₦airaland Forum

Your best bet is to convert your USD to Naira in Nigeria, save it in your Naira account then when you arrive in the UK you can convert your Naira (Lemonade, Sendwave) to GBP.

Another option: When you come, you can withdraw GBP at the ATM with your USD debit card. Put into consideration the exchange rate and transaction fee.

Wise discontinued its card and inflow services to Nigeria. Nigerian banks aren't approving USD to GBP transactions on Sendwave.

If you already have a GBP account, you can do direct bank conversions and transfers to a GBP account over the counter.

In all you do, don't bring raw USD to the UK. The exchange isn't usually good.

Kenn55:
Compliments of the season everyone.

Please how can someone going to the UK for studies this January transfer her money from a USD dorm account in Nigerian bank to pounds in the UK? Please what are the options?

Carrying cash from Nigeria is out of the question as she is afraid of carrying huge amount of money. How can she navigate this money issue? Thanks

JaySterling:
Guys please advise me! This is urgent

I am coming to the UK in a few weeks

I have some dollars in cash. Please can I change them to pounds in the UK, or I should just change them here in Nigeria before I travel ?

Please which one would be better for me in terms of rate ?

Taxes: I'm on a PAYE, so my employer deducts the tax and pays to HMRC directly.

Being new in the country, I have an income allowance for this tax year. I've not started paying tax but I've been doing National Insurance and Pension contributions.

With the cost of living crisis, my company is giving us some extra money called 'cost of living benefit' + the government is giving every household 400 pounds as energy support over six months. These are cushioning mechanisms for the crisis.

One isn't bothered about the taxes, as you can vividly see their impact in social amenities.

Because many Nigerians are not used to the idea of paying tax, they shudder at thought of paying up to 20 percent of one's income as taxes. Well, it is part of why Nigeria isn't working. Our tax base is so low. People want everything free, without any commitment. Someone told me that taxes in New Zealand and Australia are even higher than the UK. Prof Osinbajo once said Nigerians must be willing to pay tax if they want better social services. Many booed him not knowing he's simply saying the hard truth.

I'm good with paying tax and seeing its uses than having so much money without being taxed amidst social disorder.

Spanishmilf:
how is life in the UK
Jobs?
Taxes
Savings
Cos some dumb folks on Nl are always against the Uk would love to hear your review

Life: so far, so good...Thanks to God.

Your question just made me count my fingers to ascertain how long I've been here ooo It's almost 7 months ooo. How time flies!

As earlier mentioned, the UK currently has a shortage of workers. This means, there are more jobs than willing and qualified personnel.

So, if one has the right skills, experience and packaging, one can be sure of clinching any job one wants.

For those working, the culture is simple; work hard, play hard. I've seen many Nigerians complaining about the stressful work culture here and one thing it points out is the lack of a strict work culture a lot of Nigerians had/have back home. Here, when you're at work, you are AT WORK. No downtime and no off time unless you are scheduled for it because na computer dey balance your timing, and due to the staff shortage there is always a need to do more within the shortest time possible.

I'd same say there's something for everyone. It just might take time, which is a normal thing any/everywhere. For instance, I'm still on probation at my workplace, but I've been given a promotion to another department ahead of passing my probation. If you do well, you'll gain the results. I've won a couple of rewards for literally just doing my job without knowing that those metrics would count for rewards. One of my senior colleagues recently nominated me for a Staff Award.

I like the work culture and company I work in.

It's not uncommon to see employees that have been around for 15 - 30 years in my company. They link consistency. The average brit doesn't ask for too much - basics, equity and a good environment. The quest to amass wealth isn't as pervasive as you have in Nigeria. The system is structured to support at whatever social cadre you are.

Similarly, there are those who are rollers. They change job every year. One guy just left this week after nine months. He said he doesn't like the job. I say no be your fault, na because you know say you go see another one fast or government go dey pay you unemployed benefit.

Again, it is not the best/perfect system but it is better than Nigeria.

Spanishmilf:
how is life in the UK
Jobs?
Taxes
Savings
Cos some dumb folks on Nl are always against the Uk would love to hear your review

Huh!

I still get like N1,850 for this UK ooo. Guess I'll keep it for achieve purposes.

Up Meffy

Merry Christmas, ladies and gentlemen.

May the purpose of Christ's birth be constantly reflected in you.

If any of you is truly willing to learn the logic around Christianity, feel free to ask your questions with an open mind.

