Bangers and Mash

Everything about travel and working abroad

Welcome to bangers and mash, the user-friendly site for Kiwis heading on their big Overseas Experience.

Find all the important info you need to get started with your planning right here. There’s everything you need to help get your trip off the ground, how to get there, where to live, tax and money advice, plus jobs (that’s important!) as well as what to do with your free time, both in London and further afield.

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Contact us at contiki@contiki.co.nz

Work

There’s a huge array of working opportunities in the UK, with thousands of jobs in London alone and with over 1 million Aussies and Kiwis currently working in the UK, you’ll have plenty of fellow countrymen for company when you’re there!

Seek UK

If you want to live and work in the UK, SEEK UK can help you! SEEK UK makes it easy to organise your UK trip, find a job and start earning Pounds or Euros!

You can browse for jobs in your industry; apply for those jobs directly with UK recruiters; or register your interest with a recruiter in advance – to let them know what role you are looking for, and when you expect to arrive. Getting work in the UK has never been easier with SEEK UK. “More Info>>”:http://www.seek.co.uk

Smart Teachers

Smart Teachers is probably the best little recruitment agency for teaching jobs in London, throughout England and Australia. Actually, we’re not that little (we have eight offices in four countries), but from the first time you meet us, you’ll think we’re only working for you.

We offer daily supply, long-term contracts and permanent positions in some of the finest schools around. We also have work for newly qualified teachers and school support staff. We even know about most teaching jobs before they are advertised. “More Info>>”:http://www.smartteachers.co.nz

1st Contact

1st Contact can introduce you and your CV to UK-based recruitment agencies before you even leave home! Their FREE online ‘Job Assistance’ service will ensure your CV is forwarded to the leading UK recruitment agencies in your chosen field. The recruitment agencies will then contact you to discuss your employment opportunities. “More info>>”:http://www.1stcontact.co.uk/live/index.php?Category_ID=1061

Work in a UK pub

What a safe and secure way to start working overseas! Have accommodation supplied and very little living expenses, see London and save some money as well. “More Info>>”:http://www.londonpubau.com/welcome.htm

Work as a Nanny in the UK

Working as a nanny is a great way to earn enough money to spend the summer travelling around Europe. Aussie and Kiwi nannies are loved over in the UK! “More Info>>”:http://www.nannyjob.co.uk/information/australasians.htm

Working Holiday Schemes

If you’re a kiwi and you want to check out another country then why not try one of the countries New Zealand has Working Holiday schemes with? Working Holiday Schemes are reciprocal arrangements that allow people aged 18 to 30 years, (who are not accompanied by children), to spend up to 12 months on holiday in the host country. “More Info>>”:http://www.iep.co.nz

Stay In Touch

e-kit global

Save 70% on calls home with an ekit phonecard. One phonecard allows you to stay in touch no matter where you are in the world. Friends and family can leave you voicemail messages for free and the phonecard comes with an email address so you can easily stay in touch with loved ones at home, while you travel. The pre paid phonecard is easy to use and when you set up an account it is yours for life. “More Info>>”:http://www.ekit.com/

Money

Tranzfers

TRANZFERS is the cheaper and faster way of transferring money home. Whether you are working or studying, living or holidaying overseas, you no longer need a bank to send your money home. TRANZFERS offers better rates and lower fees than banks and other providers AND they can save you time too by offering our services online. “More Info>>”:http://www.tranzfers.com/

Travelex

Travelex, one of the world’s leading foreign exchange companies can look after all your travel money needs! No more travelers cheques – there’s now a more secure and convenient way to access cash – the Travelex Cash Passport! It’s a handy pre-paid card that allows you easy access to local currency 24 hours a day from over 1 million ‘VISA PLUS’ ATMs around the world. Travelex also offers other services including travel insurance and money transfers (so if you’re short of dough, you can get the folks to top up your spending money). “More Info>>”:http://www.travelex.com/

TNT

Work out expected rates of pay, the latest tax and pension info as well as the low-down on forming your own company! “More Info>>”:http://www.tntmagazine.com/essentialinfo/justarrived/

1st Contact

1st Contact offers a wide range of services to assist you make the most of your life, your job and your money while in the UK. Our ‘Kickstart London Package’ is a great start up kit for living and working in the UK. The package includes bank account assistance, mobile sim card, phone card with credit, 1st Contact discount card and an initial London orientation meeting. “More Info>>”:http://www.1stcontact.co.uk/live/index.php?Item_ID=128

Cost of living in the UK

As with most comparisons, the cost of living in the UK really does depend on each individual’s situation. Often a person only staying a few years in the UK can effectively minimise major expenses, like rent and car, by sharing a house and using public transport. Click here for more info. “More Info>>”:http://www.workgateways.com/working-cost-of-living.html

Tax

TAXBACK.COM has a team of highly specialised and experienced tax professionals that have the expertise to ensure that your tax return is filed in accordance with changing foreign tax regulations and result in the maximum possible refund. They are dedicated to making it easy for people who work abroad to receive the largest possible refund in the shortest possible time, TAXBACK.COM is here to help you. “More Info>>”:http://www.taxback.com/

Accommodation

There are heaps of options for finding the right accommodation for your budget and lifestyle in London!

