All You Should Know as an American Moving to Wales

Before Moving to Wales Check Out Some Important Country Facts

Long before you hire an overseas shipping company to help you move abroad, there are a few things you should know about the place you are going to call home soon. All of that information will help you speed up the adjustment process. Remember, relocating to Wales (WLS) comes with plenty of new facts you should remember, but the most important are:

• The population of WLS is 3.1 million
• It is located on the island of Great Britain, more precisely to the west of England.
• The official currency is Pound Sterling
• The national day is March the first or St David’s Day
• WLS national symbols are leek, dragon, and a daffodil
• Cardiff is the capital of the country, and it has a population of 363,000
• The national anthem is Land of my Fathers (Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau)

Legal Requirements American Moving to Wales Should Fulfill

When moving to a new country, it is vital to be aware of the legal requirements that must be met in order to do so. Knowing in advance what documents you need for traveling abroad is only logical. For Americans looking to move to WLS, they should know a few key things.

Firstly, you will need to have a valid passport and visa. You will also need to have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. If you are relocating with children, you will need to provide their birth certificates and proof of guardianship or custody. You will also need to provide proof of your address in WLS.

In addition to the documentation listed above, you may also be required to provide proof of your income and/or medical insurance. However, keep in mind that traveling abroad during covid-19 is slightly different from before. So, it is important to check with the United Kingdom embassy in the US before the move.

There Is a Way to Get Permanent Residency When Moving Abroad

If your plans are to make a living overseas a permanent arrangement, you should be aware that getting a residency in WLS can be a bit tricky. If your main reason to move is love, you should know that one of the ways to get permanent residency as an American is by marrying a Welsh citizen. With this permanent residency, Americans are allowed to stay in the country indefinitely and also work and study.

On top of that, the person must either marry a Welsh citizen or be the child of a Welsh citizen. If you are an American who marries a Welsh citizen, you can apply for citizenship after one year if she or he has lived in Wales for at least three months every year during the past 12-month period.

Finally, a way to get it is to live in WLS for three years and prove that he or she is fully fluent in English (which is the easy part). If your main reason to move is pursuing work and education, staying in the country for three years wouldn’t be that hard. After the three-year period has passed, the American can apply for permanent residency. The application costs around $1,280 and takes about four weeks to approve.

Figure Out the Cost of Living Before the Move

Wanting to move on a low budget is a common thing. However, you have to know how to balance finances like a pro to do so. That being said, before you actually pack up to move abroad, research the cost of living in bigger places (and the ones you can potentially call home).

To make your decision easier, we compared the prices of utilities, housing, and transportation in the three biggest cities in WLS – Cardiff, Swansea City, Newport City. Check them out in the table below.

There Are Plenty of Cities You Can Settle In

The biggest part of the efficient relocation process is finding a roof over your head. Luckily, there are many great cities in WLS, but some stand out more than others. That being said, the best cities to live in generally have a lot of job opportunities, good public transportation, and plenty of places to eat and shop.

Since you’re not from WLS and you probably have never been here before, it’s a good idea to do some research on the different cities so you can decide which one is right for you. To make it easier for you and lower your relocation stress, we did a little research on the most popular cities for expats:

• Cardiff is the capital and largest city in WLS and one of the best cities to live in. The economy of Cardiff thrives mainly on retail and finance, banking, media, marketing, technology leadership, and digital entertainment. It is a hardworking and creative city with abundant jobs, great public transportation, and many other benefits. All of these make it perfect for all expats, no matter what they are looking for.
• Swansea City is the second-largest city in the country, with a population of about 248,000 people. The economy of Swansea thrives on industries such as digital media and science and technology. One of the reasons why Swansea is one of the best cities to live in is because you can still see beautiful landscapes like seaside views and rolling hills. Settling here would be the right choice for families with kids and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Newport City has a population of about 185,000 people. The economy of Newport thrives mainly on retail and other industries such as science and technology. There are many benefits of living in Newport City with numerous job opportunities and great public transportation. It is a great spot if you are looking for a job in Europe as an American.

If you still need some proof that WLS has amazing cities, check out a video below and enjoy a beautiful day in Cardiff.

There Are Plenty of Different Job Opportunities for Expats

There are many job opportunities in WLS for those who are looking to relocate. The country has a thriving economy, with many different sectors that are constantly growing. Some of the most in-demand jobs right now include IT professionals, engineers, and nurses, so there are plenty of jobs for Americans.