It appears you've been exposed to fundamental lies and half-truths about Christianity all along.

triplechoice, fman, AntiChristian

All I've done here is to explain 25 Dec in its most logical way.

It's Christmas!

Well, my favourite Christmas song is 'O Holy Night'.

I've recently lover Mariah Carey's version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEJmP8T07JU

What's yours? Merry Christmas

YES! There is no biblical account or clear historical data of the exact date or time that King Jesus was born.

So, why do Christians celebrate his birthday every 25th of December, you ask?

First, it's my utmost believe that a date or thing is whatever you (humans) decide it is or will be.

For instance, every year the world marks/celebrates 8th of March as International Women's Day and 19th of November as International Men's Day. Does that mean that's the exact day all women and men were born? Correct answer!

It's same way we know the 25th of December isn't Jesus' birthday but we decide to mark it as his birthday. Romans 14:1-12

In fact, based on history, Jesus' birthday (Christmas) used to be celebrated on the 6th of January.

The general idea around choosing a date for the celebration is premised on the seasonal pattern and activities that during his birth as foretold and witnessed with many accounts confirming same in the bible.

If you've asked a really old person for their age, most won't be able to tell you the exact date but they would be able to relate it to certain seasons, times and events, giving you a clue to the timeline.

Same applies to the dateline of Jesus'birthday. December 25 isn't the actual date but we choose this date to recognise his birth because he commenced the physical confirmation of God's eternal deliverance for humanity. So, we rejoice with deep understanding and assurance that our redeemer was born that we might die no more. GLORY!!!

Today, don't just think of Jesus as a baby, he is your Saviour. He brings PEACE, PURITY, POWER, PERMANENCY.

Merry Christmas
Cc HumbledbYGrace Seun Lalatisca lalalista

Glad you love the experience.

Should find time to share some this holiday.

Zealoy:
This is the best thread I've visited since i created my nairaland account in 2009, I came across this thread today and I've been glued to the screen of my phone reading every single page since morning,

For better responses, post your comments/questions here:


https://www.nairaland.com/6969367/general-uk-visa-enquiries-part

AND

https://www.nairaland.com/6719932/living-uk-life-immigrant-part-2/776#up

yomisley:
Hi Everyone,

My wife was ban 4yrs ago at the UK embassy due to some fake document an agent use in her application and we just got married few months ago and i want to apply for a work visa and i want my wife and kid to accompany me.

*did she stand a good chance as i am the main applicant?

someone advice i apply alone then once my visa has been approved then she can apply separately.
i don't want this if she will not be issued visa there is no point traveling alone without my wife and kid.

I know of someone that was ban but got married to one European woman and they both travel to London together but the wife was the main applicant. i dont want to mix this things up because i am black with a Nigerian passport.

biko my people, if anyone have a clue should please advice.

It depends on the long term UK goal of the person in question.

A friend of mine who's less than a year in the country has a score 860 (out of 1k) on Experian.

She has no credit card neither used any credit service. I've persuaded her to get a credit card but she's not interested. She only pays her bills and reported and rent. In fact, she didn't know of credit reporting or score until I showed, however the score was adding up because she was meeting her financial obligations.

She says she's not interested in getting a mortgage or any credit facility in the UK as she wants to relocate after getting ILR or Citizenship.

So, living one's normal life can improve the score and ratings, perhaps at a slow pace. But without credit history, loan credibility might be low when one is hunting for a deal.

Again, it depends on the long term UK goal.

eniola1010:
My sister. Want to ask u something. Is it possible for one's credit score to increase without having to devise the cc or borrow and pay back on time method.

Cant someone just live his life normally, earn his salary, and use his card to buy something with the money in his card. Wont this also increase credit score?

Netflix woke up this morning to realise I'm in the UK, so they migrated my Naija account to the UK and requested that I pay about £11 for my monthly subscription. Something that I was paying N2,900 for in Naija.

Abeg, does anyone know a good Naija VPN to use on PC and mobile?

Can't afford paying 11 pound (Almost 10k) when I can pay about 3k Naira for the same service. After all, I'm still a Nigerian.

You go like fight.

bigtt76:
I thought you said Friday? You still left him till Monday?

Nope.

Wise stopped accepting Nigerian cards or sending money to Nigerian accounts.

Iamfavored:
Is this still valid?

Thanks for snapping me off the confusion.

You're correct. IPT is paid by the insurance company while benefit in kind tax is what employees pay for their PMI.

