Ahaha, I see.

I'm considering getting an E-scooter or a bicycle ooo.

I'm encouraged to by the road structure and usage of bicycle and scooter thus far.

By the way, what's the average Council tax in London? Aside that and other regular bills, what bills are peculiar to London? Thanks.

Gemma11:


It depends on where you are sha. In inner town/city residential roads surrounded by a lot of houses and schools ect, driving is not really encouraged. In London, they don tax us tire and most roads have been narrowed for that cycling and walking lanes with speed limits at 20mph.




And yes those bus drivers are experts at what they do because sometimes the bus appears bigger than the road and I wonder how they get down it.

@Lightnlife these your write-ups dey sweet sha. You have a talent for writing.

HOW ABOUT SOME FREEBIES?

It was a warm afternoon so I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood...Afterall, e no go bad make I try sabi my new area nau.

After a few kilometres around a few streets, I couldn't but notice the tranquility of the neighborhood.

Few more kilometres into the walk, I noticed a couple of household items glaringly displayed in the public. I was a bit worried about their security. But as I no be neighborhood watch or CSO, I didn't let that bother me. We movee!

Just few houses away from the first sight of public household items, I noticed a shelf - picture below - with a note marking it as "FREE". Then I recall someone telling me that most people usually put out items they no longer need for public pickup...Impressive, right?

Errrm, you dey wonder if I picked the shelf, ABI? Well, I didn't, all because I don't need it.

Days later, I've seen other houses display unneeded item for free pickup. Clothes, shoes, books, bed, toys, speakers et Al. I've also seen a lot of Freebies on Facebook Market. ...But I never see wetin I like sha.

Oh, just yesterday a stranger saw me and asked if I needed bus ticket. I smiled and said no, as I was within a walking distance to my destination.

It warms my heart that these acts of kindness still exist within communities.

I love this neighborhood, but rent is too high...I should do I write up this though.

NB: This isn't a comparative piece but a narration of my experience.

Best!

lightnlife:
Ahaha, I see.

I'm considering getting an E-scooter or a bicycle ooo.

I'm encouraged to by the road structure and usage of bicycle and scooter thus far.

By the way, what's the average Council tax in London? Aside that and other regular bills, what bills are peculiar to London? Thanks.

Good idea re: Bike. Boris will love you for that as he is an avid bike rider. Not unusual to see the UK PM bike riding around Westminster with his security.

Council tax depends on the band based on the value of the property as it was in 1991 and the local council you live in.

E.g. For a 3- bed house terraced in the London Borough of Newham in East London we paid £109 pm so not too bad

I think council tax in London is actually cheaper than elsewhere in the country. However I heard one does not pay any council tax in Northern Ireland.

You can check council tax bands by postcode here. https://www.gov.uk/pay-council-tax.

The link will tell you the council the property falls under so you can check charges from there to get an idea.

I can’t think of any charges peculiar to London other than the £15 per day congestion charge if one drives into Central London during peak times.

To be honest, no one with a clear head drives into central London during peak times (7am to 6pm mon to Friday or noon to 6pm weekends) unless they have specific business there such a delivery vehicles plus traffic can be quite trying at those times. Plus you would have to think about parking charges which could be anything from £1.50 to £2.30 per 30 min.

The congestion charge can be avoided if you take public transport which is really efficient. However, travelcard prices can go up to £200 a month depending on how many zones you go through and time of travel ( can be avoided if you have a remote job ) or only need to travel off peak.

The latest charge for cars is the ULez (ultra low emission zone which is £12.50 per day and operates 24 hours). Applies to cars which are considered to be too polluting to be in the London area. So if you have a newer efficient car the charge won’t apply. There are a lot of electric cars on the road now because of this.
Cars can be checked by number plate here https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/ to see if they are ulez compliant

Rents are also high in London but that is more so due to demand. A lot of people want to live near a station for fast accessibility into Central London for work, business or pleasure.

Interesting!

Thanks for the insight.

I go like live in London and also buy a house there too sha.