YHA

You won’t lose sleep finding a comfortable bed for the night with YHA. 8 Youth Hostels in London are close to international airports, train stations, great shops, bars, restaurants and all the major tourist attractions – great for when you’re starting out in London. Wherever you want to go – you’ll get a safe and sound night’s sleep with YHA. “More Info>>”:http://www.yha.org.uk/

TNT

TNT Grapevine is the perfect place to find a flat or flatmate in London. With hundreds of new places to live online every day, it’s the ideal place to suss out your perfect home. “More Info>>”:http://www.tntmagazine.com/flats/flat_rent.asp

gumtree.com

London’s a great city if you can cut out the grief! London can be very impersonal and Gumtree puts some feeling back, connecting you directly to others in the community. Gumtree was started in London as a community site, designed to connect people who were either planning to move, or had just arrived in the city, and needed help getting started with accommodation and employment. It is now London’s largest flat share and job site, as well as one of the city’s best local ‘buy and sell’ forums, and it continues to grow daily. “More Info>>”:http://www.gumtree.com/

Transport

TFL & getting around London

Heading over to London? Transport for London’s website can help you find your way around! TFL is responsible for London’s buses, the Underground, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and the management of Croydon Tramlink and London River Services. They also run Victoria Coach Station and London’s Transport Museum. “More Info>>”:http://www.tfl.gov.uk/

Ryanair

Living in London, there are so many amazing countries at your doorstep! Ryanair is Europe’s largest low-fare airline, covering 21 countries and is best known for it’s rock-bottom single figure fare offers! “More Info>>”:http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/

Easyjet

Europe’s leading low cost airline Easyjet flies to 68 cities around Europe including Prague, Cologne, Berlin, Warsaw, Budapest and heaps more!
EasyJet keeps costs low by eliminating the unnecessary costs and ‘frills’ which characterise ‘traditional’ airlines. “More Info>>”:http://www.easyjet.com/EN/Book/

Going Out

London has been dubbed the coolest capital in the world more than once, with so much to see and do – it really is the city with something for everyone. Check out some of these sites to get you into the ‘scene’ before you even arrive!

Viewlondon.co.uk

Viewlondon.co.uk is London’s leading website for the locals! The site has become the most used information site with more listings and reviews than any other website. You can find up-to-the-minute information and independent reviews on the entertainment capital of Europe. It’s all about what’s hot and what’s not in the capital. “More Info>>”:http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/

London town

London is world famous for its party vibe and non-stop nightlife. The capital is seething with after hours drinking and dancing dens of all shapes and sizes. From the pulsating dance floors of the super clubs to the chilled intimacy of smaller bar-clubs, London has something to offer everyone from the most hardcore party animals to those looking for a quiet drink and conversation. Follow our nightlife guide to help you get the party started! “More Info>>”:http://www.londontown.com/nightlife/

TimeOut London

Find out what’s going on in London – Events & Concerts, Film, Music, Restaurants, Bars & Pubs, Shopping and heaps more! TimeOut is your guide to a good time! “More Info>>”:http://www.timeout.com/london/

Concert & Theatre Tickets

Get tickets online with Keith Prowse! Whether you are looking for tickets to the latest West End theatre show, European Attractions and Theme Parks, Sightseeing Tours or the biggest Concerts and Tours, Keith Prowse can meet your requirements securely, meaning you can book online with confidence. “More Info>>”:http://www.keithprowse.com/uk/tickets.shtml

Walkabout

Walkabout is a little slice of Australia in the UK. Situated in most city centres throughout the UK, Walkabout now boasts 48 pubs, 3 hotels, 1 backpackers and 1 nightclub. Take the finest kangaroo and crocodile fillets, add a pinch of rare Aboriginal spices, and wash it down with some genuine Aussie beers. Then spend the evening partying to great live bands or catch all the live sports action on a cinema-style big screen. “More Info>>”:http://www.walkabout.eu.com/

Airfares

Airlines between New Zealand and the UK or Europe have 3 distinct seasons when air prices will vary. They’re referred to as High, Shoulder and Low season.

High Season is usually June to August and December. Low Season is usually January to March and October/November. Shoulder is everything else.
When thinking about how to get to London or Europe, it may be worthwhile working out just how long you plan to stay overseas and which route you intend to travel. There are airlines that go via Asia and those that go via the US, or indeed around the world.

Things to be wary about are the validity of the ticket, penalties for changing your plans and when you need to pay in full. On the good side, ask about ‘Frequent Flyer’ clubs as you may get enough rewards to get a free flight (excluding taxes) on your return.

For searching flights and checking out the latest deals contact a travel agent to discuss all the options.

Travel

Living in Europe or the UK for an extended period of time on your OE not only allows you to really get a feel for the place, but it also provides a gateway to so many other destinations and experiences. Don’t forget – you can save money when you buy your travel in Aussie or Kiwi dollars before you leave home!

