El Salvador
In
The United Kingdom and Ireland

It's notoriously difficult to open an account in the UK. To save yourself some headaches, try to organise an account before you leave home. It's worth checking whether your home bank has an affiliation with a UK bank as this can speed up the process once you get to the UK. If you're going to be working for an agency, they can often help you open an account.

If applying in London though, get together as much documentation as possible, including proof of ID (passport, driver's licence and/or birth certificate) and evidence of your UK address (a utility bill or lease with your name on it should suffice, but not always). It's also worth bringing a letter from your bank at home as record of your credit history, and a letter from your agency or employer in the UK. The more documentation you have, the easier your application should be.

Services between banks vary, so it is advisable that you research in order to get a better rate and service. There are several types of accounts, rates and charges. Most banks won't issue credit cards unless you have a long and reliable credit or savings record in the country. If you need a credit card to survive, it's best to bring a Mastercard or Visa card from home. In the case of an overdraft, you should take into account that the interest rates can be high.

Also try building societies, as they may have better rates. Visit: SWITCH UK for a useful guide to all the bank and building society accounts on the market. Opening hours for UK banks are typically: 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Some open on Saturday mornings.

Like most places, tax rates vary. For those on low income (£0 to £2230) the rate is 10 per cent, for those on between £2231 to £34600 it is 22 per cent and for those with more than £34,600 your tax rate is 40 per cent. Everyone however has a threshold of £5225pa.

Claiming a rebate

If you've worked less than the full tax year, or have been on an emergency NI number, you may get a refund. You might also be due a refund for any credit interest you've earned on savings. You'll need a P45 (when you leave a job) and a P60 (at the end of the tax year), or a statement of earnings. If you're leaving the UK and don't intend to work again before the end of the financial year, you can claim a rebate during the year (for this you'll need to fill out a P85).

If you are self-employed, a company director or on the self-assessment system, you must submit a tax return for a refund. You'll get the relevant forms from Inland Revenue: HMRC