for what's to come.
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Identity Numbers*
Starting this induction off, one of the most important concepts that South Africans have to realize when relocating to the UK is that very few other countries have identity numbers (or ID documents). It's unique to us. When opening up accounts or verifying identity, the UK uses National Insurance numbers.
- SA has Identity numbers (ID number). UK has National Insurance numbers (NI numbers).
National Insurance Numbers
The UK's National Insurance number is actually each UK based person tax registration number. Yes, it is also used for identification purposes but the database is stored with Her Majesties Revenue Service (our equivalent to SARS).
- NI is a tax registration number, used for identity purposes in the UK.
Measurement*
South Africa uses the metric system (arguably the most accurate measuring standard in the world). The UK public commonly use British imperial units (even though they officially claim to use the metric system).
- SA uses metric. UK uses British imperial system.
Imperial to Metric
1 inch = 2.5 centimetres
1 foot = 30 centimetres
1 mile = 1.6 kilometres
1 ounce = 28 grams
1 pound = 454 grams
1 pint = 0.6 litres
1 gallon = 4.6 litres
Metric to Imperial
1 millimetre = 0.04 inch
1 centimetre = 0.4 inch
1 metre = 3 feet 3 inches
1 kilometre = 0.6 mile
1 gram = 0.04 ounce
1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds
UK public talk about their weight in stones.
Don't be surprised with discussions referrence "stones". A quick rule of thumb is: 1 stone = 6.3kg. Therefore you can multiple by 6 to get a better understanding of weight being discussed.
- 1 stone is 6.35kg
UK public talk about their height in feet.
Don't worry, doctors record your weight in kilograms and your height in centimetres. It's just the public that hasn't changed over to the metric system.
- Height in the UK is spoken in terms of feet.
Groceries are sold in grams.*
They do however also list the British imperial "pound" as a weight to help the public understand the weight being referenced.
- Imperial Pound is also used for weight measurements.
Beer and milk are sold in "pint" measurements.
Petrol stations however use litres when measuring use.
- Beer and milk sold in pints.
3 prong plugs.
Yes, the UK uses three-prong plugs. They are different to South Africa though. Instead of round prongs, theirs are thin and rectangular. Same household supply of 230V fortunately.
- SA appliances will need to change plug ends. Got it.

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Practical Tips
UK says "loo" not "toilet"
Don't worry you can ask where the toilet is and the UK public will understand. However, if you say loo, they will understand you quicker.
- OK. Ask for the loo and not the toilet. Got it.
SA calls ballpoint pens "bic" and UK calls it "biro".
Biro brothers are accredited as the inventors of the ballpoint pen. The RAF (Royal Airforce) gave Biro's pen fame when they realized that the pens work at high altitudes and the RAF ordered thousands.
- So when you need a pen, ask for a biro. Got it.
UK workforce take their work place risk very seriously.
It often catches South Africans off guard. Things sometimes take a little longer to get done because risk preventative measures are needed. Takes time to get used.
- Expecting strong health and safety protocol.
UK says "hiya" when we say "howzit"
Same meaning though.
- Hiya!
UK says "you alright?" when we say "How's it going?"
Again, same meaning. You are going to hear it often.
- Hiya! You alright?
UK says "no bother" when we would say "no problem".
Someone apologies, we would naturally say that no harm was caused. Our way is to say "no problem" and the UK's natural way is "no bother".
- No bother.
Venting frustration.
In SA, we would say that someone is "driving me mad". In the UK, they say "doing my head in".
- Doing my head in. No bother.
Locals love praises.
Roles reversed, you would like it if a foreigner said: "I really like the way that your country does x". Showing appreciation for how things get done differently is a compliment.
- I like the way the UK does things.
Locals reject criticism.
It is so tempting to say: "we do this better in SA". I have heard locals respond saying: "yeah, well if things are done so much better, why don't you go back."
- Better to support than criticize. Got it.
UK says "fit" when we say "hot".
To help identify complements and possible suggestive lingo, this terminology is used to identify attractiveness. Rather than able-bodied.
- Fit is hot. Got it.
UK says "stopping over" when we say "spending a night over".
That's right. If you get offered the chance to stop over, you could consider yourself in the lucky seat.
- Stop overs have new meaning.

