National Profile - ICYE

How expensive is the UK?There is no escaping it – the UK is expensive! Prices are normally a lot higher in Londonthan in smaller towns, thus the great difference in price for the same product. To giveyou an idea of what you may spend, here are some average prices. Prices may also varygreatly from shop to shop, so it is worth looking around!Drinks in a pub or bar Beer (pint) 3.00, (half pint) 1.50Wine (glass) 2.90, Soft Drinks 1.00Coffee 1.20, Tea 0.70Petrol0.97 per litreShampoo (200ml) 1.50Toothpaste (100ml) 1.50Kit Kat 0.45Can of Pepsi 0.80Meal in a restaurant From 8.00Meal in a café 4.00McDonalds Meal 3.50Fish and Chips 5.00Theatre ticket 25.00Cinema ticket (Adult)10.00 (in London)/ 7.00 (outsideLondon)Milk (2 pints) 0.80Apple Juice (1 litre) 0.70Bread (400g loaf) 1.106 Eggs 1.08Sugar (750g) 0.79Butter Spread (250g) 0.75Raspberry Jam (454g) 0.58Newspapers 1.20Bank AccountIn most cases, your pocket money will either be paid to you by cheque or will go straightinto your bank account. Some projects however pay you your pocket money in cash.Opening a bank account can therefore be one of the first things you should try and dowhen you arrive at your project. Unfortunately it has become increasingly difficult toopen bank accounts in the UK, especially in large cities. The bank will normally ask youto provide statements and references from your bank in your home country and areference from your project in the UK.You may be able to open an account with a UK bank BEFORE coming to the UK. This willavoid delays in you being able to access your money. The largest international banks inthe UK are HSBC, Lloyds, Barclays and Citibank.If, once you are at your project you are unable to open a bank account with the help ofyour project, then we recommend that you contact ICYE UK. We may be able to supportyou further to open an account.5.2 HealthAs an ICYE exchangee you will be fully covered by a comprehensive health insuranceshould you experience any health problems or accidents during your stay. On arrival atyour project you should register with a local doctor (also known as a GP – General11