Contiki

There’s no one better way to get a feel for the UK/Europe when you arrive than with Contiki – be it getting your bearings first up, or travelling as a post-working-holiday reward before heading home. You could also just opt for a break from your ‘new home’ sometime during your stay – with mates or on your own. There are loads of itineraries to choose from covering Britain, Ireland and Europe starting from just 3 days.

Travelling with Contiki gives you a great opportunity to meet like-minded travellers (who may turn out to be valuable contacts to help you through your time away)!

Busabout

Busabout gives you the ultimate in freedom & flexibility when travelling in Europe. It’s all about independent travel but without the hassles of getting around by public transport. There are two types of passes to choose from. The Flexi-Pass – design your trip, choose where you want to go & for how long by buying as many stops as you need. Or there’s the Loop pass, where the network has been broken down into easy to use ‘chunks’ – a great way to explore a specific region. Busabout is the perfect transport option for those living overseas as you can split up your travelling over an extended period (up to 6 months) – no other travel pass offers this level of flexibility. “More Info>>”:http://www.busabout.com/

Haggis & The Shamrocker

Experience the best of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland with the popular and award-winning Haggis and Shamrocker short-breaks. All trips feature local guides – big on personality and who are passionate about their country. They’ll take you beyond Britain and Ireland’s most famous sights, way off the usual tourist tracks – right into the heart of Britain and Ireland’s stunning scenery, dramatic history and rich culture…you won’t find better value on your OE! “More Info>>”:http://www.haggisadventures.com/

Destination

Travelling around the UK or abroad? Check out these useful links below.

Lonely Planet

LonelyPlanet.com is the leading online resource for inspiring and enabling travellers to connect with the world. At our site you can:

• research thousands of destinations around the world
• exchange travel advice and opinions with a loyal community of 250,000 registered members
• get briefed on worldwide events and global travel issues
• read blogs and in-depth reports from Lonely Planet authors on the road
• book everything from adventure travel to unique hotels to round-the-world air tickets
• “More Info>>”:http://www.lonelyplanet.com/

Info. on Ireland

“Craic” is the Irish word for good times, music, fun and conversation – a combination of which you will encounter in large doses on any trip to Ireland. The Irish know how to enjoy themselves and they love to make sure any visitors to their island do as well! The Emerald Isle also boasts amazing history, stunning scenery, a vibrant culture and dynamic modern cities! To prepare your trip to Ireland and find the information you need, check out our website! “More Info>>”:http://www.discoverireland.com/nz/

Info on Britain

VisitBritain is your one-stop shop for finding everything you need to know before you head to Britain. There’s loads of information of how to plan your overseas adventure from visas to budget accommodation and how to find work. You’ll also find great ideas including places to base your stay. And when you have time off from work, we can recommend some awesome places for you to visit during your stay. “More Info>>”:http://www.visitbritain.co.nz/

TNT

TNT’s latest online guides allow you to suss out a variety of new travel destinations via the web from home. With 36 titles there’s bound to be something of interest to you. Current titles include Egypt, Russia, The Trans-Siberian, Africa, Turkey, Italy, City Breaks, England, Wales and Ireland. Simply browse, download and print out! “More Info>>”:http://www.activemag.co.uk/tntguides/index.asp

Visas

Don’t forget – you need to gain entry clearance before you reach the UK, so make sure you do your Visa homework!

TNT

Get the latest up to date visa advice at TNT. “More Info>>”:http://www.tntmagazine.com/essentialinfo/?ID=ja_news&feature=5124

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The MFAT website provides up-to-date information about New Zealand’s international relations, including Working Visa information. “More Info>>”:http://www.mfat.govt.nz/

VisaDirect

If you are about to head overseas, you’ll need to know if you require a visa to visit your destination or any transit points enroute. There’s no need to visit each Embassy, search out individual websites or get frustrated trying to speak with someone in an Embassy. VISADIRECT is your one stop solution for all your visa requirements! “More Info>>”:http://www.visadirect.co.nz/

Travel Gear

You have probably worked and saved harder for a trip overseas than anything else – such is the allure of travel! But, behind the romance of travel should be some hard-headed practical planning. Taking some time to think through what you need for your destination and activities will you save you time and hassle.

Kathmandu

There was Stone Age, the Bronze Age and the Iron Age. Today we live in the Plane Age where the ultimate contemporary luxury is an overseas adventure to inspire, relax or enervate. Kathmandu can make it easy for you with their guidance on all types of travel gear. Get all the right gear for your overseas adventures at Kathmandu, plus find out more about Kathmandu’s Summit Club for great discounts and benefits. “More Info>>”:http://www.kathmandu.com.au/

Snowgum

You’re as likely to see Snowgum’s labels on Sydney Harbour daytrippers, London bus commuters or visitors enjoying the piazzas of Rome as on serious trekkers in Nepal. Authentic and always innovative, Snowgum is bringing style to performance with contemporary gear that redefines “Adventurewear”. Overseas odysseys, trekking mountain tracks, wandering through wild forests or a weekend at the wineries – whatever you’ve planned, you’ll find everything you need at Snowgum. “More Info>>”:http://www.snowgum.com.au/