Gemma11:


Good idea re: Bike. Boris will love you for that as he is an avid bike rider. Not unusual to see the UK PM bike riding around Westminster with his security.

Council tax depends on the band based on the value of the property as it was in 1991 and the local council you live in.

E.g. For a 3- bed house terraced in the London Borough of Newham in East London we paid £109 pm so not too bad

I think council tax in London is actually cheaper than elsewhere in the country. However I heard one does not pay any council tax in Northern Ireland.

You can check council tax bands by postcode here. https://www.gov.uk/pay-council-tax.

The link will tell you the council the property falls under so you can check charges from there to get an idea.

I can’t think of any charges peculiar to London other than the £15 per day congestion charge if one drives into Central London during peak times.

To be honest, no one with a clear head drives into central London during peak times (7am to 6pm mon to Friday or noon to 6pm weekends) unless they have specific business there such a delivery vehicles plus traffic can be quite trying at those times. Plus you would have to think about parking charges which could be anything from £1.50 to £2.30 per 30 min.

The congestion charge can be avoided if you take public transport which is really efficient. However, travelcard prices can go up to £200 a month depending on how many zones you go through and time of travel ( can be avoided if you have a remote job ) or only need to travel off peak.

The latest charge for cars is the ULez (ultra low emission zone which is £12.50 per day and operates 24 hours). Applies to cars which are considered to be too polluting to be in the London area. So if you have a newer efficient car the charge won’t apply. There are a lot of electric cars on the road now because of this.
Cars can be checked by number plate here https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/ to see if they are ulez compliant

Rents are also high in London but that is more so due to demand. A lot of people want to live near a station for fast accessibility into Central London for work, business or pleasure.

lightnlife:
Interesting!

Thanks for the insight.

I go like live in London and also buy a house there too sha.

You will achieve that in Jesus' name.
One thing I would encourage all Nigerians to do after settling down in the UK with a Job etc is to take full advantage of the government schemes to help with home buying, tax free savings like an LifeTime ISA and others. One can save up to £4000 per year and the UK govt will add £1000 which should go towards buying your first home. One should start saving before the age of 40.

This newly arrived Nigerian couple bought a house utilizing the full benefits of the scheme in two years, although I don't think they bought in London.

That being said, most places you buy in UK is bound to be profitable as we as homes are always in demand. Even if you choose to go back to Nigeria, then monthly rent from a house in the UK can easily meet the mortgage payments and provide a healthy monthly income for you in Nigeria.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6PMqSF3nnA?t=429

Amen!

Thanks for sharing these thoughts and link.

I recently learnt about LISA and I've made a move on it.

I've summised that it's a more profitable venture to have, at least, a property in the UK than rush to build one in Nigeria given the high volitility of the economy.

Gemma11:


You will achieve that in Jesus' name.
One thing I would encourage all Nigerians to do after settling down in the UK with a Job etc is to take full advantage of the government schemes to help with home buying, tax free savings like an LifeTime ISA and others. One can save up to £4000 per year and the UK govt will add £1000 which should go towards buying your first home. One should start saving before the age of 40.

This newly arrived Nigerian couple bought a house utilizing the full benefits of the scheme in two years, although I don't think they bought in London.

That being said, most places you buy in UK is bound to be profitable as we as homes are always in demand. Even if you choose to go back to Nigeria, then monthly rent from a house in the UK can easily meet the mortgage payments and provide a healthy monthly income for you in Nigeria.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6PMqSF3nnA?t=429

Following!

lightnlife:
HOW ABOUT SOME FREEBIES?

It was a warm afternoon so I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood...Afterall, e no go bad make I try sabi my new area nau.

After a few kilometres around a few streets, I couldn't but notice the tranquility of the neighborhood.

Few more kilometres into the walk, I noticed a couple of household items glaringly displayed in the public. I was a bit worried about their security. But as I no be neighborhood watch or CSO, I didn't let that bother me. We movee!

