Your phone
- Check it’s unlocked. Ask your US carrier to unlock it before you leave.
- SIM-only plans are the easy start: monthly or pay-as-you-go, often with no credit check. Many support eSIM.
- UK numbers start with 07 for mobiles.
Keep your US number
US banks, brokerages and the IRS often send security codes by text to a US number. Before you move, either:
- keep a low-cost US plan that works abroad, or
- move your number to a US internet calling service that can receive texts, and check your bank accepts it.
Losing access to your US number is one of the most common headaches for new arrivals.
Home broadband
- Check what’s available at the address before you sign a lease. Full-fibre speeds vary a lot by street.
- Book early: installation can take one to two weeks, longer if an engineer visit is needed.
- Contracts are often 12–24 months, sometimes with set price rises during the contract, so read the terms.
- A mobile hotspot bridges the gap until it’s installed.
The TV licence
You need a TV licence if you:
- watch or record programs as they’re broadcast live, on any channel or device, or
- use BBC iPlayer.
You don’t need one if you only watch on-demand streaming services such as Netflix and never watch live TV or iPlayer. Watching without a licence when you need one can lead to a fine.
US streaming services
Some US streaming services and apps work differently or not at all from the UK, because of licensing. UK versions of the big services have different catalogs.
What to do next
See your first few weeks in the UK for the full checklist.
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General information, not personal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.