After Arrival — What to Do in Your First 1–2 Weeks
eVisa verification, opening a bank account, applying for an NI Number, and registering with a GP. A step-by-step guide to everything you need to sort out right after landing in the UK.
KRW amounts shown next to GBP prices use the ECB reference rate £1 = ₩2,008 as of 30 Mar 2026. They are reference figures only and may differ from your actual bank, card, or remittance rate.
BRP → eVisa Transition Check
The old BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) system has been replaced by eVisa (digital). After you arrive, set up your UKVI (UK Visas & Immigration) account and verify your eVisa status.
- UKVI account setup — check your visa status online
- When proving your visa status to employers, use the eVisa share code
Opening a Bank Account
Fintech Banks (Most Practical for Working Holidaymakers)
| Bank | Pros | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Monzo | 5-min sign-up via app, no proof of address needed, free debit card | Everyday main account |
💡 팁
For currency exchange, use a specialist international transfer service like Wise or Moin — they offer the best rates. Use Monzo for your day-to-day spending in the UK.
Traditional Banks (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, etc.)
They require proof of address and the process is more involved. You don't really need one, but some employers may ask for a traditional bank account — just something to keep in mind.
Sending Money from Home → UK
| Service | Fees | Exchange Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Very low | Mid-market rate | Essential for working holidaymakers. Send directly from your home bank account to your UK account |
| Moin | Similar to Wise | Compare before choosing | Korean-language app, easy to use |
| Bank transfer | High | Unfavourable rate | Not recommended. Can cost you an extra $20–30 per transfer |
NI Number (National Insurance Number) Application
Why Do You Need One?
- Used for tax and National Insurance contribution records — you need an NI Number for the correct tax code to be applied
- Tracks your State Pension record
- You can legally work without one (as long as you have a work visa)
- However, without it you'll be put on an Emergency Tax Code, meaning too much tax gets deducted — so apply ASAP
How to Apply
- Apply online: Apply for a National Insurance number
- You may need a phone interview or to submit documents
- Processing time: usually 4–8 weeks (can take longer depending on the time of year)
ℹ️ 참고
You can work before your NI Number comes through. Just let your employer know you've applied. You may be taxed more in the meantime due to a temporary tax code, but it'll be corrected once you receive your NI Number.
GP (General Practitioner) Registration
Register After You've Settled on Accommodation
GP Surgeries are tied to your local area, so you need to register near where you live. If you register before you've found a place, you'll have to switch to a different GP after you move — which is a hassle. Wait until you have your accommodation sorted, then register at the nearest GP Surgery.
That said, don't put off registering altogether — if you wait until you're actually ill, the extra time to register and get an appointment will be frustrating.
How to Register
- Find a GP Surgery near your accommodation on the NHS website
- Register in person or apply online
- You can register regardless of your visa status (since you've paid the IHS)
In an Emergency
- 999 — life-threatening emergencies
- 111 — NHS non-emergency helpline. Describe your symptoms and they'll direct you to the right place
- A&E (Accident & Emergency) — immediate care for life-threatening situations. Non-urgent cases may wait several hours
- Walk-in Centre — no appointment needed
- Pharmacy — UK pharmacists have broader prescribing powers than in many countries and can handle minor issues
SIM Card / Mobile Carrier Options
| Carrier | Features | EU Roaming |
|---|---|---|
| Lebara | You may already have a SIM from your visa application — just keep using it | EU roaming included (biggest advantage) |
| Three | Affordable plans, decent coverage | Available via Go Roam (check your plan) |
| giffgaff | No contract, monthly rolling plans, cancel anytime | Check separately |
| Voxi | Vodafone sub-brand, unlimited social media data option | Check separately |
⚠️ Check EU Roaming Before You Choose
Since Brexit, each UK carrier has its own EU roaming policy. If you plan to travel around Europe often, make sure EU roaming is included in your plan. Lebara is the safest bet.
First 30 Days Roadmap
In practice, the smoothest order is mobile → money → admin → housing → healthcare → job search. If you follow that sequence, you avoid redoing paperwork and wasting time moving around the city.
Day 1
- Check into your accommodation and get your Wi-Fi / SIM working
- Log into your UKVI account and verify your eVisa status
- Open a Monzo account
- Set up Wise or Moin and link your UK account
- Get your transport payment method ready (Oyster or contactless)
By Day 3
- Apply for your NI Number online
- Start room hunting on SpareRoom, Rightmove, and OpenRent
- Walk around a few target neighbourhoods and check commute, supermarkets, and safety
- Put your passport, share code, and bank details in one easy-to-access folder
Week 1
- Book 3~5 viewings and see rooms in person
- Check bills, notice period, and deposit protection before agreeing to anything
- Rework your monthly budget and set a hard cap for rent and fixed costs
- Narrow down your options based on move-in date and commute
Week 2
- Finalise your room and move in
- Register with a nearby GP once your address is settled
- Work out your real transport costs and whether a Railcard is worth it
- Finish your CV, print copies, and build your first application list
💡 Shift toward job hunting in weeks 3-4
Most people use the first 2 weeks to get settled, then start serious applications and walk-ins from week 3. Once your housing, phone number, bank account, and commute are sorted, it's much easier to line up interviews and start dates.