Just few houses away from the first sight of public household items, I noticed a shelf - picture below - with a note marking it as "FREE". Then I recall someone telling me that most people usually put out items they no longer need for public pickup...Impressive, right?

Errrm, you dey wonder if I picked the shelf, ABI? Well, I didn't, all because I don't need it.

Days later, I've seen other houses display unneeded item for free pickup. Clothes, shoes, books, bed, toys, speakers et Al. I've also seen a lot of Freebies on Facebook Market. ...But I never see wetin I like sha.

Oh, just yesterday a stranger saw me and asked if I needed bus ticket. I smiled and said no, as I was within a walking distance to my destination.

It warms my heart that these acts of kindness still exist within communities.

I love this neighborhood, but rent is too high...I should do I write up this though.

NB: This isn't a comparative piece but a narration of my experience.

Best!

see as everywhere calm and clean, if i have dchance to enter UK for study will stay in School hotel cos of the high rent.

Hello, which iPhone are you using for your phone, the pictures are so clear, am looking for to buy a good phone with better camera, thanks

BOTTLES & BITES

Brits work hard and flex hard.

This is typified by the plethora of pubs in and around the cities...The pictures.

In simple English, English people drink and puff wella.

[
Please which phone camera is this?

quote author=lightnlife post=113231278]BOTTLES & BITES

Brits work hard and flex hard.

This is typified by the plethora of pubs in and around the cities...The pictures.

In simple English, English people drink and puff wella.





[/quote]

[
Please which phone camera is this please?

quote author=lightnlife post=113231278]BOTTLES & BITES

Brits work hard and flex hard.

This is typified by the plethora of pubs in and around the cities...The pictures.

In simple English, English people drink and puff wella.





[/quote]

Most of the pictures here are shot on Redmi Note 10 Pro.

Pictures on iPhone 13 Pro Max are better than the Redmi, with the right light balancing.

Igbamatigbi:
Hello, which iPhone are you using for your phone, the pictures are so clear, am looking for to buy a good phone with better camera, thanks

Naija jollof combo for £10.

lightnlife:
Naija jollof combo for £10.

chai our naira don suffer...see food of 500 naira for here

Congratulation.



Enjoy.

Sun and Summer!

Oyinbos are so excited about this season for two reasons; sun and summer.

The sight of of sun gets them thrilled and outgoing for tanning, beach adventure and some feel good time. Who wouldn't be excited after enduring cold and wind for most part of the year?

As you know, this is the first time in three years that most people get to travel and enjoy the summer. No thanks to sister Rona.

Sadly, the summer euphoria is creating a problem; airport congestion. Flights are overbooked, passengers are stranded, airports are overwhelmed...Holiday Hell.

But life must go on!

lightnlife:
Sun and Summer!

Oyinbos are so excited about this season for two reasons; sun and summer.

The sight of of sun gets them thrilled and outgoing for tanning, beach adventure and some feel good time. Who wouldn't be excited after enduring cold and wind for most part of the year?

As you know, this is the first time in three years that most people get to travel and enjoy the summer. No thanks to sister Rona.

Sadly, the summer euphoria is creating a problem; airport congestion. Flights are overbooked, passengers are stranded, airports are overwhelmed...Holiday Hell.

But life must go on!

THIS IS THE TIme Nigerians, will get to work hard and take there counterparts shifts at work, cos mos of them would travel for summer and holiday

sukkot:
wise words. the bolded. there are many ways you can hack the UK system. operating outside the fringes of society. doing your own thing and not declaring tax etc etc. also some bank manipulations etc

you are very rght many think the UK is what it isnt but when people in the UK tell people bak home the harsh reality they label you a hater and that you dont want them tocome and enjoy lol. enjoy what ?

oh i am currently back in nigeria now bro. although naija is looking too crazy for me. i am thinkng about porting to a sane african country

I have carefully read through you guys conversation and all I can say is there's so much to be learnt.

And @sukkot your replies reeks of regrets both home and abroad. I wonder why so? You didn't study the system well enough or life happened?