With that point clarified, my question was understanding the rationale behind taxing employees on their company PMI because companies brandish PMI as part of benefits only for the employees to be taxed on it again. Sounds like greek gift.

Will appreciate your insight.

Peerielass:
Correct me if I’m wrong but I think you are confusing Insurance Premium Tax with tax on Benefit in Kind.

Free health insurance scheme from your employer will most likely be treated as a benefit in kind and is taxable. Your employer will issue you a P11D at the end of the tax year and you will have to complete a self assessment return.

Has anyone had some thoughts about this?

Employer gives you Health Insurance benefit (FREE) but the employee still pays PMI tax (IPT) of 12%. Sounds like a greek gift.

My initial thought is why tax for PMI if you're already contributing to the NI scheme and have access to the NHS. Most times the claim process for these PMI are tiring.

Interesting.

Just to confirm: was the £800 inclusive of the exam registration fee?

As a broke UK JJC, I run from all these UK tutors oo. I feel their rates are too high.

I've done two related exams since I came in and here's what I do. Buy courses on Udemy or Coursera (5-10k Naira), study them alongside other materials. Take multiple assessments, register for the exams, write and pass the exams.

Where una dey see this money.

mizGene:
Amarathripple had a recommendation, I'm sure she will respond.. but I used theknowledgeacademy it was listed at close to 2k (with Practitioner) but once you indicate interest and they call you, you can negotiate it to 800 pounds. They will pretend they can't do it, keep you on the call "to ask their manager" for approval for a discount.. then they will make you an offer. But make sure to get them down to 800 at most.

Naughty girl.

bigtt76:
You don try sha. Na people that guy you will lend money to and he will insult you die before paying back. May God never let us meet people like him in our lives.

I read many of the suggestions given and they are top notch. Don't feel guilty tripped that you are sinning by evicting him or not helping a brother in need, you don try inside this Sunak UK. The guy for all you know is giving some small geh in his class pounds or spending sinzu at Greggs close to his school. Omo evict that guy this night without delay. Let his balls freeze in this winter jooooooor. No dulling.

Thanks.

Sadly, Sendwave and WorldRemit are only payment gateways. They don't have the facility to receive.

Solumtoya:
There are a lot: Sendwave, WorldRemit, etc

Thanks, Amara.

My best bet is something around this route. I know I can receive into my Naija USD without much hassle. This UK condition tight.

Amarathripple0:
This is what I usually do and even did a few days ago. The money is paid from the US to my Naija FX account and then I transfer the dollars to my FX changer (via GTB) in exchange for Naira at the black market rate and either buy pounds from another FX changer (I send him Naira and he sends Pounds to my Barclays) or I use Lemonade, depending on whose rate is better. The rate from USD to Pounds is very similar to the exchange rate from USD to Naira to Pounds. I’ve found that the latter rate is sometimes better. I hope this makes sense.

Thanks, Chief consultant.

japhethGold:
I am a Tax Consultant so let me advise you for free. The taxes that individuals who are resident in the UK pay is called Income Taxes. The UK tax laws charge you as an individual to tax based on your resident status and there are rules for determining resident status. If you have qualified to be deemed as a UK resident, you are under obligation to pay tax on your WORLD-WIDE income. I capitalize Word-wide because I want to place emphasis on it- this means that any income you derive from any part of the WORLD, whether in the UK or outside the UK is chargeable to tax. So you are required to declare it and pay taxes on it.

The only opportunity you might have to AVOID paying taxes on this your income is to prove that you earned these incomes before you became a UK resident. That is the only way. If you continue to earn this income even when you have become a UK resident, then you have to make a self assessment and file this tax before HMRC. Even in the process of filing for HMRC, you could file and even get some refund from HMRC instead of paying depending on how well you have taken advantage of the loopholes in the UK Tax laws.

Let me stop here. If you need a tax advisor to help you file taxes with HMRC, then you can reach out to me to help out at a fee.

Ha! I see you literally took my most useless opinion to heart. I can understand why sha - it's the obvious thinking from back home.

Anyway, I wouldn't think that (tapping) is a possibility here.

But if you think it is, you'd be better off calling an electrician or speaking with your landlady to arrange an electrician to assess the energy efficiency and components of the house. Won't be necessary for you to mention the possibility of tapping . Just tell them your plight about crazy unit consumption. Best wishes.