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Activities
Flying to Europe for the weekend is cheap.
Some argue that it is cheaper than spending a weekend in London. Flights especially.
- Weekends are for exploring. Got it.
Football is big.
Find a team and go watch them, live. Please note, the UK doesn't call it "soccer".
- Experience the great football gees. Will do.
Pub hunt.
Pubs each have their own character. They have their own foods. Pub lunch. After work drink is a way of life. Sunday roasts are big. Yorkshire pudding.
- Find a pub. Got ya.
Public houses.
Public houses in the UK are focal points for local communities. They stem back from being Roman taverns and now are commonly referred to as "pubs".
- Public house is where you can grab a pint of beer.
Sports clubs and churches.
Both are always looking for new members. This is a great way to make friends with the locals.
- Integration tip. Got ya.
Rent, public transport and child day care.
The three most expensive aspects that South Africans commonly underestimate. All three are much more expensive when compared to SA.
- Thanks for the heads up.
Internet in the UK is fast and cheap.
We are still new to the fibre world when compared to the UK. They have faster and cheaper lines.
- Hello first world opportunities.
Online shopping is fast.
Overnight shipping folks. Cross country deliveries, no problem. The postal system works. Well.
- I can show you the world.
BBC = SABC and SKY = DSTV
British Broadcast and SKY tv, welcome to a new world of SKY sports channels and entertainment. New adverts.
- New entertain sources to look forward to. Awesome.
Radio 1 = Radio 5fm
Youthful target audience with the latest hits.
- Radio 1 is for the young.
Be prepared for royalty.
It's a foreign concept for us but the UK media gives them a lot of attention.
- OK. Royal family, you alright?
The term "OK"
It comes from the RAF again. When pilots returned to land, they would signal how many Germans they killed. Often many would come back with "Zero Kills". As a sign of relief, officers would say he is OK.
- OK. Interesting fact for the day.
Coffee chains and loyalty cards.
Even if you no longer have to drive to work, grabbing a cuppa on your walkabout is the thing to do.
- Loyalty cards are great.
Ready-made meals to go.
Grocery stores stock interesting ready-made meals. Life made easier.
- Looking forward to it.
South African wines are sold in the UK.
Selection is not great though. Brits don't always drink for taste.
- Good to know that home taste is accessible.

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Culture
UK says "bank holiday" not "public holiday"
Same thing though. UK has 8 where SA has 12 each year.
- 8 bank holidays a year. Got ya.
British barbeque.
It's the closest they get to braai. Not done nearly as much as it is in SA.
- Barbeques not common but definitely possible.
British loves their gardens.
Bank holidays are spent cleaning or gardening. It is also a good time to use for home improvements.
- It's a different pace. I get it.
British confuse our accents with Austalia's.*
You don't have to believe me. Just don't say I didn't warn you. To them, South Africans, New Zealanders and Australians all sound alike. It's a little like saying that British accents sound the same.
- British accents do sound the same.
- British accents don't sound the same.
Brummy, Cockney and Estuary accent
These are the three accents that South Africans struggle with most. South Africa might have 11 official languages but the UK might have more unofficial ones than we do.
- Don't be afraid to ask them to talk slower (or clearer).
"Ag shame" means something different in the UK.
When South Africans give empathy, we say it. When the British hear it, they look confused. Why would you want to bring shame upon a person in need? They say "ah bless". Same meaning.
- Ah bless.
The British love to queue.
It's been said that the British love to queue so much, they'll join a queue then ask what it's for.
- I'll keep an eye out for it.
British public don't smile.
Some often think they look miserable because of this. The reality though is that they don't have the best dental records. Studies show that adults are self-conscious about their smiles (and most don't get dental work done).
- UK is a little more complex.
British love to drink tea.
They cherish it and will offer it regularly.
- Don't be afraid to give it a go.
Drinking tea cures everything.
In times of crisis, tea soothes. In a time of panic, tea calms. In times of social awkwardness, tea breaks the silence.
- Bravo old chap.
UK says "dinner" when referring to "lunch".
If you ask to have dinner during the week, the British will look at you strangely. It's hilarious.
- OK. Dinner is lunch, that's weird.
UK says "tea" when referring to "dinner".
You heard me right. They love drinking tea but hosting tea is like hosting dinner to them. So, asking if you can come round for tea means a lot more than coming over for a cup of tea.
- Tea is dinner then.

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