All in all I wish you success and pray you win in life.

sukkot:
am a digital nomad. i can live anywhere. so i told you about my obsession with these small ornaments and things. i bought these ones from charty shop in manchester. brought them here to naija with me . got that binoculars from a charity shop in bolton ( where jeje okocha played )

I recognize this floor! You were the person that made a post back then about buying few pieces of plantain for #1500 I guess. I really can't recall the amount.

And some peeps were calling you out for "helping" the woman.

While some bashed you that your tile is dirty and all that.

Londonboyrep:
IT contracting, Compliance contracting, Healthcare( if you have the certificate of course) contracting. PM me.

What's Compliance contracting? Can you explain in details please?

Where Una Dey See These Partners?

The Weekend Starts Now!

It's a long weekend in the UK: Thursday to Sunday.

Today, Thursday, is the Spring Bank Holiday.

Tomorrow, Friday, is the Jubilee Holiday; Mama Charlie don turn 70 years for throne . Dem say na Platinum Jubilee.

Natives are super excited, decorating their houses and expressing joy. The excitement is visible. Shops are giving discounts.

It gives the feeling of Ileya or Easter.

Na so but make everybody sha calm down with work...Problem no dey finish.

Heard a Nigerian slumped and died this week. He's a workaholic.

Extremes aren't good. Balance does it in everything.

Nogymmarts:


THIS IS THE TIme Nigerians, will get to work hard and take there counterparts shifts at work, cos mos of them would travel for summer and holiday

lightnlife:
Na so but make everybody sha calm down with work...Problem no dey finish.

Heard a Nigerian slumped and died this week. He's a workaholic.

Extremes aren't good. Balance does it in everything.

And somebody somewhere go day text am say ,*the last money you sent wasn't enough*

So unfortunate.

Most Africans, home or abroad, do not know how to manage expectations and dependency.

There's a gross believe that people abroad are making money easily, hence, they should send a lot of money back home. Most people back home don't realise what it takes to live and make money here...Work is more rigid and tasking here than Naija. Flexing too much Africa.

That reminds of a Nigerian woman I overheard at a store here (Primark) complaining to her family back home that she doesn't have any other money to send.

In contrast, oyinbo life is one day at a time. Little no family dependency. Outings and holidays as at when due. No burden or care for amassing wealth because the system is structured to take care of their tomorrow.

Everyone must save themselves from unrealistic family expectations. Abroad no mean free money!

DannyFX2638:
And somebody somewhere go day text am say ,*the last money he sent wasn't enough*

Eastcoastboy:


What's Compliance contracting? Can you explain in details please?

know your customer (kyc), Enhanced Due Diligence(EDD), Anti Money Laundering(EDD) etc…

These aren’t entry-level roles.

They often require a minimum of three in-country residency and experience.

In the long run, they pass off.

Most of people don’t play the long term game. They’re just too interested in getting by with enough salaries to pay the basic bills.

Cheers mate!

Londonboyrep:
know your customer (kyc), Enhanced Due Diligence(EDD), Anti Money Laundering(EDD) etc…

Londonboyrep:
know your customer (kyc), Enhanced Due Diligence(EDD), Anti Money Laundering(EDD) etc…

Is ir like a career path over there?

Eastcoastboy:


I recognize this floor! You were the person that made a post back then about buying few pieces of plantain for #1500 I guess. I really can't recall the amount.

And some peeps were calling you out for "helping" the woman.

While some bashed you that your tile is dirty and all that.

lmaoooo yes thats me hehe. by the way those are the color of the tiles. they are brownish.i think people thought they went from white to brown and so they thought it as dirt. but thats the color of the tiles

sukkot:
lmaoooo yes thats me hehe. by the way those are the color of the tiles. they are brownish.i think people thought they went from white to brown and so they thought it as dirt. but thats the color of the tiles

That's cool don't mind them.

Omoh! Seems I have a calling oh! No be to go study Forensic science like this? Because my attention to details is so top notch.