need advice on moving from us to uk with not a lot of money

[cblash]

Originally Posted by Ogri750

Most of the CCTV cameras are not monitored by the police. They are in fact monitored by the local councils (authorities).

I'm not saying that the information that is viewed by these cameras is never passed to the police, it is sometimes, but this scenario is not particular to the UK, but in fact is pretty standard in most developed countries.

As for human rights issues, there are many countries with a far worse record than Britain. Doesn't mean I'm defending breaches of Human Rights, but people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones

First at al I don't live in green houses. I only pass what I see and what I have learned. How well did you learn history of each World countries? Self fact that UK have the biggest colonies, and if you read what England does in those countries you will be amazed. This apply not only to UK but to many Western European countries. But some of them pay today prize for what they done. Skip listening to what News, TV, Press are telling you and you will see more clear picture. You are harping on details - I look at whole picture. You mention that human rights in other countries are violated it, yes that's true - but it is as well effect of formre colonization and today influence of US and other more powerful countries - POLITICS AT IS "BEST"!? That's also true that even average citizen of the coutries disobey and abuse law. But the law also design to the advantage of those in green houses, not for average citizens.
You touch huge subject, but as long as you look only for details you will not find the truth or objective view.
Look what is happening in countries when the comunism was overthrown! It was much more order than is now! Every mass movement bring to the surface the bed side of people who have resurces and method to enforce their own criminal activities. That's common in this type of movement.
It is big and wide subject and can't be judge by the details. There is only one problem - lerning not tinted history and read between lines, otherwiese we will have false view and opinion(s).
So please do not jump to conclusion and relay on local view, PLEASE!
There is very important and very simple question befory you analyze any problems "WHY?" - this is important question to get to the truth. And it deoends only if you will have courage to state it until you find detail which will lead you to the reality. Please read the history from differen poin t of view and analyze, analyze and again analyze - and you can always find something which will change your maind and correct your view - but only if you look at the issue with neutral view.
History which we read is written many different way by many people, but that' their opinion tinted wit limited view. You will never find neutral view. It is a jungle, so you have to find your on.
Will this opinion be correct - only to certaun degree. Of course if I will get different info - I will change my mind - but so far it is only my expression (at this time). But it may change with incomming information. I may be right and i may be wrong, but no politician persuasion can change my wiev - only the facts finding will do this. As an addition we shall exchange information to enhance our knowledge without throwing stones. I know it is not easy sometime but to get to real values we shall exchange our view and take it to consideration.

Democracy in each culture have a different meanings, let not impose our believes onto others, lets find common ground to create better World with many different colors.
With regards,

cblash

[Minuvweyna]

I'm not sure a debate about colonial politics (which makes most continental European countries that had successful colonies also look rather terrible) is particularly helpful to the original poster's question here. He is after all, considering moving from the US to the UK (both of which have rather dubious colonial histories, as does France, Spain, etc etc etc). Whether the UK is currently a police state, however, is perhaps relevant to his decision.

It is true that there are many CCTV cameras in the UK. The ones on buses really don't bother me; I don't do anything on a bus I would mind anyone seeing, and I know that if someone does something to ME on that bus there is evidence for me to rely on in court. It doesn't become a "he said, she said" situation. Buses feel very much like being in public to me, and I expect less privacy in public, after all, the people around me can see me too. That doesn't mean that there are not CCTV cameras in many other places that don't bother me more.

I will point out that different regions of the UK are very different for surveillance. In a recent Europe-wide study, England/Wales rated as the highest surveillance nation in Europe. Scotland, on the other hand, rated much lower, and was more in line with most of the continent. So, as an adopted Scot, if one is looking to move to the UK without dealing with higher rates of surveillance, there are certainly areas that are better at protecting their residents' privacy. It really does depend on where you go in the UK. Here is an article about the study, since no one should have to take my word for it: BBC NEWS | UK | Scotland | Civil liberty praise for Scotland (The article is very pro-SNP, please do not take that as a political endorsement from me either.)

