Belfast, United Kingdom Report of what it's like to live there - 08/17/07
Personal Experiences from Belfast, United Kingdom
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
I have lived in Poland and Kuwait.
2. How long have you lived here?
3 years.
3. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
There is a direct route from Newark to Belfast that takes about 5/6 hours on Continental. Often, however, we are forced to fly through London due to cost. Dublin also has lots of direct flights and is only about 2 hours away.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
I work at the U.S. Consulate General.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Single family homes/duplexes. They are quite comfortable, though yards may be small. You can walk to work in 15/20 minutes and drive in 5/10 (depending on the traffic).
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything is really, really expensive. Groceries are far more expensive then in the U.S., though pretty much everything is available. Grocery stores are increasing their offering of international food products.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
You can buy most things. I have noticed that you can't get canned black beans/hominy here or reasonably-priced salon-purchased shampoos. Pet food and related products are 2 to 5 times more expensive than in the U.S.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are the normal fast food joints--McDonalds, Burger King, Pizza Hut. There is not a lot of ethnic cuisine here. Everything is really expensive. McDonalds for a family of 4 is US$30. A meal out can easily be a US$100 for 2 adults and 2 children, or US$100 for a couple with a cheap bottle of wine.
Daily Life:
1. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available, though very expensive- about US$18-20 hour.
2. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
You can use credit cards and ATMs with ease.
3. What English-language religious services are available locally?
4. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Not too difficult.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right-hand- opposite of the U.S.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
They are generally safe and relatively affordable (given how expensive everything is).Buses and trains are readily available throughout the country and have good on-time records.
3. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
We bought our cars here. Cars from the U.S. may have to be fitted with special-headlights etc. to meet annual MOT testing requirements (required for any car over five years old).While plenty of people have relatively large cars, small ones are easier, particularly given the size of the parking spaces.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Can easily get high-speed internet for about 70 USD month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Shop for cell phone packages as the rates and deals are always changing.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
We just use our land line; it is not that expensive.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Yes - U.K. quarantine requirements are very strict and not alterable - minimum 6 to 7 months needed if pets have not been in a UK-approved country prior to arrival - and local quarantine is very expensive.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business attire in the office.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Good.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
None to speak of. There is still some sectarian violence about, but it is generally not where we would be living. The terrorist threat here has never been directed toward Americans. Most people actually like Americans here, given that nearly everyone has a family who is living or has lived or visited the U.S. Of course, as in all cities big and small it is better to avoid certain areas at night etc.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is fine.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It never gets too cold or hot. In the winter we hover around 7C (wind chills can make it seem colder, as can the rain) and in the summer it rarely goes above 18C.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are no international schools. The children at post attend the local schools, which follow the British system. In recent times children have attended a local private all-girls school or private all-boys school. There is also a very good co-ed school located nearby. In P7, the equivalent of 5th grade, children take the
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
There are a couple of special needs schools in Belfast which generally have a good reputation, however I am unsure of how the school system places children in these schools.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes, there are lots of options, though they are expensive.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
There is no real expat community.
2. Morale among expats:
Morale among at the Consulate is good. Most Americans find it generally easy to live here.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There is lots to do outside the consulate. There seem to be a lot more formal evening functions here, than in other places.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It is a great place for families and for those that want to get out in the community. Few people where my children go to school, for example, even know where I work. There are few officers at post and it is an easy place to live, so most people do there own thing. There is lots to see and do on this island.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I would expect so. I think there are a couple of clubs/bars. Last week there was a gay pride parade. It was opened by the Deputy First Minister of the local government.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes,there are definitely still sectarian divides. There has also been a recent large increase in the number of third countries nationals living in Northern Ireland (mostly economic migrants from Eastern Europe), which has created some tension.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There is a lot of natural beauty and a ton of historical sights. You can easily keep yourself busy ever weekend (and you would have to, if you really wanted to see everything).
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
There is Waterford Crystal (South) and Tyrone Crystal (north); whiskey (Bushmills); woven goods; Beleek pottery; better chocolate than in the US and millions of flavors of potato chips (you wouldn't believe the choices).
9. Can you save money?
No.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Summer clothes. In the last three years, I don't think I have worn shorts more that 1/2 times. Extreme winter clothes - winters rarely deep below freezing (though wind chills can make it feel colder).
3. But don't forget your:
Rain gear; Hiking boots for beautiful mountain and coastal treks; Bicycles - there are lots of trails and bike paths.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Any Colin Bateman books (he is a local author).
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Any Colin Bateman books (he is a local author).
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Mickeybo and Me; In the Name of the Father
7. Do you have any other comments?
This is a great place to live and work.