MrMash:
Please how do I know if Dem don tap my light ? The energy rating is B (83). I already contacted a new supplier , they will be installing a new meter in 5 days . I topped-up 25pounds around 10pm yesterday, I just checked I have 11 pounds left . If it is a case of energy "tapping" changing supplier won't help.

That's correct. You'll be paid in pound (GBP) but charged in USD as on your card.

If you're still in Nigeria, I'd advise you withdraw your USD, exchange it to Naira then use the Naira to buy pounds. Bring your pounds in cash from Nigeria.

It's better than converting your USD to GBP over the ATM.

You can always deposit the GBP to a bank account once you're here.

[quote author=Phil46 post=118897181][/quote]Phil46

Thanks for the insight.

It's gets interesting with this twist.

Essentially, I'm trying to avoid paying tax on the funds. The contract was awarded in Nigeria and payment needs to be made to the workers in Nigeria in USD. I'm unable to transfer from my Nigerian USD account while here as per CBN/Forex issues in Nigeria. Having the funds taxed will be a huge burden on me as 80% is meant for workers - my profit would have been lost to tax and transaction fees.

If I decide not to declare the income to the HMRC, what are the consequences?

Or what alternatives do the advise to receive and send USD without being taxed in the UK. Thanks

Estroller:
No HMRC won't tax your USD receipts automatically, but you do have a responsibility to declare it and pay applicable tax on it if it is classed as an income via self assessment. You only get taxed automatically on income you receive as as an employee via the PAYE system. Other incomes you'll have to declare and pay appropriate tax on them through self assessment.

No, I've not encountered any issue with withdrawing at the ATM with a Nigerian USD card.

My singular concern is the exchange rate. Which is marginal compared to directly receiving the funds in USD.

NB: Use a bank ATM as against a random machine when withdrawing to avoid unnecessary withdrawal charges. My withdrawals at bank ATMs have been billed for $3, while random ATM cost me $30 or so.

Hope that helps.

vanod:
Good everyone,

pls do you encounter any challenge when you want to withdraw from your Nigeria USD card here? what are issues faced, how can one go about resolving the issue. pls your response will be greatly appreciated.

If I receive money from a US company into my Revolut USD account will it be taxed by HMRC, as per it's linked to my NI?

Just finding ways to avoid the money being paid into my Nigerian USD account due to all the USD transfer and withdrawal wahala. Also trying to avoid the funds being taxed or poor exchange rate over the ATM.

Your insights will be appreciated.

Thanks.

I've explored World Remit earlier but couldn't see the feature to receive funds on their app. Guess they're only into outflows. Plus Nigerian USD card isn't working on it.

Just did a trial transaction on Revolut USD account. Fingers crossed till next week. Thanks all the same.

Amarathripple0:
World Remit - https://www.worldremit.com/en/full-calculator?amountfrom=100.00&transfer=bnk&selectto=ng&currencyto=usd&currencyfrom=usd&fromlite=true

Does any anyone know a platform to receive and send USD to a Nigerian USD account.

Wise has stopped sending USD to Nigeria. Chipper cash is trash with poor customer service. Send can't receive.

Thanks in advance

At an average daily rate of £7.50, it's high.

Even if your house is all electric - power, heating and eating - you shouldn't be paying that high. Either there's a debt on the bill or the energy rating is between band E - G, abi person don tap your light .

For context, I stay in a one-bed flat. Prior to the current weather, my electricity (pre-paid) was £30 per month and gas was £31. Now, I'm doing £40 - £50 for electricity and £46 for gas (cooking and heating). Both are still under £100.

Even if it's only electricity you're using for power, heating and eating, £250 is rather too much.

MrMash:
Please are you insinuating £7.50 a day which translates into £225 per month is okay? it is just a bedroom flat. The merchant that tops the Token Key seff told me something seems off.

Ask and search here: https://www.nairaland.com/2863557/nigerian-nurses-midwives-dream-working/204

Thryphosa:
Good evening nurses in the house, pls I need CBT materials for my wife who is a nurse. I think that is the next exam she needs to write after passing IELTS. Pls I need quick response. Thanks.

Channels TV streams on YouTube 24/7.

NTA streams live on YouTube for major network news.

A friend uses the DSTV Now app to access the Naija stations in the UK. But she uses VPN. Hope that helps.

missjekyll:
Goodmorning House, Any of you fabulous people know how I can get live TV and local channels on my PC?

It doesn't have to be free. Even better if I get channels,arise, Nta if possible.

Thank you

30 November 2022.

hustla:
Please Who knows when Google's black friday sales will end?