I want to reiterate that I am NOT defending the amount of surveillance that is going on in the UK (even in Scotland), and for that matter in most of Europe (and the US - wiretaps without warrants, anyone?!), but it is important to keep perspective on the situation.

Best,
Elizabeth

[ElleM]

I'm in London now, came from Orlando. The cost of living in London is outrageous-- especially with the current exchange rate of about 1.66. When I came last year it was 2 dollars to 1 pound so I essentially lost 1/2 of what I had and then things were even more expensive. For example something that cost $3 in the states would cost 5 pounds here- equating it to $10. So $3 versus $10-- easy to see that it's more expensive here. And, to be honest from what I've seen jobs in the states PAY BETTER.
I think Americans have lofty ideas of British life, but to be honest once you're here and you hear everyone here saying how badly they'd love to live in America you realize how good you really have it as an American.

[Shipresa]

Having come from USA 6 months ago, and having lived in TRUE police states (Eritrea, Sudan, Honduras) - $10,000 and a hatred of USA isn't going to get anyone far here.

1. UK culture is not far different from USA.
2. UK cost of living is easily 50% higher - and I lived in one of the largest metropolitan cities in the USA.
3. My $400,000 home in that metropolitan city, if sold, would only bring me a house HALF THE SIZE.
4. Housing prices are higher here in UK!!!
5. Food prices are higher.
6. If you consider the American Dream a negative, guess what - they have one here too - just you drink more with it.
7. Insurances are more expensive.
8. Clothes are more expensive. (In fact I flew back to USA cheaper to fill 2 suitcases with outfits than to buy them here or in Europe.)
9. Yeah, electric is another ballgame. Do you need to be in a union or certifying body here to be a tradesman? I noticed that even watch repairers and shoe repair folks need to.
10. Vehicles and petrol are way more expensive.
11. Furniture, everything is more expensive!

I've lived in countries where people have given their LIVES for a chance to live in US or UK, or anywhere in Europe for that matter. I do not find UK a police state - anyone with any sense of understanding that cultures do differ can understand that things are simply done differently here or anywhere.

Problems with CCTV? Would you prefer machine guns like so many other countries? Or just rampant disregard for people and things?

If you don't have a lot of money, try the islands. Dominican Republic for example. Lots of expats go down, set up a trade business, and make enough to eat.

Also search countries that allow residence based on purchasing a home or establishing a private business (in other words, bringing a tax base.)

You don't mention if you selling your house and buying in UK.... $10,000 US will last a family of four about a month or 2 months only. Oh, and with all the health care arguments in the USA - no, you don't just come to UK and get free health insurance. You will need private until you are naturalized, which can take years. Its not cheap.

One other thing - the US has a culture of cultural/racial/ethnic tolerance. I'm not quite finding that here, at least in the areas that I am, which are more rural, of course.

UK or continental Europe is not a place to move if you are without resources. Eastern Europe is more do-able, but the crime, pollution, poor schools and infrastructure - it will bring on much larger stresses than hating the 'American dream.'

[Suenneil]

Originally Posted by ElleM

I'm in London now, came from Orlando. The cost of living in London is outrageous-- especially with the current exchange rate of about 1.66. When I came last year it was 2 dollars to 1 pound so I essentially lost 1/2 of what I had and then things were even more expensive. For example something that cost $3 in the states would cost 5 pounds here- equating it to $10. So $3 versus $10-- easy to see that it's more expensive here. And, to be honest from what I've seen jobs in the states PAY BETTER.
I think Americans have lofty ideas of British life, but to be honest once you're here and you hear everyone here saying how badly they'd love to live in America you realize how good you really have it as an American.

Hi .... I think this type of comment has come up before on this and other forums (when you are one place and it makes you realise you lucky you were to be in the place you originated from!)
For some people the grass will always look greener .... but it rarely is ... usually its just a different type of grass!! lol
At the end of the day we move from our Country of Origin to a new place looking for a better life (presumably) - but should always expect it to be different ... otherwise whats the point in going ????? I now live in Spain and try my hardest not to make any comparisons .... whether its related to customs, people, weather, cost of living, exchange rate etc etc ...... because the two dont compare - they are and I hope they will always be - very different places.

Sue