If you’re interested in finding a job in WLS, it’s important to do your research first. The job market can be competitive, so you’ll want to ensure that you have the skills and qualifications that employers are looking for. You should also be familiar with the work visa requirements and paperwork needed to work here.

Finally, to be sure there is a job waiting for you when you relocate to the United Kingdom, don’t forget to network! Meeting people who work in your field can help you learn more about the industry and find potential job opportunities.

Look For Work in Top Industries

As we said before, WLS is a thriving country that has many sectors that are always growing. Some of the most popular jobs at the moment include IT professionals, engineers, and nurses. Different areas are more suited for different careers. For example, the most popular areas for hospitality jobs include Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport. However, if you’re interested in finding a job near the coast, there’s also Pembroke and Tenby, which both have beautiful beaches.

Healthcare and Education Systems Are a Bit Different Than the Ones in America

When relocating internationally, don’t make one of the most common moving mistakes and forget to inform yourself about healthcare and education in the WLS. Healthcare is a devolved matter and is the responsibility of the Government. The National Health Service is publicly funded and provides free healthcare to all permanent residents in WLS. In addition to the publicly-funded National Health Service, there are also a number of private healthcare providers.

On top of that, the Government has been working to improve healthcare quality. And one way that it has been doing this is by increasing the number of health professionals who are working in the country.

Next, we have education, which is different from education in the rest of the United Kingdom in some ways. For example, a significant minority of students throughout WLS are educated entirely or primarily in Welsh. An additional 10% go to schools where a significant portion of the curriculum is bilingual. Welsh language study is available to people of all ages through nurseries, schools, colleges and universities, and adult education. All students in state schools are required to study the language until they reach the age of 16.

Get Familiar With Different Customs and Traditions Before the Move

Culture shock is kind of impossible to avoid when you are relocating halfway across the world. However, learning a thing or two about the country beforehand will lower it significantly. For starters, there are many interesting customs you should be aware of. One such custom is the Mari Lwyd. During this celebration, a horse’s skull is carried around by a group of people. The skull is often decorated with flowers and ribbons. Participants in the celebration often dress up in costumes, and they often sing and dance around the town.

Another interesting custom is the Gŵyl Ifan festival. This festival celebrates the coming of spring. Participants often dress up in costumes and parade through the town. There are many other festivals that take place throughout the year in Wales, and they are all worth checking out if you have the opportunity!

When Moving Internationally You Won’t Have to Break the Language Barrier

One of the best things about relocating to WLS is the fact that you won’t have to break the language barrier because the country has two official languages – English and Welsh. Since you already speak English which is the primary official language, you won’t have to learn a language abroad.

However, Welsh has official status in a few but significant situations as defined by legislation. Within the Senedd, for example, both languages have equal status. It won’t stop you from fitting in if you don’t speak it. Almost the entire Welsh population can speak English, and roughly a quarter can speak Welsh to varying degrees of fluency.

If you want to learn a few phrases in Welsh, check out the video below.

Cuisine Will Leave You Wanting More

Cuisine in WLS is heavily influenced by the country’s proximity to England, as well as its Celtic heritage. Welsh cuisine is based on a combination of fresh produce and meat. Lamb is the most popular type of meat, followed by beef and pork. One of the most famous Welsh dishes is Cawl, a soup made with lamb or beef, potatoes, and vegetables.

Other popular dishes include Pies (meat or vegetable), Bacon Butties (bacon sandwich), and laverbread (a type of seaweed). Popular drinks in Wales include beer, Brains beer (brewed in Cardiff), tea, and coffee. So if you are a beer drinker or a coffee lover, you’ll fit right in.

With the Right International Moving Company, the Move Will Be Swift and Easy

You’ll be relocating halfway across the world, so why not ask for help from professionals that can make the whole thing easy and stress-free? Hire an overseas moving company that offers various services, from packing and storage to car shipping. They will ensure that the whole shipping overseas process goes without a hitch.

Furthermore, while international movers are handling your belongings, you can dedicate your time to house and job hunting. Also, you can learn a few more interesting facts about Wales, which will make the adjusting process shorter. Don’t wait up, pack up your bags, and head to this lovely and interesting European country!