by Justine Southwick

Created on: June 25, 2009

Planning an overseas holiday can be stressful and planning a working one can be doubly so. Aside from the big worries finding work and accommodation there are dozens of little things you need to worry about.

Pick your travel agent carefully - one who's up to date with the latest visa requirements. There can be pitfalls such as having to apply in person at the British High Commission in Wellington. Set aside money to deal with such emergencies. Be organised visa and immigration officials don't make it easy.

Working visa regulations stipulate a traveller can't work to further a career in England (some careers excepted). So it's not a good idea to carry your CV through Customs, just in case. Emailing it to yourself or posting it to a friend in England for use when you arrive is an option.

If you're planning to holiday with a friend, don't discount the possibility of the friend cancelling at the last minute, leaving you with unwanted flights and hotel bookings.

People with student loans planning to stay away more than 325 consecutive days need to register as non-residents with Inland Revenue. The department requires you to make repayments at specified times throughout the year. Beware of dodging these requirements you could end up owing more.

Setting up a UK bank account before leaving home is a good idea and can be done through Thomas Cook. If you want access to a cheque book and Switch (Eftpos) card, you'll need 1500 to open an account.

If you're arriving during the English winter, make sure you take on lots of winter woollies. As people continuously told me, you can't imagine just how cold it will be.

For that extra safety precaution, luggage padlocks are a good idea. As dear old dad told me, if someone really wants to get into your bag, they will, but at least luggage padlocks are a deterrent.

Stock up on pills, contact lenses and anything else you need. It may mean more bills before you leave, but it'll save you time and trouble later. Pill brand names may be different in England.

Saying goodbye is always hard so before leaving make sure you have the compulsory farewell party. Stock up on email addresses it's a much easier (and cheaper) way to keep in touch than telephones.

There are lots of little things you may take for granted here that are completely different in England. For advice on daily living, pick up a book or two on London (I recommend Working in London and the UK, by Bryan Havenhand, $24.95) at your local bookshop or check out www.londontown.com.

Learn more about this author, Justine Southwick.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.