What do I need to know before retiring in Scotland?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Scotland, they said...
"In the UK there is a television permit fee that must be paid if you have a TV in your home. I thought it was a scam when I received the notice in the mail. Luckily I had a neighbor that I was able to ask about the legitimacy. If you don't have a TV, they will make an appointment to come out to your residence to verify. Also, before you move, change your address to reflect your new Scotland address on at least one of your credit card statements. When you arrive, you will need to provide a statement with your Scotland address on it in order to open a bank account. If your spouse will also be on the account, he/she will need to have a statement that reflects the new address too. It took about a month after we arrived to open an account because we did not know this small detail," said another expat in Banchory, Scotland.
"Before retiring in Scotland, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs. They should also research the cost of living in the area they plan to move to, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Additionally, expats should consider the climate and weather conditions in Scotland, as well as the local transportation options. It is also important to research the visa and residency requirements for expats in Scotland. Finally, expats should consider the language barrier, as English is the primary language spoken in Scotland," wrote a member who made the move to Scotland.

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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Scotland?
- How do I meet people in Scotland?
- What is life like in Scotland?
- Is there a lot of crime in Scotland?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Scotland accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Scotland like?
- Is the cost of living in Scotland high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Scotland?
- What are healthcare services like in Scotland?
- Is the cost of living in Scotland high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Scotland?
- What is the weather like in Scotland?
- Are there good restaurants in Scotland?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Scotland?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Scotland?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Scotland?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Scotland?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Scotland?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before retiring in Scotland?
If you live in Scotland, newcomers to Scotland would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.